HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5d. 2023-24 DEI High Impact Grant Funding Recommendations Item 5d
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1010
For Agenda of: 12/5/2023
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE 2023-24 DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION HIGH
IMPACT GRANT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
1. As recommended by the Human Relations Commission, approve the 2023-2024
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion High Impact 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 the City Council and the City Manager which promote and advance
inclusion, mutual understanding, respect, and equitable treatment to all San Luis Obispo
community members. The HRC’s recommendations to the City Council help to address
social concerns and the needs of the community. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)
High Impact Grant program provides financial support to non -profit organizations for
programming and projects that advance DEI in the City. This grant program is part of the
DEI Major City Goal workplan with the goal of making San Luis Obispo a more welcoming
and inclusive place for all community members by addressing structural and systemic
issues.
DISCUSSION
Background
On November 17, 2020, City Council approved the first funding allocations for DEI High
Impact projects totaling $109,800 funding to eight (8) organizations. During the 2021 -23
financial plan process, City Council approved the DEI MCG to include annual funding of
$150,000 for the DEI High Impact Grant program. The City carried combined funds for
Fiscal Years 2021-22 and 2022-23 for a total of $300,000. A total of 21 non-profit
organizations received funding for FY 2022-23.
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Item 5d
DEI High Impact Grant Purpose
The purpose of the funding program is to enhance the sense of belonging for a ll people
in the San Luis Obispo community. This funding allocation is an effort to uplift and support
local projects, programs, and initiatives that contribute to creating a San Luis Obispo that
is welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and safe. The scope of i nclusion and equity work is
inherently broad and complex, and the funding seeks to support initiatives that show an
understanding of “root causes” issues to address structural and systemic issues, can
demonstrate measurable success, and contribute to some aspect of systemic change.
The funding is primarily focused on narrowing equity gaps that have disproportionately
impacted marginalized communities. These equity gaps include, but are not limited to:
1. Physical and mental health services
2. Education
3. Housing
4. Criminalization
5. Food security
6. Community representation
Funding Criteria & Requirements
1. Applicants must submit a complete application that must include the following
attachments:
o DEI Statement
o Detailed budget for the proposed project
o Organizational chart
o Document certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status
2. Applicants may be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, government or
education entity, or faith-based organization.
3. Funding activities must primarily occur in the City of San Luis Obispo.
4. Funding activities must primarily serve City residents. Applicants that engage in
neighboring communities, but also serve a significant number of City residents, will
be considered.
5. Requests must be for programs or projects with the ability to show measura ble
impact and success. New, creative approaches that are rooted in best practices or
evidence-based, as well as proven approaches, are highly encouraged.
6. Collaborations between one or more organizations or groups are welcome and
encouraged. At least one organization in the partnership needs to be an eligible
entity noted above.
7. Applicants must demonstrate core values of justice, equity, diversity, and/or
inclusion in their purpose and operations and have been engaging in DEI -related
programs within SLO County for at least two (2) years prior to application.
8. Recipients must enter a contract with the City prior to receipt of DEI funds.
9. Recipients must complete periodic impact reports and provide the timely to review
and compliance.
10. Recipients must submit a final impact report at the end of project or at 12 months
from start, whichever comes first.
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Item 5d
DEI High Impact Grant Application Process
On July 28, 2023, the Office of DEI formally launched the DEI High Impact Grant process
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 Grant webpage
and via email to the partners in the community. The DEI High Impact Grant program
application was due to the City on September 3, 2023, at noon (12:00 pm). The deadline
to submit applications was extended to September 3, 2023, from their original date of
Friday, September 1, 2023, due to the website being down for almost 24 hours. The City
received grant applications from 26 non-profit organizations requesting funding for
programs totaling $500,976. Attachment A includes a list of the applications submitted to
the City for the DEI High Impact Grant funding and the HRC’s recommended funding
amounts. The DEI High Impact Grant Application Summary, provided as Attachment B,
further describes each application proposal. Copies of all grant applications are available
for review by contacting the Office of DEI.
HRC Review Process
The HRC DEI High Impact Grant Review Subcommittee, which included Commissioner
Vincent DeTurris, Commissioner Catuih Campos, and Commissioner Sierra Smith,
embarked on a three-part review process which included:
1. Individual Review #1: For the first review, each subcommittee member read and
reviewed of all applications. The subcommittee had from Wednesday, September
6, 2023, to Tuesday, September 12, 2023, to complete their initial independent
review.
