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Via Pacific. 00:00:05
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force to Order at 6:01 PM. 00:00:08
City Clerk Dei. Coordinator Kendall is Abs. 00:00:16
Police Chief Madeleine, Police Technician Garcia and Officer Anderson are providing staff support for this meeting. 00:00:19
Thank. 00:00:27
Chief Madeleine, would you please take A roll call vote? 00:00:29
Sure. Pleasure Chair. 00:00:32
Vice Chair Mark. 00:00:38
About to be seated, I see her. 00:00:43
Just need a present from. 00:00:46
With the mic on. 00:00:51
Gotcha. OK. 00:00:56
Fry. 00:00:58
And member. 00:01:03
OK, all four are here. 00:01:06
Thank you. 00:01:09
Item number two on the agenda is the approval of the agenda. The agenda is the road map for our meeting, published online and 00:01:11
available in print at least 72 hours before each meeting. 00:01:17
So the public has notice of items being considered by the task force. 00:01:23
While the task force cannot add items to the agenda, this item approval of the agenda provides the opportunity to review the 00:01:27
agenda for any changes. 00:01:32
Tonight's agenda includes a study session and an election of secretary. I would like to bring item 8B, the election of Secretary. 00:01:37
Up to item 3 on the agenda, and that would leave the study session as item 88. 00:01:46
Seeing concurrence, I move to approve the agenda as presented. 00:01:55
Is there a second? 00:01:59
2nd. 00:02:01
Member. 00:02:05
Chief Madeleine, would you please take A roll call? 00:02:06
Absolutely, Chair Bow. 00:02:09
Member. 00:02:14
Member Freiburger. 00:02:17
And vice. 00:02:23
40. 00:02:26
Thank you. 00:02:29
Item number three on the agenda is the election of the Secretary. All city boards, committees and commissions, including the task 00:02:31
force, must elect A chairperson or Chair, vice chair and Secretary to serve a one year term at their first meeting. 00:02:38
With the resignation of former secretary Donna Stevens, the position of Task Force Secretary is unoccupied. 00:02:46
Pursuant to the City Boards, Committees, and Commissions Handbook, members of the Task Force may nominate themselves or another 00:02:54
task force member. 00:02:58
And no second is. 00:03:02
Once nominations are complete, I will close nominations, announce the nominee or knees, and call for a vote. 00:03:05
Each member of the task force will have one vote. The member voted in will work with Chief Madeleine on the October meeting 00:03:13
minutes. 00:03:16
Are there any nominations for? 00:03:21
May I address the task force as much as I would like to serve in? 00:03:27
Being the new person on board, I understand that it's part of my role to step up. I have current limitations in my life. 00:03:35
Prohibit me. They make it difficult for me. 00:03:43
Take notes and. 00:03:46
So I'd. 00:03:50
On this at this point not be nom. 00:03:52
Thank you, Member Freiburg. 00:03:57
I will nominate myself for secretary. 00:04:01
Thank you, Member. 00:04:04
Chief Madeleine, will you please take A roll call vote for the nominee of member Hoops as secretary? 00:04:07
Sure, Member Hoops. 00:04:14
A. 00:04:18
Chair. 00:04:19
Aye, Vice Chair. 00:04:20
Hi. 00:04:23
And remember FRE? 00:04:25
Hi. 00:04:27
Congratulations 40 and thank you for volunteering. 00:04:28
Thank you, Secretary. 00:04:33
Item number four is Task Force and staff announcements. City related items only. Are there any task force announcements? 00:04:36
Vice Chair Mark. 00:04:48
Umm. 00:04:51
Have a couple announcements. Did you want to go first? 00:04:52
No, OK. I wanted to recognize. 00:04:58
Today as Indigenous Peoples Day and also I wanted to speak to the fact that. 00:05:04
In our community there are quite a large number of Italian Americans and. 00:05:13
There seems to be a lot of animosity and a feeling of of canceling out. 00:05:22
Because of the indigenous, the prevalence of our are celebrating Indigenous Day and I just feel like there's so many 00:05:29
accomplishments within the Italian. 00:05:35
Community that I I really. 00:05:42
I think that we should be empowering each other and our community to remind each other. So that is something that I wanted to 00:05:46
speak to real quickly and then also I wanted to speak to the fact that. 00:05:54
We had an N double ACP press conference on recently. 00:06:03
And one of our. 00:06:09
Residents who? 00:06:14
Is a former veteran. 00:06:15
She spoke to the fact that some of her children in PG USD had a number of racial. 00:06:20
Conflicts and bias that she. 00:06:27
Or they experienced. 00:06:30
And. 00:06:36
To the people who deny that there are are any racial conflicts within our community, I just wanted to. 00:06:37
To just. 00:06:47
Point that out that that that you're still happening, and it it behooves all of us to do the work to do the research and again to 00:06:48
empower each other. 00:06:55
And that's a little bit there. Thank you. 00:07:02
Other task force comments, member hoops. 00:07:07
Um. 00:07:13
I wanted to just announce that I know November 14th is Ruby Bridges walk to school day. 00:07:14
On a related note also to what Vice Chairman Mark was was pointing out, I know that. 00:07:24
EG Middle school plans to participate, but I also know that you can go to Ruby bridges dot foundation if you have interest in 00:07:31
participating. I think as a family you can sign up. As a student you can sign up and participate in. 00:07:38
The Walk to school event. 00:07:46
Thank you. 00:07:49
I wanted to share some thoughts from my first month. 00:07:53
Ward. 00:07:58
The task force. 00:07:59
And my intent has been this month, we're aware to listen. 00:08:01
And to learn from everybody, and it's that thought in mind, I attended the school board meeting. 00:08:06
Last week, October 5th, to hear about their plans for staff training on handling racial issues as they come up that. 00:08:13
Remember, Marx had had. 00:08:24
I wanted to share that I learned a lot from the public. 00:08:28
There was open Personal sharing. 00:08:32
Of people of color of both growing up in Monterey. Pacific Grove is a minority. 00:08:36
Sorry, I'm from Monterey origin. 00:08:43
What it was like also to live here as an adult? 00:08:47
And the testimonies are very powerful personal. 00:08:51
Umm, those who were present. Many of us were moved to. 00:08:56
Hearing. 00:09:00
And the board, as a result of hearing the experiences, voted to put their training on hold. 00:09:02
To in order to engage the. 00:09:10
In looking at the issues, looking at what training, what approaches are necessary, that it is a big picture item and not just at 00:09:14
one single round of training. 00:09:20
So while they're working on it, I wonder if this is something where our task force could be. 00:09:27
Or. 00:09:36
To. 00:09:38
Thank you, member Freiburger. 00:09:42
I will also recognize that Indigenous Peoples Day is today a day to celebrate and honor Indigenous people, their heritage and 00:09:47
their homelands. We recognize the Aloni, Costanoan Esselen people. 00:09:54
Our neighbors who have inhabited the unseeded land of Pacific Grove for thousands of years. 00:10:00
Since time immemorial and who live, work and flourish. 00:10:06
I commit to listening, learning about and supporting their heritage and. 00:10:11
As someone who's lived in Pacific Grove for over 40. 00:10:17
Um. 00:10:21
I'm heartsick about the treatment of some of the children in our community. 00:10:22
For 40 years, it seems that the more things change, the more they remain the same. 40 years ago, I knew that I needed to advocate 00:10:27
for the well-being and safety of children and teens of color and our community as a mom. 00:10:34
And now, as a grandmother, because every child matters. 00:10:41
Chair. 00:10:50
May I add something? 00:10:53
I also wanted to recognize. 00:10:59
The fact that October 2nd I. 00:11:04
Recognize the legacy of the Rehabilitation and Disabilities Act. 00:11:07
Quote from. 00:11:14
Some are Blair and disabilities. 00:11:17
Advocates. 00:11:22
I'm reading this because I thought it was particularly meaningful that our laws and policies must reflect that our disabled lives 00:11:22
are not of lesser value. And again, this is this is my theme tonight, community empowerment, and I hope that we can continue. 00:11:32
To empower each other. 00:11:43
And so on and so on. 00:11:45
And the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, and programs conducted by federal agencies 00:11:49
and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prevents discrimination against disabled people on everything from employment to 00:11:55
parking to voting. 00:12:02
These laws are a source of opportunity, meaningful inclusion, participation, respect. 00:12:09
And belonging. 00:12:17
Thank you, Vice Chairman. 00:12:23
There any staff announcements? 00:12:26
Welcome. Thank you. 00:12:30
Item number 5 is Council liaison announcements. Are there any Council liaison announcements? 00:12:33
Yes, a couple of quick items. I first wanted to welcome this member of Freiburger to the Commission. Thank you for taking the time 00:12:39
to review and listen to what the community is saying and bringing it to the table. That's much needed, so I appreciate that. I'd 00:12:46
also like to wish all of you a Happy Indigenous Peoples Day today. 00:12:53
And I want to take a moment to recognize the diverse and vibrant culture and traditions. 00:13:00
The The modern Indigenous communities bring to the table. 00:13:06
So I really appreciate that. Thank you all. 00:13:10
Thank you, Council liaison. 00:13:15
Item number six is general public comment. This is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on any item. 00:13:19
Including the study session this evening that is within the jurisdiction of the City and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task 00:13:26
Force. The task force often receives comments via e-mail between meetings. I want to acknowledge the comments and community 00:13:31
interest. 00:13:36
Task Force members are not able to engage in dialogue via. 00:13:42
Comments from the public will be limited to 3 minutes and will be received without comment from the task force while public 00:13:47
comment is open. 00:13:51
When public comment is closed. 00:13:55
Items may be referred to staff for a brief response or follow. 00:13:57
Comments and statements should be addressed to the task force and not the audience. 00:14:02
Public comment is encouraged if it is not disruptive to the meeting. The definition of disruptive conduct that actually disrupts, 00:14:07
disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting is found in Government Code Section 54957.95 and also 00:14:15
in the City Council Policy 000-17. 00:14:22
Pursuant to the policy as Chair, if disruptive conduct needs to be addressed, I will warn the individual that their behaviour is 00:14:30
disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behaviour may result in their removal. 00:14:37
If the disruption continues, I may confer with city staff, including the City Attorney, caused the removal of the individual if 00:14:44
they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior or call a recess. 00:14:49
Comments may be made in person or remotely using zoom or by phone. Speakers must adhere to the time limits, using the time keeping 00:14:56
lights as a guide. Red means that your 3 minutes has ended. 00:15:02
If an in person please come up to the podium. If joining the meeting by phone, please press star 9 to raise your hand to speak. 00:15:08
And Star 6 to unmute your phone. I will now open general public comments to members of the public present in person first. 00:15:16
And then? 00:15:25
Officer Anderson, Are you ready? 00:15:28
Welcome. 00:15:42
Can you turn that mic on Commander Anderson, please? 00:15:48
Right on the screen. 00:15:50
And in general that during general public comment we could also comment about. 00:15:54
The study session is there. 00:15:58
Public comment for the study session, That item on the agenda. 00:16:01
With a study session, their public comment is taken beforehand. 00:16:05
Even though it's a separate agenda item there. 00:16:10
Public comment on that. Thank you. 00:16:13
And. 00:16:16
So just a couple general comments. 00:16:21
First, remember, Mark was at the EDC meeting last week and I appreciate it anytime and thank you for your comments. Anytime people 00:16:25
come and show up, it's a big deal and I wish more people would. 00:16:31
Member Feiberger was at the school board meeting, which she already mentioned. I was there was 3 1/2 hours long. It was extremely 00:16:38
interesting emotional. 00:16:41
Time. The head of the N AA CP was there, and then Fred Jealous were both there. Mr. Jealous were there. Derrick Williams was 00:16:46
there. Mel Mason was there for the meeting. 00:16:51
And it was a long meeting, one of the one of the issues that the meeting had to do with how do we handle these incidences that 00:16:57
come up a few years ago? This book was distributed at the school. 00:17:03
By the district. It's called The Book of Joy. Interviews with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Of course you know who those folks 00:17:10
are. 00:17:13
I got this at that time. I've had it for about a year. I didn't bring it just for this particular meeting and, you know, 00:17:18
discussion with the Archbishop. 00:17:22
Mr. Tutu, they asked him some questions about what's life and member. 00:17:26
Mentioned here, which I'm glad she did, about working together, being more collaborative as a community, and they asked Archbishop 00:17:31
that exact same question, he said, Why would you do that, he? 00:17:37
It is our ultimately our greatest joy that we seek to do good for others. 00:17:42
He said. It is how we are made. I mean, it's how we're wired. That is to be compassionate. 00:17:49
And so the school board meeting was pretty interesting because they were talking about a contract and that's pretty much what they 00:17:55
delayed. 00:17:59
And the contract was going to establish a reporting system. 00:18:03
And I had big problems with that because it's an anonymous system where one child could turn in, another child, the child could 00:18:07
turn in a teacher. I have experience with these programs. They don't work very well. And the language that was used was perps or 00:18:13
perpetrators, children being perpetrators, children being victims. 00:18:18
And there was number mention or discussion of the children or the students being involved in the design of the program. 00:18:24
Which is a enormous mistake. If you leave the kids out, these kids are pretty perceptive. They're kids. They're teenagers. They 00:18:31
say stupid things, they say bad things. But why would we ruin their life by making them a perpetrator, a criminal in the process? 00:18:38
Right, Such a system is a. 00:18:45
System it divides. 00:18:48
People. 00:18:50
It indicts people and it's not really what we want. I've been there and I've done that and all I do is encourage you to, since I 00:18:51
don't have a second comment, I actually had words for that, which I'll reserve for later. 00:18:56
The purpose of life is to live with joy, to live with graciousness, to live with compassion. And I didn't see that. I saw a lot of 00:19:03
compassion and emotion, but I didn't see anybody talking about designing a system for our kids, all kids. 00:19:09
That had joined a passion. Let them contribute to it. So that's what I took away from the meeting. I hope you learned from that. 00:19:16
And. 00:19:23
I'm just. 00:19:26
I'm just going to say. 00:19:27
Evening. 00:19:39
My name is Carol Marquardt and. 00:19:41
I have attended every single one of your DEI meetings since February. 00:19:44
And. 00:19:50
People come and go, yeah, I think you've had four resignations, but some of you people are still here. 00:19:52
And but I get really frustrated with. 00:20:00
Some of the things that come up and they never there's no action on them. So since February. 00:20:06
There is hiring a consultant for three. 00:20:12
356,200 and 5600 and $0.50 so where are we with that? 00:20:15
The meeting I attended in February, there was a talk about tiles for the Walk of Remembrance. Never heard anything more about 00:20:24
that. Who's going to pay for those? 00:20:28
The DEI calendar was talked about several months ago. 00:20:35
And I have some notes. 00:20:40
What was going to be on the DEI calendar? There's going to be, of course, a Pride Day, a Woman's History Day. I'm listening and 00:20:43
Murdered Indigenous Person Day. 00:20:48
A zero to. 00:20:55
For Genital Mutilation Day, a Transgender Day. 00:20:57
International Day Against Homophobia and Biphobia, a hot Hijab Day, a World Menopause Day and Asexual Awareness Day, and a pronoun 00:21:03
Celebration Day. All that came up. 00:21:10
Plus, I had a list of many, maybe 25 other days, but whatever happened to that DEI calendar? 00:21:17
