CITIZENS ADVISORY 2013/02/28CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
ELECTIONS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
MINUTES
Thursday, February 28, 2013
6:30 p.m.
Brookhurst Community Center
2271 W. Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
John Woodhead, Ex Officio Member
Anthony Arm as
Bill Dalati, Vice Chair
Sandy Day
Larry Larsen
Martin Lopez
Gloria Ma'ae
Keith Olesen
Vivian Pham, Chair
Vic Real
STAFF PRESENT:
Greg Garcia, Deputy City Manager
Robert Tyson, Deputy City Attorney
Caroline Morey, Recording Secretary
Spanish language translation services are available at the meeting upon request.
1. Call meeting to order. The meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Elections and
Community Involvement (CAC) was called to order at 6:36p.m.by Chair Pham.
2. Flag Salute
Prior to opening public comments, Deputy City Manager Greg Garcia made the announcement that
three committee members had resigned: Peter Agarwal, David Diaz, and Joseph Karaki due to
scheduling conflicts and travel schedules. As Karaki and Diaz where appointed by Council Member
Murray, two new appointments have been made to fill the vacancies: Keith Olesen and Sandy Day.
Regarding Mr. Agarwal's seat who was appointed by former Council Member Sidhu, the item will be
on the next City Council agenda. Mr. Garcia thanked Members Olesen and Day and asked that they
provide an introduction.
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Commissioner Day thanked the council for her appointment and expressed her gratitude for the
opportunity. She thanked the commissioners who had served and appreciated their work. She has
watched the meetings, presenters, and kept herself apprised. She shared her experience and
background. Ms. Day said she had been watching the prior meetings carefully. She noted that she is
bi- lingual and grew up with immigrant parents from Colombia who migrated to California in the
1960's. They came over during the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. Her father was a
dishwasher, then sweeping floors of a manufacturing facility. Her mother worked in an office of a
clothing factory. They were very eager to learn English. They came with their resident cards and five
years later her parents became American citizens. She is very familiar with many of the issues being
discussed by the committee. She is very humbled and hopes to serve the city well.
Commissioner Olesen introduced himself and said he has lived in Anaheim since 1986. He grew up in
Garden Grove, Orange and then moved to Anaheim area where they bought a house. He has served
on a couple of volunteer committees and been involved in several different functions. He is glad to
be here. Mr. Olesen said he believes the committee's charge is an important issue; one of the most
important that has faced the city in the last 100 years or so. He feels it's important that the process is
done right and he looks forward to contributing. He expressed thanks.
Chair Pham thanked Ms. Day and Mr. Olesen for joining the committee and welcomed them.
3. Public Comments (Individual audience participation is limited to three (3) minutes per speaker)
Action: Public comments on any agenda items or subject matter within the jurisdiction of
the Citizens Advisory Committee.
No one came forward for the public comment period.
4. Receive and file the report on Community Outreach efforts
Action: Receive and file community outreach report, upon presentation of outreach
efforts.
Deputy City Manager Greg Garcia introduced Ed Velasquez, outreach coordinator, who provided an
overview of the city's outreach efforts highlight on the flyer provided. Mr. Garcia reminded the
committee that it is more important than ever as they near the midpoint of the process to get out into the
community to insure people are paying attention to the discussion and that they are involved in the
process of hearing what the recommendations are and providing feedback before those recommendation
go to council. Mr. Garcia encouraged the public and the committee if they have any ideas on improving
the City's outreach efforts, that you share them with staff and with Ed Velasquez.
Mr. Ed Velasquez with Burnside and Associates introduced himself as the contracted outreach specialist.
To update everyone on what has been done from the city's side, information has gone out within the
utility bills, press releases, and two emails to people who signed in at previous meetings. An interest list is
being formed for all who attend meetings, and he reminded speakers to complete speaker cards upon sign -
in or sign -in on the sheet at the back to get email information. Mr. Velasquez announced that there is a
sign -in sheet by the entry and to please be sure and provide your name and email so that you can be
updated on future CAC meeting updates and information. The other new things: the meeting
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informational flyer is also now available in four languages: Spanish, English, Vietnamese and Farsi. This
4 language flyer also includes all the locations, dates and times for the next 3 months. The flyer has
general information about the meeting as well as the meeting locations. He said that they can continue to
use the flyer through the rest of the process.
Mr. Velasquez reviewed the slide with outreach details. They have let the Neighborhood Council Meeting
know about the CAC Meetings and invited people to attend. He has focused on outreach to community
groups and personal invitations. He said that you may also request additional information through the
CAC page on the website. Mr. Velasquez has attended community neighborhood meetings and meetings
of the community group. The four language flyer is being posted at all public counters at City Hall, on the
web and on signs at major intersections. He also mentioned that translation services were available and
that they have been utilized at recent meetings. He said that they are open to suggestion if there are other
venues /meetings that they should attend. Since it has only been six days since, the last meeting, there has
not been as much opportunity to attend meetings. If anyone has suggestions on meetings in the
community, please contact him or the City Manager's Office. He will continue to attend more community
meetings in the next several weeks.
Outreach information made available during the meeting and online at
www.anaheim.net /CAC elections
Commissioner Olesen asked if they could tell where attendees had heard about the meeting. If it's not on
the current sign -in sheet, Mr. Olesen asked in order to determine how effective the different methods may
be, if there was a way to track where people heard about the meetings. He recommended adding a column
to the sign -in sheet listing where people heard about the meeting.
Mr.Velasquez said they had not been doing that to date but it could be added.
Vice Chair Dalati thanked Mr.Velasquez for his outreach services and asked about how to make social
media easier with social media. Mr. Garcia mentioned the social media currently being used with the
City's Facebook and Twitter pages. Mr. Velasquez said people who are signed on to the City of Anaheim
Facebook page do get a notice through there.
Vice Chair Dalati also mentioned email as a less expensive option for outreach. Mr. Garcia mentioned
that as listed on the Outreach plan, email is being utilized for both press releases more than 5,000, mailing
list to e- subscribers of more than 10,000. There has also been a subscribe button (Subscribe to Committee
Agendas) added to the CAC home page.
Mr. Garcia said that the City of Anaheim does have a community list of people who have signed up to
receive emails and they receive the press releases before each meeting. Mr. Garcia said that list is in the
5,000 range. There is also a subscribe button on the CAC page.
But the City, unfortunately, does not have emails for all residents, unless they submit them. He said it
would be great if they did have them, in terms of getting out critical information in a fast efficient
manner.
Vice Chair Dalati asked if they couldn't purchase an email list of all residents in the city.
Mr. Garcia said it is certainly something that could be considered.
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Mr. Real asked if there was a flyer in the light bill to all residents, the power /electrical bills.
Mr. Velasquez said an insert was in the utility bills. Mr. Garcia confirmed that there was an insert in
utility bills notifying residents of this committee and the meeting dates.
Mr. Velasquez also mentioned if people are unable to attend in person, they can email their questions or
comments in via the email address.
Chair Pham requested a motion to receive and file the report on outreach efforts.
Commissioner Armas motioned to receive and file.
Commissioner Lopez seconded.
Ayes — 9 ( Armas, Dalati, Day, Larsen, Lopez, Ma'ae, Olesen, Pham, Real) Noes — 0 The motion passed.
5. Overview and presentation on Voter Participation and Outreach
Action: Presentation by Elisa Sequeira, California Director of Civic Engagement,
NALEO Educational Fund and Presentation by Joan Hake, Vice President Voter Service,
League of Women Voters of the Central Orange County Area. (Speaking order reversed.
Ms. Hake presented first with Ms. Sequeira to follow.)
Chair Pham asked the committee and audience if they could hold their questions to the end.