2. Subcommittee Review #2: This initial group review was conducted on Tuesday,
September 12, 2023, in which the subcommittee members considered the funding
priorities, the impact of the proposed project, and the viability and sustainability to
guide their funding recommendations.
3. Subcommittee Review #3: The subcommittee met for a second time to review their
preliminary funding recommendations and provide final feedback to staff to present
the recommendation to the entire HRC on the October 4, 2023, regular meeting.
On October 4, 2023, staff presented the DEI High Impact Grant subcommittee preliminary
grant recommendations to the full HRC during a noticed public hearing meeting. During
the discussion, the staff and subcommittee engaged with the other Commissioners to
answer questions on the preliminary recommendations and 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 by advancing DEI initiatives.
HRC Public Hearing
The public hearing was held on October 4, 2023, which allowed the HRC to solicit
feedback on the DEI High Impact Grant preliminary funding recommendations, prior to
review by the City Council. Applicants were notified via email of their opportunity to atte nd
the public hearing. Upon completion of deliberation, the HRC voted to approve the
preliminary funding recommendations.
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Item 5d
Grant Contracts
Upon Council approval of the DEI High Impact Grant funding allocations, the City will
enter a contract with each organization that has been awarded grant funding. The HRC
and the City staff will review grant project reports throughout the year. Organizations
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 program. Reports are reviewed by staff and the HRC for
completeness, compliance, and to ensure their approved projects are open to all people.
Public Engagement
The public, and more specifically non-profit organizations, were engaged throughout the
grant award process. Non-profit organizations received communication of available
funding, including two virtual information sessions in English and Spanish on Monday,
August 7, 2023: from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. The staff also offered technical assistance during
the application period, a detailed grant web application outlining funding criteria, and how
to access support from staff. This item is on the consent agenda for the December 5,
2023, City Council meeting and will follow all required posting and notification. The public
can submit comments on this item at or before the meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not ap ply 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: 2023-24
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 2023-2024 Financial Plan, the allocated 2023-2024 budget for the DEI
High Impact Grant program was $150,000. DEI High Impact Grant programs will be
implemented for a period of one year starting January 1, 2024, and ending on December
31, 2024.
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Item 5d
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 High Impact Grant applications not
recommended by the HRC. This action is not recommended by staff because
thorough consideration was given to recommended awardees.
ATTACHMENTS
A - 2023-24 DEI High Impact HRC Preliminary Funding Recommendations
B - 2023-24 DEI High Impact Grant Proposals Summary
C - 10-04-2023 Draft HRC Meeting Minutes
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Attachment A-
2023 -2024 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT APPLICATIONS
Organization Project/Program Requested
Amount
Recommended
Amount
1 At Her Table (AHT) At Her Table $7,500 $0
2 Big Brothers Big Sisters Representation Matters: Supporting
DEI Through Diverse Content $20,000 $0
3 Community Counseling
Center (CCC)
Cultural Brokers and Bridge Builders:
Establishing Latin/x Student and
Family Links to Mental Health Care
$10,000 $0
4 Court Appointed Special
Advocates (CASA)
Diversity is the Power of Change -
Year 2 $8,000 $8,000
5 Diversity Coalition BIPOC Board Leadership Program $40,000 $40,000
6 Downtown SLO Expanding Multicultural Participation
at Downtown SLO's Farmers' Market $20,000 $0
7 GALA Pride & Diversity
Center
SLO Queer Cultural Revitalization
Project $20,000 $20,000
8 History Center of SLO
County Translation & Multilingual Access $7,000 $6,000
9 HOSPICE SLO Volunteer Training & Community
Outreach $20,000 $0
10 Jack's Helping Hand Jack's Assistance Program $15,000 $0
11 JOGA BONITO
CENTRAL COAST Joga Bonito $20,000 $0
12 LEADERSHIP SLO Leadership SLO Inclusivity Partners
Program $12,500 $0
13 LUMINA ALLIANCE ReDefine Parenting Program $20,000 $0
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14 MCSC WBC San Luis
Obispo Small Business Impact Project $20,000 $0
15 MONARCH HILLS
EDUCATION Monarch Hills Education $40,000 $0
16 RACE MATTERS Shop Talk & Hair Fund $20,000 $16,800
17 RESTORATIVE
PARTNERS
Restorative Justice Conferencing
Program (Phase II) $20,000 $0
18 San Luis Obispo County
UndocuSupport
San Luis Obispo County
UndocuSupport $39,775.62 $39,775.62
19
SLO Child Development
Resource Center (SLO
