HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5f. Consideration of the 2024-25 DEI High Impact Grant Funding Recommendations Item 5f
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1010
For Agenda of: 12/10/2024
Placement: Consent
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF THE 2024-25 DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND
INCLUSION HIGH IMPACT GRANT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
1. As recommended by the Human Relations Commission, approve the 2024-2025 DEI
High Impact 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 which promote and advance
inclusion, mutual understanding, respect, and equitable treatment to all San Luis Obispo
community members. 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 welcom ing 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 Grant projects totaling $109,800 to eight (8) organizations. During the 2021-23
Financial Plan process, City Council approved the DEI Major City Goal to include annual
funding of $150,000 for the DEI High Impact Grant program.
DEI High Impact Grant Purpose
The purpose of the funding program is to enhance the sense of belonging for all people
in the San Luis Obispo community. The funding 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 inclusion and equity work is
inherently broad and complex, and the funding seeks to support initiatives that show an
understanding of “root causes” issues, can demonstrate measurable success, and
contribute to some aspect of systemic change.
Page 111 of 641
Item 5f
The funding is primarily focused on advancing and implementing diversity, equity , and
inclusion through innovative practices that seek to narrow equity gaps and address
intractable, systemic, and structural issues. Illustrative examples of system ic/structural
issues include:
1. Affordable housing development and access to housing.
2. Access to culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral health services.
3. Poverty and unemployment impacting access to education, food, and shelter.
4. Diversity in government and governing institutions.
5. Racial and socio-economic disparities in the criminal justice system.
6. Environmental justice and equitable access to sustainable resources.
7. Equity in access and representation of females and female -identified community
members in decision-making processes and leadership roles.
8. Diverse individual civic engagement related to voting representation and election
education.
9. Diverse work programs to match individuals with potential employers.
Funding Applicants Criteria
1. Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, government or
education entity, or faith-based organization.
2. Funding activities must primarily occur in the City of San Luis Obispo and be
accessible to all community members.
3. Funded activities must primarily serve City residents. Applicants that provide
services to neighboring communities, but also serve a significant number of City
residents, will be considered.
4. Requests must be for programs or services with the ability to show measurable
impact and success. New creative approaches rooted in best practices or
evidence, as well as proven approaches, are highly encouraged.
5. Collaborations between one or more organizations or groups are welcome and
encouraged. At least one organization in the partne rship needs to be an eligible
entity noted above.
Funding Requirements
1. Applicants must submit a complete application that must include the following
attachments:
a. DEI Statement
b. Detailed budget for the proposed project
c. Organizational chart
d. Document certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status
Page 112 of 641
Item 5f
2. Applicants must demonstrate core values of justice, equity, diversity , and inclusion
in their purpose/mission statement and daily operations and have been providing
DEI-related initiatives or programs within SLO County for at least two years prior
to application. (The proposal can be for something new, but the recipient
organization must have been operating locally for at least two years.)
3. Grant recipients must enter into a contract with the City prior to receipt of DEI
funds.
4. Grant recipients must complete periodic impact reports and provide them timely.
5. Grant recipients must submit a final impact report at the end of project or at 12
months from start, whichever comes first. Grant recipients will be expected to
return unused funds.
DEI High Impact Grant Application Process
On July 22, 2024, 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 community partners. The DEI High Impact Grant program application
was due to the City August 30, 2024, at 5:00pm. The Office of DEI provided online
technical assistance on July 31, and August 1, 2024, as well as responding to individual
questions throughout the month of August. The City received grant applications from 30
organizations requesting funding for a total of $642,995. 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, including a description of each application.
HRC Review Process
The HRC DEI High Impact Grant Review Subcommittee, which included Chair Angie
Kasprzak, Commissioner Vincent DeTurris, and Commissioner Stephanie Carlotti,
participated in a three-part review process which included:
1. Subcommittee Review #1: Individual review of all applications. The subcommittee
had from Wednesday, September 4, 2024, to Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to
complete their initial independent review.