Mr. Garcia said tonight's topic was somewhat of a continuation of last meeting's topic: presentation on
voter participation and outreach and how to boost the community participation in government and
elections. The last meeting the committee received some information from the City of Vista, and from
local election official, Anaheim City Clerk, Ms. Linda Andal and our county election official from the
Orange County Registrar of Voters, Mr. Neal Kelley. The questions that were posed to Mr. Kelley have
been provided to the committee in a memo and Mr. Garcia wanted to be sure that everyone received that
memo. Today's meeting will follow up with some additional presentations on outreach because this is
such an important part of the committee's work is to make recommendations on ways we can get the
community to come out and participate more in elections, but not only in elections, but every part of their
government. There are two speakers tonight. Due to a late arrival by the first speaker Ms. Sequeira, the
suggestion was made they move forward with the second speaker first.
Mr. Garcia introduced Ms. Joan Hake from the Orange County, League of Women Voters. The League of
Women Voters is a non - partisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in
government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters
has a voter service citizen education component that presents unbiased non - partisan information about
election about the voting process and issues. Mr. Garcia thanked Ms. Hake for being here this evening
and we're looking forward to your presentation.
Speaker Summary:
Ms. Joan Hake, Vice President of Voter Service for the League of Women Voters presented information
and a handout regarding Protocol for Conducting Candidate Forums. Ms. Hake said that Mr. Garcia
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provided a definition of the League of Women Voters are and how they operate. The League of Women
Voters is a non - biased, non - partisan organization who conducts the forums, provided all criteria is met
prior to the forum. While Ms. Hake said the organization is non - partisan, they are political due to the fact
that they are involved with influencing public policy and that they try to make democracy work. Anaheim
is a part of the Central Orange County area and as a result of that they often receive requests for forum
candidates.
She would like to speak briefly about her experience with forums in Anaheim this last election year. She
Ms. Hake said that her experience this year, as she characterized it, "irregular." Ms. Hake is the primary
contact for candidate forums and voter education. Ms. Hake explained that in order for the League of
Women voters to be involved in the candidate forum, specific guidelines must be met. She would like to
summarize her experience with Anaheim candidate forums in 2012. The forum in Anaheim was requested
and scheduled through the organization, WAND, West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council,
with their leader Esther Wallace. It was a strange beginning to the forum. First of all, Ms. Wallace
informed her that they didn't have a site. Ms Wallace said for some reason that the city said that they
couldn't hold the forum in any public buildings. Eventually, they did work something out and they met in
a school. Ms. Hake learned from Ms. Wallace that they were told not to publicize the forum. In spite of
the caveat, the forum was well attended, and it was well run. They have worked with WAND a great deal
and the League of Women Voters really appreciates what they do.
A second example: She received a call from a businessman with no specific organization who asked the
League to conduct a forum for the downtown area. She looked at her calendar and agreed that the chosen
date was available so that they could oblige him. Ms. Hake didn't hear anything more from him until it
was about a week prior to the date the forum was scheduled. She reached out and called him and she
learned from him that they, the League of Women Voters, didn't have to do a thing. He had made all the
arrangements. Ms. Hake said that was strange because when the League is involved in a forum, the
League makes the arrangements. They do it their way and you better not mess with them. Without
contacting, Ms. Hake, he had done all of the following: mailed out letters and gotten responses. He had
sent an announcement to the newspapers. Most importantly, Ms. Hake said he'd done it all wrong. When
Ms. Hake learned of what he had done and how it had been done wrong; she informed him that she was
sorry that the League could not participate. So, they cancelled the forum. So, with that background she
would like to go over and distribute the League of Women Voters Protocol for Candidate forums. There
are copies at the back of the room and online.
The protocol sets out what is required. When the League of Women Voters participates in a forum, it is
very important that it is done according to their protocol. She said that you may want to take the hand out
home with you so that when the next election comes, you will have the information available.
The League of Women Voters strongly supports voter registration and voter participation in all election
activities. Ms. Hake said she sees that there appears to be a large portion of the population of Anaheim
who feel like they have been left out of the process. She is sure that is why the advisory committee has
been formed in the first place. Anaheim has a large Hispanic population and it appears problematic that
there are currently no Hispanics on City Council. These are the things that the League is aware of. So, you
obviously need to address this problem in order to avoid conflicts in future elections. The League of
Women Voters is able to work with your committee to provide better representation, to what she sees as
an underserved population. Now, you know your own city, of course, much better than she does because
she lives in Santa Ana.
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She listed some statistics from research that she found: She stated the combination of Hispanics, Asians
and African Americans make up 6 1. 1 % of Anaheim's population. Whereas the white population is down
to 46.8% . She said that Anaheim is a very interesting city in that it's been growing a great deal since the
census in 1990.
Ms. Hake said that the total population of Anaheim is over 300,000, second only to Santa Ana in the
county. Anaheim is the 10` largest city in the state of California. Anaheim is a growth leader in the state
and in the U.S. These are interesting statistics. One of the problems you have is that you need to find
ways to serve your entire community in a more inclusive way. I have an example for a forum that we did
in 2010 that is the kind of forum model that you should have in this city. In 2010 with the participation
and planning of the League of Women Voters with an umbrella group called OCCORD. OCCORD,
Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development, works with the League of Women
Voters to encourage citizen participation and arrange transportation for event from many areas for citizens
of Anaheim. The event was held at the Islamic Center where food was provided. Information was made
available in both Spanish and English. The attendance was huge. This is the kind of outreach that the city
must provide in order to change the city for the better.
You must find leaders in each neighborhood who can go door to door to distribute information. They
recruit community leaders who can go face to face. She does not like Facebook and Twitter and believes
that face to face networking is preferable. She said that she understands some of the information you
mentioned tonight was one Facebook and Twitter, but she, for one, hates those things. She feels face to
face is better. The only reason she has it is because a friend put her on there. She doesn't look at it often;
nor, does she want to look at it often. She said that email is something she couldn't live without.
She recommended following these steps to get into the individual communities:
Find leaders within the community to recruit.
Make it possible for people to go and register people to vote.
Get people out to go vote.
Ms. Hake mentioned Neal Kelley, OC Registrar of Voters, was here last week as a speaker. She said he is
a good friend of hers and is held in very high regard. He is the best Registrar of Voters in the United
States, in her opinion. He travels all over the United States lecturing. Ms. Hake said that anything you
learned from him, she doesn't want to repeat because he is such a reliable source. Ms. Hake opened the
floor to questions or comments.
Commissioner Ma'ae asked what date was used on the Census Data Ms. Hake cited.
Ms. Hake replied that 1990 was the data used for the previous census between that time until 2000.
Commissioner Ma'ae asked if Ms. Hake had the data for 2000 -2010 census.
Ms. Hake clarified it was actually 2000 -2010 that she was citing for the data she referred to. Ms. Hake
apologized if there was any confusion on the question.
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Ms. Hake stated that the city has changed dramatically since the 1980's.What worked in the 1980's is not
going to work in the 21 s ` century. The League is happy to do anything they need to do, especially if you
need assistance or special help in working with neighborhood groups.
Commissioner Lopez thanked Ms. Hake for the work she has done with registering engaging voters and
the forums in the community. Mr. Lopez asked a question about the three minorities you mentioned 3
minority groups (Latino, Asian, and African American) who composed over 60% of the population. Of
course, we understand that registering and engaging voters is a huge part of this and we need to do that,
but will that alone solve the issue? We are here as a committee to discuss whether the city needs to
change its at large system for elections to district elections. Is going out there, registering people and
engaging them to vote, do you think that is enough?
Ms. Hake replied that she can't say because she doesn't know your city that well. She doesn't live here.
It's pretty obvious that some parts of your city, some people feel left out. I don't think any of you would
question that. Isn't that why you are here and why you have been created to address that situation.
