HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5f. Consideration of 2022-23 DEI SLO Business Grant Funding Recommendations Item 5f
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1010
For Agenda of: 6/20/2023
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF THE 2022-2023 DEI SLO BUSINESS GRANT
FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
1. As recommended by the Human Relations Commission, approve the 2022 -2023 DEI
SLO Business Grant funding allocations in the amount of $150,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with each grant recipient.
POLICY CONTEXT
The Human Relations Commission’s (HRC) purpose is to advise and make
recommendations to City Council and the City Manager to promote and advance
inclusion, mutual understanding, respect, and equitable treatment to all members of the
community. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) SLO Business Grant program
provides financial support to local businesses and promotes the economic and social well-
being of the community. This grant program is part of the workplan for the 2021-2023
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Economic Recovery, Resiliency and Fiscal
Responsibility Major City Goals. In adopting the 2021-2023 Financial Plan on June 1,
2021, the City Council approved one-time funding in the amount of $150,000 for
underserved/underrepresented business support as part of the 2022-2023 budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City’s DEI SLO Business Grant, which is overseen by the HRC, provides financial
support to local businesses to promote the economic and social well-being of all
community members. Grants are made to San Luis Obispo businesses with the goal to
make the City a more welcoming, inclusive, and thriving community for all. The DEI SLO
Business Grant program is the product of a collaborative effort between Office of DEI and
Office of Economic Development and Tourism staff. The HRC has played a similar role
to previous grants in reviewing applications and recommending funding allocations to the
City Council.
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Item 5f
Funding Criteria
Funding criteria was developed by staff and approved by the HRC to guide application
review and funding recommendations:
Applicants must be a business based in the City of San Luis Obispo with an active
business license and be in good standing; or if the application i s for a new business,
the applicant must complete five (5) hours of one-on-one Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) consulting services and secure a business license prior
to receiving the grant funds.
Funding requests must be for activities, services, or other concepts that primarily
occur in the City of San Luis Obispo.
Funding requests must be focused on serving underserved/underrepresented
communities; however, all activities, services and other concepts must be open and
accessible to all people.
Requests must be for activities, services, or other concepts with the ability to show
measurable impact and/or successes.
Viability and sustainability are also key indicators in final review and recommendation
to the City Council for grant awards. The HRC prioritized projects that will continue to
have a positive impact in the community even after the grant funds are spent.
Grant Application Process
On February 27, 2023, the Office of DEI launched the DEI SLO Business Grant program
by advertising the availability of grant funds and information regarding the upcoming grant
timeline, funding criteria, and examples of funding requests via the City’s webpage , e-
notifications, email to the business community and outreach to DEI partners. The DEI
SLO Business Grant application was due on March 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The City
received grant applications from 32 businesses requesting funding for programs totaling
$997,457. Attachment A includes a complete list of the applications submitted to the City
for the DEI SLO Business Grant funding and the HRC’s recommended funding amounts.
The DEI SLO Business Grant Application Summary, provided as Attachment B, further
describes each program.
HRC Review Process
On April 11 and 20, 2023 the HRC convened the DEI SLO Business Grant subcommittee
of HRC Chair Colyer-Worth, Vice Chair Kasprzak, and Commissioner Warrecker to make
preliminary funding recommendations. In reviewing the applications, the subcommittee
members considered the project’s compatibility with Major City Goals and funding
priorities, the impact of the proposal, and the viability and sustainability of the project to
guide their funding recommendations. On May 3, 2023, the DEI SLO Business Grant
subcommittee presented preliminary grant recommendations to the full HRC during a
noticed public hearing. During the discussion, the subcommittee engaged with the other
Commissioners to answer questions on the preliminary recommendations and ultimately
voted to approve the funding recommendations reflected in Attachment A. The HRC
found that the projects recommended for funding further Council’s adopted goal to make
San Luis Obispo a more welcoming and inclusive place for all. A summary of the project
proposals is included in Attachment B.
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Item 5f
Grant Contracts
Upon Council approval of the DEI SLO Business Grant funding allocations, the City will
enter into a contract with each business. Businesses awarded grant funding are required
to provide a mid-year report and a year-end report describing administrative functions,
metrics and outcomes, and use of funds related to the application for each grant. Reports
are reviewed by staff and the HRC for completeness and program compliance.
