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Mr. Rikhoff discussed the need to create a community climate that thwarted hate activity and identify <br />strategies could send a message of zero tolerance for prejudice. He said one possibility was to host another <br />hate crimes conference in Eugene; the last one was held in 2001 and over 600 people participated. <br /> <br />Ms. Ortiz suggested developing a periodic City newsletter on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness <br />similar to the newsletters issued on subjects such as parks and recreation or stormwater. <br /> <br />Mr. Megowan suggested creating “hate free” zones similar to the “drug free” zones throughout the <br />community. He said that ideas from other initiatives could be customized to deal with hate crimes. <br /> <br />Ms. Flynn said that when she went to Missoula, Montana several years ago she was concerned about being <br />accepted in the community because she was a lesbian but seeing the “hate free” zone signs posted around the <br />town was reassuring and welcoming. She strongly supported Mr. Megowan’s suggestion. <br /> <br />Mr. Hamide agreed with Mr. Pryor’s example of the changing public attitude about drinking and driving and <br />its applicability to hate crimes. He said that education was a key to that effort and channels already in place <br />could be used to provide information; however, he also wanted to see the City take an active lead beyond <br />simply responding to incidents. He said it was important for the community to hear the City’s voice on this <br />issue. He asked if there was an official policy regarding zero tolerance. <br /> <br />Ms. Ortiz said the council had signed a declaration regarding zero tolerance but it was not well-publicized <br />by the media. <br /> <br />Ms. Piercy agreed the City could do more to constantly reinforce the message and not rely on one-time <br />actions such as a resolution or declaration. <br /> <br />Ms. Leonard suggested developing “tag lines” for the end of City emails or a short, simple message that <br />could work its way into the public consciousness. As an example she said that the phrase “greatest City for <br />the arts and outdoors” had worked its way into her consciousness in just a short time and a similar approach <br />could be used to send the message that Eugene was a community where everyone was welcome. <br /> <br />City Manager Taylor commented that the Working City program was always looking for broadcast material <br />and would be a good venue to periodically refresh the City’s message of zero tolerance. He said that <br />message would be in an electronic format that could be made available for other uses. <br /> <br />Mr. Rikhoff said the HRC had discussed the importance of councilors including that message in their <br />regular communications with community groups and organizations. He said that diversity and inclusiveness <br />should be part of a standard script about the City’s values and priorities and it could make a major <br />difference when that message came from elected officials. <br /> <br />Mr. Garcia said that capacity issues also needed to be addressed and creating “hate free” zones meant the <br />City had to back that up with action. He said that an understanding of hate crimes and racism should be <br />part of the minimum qualifications for any City employee and considered during the hiring process. <br /> <br />Ms. Ortiz emphasized the importance of letting people who participate in the hiring process as members of <br />an interview panel know the outcome of that process and expressing the City’s appreciation for their <br />participation. <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council January 8, 2007 Page 6 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br /> <br />