Interesting enough, Santa Ana is another fascinating city. She said that she and her husband moved to
Santa Ana from Newport Beach. Someone said why on earth would you move from Newport Beach to
Santa Ana, and she responded because it's so much more fun in Santa Ana. There is so much more going
on; it's the heard of the community and it's the heart of Orange County. So are you. She thinks you have
some wonderful opportunities here especially as time goes on.
Commissioner Olesen commented regarding the West Anaheim Candidate Forum, which he attended. He
agreed it was indeed "bizarre" in his words for any number of reasons. One of the things that the
committee has been asked to do is to help inform and get the word out to people. You mentioned at this
forum, they were told not to publicize it. Ms. Olesen asked by whom were you told not to publicize it.
Ms. Hake replied she was not sure by whom. She was told that by Ms. Wallace at the time. They wanted
it low profile for some reason.
Mr. Olesen replied that every time he hears that "they" or someone can't provide clarification it seems
questionable.
Ms. Hake said the word obviously did get out because it was a well attended forum.
Mr. Olesen said that he was curious because if this is a real road block, it needs to be addressed.
Ms. Hake said she was just the messenger of what had happened.
Vice Chair Dalati said he has attended a few of the forums that the League participated in and that Ms.
Hake and the League was always strict and straight to point.
She replied, yes that they were.
Vice Chair Dalati said Ms. Hake stated a part of the city feels left out. Is that a fact or your opinion?
Ms. Hake said she believes that part of the city is left out.
Vice Chair Dalati said so you believe that. Is it a fact? Is it something you heard?
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Ms. Hake said it's something she's heard. Then she said, no it's something I've observed, read in the
paper. She said she thinks it is fairly common knowledge that there is a portion of the city who feels left
out. WAND was created for that very reason. West Anaheim had WAND created to help them survive
and to help that community and to be involved in city affairs. So when Mr. Dalati says, is it a fact? Ms.
Hake said she thinks it is. It is her belief that it is a fact.
Vice Chair Dalati asked in your opinion with your years of expertise, how do you think we should
approach that?
Ms. Hake replied due in part to her experience in the last election cycle which she told the committee
about in the beginning, it was a very unusual time. Usually, the League would normally sit down with
people who put on forum usually weeks ahead of time to work out all of the details.
Vice Chair Dalati asked about in your opinion the solution could be as easy as organizing forums.
Ms. Hake said it's not an easy solution and it does take work. She said it's going to require that they
really work at this. She reiterated getting into the communities, finding leaders to recruit within the
community register voters and get them out to vote on Election Day. She is offering the services of the
League of Voters anytime that they can help in the process. The League registers voters. They go to
malls. They go to city buildings. They go to schools. Ms.Hake, said you know of course, you can register
young people who are seniors in high school who are not yet 18, but will be on the date the election
comes. These are things that the League can do to help Anaheim.
Vice Chair Dalati asked in simple words if Ms. Hake felt like there is a fracture somewhere that needs to
be fixed.
Ms. Hake replied yes.
Commissioner Real mentioned that he had been a member of WAND; Mr. Real said that he had been to
every one of the forums that Ms. Hake monitors. He thanked her for her participation. He said that the
forums were a good way to approach people. It is a great training place for people to learn about all of the
candidates. He said he hopes they do forums again in the future.
Ms. Hake thanked him for that comment.
Commissioner Armas said the role of the Registrar of Voters? When you help register someone and you
can't answer either way. How do you address the partisan question?
Ms. Hake said that she personally made no recommendation, whatsoever, about political affiliation is
provided. When it says which party, she simply answers that she can't tell the individual and it's up to
each person to select that on their own. She said there is also the option of not having to choose.
Commissioner Armas asked how they get across the education part because it seems so complicated. He
went on to ask how do you not cross lines. The cop out would be I'm independent. Maybe Mr. Kelley
may have already told you this.
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Ms. Hake said the education is part of the process for Neil Kelley and the OC Registrar of Voters. Some
of the areas they cover are:
• Planning
• Materials needed to get started
• As well as offering advice how to get started
• Gathering Data
• Information to help answer questions
• Computer Website for the Secretary of State of California also has helpful informational
pdfs.
The OC Registrar of Voters can help to provide all of that info or you can get some of it on the computer
with the links mentioned to the Secretary of State Website.
The League of Women Voters also performs two roles:
• Education (which they are doing here tonight at this meeting)
• Action & Advocacy — only possible when the League has studied for at least 2 years including
putting things such as initiatives on the ballot. You may have noticed in Proposition 30 one of the
sponsors was the President of The State League of Women Voters.
The information from the Secretary of State has been made available as a handout for the committee and
can be found online:
Guide to Voter Rei4istrations Drives from the Secretary of State
Commissioner Larsen stated that he believes education at all levels for all people is very important.
He said that Commissioner Dalati referred to a question with a crack in the system. Mr. Larsen said that
he chose to understand her answer that the solution to that was at the city level. At what point do you have
citizen have to take some responsibility, seeing as how there is no shortage of empty chairs tonight. The
outreach being done has been excellent but at what point do citizens take action versus citizen's placing
blame. There is a point at which the citizens have to take responsibility for their lack of participation
versus blaming the establishment for not going out and educating them.
Ms. Hake said it is a good question but she didn't have the answer to that. She reiterated the idea of
finding leaders within the community who believe that they are underrepresented. She said that it may be
a telephone call from those leaders. She sees that you are using all kinds of media to get your information
out.
Commissioner Larsen said it seems that there is an inclination of people tend to blame authority, however,
there are certain privileges as citizens that one has the right to exercise. Yet, some choose not to exercise
that right. if there is a leader in the community who can rally those individuals, it's important to do that.
Ms. Hake agreed with Mr. Larsen's point. Ms. Hake said she was sorry if Mr. Larsen took it that way and
she agreed that it takes participation and she is simply stating what she has observed. Ms. Hake did agree
that is it difficult sometimes to light a fire but sometimes it has to be done.
Deputy City Manager Garcia thanked Ms. Hake for her presentation and let the committee and audience
know that the next presenter had arrived.
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Mr. Garcia introduced Ms. Elisa Sequeira from NALEO - National Association of Latino Elected and
Appointed Officials ( NALEO is the nation's leading non - profit organization that facilitates full Latino
participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service. Ms. Sequeira's title is
the California Director of Civic Engagement for NALEO Educational Fund for the Engagement
Department. Mr. Garcia said that they are looking forward especially to hearing specific outreach
strategies focused on the Latino community.
The Civic Engagement Department of NALEO seeks to achieve the full participation of Latino
communities in the American political process by building a culture of civic participation through
sustained national infrastructure that informs, engages and mobilizes the Latino community.
Through the organization's census work, they ask their communities to fill out the ten question census
form in order to be accurately represented in local, state, and national governments. As a result they have
seen that the Latino community has grown about 43 %. There are 50.5 million Latinos. About 1 in every 4
children is Latino. Those figures are somewhat reflected in the Anaheim community. 54% of residents in
Anaheim are Latino and about 1 in 3 is under the age of 18.
So when discussing the Latino community's participation, there are two areas potential and untapped
potential. Latinos are about 31 % of the eligible citizens of voting age in population in Anaheim. That's
about 87% are not registered. The first and largest barrier is registering Latino citizens. Aside, from that
it's actually getting them to the polls. As you can see even when Latinos are registered, their participation
numbers leave a lot to be desired. There is a lot of room for growth and opportunity for partnerships
across non - profits and with cities and city entities.
One of the ways, NALEO carries out its work is through the "ya, es hora" campaign which means "it's
time ". It is the largest and most comprehensive effort to incorporate Latinos as full participants in the
American political process. The campaign is the Latino community's action - oriented follow up to the
immigrant mobilizations of 2006. The campaign was launched after 2006 immigration reform that was
somewhat hostile to the Latino community. It decided to make its voices heard. There were a lot of
marches that some of you may recall. One of the aspirations of the march was to come out in 2006 and
then turnout in 2008. To get to that first barrier of actually becoming voters, Latinos needed to naturalize.