2. Subcommittee Review #2: The initial group review was conducted on Wednesday,
September 11, 2024, in which the subcommittee members considered the funding
priorities, the impact of the proposed project, and the viability and sustainability of
the applications to guide their funding recommendations.
3. Subcommittee Review #3: The subcommittee met for a second time on September
17, 2024, to review their preliminary funding recommendations and provide final
feedback to staff to present the recommendation to the entire HRC.
Page 113 of 641
Item 5f
On October 2, 2024, 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 2, 2024, 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 attend
the public hearing. A total of 24 correspondences were received on the public hearing
item, showcasing the importance of this grant program in the community. Upon
completion of deliberation, the HRC voted to approve the preliminary funding
recommendations.
Grant Contracts
Upon Council approval of the DEI High Impact Grant funding allocations, the City will
enter into a contract with each organization that has been awarded grant funding. The
HRC and 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 accessible to all
community members.
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 July 29,
2024, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Staff also offered technical assistance during the entire
application period. This item is on the consent agenda for the December 10, 2024, City
Council meeting and will follow all required postings and notification. 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: 2024-25
Funding Identified: Yes
Page 114 of 641
Item 5f
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 $0 $0 $
As adopted in the 2023-2025 Financial Plan, the allocated 2024-2025 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, 2025, and ending on December
31, 2025.
ALTERNATIVES
1. The Council may modify the proposed grant funding amounts to the applicants
recommended by the HRC. The Council should provide direction on the
modifications desired.
2. The Council may choose to modify the proposed grant funding
recommendations and to fund eligible DEI High Impact Grant applications not
recommended by the HRC. This action in not recommended by staff because
thorough consideration was given to recommended awardees.
ATTACHMENTS
A - 2024-2025 DEI High Impact Grant HRC Preliminary Funding Recommendations &
Program Summary
B - 10-02-2024 Approved HRC Minutes
Page 115 of 641
Page 116 of 641
Org.
Project or
Program
Name
Description of Project/Program Rqtd.
Amount
Rec.
Amount
HRC
Comment
1 AAPI of
SLO
AAPI: Our
Voices,
Our Stories
Funds will be used to cover 10
performers, 5-10 artists, and 10 small
businesses at the annual AAPI
festival. Performers include the SLO
Buddhist Temple Taiko Drumming
Group, The Filipino Community
Center in Grover Beach, college
students from various AAPI clubs on
the Cal Poly campus such as Huio
Hawaii, Cal Poly Lion Dance Team,
the United Movement, and high
school student musicians. Spoken
word artists and poets will be invited
to contribute original work centered
around ethnic and cultural heritage,
small restaurants and retail owners
will also be invited to participate.
Additional AAPI leaders,
professionals, and BIPOC leaders
will be invited to speak showcasing
the diversity of the project. Before the
event, AAPI SLO will host storytelling
events throughout the year building
up to the AAPI event.
$15,000 $7,500
Partially
funded
project.
Contractor
to scope
services
based on
the new
dollar
amount.
2
Afrikan
Black
Collective
ABC
Conferenc
e
Funds will be used to put together
the Afrikan Black Coalition (ABC)
Conference, which is designed to
address structural and systemic
inequities that impact Afrikan/Black
students. The project's objectives
include 1) addressing systemic
inequities to address academic policy
disparities, 2) develop leadership
skills through workshops and
interactive sessions, 3) focus on
post-college success through career
and graduate education, 4) cultural
affirmation focused on heritage and
resilience, and 5) impact.
$20,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding for
this grant
cycle.
3
Big
Brothers
Big Sisters
Pacheco
Elementary
School
Mentorship
Program
Funds will be used for their school-
based mentoring program at
Pacheco Elementary School.
Activities include recruitment and
training of 25 high school student
volunteers to serve as mentors,
weekly 2-hour mentoring sessions,
DEI-focused activities designed to
celebrate diversity and build cultural
awareness, and once a month field
trips and enrichment opportunities.
$20,000 $10,000
Partially
fund project.