CDRC)
Child & Family Play Therapy
Program $5,000 $0
20 SLO Climate Coalition Stronger Together & Resilient SLO
Accessibility Project $2,500 $0
21 SLO HILLEL Jews of Color Speaker Series
Presentation $20,000 $10,000
22 SLO International Film
Festival (SLOIFF)
Free Shorts Program + Central
Coast Filmmaking Grant $8,700 $0
23 SLO Museum of Art
(SLOMA) Expanding Equity Exhibitions $20,000 $9,424.38
24 SLO NOOR Foundation Whole Community Care Project $25,000 $0
25
The San Luis Obispo
Wind Orchestra
(SLOWA)
Empowering Women in Music: A
Celebration of Talent and Diversity $20,000 $0
26
Transitions-Mental
Health Association
(TMHA)
DEI Mental Wellness Initiative $40,000 $0
TOTAL $500,976 $150,000
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Attachment B-
Applicant At Her Table (AHT)
Project
Description
Funds will be for the annual portrait day initiative, which offers free
professional portrait sessions to all women in the workforce. The project
aims to empower participants by enhancing their professional image,
overcoming financial barriers, and boosting their career prospects.
Services include portrait sessions, makeup and styling, venue and logistics.
Requested
Amount $7,500
Recommended
Amount
$0 – While an equity gap was identified, other applications better
addressed larger structural/systemic issues
Applicant Big Brothers Big Sisters
Project
Description
Funds will be used for website upgrades to increase diversity, improve
accessibility, and translation.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Proposal did not provide sufficient information about how applicant
would measure the impact of the project in the community to address
structural and systemic issues.
Applicant Community Counseling Center (CCC)
Project
Description
Funds will be used to improve CCC's services for on-campus programs in
SLCUSD at three (3) elementary schools. Funds will cover strategies for
their bilingual and bicultural Latino Outreach and Engagement Admin.
Specialist to collaborate with SLCUSD Family Advocates and Pupil
Personnel to assist monolingual parents in consenting mental health
services for their children.
Requested
Amount $10,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Difficult to gauge success and measure impact of project since
requested funds only represent 3% of the total project ($344,100) amount.
Applicant Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Project
Description
Continuation of current grant funding in two areas. 1) Use of funds to
develop and implement an updated recruitment outreach plan to provide
ongoing support to male Latinx and bilingual volunteers, and 2) to increase
cultural competence by expanding their partnership with Dr. Joy Pederson
to impart additional DEI training to staff and Board of Directors.
Requested
Amount $8,000
Recommended
Amount
$8,000- Fully fund proposal. Request applicant to provide details, outcome,
and impact of training.
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Applicant Diversity Coalition
Project
Description
Funds to be used to develop and implement Board Leadership training
programming to serve on boards in three areas. 1) Funds will cover two (2)
training every calendar year, each training is two (2) days with a cohort of
12-15 diverse BIPOC participants. 2) board placement assistance services
will be provided to BIPOC participants, matching 10-20 local boards, and 3)
the partnership with SPOKES to provide training to local agencies to
diversify their boards including recruitment, retention, and support.
Requested
Amount $40,000
Recommended
Amount
$40,000 - Fully fund proposal. Training program eligibility cannot be
restricted based on any protected class.
Applicant Downtown SLO
Project
Description
Funds will be used to expand communications and marketing to create a
multicultural market, including bilingual vendor applications and marketing
materials, media and online promotions, and support bilingual staff at the
market, translation, and social media platforms.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Proposal identified an equity gap for access, but other applications
better addressed larger structural/systemic issues.
Applicant GALA Pride & Diversity Center
Project
Description
Funds will be used to cover costs for 11 events to increase networking
opportunities and activities that highlights different aspect of queer culture
to community features, community crafting, and fine art gallery exhibits,
and will highlight each stakeholder partner. Funds will also cover a
roundtable discussion focused on successes and new initiatives for long-
term support.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$20,000 – Fully fund proposal. Project events must comply with Municipal
Code (including any required permits, if applicable) and be designed to
engage all individuals in the community.
Applicant History Center of SLO County
Project
Description
Funds will be used to increase accessibility to exhibits and public lectures
events by offering text translations and public lectures in Spanish, creating
a more immersive experience for the Spanish-speaking community and
foster a deeper connection.
