HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/02/2022 Item 6b, Rowley
From:Sandra Rowley <
To:Advisory Bodies
Cc:CityClerk; Stewart, Erica A; Christianson, Carlyn; Marx, Jan; Pease, Andy; Shoresman,
Michelle
Subject:Items 4a and b, Human Relations Commission Meeting 11/2/22
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Dear Human Relations Commission Members,
Please favorably consider the following recommendations in your deliberations on these items.
Reference Proposed Purpose Statement Revision.
Why on earth would you want to make a change from specifics to generalities? There is nothing that
speaks to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion better than stating for all to see that you want to create an
environment within the City in which all persons can enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of
race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or physical, mental or economic status.
If you were to choose the Proposed Purpose Statement you would need to define the terms being used so
that everyone would know exactly what you mean - and what better definition than stating "to create,
promote and advance an environment within the City in which all persons can enjoy equal rights and
opportunities regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or physical, mental
or economic status."
If you want to be very clear and to add strength to your resolve, recommend the current Purpose
Statement be amended as follows:
It is the purpose of the Human Relations Commission (HRC) to advise and make recommendations to
the City Council in its actions to promote and advance an environment within the City in which all
persons can enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
national origin, age, or physical, mental or economic status. (emphasis indicates words added to the
current Purpose Statement)
Whichever bullet points shown under the proposed revision that you want to include can be added
beneath.
Reference Altering Residency Requirement.
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If your intention is to ensure broad community representation in Commission initiatives there is no
apparent need to go beyond the City's borders, especially since you will apparently be reaching out to
build community partnerships. San Luis Obispo does include individuals with various disabilities, the
young, old and in-between, different races, religions, sexes and sexual orientations, different economic
statuses and different national origins. To exclude these residents, and instead bring in individuals from
outside the City to hold commissioner positions, does a disservice to them by excluding them from the
process in favor of someone who does not reside within the City.
Regarding the inclusion of students from our two nearby colleges, unlike years past there are currently
more students living in San Luis Obispo than live on campus or in other communities - and many of them
are registered to vote here. Both Cal Poly and Cuesta conduct vigorous voter registration at the beginning
of the school year, thus there is no need to go beyond the City's borders to obtain student representation
or input.
Summary.
1. Recommend you retain the current Purpose Statement for the reasons stated above. Consider making
minor adjustments, if needed, instead of getting rid if it.
2. Retain the current residency and registered voter requirements. Eliminating residents for any of the
commissioner positions effectively eliminates marginalized residents who might want to serve if someone
reached out to them.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Sandra Rowley
SLO Resident
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