Community Town HallSummary Report
Diversity & Inclusion
Prepared by CircleUp Education
City of Hercules
Date of Town Hall: May 17, 2022
Overview
The purpose of Community Town Hall was to gather information about Diversity & Inclusion inthe City of Hercules. Participants were asked questions in an interactive setting and encouragedto share their thoughts and experiences freely with other participants, City staff and attendingCity Council Members.
Summary
All responses were summarized into the themes listed below in order to accurately reflect thesentiments of City residents, and maintain objectivity. Responses were gathered from the TownHall and from the Pre-Town Hall Survey. (#) indicates the number of times the theme wasbrought up by different participants.
1. Diversity & Inclusion in Hercules
Guiding Question: “What might the City need to be aware of when seeking to understand thecurrent climate in the City in regards to diversity, inclusion and belonging? Please share with uspositives and challenges.” I. Positive AspectsA. The city is diverse and inclusive (5)1. The Hercules community is closer, more connected, and diversecompared to other communities2. Hercules has a nice familial environment3. There is a growing Black/ African American Community4. There is a growing Nepalese Community5. Hercules feels like a great cityB. Community driven groups and events help bring the community together (3)1. There is a Facebook group for black residents that is exciting2. Past events such as the 4th of July, Cultural Fair, and other event hostedby Parks and Recreation have helped bring the community togetherII. Challenges and ConcernsA. There is a lack of community action and political engagement (2)1. The city is sensitive to racial issues, but not enough to where it is movedto take action2. There is a lack of public engagement and political apathy in Hercules thatis disappointing. This may be a result of being a “Bedroom Community”B. People are well intended but have biases they are not aware of.C. People are starting to be aware when they are not being inclusive or say thingsthat are unintentionally offensiveD. There were past concerns around policing that led to the creation of the groupFREED two years ago as a result of George FloydE. There are no public spaces outside of commercial businesses for communitymembers to come together and congregate F. The City’s reluctance to display the Gay Pride rainbow flag a couple of years agowas dissapointing and reinforces harm and trauma on the LGTBQ communityand alliesG. Affordability of housing is an issue in the City
2. Policy Making ConsiderationsGuiding Question: “What might the City need to take into consideration when making policydecisions to ensure it is being equitable and inclusive and its impact on residents, visitors, andbusiness owners?”
1. Include different voices when making decisions (2)a. Think about physically challenged community membersb. Think about including youth in conversations2. Be mindful of referring to people in a homogenous way (2)a. Consider the needs of diversified residents and their objectives3. Enact policies that reflect the income variables of its residents, visitors and businessowners in order to be fair and equitable (2)a. Remember that even though the median income level in Hercules is higher thanmost other cities, this may mean something different for different households.Some households may have multiple dependents.4. Provide a place where residents can express themselves and be heard publicly to shareinput in decision making processes5. Listen to visitor experiences with an open mind and make sure to address their concerns6. Listen to business owners to ensure they are treated well7. Consider health and environmental effects of residents who live near the refinery
3. Celebrating DiversityGuiding Question: “What can the City do to celebrate diversity and promote more inclusion andbelonging among residents and visitors?”
1. Bring back the cultural festival and other events (3)a. The cultural festival was a great way to bring cultures and communities togetherb. Consider an event such as music in the park2. Consider creating a youth commission or start a program for youth to get involved withcity government (3)3. Continue to host Town Halls and Forums (3)a. Host dialogue to help community come together to learn about each other’sdifferencesb. Keep the conversation going in the City - when the conversations stops is when itbecomes a concern4. Acknowledge and Recognize the Presence of Different Cultures (3)a. Continue acknowledging the presence of the Nepalese community to make thecommunity feel like they belong and bring more Nepalese-owned businesses toHercules b. Recognize African American culture and make that part of the many cultures thatare part of cultural recognition ceremonies happening in the Cityc. Recognize the growing percentage of African American Residents in Hercules isto 20%5. Create a compelling reason for people to come out because it is hard for people to cometogether (2)a. Encourage residents and visitors to participate in activities that promotecommunity partnership, awareness of diversityb. Provide opportunities to do challenging projects that enhance leadership6. Listen to the needs of local businesses and business owners (2)a. Have specific channel to gather input and concerns from business owners -perhaps create a matrix to determine if its something the city can addressb. Reach out to the Chamber of Commerce and small business to listen to theirneeds and suggestions7. Adopt principles or a statement to declare the City’s values and guide its decisionmaking (2)a. Consider adopting principles similar to the UN Rights of a Child that reflect thecity’s fundamental beliefs around diversity, inclusion and equality that will alsohelp to set policy direction for the City and staffb. Publish a statement about Hercules’ intent toward equity, inclusion and caring forall people8. Do not spend City resources for diversity and inclusion efforts (2)9. Recognize Juneteenth as a City (2)10.Display the Gay Pride flag during Pride Month11. Raise the Pan African flag12.Encourage schools to sensitize children about different cultures and how to treat eachother with kindness13.Continue to step in and speak up against public shaming14.Provide translation services so more people can attend forums like the Town Hall15.Consider offering or building affordable housing in Hercules16.Be honest, be fair, be professional to ensure people do not take advantage of others inissues that are about things the City has control via documented facts and figures17. Treat all citizens the same way under the same/similar circumstances. Avoid lawsuits.