In 2007, we saw one of the largest spikes in naturalization rates 1.4 million permanent residents took that
final step toward U.S. citizenship. NALEO Educational Fund partners with Mi Familia Vota, SEIU-
Service Employees International Union (fastest growing union in North America), and NCLR — National
Council of La Raza. SEIU is part of the Citizenship campaign. They are not part of NALEO's border
engagement campaign because they are a labor union. The majority of the work is done through local
partners. NALEO outreached to over 400 local partners in a diverse range from labor, grass roots, faith -
based, corporate, local and statewide organizations to provide tools to those organizations and harness
their communities. Ms. Sequeira said that for example as a California it would be difficult to go to Texas
and advise them on community activism. So, she said as an Angeleno, she is not fully aware of all the
issues Anaheim faces, and that Latinos in Anaheim face. So, NALEO would like to develop partnerships
with organizations that are doing work within the community already so they inform the work and then
NALEO facilitates the tools.
There is a NALEO national infrastructure which relies highly on a national media campaign. They work
with several media partners, not mentioned in the presentation, are the channel Univision. Univision is
one of their largest Spanish news stations, Entravision, which has the largest markets in developing
Latino communities, Impermedia, LLC, which is a publisher who locally publishes La Opinion. They also
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have a hotline and website that is national but it's populated with local events and local information.
NALEO could post the events and meetings that this committee holds around border engagement on their
website. They will make sure to reflect that.
NALEO has a strategy that provides information and education. Voter forums and town halls are key.
Voter conventions are held where they are able to communicate community priorities as directed by the
local community with elected officials and with candidates for future leaders.
NALEO also holds "charlas" which are like informal talks and voter guides. There isn't a literal
translation. They actually partner with the California League of Women Voters to create the EZ voter
guide. It is a non - partisan publication that helps to inform and provide basic understanding of what is on
the ballot at the state level. This year the Los Angeles League of Women Voters actually produced a voter
guide for the Los Angeles Tuesday local election.
There is a registration strategy that NALEO utilizes. Ms. Sequeira said she can't emphasize how
important it is to provide registration, the act of filling out the form combined with providing voter
education. She feels coupling registration and education are extremely important. When you see the
makeup of the Latino community, you will see it is important to combine the two. The way NALEO
facilitates voter registration is by stand alone and site based voter registration. NALEO's partners are also
encouraged to participate in naturalization ceremonies. They have some of the largest populations of new
Americans every month to six weeks. These newly naturalized citizens, having made it through becoming
a part of the American process, are now looking forward to actually exercising their new rights. In the
past they utilized media to facilitate voter registration. This time they used newspaper inserts. Now that
California has gone electronic with their voter registration, NALEO has done some targeted campaigns
around social media on sites such as Facebook, Pandora, and disseminated the California Secretary of
State's link through all of NALEO's partners so it could be embedded in their websites. NALEO
facilitates Get Out and Vote at the local level. This past year NALEO partnered with Del High Center to
have a Get Out and Vote phone calls with the language: "There is an important election coming. Your
vote is important to the future of your community for your family and for your future. Do you know
where your polling place is located ?"
They contacted about 96 residents in Anaheim. While we know that may seem to be a small number, a
simple invitation to individuals that don't get flyers, that are new to the process of voting, and who may
not vote very frequently, can have drastic effects from that simple invitation and facilitation of
information from a local source.
NALEO does some direct mail, Easy Voter Guides, plumb cards, stickers and the like so when they do
door knocking, they are able to provide voters with more information as to where to get more information
about the electoral process.
Finally on Election Day, NALEO knows that challenges happen. Individuals who are new to the process
may not have adequate information about what to take to the polls. There are issues of people not being
on the voter rolls, of people not having proper identification, or maybe they don't have a California ID or
driver's license, and they may need some guidance as to what they can produce as an alternative. There
are also some language barriers. A significant amount of Latinos may feel more comfortable speaking
Spanish. When there are calls that come into our hotline regarding complaints, it helps them with
resolving the problem for future elections.
Page 11 of 26
Regarding voter registration, education is a key component. Latino voters tend to be new Americans,
newly naturalized citizens. They also tend to be young voters. This is the first time they may be
participating in the electoral process and they may be unfamiliar with the process. Where there is
community education to be had, for young voters, it should be in the schools. We know that schools have
a big task already. Civics instructions are sometimes don't explain the full process of elections and often
explain the process of election administration and what young voters may encounter, especially when
they decide to go out and vote. They may not even know that there is a registration deadline. So, having a
partnership with organizations that work directly with you to achieve voter education that can facilitate
voter registration tools is certainly key. When it comes to new Americans, it is key to have information
available "in language ". Ms. Sequeira said as a new American, herself, she has no issues with language,
because she grew up in the United States. As soon as she turned 18, she applied to become a U.S. Citizen.
And once she became a citizen, she registered to vote and she did it in English. Her father, on the other
hand, his English is limited, so when he became a U.S. Citizen, and he registered to vote, he wanted that
information to be facilitated to him in Spanish. So, she suggested making a conscious effort of knowing
who new Americans are and understanding them culturally. Sometimes, new Americans may be more
motivated to vote than native born Americans. Information in their native language should be facilitated.
Although they only got 96 calls from the hotline, they asked questions like can you check my registration
status, and where do I register. So already, the 82% of the unengaged Latino population wants to find out
more information how to engage.
Ms. Sequeira spoke about voter outreach for Latino citizens are new and may need more information.
Ms. Sequeira presented a Power Point presentation that can be found online at:
www.anaheim.net /CACelections
Ms. Sequeira discussed the purpose of NALEO as being focused on voter registration strategy coupled
with education. NALEO encourages the naturalization of immigrants and assists with the process. There
is a ceremony approximately every six weeks. Many new citizens look forward to the process and then
using those newly acquired rights. There are news inserts, targeted campaigns in social media including
Facebook and Twitter. They also perform a telephone calling campaign asking if residents know where
their polling place is and inviting them to vote. Sometimes a simple invitation is very impactful,
especially for those who are new to the process.
Ms. Sequeira also mentioned that some new voters may not be aware of what items are needed to take
with them on Election Day, such as proper identification. Sometimes language can be a barrier to new
voters, because it's intimidating. Some individuals who become citizens are more comfortable voting in
their native language if they are originally Spanish speakers.
A question and answer followed Ms. Sequeira's presentation.
Commissioner Real noted that the chart showed 4 segments and strategies. Mr. Real asked if the right side
was related to union.
Ms. Sequeira said there was both a national and local strategy for county and service workers who may be
members of unions. The union affiliation helps to navigate union language and get counted with the
census, as well as getting registered.
Page 12 of 26
NALEO also partners with non -civic stakeholders in the community such as local Parents and Teachers
Association (PTA). She said that some people may not be interested in the voting process, but these type
of community presentations help to increase interest and show how participation in voting can impact
change.
Commissioner Real asked about examples of community outreach for segments on the chart.
Ms. Sequeira said NALEO also supports ethnic media which provides outreach to Latinos in language.
The television/media station Univision is one of the language partners. In Anaheim, Channel 34 is
Univision. Also, the newspaper, LaOpinion, is a media partner. NALEO reaches out to ethnic media
partners.
Commissioner Armas asked if NALEO can assist the city /committee with helping to partner with media
since it reaches such a huge diverse audience.
Ms. Sequeira said that they can share the information and it can be highlighted on Spanish Media
Networks. She said that NALEO can talk with the city's media to communicate that information. Also
during election season, NALEO is on camera a lot. Since there was a recent election in Los Angeles last
Tuesday, there was a lot of coverage.
