TITLE VI PROGRAM
February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2026
City of Manhattan Beach, California
Dial-A-Ride Office
1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 802-5462
www.manhattanbeach.gov/titleVI
Table of Contents
CHAPTER I: CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH OVERVIEW 2
A. Introduction 2
B. Background of the City of Manhattan Beach 2
C. Background of the City of Manhattan Beach Dial-A-Ride Program 3 CHAPTER II: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 4
A. Notice of Rights under Title VI 4
B. Complaint Procedures 5
C. Active Title VI Investigations, Complaints, or Lawsuits 9 D. Public Participation Plan 9
E. Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan 11
F. Racial Breakdown of Transit Related Non-Elected Councils 13 G. Sub-recipient Monitoring 13
CONTACT 13
ADOPTION OF PLAN 13
CHAPTER I: CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH OVERVIEW
Introduction
The City of Manhattan Beach’s Commitment to Civil Rights The City of Manhattan Beach is a recipient of federal funds and adheres to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and services receiving federal financial assistance.
City services are provided in a nondiscriminatory manner and the opportunity for full and fair participation is offered to all program participants and community members. The City has examined the need for services and materials for persons for whom English is not their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.
This program has been prepared in accordance with Section 601 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13116 (Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency).
City of Manhattan Beach Dial-A-Ride personnel were involved with the development of the City of Manhattan Beach Title VI Program. The Dial-A-Ride Program Supervisor is responsible for implementing the Title VI Program. Data was used from the United States Census Bureau, 2020, Demographic Profile Data to prepare the Title VI Program.
Background of the City of Manhattan Beach
The City of Manhattan Beach is 3.8 square miles situated 19 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles on the southerly end of Santa Monica Bay and bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west. The 2020 Census American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates reports that the present population is 35,506. The median age is presently 43.2 years. The breakdown of the population in terms of race is as follows (as reported by 35,506) in 2020:
Race/Ethnicity
City of Manhattan Beach
Percentage
White
25,353
71.4%
Black or African American
305
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
28 0.1%
Asian
3,995
11.3%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
29 0.1%
Hispanic or Latino
3,072
8.7%
Other Race, Alone
240
0.7%
Two or More Races
2,484
7.0%
TOTAL
35,506
100.0%
Background of the City of Manhattan Beach Dial-A-Ride Program The Manhattan Beach Dial-A-Ride is a shared ride, curb-to-curb bus service for Manhattan Beach residents who are 55+ years old or disabled (all ages). Dial-A-Ride will provide transportation to any destination within the City of Manhattan Beach seven days a week and to most medical facilities in Torrance, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach Monday through Friday. Riders who have a short-term disability are also eligible to ride by providing a letter from their physician. All buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift. Drivers provide boarding and disembarking assistance as needed.
CHAPTER II: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Notice of Rights under Title VI
The City of Manhattan Beach Title VI notice to the public is posted at the following locations:
Location Name
Address
City
City Hall
1400 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach
Joslyn Community Center
1601 N. Valley Drive
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Heights Community Center
1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
The Title VI notice and program information is also provided on the City of Manhattan Beach website at www.manhattanbeach.gov/TitleVI.
Complaint Procedures
Availability: The Title VI Complaint form and complaint procedures are available at our administrative offices and on our website.
Procedures: As a sub-recipient of federal dollars, the City of Manhattan Beach is required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and ensure that services and benefits are provided on a non-discriminatory basis. City of Manhattan Beach has in place a Title VI Complaint Procedure and Title II Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complaint Procedure, which outlines a process for local disposition of Title II and Title VI complaints and is consistent with guidelines found in the Federal Transit Administration Circular 4702.1B, dated October 1, 2012.
Any person who believes she or he has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, or national origin by the City of Manhattan Beach may file a Title VI complaint by completing and submitting the agency’s Title VI Complaint Form. City of Manhattan Beach investigates complaints received no more than 180 days after the alleged incident. The City of Manhattan Beach will only process complaints that are complete.
Within 10 business days of receiving the complaint, City of Manhattan Beach will review it to determine if our office has jurisdiction. The complainant will receive an acknowledgement letter informing her/him whether the complaint will be investigated by our office. City of Manhattan Beach has 30 days to investigate the complaint. The complainant will be notified in writing of the cause to any planned extension to the 30-day rule.
If more information is needed to resolve the case, City of Manhattan Beach may contact the complainant. The complainant has 10 business days from the date of the letter to send requested information to the investigator assigned to the case. If the investigator is not contacted by the complainant or does not receive the additional information within 10 business days City of Manhattan Beach can administratively close the case.
A case can be administratively closed also if the complainant no longer wishes to pursue their case. After the investigator reviews the complaint, she/he will issue one of two letters to the complainant: a closure letter or a letter of finding (LOF). A closure letter summarizes the allegations and states that there was not a Title VI violation and that the case will be closed. A LOF summarizes the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident, and explains whether any disciplinary action, additional training of the staff member, or other action will occur. If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision, she/he has 10 business days after the date of the letter or the LOF to do so. A person may also file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration, at FTA Office of Civil Rights, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Request a Title VI Complaint Form.