Public Engagement
The public, and more specifically local SLO businesses, were engaged throughout the
grant process. Businesses received communication of available funding, including a short
presentation during a Good Morning SLO session on February 23, 2023, technical
assistance during the application period, a detailed grant web application outlining funding
criteria, and informational sessions in English and Spanish. This item is on the consent
agenda for the June 20, 2023 City Council meeting and will follow all posting and
notification requirements. The public can submit comments on this item at or before the
meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in
this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines
Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2022-2023
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $150,000 $150,000 $0 $
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $150,000 $150,000 $0 $
As adopted in the 2021-2022 Financial Plan, the allocated 2022-2023 budget for the DEI
SLO Business Grant program was $150,000. DEI SLO Business Grant programs will be
implemented for a period of one year only starting at the beginning of the 2023-2024
Fiscal Year as funding for the program is not ongoing.
Page 81 of 802
Item 5f
ALTERNATIVES
1. The Council may modify the proposed grant funding amounts. The Council
should provide direction on the modifications desired.
2. The Council may choose to fund eligible DEI SLO Business Grant applications
not recommended by the HRC. This action in not recommended by staff because
thorough consideration was given to recommended awardees.
ATTACHMENTS
A - 2022-2023 DEI SLO Business Grant HRC Preliminary Funding Recommendations
B - 2022-2023 DEI SLO Business Grant Proposal Summary
C - 05-03-2023 HRC Meeting Minutes
Page 82 of 802
Attachment A
Organization Project Requested
Amount
Recommended
Amount
1 Alpenglow
Industries
Soldering & Electronics for
Folks Underrepresented in
STEMs
$25,000 $18,353
2 Banchan Foods Kimchi Business $25,000 $25,000
3 CaliKids Fitness N/A $49,000 $0
4 Clarity Collective
LLC
Advancing Women of Color
Symposium $25,000 $0
5
Concussion
Navigation
Services
Financial Aid for
Concussion Care $10,000 $10,000
6 Corazon Café
SLO LCC
Café, Comida, Cultura &
Community $9,011 $9,011
7 Dimensions of
You
DEI Dimensions of You
(DOY) SLO $25,000 $0
8 Diringer &
Associates
SLO County Migrant
Indigenous Community
Survey
$2,750 $0
9 Gymnazo Inc.
Bridging the Gap: A
Community Fitness
Endeavor
$25,000 $0
10 Lombards
Stereo
Lombards Stereo Vehicular
Safety Outreach $150,000 $0
11 Mission
Headstrong
Autism Personal Training
Program $23,336 $23,336
Page 83 of 802
Organization Project Requested
Amount
Recommended
Amount
12 Neptune's
Nursery LLC Sun Coast Kids $20,000 $0
13 PacSlo
Transport LLC Electric Vehicle Fleet $25,000 $0
14 Personal Touch
Salon N/A $25,000 $0
15
Positive
Xpression
Design
(PXDesign)
DEI SLO Business Grant $15,000 $0
16 Roxanne's
Birkenstock Gifts From the Sky $10,000 $0
17 Seeds Seeds Community Events $25,000 $14,800
18 SLO NOOR
Foundation
Whole Community Care
Project $12,000 $0
19
SLOCAR
Inc.dba Certified
Auto Repair
Keep the Community
Rolling $25,000 $10,000
20 Snooka II Thomas Villa $100,000 $0
21 Studio Prime
Architecture
Expanding Housing Options
& Educating the
Underserved
$25,000 $0
22 Susan Rose's
Pool Service Create more Jobs $10,000 $0
23 Ten Over Studio
Ten Over Studio Affordable
& Workforce Housing
Feasibility Studies
$15,000 $15,000
Page 84 of 802
Organization Project Requested
Amount
Recommended
Amount
24 Texture Retail + Admin Support $25,000 $12,000
25 The Beauty Bar
Studios The Beauty Bar Studios $10,000 $0
26 The Moving
Experience LLC
The Moving Experience
Inclusivity & Awareness
Initiative
$150,000 $0
27 Tiger Monkey
Tattoo
Artist Resilience Through
Tattoo $25,000 $0
28 Trillium
Massage
Low-income health &
wellness access $9,360 $0
29
Tropics
Aquarium
Professionals
Bi-lingual Animal Care
Sheet Database $20,000 $0
30 Twig & Arrow
Salon
Twig & Arrow Salon
Diversity & Inclusion $15,000 $12,500
31 Wilderr Wilderr + SLO Inclusivity $17,000 $0
32 Zen Den Zen Den Expansion
Program $50,000 $0
TOTAL $997,457 $150,000
Page 85 of 802
Page 86 of 802
Attachment B
Applicant Alpenglow Industries
Project
Description
8 workshops serving an estimated 105 people in collaboration with
local organizations that serve underrepresented groups who typically
receive fewer opportunities to engage in tech. Instructional material will
be in both English, Spanish, and videos with subtitles. Intention is to
build fundamental knowledge and confidence so participants can utilize
skills learned to seek entry level tech or manufacturing employment.