Contractor
to scope
project
appropriatel
y with the
new dollar
amount.
Page 117 of 641
4
CASA of
SLO
County
Increasing
Cultural
Competenc
e &
Diversity at
SLO CASA
Funds will be used to support and
build the cultural competency and
expertise of CASA staff and
volunteers assigned to foster youth
and expanding outreach and
recruitment efforts to diversify our
volunteer pool. The funds will cover a
portion of the CASA Training
Manager's salary which will be
dedicated to her time spent
coordinating and facilitating DEI
trainings for CASA volunteers and
conducting targeted volunteer
recruitment. Funds will also be used
to produce bilingual and Spanish-
language flyers and brochures.
$20,000 $0
Potential
funding. Cut
out on 2nd
round of
discussion
due to
insufficient
funding.
5 City Farm
SLO
Expanding
Access to
Therapeuti
c
Horticulture
Programmi
ng for
Adults with
Disabilities
Funds will be used to expand City
Farm's Therapeutic Horticulture
Programming to include twice-weekly
sessions for adults with disabilities.
Funds will cover 90 sessions across
45 weeks, serving 18 adults with
disabilities and 6 aides. Sessions will
focus on job skill development, fine
motor enhancement, cognitive
stimulation, and confidence-building.
Funds will also cover three (3)
technical assistance trainings for a
diverse group of educators.
$19,490 $0
Potential
funding. Cut
out on 2nd
round of
discussion
due to
insufficient
funding.
6
Community
Counseling
Center
Delving
Deep:
Mental
Health
Screening
Assessme
nt,
Observatio
n, and
Psychother
apy for
Latinx
Youth and
Families
Funds will be used to improve CCC's
services to Latinx youth and provide
support and access to counseling
services for their families. The funds
will enhance existing on-campus
programs in San Luis Coastal Unified
District (SLCUSD) at the three (3)
elementary schools with the highest
percentage of Latinx students: C.L.
Smith, Hawthorne, and Pacheco.
Funds will be distributed between the
Program Coordinator, Admin
Specialist I, Admin Specialist II,
Therapists, Clinical Director, Bilingual
Licensed Clinical Supervisor, and
Behavioral Health Interpreter.
$10,000 $0
Potential
funding. Cut
out on 2nd
round of
discussion
due to
insufficient
funding.
7 Corazon
Latino
Civic
Education
Campaign
to Close
Equity Gap
Funds will be used to provide a
targeted civic education campaign to
SLO's underserved and
underrepresented
Latino/Latinx/Hispanic community
and the entire community at large in
order to remove barriers to civic
engagement, increase civic
participation, and access to services.
Funds will cover six how-to-videos
produced in English and Spanish
$40,000 $0
Potential
funding. Cut
out on 2nd
round of
discussion
due to
insufficient
funding.
Page 118 of 641
(and Mixteco when appropriate),
providing civic education, monthly
educational classes/groups led by
Certified Community Health
Workers/Promotores, and a
marketing outreach campaign to
share civic information, promote
videos, and classes.
8 Diversity
Coalition
BIPOC
Board
Leadership
Program
Funds will be used to support two (2)
BIPOC Board Leadership Training
Program (BLTP) cohorts. Funds will
cover the Program Director to lead
program development and
implementation, as well as operation
expenses. The project also includes
board member placement, DEI
Training for Boards, and Leadership
SLO Alumni Exchange.
$40,000 $10,000
Partially
funded
project.
Contractor
to scope
project
appropriatel
y with the
new dollar
amount.
9 Downtown
SLO
Increased
Food
Access at
Farmer's
Market
Funds will be used to expand and
enhance food access at the year-
round nightly Farmers' Market in
downtown SLO on Thursday
evenings. The funds will cover the
increase demand and participation
by BIPOC and underserved and
underrepresented community
members, for the CalFresh EBT
token program, which requires more
staffing support.
$12,700 $0
Potential
funding. Cut
out on 2nd
round of
discussion
due to
insufficient
funding.
10
Economics
of Being a
Woman
Economics
of Being a
Woman's
Financial
Education
and
Disaster
Preparedn
ess
eLearning
Program
Funds will be used to develop and
disseminate the Economics of Being
a Woman Financial and Disaster
Preparedness eLearning Program.
The program includes interactive
online learning exercises along with
an online fillable and/or printable 18-
page companion workbook of
exercises that focus on actionable
preparedness steps outlined in the
online presentation. Services are
accessible to all community
members.
$20,000 $0
Not eligible
for funding
since
organization
is a for-profit
entity.
11
GALA
Pride &
Diversity
Center
Complex
LGBTQ+
Mental
Health
Support
Funds will be used to provide a multi-
tiered system of mental health
support. Funds will cover two new
monthly therapist-led support groups,
one for families of youth, and one for
young LGBTQ+ adults in the
transitional-aged group. Funds will
also cover the Writing for Queer
Empowerment Workshop and the Art
Therapy Group Workshop on a
quarterly basis. Funds will cover bi-
monthly social groups designed to
create mental health support
programming for older adults and
$20,000 $15,000
Partially
funded
project.
Contractor
to scope
project
appropriatel
y with the
new dollar
amount.
Page 119 of 641
youth and build community. Lastly,
funds will cover another Summer
Sports Day boosting youth
participation, confidence, and sense
of belonging.
12
Hospice of
SLO
County
Volunteer
Training &
Community
Outreach
Funds will be used to host four (4)
18-hour In-Home Volunteer Trainings
AND outreach initiative to spread
awareness about free-of-charge
support services among
marginalized, minoritized, and under-
served populations in our area. The
trainings include in-home respite
services, and include personal
attitudes towards death and dying,
medical and non-medical
approaches, communication skills,
grief and bereavement, and all
training are saturated with themes of
DEI with an emphasis on empathic
listening and human-to-human
connection.
$20,000 $7,750
Partially
funded to
cover.
$7,750 for
outreach
initiatives to
spread
awareness
about free-
of-charge
support
services
among
underserved
communitie
s.
13 Literacy for
Life
Treasured
Objects:
Personal
Heritage
Stories
Funds will be used to cover
expenses for an art project designed
to uplift and bring social awareness
of cause issues impacting equity,
communication, and stories of
underserved and underrepresented
communities. Funds will cover the
collaborative initiative where a tutor
and learner will be invited to select
an object that holds personal
significance and reflects their
heritage, culture, and family. A
professional photographer will
capture stills of object, learners, and
tutors resulting in composition, which
will then be displayed as an art
exhibit.
$15,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
14 Lumina
Alliance
ReDefine
Parenting
Program
Funds will be used to launch the
ReDefine Parenting Program at local
underserved elementary schools with
higher percentages of families that
are low income and primarily
Spanish Speaking. The funds will
cover 5-10 peer workshops at 2-4
elementary schools with up to 20
participating parents/caregivers
each. Topics include emotional
health, consent, boundaries, and
healthy relationships.
$20,000 $0
Potential
funding. Cut
out on 2nd
round of
discussion
due to
insufficient
funding.
15 Mission
Headstrong
Veterans'
Fitness,
Autism
Fitness
Phase 2, &
Funds will be used to cover 1) their
Veterans Fitness program that
include veterans’ community classes,
coaching, and health and fitness
education seminars, 2) Autism
$40,000 $15,000
Partially
funded to
cover
$15,000 for
the autism
Page 120 of 641
Aging Adult
Fitness
Fitness Phase 2, which includes
weekly group class, and 1-1
specialized coaching, and 3) Older
Adult Fitness which includes weekly
group fitness classes.
component
of the
project.
16
Monarch
Hills
Education
DEI
Growth
Program
for
Monarch
Hills
Funds will be used to 1) provide
tuition assistance to economically
disadvantaged households, 2)
increase access to their regenerative
gardening and farming program, and
3) increase accessibility for Spanish-
speaking community.