And then I also asked for a list of your most marginalized people. 00:21:27
Because I have a list of 25 people. 00:21:32
A. 00:21:36
Separate groups. 00:21:39
Nothing has come up about that either. 00:21:42
I did attend that until N AA CP press conference. 00:21:45
I did ask somebody. 00:21:51
If the purpose of. 00:21:54
Was to file a lawsuit against the school district. I didn't get a straight answer, but I did have that question and somebody 00:21:56
called me a Karen and I thought, what is a? 00:22:03
And I had to go ask somebody, What is it, Karen? 00:22:09
And I guess a. 00:22:12
Is a white. 00:22:14
Woman who's a racist, so to say that Racism. 00:22:16
Just. 00:22:22
One thing, my daughter who is brown skinned, she's racially mixed. She I asked her did you ever experience prejudice when you 00:22:23
wrote Robert down? She said sure. She said a lot of kids are ignorant, they say stupid things and she graduated BG High and she's 00:22:30
a very successful person right now, so thank you. 00:22:37
Thank you. 00:22:47
Thank you. Good evening. 00:23:00
My name is Colleen Ingram, I'm a resident of Pacific Grove and I have a. 00:23:03
An article from the Guardian I'm going to be reading from. 00:23:08
The Harvard professor Claudia Golden has become the third woman to win the Nobel economics Prize in recognition for her 00:23:13
groundbreaking work examining wage inequality between men and women. 00:23:18
Golden's win we celebrate, but her findings we cannot celebrate. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said on Monday that 00:23:25
Golden's research provided the first comprehensive account of women's earnings and labor market participation through the 00:23:31
centuries. 00:23:36
To reveal causes of change as well as the main causes. 00:23:42
The remaining gender gap? 00:23:46
Golden has charted the work, life and incomes of women to show that industrial revolution. 00:23:49
Caused a huge fall in The Independent. 00:23:54
Compared with men before the recovery at the turn of the century that was accelerated by changing attitudes after the Second World 00:23:57
War. 00:24:01
The contraceptive pill allowed women to make further. 00:24:06
The child rearing has proved a permanent block. 00:24:10
On the progress towards wage equality. 00:24:14
Dating back to the 1980s, her research reveals the cause of change as well as the main sources of the remaining gender gap. 00:24:17
The prize giving body said in a statement. 00:24:25
Golden's, 1990. 00:24:28
Understanding the. 00:24:30
An Economic History of. 00:24:32
Was an influential examination of how wage inequality developed over the last 250 years. 00:24:35
And the defining difference in the modern era was among couples when they had their first child. 00:24:41
The important point is that both leaves, she said in the Social Sciences Bites blog last year. 00:24:47
Men forego their family and women often forgo their career. 00:24:54
The bulk of the earnings difference between men and women in the same occupation arises largely when they have children. 00:24:59
She. 00:25:07
Claudia Goldman's Golden's discoveries have vast societal implications, said the member of the economic prize committee. 00:25:10
And by finally understanding the problem and calling it by the right name, we'll be able to pave a better route forward. 00:25:18
No one else in person. Officer Anderson, Are there people who'd like to make public comments online or over the phone? 00:25:36
Yes. 00:25:43
All right, Lisa. Chianny, you have the floor. 00:25:45
Thank you. I'd like to express my appreciation for all four of you members of the DEI task force and and I hope someday there will 00:25:50
be 7 of you. But but I. 00:25:56
Greatly appreciate the work that you're doing. 00:26:03
And I appreciate member Mark and Chair Bowie's recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. 00:26:07
This day. 00:26:16
Recognizing this day in Pacific Grove was the first act of the DEI at your at your first. 00:26:19
First public. 00:26:28
And. 00:26:31
I think that's a very fine thing. 00:26:33
I. 00:26:36
I uh. 00:26:37
Appreciate also that member, Mark. 00:26:38
Expressed. 00:26:42
How hard it is for Italian Americans who've had this day in recognition of one of their. 00:26:44
Ancestors. 00:26:52
And and it's just a very, very unfortunate thing. 00:26:56
To have. 00:27:01
Competition, almost, but to think back on. 00:27:03
Horrific treatment that the Native Americans, the indigenous people. 00:27:08
Experienced at the hands. 00:27:15
Not just Italian Americans. 00:27:18
But all the the new, the new settlers, or certainly the powerful majority and. 00:27:21
OK. I'm losing my oh, and so I wanted to be sure that you're aware that there was a presentation to the Planning Commission of the 00:27:35
cities. 00:27:41
I'll get it. They changed the name Archaeological Resource Review and Tribal Monitoring Protocol prepared by a consultant. It was 00:27:48
delayed for two years by the Public Works Department. 00:27:56
Because I gather they're not happy with the respect that. 00:28:06
Is asking for for the city to show to the descendants. 00:28:14
Of the indigenous people who? 00:28:21
Who are buried here? Their ancestors are here and they want to protect them by monitoring development projects. 00:28:24
The. 00:28:34
It was presented and it will be discussed by Planning Commission. 00:28:36
Possibly on October 19th. And if you haven't seen it, I plan to send it to you and I hope you will listen to the discussion and 00:28:40
and think on whether this. 00:28:46
The way it should have this protocol. 00:28:54
Thank you. 00:28:58
Inga, Lawrence and Dahmer you have. 00:29:02
Thank you, Jim. 00:29:05
I wonder if all of you know this is in line of Indigenous Peoples Day, that the Hokulea is here at the Fisherman's Wharf, tied up 00:29:08
from the Polynesian voyagers that are on a 43,000 nautical journey all around the Pacific. 00:29:16
Reconnecting with ancestors and indigenous peoples. 00:29:25
Which there's a very definite protocol that goes with all of this of asking permission to land. 00:29:31
Doing the the chance and the ceremony, certainly. 00:29:41
Tribal leaders welcome them here when they came in, and Pacific Grove Museum, there was an absolutely wonderful talk story 00:29:47
connection with at least eight of the crew members on Friday night, which I was blessed to attend. 00:29:55
It was just absolutely gorgeous. 00:30:04
You reconnect and. 00:30:08
They have been from Alaska on down. I've been following them because I'm a sea person. 00:30:11
I could also say, as a Norwegian, Happy Leaf Ericsson day, but. 00:30:17
This is a wonderful indigenous connection. They first Pacific voyagers, they they brought 7 vodkas here in 2011 and landed on the 00:30:23
beach Del Monte beach and I was there to greet them. You bet. And I got to sail on the Hina Moana. 00:30:31
One of the vodkas that would had an absolutely international crew of, you know, there was Magnus from Sweden and Duncan from 00:30:42
Ataroa. 00:30:47
And. 00:30:52
Just. 00:30:55
This is such a wonderful connection and they're still here. They are doing, obviously they do a lot of Marine. 00:30:56
They have a scientist on board too and they but they have been going all down the coast and they will be and they will be going 00:31:06
back. But this is a voyage of connection. 00:31:12
Of love connect. 00:31:18
Ancestors because, as they say, in order to know where you're going, you must know from where you came. 00:31:22
And by the way. 00:31:29
Navigators that they are training and that they have been for these last. 00:31:31
18 years or. 00:31:36
With the star compass, which is different, they do by currents houses. 00:31:40
It. 00:31:47
It is not anything like but this is how their ancestors and they rediscovered it and have brought it back and our training. 00:31:48
These navigators, they're young, from all the islands, from the Cook Islands and the and Samoa and and anyway it is just so 00:31:58
wonderful. Go down and see the ship. 00:32:04
Thank you. 00:32:12
Alexis, Robert, you have the floor. 00:32:14
Hi. Can you guys hear me? 00:32:19
Yes. Yeah. OK. Great. Thanks. 00:32:23
Hi, I'm making a comment in support of the concerns that were raised by Valerie Anthony and during the PGSD meeting and made some 00:32:27
of these comments then, but I've kind of updated them. First of all, I miss Valerie and her boys. She was a great contributor to 00:32:33
Robert Down and we bonded over having three kids at the same time, each at Robert Down. The harm and discomfort her kids felt was 00:32:39
real. I'm heartened that the district is going to seek input on training, but I hope that this won't slow down addressing the 00:32:46
underlying issues. 00:32:52
Which is that kids in our district are experiencing harm based on the color of their skin. 00:32:59
I feel like when people raise these concerns about racism, the city and the school spend a lot of energy defending their comments 00:33:08
or actions is not racist, rather than engaging in what are uncomfortable conversations that would things that we need to have 00:33:14
about acknowledging the harm that our comments and actions might have, even if in some cases they weren't intentional. 00:33:21
Umm. 00:33:29
And when we start defending the schools as non racist or saying that our kids are just making students stupid comments, I think we 00:33:30
missed the point, which is that children around us are feeling harm just for being who they are. 00:33:37
And Mr. Gibbs, I appreciate your comments, but you know, my kids are white. They are very capable of making stupid statements. 00:33:45
They've heard some pretty harmful statements and have done their best to question them. 00:33:50
But we don't give our kids a free pass. 00:33:56
I just wanted to say I really support the work that you as a DI committee are doing to contract with a diversity consultant. I 00:34:35
will do my best to participate in some of those trainings and I'm hopefully some of those uncomfortable conversations. So I just 00:34:41
wanted to thank you for your guys''s work and and support you. Thanks. 00:34:47
Thank you. I'm sorry, Chief, just a reminder, comments should be addressed to the task force and not the audience. Thank you. 00:34:56
That's all right, Chair. Thank you for that. Maury Adams or Mary Adams, you have the floor. 00:35:06
Thank you. I wanted to share that my Italian grandfather, Giovanni Filipini, immigrated to the USA in 1892. He was processed 00:35:13
through Ellis Island. The discrimination he experienced in New York City caused him to continue his journey to Mazatlán, Mexico, 00:35:21
where he established a successful missionary construction company and married Nicolasa Moralia, an indigenous woman. I am proud of 00:35:29
my Italian heritage and I do not claim or celebrate Christopher Columbus. 00:35:36
A despotic, murderous and mercenary colonizer who never set foot in American soil, by the way. 00:35:44
Regarding the N Double ACP press conference. 00:35:50
To say Carol Marquardt misrepresented her interaction with Valerie Anthony is a understatement I witnessed and recorded. 00:35:55
The interaction. 00:36:04
Miss Anthony did not call Miss Marquardt a Karen, and Miss Marquardt seemed completely aware of what that was. 00:36:05
She knew where the Karen was because she falsely accused Miss Anthony of calling her that. 00:36:14
I am emailing a copy of that video. 00:36:21
Miss Adams, if you could confine your remarks to the task force. 00:36:25
Please. Thank you. 00:36:29
I will be sending a video. Thank you so much. 00:36:31
I don't see any other hands raised chair. 00:36:40
Thank you, Chief. 00:36:44
We'll now close. 00:36:46
Item number seven is the consent agenda. This deals with routine and non controversial matters and there are no consent agenda 00:36:49
items today. 00:36:53
Item 8A on the regular agenda is a study session on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. 00:36:58
Powers and duties related to the city of Pacific Gro. 00:37:06
There will be a PowerPoint and then Task Force discussion. No public comment or action will be taken on items discussed tonight, 00:37:10
but they may be brought back for future Task Force action and public comment. 00:37:17
And especially for those who have joined us for all of our task force meetings, you may wonder why we're going through our 00:37:24
purpose, powers, and duties again. 00:37:29
We are. We have had two resignations of task force members and we have had a new task force member seated and we currently have a 00:37:35
vacancy and we're hoping there will be another task force member seated. But every time there is a change in the membership of the 00:37:43
task force, in effect it becomes a new task force. And it is important for us as a task force to be able to work together to 00:37:51
relook at our purpose and powers and duties in basically the ordinance that set us up by the City Council. 00:37:59
And then have a chance to talk about some of the parts of those purpose, specifically some of the terminology that we're using and 00:38:07
get on the same page with it and have a chance to really think about. 00:38:13
Our purpose, powers and duties as set forth by the City Council. And then what is our role in some of these areas? So that's what 00:38:19
this task force will take you through. Task force, A PowerPoint will take you through today. 00:38:25
We also have agreements that we've set up as a previous task force. We also have a work plan and there are items that are being 00:38:32
worked on. Now. There's been a little slow down because of the loss of our two task force members have meant that the work that is 00:38:39
done in subcommittees has been left to one person or left in sort of a midway state. And again, hoping that as we get new task 00:38:46
force members on, we'll be able to reconstitute those subcommittees. 00:38:53
Our work is done. 00:39:42
It has now been moved on to another part of the city or to the City Council. So as we go through some of these things, please stop 00:39:43
anytime, ask questions or comments and then we'll have the opportunity for some discussion afterwards. 00:39:50
So thank you. Thank you, Chief. So that's what we're doing today, our study session. Next slide please. 00:39:58
Our purpose? This is set forth in the ordinance and first of all it is said that the citizens of Pacific Grove desired to improve 00:40:06
the city's social environment to better meet the needs of residents and visitors alike. 00:40:13
And I've underlined some things and bolded something. So you'll notice sort of that first of all, we are tasked with our purpose 00:40:20
is city policies, programs and practices should be examined through a community lens. And our purpose is not just to examine them 00:40:27
through a community lens, but actually to promote. 00:40:33
Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and healing. 00:40:40
So that is our first purpose and city policies, programs and practices have to do with the work of the city. 00:40:46
Our second purpose is to promote the participation of underrepresented communities, including but not limited to people of color, 00:40:54
LBGTQ. 00:41:00
People with disabilities, immigrants, et cetera. 00:41:06
So we are charged. 00:41:10
Identifying these underrepresented communities and promoting, again, this is a very active thing, promoting their participation. 00:41:13
So one question might be promoting their participation in what? 00:41:19
You know, in local government. 00:41:24
In activities of the city, in the community, So that's left a little bit open-ended. I think that's an interesting thing. 00:41:28
But we're not just promoting participating, meaning getting people involved. We're also monitoring change. 00:41:34
And that means that we're looking at our city, we're looking at our community, what change is occurring to diversity, equity, 00:41:40
inclusion and racial justice. 00:41:46
Within the city. So monitoring change, that's also an interesting role for a task force to have. And finally, providing feedback, 00:41:52
guidance, strategies and recommendations to increase community engagement by underrepresented groups. And we know some of the 00:41:59
underrepresented groups from the previous bullet point. See you. But. 00:42:07
That we we've heard from actually our public and I'll get into that in a minute, that there are other groups and there are others 00:42:15
who need to be included and underrepresented with the underrepresented groups and Community Sub. 00:42:21
One of the things we looked at, and that was with former secretary Stevens and myself, what does it mean to be represented? 00:42:28
And in a city like ours, we elect our representatives. 00:42:36
We elect our City Council members. They are the representatives of our citizens. 00:42:39
There are other organizations that also elect representatives, and the School board is another one where school board members who 00:42:45