Commission Ma'ae said that this sounded like a great opportunity and that the city's timing couldn't be
better. She asked Ms. Sequeira how the committee /city goes about locating the community leaders.
Ms. Sequeira said it's okay if they are not a part of the election process currently. They engage faith based
organizations and help to engage local stakeholders. Also, agencies that provide social services can be a
good place to do outreach. The social service agencies and schools in the City of Anaheim who interact
with residents are great resources. One out of three people in Anaheim is a child. When you engage
children in the schools; you also target the parents. Organizations that provide immigration assistance
whether within months, one year, two years or five years within immigrating. As soon as individuals
become citizens, they encourage them to take a Pledge to Register to Vote. This works even better when
it's "in" language. Organizations such as social services and those that benefit the community are
partners. NALEO acts to champion civic participation.
Commissioner Ma'ae asked if NALEO were to partner with the city what would that mean?
Ms. Sequeira said that they would work with the City Clerk's office to encourage civic, cultural
registration so that more people can have access.
Commissioner Ma'ae asked about the greatest challenge NALEO faces with the process.
Ms. Sequeira responded familiarizing with the system, different processes required for registration, re-
registration when people move or have a name change. Also, that people don't realize that they do not
have to select a party affiliation. If parents are unfamiliar with the process, often the children do not
become engaged. It's a slow process to change.
Vice Chair Dalati asked how NALEO is funded.
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Ms. Sequeira said that NALEO is a non - profit and is funded through foundations such as the Ford
Foundation and through grants. The Ford Foundation funded a majority of their efforts last year.
Commissioner Lopez said it was a great presentation Ms. Sequeira. Mr. Lopez said he had a couple of
questions.
Mr. Lopez said as he has been out on Election Day many times, he has seen first time voter may be
intimidated by the process. They may also be overwhelmed by too many choices on the ballot running for
city council, which some find confusing. Maybe the 2 -3 top funded candidates are able to send
propaganda out to the entire city. Others don't have the luxury. So then, people are confused and they feel
intimidated or afraid of making the wrong decision. Even propositions or measures that are on the ballot,
many people don't understand. Many first -time voters don't want to vote because they are afraid that they
may end up making the wrong decision. For example, last November with Prop 30 and Prop 38, while
they were similar; they were different. So people were afraid and they didn't want to vote. When you
asked why, they respond saying they don't want to cast a vote that they are not informed about.
So does NALEO have a way of informing people without taking a specific position, on what voting for
car insurance means, or Prop 30 vs. Prop 38 whatever the measure is?
Ms. Sequeira said that is an excellent point. Since NALEO has a national hotline and they do interact with
voters on Election Day, they do hear that a lot. Some Latino voters are afraid to cast the wrong vote and
sometimes that is what keeps them at home. They don't want to make a bad decision for their families,
their communities, for themselves. She said that sometimes finding non - partisan information can be very
difficult. She said there is a state and county local voter guide but that it can be difficult to consume.
It is not written in language that is easily understandable even when it is "in" language. Some of the
Latino voters have low education levels, even in their native language.
It is hard to get information on local election. NALEO partners with the League of Women Voters
provides statewide information simplified in simple words that explains the platform and what it stands
for if you vote yes what it means or what it means if you vote no. This is a great supplement. Ms.
Sequeira also recommend the site www.smartvoter.org which she goes to for local election info especially
for judges and to better understand what a judges platform may be. It helps with local election
information. Even with these resources, there is still a great need for voter education.
She encourages local forums and candidate forums and said voter education needs the most promotion.
Commissioner Lopez said that the committee was tasked to find ways to promote voter outreach.
Mr. Lopez asked Ms. Sequeira a question regarding her opinion if given the following information voter
education and outreach alone was enough? Mr. Lopez said that there is an allegation that the California
Voting Rights Act has been violated and there may be racially polarized voting. Mr. Lopez said given the
Latino population being at 54% in Anaheim, and only 34% of those are eligible or registered, the fact that
there is still 82% not registered, in your opinion, is outreach and education enough to solve the issue
alone?
Ms. Sequeira said that voter registration is highly important in mobilizing eligible voters so that Latinos
and Americans will be able to elect the candidate of their choice. Voter education should be on the top of
your to do list. She said that districts may be one option that can provide that opportunity, but it's
important that people need to be registered and mobilized to vote in order to participate in the process.
Vice Chair Dalati asked if NALEO was involved with immigration reform.
Page 14 of 26
Ms. Sequeira said that they are primarily involved only with Naturalization of individuals who are already
a green card holder and they help them to become eligible to become a citizen.
Commissioner Ma'ae asked how long have you had districting, how long has districting been in place.
Ms. Sequeira said that she did not have that information.
Commissioner Ma'ae was asking if it had been years.
Ms. Sequeira clarified in LA it has been since 2010.
Commissioner Ma'ae asked if you have seen an increase in the Latino Community in voter registration
and participation since there has been a shift to districting in the Latino community.
Ms. Sequeira said she thinks the may be talking about two different things. After the census, there was
reapportionment. At the local level there needs to be a re- drawing of the lines to provide equal districts,
especially in areas where you already have districts. For example in Los Angeles or in the State of
California, you have Assembly Districts and Senate Districts. You need to be sure there are equal
populations within those districts and they represent fair division. It is also important for the people who
live in those areas to be a part of the process of redistricting. Ms. Sequeira said you want to be sure that
residents can be involved in shaping how those district lines are drawn so that they can shape their own
communities and they may elect the candidate of their choice.
Going from an at large system to a multiple district system is not something that she can address.
Ms. Sequeira said you want community to be involved and they have a right to be involved. It's important
to facilitate information so that they can advocate for themselves because they want to represent their
community and elect their candidate of choice.
Vice Chair Dalati said he would like to ask the same question but in a different way.
Since districting, have you seen a difference in the diversity of the type of candidates that have come
forward, who have run for office?
Ms. Sequeira said that if you look at California and you look at Latino political power and who is eligible
to vote, it has grown. Political participation among the Latino community has also grown. Political
representation among Latinos has grown. The California Assembly is very different today in Latino
representation than it was ay than 10 years ago. That is the same for certain local community districts.
So, when voters are given the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice that really motivates them to
turn out.
Vice Chair Dalati asked if that is a result of districting.
Ms. Sequeira said she thinks it is a result of increased political participation, or increased numbers of who
is eligible and who is participating. She said we know that Latinos have been participating, and
participation rates keep increasing in the last ten years. Part of it is the increasing in the last ten years and
part of it is having viable candidates. She said that because redistricting didn't come into effect until
2011, she said they will see how the next ten years go.
Page 15 of 26
Vice Chair Dalati said he wanted a straight answer. Would districting help?
Ms. Sequeira said that it can help. It's part of the equation,
Chair Pham said it might be a little unfair to answer that since she is not an expert.
Ms. Sequeira said when you increase registration levels and you increase participation levels, when you
provide that information and provide that invitation, and you also provide the opportunity to elect
candidates of their choice, they will participate.
Ms. Hake interjected and said just for comparison, every member of the Santa Ana City Council is Latino.
Commissioner Armas asked to clarify when you are talking about redistricting; you're referring to state
redistricting.
Ms. Sequeira said yes, the state, not the city.
So Commissioner Armas said there's no way you could know what it would do to the city?
Ms. Sequeira said yes. She said that they have not done city redistricting in California. They have School
Board redistricting. They helped parents participate in the redistricting process in California where there
were already existing districts.
Commissioner Real asked 32.75% of Latino registered voters, out of that how many voted?
Ms. Sequeira said she did not have those figures for this election. She does have info for the previous
election in 2010 on the total Latino eligible voters. She took a second and pulled the 2010 election data.