$20,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
17
National
Alliance on
Mental
Illness of
SLO
County
Mental
Health
Resource
Outreach
Campaign
Funds will be used to 1) create a
bilingual mental health resource
guide that addresses systematic
factors, 2) promotion of the guide
and education/support programs
offered through NAMI SLO County to
organizations who provide services
to diverse communities, 3)
community event tabling, and 4) in-
person support to individuals
experiencing homelessness.
$11,364 $11,364
Fully fund
project as
presented.
18 Peace
Academy
Mawtini:
Arab
American
Narratives
of Home
and
Belonging
Funds will cover the development of
an oral history collection of Arab
American narratives focused on
themes of home and belonging.
Funds will cover 1) recorded
interviews with individual community
members, 2) welcoming and learning
spaces for all city residents to learn
oral histories, and 3) an interactive
cultural event showcasing narratives
and promoting community dialogue.
$39,441 $39,441
Fully fund
project as
presented.
19
People
Self-Help
Housing
Corp.
Enhancing
Affordable
Housing
Access
Through
Bilingual
Funds will be used to enhance
access of permanent affordable
housing applications by creating
instructional videos in English and
Spanish and improving PSHH
website navigation. The video library
will include types of affordable
housing, detailed application
processes, eligibility criteria and
required documentation, profiles of
local housing providers, guidance on
navigating between different
programs, and information on
forecasting future rent in affordable
housing. Website enhancements
include redesigned user interface,
bilingual interface, and access to
tools to determine program eligibility.
$15,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
20
Pregnancy
&
Parenting
Support of
Baby Bank
Funds will be used to sponsor their
Baby Bank program, specifically their
Diaper Bank, which will support the
purchasing of diapering supplies for
$5,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
Page 121 of 641
SLO
County
economically disadvantaged
perinatal families in the community.
21 RACE
Matters
Shop Talk
& Black
Girl
Wellness
Funds will be used for two programs:
1) Shop Talk and 2) Black Girl
Wellness. Both programs foster self-
esteem, self-care, and wellbeing for
black adults and youth. Shop Talk
include discussion groups centered
in Black wellness, one (1) 6-week
sessions 60-90 minutes centered on
Black wellness and healing, and one
(1) 6-week sessions at 90-minutes
centered on POC. All provided at
sliding scale ($15-$25). Black Girl
Wellness centers its efforts in
exploring the experiences of Black
identified female youth, ages 12-17,
and other people of color.
$20,000 $5,000
Partially
funded to
cover the
Black Girl
Wellness
component
of the
project,
which
grantee
agrees to
make
available
and open to
the entire
community.
22
Recovery
Road
Runners,
INC.
Run
Strong,
Grow
Strong
Funds will be used to implement a
comprehensive 12-week program
that combines physical fitness with
social-emotional-behavioral learning,
with a strong emphasis on substance
use prevention. The program
integrates a structured running
regimen with weekly lessons on
critical life skills such as emotional
regulation, goal setting, decision-
making, and resisting peer pressure.
$20,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
23
San Luis
Coastal
Education
Foundation
Opportunit
y Initiative
Funds will be used to cover two key
initiatives 1) Equity in Outdoor
Learning and 2) NextGen Scholars.
The funds will cover socioeconomic
disadvantaged households. Equity in
Outdoor Learning will cover outdoor
science camp promoting access and
equity in learning experiences. Next
Gen Scholar will support first-
generation college-bound students
by removing financial barriers to
acceptance and admissions.
$20,000 $0
Potential
funding. Cut
out on 2nd
round of
discussion
due to
insufficient
funding.
24
SLO
Chamber of
Commerce
SLO
County
Family-
Friendly
Workplace
Program
(SLOFFW
P)
Funds will cover their established
Family Friendly Work Program
(FFWP) to a diverse array of
businesses, this includes education
and support to employers to help
them attract and sustain a strong,
inclusive workforce through the
implementation of this program. The
program utilizes an assessment tool
marketed to employers to assist
them in measuring their status, while
offering opportunities to review
policies and internal practices.