This is a new program requesting funds for 89% of project.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount $18,353 – Recommending funding for 6 of the 8 workshops.
Applicant Banchan Foods
Project
Description
New business seeking to increase culinary diversity and promote
Korean culture in San Luis Obispo. Banchan Foods will produce and
sell kimchi directly to consumers online, farmers market, and at the
SLO Oriental Market. This is a new business requesting funds to cover
a portion of their startup.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount $25,000
Applicant CaliKids Fitness
Project
Description
Calikids provides inclusive and innovative mobile fitness classes for
kids between the ages of 0-10 and their caregivers by bringing
equipment to homes and schools for fitness sessions. This is a new
program and is requesting funds for the entire program.
Requested
Amount $49,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – The HRC is not recommending funding due to other applications’
use of funds for sustainability and matching dollar capacity.
Applicant Clarity Collective LLC
Project
Description
Project funding request is for development of a symposium centering
woman of color (though open to all people) that will focus on
developing skills, learning strategies, and building connections. The
target number of attendees is 50-100 and it will all be organized and
delivered by women of color. This is a new program requesting funds
for entire project.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$0- Due to concerns related to cost of event for participants, the HRC is
not recommending for funding.
Page 87 of 802
Applicant Concussion Navigation Services
Project
Description
The program is built to provide specialty concussion rehab care to
those who are uninsured, underinsured, marginalized, or economically
insecure. This is a new program seeking funds for entire program.
Requested
Amount $10,000
Recommended
Amount $10,000
Applicant Corazón Café SLO LCC
Project
Description
Downtown SLO storefront coffee shop and small Mexican fusion
sourcing products from many diverse sources. Business will showcase
underrepresented artwork in their establishment, create a system of
donations to give back to the community, and be a hub for cultural
experiences. This is a new program requesting funds for a portion of
the project.
Requested
Amount $9,011
Recommended
Amount $9,011
Applicant Dimensions of You
Project
Description
Dimensions of You is an individualized health coaching platform that
helps people by applying cognitive behavior coaching techniques for
strategies individuals can implement to improve their lives. These
services will be for those who have barriers to receiving help and will be
no cost to the client. This is a continuation of an existing program
requesting funds for entire project.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Due to lack of information of how program will serve
underrepresented communities, the HRC is not recommending for
funding.
Applicant Diringer & Associates
Project
Description
Diringer and Associates has been contracted to perform an
enumeration and community survey of the immigrant indigenous
populations of SLO County, focusing on Mixteco and other indigenous
language speakers. There is funding from CDC to conduct survey, but
that funding does not allow for compensation and this grant would
provide $50 gift cards to approximately 50 people who will be
interviewed. This new program is requesting funds to cover 15% of the
overall project.
Requested
Amount $2,750
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Applicant withdrew application since they were able to get the
funding from another source.
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Applicant Gymnazo Inc.
Project
Description
Gymnazo is expanding services as traditional fitness facilities fall short
and will offer community classes and scholarships for mentorship
program. Additionally, the funds would allow for a staffing position and
equipment. This new program is requesting funds for the entire
program.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - The HRC is not recommending funding due to other applications’
use of funds for sustainability and matching dollar capacity.
Applicant Lombards Stereo
Project
Description
The project funding request would be to allow for revamped
advertisement that will be geared towards underrepresented
communities in SLO. Additionally, funds will be used to recruit and hire
new employees. This is a new program requesting funds for the entire
program.
Requested
Amount $150,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Due to lack of information of how program will serve
underrepresented communities, the HRC is not recommending for
funding.
Applicant Mission Headstrong
Project
Description
Mission Headstrong is a non-profit connected to Headstrong (business)
to help close the equity gaps that exist in the fitness world. The funds
would have 15 coaches certified by Autism Fitness ™ so all coaches at
Headstrong will be appropriately competent to provide coaching for the
Autistic Community. This is a new program requesting funds for the
entire program.
Requested
Amount $23,336
Recommended
Amount $23,336
Applicant Neptune’s Nursery LLC
Project
Description
This program focuses on providing opportunities for kids to experience
outdoor exercise while learning about nature reserves and hiking
through an empowerment curriculum. The funds will be for staff and
transportation. This is a combination of a new and existing program
seeking funds to cover 40% of the program.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Due to lack of information of how program will serve
underrepresented communities, the HRC is not recommending for
funding.
Page 89 of 802
Applicant PacSLO Transport
Project
Description
PacSLO aims to provide transportation to and from medical
appointments, emergency room discharges, surgery procedures, and
leisure outings. The funding request for the vehicle was carefully
chosen to reflect the City's goal of carbon neutrality. This program is
seeking funds for the entire project.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Incomplete application and business license held by the County,
and not by the City of San Luis Obispo.
Applicant Personal Touch Salon
Project
Description
Personal Touch Salon aims to provide specialized training and
continuing education for local stylists to better serve underrepresented
members of the community with diverse hair types. The training will
cover various topics in order to improve the quality of their services.
This new program is seeking funds for their entire project.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Due to an incomplete application and not having a City of SLO
Business license, the application was not reviewed.
Applicant Positive Xpression Design (PXDesign)
Project
Description
Positive Xpression is seeking funds to purchase a gently used
automatic press and installation, as well as used needed screens, inks,
and supplies for the operation of the new machine. This is a
continuation of an existing program requesting funds for the entire
project.
Requested
Amount $15,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Due to lack of information of how program will serve
underrepresented communities, the HRC is not recommending for
funding.
Applicant Roxanne’s Birkenstock
Project
Description
This would be an expansion of an existing program that has been going
since 2003. The hope is to give higher quality shoes to nonprofits who
focus on distribution of goods to disenfranchised community members.
This is an existing program seeking funds for 40% of the project.
Requested
Amount $10,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - The HRC is not recommending funding due to other
comprehensive applications impacting various communities in the
application of DEI concepts.
Page 90 of 802
Applicant Seeds
Project
Description
Funding request has two (2) aspects to project. 1) Community events
that advance DEI through wellness and environmental awareness, and
2) provide affordable and nutritious food options for underserved and
underrepresented communities. This is both a new program and a
continuation of an existing program and is requesting funds to cover
40% of project.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$14,800 – Recommending funding for part 1 of the program, which
includes community events advancing DEI through wellness and
environmental awareness.
Applicant SLO Noor Foundation
Project
Description
This project will focus on bilingual outreach to employees to those in
the lodging/restaurant industry in order to ensure those who do not
qualify for government health coverage due to socioeconomic
differences. This is an existing program requesting 46% of the entire
project.
Requested
Amount $12,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Applicant does not show a for-profit business license in the City of
San Luis Obispo.
Applicant SLOCAR Inc. dba Certified Auto Repair
Project
Description
SLO CAR proposes utilizing Jewish Family Services to help expand
marketing to include Spanish translation, grow customer base
particularly in underrepresented groups and to provide vital vehicle
repairs to underserved communities. This existing program is
requesting funds to cover 70% of the project.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$10,000 – for coverage of vehicle repair mini-grants for diverse
communities members experiencing lack of or no transportation.
Applicant Snooka II
Project
Description
Women-owned family business serving the community of San Luis
Obispo. Not enough information from application to complete a project
description.
Requested
Amount $100,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Due to an incomplete application, the application was not
reviewed.
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Applicant Studio Prime Architecture
Project
Description
Funding request is focused on 1) distribution of education information in
the form of targeted social media campaigns and 2) online workshops
and videos, both for ADU and jADU in order to expand the use of such
spaces and helping the community understand the laws. This is a new
program requesting funds to cover 45% of the project.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – The HRC did not see this project as having a high impact for SLO
residents or underrepresented communities and is not recommending
funding.
Applicant Susan Rose’s Pool Service
Project
Description
Susan Rose's Pool Service provides clean and safe recreational
swimming for all. The funds would create more hours for employees
and to be able to respond to emergency work. This is a continuation of
an existing program and is requesting funds for 40% of project.
Requested
Amount $10,000
Recommended
Amount $0 – Due to an incomplete application, application was not reviewed.
Applicant Ten Over Studio
Project
Description
Ten Over Studio supports affordable housing in SLO by working with
developers on feasibility studies. The grant would help team provide 5
feasibility studies to local nonprofit developers. This is a new and a
continuation of an existing project requesting funds for entire project.
