HomeMy Public PortalAboutA 2009-05-12 - LYN. WOMEN'S COMMISSION
CITY OF LYNWOOD
LYNWOOD WOMEN'S COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
May 12, 2009
10:00 AM
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AGENDA
Martina Rodriguez, Chairperson
Sylvia Herron Gloria Jaimes Olga Real
Commissioner Vice Chairperson Commissioner
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Roll Call
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII
IX.
Certification of Agenda Posting
Minutes Approval for March 10, 2009 Regular Meeting
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CITY OF i_YNr/+IC~OG
CITY CLEfiKS OFFICE
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Margaret Araujo
Commissioner
Planning for June 2009 "Women's Power Half Hour" Event
Women's Commission - "Women of the Year Awards"
Board Orals
Public Orals
* limited to two minutes per speaker
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday,
June 9, 2009 at 10 AM in the City Council Chambers located in City Hall, 11330 Bullis
Road, Lynwood, CA 90262.
City of Lynwood
Lynwood Women's Commission
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
10:08 A.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
Call to Order:
Vice Chairperson Jaimas called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Commissioner Herron.
Roll Call:
Chairperson Martina Rodriguez -Absent
Vice Chairperson Gloria Jaimes -Present
Commissioner Sylvia Herron -Present
Commissioner Olga Real -Present
Commissioner Margaret Araujo -Present
Attendees
Jamel Goodloe, Staff
Serena Coulson-Johnson, Minutes Clerk
Certification of Agenda Posting: Agenda was duly posted.
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Jaimes. Vice Chairperson Jaimes called for
a motion to approve the March 10 minutes. Commissioner Herron made a motioned to approve
the minutes and seconded by Commissioner Real.
Review of March 25, 2009 Women's Power Half Hour" Event
Vice Chairperson Jaimes stated that the event went very well. She stated that the information
was very informative regarding the topics on Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence. She stated
that there were about 75 people in attendance.
Commissioner Real stated that she invited some of her friends, but they could not attend the
event. Commissioner Herron stated that Chairperson Rodriguez called her Thursday night after
the Women's Power Half Hour event and said it was about 80 people in attendance. She stated
that she called before the event and left a message for Chairperson Rodriguez and asked her to
come and pick up the food that she had that was to be added to the baskets. She stated that
Chairperson Rodriquez never came to pick up the food. Commissioner Herron stated that she
was ill and could not attend the event. Vice Chairperson Jaimes stated that she gave out 25 fliers
at the School District where people were gathered.
Planning for June 2009 "Women's Power Half Hour" event:
Vice Chairperson Jaimes asked for a discussion on the planning for "Women's Power Half Hour"
event for the month of June. Ms. Coulson-Johnson stated that the topic for the Women's Power
Half Hour event will be on "Finances". She also stated that the date for the June event has not
been decided. Vice Chairperson Jaimes stated that maybe one of the other Commissioners could
find a speaker for the June event. She suggested that all (5) five Commissioners work together
and that each Commissioner should invite guests. She also suggested that each guest identify
the Commissioner that invited them. She stated that this way they will know which Commissioner
invited guests.
Commissioner Herron suggested setting a date for the June event. Commissioner Araujo asked
had the Commissioners elaborated on March 25 Women's Power Half Hour event. Vice
Chairperson Jaimes answered yes. Commissioner Araujo came in late and stated that she would
like to say something regarding the March 25 event. Commissioner Herron stated that they should
stay in order of the agenda. Commissioner Araujo apologized for being late.
Commissioner Herron asked what date would be best for everyone. Commissioner Real and
Commissioner Araujo stated that a Tuesday would be better for them. Commissioner Herron
stated that Tuesday, June 23 would be best for her. She also stated that if they could not
schedule June 23 then June 30 would be good. Ms. Coulson-Johnson stated that she will call
Bateman Hall to see which date is available and she will schedule that date. She also stated that
staff will let the Commissioners know at the next meeting which date has been scheduled for the
June event. All the Commissioners agreed to meet at Batman Hall at 9:30 a.m. in order to make
sure everything is set up for the event. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Vice
Chairperson Jaimes stated that she would like to also have a raffle.
Commissioner Herron stated that they need to get a speaker. Commissioner Araujo asked what's
the topic for the June event. Commissioner Herron stated that the topic will be on "Finances."
Commissioner Araujo asked are we going to invite someone from Bank of America to come and
speak on finances. Vice Chairperson Jaimes stated that they have not discussed what entity they
will contact. Commissioner Araujo stated that she will contact Bank of America and see if she can
get someone that will come and speak on the topic of finances. Vice Chairperson Jaimes stated
that she will also try and get a speaker.
Women of the Year Award:
Vice Chairperson Jaimes asked the Commissioners if they would like to say something regarding
the "Women of the Year Award". There was a discussion around the nominee for the "Women of
the Year Award" event, hosted by Assemblyman Hector De La Torre's office. Vice Chairperson
Jaimes stated that the recipient of the "Women of the Year Award" is Ms. Lourdes Castro.
Commissioner Araujo stated that she read an article in the paper regarding this award. She
stated that her understanding was that the City Council did not choose the nominee. She
mentioned again that Assemblyman Hector De La Torre's office choose the nominee and hosted
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this event. Commissioner Araujo stated that the reason Ms. Castro was nominated is because
she received a promotion to head the Fair Housing for Session Eight in San Antonio Texas. She
stated that Ms. Castro was once a resident of Lynwood. Commissioner Araujo stated that neither
the Women's Commission nor the City Council had anything to do with this nomination.
Commissioner Araujo stated that the Women's Commission needs to plan for their Women of the
Year Award for next year.