govern the school are elected by members of the public. 00:42:51
So. 00:42:57
Another way of looking at representation can also be looking at the workforce in Pacific Grove. 00:42:59
Who is represented in the workforce? Who in the underrepresented groups are represented in the workforce. Other organizations like 00:43:05
the school district could look at teachers, teachers, aides, and so on. Again, we're sort of focused on the city, so we're really 00:43:11
looking at that. But those are two ways of looking at representation. So underrepresented groups, you have to look at who is 00:43:17
represented among the elected officials and among the workforce, for example. 00:43:24
Thank you. Next slide. 00:43:31
Our powers and duties, we act in an advisory capacity to the council and city manager, so that's very clear. We were established 00:43:35
to advise the council and the city manager on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and racial justice as related to the City 00:43:43
of Pacific Grove. And there's an interesting thing with that word city. It's a small C. 00:43:51
A lot of times in government work, you see a capital C and you think that means the city organization, that's the employees of the 00:44:00
city. But this is a small C. 00:44:04
Which would seem to say the entire city. 00:44:09
Of Pacific. 00:44:12
So we act in an advisory capacity to the council and city manager. But we don't just advise. We recommend to the council adoption 00:44:14
of such laws, rules, regulations, programs and practices on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice and 00:44:20
healing. 00:44:26
That relate to the city of Pacific Grove. 00:44:33
Yes, member Freib. 00:44:37
Don't know if you want questions. 00:44:40
So I am wondering if we're acting in an advisory capacity to the council and we have a representative there that works with us and 00:44:43
the city manager, what process is in place for that? Are there regular meetings? Are there briefings that we provide, What's what, 00:44:50
what are the mechanics that exist? 00:44:57
For. 00:45:04
Provide advisory input. 00:45:05
Great question. Thank you. We do have a council liaison and that's Councilmember Padori. And Councilmember Padori attends just 00:45:09
about every meeting and is so keep sort of abreast of the meeting when we have something to advise the council or the city manager 00:45:17
about. We don't do it as individuals, we do it as a task force and we do it with public input. 00:45:25
So an item will be on our. 00:45:33
And then we'll have a discussion. Often it comes with a recommendation. If it's an action item, then we will actually take a vote. 00:45:36
And a good example is the apology to the Chinese community that the last task force did. The work was done in a subcommittee. We 00:45:43
heard from members of the public how important this was, that something needed to be done. 00:45:50
Then we had a subcommittee look at it and say That was Vice Chair Bark and myself look at it and say. 00:45:56
OK. How does this pertain to the task force? Is this something that we can do? Is this something that we feel we're hearing from 00:46:03
the community and we can take it on and do it? 00:46:07
Did a lot of work with, researching, with reaching out to members of the community affinity groups. We came up with a 00:46:12
recommendation that yes, the council should. 00:46:17
And so it was provided to the entire council and then the council took action. So that's one way of doing it. 00:46:54
All right. Thank you for that. Sure. 00:47:01
So we recommend to the City Council and then the third one is perform other duties the council may request and a good example of 00:47:05
that is the City Council has a value statements for things that sort of are lodestars for their work that really guide the work 00:47:11
their work they do for the city and the community. 00:47:17
One, there's one value station about value statement about inclusivity. 00:47:25
But they're not any about diversity or equity. And so we, the last task force had that discussion and we recommended. 00:47:29
To the City Council that as a part of a series of recommendations, I think it was that there also. 00:47:37
Statements about diversity and equity and the City Council basically turned it back to us and said. 00:47:44
Please draft these statements. And so that is one of the items on our work plan that was begun but has not really been able to be 00:47:49
continued because of the smaller number of our task force members. 00:47:54
We take in and do the things that the Council asks us to do, but then we also listen to our community. 00:48:33
And we have a chance to have those discussions. 00:48:39
Is that does that belong to us? 00:48:41
Next slide please. 00:48:45
And please do stop anytime with questions or discussion. So then the second part of that, that statement by the council is as 00:48:50
related to the City of Pacific Grove. And again, this is the work that's being done by 1 subcommittee that's gotten a little slow, 00:48:57
but so who who is in the city of Pacific Grove? I look to the US Census and I looked for the groups that were specifically 00:49:05
mentioned in underrepresented groups either by the council in the ordinance or by our community, so. 00:49:13
We're population as of 2022 of about 14,791. 00:49:21
You look at the racial and ethnicity. 00:49:26
White alone. 00:49:30
Close to 81% Asian alone 7% and I'm rounding up a rounding down black alone 0.7% American Indian and Alaskan native alone 0.5% 00:49:32
zero percent Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. 00:49:40
I look at that. 00:49:50
That is something that I've heard about Pacific Grove, that people clearly see that dynamic, but we also know and again this is 00:49:53
work that the task force has done. 00:49:58
The founding of Pacific Grove. 00:50:03
Whether you could buy a house or rent a house in Pacific Grove was based on your. 00:50:06
And there were racial covenants that prohibited people of black people, Asian people, people of Middle Eastern descent from buying 00:50:11
or renting a house. 00:50:15
And. 00:50:21
Can last for generations. 00:50:22
And I think that is 1 reflection of what we're seeing. There's also the, the census asked questions about race and ethnicity in a 00:50:25
couple of different ways. So if you look at white alone that are not Hispanic or Latino, that number is 75.5%. Hispanic or Latino 00:50:32
is 11.4%. And people who identified on the census as two or more races are 7.7%. So that's the slight overlay to the previous 00:50:39
figures. 00:50:46
OK, so then immigrants is listed under underrepresented foreign born persons are 11.4% of our population and language other than 00:50:56
English spoken at home ages 5 and up is 16.2%. 00:51:04
I've looked at the school district FIG demographic figures, and they're actually different and a little bit higher than these. One 00:51:13
of the things that I know, and I know that member Freiburger knows as well, Pacific Grove for a long time has been a bedroom 00:51:18
community for DLI instructors. 00:51:23
For a military people and very often that's a population that's very fluid. They're moving in, they're out as the languages are 00:51:29
changing. But I think that that speaks to this percentage in our community. I know that we also want to make sure that we're 00:51:35
addressing people with disabilities as part of our underrepresented population. So that figure, these figures are a little bit 00:51:41
different. They're not from fully from the last census, they're sort of a blending of several smaller census samplings that were 00:51:47
taken. 00:51:53
But persons with a disability under the age of 65, seven point 2%. I could not find one for over the age of 65. So this is, and 00:51:59
again, you're seeing now what I've found just in a quick census. Look, female persons 54.6% from the 2022 census. There are no 00:52:06
figures having to do with gender identity and sexual orientation. Those questions only began to be given as part of the census in 00:52:13
July 2021. 00:52:20
That's an area of self identification and that's also an area of peril for people often to feel that they can self identify that 00:52:27
way. So the census is usually not the best place to look for that specific information. 00:52:34
Also the ages of people in our community 23.3% of our community is under 18 years old. 00:52:42
26.4% is 65 and. 00:52:52
So we have the. 00:52:56
And. 00:52:58
In very similar. 00:53:00
And of course the middle is the 50.3% and then finally persons in poverty 5.6%. That's something that we've definitely heard from 00:53:02
our public that we need to look at lower income people or people that may have a home, but they don't necessarily have the means 00:53:09
once they are in that home. 00:53:15
So again, different ways of looking at our. 00:53:22
Next slide. 00:53:27
Also then, as I'd referred to before, here's what we heard from our public through public comments online, in person, in e-mail. 00:53:32
What are the things that the? 00:53:42
Has told us that they're interested in or they have strong feelings about the treatment of Chinese settlers, the feast of 00:53:44
lanterns, racial covenants, current and historic racial incidents. 00:53:50
The treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth and people. The treatment of the disabled. The 00:53:56
treatment of the elderly. The treatment of low income. 00:54:01
We've been asked to do recognition of cultural groups, affinity groups, recognition of observances, recognitions of commemorations 00:54:07
of some former military contingent that was here, for example. We've been asked, and this was early on, but I think we're still 00:54:14
being asked resources on racism. People want people. We heard from people that they wanted to learn, they wanted to know what does 00:54:20
it mean, What is going on? How can I help? 00:54:26
How can I have difficult conversations with people who don't feel the same way I do? 00:54:33
Over and over again we heard about we needing education on diversity, equity and inclusion and then as we've heard at all of these 00:54:39
meetings, people questioning the need for diversity, equity, inclusion, the value of it in Pacific Grove. 00:54:46
And also people. 00:54:53
The diversity, equity, inclusion, the need for it and the value of it in Pacific Grove. 00:54:55
And again, feel free to stop comments or questions. 00:55:02
Secretary Hoops, thank you. 00:55:08
When when gathering kind. 00:55:13
Community Desires talked about on the last slide. 00:55:19
Where do we? Because like you said, we get, you know, feedback, we get requests from. 00:55:23
The public we get comments from the public all the time. And so when you made this list or when this list was made? 00:55:29
Was it a reflection of the most? 00:55:37
Kinds of comments that we were seeing come in. 00:55:40
I guess I'm having a hard time formulating this question, but how do we decide where to put weight? 00:55:44
And when, when? 00:55:51
People ask, obviously asking for representation in all different ways. 00:55:54
That is a really good question. 00:56:00
I think well and perhaps Vice Chairman can help me with sort of our first couple of months we were hearing from a lot of people 00:56:04
around the same topics and I think the chair. So one of the things that about the task force, about about actually city boards and 00:56:11
commissions is the chair really leads the agenda. The chair makes the decision what goes on the agenda. The chair members of the 00:56:19
task force can always ask to have something put on. Members of the public can ask to have something put on. 00:56:26
But in in deciding. 00:56:34
Goes on an agenda as the chair looking at again our task force purpose, so to have something go on the agenda about a business in 00:56:37
another. 00:56:42
Town in Monterey County would not be appropriate to have something that has to do with the citizens with the community. 00:56:47
And is it something that falls within? 00:56:55
Powers and duties that to advise the council or to advise the city manager, so those are those are some of the ways but I think 00:56:59
each chair sort of looks at it differently and with the concurrence of task force members when things are put on the agenda then 00:57:04
to to discuss it. 00:57:10
I think Mr. 00:57:17
Chair. I'm the vice chair. 00:57:20
I think also anecdotally. 00:57:23
Well, while there was. 00:57:27
Quite a vocal minority that raised the same issues repeatedly. 00:57:31
For a while there, those issues were also mirrored online with with community. 00:57:38
Community Facebook Groups. 00:57:46
And then with some of our community publications. 00:57:49
And then they they kind of grew from there. I. 00:57:54
And there's a little bit more balanced conversation out in the community. 00:57:59
Um. 00:58:05
As as we age as. 00:58:06
Yeah, as an. 00:58:09
And I guess the other way to look at it is I always try to go back to our purpose and our powers and duties. 00:58:13
So for example, we have a recreation committee, Commission board that their responsibility are the recreational needs of everyone 00:58:21
in the City of Pacific Grove, including children. 00:58:27
We have a lot Public Library and their responsibility, our reading needs and literacy needs of everyone in the community, 00:58:33
including children. 00:58:37
Our purpose is promoting underrepresented. 00:58:42
Yeah, encouraging participation and looking at diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and healing. 00:58:47
That's a narrower. 00:58:55
But it applies to everyone and it applies to adults and it applies to children. 00:58:57
That's our job, that's what we were given as our job. So I think it's it's not a perfect. 00:59:03
Science and it's looking at all of these pieces to see what is our role. 00:59:10
How can we achieve our purpose? 00:59:17
Thank you. 00:59:20
We've also, again because of comments that were made by members of the public early on, I I just remember some specifically real 00:59:25
concerns that even talking about racism would be bad for business in Pacific Grove. 00:59:31
And so one of the things that we talked about, it came up in a task force study session perhaps or something was the idea of 00:59:39
hearing from the actual businesses in Pacific Grove, hearing from different groups and organizations in our community that serve 00:59:45
our community. And so we began having a community presentation at every meeting. 00:59:51
Convention and Visitors Bureau that really manages tourism, but with a focus on Pacific Grove Sea Monterey. 01:00:27
Please let us know how we can do things better, how we can make things happen and a couple things that really stood out for me 01:01:05
from those. Yes. So this is sort of my what top ones one was hearing the business community after the concern. 01:01:12
About having the pride flag taken down and removed, stolen and was wanting to have a campaign. All are welcome where decals would 01:01:19
be put up in businesses to make sure everyone knew that everyone was welcome. 01:01:26
From the sea Monterey folks, their focus on team Together, everyone achieves more. 01:01:34
And they really saw that as an important reason for having diversity and equity in their work. And then the Police Department 01:01:39
saying the importance of the three legged stool, that was accreditation and training, but Wellness, the Wellness of each person 01:01:46
and dealing with that. So those were things that sort of popped for me around the community presentations. 01:01:53
Next please. 01:02:02
And then we get into the actual words. So just any thoughts that you have about really? 01:02:05
When I think it would be important for all of us if we're saying diversity, that we all feel that we're talking about the same 01:02:12
thing. And so I think the vice chair has seen this several times. 01:02:17
But really, diversity is the ways which everyone is different. And there are so many ways that people are different, but that 01:02:23
those differences are recognized, respected and appreciated in every person and every group is part of the diversity to be valued. 01:02:30
So if we value diversity, what do we? 01:02:38
What do our residents and visitors? 01:02:40
And then what is the role of the task force? 01:02:44
And as we go through these these words, the please think about those three questions because those are so inclusion. It's 01:02:49
authentically bringing people who've been traditionally excluded or groups into processes, activities and decision policy making 01:02:56
in a way that shares power. It is authentic and empowered participation and a true feeling of belonging. It's more than just 01:03:02
allowing people to participate or join. 01:03:08
And again if we value inclusion. 01:03:15
What do we? 01:03:18
What do our residents and visitors experience and what is the role of the task? 01:03:19