53,610 Total Latino Eligible Population
17,607 Actual Latino Turnout, making up 26% of the share of the turnout.
43,727 Registered Latinos (32% of the eligible population)
Does Ms. Sequeira have the 2012 figure?
Ms. Sequeira said 2012 figures will be available in April.
Commissioner Lopez asked so there are about 10- 12,000 Latino voters out there in Anaheim who are
eligible?
She said yes there are 10- 12,000 out there who are eligible but did not register. She said it's not just a
matter of registering and turning out to vote. There are other ways in which the election process is
facilitated for us as voters. There's vote by mail, you can become a permanent vote by mail voter. She
said that problem is that many times because of the nature of the Latino community, they don't know that
those options exist. She said, therefore, voter education is a key component of increasing voter
participation. It's not just a matter of handing them out some rules, and putting out a registration deadline,
It really requires education in the process. Education is the key.
Page 16 of 26
Commissioner Lopez said so that if we register said if we register all 10- 12,000 of those eligible voters, it
still may not bring up that 30 % participation number of eligible voters. Mr. Lopez said it's a good
number, but it's not going to make a difference.
Ms. Sequeira responded that is correct.
Commissioner Day said that something you just mentioned that was many people don't know how or
when to vote. Her family business was has been in manufacturing, and the majority of their employees are
Spanish speaking employees. Some of these employees have been with her family company for 20 plus
years, and they have a close rapport with many employees in that time. In preparation for these CAC
meetings, Ms. Day talked to them because they are either U.S. Citizens or they are residents that are not
U.S. Citizens but have a right to work. Ms. Day talked with them and asked why is it that they feel
disengaged or don't want to participate, particularly the ones who are able to vote. The response she
received each time was that it really didn't matter. She said she thought that this might be a cultural thing.
Perhaps, they might feel that their voice wouldn't be heard anyway, or lack of enthusiasm, or just life.
They had busy lives with working hard, and when they come home, voting was one of the last things they
thought about. Ms. Day said to take it to a higher level; she hoped or questioned how they could inspire
people's ideas to change to want to participate. She said she sees the children growing up in these home
possibly hearing the false narrative that teaches them their voice didn't matter, that they are a second class
citizen. That false narrative really frightens her for the future because then this next generation of children
and grandchildren grow up believing something that is not true. They do have a right. They do have an
opportunity to participate. So, the question is how do we inspire people to want to participate? That's
what excites her to see people want to participate because it's important to our country. It's not just a
local issue, it's a national one.
Ms. Sequeira said that partners and stakeholders within the community are key. Our mission is to
facilitate participation among Latinos. Church and faith based group leaders delivering the
message to them will be more impactful, why the vote is important for their family and
community. You work to change the family and then the community. The message of when there
is an election your vote is important. This may be the only time that anyone speaks to them about
the election. Who the messengers are is important as what the message is and that your vote
counts. They are calling people who never got called.
As an example, talking with parents about giving their children better lives and teaching them to
understand that exercising their right to vote is something that will be better for their children.
A message of empowerment and encouragement is key. The message that your vote matters to
me. Who the messengers are matters and it can make a significant impact on your community
and on your life.
They have done test messaging when they were talking to parents about school redistricting and
she talked directly to parents The message to youth and to parents may be a different message
that's effective. She recommends microtargeting /micromessaging according to age and when
they become a voter. She suggested recommending that they had good school board members, so
their children had good schools, so that their children could succeed. She said it wasn't a matter
of if they were going to draw maps and feel empowered, it was a matter of them wanting
something better for their children.
Page 17 of 26
Commissioner Armas asked if NALEO focused exclusively on the Latino community since the
neighborhoods in Anaheim seem to be very diverse. He asked what about Caucasians and other
communities — are they going to feel left out? It's the neat part of Anaheim is that it's so diverse, how do
you connect with groups to address everyone?
Ms. Sequeira said that NALEO focuses on the Latino community but can suggest partnering with other
diverse groups in the communities that surround them and the communities that they serve.
Originally there was a need to target Latinos because it wasn't being done. There was a need to do it in
such a way that it engaged that community. She said that it is done in a way that the volunteers talk to
people like they are their neighbors. They use colloquialisms that Ms. Sequeira might not necessarily use
in the work place, but this is effective.
They know that other non - Latinos sometimes get outreach from the candidates, by campaigns. There not
necessarily being left behind there is just other people reaching out. It's a multi - pronged approach.
If they watch TV in English, they will have candidates directly talking to them. They will have PACS
directly talking to them, as well as the parties directly talking to them encouraging them to turn out to
vote for a particular candidate or measure. She closed by saying if we want Latinos to participate, we
need to reach out to Latinos.
Vice Chair Dalati realized the important roll. He said he was surprised that there is no federal funding to
help you guys. Isn't that surprising?
Ms. Sequeira said I there is a lot of federal funding needed to disseminate information to the county
voters. As non- profits there is a definite need for federal funding for electoral work. It was only recently
that they were able to accept federal funding and it has to be for NALEO's electoral work and she said
that has since expired.
Chair Pham opened the question and answer period to the public.
Brian Chuchua spoke and said that he thought that what the committee was speaking about today was if
they were going to figure out if they are going to redistrict and if so how they were going to redistrict.
While how to get people to vote is very important, but that is not to his understanding what this
committee was formed for. Mr. Lopez was smart in asking the speaker her opinion on redistricting. She
said that she doesn't know because that is not her area of expertise. The speakers who should be coming
should be people who can give us guidance that is what we're here for. Mr. Chuchua said he agrees we
need to get people to register and vote but that is not what this committee is here for. He said it seemed to
him that this evening was completely wasted. He said that he did not think the committee was charged
with the topics being covered today.
Chair Pham said that the committee was tasked with a pretty broad mandate which included increasing
voter participation and voter turnout. She understands his point. She would like to see an expert on
districting. Ms. Pham said that she agreed they need to hear more information on districting.
Commissioner Real also referred Mr. Chuchua to the website www.anaheim.net /CACelections, where
you will find there are five distinct bullets which listed the entire council resolution outlining their tasks
which did include the topics covered this evening. One of which is how to encourage voter participation.
Page 18 of 26
Mr. Chuchua said that what matters, is that they get fair representation as candidates.
Commissioner Real said ultimately yes but that voter registration and participation was a part of the task.
Commissioner Armas asked ex- officio Commissioner Woodhead to read the resolution.
http: / /www.anaheim .net /images /section/209 /CAC RES 38 .pd
Mr. Woodhead read from the resolution in summary.
Summary: full participation of all racial and ethnic groups in the city's electoral process including
recommendations on the following:
• Potential changes to the City's election system including election by at large, by district, or a
hybrid of combination as well as how the mayor and council may be elected and the number of
seats or maintaining the current system. The committee was also tasked to explore cumulative
voting, traditional run off voting and the date of elections.
• How to encourage & engage /increase voter registration
• How to identify community groups that can assist the city with encouraging resident participation
• Language assistance programs and cost effective measures
• Other techniques considered to promoting including all racial and ethnic communities
It is a broad mandate and there are 5 areas. Tonight was a within the purview that the committee was
directed to study. You have been directed to study this area and make recommendations.
Ms. Chuchua replied that they had a very full plate and it seemed impossible to complete because you are
being asked to do too many things. Districting was the most important concern to him and getting a fair
selection of candidates. He said that he stands corrected on the 4 other issues which are important but just
as complicated. It's going to be impossible to do this in the time frame that has been set out.
Commissioner Larsen said regarding Mr. Chuchua, it's nice that we have a broad mandate regarding voter
outreach, participation, voter education, but let's cut to the chase since the city has been sued over for
districting. Mr. Larsen said he believes that is what they are here for. The other issues are quality issues
that should be addressed now and at a later date in a different place, maybe by the same or different
people. Now they are here because they are potentially being sued for being in violation of the California
Voting Rights Act.