Ms. Coulson-Johnson stated to the Commissioners that the item on the agenda for "Women of the
Year Award" is not the same event they just discussed. She stated that the item on the agenda is
regarding the event that the Women's Commission hosts every year for their March event. She
also stated that the Commission did not have their event this year, because there was no budget
for the event. Ms. Coulson-Johnson stated that it was decided in a prior meeting that the
Women's Commission would nominate someone and give the award at one of your regular
meetings. She also stated that Chairperson Rodriguez mentioned that she would still like for the
Women's Commission to honor someone this year.
Commissioner Araujo suggested waiting until Chairperson Rodriguez comes back so she can
explain what she would like for the Commission to do. Commission Herron suggested tabling this
item for the next meeting. All the Commissioners agreed. Ms. Coulson-Johnson asked who is
going to do the catering. Commissioner Araujo stated that Lucy Avalos will do the catering. Vice
Chairperson stated that if Ms. Avalos will not do the catering she will ask Home Town Buffet.
Board Orals:
Commissioner Araujo stated that she have two concerns regarding the Women's Power Half Hour
event. (1.) She stated first, she is running a business and she is trying to keep her obligations to
the Women's Commissioner. She stated that the guests she invited to the event were in
attendance. She also thanked Vice Chairperson Jaimes for bringing fliers to her at your store.
(2.) She stated that regarding the guest who acknowledged that she was being abused by her
spouse should have never been signaled out in public. Commissioner Araujo went on to
explained that if a family member or friend of that person were in attendance, they might take that
information back home and share it with the abuser and this might cost the abused person greater
harm. Vice Chairperson Jaimes stated that she understood and apologized for acknowledging the
guest.
Vice Chairperson Jaimes stated that she is just learning and that she is open for suggestions and
help. Commissioner Araujo stated that the only reason she mentioned this it because that in the
event these people have to go to court are other situations that might occur the Women's
Commission could be held liable as an organization. She stated that she understands that Vice
Chairperson Jaimes is a new member of the Women's Commission and that Chairperson Jaimes
also enjoys learning. But, she stated, that she just wanted to let the Commissioners know and to
be aware and of what can happen. She stated that regarding the Women's Power Half Hour
event, she thought is was excellent.
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Commissioner Real asked Commissioner Araujo what happen that caused her to have concerns
regarding the abused lady. Commissioner Araujo explained to her that the lady that was being
abused was setting up close to the front and Vice Chairperson Jaimes introduced the guest and
said that the she was being abused. I was just explaining so that in the future this will not occur
again. Commissioner Araujo also mentioned the confusion about the raffle. Vice Chairperson
Jaimes stated that next time they will check under the chairs first to make sure there is nothing
there so the guests will not get confused about the tickets. Commissioner Real stated that bows
were suppose to have been placed on the chairs, not tickets under the chairs. Vice Chairperson
Jaimes stated that they will learn from their mistakes and will do better next time.
Ms. Coulson-Johnson mentioned to the Commission that she received a phone call from a
Lynwood resident that is interested in attending a Women's Power Half Hour event, but she is
unable to attend because of the hour the events are held. Ms. Coulson-Johnson stated that the
resident asked her to ask the Commission if they would consider having some of their events at a
later time, around 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening. Vice Chairperson Jaimes stated that
some people had mentioned to her that they enjoyed the Women's Power Half Hour event and
that they would like to continue attending. Commissioner Araujo stated that they just began
hosting the Women's Power Half Hour events, but maybe next year they could plan an event in
the evening.
Vice Chairperson Jaimes stated that they are open for suggestions from the community.
Commissioner Herron stated that she did not think the Commission would be able to have an
event in the evening, because they would have to pay extra for staff and security. She stated that
maybe when things get better regarding the budget, they could consider having an event in the
evening. Commissioner Araujo stated that they probably could have an event from 3:00 p.m. to
5:30 p.m. She stated that this way they won't need security and staff will not have to work extra
hours.
Commissioner Araujo stated that she will have to excuse herself from the meeting, because a
friend that she has not seen in 30 years is in town from Mexico.
Public Orals:
Mr. Goodloe stated that the Women's Power Half Hour event went very well. He stated that Lucy
Avalos did a great job with the food and decorations. Mr. Goodloe also stated that staff had to
get two new speakers at the last minute, because we had not received the approval to use the
DVD regarding "Flowers Aren't Enough" on Domestic Violence. He also stated that staff worked
together and found two exceptional speakers, Steve Velasquez from the Sheriff's Department
spoke on Domestic Violence and Alice Corona from the YMCA spoke on Sexual Abuse. He also
commented on the communication between staff and the Commissioners, stating that the
communication will go a lot smoother next time. Commissioner Araujo asked Mr. Goodloe if the
fliers could be made in English and Spanish for the next Women's Power Half Hour events. He
answered yes.
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Mr. Goodloe suggested to the Commissioners to clarify what the speaker will speak on under the
topic of "Finances." He stated for example subtitles such as:
• Balancing your checkbook
Ordering checks
Writing checks
Saving money
• Opening an account
• Checking their bank statement etc.
He stated that this way the Commissioners will have an idea of what the financial sector will be
presenting. Vice Chairperson Jaimes suggested that Commissioner Araujo contact Bank of
America regarding a speaker. She stated that if the Bank agrees to send a speaker, she
suggested getting information that the speaker will be presenting. Commissioner Araujo stated
that she will ask for subtitles, and from that information they can decide on what they would like to
be presented. Commissioner Herron stated that they should be very careful and make sure that
the right information is being presented to the people.
Vice Chairperson Jaimes asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Herron made
a motion to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Commissioner Real. The meeting adjourned at
10:47 a.m.
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