Item C: City Council Priority Issue - Communities of Color Meeting Debrief

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Another person apologized for having to leave early – thanks to City and Council for this effort – helpful when issues in community are taken seriously and acted upon – comparison to environmental groups who testify on issues and succeed in getting results, code changes – single issues get attention but not this – MLK Blvd example, was no- brainer but had to go through big process – even this not taken seriously – why is process held up at policy level – environmental groups don’t necessarily speak for all environmentalists – would like to see similar process for community of color Another person said culturally competent policies are lacking. Another said the more people at the table the more reflective of community when decisions are made Another said to call on him when there’s a land use issue too – not culturally competent organization? What do we do about it – we need to work through that Another said we’re hitting a wall – how do we get through – use groups like NAACP, etc talking about issues Another said TRC example – constitutional protection for free speech – legal regress – if this is a passion to you create policy – suggest policy. Another said how many trees must fall – 8 cases pending – harsh cases – senator stepped up and helped – we need elected officials to step up – need culturally competent policies – where do I go The facilitator asked is there were teachable moments – any examples One person responded that 50 years waiting for apology to Japanese for internment. Councilor Ortiz said she pushed for this meeting because personally won’t want to sit on Council that argues about street naming – we need to organize and be allies – daily, weekly, monthly all working together for healthier community – not special interests – not just come together when there are big issues to confront Another said she was a coordinator for NAACP – need City Council to understand issues go beyond land use – we need to tutor and educate kids – maybe have Junior City Council – maybe Andrea and Bobby know what’s happening day to day, race issues, but do others – all need to know Another said that when she lived in Bethel - example for race issues – teaching moments – others are dealing with race issues too, not just blacks, Hispanics, etc Another said we have cases, blatant cases – no denial cases need immediate action – now just one senator stepping out – need more to step up so not just NAACP always making accusations – it will help NAACP if others helped Communities of Color 32 July 12, 2006