Requested
Amount $7,000
Recommended
Amount
$6,000 - Partially fund proposal. When looking at systemic change, it is
important to address the history of our community and make the history
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center more accessible. The project is recommended for funding because
of its long-term impacts
Applicant Hospice SLO
Project
Description
Funds will be used to cover expenses for a twofold purpose, 1) four (4)
comprehensive DEI-informed training for new in-home hospice volunteers
and 2) outreach initiatives (staff hours) to spread awareness about free-of-
charge support services among marginalized and underserved populations.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Proposal identified education as a need to expand DEI within
organization, but proposal did not provide sufficient information about how
applicant would measure the impact of the project in the community to
address structural and systemic issues.
Applicant Jack’s Helping Hand
Project
Description
Funds will be used as part of the Jack's Assistance Program. Funds will
cover pediatric medical appointments, treatments, equipment, services,
medical bills, transportation, food, and lodging that exceed family financial
capabilities.
Requested
Amount $15,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Identifies a service need. Funding request is only for 5% of the entire
project ($280,000). Difficult to measure structural and systemic impact as
required by the grant program.
Applicant Joga Bonito Central Coast
Project
Description
Funds will be used for a youth development approach ranging from
elementary school children to high school, college, and even professional
players.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount $0 – Application was submitted beyond the deadline for review.
Applicant Leadership SLO
Project
Description
Funds will be used to launch a community partnership program and to
expand programs to new audiences. Funds will cover 1) outreach to
essential DEI leaders to establish partnerships, 2) provide direct funding to
partner via a quarterly retainer for ongoing advisory role relationships,
financial support to community events, and hire experts to deliver content;
3) work with internal stakeholders and partners to enhance existing
curriculum, 4) promote the work of partner agencies to increase community
participation.
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Requested
Amount $12,500
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Proposal lacked sufficient information connecting the project to
structural and systemic needs and to the impact in the community that is
long-lasting and sustainable.
Applicant Lumina Alliance
Project
Description
Funds will be used for the ReDefine Parenting Program in underserved
elementary schools, including C.L. Smith Elementary School and Pacheco
Elementary School. The funds will cover expenses to engage parents and
caregiver in preventing violence by facilitating workshops that empower
parents/caregivers to engage pre-teens in tough age-appropriate
conversations about social and emotional health. The funds will cover 4-16
peer-led workshops with up to 20 participants.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Proposal best suited to apply for the Human Services Grant (HSG)
program.
Applicant MCSC Women Business Center of San Luis Obispo
Project
Description
Funds will be used to support the Small Business Impact Project by
engaging aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to participate
in a 12-week course to brainstorm business ideas to creating a plan. The
project is designed to focus on creating access to entrepreneurs from all
demographics and will provide the opportunity for entrepreneurs of all
backgrounds a way to market and announce their business to the
community.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Proposal is best suited for the DEI SLO Business Grant. Proposal did
not provide sufficient information about how applicant would measure the
impact of the project in the community to address structural and systemic
issues.
Applicant Monarch Hills Education
Project
Description
Funds will be used to outreach to a broader group of underserved children
by expanding services to more families and serving diverse learning needs.
Funds will cover 1) financial assistance for children, 2) staff cost to match
and enhance needs, and 3) help enhance the regenerative gardening and
farming aspects of the program. This is a joint effort with SLO City Farms.
Requested
Amount $40,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Proposal lacked sufficient information connecting the project to
structural and systemic needs and to the impact in the community that is
long-lasting and sustainable.
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Applicant R.A.C.E. Matters
Project
Description
Funds will be used to support programs dedicated to creating health equity
and wellbeing for BIPOC community members. The funds will cover 1) an
initiative called "shop talk" to support free, monthly, therapist and/or
clinician-led discussion groups intended to foster healing, community
making, well-being, and joy. This will cover 4 monthly sessions (48 total
sessions); and 2) another initiative for a hair fund that enable local folks
with financial barriers to receive hair services at texture salon.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$16,8000 - Partially funded proposal. Cover the Shop Talk sessions, but
not the hair fund. Make sure Shop Talk sessions are open to all community
members.