Next slide, equity. Equity is an interesting one and it's come up before. Well, what's the difference between equity and equality? 01:03:25
Equity is about recognizing we don't all start from the same place. 01:03:33
And then allocating resources and opportunities to create equal outcomes. It's a just and fair inclusion into society. 01:03:38
And we want everyone to participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. 01:03:47
Equality means providing the same to all. 01:03:53
Equality is. 01:03:56
Equality works, but it works if everyone starts from the same place and needs the same things. 01:03:57
And equal justice under the law is one example of. 01:04:04
Justice must be equal. 01:04:08
So again, if we value equity, what do we believe? 01:04:10
What do our residents and visitors experience and what is the role of the task force next Slide. 01:04:13
The last two phrases or words are, I don't know, as a task force. We have gotten into them very much. 01:04:22
So racial justice? 01:04:30
And 1st I want to start by saying it's always important for me to say race is categorizing human beings on observable physical 01:04:32
features through socially constructed systems. There is no scientific basis. 01:04:39
For racial categories, thank you for pointing that out. 01:04:46
So what is racial justice? It is systemic, fair treatment of people of all races. 01:04:51
And what results if there is systemic fair treatment of people of all races, equitable opportunities and outcomes for everyone? So 01:04:57
what does that mean? 01:05:02
Every person is able to achieve their full potential in life. 01:05:07
Irregardless of their race, their ethnicity, the community in which they. 01:05:11
So if we value racial justice, what do we believe? 01:05:16
What do our residents and visitors experience and what is the role of the task force? 01:05:20
Next. 01:05:26
And finally, healing. Healing is in our. 01:05:28
Healing came up as a part of our recommendation, the first task force. This recommendation to the council around the Feast of 01:05:33
Lanterns boards design choice to dissolve the Feast of Lanterns and end the board, the nonprofit and end the festival. 01:05:41
One of our recommendations to the Council was that there needed to be community healing around the topic of the Feast of Lanterns. 01:05:52
But we as a task force set up to advise the City Council and the city manager, were not. 01:06:02
The appropriate group we felt to take this on and that there were other groups in the community, National Coalition Building 01:06:08
Institute, other other groups that could help facilitate that but. 01:06:14
That that was something that we just. 01:06:21
It was not possible for us to do and when you look at the definition of healing, it's to make well again to mend the process in 01:06:24
which a bad or painful situation ends. 01:06:29
Or impro? 01:06:34
It's an intensely personal, subjective experience, and it's a continuing process leading to wholeness. 01:06:36
And Wellness. 01:06:44
So why is healing? 01:06:45
There are types of pain. 01:06:49
And trauma, with personally experiencing racism, discrimination, bias, incidents, there is the accumulation of everyday 01:06:51
occurrences, which is called microaggressions. 01:06:57
There is also hearing about. 01:07:03
And learning about the trauma of other people around. 01:07:06
And there is the immediacy of something. 01:07:10
In your personal life, in your community, online and through the media, there's the historical trauma and there's system level 01:07:14
trauma. 01:07:18
Feelings of pain. 01:07:25
Are experienced by people who are marginalized. 01:07:28
Who? 01:07:32
Prejudiced against who are discriminated against. 01:07:34
Receive harm as the result. 01:07:39
Racial systems as the result of other systems. 01:07:42
Heal. 01:07:47
Incredibly important. 01:07:49
Thing to have happen, but you can't make it happen. 01:07:51
In the work that I've read about with healing. 01:07:57
First you have to tell the truth. You have to have the truth heard, and you have to learn and you have to listen. You have to 01:08:00
acknowledge, and only after that can the repair begin. 01:08:05
And one of the things that we did when we recommended the apology was we absolutely said we recognize an apology does not take 01:08:13
away the pain of the past. 01:08:18
But it's a first. 01:08:25
And it has to have been a meaningful apology. 01:08:27
So healing, as you can tell, diversity equity. 01:08:30
Racial Justice and Healing. Healing is a different. I really see it as a different category altogether. 01:08:33
So again, if we value healing, what do we believe? What do our residents and visitors experience? 01:08:42
And what is the role of the task force? 01:08:48
And also as you think about these things, you think about. 01:08:52
We're talking about the city as an organization with employees. 01:08:57
And programs and practices and policies. We're talking about the city's volunteer boards and commissions and elected City Council. 01:09:01
So that's one one whole big area. 01:09:06
Unto itself. And then there is the community, and what the community is asking of us and what the community. 01:09:11
The school district is saying they want community involvement as a task force member brought up under announcements. You know 01:09:18
what? What would something like that look like if our role is to advise the city manager? 01:09:23
And the City Council, you know, how how would that work? So I think it's an interesting discussion for us to have. I cannot say 01:09:29
that I can guarantee that we're going to have any answers tonight, but I. 01:09:35
I'm hoping that by thinking about our purpose and our powers and duties. 01:09:42
We can sort of clarify in our mind and find out where we can be helpful with our community and moving our community forward. That 01:09:47
was a lot of talking for me and thank you for listening. I really appreciate it. So happy to. 01:09:54
Hear any thoughts or? 01:10:02
Questions. 01:10:04
I have a lot of thoughts and thank you. That was so. 01:10:10
Yeah, such a good place. 01:10:16
I don't know it was really thought generating. 01:10:18
I think this again kind of points to. 01:10:25
The. 01:10:29
And I know our our work is done here, but the value. 01:10:31
That consultant could have just because. 01:10:35
The thoughts that kind of come to my mind around this are. 01:10:40
Though we have our. 01:10:44
Laid out in front of us, our task, like you said, is sort of. 01:10:47
The work that we're doing. 01:10:52
Needs to interact. 01:10:54
All the other kinds of work that are done in the city. 01:10:56
It's been wonderful hearing about, you know, having organizations come and talk about. 01:11:01
What they're doing within their organizations. 01:11:06
It feels like it's a hard. 01:11:10
It's a hard place to move forward if we're not also having interaction with. 01:11:16
The other boards and commissions and. 01:11:22
You know, we get interaction with the community and that's really wonderful. 01:11:27
And that's really helpful and it enlightens us and it helps us put together agendas for what to talk about here. 01:11:30
And then when we make our recommendations and we sort of do our work as we are acting in an advisory capacity. 01:11:37
Network goes to the next place and then we kind of don't get to. 01:11:44
The resolution on it or how it moves forward? 01:11:49
And I just wonder if there's space to talk. 01:11:52
That or or like member Freiburger was talking about what? 01:11:56
What's our place in our interaction, then, with organizations like PGUSD who are? 01:12:01
Like you said, asking for this involvement. 01:12:06
And I know there's not an answer to this because we're a volunteer board and because we work in an advisory capacity, but I think. 01:12:10
This is something that I struggle with thinking about on this board for sure is that we get to sit here and have these discussions 01:12:17
and hear how people. 01:12:22
Experiencing the city and are hurting and. 01:12:26
Confused. 01:12:31
And I I don't know how we sort of take. 01:12:35
The conversation out to a. 01:12:39
Place and know that we get close the circle in it I suppose. 01:12:42
Anyway, that's just a thought I'm having. 01:12:48
Yeah. 01:12:52
Yes, member Freiburg. 01:12:57
I am. 01:13:00
Figure out the role of the task force and read the documents. 01:13:02
Have my onboarding session with you as we did. That was very helpful. 01:13:06
And what I'm? 01:13:11
The task force is a bit of an odd duck, because a task force generally is a temporary. 01:13:13
Organization. It's something that is brought together. 01:13:22
For. 01:13:26
They look at, look at it, provide input, and then it's disbanded. So this idea of. 01:13:28
Permanent task force. 01:13:36
It's not an action oriented group. 01:13:38
We talk and we advise, but we don't. 01:13:42
I don't see. 01:13:46
Chartering for any action to be taken. So I'm I'm we're trying to work within the parameters and understand the parameters but it 01:13:48
it is a bit. 01:13:54
It is new for me. 01:14:01
A little a little hard to wrap my arms around. 01:14:06
I'd like to speak to that. 01:14:15
And give you a little bit of history. 01:14:18
You say it's new to you, it's it's also new to the city of Pacific Grove and we, we're just very thankful that. 01:14:21
Under Mayor Peaks leadership. 01:14:32
And spearheaded by council member, then Councilwoman Jenny McAdams. 01:14:35
She gathered. 01:14:43
A fantastic work group who put together a fantastic plan of work plan. I was part of that for this Task Point Task Force because 01:14:47
there was an urgency, which in my mind is what Task Force means. 01:14:55
Sadly, we have been stuck with that term. The same with DEI as we all know. 01:15:05
The principles of DEI are separate and they continue to evolve. 01:15:15
And and our our little charming town. 01:15:24
We're having a hard time. 01:15:28
Uh, communicating the principles as we are. So in terms of branding, we're sticking with it because we've got bigger fish to fry. 01:15:31
Vice Chair Marks, thank you. Put that in if that helps. 01:15:43
Yeah, to encourage us to really think. 01:15:52
The work of this task force. 01:15:55
How will our community and how? 01:15:59
City experience our. 01:16:02
And I think that's where you're saying sort of the closed loop of not being able to. 01:16:07
And bring things and see what's happened with this. 01:16:12
And you know, if we're doing this work, what do we believe? 01:16:18
About our community, about our city. 01:16:22
That has impelled us to do that. 01:16:25
How can we then figure out our? 01:16:30
And what we? 01:16:35
And I think we are supposed to be a 5 member task force. So we still have one position that's vacant and I think that you know the 01:16:38
addition of another. 01:16:43
Person can certainly be helpful. 01:16:48
But what I'm hoping is that this. 01:16:51
Food for thought. 01:16:55
And as we bring back the next agenda, I'll bring back the work plan so we can see where we are and I think we'll have some sort of 01:16:56
follow up on some of those items that allow us to keep moving forward. 01:17:03
That's gonna be really helpful for both of you. 01:17:11
Yeah. And then really to think about some of those things, the diversity value statement. 01:17:14
Equity value statement, you know how those are some of the ways that we can take what we've heard. 01:17:21
And do something within our role that then becomes something that is a part of the community we want. 01:17:28
And what was the question? How will the community how, how we want? Yeah, so effect to the community or right it's if we. 01:17:38
If we value. 01:17:50
Diversity So what do we believe? 01:17:52
And then what do our residents and visitors experience if we're if we're in a city that values diversity, right? And then what is 01:17:55
the role of task force in making that happen? 01:18:00
And so that was the question with diversity, with inclusion, with equity, with racial justice, and with healing. 01:18:06
I don't know if you've taken any of. 01:18:21
Of This prompts from the Advancing racial Equity but. 01:18:25
When I read a lot of that coursework. 01:18:32
What? What? Really? 01:18:38
Inspired me, but also kind of struck me as a challenge is. 01:18:40
It makes sense that in order to have an effective DEI program and community. 01:18:46
Locally, globally, you have to embed it in every part of our governments and community and it's got to start with our leadership. 01:18:55
So I'd really love to see. 01:19:03
To see our our council members, our mayor getting certifications. 01:19:12
And I I mean, I think that I I tried to, I tried to have the whole world get certifications. 01:19:18
I'm exaggerating. 01:19:25
Last term. 01:19:28
And I think. 01:19:30
It can't be just just pie in the sky, I think. 01:19:33
We're not gonna get this done. We're not going to get any traction without our leadership spying. 01:19:38
Umm. 01:19:45
And and knowledge based. 01:19:47
But also and it's got to be comprehensive and. 01:19:51
Yes, we need the consultants, but also I think that we also have to. 01:19:57
Start engaging I I've been preaching this. We need our community engagements. 01:20:02
Start listening. I get really frustrated because I think a lot of our. 01:20:10
Our problems. 01:20:16
Our media quotables and scandals come from the fact that we do not have a back and forth with the community. We have one way and a 01:20:21
lot of them do not understand that even though. 01:20:28
Chair. 01:20:36
Very kindly and articulately says that every single meeting. They do not understand that we are not able to answer their 01:20:37
questions. We are not able to. 01:20:43
You know, and it's as frustrating for us as it is for them and we're not having true communication. 01:20:51
Like we would a town hall. I see Seaside has town halls all the time. 01:21:01
I think. 01:21:08
Councilmember Petori. He suggested a town hall. 01:21:10
And I think things were a little bit too hot. 01:21:15
For us to really do it. So I would love, I would love to move towards that so that we can start. 01:21:20
Fully engaging in a comprehensive dei program. 01:21:29
Within our. 01:21:36
Thank you. 01:21:40
Thank you, Vice chair. 01:21:43
You know how can? 01:22:23
Add value in these areas that we believe strongly in and that we want to work with. And I think, you know, I think that there's I 01:22:25
I'm writing things down because I think that there's some good pieces that can come back to us to really look at and to think 01:22:30
about. 01:22:35
I was a very vocal critic of PG USD. 01:22:42
I guess it was in 2021 when. 01:22:50
The school board they were they were a bit tone deaf when it came to the student body president and his his use of the N word and. 01:22:57
And you know, they, they gave him a slap on the wrist and they seemed to be a little bit more sympathetic to. 01:23:10
Than his actions and how they would impact people of color and and the other students and I I was galled. I was appalled by that. 01:23:17
So. 01:23:31
I just wondered. 01:23:34
What's going on there? Do you have any any process? 01:23:36
Fast forward two years later, I attended the the meeting before last and heard them set out their cultural. 01:23:41
Proficiency plan that they've been working on for two years and. 01:23:53
I came back like. 01:23:59
Inspired, Jazzed and. 01:24:02
Feeling like we are behind the curve and they. 01:24:06
I'm I'm very, very proud. 01:24:11
That they had had seen the need they recognized. They didn't just deny, deny, deny. 01:24:15
And my feeling was. 01:24:24
Great, the children are being seen and heard, but now we need to step up and we need. 01:24:27
To affect and impact the adults. 01:24:37
Because the children are not the ones. 01:24:40
Who are just coming out. 01:24:44
With the hate speech or these? 01:24:46
Stupid ideas. 01:24:50
Stupid speech, etcetera. 01:24:52
Thank you. I think that's probably a good place for us to end our study session with the idea that change does happen and it is 01:24:58
going around us and monitoring change is an important part of what we what, what our charges as well and the positive change, 01:25:04
positive change, yes and and an incredible reminder that it takes time. 01:25:11
And it takes effort and it's not always seen. 01:25:18
You know, it takes, it takes work. So I I remain hopeful and I think that our task force is a wonderful way. 01:25:21
Of having these conversations and coming up with ways to help move things forward. 01:25:29
So thank you all for being a part of. 01:25:34
And. 01:25:38
I will end our study session. Our next meeting is November 13th, 2023 at 6:00 PM And I want to thank you again to Officer 01:25:40
Anderson. Thank you to the Chief. 01:25:45
For the great support, and we adjourn the meeting at 7:27. 01:25:52
Thank you, Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Commander Anderson. 01:25:58
Andrew Anderson, I'm sorry. 01:26:03
