Sacramento First Five Commission Meeting - October 9, 2024

Note: The transcript references Monday, October 7, 2024, but the meeting is officially recorded as occurring on October 9, 2024, as per the instruction. The summary below uses the official date.

The Sacramento First Five Commission met on October 9, 2024, at 10:28 AM. The meeting included a posthumous resolution honoring Commissioner Dr. Steve Wirtz, approval of a contract amendment for participatory grant making stipends, and a detailed presentation on the participatory grant making process for racial equity funding.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of August 5, 2024 Draft Action Summary: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Motion by Chair Cerna, seconded by Commissioner Wesley. Commissioners present: Chair Cerna, Wesley, Fernandez E. Garcia, Evans, Caserie, Katari, and Mook (Commissioners Gordon, Kennedy, Williams, Gross, and Kayas were absent or excused).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Off-Agenda Items: No speakers.
• Executive Director’s Report – Sacramento Children’s Home Family Resource Center Consolidation: David Baker, CEO of Sacramento Children’s Home, addressed the commission regarding the consolidation of Valley High and Meadow View Family Resource Centers (FRCs) into a single larger hub in South Sacramento. He explained that the move will save approximately $170,000 per year in rent, allow for a larger space (over 4,000 square feet more than the two combined), and provide expanded services including mental health, PLTI, and secure parking. He noted that most work is community-based and that transportation and a continued presence in Meadow View will mitigate disruption. Commissioners expressed support and urged attention to the distinct cultures of the two communities.

Discussion Items

• Resolution Honoring Dr. Steve Wirtz (Posthumous): Chair Cerna read a resolution recognizing Dr. Wirtz’s more than two decades of service, including being an original architect of First Five Sacramento, chair of the evaluation committee, and key contributor to the racial equity resolution. Dr. Wirtz’s daughter, Nicole, accepted the resolution and thanked the commission. Several commissioners paid tribute, highlighting his passion for data as representing children and families, his mentorship, and his relentless pursuit of equity. The commission will dedicate the upcoming annual report to Dr. Wirtz and will appoint a new evaluation committee member at a future meeting.
• Executive Director’s Report: Julie reported on several initiatives:
  • 25th Anniversary Power Building Summit: November 14, 2024, with demographer Dr. Dowell Myers as keynote.
  • Staff Recognition: Lindsay Dunkel and Alejandra Labrato received county diversity, equity, and inclusion awards.
  • Participatory Grant Making (PGM) Launch: Community assemblies scheduled for October 23 (in-person) and October 29 (virtual).
  • County CBO Capacity Building: Forums in November to gather input on $7 million investment for BIPOC-led organizations.
  • Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI): Recruiting for Spanish-language cohort; English cohort on hold due to funding.
  • FAMNet Academy: 12-week online course for parents launched.
  • Black ECE Conference: Commissioner Wesley gave an update on the symposium, noting 200 attendees and a 10-point plan for Black early childhood educators.
  • Measure L (Sacramento Children’s Fund): City Council unanimously approved spending plan, allocating $6 million annually for five years, with 20% for guaranteed basic income for foster youth (18-25) and $4.8 million for competitive grants; early childhood is a priority area.
  • FRC Consolidation: Children’s Home consolidating Valley High and Meadow View FRCs into a larger hub; community listening sessions held.
• Advisory Committee Update: Junior Goris (Vice Chair) reported the August 9 meeting. New members (PTLI alumni) welcomed; overview of Help Me Grow program. Next meeting October 11.
• Evaluation Committee Update: Did not meet since last meeting. Commissioner Cassiri paid tribute to Dr. Wirtz’s role on the committee, noting his emphasis on “What can we do better?”
• Systems Optimization and Sustainability (SOS) Committee Update: Met August 21. Discussed declining revenue (Prop 10), state budget updates, and regional anniversary event. Received presentation on PGM from Stephanie McElmore Bray.
• Approval of Contract Amendment for PGM Stipends: The commission approved an amendment to the contract with Lead for Tomorrow, increasing it by $25,000 (to a total of $565,000) to provide stipends for community members participating in the participatory grant making program. Funding is already within the strategic plan. Motion by Commissioner Cassiri, seconded by Commissioner Wesley; unanimous roll call vote.
• Presentation – Participatory Grant Making for Racial Equity Funding: Stephanie McElmore Bray, founder of Touchstone Leadership Group, presented the PGM process. Key points:
  • Definition: Placing grant-making decisions in the hands of community members, particularly BIPOC-led and serving organizations that have not received First Five funding since 2010.
  • Phase 1 – Community Engagement: Two community assemblies (Oct 23 in-person at Arcade Community Center, Oct 29 virtual) to recruit a deliberative panel. Stipends, meals, and childcare provided. 272 invitations sent; target 40 for in-person.
  • Eligibility: Staff or clients of BIPOC-serving CBOs, individuals, or businesses interested in children 0-5; must not have received First Five funding since 2010.
  • Outreach: Social media, peer-to-peer, and direct contact to ensure geographic and racial diversity. Consultant will manage the process to avoid “usual suspects” and ensure transparency.
  • Curriculum: Once panel seated, they will be grounded in system context and equity evaluation.
  • Next Steps: Regular updates to committees; commissioners invited to observe assemblies.
  • Commissioner Questions: Addressed concerns about excluding “who you know” dynamics, reaching underserved areas (e.g., Galt, North Highlands), and handling communities without CBO infrastructure. The panel will include individuals without formal CBO affiliation; innovative non-traditional approaches are welcome.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution Honoring Dr. Steve Wirtz was read and presented to his daughter; commission will dedicate annual report to him.
• Contract amendment with Lead for Tomorrow ($25,000 increase for PGM stipends) approved unanimously.
• Participatory grant making process launched with community assemblies in late October; commissioners encouraged to observe and advocate.
• Next meetings: Advisory Committee (Oct 11), SOS Committee (Oct 16). Evaluation committee vacancy to be filled at a future meeting.
• Meeting adjourned approximately 12:15 PM.