$20,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
Page 122 of 641
25
SLO
County
Undocu-
Support
SLO
County
Immigrant
Resource
Hub: A
Pilot Pop-
up in
Partnership
with Local
Mobile
Services
Funds will be used for two (2) pilot
mobile resources coordination pop-
up events called Regional Services
Clinics in the City of SLO. The
events' purpose is to remove barriers
to services, improve knowledge and
access resources, mobilize
resources, maximize provider
capacity, streamline communication
and access to information, and
enhance community and sense of
belonging. Both events will be
provided bilingually (English and
Spanish) and in Mixteco as well.
Services and events are open to the
entire general public and residents of
the City of San Luis Obispo.
$40,000 $18,945
Partially
funded
project.
Contractor
to scope
project with
the new
dollar
amount.
26 SLO Hillel
Shine a
Light on
Jewish
Heritage
and
Multicultura
lism/Pop-
up Music
and
Speaker
Nights and
temporary
public art
installation
Funds will be used to host another
set of series to break down
stereotypes and inspire SLO
audiences to "shine a light" in the
pursuit of DEI. This year, the program
would incorporate artists, musicians,
and a Jew of Color speaker to
embrace the diversity of the Jewish
identity and collaboration with the
Diversity Coalition of SLO County,
the art and events will provide
thought-provoking new insights into
the ongoing conversations of race,
ethnicity, and identity, with a
particular focus on the relationship
between antisemitism and systemic
racism in today's world.
$20,000 $10,000
Partially
funded
project to
cover the
Jews of
Color
Speaker
Series
component
of the
project.
27 SLO Noor
Foundation
Equitable
Healthcare
Access
Program
Funds will be used to cover direct
clinical services for new patients from
diverse backgrounds, including
translation services, laboratory
diagnostics, and radiology imaging
crucial to diagnosis and treatment.
Funds will cover a FTE bilingual
medical assistants, vital screenings,
diagnostics orders, translation
services, laboratory and radiology
imaging services, and citywide
community awareness campaign.
$20,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
28 SLO Village
Aging
Better
Together -
Partnering
with SLO
to become
an Age-
Friendly
City
Funds will be used to create a 1)
refreshed marketing campaign
designed to raise awareness and
remove barriers to participation, 2)
outreach and engagement to
formalize partnerships with
nonprofits, 3) expand membership
and volunteer program, and 4)
spearhead an age-friendly task force.
$20,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
Page 123 of 641
29 SLOMA
2025
Exhibitions
with
Esteban
Cabeza de
Baca & Siji
Krishnan
Funds will be used to support two (2)
exhibitions by emerging artists
Esteban Cabeza de Baca and Siji
Krishnan. The exhibit by Cabeza de
Baca explores the mix past, present,
and future and mirrors the myriad
histories and cultures of the land,
with themes of agriculture and
diverse communities. The exhibit by
Krishnan explores sensory
impressions of rural Southern India
and examines the kinship between
humans and the natural world.
$20,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
30
United Way
of SLO
County
Increased
Support
Services
for SLO:
211 and
VOAD
Collaborati
on and
Community
Engageme
nt
Funds will be used to expand their
211 Program and Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disaster
(VOAD) Disaster Relief Services
through 1) increased outreach, 2)
improved marketing, and 3) by
engaging additional agencies in the
City of SLO for culturally appropriate
outreach and information
dissemination.
$20,000 $0
Not
allocating
funding this
grant cycle.
TOTAL $642,995 $150,000
Page 124 of 641
1
Human Relations Commission Minutes
October 2, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Human Relations
Commissioners
Present:
Commissioners Mason Ambrosio, Stephanie Carlotti, Vincent
DeTurris, Sierra Smith, Taryn Warrecker, Vice Chair Catuih
Campos, Chair Angie Kasprzak
City Staff Present: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Nestor Veloz-
Passalacqua, Deputy City Clerk Kevin Christian, Deputy City
Clerk Sara Armas
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission was
called to order on October 2 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Kasprzak.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
Stephen Vines
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
Motion By Commissioner Smith
Second By Commissioner Carlotti
To approve the Human Relations Commission Minutes of September 12,
2024.