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Via Pacific. 00:00:05
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force to Order at 6:01 PM. 00:00:08
City Clerk Dei. Coordinator Kendall is Abs. 00:00:16
Police Chief Madeleine, Police Technician Garcia and Officer Anderson are providing staff support for this meeting. 00:00:19
Thank. 00:00:27
Chief Madeleine, would you please take A roll call vote? 00:00:29
Sure. Pleasure Chair. 00:00:32
Vice Chair Mark. 00:00:38
About to be seated, I see her. 00:00:43
Just need a present from. 00:00:46
With the mic on. 00:00:51
Gotcha. OK. 00:00:56
Fry. 00:00:58
And member. 00:01:03
OK, all four are here. 00:01:06
Thank you. 00:01:09
Item number two on the agenda is the approval of the agenda. The agenda is the road map for our meeting, published online and 00:01:11
available in print at least 72 hours before each meeting. 00:01:17
So the public has notice of items being considered by the task force. 00:01:23
While the task force cannot add items to the agenda, this item approval of the agenda provides the opportunity to review the 00:01:27
agenda for any changes. 00:01:32
Tonight's agenda includes a study session and an election of secretary. I would like to bring item 8B, the election of Secretary. 00:01:37
Up to item 3 on the agenda, and that would leave the study session as item 88. 00:01:46
Seeing concurrence, I move to approve the agenda as presented. 00:01:55
Is there a second? 00:01:59
2nd. 00:02:01
Member. 00:02:05
Chief Madeleine, would you please take A roll call? 00:02:06
Absolutely, Chair Bow. 00:02:09
Member. 00:02:14
Member Freiburger. 00:02:17
And vice. 00:02:23
40. 00:02:26
Thank you. 00:02:29
Item number three on the agenda is the election of the Secretary. All city boards, committees and commissions, including the task 00:02:31
force, must elect A chairperson or Chair, vice chair and Secretary to serve a one year term at their first meeting. 00:02:38
With the resignation of former secretary Donna Stevens, the position of Task Force Secretary is unoccupied. 00:02:46
Pursuant to the City Boards, Committees, and Commissions Handbook, members of the Task Force may nominate themselves or another 00:02:54
task force member. 00:02:58
And no second is. 00:03:02
Once nominations are complete, I will close nominations, announce the nominee or knees, and call for a vote. 00:03:05
Each member of the task force will have one vote. The member voted in will work with Chief Madeleine on the October meeting 00:03:13
minutes. 00:03:16
Are there any nominations for? 00:03:21
May I address the task force as much as I would like to serve in? 00:03:27
Being the new person on board, I understand that it's part of my role to step up. I have current limitations in my life. 00:03:35
Prohibit me. They make it difficult for me. 00:03:43
Take notes and. 00:03:46
So I'd. 00:03:50
On this at this point not be nom. 00:03:52
Thank you, Member Freiburg. 00:03:57
I will nominate myself for secretary. 00:04:01
Thank you, Member. 00:04:04
Chief Madeleine, will you please take A roll call vote for the nominee of member Hoops as secretary? 00:04:07
Sure, Member Hoops. 00:04:14
A. 00:04:18
Chair. 00:04:19
Aye, Vice Chair. 00:04:20
Hi. 00:04:23
And remember FRE? 00:04:25
Hi. 00:04:27
Congratulations 40 and thank you for volunteering. 00:04:28
Thank you, Secretary. 00:04:33
Item number four is Task Force and staff announcements. City related items only. Are there any task force announcements? 00:04:36
Vice Chair Mark. 00:04:48
Umm. 00:04:51
Have a couple announcements. Did you want to go first? 00:04:52
No, OK. I wanted to recognize. 00:04:58
Today as Indigenous Peoples Day and also I wanted to speak to the fact that. 00:05:04
In our community there are quite a large number of Italian Americans and. 00:05:13
There seems to be a lot of animosity and a feeling of of canceling out. 00:05:22
Because of the indigenous, the prevalence of our are celebrating Indigenous Day and I just feel like there's so many 00:05:29
accomplishments within the Italian. 00:05:35
Community that I I really. 00:05:42
I think that we should be empowering each other and our community to remind each other. So that is something that I wanted to 00:05:46
speak to real quickly and then also I wanted to speak to the fact that. 00:05:54
We had an N double ACP press conference on recently. 00:06:03
And one of our. 00:06:09
Residents who? 00:06:14
Is a former veteran. 00:06:15
She spoke to the fact that some of her children in PG USD had a number of racial. 00:06:20
Conflicts and bias that she. 00:06:27
Or they experienced. 00:06:30
And. 00:06:36
To the people who deny that there are are any racial conflicts within our community, I just wanted to. 00:06:37
To just. 00:06:47
Point that out that that that you're still happening, and it it behooves all of us to do the work to do the research and again to 00:06:48
empower each other. 00:06:55
And that's a little bit there. Thank you. 00:07:02
Other task force comments, member hoops. 00:07:07
Um. 00:07:13
I wanted to just announce that I know November 14th is Ruby Bridges walk to school day. 00:07:14
On a related note also to what Vice Chairman Mark was was pointing out, I know that. 00:07:24
EG Middle school plans to participate, but I also know that you can go to Ruby bridges dot foundation if you have interest in 00:07:31
participating. I think as a family you can sign up. As a student you can sign up and participate in. 00:07:38
The Walk to school event. 00:07:46
Thank you. 00:07:49
I wanted to share some thoughts from my first month. 00:07:53
Ward. 00:07:58
The task force. 00:07:59
And my intent has been this month, we're aware to listen. 00:08:01
And to learn from everybody, and it's that thought in mind, I attended the school board meeting. 00:08:06
Last week, October 5th, to hear about their plans for staff training on handling racial issues as they come up that. 00:08:13
Remember, Marx had had. 00:08:24
I wanted to share that I learned a lot from the public. 00:08:28
There was open Personal sharing. 00:08:32
Of people of color of both growing up in Monterey. Pacific Grove is a minority. 00:08:36
Sorry, I'm from Monterey origin. 00:08:43
What it was like also to live here as an adult? 00:08:47
And the testimonies are very powerful personal. 00:08:51
Umm, those who were present. Many of us were moved to. 00:08:56
Hearing. 00:09:00
And the board, as a result of hearing the experiences, voted to put their training on hold. 00:09:02
To in order to engage the. 00:09:10
In looking at the issues, looking at what training, what approaches are necessary, that it is a big picture item and not just at 00:09:14
one single round of training. 00:09:20
So while they're working on it, I wonder if this is something where our task force could be. 00:09:27
Or. 00:09:36
To. 00:09:38
Thank you, member Freiburger. 00:09:42
I will also recognize that Indigenous Peoples Day is today a day to celebrate and honor Indigenous people, their heritage and 00:09:47
their homelands. We recognize the Aloni, Costanoan Esselen people. 00:09:54
Our neighbors who have inhabited the unseeded land of Pacific Grove for thousands of years. 00:10:00
Since time immemorial and who live, work and flourish. 00:10:06
I commit to listening, learning about and supporting their heritage and. 00:10:11
As someone who's lived in Pacific Grove for over 40. 00:10:17
Um. 00:10:21
I'm heartsick about the treatment of some of the children in our community. 00:10:22
For 40 years, it seems that the more things change, the more they remain the same. 40 years ago, I knew that I needed to advocate 00:10:27
for the well-being and safety of children and teens of color and our community as a mom. 00:10:34
And now, as a grandmother, because every child matters. 00:10:41
Chair. 00:10:50
May I add something? 00:10:53
I also wanted to recognize. 00:10:59
The fact that October 2nd I. 00:11:04
Recognize the legacy of the Rehabilitation and Disabilities Act. 00:11:07
Quote from. 00:11:14
Some are Blair and disabilities. 00:11:17
Advocates. 00:11:22
I'm reading this because I thought it was particularly meaningful that our laws and policies must reflect that our disabled lives 00:11:22
are not of lesser value. And again, this is this is my theme tonight, community empowerment, and I hope that we can continue. 00:11:32
To empower each other. 00:11:43
And so on and so on. 00:11:45
And the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, and programs conducted by federal agencies 00:11:49
and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prevents discrimination against disabled people on everything from employment to 00:11:55
parking to voting. 00:12:02
These laws are a source of opportunity, meaningful inclusion, participation, respect. 00:12:09
And belonging. 00:12:17
Thank you, Vice Chairman. 00:12:23
There any staff announcements? 00:12:26
Welcome. Thank you. 00:12:30
Item number 5 is Council liaison announcements. Are there any Council liaison announcements? 00:12:33
Yes, a couple of quick items. I first wanted to welcome this member of Freiburger to the Commission. Thank you for taking the time 00:12:39
to review and listen to what the community is saying and bringing it to the table. That's much needed, so I appreciate that. I'd 00:12:46
also like to wish all of you a Happy Indigenous Peoples Day today. 00:12:53
And I want to take a moment to recognize the diverse and vibrant culture and traditions. 00:13:00
The The modern Indigenous communities bring to the table. 00:13:06
So I really appreciate that. Thank you all. 00:13:10
Thank you, Council liaison. 00:13:15
Item number six is general public comment. This is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on any item. 00:13:19
Including the study session this evening that is within the jurisdiction of the City and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task 00:13:26
Force. The task force often receives comments via e-mail between meetings. I want to acknowledge the comments and community 00:13:31
interest. 00:13:36
Task Force members are not able to engage in dialogue via. 00:13:42
Comments from the public will be limited to 3 minutes and will be received without comment from the task force while public 00:13:47
comment is open. 00:13:51
When public comment is closed. 00:13:55
Items may be referred to staff for a brief response or follow. 00:13:57
Comments and statements should be addressed to the task force and not the audience. 00:14:02
Public comment is encouraged if it is not disruptive to the meeting. The definition of disruptive conduct that actually disrupts, 00:14:07
disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting is found in Government Code Section 54957.95 and also 00:14:15
in the City Council Policy 000-17. 00:14:22
Pursuant to the policy as Chair, if disruptive conduct needs to be addressed, I will warn the individual that their behaviour is 00:14:30
disrupting the meeting and that their failure to cease their behaviour may result in their removal. 00:14:37
If the disruption continues, I may confer with city staff, including the City Attorney, caused the removal of the individual if 00:14:44
they do not promptly cease their disruptive behavior or call a recess. 00:14:49
Comments may be made in person or remotely using zoom or by phone. Speakers must adhere to the time limits, using the time keeping 00:14:56
lights as a guide. Red means that your 3 minutes has ended. 00:15:02
If an in person please come up to the podium. If joining the meeting by phone, please press star 9 to raise your hand to speak. 00:15:08
And Star 6 to unmute your phone. I will now open general public comments to members of the public present in person first. 00:15:16
And then? 00:15:25
Officer Anderson, Are you ready? 00:15:28
Welcome. 00:15:42
Can you turn that mic on Commander Anderson, please? 00:15:48
Right on the screen. 00:15:50
And in general that during general public comment we could also comment about. 00:15:54
The study session is there. 00:15:58
Public comment for the study session, That item on the agenda. 00:16:01
With a study session, their public comment is taken beforehand. 00:16:05
Even though it's a separate agenda item there. 00:16:10
Public comment on that. Thank you. 00:16:13
And. 00:16:16
So just a couple general comments. 00:16:21
First, remember, Mark was at the EDC meeting last week and I appreciate it anytime and thank you for your comments. Anytime people 00:16:25
come and show up, it's a big deal and I wish more people would. 00:16:31
Member Feiberger was at the school board meeting, which she already mentioned. I was there was 3 1/2 hours long. It was extremely 00:16:38
interesting emotional. 00:16:41
Time. The head of the N AA CP was there, and then Fred Jealous were both there. Mr. Jealous were there. Derrick Williams was 00:16:46
there. Mel Mason was there for the meeting. 00:16:51
And it was a long meeting, one of the one of the issues that the meeting had to do with how do we handle these incidences that 00:16:57
come up a few years ago? This book was distributed at the school. 00:17:03
By the district. It's called The Book of Joy. Interviews with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Of course you know who those folks 00:17:10
are. 00:17:13
I got this at that time. I've had it for about a year. I didn't bring it just for this particular meeting and, you know, 00:17:18
discussion with the Archbishop. 00:17:22
Mr. Tutu, they asked him some questions about what's life and member. 00:17:26
Mentioned here, which I'm glad she did, about working together, being more collaborative as a community, and they asked Archbishop 00:17:31
that exact same question, he said, Why would you do that, he? 00:17:37
It is our ultimately our greatest joy that we seek to do good for others. 00:17:42
He said. It is how we are made. I mean, it's how we're wired. That is to be compassionate. 00:17:49
And so the school board meeting was pretty interesting because they were talking about a contract and that's pretty much what they 00:17:55
delayed. 00:17:59
And the contract was going to establish a reporting system. 00:18:03
And I had big problems with that because it's an anonymous system where one child could turn in, another child, the child could 00:18:07
turn in a teacher. I have experience with these programs. They don't work very well. And the language that was used was perps or 00:18:13
perpetrators, children being perpetrators, children being victims. 00:18:18
And there was number mention or discussion of the children or the students being involved in the design of the program. 00:18:24
Which is a enormous mistake. If you leave the kids out, these kids are pretty perceptive. They're kids. They're teenagers. They 00:18:31
say stupid things, they say bad things. But why would we ruin their life by making them a perpetrator, a criminal in the process? 00:18:38
Right, Such a system is a. 00:18:45
System it divides. 00:18:48
People. 00:18:50
It indicts people and it's not really what we want. I've been there and I've done that and all I do is encourage you to, since I 00:18:51
don't have a second comment, I actually had words for that, which I'll reserve for later. 00:18:56
The purpose of life is to live with joy, to live with graciousness, to live with compassion. And I didn't see that. I saw a lot of 00:19:03
compassion and emotion, but I didn't see anybody talking about designing a system for our kids, all kids. 00:19:09
That had joined a passion. Let them contribute to it. So that's what I took away from the meeting. I hope you learned from that. 00:19:16
And. 00:19:23
I'm just. 00:19:26
I'm just going to say. 00:19:27
Evening. 00:19:39
My name is Carol Marquardt and. 00:19:41
I have attended every single one of your DEI meetings since February. 00:19:44
And. 00:19:50
People come and go, yeah, I think you've had four resignations, but some of you people are still here. 00:19:52
And but I get really frustrated with. 00:20:00
Some of the things that come up and they never there's no action on them. So since February. 00:20:06
There is hiring a consultant for three. 00:20:12
356,200 and 5600 and $0.50 so where are we with that? 00:20:15
The meeting I attended in February, there was a talk about tiles for the Walk of Remembrance. Never heard anything more about 00:20:24
that. Who's going to pay for those? 00:20:28
The DEI calendar was talked about several months ago. 00:20:35
And I have some notes. 00:20:40
What was going to be on the DEI calendar? There's going to be, of course, a Pride Day, a Woman's History Day. I'm listening and 00:20:43
Murdered Indigenous Person Day. 00:20:48
A zero to. 00:20:55
For Genital Mutilation Day, a Transgender Day. 00:20:57
International Day Against Homophobia and Biphobia, a hot Hijab Day, a World Menopause Day and Asexual Awareness Day, and a pronoun 00:21:03
Celebration Day. All that came up. 00:21:10
Plus, I had a list of many, maybe 25 other days, but whatever happened to that DEI calendar? 00:21:17
And then I also asked for a list of your most marginalized people. 00:21:27
