January 9, 2012

Minutes for Veterans Affairs Commission Meeting of Jan. 9, 2012

Agenda item 1 – Call to Order
Having achieved a Quorum, the meeting was called to order by President Raymond Wong at 6:01pm. The meeting started with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Wong.

Agenda item 2 – Roll Call
In Attendance for the Meeting: Commissioners Alfidi, Caldera, Crichlow, Dacumos, Gibbs, Levin, Noetzel, Ramirez, Rose, Thompson, Towers, Wilkerson, D. Wong, R. Wong. (14)
Absent: Commissioner R. Baldonado, (excused, illness). C. Gruwell, (excused, calendar conflict), D. Guy (excused, illness).

Attending Guests: Javier Tenorio, David Adams, Jana Dawson, DeAnn Isenberg, Michael Maffei
City Attorney W. Snodgrass was also in attendance.

Agenda item 3 – Approval of AGENDA
Motion to accept Agenda, as written, made by Comm. Ramirez; 2nd Comm. Wilkerson Without further discussion, meeting Agenda was passed unanimously.

Agenda item 4 – Review of Minutes of Previous VAC meeting.
The Draft Minutes of the December 5, 2011 VAC meeting (by Sec’y S. Noetzel) were reviewed. Comm. Thompson offered a minor correction regarding date of VEC/EDD Job Fair.(i.e. 5/16/12). MOTION to accept Minutes as written by Comm. Wilkerson (2nd- Comm. Caldera ). In a subsequent Vote the Motion to accept December 5, 2011 Meeting Minutes, as corrected, passed unanimously.

Agenda item 5 - PUBLIC COMMENT
> Meeting guest, DeAnn Isenberg introduced herself as Chair of the Planning Committee for the March 2, 2012
San Francisco Armed Forces Community Covenant Resource and Job Fair scheduled in the WM Veterans Building. She thanked the Commission for their support and endorsement of the event (at December meeting). Comm. Noetzel assured Ms. Isenberg that the VAC will be following up their endorsement with official correspondence to the City Government, advising their support of the event.

> Meeting Guest Javier Tenorio rose to give a REPORT on the Veterans Day Parade of 11/11/11 (See Agenda Item 9 for details).

> Meeting Guest David Adams rose to make a short presentation about his organization “Socks for Soles”. It is a direct service program and provides items such as Clothing, furniture, and used bicycles to needy veterans. They are seeking donations to expand their services to veterans.

> Meeting Guest Jana Dawson rose to introduce himself. He said he is a veteran and new to the area and interested in becoming involved in opportunities to help veterans. Comm. Crichlow added that Mr. Dawson has already been helpful in participating in the Meals for Needy Vets program in the WM Veterans building, on Sunday’s.

> Meeting Guest Michael Maffei rose to introduce himself. He said he is a US Navy veteran who completed his Active Duty Service as a US Navy JAG Officer in 2010, and is now working as an Assistant District Attorney in the office of (new) S.F. DA Gascon. He said he is very interested in Veterans issues, and deals with veterans with legal issues often at his job. President Wong asked him about the potential for Veterans Courts. Mr. Maffei said he is in favor of establishment of a dedicated Veterans Court in S.F. if warranted by caseload. Comm. Noetzel informed guest Maffei that the VAC had earlier advocated for establishment of a Veterans Court in an Advice Letter to the City some time ago, and Comm. Caldera recounted a conversation with D.A. Gascon on the subject. Comm. Noetzel acquired contact info to send Mr. Maffei a copy of said letter

Agenda item 6 - Officers Reports
A. President’s Report: President Wong reported on the Wreaths Across America event that he and Dara Wong recently
participated in. He also reported on the Mayor’s Budget Instructions Meeting of 12/16/11. Primary concern was the $263
million deficit faced by the city, and how it would affect programs advocated by the various City Commissions.