Commissioner Ma'ae had a response and disagreed that they are not here to discuss the lawsuit but to
consider districting in some people's opinion, others support at large elections, Ms. Ma'ae said that
everyone has a different opinion. The committee is here to make a recommendation the best possible
solution for the entire city. The lawsuit is out there. It's separate and happens to relate but it is not why we
are here. Tonight's topic is related and that's why we're here.
Commissioner Armas said the speakers who have been here in the past recommend not to take the lawsuit
into account. He said it would cloud your judgment. It wouldn't open your mind. We had several speakers
who have been on these exact same committees warn us against that. This committee has been formed by
our City Council. Mr. Armas said it would have been irresponsible of the council to not form a committee
like this, and ask experts to speak and to hear public input. They are giving the citizens the ability to form
opinions based on expert speakers educating and enlightening us on this very important topic. No one
here is an expert in any of these fields. We have several speakers who are experts in some of these fields.
They have shared their area of expertise. When they don't have the answer, they refrain from answering
Page 19 of 26
that question. He doesn't see how they could make such an important decision without first consulting
and gathering information. The council has made the responsible choice. Otherwise, we would rely on a
lawsuit, a committee, or a council. He doesn't think that would be fair.
Vice Chair Dalati said that it's a problem to ignore the lawsuit. He suggested they not ignore it. He feels
they cannot do the tasks properly without having information on it. The committee would like
information on the lawsuit.
Commissioner Ma'ae said nobody is ignoring it
Commissioner Larsen seconded the suggestion to receive an update on the lawsuit
Chair Pham said it would not be addressed at this time.
Mr. Dalati said he feels they cannot do the tasks properly without having information on it. The
committee would like information on the lawsuit. It was the main reason why we here. He said he would
like to request that council allow them to have an update. He would like to make a motion.
Commissioner Larsen seconded the suggestion to receive an update on the lawsuit. He said while the
other information they have received has been important, the reason why they are here is because of the
lawsuit.
Chair Pham said it would not be addressed at this time. She stated that you can request for it to be an
agenda item but it cannot be a motion at this time.
Chair Pham indicated she requested a demographer and has done some research on her own. She
requested a demographer and Terry Christensen from San Diego State University who did research on
San Jose districting because she wanted to learn more. These requests weren't fulfilled and she didn't get
a response to them. That is what she was referring to.
Commissioner Larsen said it is with all due respect to the committee and its a considerable amount of
respect, but that this committee was formed after the lawsuit was filed. The lawsuit was not filed over
voter education. It wasn't filed for voter outreach or to get citizens registered. It was filed for districting.
For the record, Mr. Larsen said he could not hold the city staff in higher regard. They have done an
excellent job given the parameters they have had to work under.
The other commissioners agreed.
Commissioner Larsen said he has had enough guest speakers and he feels it is time to get down to the
nitty gritty.
Chair Pham said she would like to move to public comments and then to closing comments.
Mr. Steve Perez came up to the podium for public comment but did not state his name. He turned in a
speaker card. He said that it was lovely to see everyone in a different part of the city today.
He is here with some quotes for you today.
Page 20 of 26
"It breaks my heart today to see that so much emphasis is being placed on skin color."
"I want a five member council accountable to me not just one."
"I urged this council to vote no as the racial makeup of the council is irrelevant and ever - changing."
Here is another set of quotes:
"The chair is obviously incompetent and unqualified to hold that position, as superficial and relatively
inconsequential as it is, but the same could probably be said for at least 90% of the members of this
committee."
"You can sum up the inefficiency of district type elections in one word: congress."
Those quotes are from the new appointees who are on your committee today. The first three are from
Sandy Day and the last two are from Keith Olesen.
These appointments are a slap in the face to the Hispanic residents of the community and the minorities of
this city. They obviously are closed- minded to the goal of this committee and honestly Council Member
Kris Murray could not have appointed worse people to this committee. With that said, Mr. Perez urged
the new committee members to watch the previous videos of these meetings. There is a little bit of a low
turnout today but in the past there has been a huge throng of citizens who have come here and requested
district elections for the city. Over 90% could be said to have come here with that opinion. He hopes the
two new commissioners remain open minded to the process and that despite previous public comments
you have made on the matter, that hopefully you somewhere found a change of heart and remain open
minded to the process. It's so late that you are joining us here since we've been meeting since before
January. There is a lot of content out there and he hopes that you can educate yourselves a little bit what
districts really bring to the city, the amount of willingness within the citizenry to implement this type of
system. We're not here because people are whining or complaining, we are here because the system is
stacked against a significant portion of the population and that has to end. This lawsuit would have
brought an end to it but instead were deflecting and asking for more time here. He hopes that you consider
these issues carefully and impartially despite your past positions and despite your past comments where
you have insulted this committee previously. Thank you very much.
Commissioner Day requested that he repeat the comment because she was very proud of the comment and
wanted to be sure it was heard correctly. The one that starts "it breaks my heart"
Mr. Perez said well, it goes on.
Commissioner Day asked him to repeat it.
Mr. Perez said he would repeat all three of them.
"It breaks my heart today that today is a day where so much emphasis is placed on skin color."
"I want five council members accountable to me, not just one."
And "I urge the council to vote no. The racial makeup of the council is irrelevant and ever - changing."
Mr. Perez said that last one is in direct reference to this committee.
Commissioner Day said thank you.
Mr. Perez continued I don't know why you were appointed to the committee if you were so closed minded
to the process. Why would you want to be appointed to a committee that you don't even think should
Page 21 of 26
exist?
Commissioner Day said she loved the committee and thought it was brilliant that the city council took the
time to form this committee for the reasons that were mentioned previously tonight. Ms. Day said it is a
very important process that they are a part of. She has appreciated all the speakers.
Mr. Perez said you urged the council to vote no.
Chair Pham requested the committee move on.
Commissioner Olesen said listen pal, at which point Mr. Perez interjected my name is Steve Perez.
Commissioner Olesen continued that he will stand by his reference to congress stands as to how districts
and this system works and how there are ways this system doesn't work or can't work.
Mr. Perez asked if commissioner Olesen would apologize to the chair.
Commission Olesen said that it seems yours comment also seemed rather closed minded. You have
already made up your mind of your opinion. Mr. Olesen said he doesn't think there is anyone on this
committee with at least some sort of idea of idea of how things world or would not work.
Mr. Perez said that point is made clear when you said that everyone on this committee was appointed for
a specific reason and they already know which way they're voting. That is on the same common thread on
the colony.
Commissioner Olesen said that is how this started.
Chair Pham requested to close public comments because the line of questioning was not related to the
presentation to move on to the next item.
Deputy City Manager Garcia requested that the committee move to address item 7 ahead of item 6 since
item 7 was requested by Vice Chair Dalati. Chair Pham said that was acceptable.
There was discussion. Chair Pham suggested item #7 would be included in the work of the subcommittee
once they are formed. Commission Larsen agreed. At this time, she said it was not relevant to their charge
and they would move it to the subcommittee topics.
6. Agenda, Topics and Timeline
Action: Discussion on future agenda topics as adopted by the CAC and timeline
Mr. Garcia presented a tentative schedule and suggested they move forward with it in order to
accomplish their charge. Mr. Garcia said he understands Ms. Pham was disappointed that we were
unable to have the exact speaker you requested. They are happy to reach out. If there is information
they need that can be handled. Please note this is a tentative schedule we have put forth in the manner
we thought it would work best. However, having said that, we are committed to working with the
Chair and the Vice Chair determining the right way to go about it. If there are any changes that the
committee would like to see, we are open to that. Since we have not done this before with
subcommittees, there was discussion of having a small presentation on how the subcommittees work.