Because I have a list of 25 people. 00:21:32
A. 00:21:36
Separate groups. 00:21:39
Nothing has come up about that either. 00:21:42
I did attend that until N AA CP press conference. 00:21:45
I did ask somebody. 00:21:51
If the purpose of. 00:21:54
Was to file a lawsuit against the school district. I didn't get a straight answer, but I did have that question and somebody 00:21:56
called me a Karen and I thought, what is a? 00:22:03
And I had to go ask somebody, What is it, Karen? 00:22:09
And I guess a. 00:22:12
Is a white. 00:22:14
Woman who's a racist, so to say that Racism. 00:22:16
Just. 00:22:22
One thing, my daughter who is brown skinned, she's racially mixed. She I asked her did you ever experience prejudice when you 00:22:23
wrote Robert down? She said sure. She said a lot of kids are ignorant, they say stupid things and she graduated BG High and she's 00:22:30
a very successful person right now, so thank you. 00:22:37
Thank you. 00:22:47
Thank you. Good evening. 00:23:00
My name is Colleen Ingram, I'm a resident of Pacific Grove and I have a. 00:23:03
An article from the Guardian I'm going to be reading from. 00:23:08
The Harvard professor Claudia Golden has become the third woman to win the Nobel economics Prize in recognition for her 00:23:13
groundbreaking work examining wage inequality between men and women. 00:23:18
Golden's win we celebrate, but her findings we cannot celebrate. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said on Monday that 00:23:25
Golden's research provided the first comprehensive account of women's earnings and labor market participation through the 00:23:31
centuries. 00:23:36
To reveal causes of change as well as the main causes. 00:23:42
The remaining gender gap? 00:23:46
Golden has charted the work, life and incomes of women to show that industrial revolution. 00:23:49
Caused a huge fall in The Independent. 00:23:54
Compared with men before the recovery at the turn of the century that was accelerated by changing attitudes after the Second World 00:23:57
War. 00:24:01
The contraceptive pill allowed women to make further. 00:24:06
The child rearing has proved a permanent block. 00:24:10
On the progress towards wage equality. 00:24:14
Dating back to the 1980s, her research reveals the cause of change as well as the main sources of the remaining gender gap. 00:24:17
The prize giving body said in a statement. 00:24:25
Golden's, 1990. 00:24:28
Understanding the. 00:24:30
An Economic History of. 00:24:32
Was an influential examination of how wage inequality developed over the last 250 years. 00:24:35
And the defining difference in the modern era was among couples when they had their first child. 00:24:41
The important point is that both leaves, she said in the Social Sciences Bites blog last year. 00:24:47
Men forego their family and women often forgo their career. 00:24:54
The bulk of the earnings difference between men and women in the same occupation arises largely when they have children. 00:24:59
She. 00:25:07
Claudia Goldman's Golden's discoveries have vast societal implications, said the member of the economic prize committee. 00:25:10
And by finally understanding the problem and calling it by the right name, we'll be able to pave a better route forward. 00:25:18
No one else in person. Officer Anderson, Are there people who'd like to make public comments online or over the phone? 00:25:36
Yes. 00:25:43
All right, Lisa. Chianny, you have the floor. 00:25:45
Thank you. I'd like to express my appreciation for all four of you members of the DEI task force and and I hope someday there will 00:25:50
be 7 of you. But but I. 00:25:56
Greatly appreciate the work that you're doing. 00:26:03
And I appreciate member Mark and Chair Bowie's recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. 00:26:07
This day. 00:26:16
Recognizing this day in Pacific Grove was the first act of the DEI at your at your first. 00:26:19
First public. 00:26:28
And. 00:26:31
I think that's a very fine thing. 00:26:33
I. 00:26:36
I uh. 00:26:37
Appreciate also that member, Mark. 00:26:38
Expressed. 00:26:42
How hard it is for Italian Americans who've had this day in recognition of one of their. 00:26:44
Ancestors. 00:26:52
And and it's just a very, very unfortunate thing. 00:26:56
To have. 00:27:01
Competition, almost, but to think back on. 00:27:03
Horrific treatment that the Native Americans, the indigenous people. 00:27:08
Experienced at the hands. 00:27:15
Not just Italian Americans. 00:27:18
But all the the new, the new settlers, or certainly the powerful majority and. 00:27:21
OK. I'm losing my oh, and so I wanted to be sure that you're aware that there was a presentation to the Planning Commission of the 00:27:35
cities. 00:27:41
I'll get it. They changed the name Archaeological Resource Review and Tribal Monitoring Protocol prepared by a consultant. It was 00:27:48
delayed for two years by the Public Works Department. 00:27:56
Because I gather they're not happy with the respect that. 00:28:06
Is asking for for the city to show to the descendants. 00:28:14
Of the indigenous people who? 00:28:21
Who are buried here? Their ancestors are here and they want to protect them by monitoring development projects. 00:28:24
The. 00:28:34
It was presented and it will be discussed by Planning Commission. 00:28:36
Possibly on October 19th. And if you haven't seen it, I plan to send it to you and I hope you will listen to the discussion and 00:28:40
and think on whether this. 00:28:46
The way it should have this protocol. 00:28:54
Thank you. 00:28:58
Inga, Lawrence and Dahmer you have. 00:29:02
Thank you, Jim. 00:29:05
I wonder if all of you know this is in line of Indigenous Peoples Day, that the Hokulea is here at the Fisherman's Wharf, tied up 00:29:08
from the Polynesian voyagers that are on a 43,000 nautical journey all around the Pacific. 00:29:16
Reconnecting with ancestors and indigenous peoples. 00:29:25
Which there's a very definite protocol that goes with all of this of asking permission to land. 00:29:31
Doing the the chance and the ceremony, certainly. 00:29:41
Tribal leaders welcome them here when they came in, and Pacific Grove Museum, there was an absolutely wonderful talk story 00:29:47
connection with at least eight of the crew members on Friday night, which I was blessed to attend. 00:29:55
It was just absolutely gorgeous. 00:30:04
You reconnect and. 00:30:08
They have been from Alaska on down. I've been following them because I'm a sea person. 00:30:11
I could also say, as a Norwegian, Happy Leaf Ericsson day, but. 00:30:17
This is a wonderful indigenous connection. They first Pacific voyagers, they they brought 7 vodkas here in 2011 and landed on the 00:30:23
beach Del Monte beach and I was there to greet them. You bet. And I got to sail on the Hina Moana. 00:30:31
One of the vodkas that would had an absolutely international crew of, you know, there was Magnus from Sweden and Duncan from 00:30:42
Ataroa. 00:30:47
And. 00:30:52
Just. 00:30:55
This is such a wonderful connection and they're still here. They are doing, obviously they do a lot of Marine. 00:30:56
They have a scientist on board too and they but they have been going all down the coast and they will be and they will be going 00:31:06
back. But this is a voyage of connection. 00:31:12
Of love connect. 00:31:18
Ancestors because, as they say, in order to know where you're going, you must know from where you came. 00:31:22
And by the way. 00:31:29
Navigators that they are training and that they have been for these last. 00:31:31
18 years or. 00:31:36
With the star compass, which is different, they do by currents houses. 00:31:40
It. 00:31:47
It is not anything like but this is how their ancestors and they rediscovered it and have brought it back and our training. 00:31:48
These navigators, they're young, from all the islands, from the Cook Islands and the and Samoa and and anyway it is just so 00:31:58
wonderful. Go down and see the ship. 00:32:04
Thank you. 00:32:12
Alexis, Robert, you have the floor. 00:32:14
Hi. Can you guys hear me? 00:32:19
Yes. Yeah. OK. Great. Thanks. 00:32:23
Hi, I'm making a comment in support of the concerns that were raised by Valerie Anthony and during the PGSD meeting and made some 00:32:27
of these comments then, but I've kind of updated them. First of all, I miss Valerie and her boys. She was a great contributor to 00:32:33
Robert Down and we bonded over having three kids at the same time, each at Robert Down. The harm and discomfort her kids felt was 00:32:39
real. I'm heartened that the district is going to seek input on training, but I hope that this won't slow down addressing the 00:32:46
underlying issues. 00:32:52
Which is that kids in our district are experiencing harm based on the color of their skin. 00:32:59
I feel like when people raise these concerns about racism, the city and the school spend a lot of energy defending their comments 00:33:08
or actions is not racist, rather than engaging in what are uncomfortable conversations that would things that we need to have 00:33:14
about acknowledging the harm that our comments and actions might have, even if in some cases they weren't intentional. 00:33:21
Umm. 00:33:29
And when we start defending the schools as non racist or saying that our kids are just making students stupid comments, I think we 00:33:30
missed the point, which is that children around us are feeling harm just for being who they are. 00:33:37
And Mr. Gibbs, I appreciate your comments, but you know, my kids are white. They are very capable of making stupid statements. 00:33:45
They've heard some pretty harmful statements and have done their best to question them. 00:33:50
But we don't give our kids a free pass. 00:33:56
I just wanted to say I really support the work that you as a DI committee are doing to contract with a diversity consultant. I 00:34:35
will do my best to participate in some of those trainings and I'm hopefully some of those uncomfortable conversations. So I just 00:34:41
wanted to thank you for your guys''s work and and support you. Thanks. 00:34:47
Thank you. I'm sorry, Chief, just a reminder, comments should be addressed to the task force and not the audience. Thank you. 00:34:56
That's all right, Chair. Thank you for that. Maury Adams or Mary Adams, you have the floor. 00:35:06
Thank you. I wanted to share that my Italian grandfather, Giovanni Filipini, immigrated to the USA in 1892. He was processed 00:35:13
through Ellis Island. The discrimination he experienced in New York City caused him to continue his journey to Mazatlán, Mexico, 00:35:21
where he established a successful missionary construction company and married Nicolasa Moralia, an indigenous woman. I am proud of 00:35:29
my Italian heritage and I do not claim or celebrate Christopher Columbus. 00:35:36
A despotic, murderous and mercenary colonizer who never set foot in American soil, by the way. 00:35:44
Regarding the N Double ACP press conference. 00:35:50
To say Carol Marquardt misrepresented her interaction with Valerie Anthony is a understatement I witnessed and recorded. 00:35:55
The interaction. 00:36:04
Miss Anthony did not call Miss Marquardt a Karen, and Miss Marquardt seemed completely aware of what that was. 00:36:05
She knew where the Karen was because she falsely accused Miss Anthony of calling her that. 00:36:14
I am emailing a copy of that video. 00:36:21
Miss Adams, if you could confine your remarks to the task force. 00:36:25
Please. Thank you. 00:36:29
I will be sending a video. Thank you so much. 00:36:31
I don't see any other hands raised chair. 00:36:40
Thank you, Chief. 00:36:44
We'll now close. 00:36:46
Item number seven is the consent agenda. This deals with routine and non controversial matters and there are no consent agenda 00:36:49
items today. 00:36:53
Item 8A on the regular agenda is a study session on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. 00:36:58
Powers and duties related to the city of Pacific Gro. 00:37:06
There will be a PowerPoint and then Task Force discussion. No public comment or action will be taken on items discussed tonight, 00:37:10
but they may be brought back for future Task Force action and public comment. 00:37:17
And especially for those who have joined us for all of our task force meetings, you may wonder why we're going through our 00:37:24
purpose, powers, and duties again. 00:37:29
We are. We have had two resignations of task force members and we have had a new task force member seated and we currently have a 00:37:35
vacancy and we're hoping there will be another task force member seated. But every time there is a change in the membership of the 00:37:43
task force, in effect it becomes a new task force. And it is important for us as a task force to be able to work together to 00:37:51
relook at our purpose and powers and duties in basically the ordinance that set us up by the City Council. 00:37:59
And then have a chance to talk about some of the parts of those purpose, specifically some of the terminology that we're using and 00:38:07
get on the same page with it and have a chance to really think about. 00:38:13
Our purpose, powers and duties as set forth by the City Council. And then what is our role in some of these areas? So that's what 00:38:19
this task force will take you through. Task force, A PowerPoint will take you through today. 00:38:25
We also have agreements that we've set up as a previous task force. We also have a work plan and there are items that are being 00:38:32
worked on. Now. There's been a little slow down because of the loss of our two task force members have meant that the work that is 00:38:39
done in subcommittees has been left to one person or left in sort of a midway state. And again, hoping that as we get new task 00:38:46
force members on, we'll be able to reconstitute those subcommittees. 00:38:53
Our work is done. 00:39:42
It has now been moved on to another part of the city or to the City Council. So as we go through some of these things, please stop 00:39:43
anytime, ask questions or comments and then we'll have the opportunity for some discussion afterwards. 00:39:50
So thank you. Thank you, Chief. So that's what we're doing today, our study session. Next slide please. 00:39:58
Our purpose? This is set forth in the ordinance and first of all it is said that the citizens of Pacific Grove desired to improve 00:40:06
the city's social environment to better meet the needs of residents and visitors alike. 00:40:13
And I've underlined some things and bolded something. So you'll notice sort of that first of all, we are tasked with our purpose 00:40:20
is city policies, programs and practices should be examined through a community lens. And our purpose is not just to examine them 00:40:27
through a community lens, but actually to promote. 00:40:33
Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and healing. 00:40:40
So that is our first purpose and city policies, programs and practices have to do with the work of the city. 00:40:46
Our second purpose is to promote the participation of underrepresented communities, including but not limited to people of color, 00:40:54
LBGTQ. 00:41:00
People with disabilities, immigrants, et cetera. 00:41:06
So we are charged. 00:41:10
Identifying these underrepresented communities and promoting, again, this is a very active thing, promoting their participation. 00:41:13
So one question might be promoting their participation in what? 00:41:19
You know, in local government. 00:41:24
In activities of the city, in the community, So that's left a little bit open-ended. I think that's an interesting thing. 00:41:28
But we're not just promoting participating, meaning getting people involved. We're also monitoring change. 00:41:34
And that means that we're looking at our city, we're looking at our community, what change is occurring to diversity, equity, 00:41:40
inclusion and racial justice. 00:41:46
Within the city. So monitoring change, that's also an interesting role for a task force to have. And finally, providing feedback, 00:41:52
guidance, strategies and recommendations to increase community engagement by underrepresented groups. And we know some of the 00:41:59
underrepresented groups from the previous bullet point. See you. But. 00:42:07
That we we've heard from actually our public and I'll get into that in a minute, that there are other groups and there are others 00:42:15
who need to be included and underrepresented with the underrepresented groups and Community Sub. 00:42:21
One of the things we looked at, and that was with former secretary Stevens and myself, what does it mean to be represented? 00:42:28
And in a city like ours, we elect our representatives. 00:42:36
We elect our City Council members. They are the representatives of our citizens. 00:42:39
There are other organizations that also elect representatives, and the School board is another one where school board members who 00:42:45