Requested
Amount $15,000
Recommended
Amount $15,000
Applicant Texture
Project
Description
Managed by R.A.C.E Matters SLO, this grant would give continued
support to the Salon by providing product inventory for the Salon and
for an administrative support position.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount $12,000 – Recommending funding for product inventory only.
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Applicant The Beauty Bar
Project
Description
The project funding request is to cover the cost of an esthetician
program. Program is 4-6 month for 40 hours a week.
Requested
Amount $10,000
Recommended
Amount $0 - Due to an incomplete application, application was not reviewed.
Applicant The Moving Experience
Project
Description
Funding request is for a moving company that would like to target those
who are disadvantaged and/or displaced minorities. Funds will be used
for marketing and internal staff training. This is a new program
requesting funds for the entire project.
Requested
Amount $150,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - The HRC did not see this project as having a high impact for SLO
residents or underrepresented communities and is not recommending
funding.
Applicant Tiger Monkey Tattoo
Project
Description
A.R.T.T was created to be a hub for young artistic alternative souls.
Project funding request is to be used to provide training and mentorship
to aspiring artists in the LGBTQ community along with continuing
existing services. This is a new and a continuation of an existing
program requesting funds for 70% of project.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Applicant is not located in the City of San Luis Obispo and does
not have a current City of SLO business license.
Applicant Trillium Massage
Project
Description
Project funding request is to offer health education and massage to
help improve the livelihoods and wellness of underserved communities.
Project will also help decrease pain and stress and increase rate of
motion and improve circulation. This request is for 100% of funding and
it is the continuation of an existing program.
Requested
Amount $9,360
Recommended
Amount
$0 - The HRC did not see this project as having a high impact for SLO
residents or underrepresented communities and is not recommending
funding.
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Applicant Tropics Aquarium Professionals
Project
Description
The funding request has two aspects, 1) is to create, maintain, and
publish a database set of animal care sheets related to animals that will
be sold and include accurate care description and processes. This
includes a live form attached in various languages (English and
Spanish first) and making this data base available. And number 2 is to
develop tutorial videos (bilingual formats) with processes and
descriptions and FAQs. This is a new program requesting funds for a
portion of project.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - The HRC did not see this project as having a high impact for SLO
residents or underrepresented communities and is not recommending
funding.
Applicant Twig & Arrow Salon
Project
Description
Project funding request is to be used to further education and training
for entire staff on diverse and multicultural hair and makeup types,
styles, and colors. This will comprise of 2 classes and hair products for
multicultural hair. This is a new program requesting funds for 85% of
the project.
Requested
Amount $15,000
Recommended
Amount $12,500 – Recommending funding for the 2 courses for employees.
Applicant Wilderr
Project
Description
A Women's athletic clothing brand that will offer free fitness classes and
workshops to women who may not have access to such opportunities.
The project funding request is to cover pop up shops, marketing,
community fitness events, and custom sizing. This is a new program
requesting funds for 85% of the project.
Requested
Amount $17,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - The HRC did not see this project as having a high impact for SLO
residents or underrepresented communities and is not recommending
funding.
Applicant Zen Den
Project
Description
An acupuncture and healing center providing sliding scale services.
Project funding request is to open a second location which will allow for
more accessible community-based acupuncture. This is a new project
requesting funds for the entire project.
Requested
Amount $50,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - The HRC is not recommending funding due to other
comprehensive applications impacting various communities in the
application of DEI concepts.
Page 94 of 802
1
Human Relations Commission Minutes
May 3, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Human Relations
Commissioners
Present:
Commissioner Catuih Campos, Commissioner Vincent DeTurris,
Commissioner Sierra Smith, Commissioner Taryn Warrecker,
Vice Chair Angie Kasprzak, Chair Dusty Colyer-Worth
Human Relations
Commissioners
Absent:
Commissioner Stephanie Carlotti
City Staff Present: Deputy City Manager Greg Hermann, Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission was
called to order on May 3, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City
Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Colyer-Worth.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
None
End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - APRIL 5, 2023 HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION MINUTES
Motion By Vice Chair Kasprzak
Second By Commissioner Campos
To approve the Human Relations Commission Minutes of April 5, 2023.
Ayes (6): Commissioner Campos, Commissioner DeTurris, Commissioner
Smith, Commissioner Warrecker, Vice Chair Kasprzak, and Chair Colyer-
Worth
Absent (1): Commissioner Carlotti CARRIED (6 to 0)
Page 95 of 802
2
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
4.a PRESENTATION ON THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER PROGRAM
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
introduced Police Chief Rick Scott who provided the presentation and
responded to inquiries from the Commission.