B. Secretary’s Report: Secretary Noetzel began with a review of his (earlier distributed) DRAFT of the COMMISSION
ANNUAL REPORT of 2011, by noting some minor changes that had been suggested by President Wong. In further consideration on this Agenda Action Item, Comm. Caldera noted that it included notation that of seven issues that the VAC had formally advised the city on (during 2011), only one had received a response, by either the Mayor or the BOS.
A MOTION to RATIFY the REPORT (as corrected) was made by Comm. Caldera (2nd. Comm. Dara Wong). Hearing no further discussion, the question was called and a subsequent VOTE to RATIFY and ADOPT the 2011 ANNUAL REPORT passed unanimously.

Agenda item 7 - NEW Business –Final NOMINATIONS and ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2012 TERM.

President Wong reviewed the current status of nominations; to wit:

For Commission PRESIDENT: For Commission VICE-PRESIDENT: For Commission SECRETARY:
Commissioner John Caldera Commissioner Anthony Alfidi Commissioner Stephen Noetzel
Commissioner Eduardo Ramirez Commissioner John Caldera
Commissioner Eduardo Ramirez

President Wong then opened the floor for ADDITIONAL NOMINATIONS (if any), including calling THREE TIMES for any additional Nominations to EACH of the three leadership positions. Hearing no additional nominations for any position, President Wong then moved the process by affording opportunity for both of the Presidential Candidates to announce their ‘Platform’, or Administrative Plans, Goals, and Vision for 2012 Leadership of the VAC, if elected.

Comm. CALDERA led off by reviewing his (earlier distributed) 2012 Commission Goals & Plans Document, specifically his ‘Four Pillars of Commitment’ as his vision for the focus of the VAC in 2012; those being:
1. Institute a Mentorship Program.
2. Review/Update VAC By-laws.
3. Lobby for Veterans use of the SF Veterans Building.
4. Increase visibility, accessibility & transparency of the VAC

Comm. RAMIREZ followed by reviewing his (earlier distributed) 2012 Commission Goals & Plans Document, which also included four key goals for the VAC in 2012; those being:
1. Presence of a VAC Representative on all planning meetings for Veterans Building Remodel.
2. Make VAC the Focal Point to coordinate all S.F. services for veterans.
3. Establish a Wellness Center in the WM Veterans Building.
4. Establish a Social Media program for improved communication with younger veterans (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

President Wong then moved forward to administer a BALLOT MARKED ELECTION for the office of PRESIDENT. Assistant District Attorney and Guest Michael Maffei was asked to assist in tabulation and verification of the marked ballots. He agreed to do so and BALLOTS for the office of PRESIDENT were distributed to all Commissioners present. After marking ballots and a Tabulation of Results (by Mr.Maffei), President Wong verified tabulation and announced the following Election Results:

Commissioner CALDERA received a total of SEVEN VOTES (7),
(Alfidi, Caldera, Dacumos, Gibbs, Noetzel, Thompson, Wilkerson)

Commissioner RAMIREZ received a total of SIX VOTES (6),
(Crichlow, Levin, Ramirez, Rose, D. Wong, R. Wong)

There was ONE ABSTENTION (Towers), so with ballots for all 14 present Commissioners tabulated, President Wong announced that Commissioner JOHN CALDERA is officially elected as VAC PRESIDENT for the 2012 Term.

President Wong then moved forward to administer a BALLOT MARKED ELECTION for the office of VICE PRESIDENT. With his election as President, Comm. Caldera agreed that his name should be STRICKEN from all Ballots for Vice President. After doing so, BALLOTS for the office of VICE PRESIDENT were distributed to all Commissioners present. After marking ballots and a Tabulation of Results (by Mr.Maffei), President Wong verified tabulation and announced the following VICE PRESIDENT Election Results:

Commissioner ALFIDI received a total of EIGHT VOTES (8),
(Alfidi, Caldera, Crichlow, Gibbs, Noetzel, Rose, Wilkerson, D. Wong)

Commissioner RAMIREZ received a total of SIX VOTES (6),
(Dacumos, Levin, Ramirez, Thompson, Towers,R. Wong)

With ballots for all 14 present Commissioners tabulated, President Wong announced that
Commissioner ANTHONY ALFIDI is officially elected as VAC VICE PRESIDENT for the 2012 Term.