Applicant Restorative Partners
Project
Description
Funds are designed to expand the Restorative Justice Conferencing
Program. Funds will cover staff time and to hire a part-time coordinator for
the program. The Coordinator will facilitate restorative conferences, lead
outreach efforts with community partners, coordinate logistics, and work
closely with volunteers and interns. Funds will be used to potentially
increase conferences from 10 to 20 in the 2024 calendar year.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Funds requested are fully directed to staff. While proposal discusses
an equity gap service, it lacked sufficient information connecting the project
to structural and systemic needs and to the impact in the community that is
long-lasting and sustainable.
Applicant San Luis Obispo County UndocuSupport
Project
Description
Funds will be used to create 14 "how to" videos covering seven (7) topics
with easy to understand, step-by-step instructions on eligibility and basis of
how to apply which will target Spanish and Mixteco-speaking immigrants
and community members. Videos will be created in Spanish with English
subtitles, and a second format will be created with Mixteco voiceover in
partnership with Promotores and Herencia Indígena.
Requested
Amount $39,775.62
Recommended
Amount
$39,775.62 – Fully fund as proposed project scope. Project is sustainable
with wide long-lasting impact in the City and the entire community.
Applicant SLO Child Development Resource Center (SLO CDRC)
Project
Description
Funds will be used to support direct services, which include 150 hours of
therapy and allow for $500 of professional development for two (2)
therapists centered on cultural and linguistic competencies.
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Requested
Amount $5,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Identified an equity gap, but other applications better addressed larger
structural/systemic issues.
Applicant SLO Climate Coalition
Project
Description
Funds will be used for an equity assessment to make our organizations'
programming more inclusive to people with disabilities. The funds will be
used to purchase accessibility upgrades (using non-city funding) to
Ludwick Community Center and make modifications to their Stronger
Together meetings and ResilientSLO online climate resource.
Requested
Amount $2,500
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Application did not meet the minimum requested amount requirement.
Application identified an equity gap, but other applications better addressed
larger structural/systemic issues.
Applicant SLO Hillel
Project
Description
The funds will be used to cover the expenses of one presentation from a
speaker during the Jews of Color Speaker Series.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$10,000 – Partially funded project, organization to adjust scope of project
accordingly and ensure presentation is available to all community
members.
Applicant SLO International Film Festival
Project
Description
Funds will be used to continue the free program designed to highlight films
and storytelling from BIPOC filmmakers. Funds will cover five (5) short
films programmed through R.A.C.E. Matters SLO focusing on BIPOC
filmmakers and different perspectives. Themes for this year include
voting/activism or indigenous perspectives on water. Funds will cover two
(2) panel discussions with guest speakers.
Requested
Amount $8,700
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Identified an equity gap, but other applications better addressed larger
structural/systemic issues.
Applicant SLO Museum of Art
Project
Description
Funds will be used to cover two (2) exhibitions showcasing artists from
historically underserved and excluded communities, as well as free public
programming for youths and adults presented in collaboration with
community partners. One exhibition is by artist Maria Molteni, and the
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second exhibition showcases a group of BIPOC artists from the Central
Coast and the State exploring historic segregation.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$9,424.38 – Partially fund. Reduce staffing but allow for projects to be
funded based on scope of proposal.
Applicant SLO Noor Foundation
Project
Description
Community Care project meant to serve uninsured, low income, and hard
to reach populations for the purpose to directly engage individuals to
ongoing healthcare, health education, and support services. The funds will
cover 1) fulltime multilingual healthcare and support services, 2) deliver
continuity in care through preventive and diagnostic laboratory and
radiology service, 3) deliver regular multilingual outreach, and 4) launch
multilingual marketing campaign.
Requested
Amount $25,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Proposal best suited to apply for Human Services Grant (HSG)
program. Requested amount only covers 4% of the total project cost
($595,017) therefore difficult to gauge community impact.
Applicant The San Luis Obispo Wind Orchestra
Project
Description
Funds will be used to spotlight women composers and for performances by
accomplished women soloists and conductors. Funds will be used to
conduct a multi-pronged outreach approach including social media, direct
mail, posters, collaborations with local art and music organizations, and TV
commercials.
Requested
Amount $20,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 - Identified an equity gap, but other applications better addressed larger
structural/systemic issues.
Applicant Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA)
Project
Description
Funds will be used to expand the current services they offer. Funds will
cover the development and implementation of Spanish-language support
groups led by Promotores on a monthly basis using TMHA's three (3)
wellness centers. These groups will be culturally and linguistically
appropriate to engage with the Latino/Latinx/Latine/Hispanic/ and Mixteco
population and will be referred to as Charlas Educativas. This application is
a joint effort with Promotores.