Form: See next page.
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH TITLE VI COMPLAINT FORM
(Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination) Section I: Please write legibly
1. Name:
2. Address:
3. Telephone:
3.a. Secondary Phone (Optional):
4. Email Address:
5. Accessible Format Requirements?
[ ] Large Print
[ ] Audio Tape
[ ] TDD
[ ] Other
Section II:
6. Are your filing this complaint on your own behalf?
YES*
NO
*If you answered “yes” to #6, go to Section III.
7. If you answered “no” to #6, what is the name of the person for whom you are filing this complaint? Name:
8. What is your relationship with this individual:
9. Please explain why you have filed for a third party:
10. Please confirm that you have obtained permission of the aggrieved party to file on their behalf.
YES
NO
Section III:
11. I believe the discrimination I experienced was based on (check all that apply):
[ ] Race [ ] Color [ ] National Origin
12. Date of alleged discrimination: (mm/dd/yyyy)
13. Explain as clearly as possible what happened and why you believe you were discriminated against. Describe all persons who were involved. Include the name and contact information of the person(s) who discriminated against you (if known), as well as names and contact information of any witnesses. If more space is needed, please attach additional sheets of paper.
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH TITLE VI COMPLAINT FORM CONTINUED… Section IV:
14. Have you previously filed a Title VI complaint with City of Manhattan Beach? YES
NO
Section V:
15. Have you filed this complaint with any other Federal, State, or local agency, or with any Federal or State court? [ ] YES* [ ] NO
If yes, check all that apply:
[ ] Federal Agency [ ] State Agency [ ] Local Agency [ ] Federal Court [ ] State Court
16. If you answered “yes” to #15, provide information about a contact person at the agency/court where the complaint was filed.
Name:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Telephone: Email:
Section VI:
Name of Transit Agency complaint is against:
Contact Person:
Telephone:
You may attach any written materials or other information that you think is relevant to your complaint.
Signature and date are required below to complete form:
Signature Date
Please submit this form in person or mail this form to the address below:
City of Manhattan Beach, Dial-A-Ride Supervisor 1400 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Active Title VI Investigations, Complaints, or Lawsuits The chart below lists any open/active transit-related Title VI investigations (i.e. discrimination based on race, color and national origin), complaints, and lawsuits against the City of Manhattan Beach Dial-A-Ride program over the past three years, not investigated by FTA.
As of the writing of this program, there are no complaints pending which allege discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin.
Type (Investigation, Lawsuit, Complaint)
Date
Summary of Complaint
Status
Action(s) Taken
N/A
Public Participation Plan
Key Principles
The City of Manhattan Beach ADA and Dial-A-Ride programs provide Customer Satisfaction Surveys regularly to all registered riders and concerned residents to obtain feedback on the service provided. Dial-A-Ride sends out surveys in the mail once every two years to all registered riders to obtain feedback on the service provided. A stamped, addressed envelope is provided for Dial-A-Ride customers to return the survey anonymously. Additionally, stamped suggestion cards are available on the Dial-A-Ride buses if someone wants to mail in feedback about their ride or overall Dial-A-Ride service. The desired outcome of providing a survey is to evaluate the current service, determine where improvements can be made and offer customers the opportunity to provide any feedback regarding the Dial-A-Ride and accessibility programs.
Public Participation Process
Information on the Dial-A-Ride program is available to the general public at the Joslyn Community Center, 1601 Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. The results of the biennial customer satisfaction survey are also on display at the Joslyn Community Center and on the City website for public viewing.
Information on the ADA program is available on the City of Manhattan Beach website.
The public will be engaged and City Council approval will be required when the following service changes occur:
an increase or decrease in fares is being considered
a cut or increase service is being considered
or, a change to the approved service area is considered City Council agendas are posted 72 hours in advance of meetings. Manhattan Beach, a General Law City, has a five-member City Council, elected at large to formulate policy for the city. Each member serves a nine (9) month mayoral position during their four (4) year term.
City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers located in City Hall at 1400 Highland Avenue. Public participation and input is encouraged. Meetings may be rescheduled to an alternate date or cancelled by City Council minute action. Please check the City Calendar to note any changes or contact the City Clerk’s office at (310) 802-5056.
In Manhattan Beach, persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) constitute less than 5% of the total population, therefore specific outreach to the LEP population does not exist. The City of Manhattan Beach works closely with Beach Cities Health District, preventive health agency, to ensure that residents who are low-income and/ or disabled have knowledge of the City of Manhattan Beach Dial-A- Ride program. The City also partners with organizations in the community that serve persons with developmental disabilities including the CHOICE program of Manhattan Beach Unified School District and EVOLVE program.
Public Meetings
A public City Council meeting will be held when the following service changes occur:
an increase or decrease in fares is being considered for City’s Dial-A-Ride program a cut or increase service is being considered for City’s Dial-A-Ride program or, a change to the approved service area is considered for City’s Dial-A-Ride Program Dial-A-Ride will remain open to transport citizens to City Council Meetings as requested, even though the meetings are held after traditional service hours.