President Wong then moved forward to administer a BALLOT MARKED ELECTION for the office of SECRETARY.
BALLOTS for the office of SECRETARY were distributed to all Commissioners present. After marking ballots and a Tabulation of Results (by Mr.Maffei), President Wong verified tabulation and announced the following Election Results:

Commissioner NOETZEL received a total of THIRTEEN VOTES (13),
(Alfidi, Caldera, Crichlow, Dacumos, Gibbs, Levin, Noetzel, Rose, Thompson, Towers, Wilkerson, D. Wong, R. Wong)

There was ONE ABSTENTION (Ramirez), so with ballots for all 14 present Commissioners tabulated, President Wong announced that Commissioner STEPHEN NOETZEL is officially elected as SECRETARY for the 2012 Term.

Commissioner Raymond Wong then administered an Oath of Office to Swear-in the new 2012 Officers.
After congratulations to all, Commissioner Wong (as Past President) passed the Gavel to Newly Elected President Caldera who thanked the Commission for their vote of confidence, and then presided over the balance of the meeting.

Agenda item 8 – Commission GOALS AND PLANS
Newly elected President Caldera then expanded on his Plans and Goals for the Commission. He mentioned that the Commission Charter includes provisions for the Commission to hold PUBLIC HEARINGS on issues of importance to veterans and promised to look into taking advantage of this important provision in 2012. He also spoke of expanding visibility of the Commission so that the leaders in City Government are more aware of Veterans Issues and what the Commission is working on in these areas, and, once aware, will be more prone to take action on Advice Letters forwarded by the Commission.

He also introduced his suggestion for TWO major EVENTS for consideration, the first being his hope that we might initiate another HOMELESS CONNECT event in the Veterans Building before it closes for remodel, and second his vision to plan for a VETERAN’S BALL some time prior to the building retrofit closure.

President Caldera also formed three Committees to take initial action on some of the more pressing issues requiring action in 2012, specifically;

Committee on Revision of VAC By-Laws: Comm Noetzel (chair), plus member Commissioners Towers, Rose, Ramirez, & Wilkerson (total 5 members)

Committee on Veterans Health & Wellness: Comm. Crichlow (Chair), plus member Commissioners Ramirez, Dacumos, Caldera, & Thompson (total 5 members)

Committee on Veterans Related LEGISLATION: Comm Alfidi (Chair) plus member Commissioners R. Wong, D. Wong, Rose, Dacumos, Towers, & Thompson (total 7 members)

Agenda Item 9 - OLD BUSINESS.
A. VETERANS DAY PARADE. Commissioner Levin asked Parade Director (and guest) Mr. Javier Tenorio to provide an initial report on Parade Details. After thanking all VAC Commissioners and veterans who volunteered as Marshals and other Parade duties, Mr. Tenorio provided specific details, including:
> SF Police completed Street Closures as planned.
> There were a total of 44 Units participating in the Parade.

He then provided oral details on Parade Finances, informing the Commission that a total of $11,200. In Parade Funding was received from the City GRANTS FOR ARTS COMMISSION. The major Expense Categories included: 
- $5,200. In Administrative Costs. 
- $4,000. In Parade Advertising costs. 
- $2,000. In Parade Awards (i.e. Cash prizes to JROTC units and misc. plaques).

President Caldera asked if the traditional listing of Award Winners was available. Mr. Tenorio said he would be happy to forward that report to the Commission.

Commissioner Levin then provided an additional oral report providing a further breakdown of the Administrative Expenses, including Invoice Payments of $500. for Port-a-Toilets, and $500. for Parade Judges. He closed by reminding the Commission that the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)are the Grantees of Parade funding as provided by the Grants for the Arts, a City Agency. As a Public Agency, full financial details of Parade Expenses are available from that Agency.