Chair Colyer-Worth opened Public Comment
Public Comments:
None
End of Public Comment--
Chair Colyer-Worth closed Public Comment
Action: The Human Relations Commission received an informational
presentation about the Community Services Officer (CSO) Program from
Police Chief, Rick Scott, and provided feedback. No formal action taken.
4.b REVIEW DEI SLO BUSINESS GRANT SUBCOMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROVIDE A RECOMMENDATION FOR
FUNDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR FINAL APPROVAL
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
presented the staff report and responded to Commission inquiries.
Chair Colyer-Worth opened Public Comment
Public Comments:
Megan Souza
Sara McGrath
Crescencio Villar
Courtney Haile
Stacey Ritter
Susan Rose
Michele Aeck
End of Public Comment--
Chair Colyer-Worth closed Public Comment
Page 96 of 802
3
Motion By Commissioner DeTurris
Second By Commissioner Campos
Approve the funding recommendations from the DEI SLO Business Grant
Subcommittee and forward the following recommendation to the City
Council final approval:
Organization Project/Program Description of Project/Program Requested
Amount
Recommended
Amount
1 Alpenglow
Industries
Soldering &
Electronics for
Folks
Underrepresented
in STEMs
8 workshops serving an
estimated 105 people in
collaboration with local
organizations that serve
underrepresented groups who
typically receive fewer
opportunities to engage in tech.
Instructional material will be in
both English, Spanish, and
videos with subtitles. Intention is
to build fundamental knowledge
and confidence so participants
can utilize skills learned to seek
entry level tech or manufacturing
employment. This is a new
program requesting funds for
89% of project.
25,000 $18,353
2 Banchan
Foods Kimchi Business
New business seeking to
increase culinary diversity and
promote Korean culture in San
Luis Obispo. Banchan Foods will
produce and sell kimchi directly
to consumers online, farmers
market, and at the SLO Oriental
Market. This is a new business
requesting funds to cover a
portion of their startup.
25,000 $25,000
3 CaliKids
Fitness N/A
Calikids provides inclusive and
innovative mobile fitness classes
for kids between the ages of 0-10
and their caregivers by bringing
equipment to homes and schools
for fitness sessions. This is a new
program and is requesting funds
for the entire program.
49,000 $0
Page 97 of 802
4
4
Clarity
Collective
LLC
Advancing
Women of Color
Symposium
Project funding request is for
development of a symposium
centering woman of color (though
open to all people) that will focus
on developing skills, learning
strategies, and building
connections. The target number
of attendees is 50-100 and it will
all be organized and delivered by
women of color. This is a new
program requesting funds for
entire project.
25,000 $0
5
Concussion
Navigation
Services
Financial Aid for
Concussion Care
The program is built to provide
specialty concussion rehab care
to those who are uninsured,
underinsured, marginalized, or
economically insecure. This is a
new program seeking funds for
entire program.
10,000 $10,000
6
Corazon
Café SLO
LCC
Café, Comida,
Cultura &
Community
Downtown SLO storefront coffee
shop and small Mexican fusion
sourcing products from many
diverse sources. Business will
showcase underrepresented
artwork in their establishment,
create a system of donations to
give back to the community, and
be a hub for cultural experiences.
This is a new program requesting
funds for a portion of the project.
9,011 $9,011
7 Dimensions
of You
DEI Dimensions
of You (DOY)
SLO
Dimensions of You is an
individualized health coaching
platform that helps people by
applying cognitive behavior
coaching techniques for
strategies individuals can
implement to improve their lives.
These services will be for those
who have barriers to receiving
help and will be no cost to the
client. This is a continuation of an
existing program requesting
funds for entire project.
25,000 $0
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8 Diringer &
Associates
SLO County
Migrant
Indigenous
Community
Survey
Diringer and Associates has
been contracted to perform an
enumeration and community
survey of the immigrant
indigenous populations of SLO
County, focusing on Mixteco and
other indigenous language
speakers. There is funding from
CDC to conduct survey but that
funding does not allow for
compensation and this grant
would provide $50 gift cards to
approximately 50 people who will
be interviewed. This new
program is requesting funds to
cover 15% of the overall project.
2,750 $0
9 Gymnazo
Inc.
