SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
AUGUST 22, 2023
DOCUMENTS RECEIVED AFTER
PUBLISHED AGENDA
Item# 1
RPT 23-082
Annual City Commissions
Interviews
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Attachments:
Gabriel Quinto
CityClerk: Ray Bonilla; Daniel Goldstein; Julie Roche: George Syrop: Francisco Zermeno Letter of Recommend ation - Qty of Hayward Planning Commission for Shay Franco Oauson Thursday, August 17, 2023 4:14:47 PM
Shay Franco-Clausen - Hayward Planning Commission 2023.pdf CAUTION:This is an external email. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe.
Please see the attached pdf.
Gabriel Quinto
Councilmember - City of El CeITito
Cal Cities - Board.member and Incoming 2nd Vice President I I
OFFICE OF COUNCILMEMBER
GABRIEL QUINTO
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530 Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4379 http://www.el-cerrito.org
August 17, 2023
Hayward City Council
Mayor and Councilmembers Planning Commission
Hayward, Alameda County
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
Subject: Letter of Support for Shay Franco-Clausen for Planning Commission
Dear Mayor Salinas and Hayward City Council,
I am writing to express my personal support for Shay Franco- Clausen as a candidate for the Hayward Planning Commission. I have had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Franco-Clausen both personally and professionally, and I am confident that their exceptional skills, dedication, and experience make them an outstanding choice for this crucial role.
As a compassionate and solution-based problem solver, Mrs. Franco-Clausen has consistently demonstrated a commitment to strengthening our community and creating opportunities for diverse populations, particularly in the context of youth success and community development.
Their extensive background in community, board, and organizational development, along with their proficiency in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, speaks to their ability to navigate complex situations and find meaningful solutions.
I have been particularly impressed with Mrs. Franco- Clausen's communication skills, both written and verbal, have allowed them to effectively engage with diverse perspectives and build strong relationships. This capacity for open and respectful communication is an essential trait for a Planning Commission member, as it is vital to address the concerns of all parties involved and ensure that decisions are made collaboratively.
Moreover, Mrs. Franco -Clausen's track record in maintaining public trust and fostering relationships has been exemplary. Their expertise in relationship building and public policy development has proven invaluable in establishing connections between governmental entities, community organizations, elected officials, and partisan groups. This ability to bridge gaps and facilitate productive dialogue is essential in the collaborative environment of a Planning Commission.
Mrs. Franco-Clausen's educational background, including her recent completion of the Senior Executive Leadership program at the Harvard Kennedy School, CORO Northern California “Women In Leaderships,” coupled with her Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Economics, Law, and Politics from Mills College, showcases their commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. This knowledge and experience make them well -equipped to analyze complex issues, contribute innovative ideas, and make informed decisions that will positively impact our community's development.
Furthermore, Mrs. Franco- Clausens substantial experience in their various roles, such as her consultancy work as a Political and Community Consultant, Regional Program Director, and her time as Director of Development & Government Relations, demonstrates their ability to manage personnel, develop effective programs, and create strategies that align with organizational goals.
Mrs. Franco-Clausen has also actively engaged with the community through her involvement in various boards, committees, commissions and leadership positions. Her dedication to these roles, including their membership in the State of California Coastal Conservancy and their Chair of the National Black Justice Coalition's “Good Trouble Network,” PAC Chair of Courage California, Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party LGBTQ Caucus and East Bay Stonewall Democrats, speaks to their commitment to fostering equity and inclusion in our region.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Mrs. Franco- Clausen as a highly qualified and dedicated candidate for the Hayward Planning Commission. Her proven skills, experience, and dedication to community development, diversity, and youth success make them an ideal fit for this important position. I am confident that Mrs.Franco-Clausen will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the Commission and contribute to the betterment of our community's planning and development initiatives.
Thank you for considering Shay Franco- Clausen's application for the Hayward Planning Commission. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
Gabe Quinto, Councilmember
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Karina Garbesi
List-Mayor-Council
Community Services Commission Appointment
Friday, August 18, 2023 3:15:11 PM
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Dear Councilmembers,
I am writing today to encourage you to appoint Jesse Gunn to the Community Services Commiss ion. For the past two years , Mr. Gunn has been a participating teacher in a National Science Foundation funded grant that I lead in two Hayward Schools (Cesar Chavez Middle School and Tennyson High School), the Climate Empowerment Learning Initiative (CELI). During the past year he has co-lead the Team at Tennyson High, so I have come to know him well and respect him enormously.
As the son of teen parents who grew up food and housing insecure in Hayward, he deeply understands the needs of the most vulnerable in the community. As I have witnessed first hand, he is completely committed to giving his absolute all to help his commun ity, and he is extremely gifted at doing so. He is clear, well-organized, and always follows through. He is also a complete joy to work with.