Ayes (7): Commissioner Ambrosio, Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner
DeTurris, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Warrecker, Vice Chair
Campos, and Chair Kasprzak
CARRIED (7 to 0)
Page 125 of 641
2
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
4.a REVIEW OF THE 2023-24 HUMAN SERVICES GRANT YEAR-END
REPORTS
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
provided review of 2023-23 Human Services Grant Year-End Reports.
Chair Kasprzak opened Public Comment
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Kasprzak closed Public Comment
Action: The Human Relations Commission reviewed the 2023-24 Human
Services Grant (HSG) year-end reports and provided feedback to staff as
part of their respective liaison assignment roles.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.a 2024-25 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT PRELIMINARY FUNDING
RECOMMENDATION
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
provided the report and responded to questions.
Public Comment:
Noha Kolkailah
Theresa Braden
Tristan Cordova
Lily Puga
Stacey Salame
Marina Bernheim
Victoire Prothro
Robby McLaughlin
Jaime Lewis
Courtney Haile
Claude Swain
Regan Smith
Tina Clark & Lauren Cook
Chelsea Ruiz
--End of Public Comment--
Page 126 of 641
3
Motion By Commissioner Warrecker
Second By Commissioner DeTurris
1. Receive the grant preliminary funding recommendation from the
HRC Grant Review Subcommittee; and
2. Make a final DEI Grant Funding Recommendation to the City
Council following the public hearing, full commission discussion,
and feedback.
Organization Project or
Program Name Rqtd. Amount Rec. Amount
Review
Subcommittee
Comments
1 AAPI of SLO AAPI: Our Voices,
Our Stories $15,000 $7,500
Partially funding. Scope
services based on the
new dollar amount.
2 Afrikan Black
Collective ABC Conference $20,000 $0 Not allocating funding for
this grant cycle.
3 Big Brothers
Big Sisters
Pacheco Elementary
School Mentorship
Program
$20,000 $10,000
Partially fund project.
Contractor to scope
project appropriately with
the new dollar amount.
4 CASA of SLO
County
Increasing Cultural
Competence &
Diversity at SLO
CASA
$20,000 $0
Potential funding. Cut out
on 2nd round of
discussion due to
insufficient funding.
5 City Farm SLO
Expanding Access to
Therapeutic
Horticulture
Programming for
Adults with
Disabilities
$19,490 $0
Potential funding. Cut out
on 2nd round of
discussion due to
insufficient funding.
6
Community
Counseling
Center
Delving Deep:
Mental Health
Screening
Assessment,
Observation, and
Psychotherapy for
Latinx Youth and
Families
$10,000 $0
Potential funding. Cut out
on 2nd round of
discussion due to
insufficient funding.
7 Corazon Latino
Civic Education
Campaign to Close
Equity Gap
$40,000 $0 Potential funding. Funds
allocated to other projects.
8 Diversity
Coalition
BIPOC Board
Leadership Program $40,000 $10,000
Partially funding project.
Contractor to scope
project appropriately with
the new dollar amount.
9 Downtown SLO
Increased Food
Access at Farmer's
Market
$12,700 $0
Potential funding. Cut out
on 2nd round of
discussion due to
insufficient funding.
Page 127 of 641
4
10 Economics of
Being a Woman
Economics of Being
a Woman's Financial
Education and
Disaster
Preparedness
eLearning Program
$20,000 $0
Not eligible for funding
since organization is a for-
profit entity.
11 GALA Pride &
Diversity Center
Complex LGBTQ+
Mental Health
Support
$20,000 $15,000
Partially funded project.
Scope services based on
new dollar amount.
12 Hospice of SLO
County
Volunteer Training &
Community
Outreach
$20,000 $7,750
Partially funding. $7,750
for outreach initiatives to
spread awareness about
free-of-charge support
services among
underserved communities.