Bridging the Gap:
A Community
Fitness Endeavor
Gymnazo is expanding services
as traditional fitness facilities fall
short and will offer community
classes and scholarships for
mentorship program. Additionally,
the funds would allow for a
staffing position and equipment.
This new program is requesting
funds for the entire program.
25,000 $0
10 Lombards
Stereo
Lombards Stereo
Vehicular Safety
Outreach
The project funding request
would be to allow for revamped
advertisement that will be geared
towards underrepresented
communities in SLO. Additionally,
funds will be used to recruit and
hire new employees. This is a
new program requesting funds
for the entire program.
150,000 $0
11 Mission
Headstrong
Autism Personal
Training Program
Mission Headstrong is a non-
profit connected to Headstrong
business) to help close the
equity gaps that exist in the
fitness world. The funds would
have 15 coaches certified by
Autism Fitness ™ so all coaches
at Headstrong will be
appropriately competent to
provide coaching for the Autistic
Community. This is a new
program requesting funds for the
entire program.
23,336 $23,336
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6
12 Neptune's
Nursery LLC Sun Coast Kids
This program focuses on
providing opportunities for kids to
experience outdoor exercise
while learning about nature
reserves and hiking through an
empowerment curriculum. The
funds will be for staff and
transportation. This is a
combination of a new and
existing program seeking funds
to cover 40% of the program.
20,000 $0
13
PacSlo
Transport
LLC
Electric Vehicle
Fleet
PacSLO aims to provide
transportation to and from
medical appointments,
emergency room discharges,
surgery procedures, and leisure
outings. The funding request for
the vehicle was carefully chosen
to reflect the City's goal of carbon
neutrality. This program is
seeking funds for the entire
project.
25,000 $0
14 Personal
Touch Salon N/A
Personal Touch Salon aims to
provide specialized training and
continuing education for local
stylists to better serve
underrepresented members of
the community with diverse hair
types. The training will cover
various topics in order to improve
the quality of their services. This
new program is seeking funds for
their entire project.
25,000 $0
15
Positive
Xpression
Design
PXDesign)
DEI SLO
Business Grant
Positive Xpression is seeking
funds to purchase a gently used
automatic press and installation,
as well as used needed screens,
inks, and supplies for the
operation of the new machine.
This is a continuation of an
existing program requesting
funds for the entire project.
15,000 $0
16 Roxanne's
Birkenstock
Gifts From the
Sky
This would be an expansion of a
existing program that has been
going since 2003. The hope is to
give higher quality shoes to
nonprofits who focus on
distribution of goods to
disenfranchised community
members. This is an existing
program seeking funds for 40%
of the project.
10,000 $0
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7
17 Seeds
Seeds
Community
Events
Funding request has two (2)
aspects to project. 1) Community
events that advance DEI through
wellness and environmental
awareness, and 2) provide
affordable and nutritious food
options for underserved and
underrepresented communities.
This is both a new program and a
continuation of an existing
program and is requesting funds
to cover 40% of project.
25,000 $14,800
18 SLO NOOR
Foundation
Whole
Community Care
Project
This project will focus on bilingual
outreach to employees to those
in the lodging/restaurant industry
in order to ensure those who do
not qualify for government health
coverage due to socioeconomic
differences. This is an existing
program requesting 46% of the
entire project.
12,000 $0
19
SLOCAR
Inc.dba
Certified Auto
Repair
Keep the
Community
Rolling
SLO CAR proposes utilizing
Jewish Family Services to help
expand marketing to include
Spanish translation, grow
customer base particularly in
underrepresented groups and to
provide vital vehicle repairs to
underserved communities. This
existing program is requesting
funds to cover 70% of the
project.
25,000 $10,000
20 Snooka II Thomas Villa
Women-owned family business
serving the community of San
Luis Obispo. Too little information
from application to complete a
project description.
100,000 $0
21 Studio Prime
Architecture
Expanding
Housing Options
Educating the
Underserved
Funding request is focused on 1)
distribution of education
information in the form of
targeted social media campaigns
and 2) online workshops and
videos, both for ADU and jADU in
order to expand the use of such
spaces and helping the
community understand the laws.
This is a new program requesting
funds to cover 45% of the project.
25,000 $0
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8
22
Susan
Rose's Pool
Service
Create more Jobs
Susan Rose's Pool Service
provides clean and safe
recreational swimming for all.
The funds would create more
hours for employees and to be
able to respond to emergency
work. This is a continuation of an
existing program and is
requesting funds for 40% of
project.