govern the school are elected by members of the public. 00:42:51
So. 00:42:57
Another way of looking at representation can also be looking at the workforce in Pacific Grove. 00:42:59
Who is represented in the workforce? Who in the underrepresented groups are represented in the workforce. Other organizations like 00:43:05
the school district could look at teachers, teachers, aides, and so on. Again, we're sort of focused on the city, so we're really 00:43:11
looking at that. But those are two ways of looking at representation. So underrepresented groups, you have to look at who is 00:43:17
represented among the elected officials and among the workforce, for example. 00:43:24
Thank you. Next slide. 00:43:31
Our powers and duties, we act in an advisory capacity to the council and city manager, so that's very clear. We were established 00:43:35
to advise the council and the city manager on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and racial justice as related to the City 00:43:43
of Pacific Grove. And there's an interesting thing with that word city. It's a small C. 00:43:51
A lot of times in government work, you see a capital C and you think that means the city organization, that's the employees of the 00:44:00
city. But this is a small C. 00:44:04
Which would seem to say the entire city. 00:44:09
Of Pacific. 00:44:12
So we act in an advisory capacity to the council and city manager. But we don't just advise. We recommend to the council adoption 00:44:14
of such laws, rules, regulations, programs and practices on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice and 00:44:20
healing. 00:44:26
That relate to the city of Pacific Grove. 00:44:33
Yes, member Freib. 00:44:37
Don't know if you want questions. 00:44:40
So I am wondering if we're acting in an advisory capacity to the council and we have a representative there that works with us and 00:44:43
the city manager, what process is in place for that? Are there regular meetings? Are there briefings that we provide, What's what, 00:44:50
what are the mechanics that exist? 00:44:57
For. 00:45:04
Provide advisory input. 00:45:05
Great question. Thank you. We do have a council liaison and that's Councilmember Padori. And Councilmember Padori attends just 00:45:09
about every meeting and is so keep sort of abreast of the meeting when we have something to advise the council or the city manager 00:45:17
about. We don't do it as individuals, we do it as a task force and we do it with public input. 00:45:25
So an item will be on our. 00:45:33
And then we'll have a discussion. Often it comes with a recommendation. If it's an action item, then we will actually take a vote. 00:45:36
And a good example is the apology to the Chinese community that the last task force did. The work was done in a subcommittee. We 00:45:43
heard from members of the public how important this was, that something needed to be done. 00:45:50
Then we had a subcommittee look at it and say That was Vice Chair Bark and myself look at it and say. 00:45:56
OK. How does this pertain to the task force? Is this something that we can do? Is this something that we feel we're hearing from 00:46:03
the community and we can take it on and do it? 00:46:07
Did a lot of work with, researching, with reaching out to members of the community affinity groups. We came up with a 00:46:12
recommendation that yes, the council should. 00:46:17
And so it was provided to the entire council and then the council took action. So that's one way of doing it. 00:46:54
All right. Thank you for that. Sure. 00:47:01
So we recommend to the City Council and then the third one is perform other duties the council may request and a good example of 00:47:05
that is the City Council has a value statements for things that sort of are lodestars for their work that really guide the work 00:47:11
their work they do for the city and the community. 00:47:17
One, there's one value station about value statement about inclusivity. 00:47:25
But they're not any about diversity or equity. And so we, the last task force had that discussion and we recommended. 00:47:29
To the City Council that as a part of a series of recommendations, I think it was that there also. 00:47:37
Statements about diversity and equity and the City Council basically turned it back to us and said. 00:47:44
Please draft these statements. And so that is one of the items on our work plan that was begun but has not really been able to be 00:47:49
continued because of the smaller number of our task force members. 00:47:54
We take in and do the things that the Council asks us to do, but then we also listen to our community. 00:48:33
And we have a chance to have those discussions. 00:48:39
Is that does that belong to us? 00:48:41
Next slide please. 00:48:45
And please do stop anytime with questions or discussion. So then the second part of that, that statement by the council is as 00:48:50
related to the City of Pacific Grove. And again, this is the work that's being done by 1 subcommittee that's gotten a little slow, 00:48:57
but so who who is in the city of Pacific Grove? I look to the US Census and I looked for the groups that were specifically 00:49:05
mentioned in underrepresented groups either by the council in the ordinance or by our community, so. 00:49:13
We're population as of 2022 of about 14,791. 00:49:21
You look at the racial and ethnicity. 00:49:26
White alone. 00:49:30
Close to 81% Asian alone 7% and I'm rounding up a rounding down black alone 0.7% American Indian and Alaskan native alone 0.5% 00:49:32
zero percent Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. 00:49:40
I look at that. 00:49:50
That is something that I've heard about Pacific Grove, that people clearly see that dynamic, but we also know and again this is 00:49:53
work that the task force has done. 00:49:58
The founding of Pacific Grove. 00:50:03
Whether you could buy a house or rent a house in Pacific Grove was based on your. 00:50:06
And there were racial covenants that prohibited people of black people, Asian people, people of Middle Eastern descent from buying 00:50:11
or renting a house. 00:50:15
And. 00:50:21
Can last for generations. 00:50:22
And I think that is 1 reflection of what we're seeing. There's also the, the census asked questions about race and ethnicity in a 00:50:25
couple of different ways. So if you look at white alone that are not Hispanic or Latino, that number is 75.5%. Hispanic or Latino 00:50:32
is 11.4%. And people who identified on the census as two or more races are 7.7%. So that's the slight overlay to the previous 00:50:39
figures. 00:50:46
OK, so then immigrants is listed under underrepresented foreign born persons are 11.4% of our population and language other than 00:50:56
English spoken at home ages 5 and up is 16.2%. 00:51:04
I've looked at the school district FIG demographic figures, and they're actually different and a little bit higher than these. One 00:51:13
of the things that I know, and I know that member Freiburger knows as well, Pacific Grove for a long time has been a bedroom 00:51:18
community for DLI instructors. 00:51:23
For a military people and very often that's a population that's very fluid. They're moving in, they're out as the languages are 00:51:29
changing. But I think that that speaks to this percentage in our community. I know that we also want to make sure that we're 00:51:35
addressing people with disabilities as part of our underrepresented population. So that figure, these figures are a little bit 00:51:41
different. They're not from fully from the last census, they're sort of a blending of several smaller census samplings that were 00:51:47
taken. 00:51:53
But persons with a disability under the age of 65, seven point 2%. I could not find one for over the age of 65. So this is, and 00:51:59
again, you're seeing now what I've found just in a quick census. Look, female persons 54.6% from the 2022 census. There are no 00:52:06
figures having to do with gender identity and sexual orientation. Those questions only began to be given as part of the census in 00:52:13
July 2021. 00:52:20
That's an area of self identification and that's also an area of peril for people often to feel that they can self identify that 00:52:27
way. So the census is usually not the best place to look for that specific information. 00:52:34
Also the ages of people in our community 23.3% of our community is under 18 years old. 00:52:42
26.4% is 65 and. 00:52:52
So we have the. 00:52:56
And. 00:52:58
In very similar. 00:53:00
And of course the middle is the 50.3% and then finally persons in poverty 5.6%. That's something that we've definitely heard from 00:53:02
our public that we need to look at lower income people or people that may have a home, but they don't necessarily have the means 00:53:09
once they are in that home. 00:53:15
So again, different ways of looking at our. 00:53:22
Next slide. 00:53:27
Also then, as I'd referred to before, here's what we heard from our public through public comments online, in person, in e-mail. 00:53:32
What are the things that the? 00:53:42
Has told us that they're interested in or they have strong feelings about the treatment of Chinese settlers, the feast of 00:53:44
lanterns, racial covenants, current and historic racial incidents. 00:53:50
The treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth and people. The treatment of the disabled. The 00:53:56
treatment of the elderly. The treatment of low income. 00:54:01
We've been asked to do recognition of cultural groups, affinity groups, recognition of observances, recognitions of commemorations 00:54:07
of some former military contingent that was here, for example. We've been asked, and this was early on, but I think we're still 00:54:14
being asked resources on racism. People want people. We heard from people that they wanted to learn, they wanted to know what does 00:54:20
it mean, What is going on? How can I help? 00:54:26
How can I have difficult conversations with people who don't feel the same way I do? 00:54:33
Over and over again we heard about we needing education on diversity, equity and inclusion and then as we've heard at all of these 00:54:39
meetings, people questioning the need for diversity, equity, inclusion, the value of it in Pacific Grove. 00:54:46
And also people. 00:54:53
The diversity, equity, inclusion, the need for it and the value of it in Pacific Grove. 00:54:55
And again, feel free to stop comments or questions. 00:55:02
Secretary Hoops, thank you. 00:55:08
When when gathering kind. 00:55:13
Community Desires talked about on the last slide. 00:55:19
Where do we? Because like you said, we get, you know, feedback, we get requests from. 00:55:23
The public we get comments from the public all the time. And so when you made this list or when this list was made? 00:55:29
Was it a reflection of the most? 00:55:37
Kinds of comments that we were seeing come in. 00:55:40
I guess I'm having a hard time formulating this question, but how do we decide where to put weight? 00:55:44
And when, when? 00:55:51
People ask, obviously asking for representation in all different ways. 00:55:54
That is a really good question. 00:56:00
I think well and perhaps Vice Chairman can help me with sort of our first couple of months we were hearing from a lot of people 00:56:04
around the same topics and I think the chair. So one of the things that about the task force, about about actually city boards and 00:56:11
commissions is the chair really leads the agenda. The chair makes the decision what goes on the agenda. The chair members of the 00:56:19
task force can always ask to have something put on. Members of the public can ask to have something put on. 00:56:26
But in in deciding. 00:56:34
Goes on an agenda as the chair looking at again our task force purpose, so to have something go on the agenda about a business in 00:56:37
another. 00:56:42
Town in Monterey County would not be appropriate to have something that has to do with the citizens with the community. 00:56:47
And is it something that falls within? 00:56:55
Powers and duties that to advise the council or to advise the city manager, so those are those are some of the ways but I think 00:56:59
each chair sort of looks at it differently and with the concurrence of task force members when things are put on the agenda then 00:57:04
to to discuss it. 00:57:10
I think Mr. 00:57:17
Chair. I'm the vice chair. 00:57:20
I think also anecdotally. 00:57:23
Well, while there was. 00:57:27
Quite a vocal minority that raised the same issues repeatedly. 00:57:31
For a while there, those issues were also mirrored online with with community. 00:57:38
Community Facebook Groups. 00:57:46
And then with some of our community publications. 00:57:49
And then they they kind of grew from there. I. 00:57:54
And there's a little bit more balanced conversation out in the community. 00:57:59
Um. 00:58:05
As as we age as. 00:58:06
Yeah, as an. 00:58:09
And I guess the other way to look at it is I always try to go back to our purpose and our powers and duties. 00:58:13
So for example, we have a recreation committee, Commission board that their responsibility are the recreational needs of everyone 00:58:21
in the City of Pacific Grove, including children. 00:58:27
We have a lot Public Library and their responsibility, our reading needs and literacy needs of everyone in the community, 00:58:33
including children. 00:58:37
Our purpose is promoting underrepresented. 00:58:42
Yeah, encouraging participation and looking at diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and healing. 00:58:47
That's a narrower. 00:58:55
But it applies to everyone and it applies to adults and it applies to children. 00:58:57
That's our job, that's what we were given as our job. So I think it's it's not a perfect. 00:59:03
Science and it's looking at all of these pieces to see what is our role. 00:59:10
How can we achieve our purpose? 00:59:17
Thank you. 00:59:20
We've also, again because of comments that were made by members of the public early on, I I just remember some specifically real 00:59:25
concerns that even talking about racism would be bad for business in Pacific Grove. 00:59:31
And so one of the things that we talked about, it came up in a task force study session perhaps or something was the idea of 00:59:39
hearing from the actual businesses in Pacific Grove, hearing from different groups and organizations in our community that serve 00:59:45
our community. And so we began having a community presentation at every meeting. 00:59:51
Convention and Visitors Bureau that really manages tourism, but with a focus on Pacific Grove Sea Monterey. 01:00:27
Please let us know how we can do things better, how we can make things happen and a couple things that really stood out for me 01:01:05
from those. Yes. So this is sort of my what top ones one was hearing the business community after the concern. 01:01:12
About having the pride flag taken down and removed, stolen and was wanting to have a campaign. All are welcome where decals would 01:01:19
be put up in businesses to make sure everyone knew that everyone was welcome. 01:01:26
From the sea Monterey folks, their focus on team Together, everyone achieves more. 01:01:34
And they really saw that as an important reason for having diversity and equity in their work. And then the Police Department 01:01:39
saying the importance of the three legged stool, that was accreditation and training, but Wellness, the Wellness of each person 01:01:46
and dealing with that. So those were things that sort of popped for me around the community presentations. 01:01:53
Next please. 01:02:02
And then we get into the actual words. So just any thoughts that you have about really? 01:02:05
When I think it would be important for all of us if we're saying diversity, that we all feel that we're talking about the same 01:02:12
thing. And so I think the vice chair has seen this several times. 01:02:17
But really, diversity is the ways which everyone is different. And there are so many ways that people are different, but that 01:02:23
those differences are recognized, respected and appreciated in every person and every group is part of the diversity to be valued. 01:02:30
So if we value diversity, what do we? 01:02:38
What do our residents and visitors? 01:02:40
And then what is the role of the task force? 01:02:44
And as we go through these these words, the please think about those three questions because those are so inclusion. It's 01:02:49
authentically bringing people who've been traditionally excluded or groups into processes, activities and decision policy making 01:02:56
in a way that shares power. It is authentic and empowered participation and a true feeling of belonging. It's more than just 01:03:02
allowing people to participate or join. 01:03:08
And again if we value inclusion. 01:03:15
What do we? 01:03:18
What do our residents and visitors experience and what is the role of the task? 01:03:19