B. Current VETERANS PROJECTS:
President Caldera opened this Section with an announcement that at the next VAC Meeting he will appoint various Commissioners as Liaison Commissioners to various outside Commissions/Agencies/Organizations. He requested that individual Commissioners contact him with their areas of interest for such appointment.
Ramirez: Get more Federal Agencies into the building.

C. Veterans EMPLOYMENT:
Comm. Thompson reported that the 22nd Annual VEC/EDD JOB FAIR, has now been set for Wednesday the 16th of May, 2012, from 10am to 4pm at the War Memorial Veterans Building. He announced that there will be a Planning meeting (for the event) on 1/19/12.

D. Veterans HEALTH AND WELFARE.
Comm. Ramirez reported on his TOWN HALL MEETING of 12/21/11.He stated that he will be broadening his efforts in this area by forming a partnership with Mary Ellen TERVANO, Chair of the Veterans Collaborative, a group formed to bring together numerous veterans resource agencies. He stated that the title of his monthly meetings will now become the VETERANS TOWN HALL/COLLABORITIVE, and the long-term goal will be to establish such a group in every county in the State.
Comm. Ramirez also reported that he is now seeking membership on the new California Inter Agency on Veterans, and will be reporting on progress in the future.

E. HOMELESS Veterans.
Comm. Gibbs reported on the next East Bay Stand-Down, a large event to benefit Bay Area Homeless Veterans. He
stated that a new goal for the 4-Day Event will be to offer (for the first time), a number of actual Housing Options to
transition vets from Homeless to Housing . A Planning Meeting for the Stand Down is has scheduled for 1/17.

Agenda item 10 – Veterans Related LEGISLATION
Comm. R. Wong referenced his Legislative Report Email wherein he recounts 4 different pieces of legislation that were successfully passed into State Law.
President Caldera then opened a discussion on the fact that our ANNUAL REPORT includes five (5) distinct Advice Letters and/or Resolutions that the Commission forwarded to City Government for action, and the Mayor and Board of Supervisors took action on only ONE such issue, with no response whatsoever on the remaining four. He suggested the establishment of a Committee on Veterans Legislation be formed to address this problem and work to find ways to encourage more action from City Government on our Legislative Advice Letters. Thus the Committee on Veterans Related LEGISLATION, was formed, with Comm. Alfidi appointed as Chair. (See Agenda item 8, above).
Comm. Levin then spoke of an important new Legislative Initiative introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Speier, recently introduced as House Resolution 3435 under title: Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act. Comm. Levin requested that the Commission study this legislation and place it on the February Meeting Agenda as a potential Action Item.
Comm. Levin further suggested that as an additional Agenda Action Item, the VAC consider sending a letter to the President of the BOS asking how and when the Commission can expect increased Action in response to our Advice Letters.

Agenda item 11 - WAR MEMORIAL VETERANS BUILDING. No further discussion as this item was covered under Agenda item 8 – Commission GOALS AND PLANS. (above)

Agenda item 12 - ANNOUNCEMENTS
Comm. Ramirez pointed out that Commission appointments for three sitting Commissioners expire at the end of January. President Caldera polled the subject Commissioners as to their plans. Comm. Alfidi announced that he has already submitted his application for re-appointment. Commissioners Gibbs and Dara Wong stated that they are considering re-appointment.

Agenda item 13 – (Honors Report) and 14 – (Adjournment)
13. Honors Report and Moment of Silence: In memory of American Armed Service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in ALL wars and conflicts, plus the passing of homeless veterans and recent suicides within the veterans and armed services community.

14. AJORNMENT.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:12pm

Minutes of the 1/9/12 VAC Meeting written by VAC Secretary Stephen S. Noetzel and
APPROVED (as corrected) at the VAC Meeting of February 6, 2012.