So it is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Jesse for the position.
Please feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions.
Sincerely.
Karina Garbesi, PhD
Professor Emerita and Direct or of Environmental Studies Principal Investigator, the Climate Empowe1ment Leam ing Initiative Depaiiment of Anthropology, Geography, and Environmental Studies California State University East Bay
"Our planet and youth are telling us the same st01y. Vital connections have been severed between human beings and nature; within nature itself; and between people , religions, governments , and commerce . This disconnection is the origin of the climate crisis, it is the ve1y root --and it is where we discover solutions and actions that can engage all people, regardless of income , race, gender , or belief We live on a dying planet ... If putting the future of life at the heart of everything we do is not central to our pwpose and destiny, why are we here . (Paul Hawken, Regeneration)
I acknowledge and honor the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, and all of the original Indigenous peoples of the land upon which California State University, East Bay stands. Whose land are you on? From:
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Maya Walker
List-Mayor-Council
Community Services Commission Appointmen t
Monday, August 21, 2023 7:21:27 AM
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From : Maya Walker , Hayward voter and lifelon g resident Subject: Community Services Commission Appointment
Dear Councilmemb ers,
I am writing today to encourage you to appoin t Jesse Gunn to fill one of the vacant seats for the Community Services Commission. He is a Hayward teacher , a resident of South Hayward and is actively engaged in advocacy and empowe1ment of Hayward residents. He also is well equipped to approac h the complex issues of fundin g social services organizations in Hayward and can use his experience of collaboration and team buildin g in this role .
Jesse is bo1n and raised in Hayward by teen parents. Durin g his time in Haywar d, he has experienced housing insecurity, received gove1nmen t assistance throu gh food stamps and Medi-Cal and as a result of his lived experiences , he compassionately fights for the most vulnerable among us.
As a fellow educator, I met Jesse while serving on the Reimagining Safety Task Force for Haywar d Unified School District. I have also attended meetings he led as a grassroo ts activist organizing Hayward residents for the common good. In all of our interaction s, Jesse has demonstrated his strong work ethic, passion , intelligence and innovative thinkin g.
It is with excitement that I encourage you to select Jesse for appoin tment.
Thank you !
Maya Walker (pronouns: she, her)
re My Prnnmws Included?
"I really didn't realize librarian s were, you know, such a dangerous group. They are subversive. You think they're just sitting there at the desk, all quiet and eve1ything. They're like plotting the revolution , man. I wouldn't mess with them." -Michael Moore From:
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Mercedes Faraj
List-Mayor-Council
Subject: Community Services Commission Appointment
Friday, August 18, 2023 12:50:04 PM
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To: The Honorable Mayor Salinas and Councilmembers
From: Mercedes Faraj,
President, Hayward Education Association
Dear Counc ilmembers ,
It is with great confidence that I am writing to encourage you to appoint Jesse Gunn to fill one of the vacant seats for the Commun ity Services Commission. He is not only a respected Hayward teacher , a member of the South Hayward commun ity but is seen as a strong voice in the advocacy and empowennent of Hayward citizens - those both within and outside of the Hayward educational communi ty for which he so proudly serves. Jesse's experience in these varied capac ities speaks to his understanding of the benefits of working collaboratively and both, creating and being a part of team building.
On a personal note, Jesse has shared that he was born and raised in Hayward by teenage parents. Through his years in Hayward, he has exper ienced housing insecurity , and received government assistance including food stamps and Medi-Cal , all of which result in exper iences that influence and strengthen his compass ionate advocacy for the most vulnerable within Hayward.
Over the past severa l years , I have had the privilege of working with Jesse through the lens of his teaching and as an active member of the teachers' union. That said, his role of advocacy extends beyond the classroom walls. Many times , I have had the honor to listen to his eloquence at a Schoo l Board meeting , advocating for students and parents needs and, in so doing, empowering and supporting the whole child and commun ity at large for which he so proudly serves. Most recently , I have worked with Jesse related to school closures in South Hayward where, as a resident of South Hayward, he is not only deep ly knowledgeable but deeply rooted. The compass ionate, knowledgeable and logical voice and approach did not go unnoticed by many from both sides of the discussion. Due to his reputation as a problem solver , and strong advocate, HEA has appointed him to fill the role of HEA's delegate to Central Labor, and as a member on our Political Action Committee, It would appear, in any forum, that Jesse Gunn advocates with strength, compassion and team building skills to improve the lives of his students, fellow union members and the residents of Hayward as a whole. It is without hesitation that I encourage you to select Jesse for appointment.
Sincerely,
Mercedes Faraj