Next slide, equity. Equity is an interesting one and it's come up before. Well, what's the difference between equity and equality? 01:03:25
Equity is about recognizing we don't all start from the same place. 01:03:33
And then allocating resources and opportunities to create equal outcomes. It's a just and fair inclusion into society. 01:03:38
And we want everyone to participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. 01:03:47
Equality means providing the same to all. 01:03:53
Equality is. 01:03:56
Equality works, but it works if everyone starts from the same place and needs the same things. 01:03:57
And equal justice under the law is one example of. 01:04:04
Justice must be equal. 01:04:08
So again, if we value equity, what do we believe? 01:04:10
What do our residents and visitors experience and what is the role of the task force next Slide. 01:04:13
The last two phrases or words are, I don't know, as a task force. We have gotten into them very much. 01:04:22
So racial justice? 01:04:30
And 1st I want to start by saying it's always important for me to say race is categorizing human beings on observable physical 01:04:32
features through socially constructed systems. There is no scientific basis. 01:04:39
For racial categories, thank you for pointing that out. 01:04:46
So what is racial justice? It is systemic, fair treatment of people of all races. 01:04:51
And what results if there is systemic fair treatment of people of all races, equitable opportunities and outcomes for everyone? So 01:04:57
what does that mean? 01:05:02
Every person is able to achieve their full potential in life. 01:05:07
Irregardless of their race, their ethnicity, the community in which they. 01:05:11
So if we value racial justice, what do we believe? 01:05:16
What do our residents and visitors experience and what is the role of the task force? 01:05:20
Next. 01:05:26
And finally, healing. Healing is in our. 01:05:28
Healing came up as a part of our recommendation, the first task force. This recommendation to the council around the Feast of 01:05:33
Lanterns boards design choice to dissolve the Feast of Lanterns and end the board, the nonprofit and end the festival. 01:05:41
One of our recommendations to the Council was that there needed to be community healing around the topic of the Feast of Lanterns. 01:05:52
But we as a task force set up to advise the City Council and the city manager, were not. 01:06:02
The appropriate group we felt to take this on and that there were other groups in the community, National Coalition Building 01:06:08
Institute, other other groups that could help facilitate that but. 01:06:14
That that was something that we just. 01:06:21
It was not possible for us to do and when you look at the definition of healing, it's to make well again to mend the process in 01:06:24
which a bad or painful situation ends. 01:06:29
Or impro? 01:06:34
It's an intensely personal, subjective experience, and it's a continuing process leading to wholeness. 01:06:36
And Wellness. 01:06:44
So why is healing? 01:06:45
There are types of pain. 01:06:49
And trauma, with personally experiencing racism, discrimination, bias, incidents, there is the accumulation of everyday 01:06:51
occurrences, which is called microaggressions. 01:06:57
There is also hearing about. 01:07:03
And learning about the trauma of other people around. 01:07:06
And there is the immediacy of something. 01:07:10
In your personal life, in your community, online and through the media, there's the historical trauma and there's system level 01:07:14
trauma. 01:07:18
Feelings of pain. 01:07:25
Are experienced by people who are marginalized. 01:07:28
Who? 01:07:32
Prejudiced against who are discriminated against. 01:07:34
Receive harm as the result. 01:07:39
Racial systems as the result of other systems. 01:07:42
Heal. 01:07:47
Incredibly important. 01:07:49
Thing to have happen, but you can't make it happen. 01:07:51
In the work that I've read about with healing. 01:07:57
First you have to tell the truth. You have to have the truth heard, and you have to learn and you have to listen. You have to 01:08:00
acknowledge, and only after that can the repair begin. 01:08:05
And one of the things that we did when we recommended the apology was we absolutely said we recognize an apology does not take 01:08:13
away the pain of the past. 01:08:18
But it's a first. 01:08:25
And it has to have been a meaningful apology. 01:08:27
So healing, as you can tell, diversity equity. 01:08:30
Racial Justice and Healing. Healing is a different. I really see it as a different category altogether. 01:08:33
So again, if we value healing, what do we believe? What do our residents and visitors experience? 01:08:42
And what is the role of the task force? 01:08:48
And also as you think about these things, you think about. 01:08:52
We're talking about the city as an organization with employees. 01:08:57
And programs and practices and policies. We're talking about the city's volunteer boards and commissions and elected City Council. 01:09:01
So that's one one whole big area. 01:09:06
Unto itself. And then there is the community, and what the community is asking of us and what the community. 01:09:11
The school district is saying they want community involvement as a task force member brought up under announcements. You know 01:09:18
what? What would something like that look like if our role is to advise the city manager? 01:09:23
And the City Council, you know, how how would that work? So I think it's an interesting discussion for us to have. I cannot say 01:09:29
that I can guarantee that we're going to have any answers tonight, but I. 01:09:35
I'm hoping that by thinking about our purpose and our powers and duties. 01:09:42
We can sort of clarify in our mind and find out where we can be helpful with our community and moving our community forward. That 01:09:47
was a lot of talking for me and thank you for listening. I really appreciate it. So happy to. 01:09:54
Hear any thoughts or? 01:10:02
Questions. 01:10:04
I have a lot of thoughts and thank you. That was so. 01:10:10
Yeah, such a good place. 01:10:16
I don't know it was really thought generating. 01:10:18
I think this again kind of points to. 01:10:25
The. 01:10:29
And I know our our work is done here, but the value. 01:10:31
That consultant could have just because. 01:10:35
The thoughts that kind of come to my mind around this are. 01:10:40
Though we have our. 01:10:44
Laid out in front of us, our task, like you said, is sort of. 01:10:47
The work that we're doing. 01:10:52
Needs to interact. 01:10:54
All the other kinds of work that are done in the city. 01:10:56
It's been wonderful hearing about, you know, having organizations come and talk about. 01:11:01
What they're doing within their organizations. 01:11:06
It feels like it's a hard. 01:11:10
It's a hard place to move forward if we're not also having interaction with. 01:11:16
The other boards and commissions and. 01:11:22
You know, we get interaction with the community and that's really wonderful. 01:11:27
And that's really helpful and it enlightens us and it helps us put together agendas for what to talk about here. 01:11:30
And then when we make our recommendations and we sort of do our work as we are acting in an advisory capacity. 01:11:37
Network goes to the next place and then we kind of don't get to. 01:11:44
The resolution on it or how it moves forward? 01:11:49
And I just wonder if there's space to talk. 01:11:52
That or or like member Freiburger was talking about what? 01:11:56
What's our place in our interaction, then, with organizations like PGUSD who are? 01:12:01
Like you said, asking for this involvement. 01:12:06
And I know there's not an answer to this because we're a volunteer board and because we work in an advisory capacity, but I think. 01:12:10
This is something that I struggle with thinking about on this board for sure is that we get to sit here and have these discussions 01:12:17
and hear how people. 01:12:22
Experiencing the city and are hurting and. 01:12:26
Confused. 01:12:31
And I I don't know how we sort of take. 01:12:35
The conversation out to a. 01:12:39
Place and know that we get close the circle in it I suppose. 01:12:42
Anyway, that's just a thought I'm having. 01:12:48
Yeah. 01:12:52
Yes, member Freiburg. 01:12:57
I am. 01:13:00
Figure out the role of the task force and read the documents. 01:13:02
Have my onboarding session with you as we did. That was very helpful. 01:13:06
And what I'm? 01:13:11
The task force is a bit of an odd duck, because a task force generally is a temporary. 01:13:13
Organization. It's something that is brought together. 01:13:22
For. 01:13:26
They look at, look at it, provide input, and then it's disbanded. So this idea of. 01:13:28
Permanent task force. 01:13:36
It's not an action oriented group. 01:13:38
We talk and we advise, but we don't. 01:13:42
I don't see. 01:13:46
Chartering for any action to be taken. So I'm I'm we're trying to work within the parameters and understand the parameters but it 01:13:48
it is a bit. 01:13:54
It is new for me. 01:14:01
A little a little hard to wrap my arms around. 01:14:06
I'd like to speak to that. 01:14:15
And give you a little bit of history. 01:14:18
You say it's new to you, it's it's also new to the city of Pacific Grove and we, we're just very thankful that. 01:14:21
Under Mayor Peaks leadership. 01:14:32
And spearheaded by council member, then Councilwoman Jenny McAdams. 01:14:35
She gathered. 01:14:43
A fantastic work group who put together a fantastic plan of work plan. I was part of that for this Task Point Task Force because 01:14:47
there was an urgency, which in my mind is what Task Force means. 01:14:55
Sadly, we have been stuck with that term. The same with DEI as we all know. 01:15:05
The principles of DEI are separate and they continue to evolve. 01:15:15
And and our our little charming town. 01:15:24
We're having a hard time. 01:15:28
Uh, communicating the principles as we are. So in terms of branding, we're sticking with it because we've got bigger fish to fry. 01:15:31
Vice Chair Marks, thank you. Put that in if that helps. 01:15:43
Yeah, to encourage us to really think. 01:15:52
The work of this task force. 01:15:55
How will our community and how? 01:15:59
City experience our. 01:16:02
And I think that's where you're saying sort of the closed loop of not being able to. 01:16:07
And bring things and see what's happened with this. 01:16:12
And you know, if we're doing this work, what do we believe? 01:16:18
About our community, about our city. 01:16:22
That has impelled us to do that. 01:16:25
How can we then figure out our? 01:16:30
And what we? 01:16:35
And I think we are supposed to be a 5 member task force. So we still have one position that's vacant and I think that you know the 01:16:38
addition of another. 01:16:43
Person can certainly be helpful. 01:16:48
But what I'm hoping is that this. 01:16:51
Food for thought. 01:16:55
And as we bring back the next agenda, I'll bring back the work plan so we can see where we are and I think we'll have some sort of 01:16:56
follow up on some of those items that allow us to keep moving forward. 01:17:03
That's gonna be really helpful for both of you. 01:17:11
Yeah. And then really to think about some of those things, the diversity value statement. 01:17:14
Equity value statement, you know how those are some of the ways that we can take what we've heard. 01:17:21
And do something within our role that then becomes something that is a part of the community we want. 01:17:28
And what was the question? How will the community how, how we want? Yeah, so effect to the community or right it's if we. 01:17:38
If we value. 01:17:50
Diversity So what do we believe? 01:17:52
And then what do our residents and visitors experience if we're if we're in a city that values diversity, right? And then what is 01:17:55
the role of task force in making that happen? 01:18:00
And so that was the question with diversity, with inclusion, with equity, with racial justice, and with healing. 01:18:06
I don't know if you've taken any of. 01:18:21
Of This prompts from the Advancing racial Equity but. 01:18:25
When I read a lot of that coursework. 01:18:32
What? What? Really? 01:18:38
Inspired me, but also kind of struck me as a challenge is. 01:18:40
It makes sense that in order to have an effective DEI program and community. 01:18:46
Locally, globally, you have to embed it in every part of our governments and community and it's got to start with our leadership. 01:18:55
So I'd really love to see. 01:19:03
To see our our council members, our mayor getting certifications. 01:19:12
And I I mean, I think that I I tried to, I tried to have the whole world get certifications. 01:19:18
I'm exaggerating. 01:19:25
Last term. 01:19:28
And I think. 01:19:30
It can't be just just pie in the sky, I think. 01:19:33
We're not gonna get this done. We're not going to get any traction without our leadership spying. 01:19:38
Umm. 01:19:45
And and knowledge based. 01:19:47
But also and it's got to be comprehensive and. 01:19:51
Yes, we need the consultants, but also I think that we also have to. 01:19:57
Start engaging I I've been preaching this. We need our community engagements. 01:20:02
Start listening. I get really frustrated because I think a lot of our. 01:20:10
Our problems. 01:20:16
Our media quotables and scandals come from the fact that we do not have a back and forth with the community. We have one way and a 01:20:21
lot of them do not understand that even though. 01:20:28
Chair. 01:20:36
Very kindly and articulately says that every single meeting. They do not understand that we are not able to answer their 01:20:37
questions. We are not able to. 01:20:43
You know, and it's as frustrating for us as it is for them and we're not having true communication. 01:20:51
Like we would a town hall. I see Seaside has town halls all the time. 01:21:01
I think. 01:21:08
Councilmember Petori. He suggested a town hall. 01:21:10
And I think things were a little bit too hot. 01:21:15
For us to really do it. So I would love, I would love to move towards that so that we can start. 01:21:20
Fully engaging in a comprehensive dei program. 01:21:29
Within our. 01:21:36
Thank you. 01:21:40
Thank you, Vice chair. 01:21:43
You know how can? 01:22:23
Add value in these areas that we believe strongly in and that we want to work with. And I think, you know, I think that there's I 01:22:25
I'm writing things down because I think that there's some good pieces that can come back to us to really look at and to think 01:22:30
about. 01:22:35
I was a very vocal critic of PG USD. 01:22:42
I guess it was in 2021 when. 01:22:50
The school board they were they were a bit tone deaf when it came to the student body president and his his use of the N word and. 01:22:57
And you know, they, they gave him a slap on the wrist and they seemed to be a little bit more sympathetic to. 01:23:10
Than his actions and how they would impact people of color and and the other students and I I was galled. I was appalled by that. 01:23:17
So. 01:23:31
I just wondered. 01:23:34
What's going on there? Do you have any any process? 01:23:36
Fast forward two years later, I attended the the meeting before last and heard them set out their cultural. 01:23:41
Proficiency plan that they've been working on for two years and. 01:23:53
I came back like. 01:23:59
Inspired, Jazzed and. 01:24:02
Feeling like we are behind the curve and they. 01:24:06
I'm I'm very, very proud. 01:24:11
That they had had seen the need they recognized. They didn't just deny, deny, deny. 01:24:15
And my feeling was. 01:24:24
Great, the children are being seen and heard, but now we need to step up and we need. 01:24:27
To affect and impact the adults. 01:24:37
Because the children are not the ones. 01:24:40
Who are just coming out. 01:24:44
With the hate speech or these? 01:24:46
Stupid ideas. 01:24:50
Stupid speech, etcetera. 01:24:52
Thank you. I think that's probably a good place for us to end our study session with the idea that change does happen and it is 01:24:58
going around us and monitoring change is an important part of what we what, what our charges as well and the positive change, 01:25:04
positive change, yes and and an incredible reminder that it takes time. 01:25:11
And it takes effort and it's not always seen. 01:25:18
You know, it takes, it takes work. So I I remain hopeful and I think that our task force is a wonderful way. 01:25:21
Of having these conversations and coming up with ways to help move things forward. 01:25:29
So thank you all for being a part of. 01:25:34
And. 01:25:38
I will end our study session. Our next meeting is November 13th, 2023 at 6:00 PM And I want to thank you again to Officer 01:25:40
Anderson. Thank you to the Chief. 01:25:45
For the great support, and we adjourn the meeting at 7:27. 01:25:52
Thank you, Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Commander Anderson. 01:25:58
Andrew Anderson, I'm sorry. 01:26:03
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