Social Service Human Relations Board Meeting – July 8, 2025

The Social Service Human Relations Board met on July 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Due to the absence of a quorum (three members present instead of the required four), no votes could be taken, but the board proceeded with informational presentations and discussions. The meeting featured a presentation from the Alameda Unified School District Office of Equity, work group updates, and staff communications on budget and new hires.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received during the non-agenda public comment period or during the discussion of any agenda item.

Discussion Items

• Presentation on Alameda Unified School District Office of Equity: Shamar Edwards, Senior Director of Equity, presented on the office's origins from a state mandate (Coordinated Comprehensive Early Intervening Services – CCEIS) due to over-representation of Black students in special education. Key programs include scholar advisors at four schools, Black Math Genius tutoring, AP African American Studies, professional learning for staff, and family engagement initiatives. The office met its goal of reducing disproportionality, but funding is now at risk because the mandate ended. Board members shared personal experiences and emphasized systemic issues, trust gaps, and the need for partnership between the city and school district.
• Work Group Reports:
  • Alameda United Against Hate: The group has been meeting with community leaders and drafting a resolution. A draft was shared but not yet circulated to the full board; it will be presented at the July board meeting. Members discussed aligning with school district efforts and promoting United Against Hate Week events.
  • ROAD (Racial Equity, Outreach, and Action): The group will present to the City Council on July 10, with a speaker from Dignity Village. Board member Michelle will substitute for absent Samantha.
  • Age-Friendly Cities: The group is planning community outreach sessions (three sessions proposed) and a survey. Initial outreach has been made to the disability board, transportation coordinator, and WABA for a West End location.
  • Domestic Violence: The semi-annual task force meeting with police and service providers is scheduled for July 7. A presentation from domestic violence expert Jennifer Rakowski is planned for the August board meeting. Board members noted the absence of school district representation and suggested adding it.
• Staff Communications: Housing and Human Services Manager Simone Falls reported that the City Council adopted the FY 2025–27 budget on June 17, which includes funding for a new ADA van for homeless outreach, a full-time program specialist (hiring closes July 25), and two new interns. An administrative support specialist position is also being hired (deadline July 9). The division created a new HMIS report for better data collection and will begin planning for the 2026 Point-in-Time Count next month.
• Board Communications: Board member Scott Means reported that the volunteer resource list is growing, with new organizations including the League of Women Voters offering a political literacy game. The list will be updated in August. Member Diane Yamashira-Omi mentioned an upcoming exhibit at the Oakland Museum, "Black Spaces: Reclaim and Remain," from July 18, 2025 to March 1, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken due to lack of quorum.
• The board agreed to circulate the draft resolution on race and equity to the full board before the next meeting.
• The Alameda United Against Hate work group will present the resolution at the July board meeting.
• The ROAD presentation to City Council is scheduled for July 10.
• Age-Friendly Cities outreach sessions will be planned for late July.
• A domestic violence presentation by Jennifer Rakowski will be scheduled for the August board meeting.
• The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM.