9770 CULVER BOULEVARD, CULVER CITY, CA 90232-0507
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 23, 2024
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR MCMORRIN AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CULVER CITY
FROM: The Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee, Chair Carlos Valverde and Members of the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee
SUBJECT: JANUARY THROUGH JUNE 2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND
PROPOSED ACTIVITY/ UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE
NEXT 6 MONTHS
CC: John Nachbar, City Manager
Introduction
The Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC) was first appointed by City Council on June 8, 2020, and held its first meeting on July 28, 2020. The EHRAC will continue to work towards, modify and evolve its 2024-25 work plan for the duration of this fiscal year as new projects develop and/ or assignments are given.
List of Accomplishments for the Past Six (6) Months (January 2024 – June 2024)
• EHRAC created and populated several new Ad Hoc Subcommittees at the January 23 and April 23, 2024, meetings in order to address upcoming events and projects and in an effort to remain compliant with City CBC guidelines regarding the dissolution of Ad Hoc Subcommittees that are no longer needed or have completed the assigned project of the subcommittee and the addition of Ad Hoc Subcommittees to attend to assigned tasks with in the workplan.
• EHRAC completed the following special events/ projects/ tasks:
o February 27, 2024: At the request of City Council , EHRAC members assisted in the review and revision of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Municipal Code Section 9.10.200.F.
o March 19, 2024: EHRAC in conjunction with Maia Ferdman of Bridges:
Intergroup Relations Consulting facilitated a 2.5 hr. long community conversation workshop entitled, Courageous Conversations Workshop.
Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee Bi-Annual Report 2024-2025
The workshop focused on teaching two essential civil discourse enabling, courageous conversation skills. The 56 attendees participated in group activities and discussions designed to practice the skills taught.
o The selection of the 2023 Equity and Human Relations Awards Honorees: Nominated from the Culver City community - nominees are those who embody inclusiveness, altruism and giving through volunteerism and public service. Twenty -two (22) nominations were reviewed and evaluated. The top two ranking nominees in each category were presented to EHRAC for award honoree selection. Distribution of the awards medallions is to occur at the August 12, 2024, City Council meeting.
o April 23, 2024 – June 25, 2024: At the request of Council, EHRAC reviewed the proposed Land Acknowledgement Statement provided by the City Manager’s Office staff. After careful consideration, a draft statement was provided. In an effort to gather community feedback from local indigenous communities, EHRAC heard public comment and reviewed communication from local indigenous tribal leaders. Further outreach was needed so EHRAC created an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to further the outreach efforts to better inform the recommended Draft Land Acknowledgement statement.
Scheduled Activities for the Next Six (6) Months (July 2024 – December 2024)
A bi-annual report defines the objectives and outlines the tasks that the EHRAC will pursue for the next six (6) months. The EHRAC proposes the following activities be included:
• Creation and dissolution of Ad Hoc Subcommittees as projects are requested, developed, completed and/or have evolved.
• Development of a Community Conversation centered on Race Relations • Latino Heritage Month Speaker
• Transgender Day of Remembrance Program
• Pursuance of the implementation of the Diversity Awareness Projects- Including the compilation and preparation of the history of the following Culver City Historical Sites:
o Kunisawa Farms
o Sebastian’s Cotton Club
o Pacific Electric Company Mexican Labor Camp
o Tongva ancestral land
• Development of a Community Conversations Workshop for early 2025 • Review, research, and make recommendations to the City Council, City Manager’s office and/or staff regarding the following if deemed appropriate:
o L and Acknowledgement Statement;
o Culver City Parks Soccer Prohibition Signage; and
Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee Bi-Annual Report 2024-2025
o Other projects as assigned by the City Council, City Manager’s office and/or staff.
• Consideration of events and activities focused on the advocation for inclusion of Women and Girls.
• Outreach and communications Ad Hoc Subcommittee will continue to work on the development of marketing and outreach materials promoting EHRAC. • Lastly, EHRAC will be an integral part of Community engagement activities as it relates to Phase I and II of the Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP) project.