Requested
Amount $40,000
Recommended
Amount
$0 – Proposal best suited to apply for Human Services Grant (HSG)
program.
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1
DRAFT Human Relations Commission Minutes
October 4, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
HRC Members
Present:
Commissioner Catuih Campos, Commissioner Stephanie
Carlotti, Commissioner Vincent DeTurris, Commissioner Sierra
Smith, Commissioner Taryn Warrecker, Vice Chair Angie
Kasprzak, Chair Dusty Colyer-Worth
City Staff Present: DEI Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua, DEI Management
Fellow Matthew Melendrez, City Clerk Teresa Purrington
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission was
called to order on October 4, 2023, at 5:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City
Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Colyer-Worth.
2. STAFF INTRODUCTIONS
DEI Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua introduced Assistant City Manager,
Whitney McDonald.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
Walker Burdick
--End of Public Comment--
4. CONSENT
4.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 6, 2023, HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
Motion By Commissioner Carlotti
Second By Commissioner Smith
To approve the Human Relations Commission Minutes of September 6, 2023.
Ayes (7): Commissioner Campos, Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner
DeTurris, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Warrecker, Vice Chair
Kasprzak, and Chair Colyer-Worth
CARRIED (7 to 0)
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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2
5.a ANNUAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDGB)
COMMUNITY NEEDS GRANT WORKSHOP
Assistant Planner Owen Goode presented the staff report and responded
to inquiries.
Public Comment:
Joanna Dominguez
--End of Public Comment--
Motion By Vice Chair Kasprzak
Second By Commissioner Campos
To approve the CDBG funding priorities as presented during the
Community Needs Grant Workshop.
Ayes (7): Commissioner Campos, Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner
DeTurris, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Warrecker, Vice Chair
Kasprzak, and Chair Colyer-Worth
CARRIED (7 to 0)
5.b 2023-24 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT FUNDING RECOMMENDATION
Chair Colyer-Worth declared a conflict and recused himself from the
discussion regarding GALA Pride & Diversity Center due to his
employment with GALA Pride & Diversity Center.
Commissioner Carlotti declared a conflict and recused herself from the
discussion regarding Transitions Mental Health Association due to her
employment with Transitions Mental Health Association.
DEI Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua presented the staff report and
responded to inquiries.
Public Comment:
Greg Ellis
Wendy Wendt
Rita Casaverde
Courtney Haile
Chelsea Ruiz
Dan Rivoire
Nicole Mullikin
--End of Public Comment--
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3
Motion By Commissioner Smith
Second By Commissioner Carlotti
To provide the following 2023-24 DEI High Impact Grant funding
recommendation to City Council:
Organization Project/Program Recommended
Funding Amount
GALA Pride & Diversity
Center
SLO Queer Cultural
Revitalization Project $20,000
Ayes (6): Commissioner Campos, Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner
DeTurris, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Warrecker, and Vice Chair
Kasprzak
Recused (1): Chair Colyer-Worth
CARRIED (6 to 0)
Motion By Vice Chair Kasprzak
Second By Commissioner Campos
To provide the following 2023-24 DEI High Impact Grant funding
recommendations to City Council:
Organization Project/Program Recommended
Funding Amount
Diversity Coalition BIPOC Board
Leadership Program $40,000
History Center of SLO
County
Translation &
Multilingual Access $6,000
Race Matters Shop Talk & Hair Fund $16,800
San Luis Obispo
County UndocuSupport
San Luis Obispo County
UndocuSupport $39,775.62
SLO Hillel Jews of Color Speaker
Series Presentation $10,000
SLO Museum of Art Expanding Equity
Exhibitions $9,424.38
Court Appointed
Special Advocates
(CASA)
Diversity is the Power of
Change - Year 2 $8,000
Ayes (7): Commissioner Campos, Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner
DeTurris, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Warrecker, Vice Chair
Kasprzak, and Chair Colyer-Worth
CARRIED (7 to 0)
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4
5.c DEI STRATEGIC PLAN COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
DEI Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua presented the staff report and
responded to inquiries.
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Action: No action taken on this item.
6. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.a STAFF & COMMISSIONER UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
provided an update on upcoming projects.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Human
Relations Commission is scheduled for December 6, 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: XX/XX/2023
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