13 Literacy for Life
Treasured Objects:
Personal Heritage
Stories
$15,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
14 Lumina Alliance ReDefine Parenting
Program $20,000 $0
Potential funding. Cut out
on 2nd round of
discussion due to
insufficient funding.
15 Mission
Headstrong
Veterans' Fitness,
Autism Fitness
Phase 2, & Aging
Adult Fitness
$40,000 $15,000
Partially funding. $15,000
for the autism component
of the project.
16 Monarch Hills
Education
DEI Growth Program
for Monarch Hills $20,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
17
National
Alliance on
Mental Illness
of SLO County
Mental Health
Resource Outreach
Campaign
$11,364 $11,364 Fully fund project as
presented.
18 Peace Academy
Mawtini: Arab
American Narratives
of Home and
Belonging
$39,441 $39,441 Fully fund project as
presented.
19
People Self-
Help Housing
Corp.
Enhancing
Affordable Housing
Access Through
Bilingual
$15,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
20
Pregnancy &
Parenting
Support of SLO
County
Baby Bank $5,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
21 RACE Matters Shop Talk & Black
Girl Wellness $20,000 $5,000
Partially fund project.
Funds to cover Black Girl
Wellness initiative
ensuring services are
provided and open to all.
22 Recovery Road
Runners, INC.
Run Strong, Grow
Strong $20,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
23 San Luis
Coastal Opportunity Initiative $20,000 $0 Potential funding. Cut out
on 2nd round of
Page 128 of 641
5
Education
Foundation
discussion due to
insufficient funding.
24 SLO Chamber
of Commerce
SLO County Family-
Friendly Workplaces
Program
(SLOFFWP)
$20,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
25 SLO County
UndocuSupport
SLO County
Immigrant Resource
Hub: A Pilot Pop-up
in Partnership with
Local Mobile
Services
$40,000 $18,945
Partially fund project.
Scope services based on
the new dollar amount.
26 SLO Hillel
Shine a Light on
Jewish Heritage and
Multiculturalism/Pop-
up Music and
Speaker Nights and
temporary public art
installations
$20,000 $10,000
Partially funding for the
Jew of Color Speaker
Series only.
27 SLO Noor
Foundation
Equitable Healthcare
Access Program $20,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
28 SLO Village
Aging Better
Together - Partnering
with SLO to become
an Age-Friedly City
$20,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
29 SLOMA
2025 Exhibitions with
Esteban Cabeza de
Baca & Siji Krishnan
$20,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
30 United Way of
SLO County
Increased Support
Services for SLO:
211 and VOAD
Collaboration and
Community
Engagement
$20,000 $0 Not allocating funding this
grant cycle.
TOTAL $642,995 $150,000
Ayes (7): Commissioner Ambrosio, Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner
DeTurris, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Warrecker, Vice Chair
Campos, and Chair Kasprzak
CARRIED (7 to 0)
6. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.a STAFF & COMMISSIONER UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
provided the following updates:
• Reminder of 1 hour parking vouchers
Page 129 of 641
6
• Reminder of Ethics Training
• Office of DEI and ED&T partnered w/ Chamber of Commerce and
Cal Poly OLIDI to host an Insight Studio Workshop, celebrating
Inclusiveness Business Practices on 10/29 at 5:00 pm at the
Ludwick Community Center
• DEI Admin Specialist job posted on 9/26, with closing date on 10/20
• SLO County UndocuSupport will host movie night on 10/12 from
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Oak Park in Paso Robles as part of their
DEI High Impact Grant project
• Applications for 2025 Action Plan CDBG cycle are due to SLO
County Homeless Services Division by 10/6 at 11:59 p.m.
Vice Chair Campos attended UndocuSupport event highlighting videos of
a previous grant funded.
Chair Kasprzak announced Race Matters event on 10/19 at 7:00 p.m. at
Bang the Drum Brewery, as well as a fundraiser coming up on 10/23 for
Mujeres de Acción.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Human
Relations Commission is scheduled for November 6, 2024 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/202X
Page 130 of 641