Alameda County Municipal Code Ch. 2.90 Status of Women Commission

There is in the county a status of women commission, hereafter in this chapter referred to as the commission.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.01)

It is the policy of the county to create an environment in which all women may realize their highest potential unhampered by any discrimination based upon sex. The purpose of the commission is to help eliminate discrimination and prejudice against women in such areas as housing, employment, health services, child care, education, transportation, credit, legal rights and community services.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.02)

The commission consists of seventeen (17) members appointed directly by the board of supervisors. Each supervisor shall nominate three members from his or her supervisorial district. one member shall be nominated by, and shall be a member of, the county human relations commission. one member shall be nominated by the Alameda County mayors' conference.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.03)

The commission shall reflect, as nearly as possible, the population of Alameda County as to age, race, religion and socio-economic status. The members shall have shown themselves qualified to implement effectively the policy announced in this chapter.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.04)

Appointed commissioners shall serve for a term of two years with the following exceptions:

A. If no successor has been appointed at the expiration of the term, the commissioner shall serve until a successor is appointed;

B. If any commissioner has three consecutive unexcused absences from regularly scheduled meetings, the board of supervisors shall appoint a new commissioner to serve for the unexpired term;

C. Of the initial appointees, eight shall be appointed for a one-year term and nine shall be appointed for a two-year term;

D. Any vacancies shall be filled by the board of supervisors for the unexpired term;

E. No commissioner shall serve more than two consecutive terms.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.05)

The commission shall annually select one of its members to serve as chairperson, who shall preside at the meetings of the commission, and one of its members as vice-chairperson, who shall preside in the absence of the chairperson.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.06)

The commission shall meet at least ten times a year. The commission shall encourage public attendance.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.07)

The quorum shall consist of a single majority of the number of members appointed.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.08)

The commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business which rules and regulations shall be published and made available to the public.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.09)

The human relations department shall provide staff for the commission.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.10)

The duty of the commission is to implement throughout the county the policy announced herein. To this end the commission shall among other things:

A. Advise and assist the board of supervisors in matters relating to the problems of women in the county;

B. Review complaints relating to prejudice and discrimination on the basis of sex, when such complaints are within the jurisdiction of the board of supervisors;

C. Endeavor to resolve these complaints by persuasion and conference and to arrive at voluntary solutions whenever possible;

D. Refer complaints to the board of supervisors for appropriate action, whenever voluntary solutions are not possible;

E. Initiate and enlist the cooperation of various women's organizations, community groups, business organizations and other groups in programs and campaigns devoted to eliminating prejudice and discrimination on the basis of sex;

F. The commission may study the employment practices of various county departments and report its findings together with its recommendations to the board of supervisors or to the county affirmative action advisory council;

G. Cooperate in the area of women's rights with federal, state, municipal and other governmental agencies;

H. Conduct educational programs;

I. Make recommendations as to legislation to the board of supervisors and to the various city councils in the county in the area of women's rights;

J. Annually submit a report of its activity to the board of supervisors;

K. The commission may, when appropriate, request the issuance of a subpoena by the board of supervisors, requiring the production of oral and/or documentary evidence which is reasonably necessary and relevant to the conduct of any commission hearings. Subpoenas shall be issued, served, and return made thereon, as provided in Government Code Section 25170-25176.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.11)

Relation with the board of supervisors may, at the request of the commission, direct county departments to cooperate with the commission to aid it in the performance of its duties.

(Prior admin. code § 5-49.12)