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Chair Pham expressed her apologies to Commissioner Larsen, she knows he is tired of presentations,
but to be sure this is done right and fairly, she feels it is important to receive a presentation from a
facilitator. Looking at March 28, to have panels from various cities, she would like to have Terry
Christensen from SDSU. If it is not possible, please let her know.
Mr. Garcia informed the Committee that the city is seeking a facilitator who can assist with protocol
and keeping the meetings moving.
Commissioner Lopez asked about voting blocks in Anaheim by every precinct, # registered voters
with ethnicity.
Mr. Garcia said they did get that info from the Registrar per precinct with results per precinct for the
last for elections. It's is a big packet, so I can email that to everyone.
Mr. Lopez said he would like to see that information because it was interesting when they went
through the City if Vista presentation, where it says after the allegations, it was found by the
Department of Justice that no precinct had enough ethnic or Latino voters to make a difference. He
said he would like to know where Anaheim stands.
Commissioner Armas asked about the size of the file.
Mr. Garcia stated that is was a large PDF file and staff would get the precinct data to the members.
Commissioner Armas said he will pass or asked if they could just pull the relevant data.
Commissioner Lopez said he would like all data.
Mr. Garcia said all data could be provided.
Mr. Garcia said regarding a short presentation, staff could bring in a facilitator, if not on March 14 on
March 28.
Chair Pham asked if commissioners has request for subcommittees & requested there be specific
subcommittees on:
• Voter participation
• Districting
• City Council Meeting Time
Vice Chair Dalati said that there are so many things to work on. Chair Pham suggested that the
discussion wait until they had the facilitator present to make the most of their time.
Chair Pham said there may be other council change request.
Vice Chair asked if he could just discuss the time of council tonight.
Mr. Garcia said that we can discuss if we even need to go into subcommittees, the topics, if we can
wait until we have the facilitator, then we can address it then.
Commissioner Armas asked if they would have they have the facilitator available for the March 14 or
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March 28 CAC meeting.
Mr. Garcia said it would depend upon speakers and the facilitator.
Commissioner Armas suggested that the sooner we get the facilitator onboard, the better and
hopefully by April 4th.
Mr. Garcia said the plan is as soon as possible to move forward with making decisions.
7. City Council Meeting Start Time
See above for details on item 7 being moved to subcommittee discussion.
Action: Discuss City Council meeting time
This item was discussed out of order prior to item 6 per the recommendation of Mr. Garcia, Deputy
City Manager. There was discussion about this item and a recommendation from Chair Pham to move
it to a subcommittee discussion. Other commissioners agreed it did not need to be discussed tonight.
Vice Chair Dalati asked that it could briefly be discussed. The committee agreed to include it with
subcommittee work regarding council meeting/council recommendations.
8. Committee Communications
Action: Closing comments.
Commissioner Larsen constantly thanked staff. He said let's not lose touch of other items that deflect
from the main issue of the lawsuit. That is exactly what those other issues are for.
Commissioner Lopez agreed with Commissioner Larsen. One of our presentations said in bold bullet
point that many at large systems have been forced out by court decisions. Mr. Lopez expressed
thanks to all staff for their patience and their collaboration, and all the guys working logistics as well.
Commissioner Armas welcomed the new members to the committee and looks forward to hearing
more from them as our conversations get more lively. He said he is enjoying this even more. It's
going to get more fun.
Commissioner Ma'ae addressed the lawsuit being brought up and it is a big issue for Anaheim. She
said that it is a big issue politically motivated move. She would like to remove the political nature of
that and focus on the task at hand. Politics are politics no matter how they come into play. She feels it
is important to remove the politics from this electoral discussion and for the committee and the public
to remember that they should try to remain open, honest dialogue and look to the future election
system, the number of council members on the council in Anaheim. There is an opportunity to impact
the system and make changes. It is of great importance. She feels it is unfortunate so much attention
is being placed on the lawsuit rather than accomplishing what they are here to do. It is huge but is it
the only reason why they are here. Did it bring about this committee? Perhaps, it did. It's there but
hands off and not discussing the details of it for legal matters, so she doesn't know why we keep
emphasizing that. She would like to see focus placed on the issues and tasks at hand. She appreciates
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the public turnout and the great presenters they have had and will be mindful of their input. She was
disappointed with the lower turnout tonight. She thinks that the people's participation is important for
voter participation because that is how we get the candidate to office that we want to see. That is a
critical part of this. She also welcomed the new commissioners and thanked staff for their efforts. She
said staff has done an outstanding job. She looks forward to seeing all of you and many more at the
next meeting.
Vice Chair Dalati welcomed Sandy Day and Keith Olesen. He has worked with Sandy before and
admires her participation with non - profits and many organizations in Anaheim. He has seen Keith at
many functions in the City. Everything that is important to Anaheim, Keith is always there. Sandy he
loves and admires and has seen how much she cares about the city through her involvement with non-
profits. And Keith cares very much about Anaheim, as well. Mr. Dalmatian said he agrees we each
come here with a certain vision. He said he can say his outlook and attitude has changed from when
he first started on the committee. He said that they have learned a lot here so much it will make your
head spin. He said the lawsuit is important and some want more information and some do not. He said
that's American; that's democracy. He requested the information be shared and council has the
ultimate decision on that. He said it's important to take it into account when making his decisions. He
thanked staff for all their work, especially the two behind the mixer. He said that it takes different
ideas and sometimes disagreement but in the end something beautiful will come out that will be better
for everyone. If we all agreed on something but when we disagree and have discussion in the end
something beautiful comes from that disagreement.
Commissioner Real there is a feeling of fixation on point of view, we don't listen to what is being
said at each meeting. We don't see the forest for the trees. He would like to encourage everyone to
remember the importance to remain open minded and listen to all that is said in order to make a good
decision either by committee or individually. He thanked Commissioner Keith for his old time activist
in the city since he has done a lot. He has known Keith to have done a lot for downtown Anaheim, He
has not had the pleasure of getting to know Sandy but he is glad she is hear and looking forward to
working with her. He asked that everyone please continue to keep an open mind.
Commissioner Day expressed her thanks for the opportunity to serve and she thanked all staff. She
invited members of the public to email her, call or telephone her to talk directly about any
suggestions, questions or ideas. Any email or call that comes in, she will return. She also mentioned
that she is bilingual and is able to translate. She also stated her comments in Spanish. She thanked
everyone.
Commissioner Olesen expressed thanks to the committee and audience for a fun first night with lively
discussion. He said it's not boring and that it that is has gotten better. He has watched them on video
and kept up with the written reports. He has never been accused of being un- opinionated or not being
vocal about those opinions. He will share his thought and said it is important to not come to this close
minded. He is here to be a part of this group. He agrees with Bill, that something good can come out
of differing opinions, often something better.
Chair Pham thanked all the committee members and said this was a great initiation for the new
members and welcomed them. She said they had a lot of hard work to do. She was sorry to see
Commissioners Agarwal, Diaz and Karaki leave but she understood they have commitments that no
longer allow them to be able to serve.Ms. Pham said she would still like to see more information
regarding racial polarization in Anaheim. When speaking to residents it's more about geographic
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polarization. It seems that there is a misconception of the desire by the public to have a Latino on
council, but rather many who she has spoken with feel that they do not have a voice in community or
with neighborhood concerns. There is an idea that 60% of city council members reside in the hills and
that the rest of the community is not represented. She thanked all of the staff. She knows you are
being put through the fire in trying to herd cats. She enjoyed the lively conversation tonight and
hoped that it would keep up. Commissioner Pham hopes to keep it under control and looks to her
fellow commissioners to help with that. She wished everyone a good night.
9. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Pham at 8:58 p.m.
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