Incomplete application
10,000 $0
23 Ten Over
Studio
Ten Over Studio
Affordable &
Workforce
Housing
Feasibility Studies
Ten Over Studio supports
affordable housing in SLO by
working with developers on
feasibility studies. The grant
would help team provide 5
feasibility studies to local
nonprofit developers. This is a
new and a continuation of an
existing project requesting funds
for entire project.
15,000 $15,000
24 Texture Retail + Admin
Support
Managed by R.A.C.E Matters
SLO, this grant would give
continued support to the Salon by
providing product inventory for
the Salon and for an
administrative support position.
25,000 $12,000
25 The Beauty
Bar Studios
The Beauty Bar
Studios
The project funding request is to
cover the cost of an esthetician
program. Program is 4-6 month
for 40 hours a week.
10,000 $0
26
The Moving
Experience
LLC
The Moving
Experience
Inclusivity &
Awareness
Initiative
Funding request is for a moving
company that would like to target
those who are disadvantaged
and/or displaced minorities.
Funds will be used for marketing
and internal staff training. This is
a new program requesting funds
for the entire project.
150,000 $0
27 Tiger Monkey
Tattoo
Artist Resilience
Through Tattoo
A.R.T.T was created to be a hub
for young artistic alternative
souls. Project funding request is
to be used to provide training and
mentorship to aspiring artists in
the LGBTQ community along
with continuing existing services.
This is a new and a continuation
of an existing program requesting
funds for 70% of project.
25,000 $0
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9
28 Trillium
Massage
Low-income
health & wellness
access
Project funding request is to offer
health education and massage to
help improve the livelihoods and
wellness of underserved
communities. Project will also
help decrease pain and stress
and increase rate of motion and
improve circulation. This request
is for 100% of funding and it is
the continuation of an existing
program.
9,360 $0
29
Tropics
Aquarium
Professionals
Bi-lingual Animal
Care Sheet
Database
The funding request has two
aspects, 1) is to create, maintain,
and publish a database set of
animal care sheets related to
animals that will be sold and
include accurate care description
and processes. This includes a
live form attached in various
languages (English and Spanish
first) and making this data base
available. And number 2 is to
develop tutorial videos (bilingual
formats) with processes and
descriptions and FAQs. This is a
new program requesting funds
for a portion of project.
20,000 $0
30 Twig & Arrow
Salon
Twig & Arrow
Salon Diversity &
Inclusion
Project funding request is to be
used to further education and
training for entire staff on diverse
and multicultural hair and
makeup types, styles, and colors.
This will comprise of 2 classes
and hair products for multicultural
hair. This is a new program
requesting funds for 85% of the
project.
15,000 $12,500
31 Wilderr Wilderr + SLO
Inclusivity
A Women's athletic clothing
brand that will offer free fitness
classes and workshops to
women who may not have
access to such opportunities. The
project funding request is to
cover pop up shops, marketing,
community fitness events, and
custom sizing. This is a new
program requesting funds for
85% of the project.
17,000 $0
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10
32 Zen Den
Zen Den
Expansion
Program
An acupuncture and healing
center providing sliding scale
services. Project funding request
is to open a second location
which will allow for more
accessible community-based
acupuncture. This is a new
project requesting funds for the
entire project.
50,000 $0
TOTAL $997,457 $150,000
Ayes (6): Commissioner Campos, Commissioner DeTurris, Commissioner
Smith, Commissioner Warrecker, Vice Chair Kasprzak, and Chair Colyer-
Worth
Absent (1): Commissioner Carlotti
CARRIED (6 to 0)
5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a STAFF & COMMISSIONER UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
provided the following update of upcoming projects:
HRC to begin thinking about goals and objectives to be achieved
for FY 2023-2024.
HRC was apprised that the Human Services Grant
Recommendations were approved by Council and that the Draft DEI
Strategic Plan Framework was presented to Council as well on May
2, 2023 and feedback was received, which will be incorporated.
HRC was apprised that the Office of DEI will participate for the very
first time at Pride Month by having a table and sharing information
to the community.
The DEI Manager announced that the City’s Mandatory Workplace
Harassment & Discrimination Prevention Training is not required for
unpaid advisory body members, so HRC members do not need to
attend.
The DEI Manager announced that we are in the process to receive
Requests for Quotes to establish a contract with a consultant that
will aid in the development of the DEI Strategic Plan.
Page 104 of 802
11
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Human
Relations Commission is scheduled for June 7, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council
Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
APPROVED BY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION: 06/07/2023
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