The City of Manhattan Beach posts information about City Council meetings on the City’s website. Additionally, City Council notices are posted:
City Hall, 1400 Highland Avenue
Joslyn Center 1601 N. Valley Drive
Manhattan Heights Community Center 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Addressing Comments
As a small Dial-A-Ride program, public comments and complaints are addressed individually by the Dial-A-Ride Program Supervisor. Comments or complaints that would lead to a service change are also addressed by the Parks and Recreation Director, and brought to the Senior Advisory Committee for consideration.
Identification of Stakeholders
Our Community Partners: Beach Cities Health District and Alzheimer’s Association.
The City of Manhattan Beach contracts with Beach Cities Health District for Care Management services. BCHD is on sight weekly and available to assist if there are LEP issues.
Alzheimer’s Association specializes in assisting people with memory issues. Alzheimer’s Association provides monthly programs at the City of Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center and would be available as needed on an on-call basis.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan
Purpose of the Language Assistance Plan
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. One critical concern addressed by Title VI is the language barrier that Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons face with respect to accessing information about and using transit service. Transit operators must ensure that this group has adequate access to the agency’s programs and activities, including public participation opportunities.
Executive Order 13166, titled “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” forbids funding recipients from “restricting an individual in any way in the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any service, financial aid, or other benefit under the program,” or from “utilize[ing] criteria or methods of administration which have the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination because of their race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program as respects to individuals of a particular race, color, or national origin.” FTA Circular 4702.1B was developed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and details the administrative and reporting requirements for recipients of FTA financial assistance to comply with Title VI and related executive orders including on LEP.
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) published guidance that directed its recipients to ensure meaningful access to the benefits, services, information, and other important portions of their programs and activities for LEP customers. The City of Manhattan Beach language assistance plan (LAP) includes two sections. The first section consists of a four factor analysis and implementation plan that complies with the requirements of DOT LEP guidance. The second section of this document discusses the results of the Four-Factor Analysis and the implementation of the Language Assistance Plan.
Improving Access for People with Limited English Proficiency:
In order to ensure meaningful access to programs and activities, the City of Manhattan Beach uses the information obtained in a Four Factor Analysis to determine the specific language services that are appropriate. This analysis helps the City of Manhattan Beach to determine if it communicates effectively with LEP persons and informs language access planning.
Factor 1 - Number of LEP Persons in Service Region:
No LEP communities exist in the City of Manhattan Beach. Demographic data was acquired from the 2020 Census. Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) constitute less than 5% or 1,000 of the total population, therefore vital documents are not translated into the primary language of the small percentage of residents.
Factor 2 - Frequency of LEP Use
Since there are no LEP communities in the City of Manhattan Beach, Dial-A-Ride intermediately survey staff to determine if there were any riders who currently have limited English proficiency. At this update no persons required language assistance.
Factor 3: The Importance of Your Program to People’s Lives Dial-A-Ride is an affordable, important program in the community for seniors 55 and over and persons with disabilities via an appointment basis only. The service allows transportation anywhere within the City of Manhattan Beach seven days a week and trips to approved medical facilities in Torrance, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach.
Factor 4: Internal resources for outreach for disadvantaged populations/LEP Since there are no LEP communities in the City of Manhattan Beach, there are no costs associated with providing language assistance. The City of Manhattan Beach has bilingual staff (who speak Spanish) who may assist customers as needed. These employees receive Bilingual Pay to perform translation duties on a regular basis.
Language Assistance Plan
In Manhattan Beach, California, there is no LEP language group that constitutes 5% or 1,000 of the total population, therefore vital documents are not translated into the primary language of the small percentage of residents.
Racial Breakdown of Transit Related Non-Elected Councils The City does not provide fixed route transit; only point to point via Dial-A-Ride program. The City of Manhattan Beach, a General Law City, has a five-member City Council, elected at large to formulate policy for the city. Each member serves a nine (9) month mayoral position during their four (4) year term.
As all of the individuals are elected into office, a racial breakdown of these advisory councils is not required.
Sub-recipient Monitoring
The City of Manhattan Beach is a direct recipient of federal funds and does not have any sub-recipients.
CONTACT
For additional information on the City of Manhattan Beach Title VI Plan, or its efforts to comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Executive Order 13166 Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, please contact:
Dial-A-Ride Supervisor
1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-802-5462 www.manhattanbeach.gov/TitleVI
ADOPTION OF PLAN
Adoption being presented to City Council on February 6, 2024 City of Manhattan Beach Title IV Program: February 1, 2023 – January 31, 2026City of Manhattan Beach Title IV Program: February 1, 2023 – January 31, 20261 | P a g e1 | P a g e City of Manhattan Beach Title IV Program: February 1, 2023 – January 31, 2026 City of Manhattan Beach Title IV Program: February 1, 2023 – January 31, 2026 1 | P a g e
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