Chula Vista Municipal Code Ch. 2.36 Administration and Personnel

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION*

Sections:

• 2.36.010 Creation.

• 2.36.020 Purpose and intent. 2.36.030 Functions and duties.

• 2.36.040 Membership.

• 2.36.050 Funding. 2.36.060 Meeting frequency.

***** For statutory authority for cities to act on behalf of interracial, interethnic and interreligious peace, see Gov. Code § 50261, et seq.

There is created a Human Relations Commission. The provisions of Article VI of the City Charter, Chapter 2.25 CVMC and this chapter shall govern this Commission. (Ord. 3405 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3211 § 10, 2011; Ord. 1857 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1120 § 1; prior code § 1.4.2).

A. It is the purpose and intent of the City Council to redefine and broaden the duties and functions of the Human Relations Commission as an advisory body, to make recommendations and offer advice to the Mayor, City Council and the City Manager on the rights of every inhabitant of the City of Chula Vista and in the improvement and effectiveness of the interrelationships between the various groups based on race, religion, color, ancestry, socioeconomic, age, sex (including gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation, place of birth, citizenship/immigration status, marital status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws of citizens forming the social body of the City and to advise the City on how it may best proceed in the realization of its stated goals to support a healthy community, strong and secure neighborhoods and a connected community as it seeks to promote ways in which the community welcomes and embraces its diversity and safeguards equal opportunity for everyone and to accomplish, among other things:

1. The development of a mutual understanding and respect among all such groups in the City and to help eliminate prejudice and discrimination;

2. The establishment and maintenance of contacts with groups in the community which are concerned with protection of civil liberties of all people, resolution of conflict, and interracial and intercultural understanding, and to report to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager regarding the activities of these groups;

3. The promotion of new and improved programs of services to all local citizens in cooperation with peer boards and commissions as well as the City Manager to increase intergroup relations and harmony;

4. The encouragement of citizen participation in local government by providing a forum for discussion as a means of resolving community relationship problems;

5. The protection and strengthening of the rights of all groups to ensure the enjoyment of their constitutional privileges and the elimination thereby of prejudice, discrimination or bigotry in this community;

6. The advancement of programs to assist senior citizens in the realization and satisfaction of their needs and other social concerns;

7. The encouragement of policies and programs to fully integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream of community life in the City;

8. The encouragement of the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and all officers, agencies, boards, departments, and employees of the City of Chula Vista to take steps to enhance peace and good order, and provide equal opportunity for and good will toward all people;

9. Prepare a written report of its activities to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager annually to include summaries of recommendation for development of policies, procedures and legislation deemed to be necessary.

B. It is the intent of the City Council to create healthy, enlightened attitudes, policies and practices by establishing this Commission as an official body, not primarily as an enforcement or audit agency, but as a commission which will conduct careful surveys, advise intelligently, and use the tools of education and motivation to the realization of the objectives stated herein, which are the fulfillment of democracy’s promises and realization of constitutional guarantees. (Ord. 3405 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3211 § 10, 2011; Ord. 2543 § 1, 1993; Ord. 1909 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1857 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1120 § 1; prior code § 1.4.1).

In cooperation with other relevant boards and commissions, the Human Relations Commission shall perform the following duties and functions:

• A. Foster mutual understanding, respect and good will among all groups identified in CVMC 2.36.020(A);

• B. Enlist the cooperation of the various groups, fraternal and benevolent associations, and other groups in Chula Vista in programs and campaigns devoted to eliminating group prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, and discrimination;

• C. Study the problems in the event of civil unrest and examine the causes;

D. Study, review, analyze, and report to the Mayor, City Council, and the City Manager the studies of state and federal agencies, and legislative enactments of state and federal governments, including but not limited to the several civil rights acts of the United States government and the state;

E. Work together with City, state, and federal agencies in developing programs and events showing the contributions of the various groups to the culture and traditions of the City, state, and nation, with support from the Office of the City Manager:

1. Recognize Chula Vista residents who contribute to improved human relations among all Chula Vistans on an annual basis. The Commission shall recommend Chula Vista residents for this honor following a nomination and selection process set forth by resolution of the Commission. Honorees will be recognized annually at a City Council meeting.

2. In partnership with the Office of the Mayor and City Council, recognize various months of significance as set forth in Council Policy No. 102-08.

3. In partnership with the Office of the Mayor and City Council, host celebrations or recognize significant days as set forth in Council Policy No. 102-08.

• F. Promote the establishment of local community organizations in building and strengthening relationships with community groups and nonprofits, including those that support the well-being of the unhoused community in Chula Vista;

G. Work with relevant boards and commissions as needed to explore ways to improve municipal services and community relations within the scope of the Commission’s purpose as stated in CVMC 2.36.020(A);

H. Advise the City Council and the City Manager of policies and programs of a formal and informal nature that will aid in eliminating all types of discrimination based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, place of birth, citizenship/immigration status, marital status, or military service, and secure the furnishing of equal services to all residents and maintain the quality of opportunity for employment and advancement in the City government.

The Commission shall be advisory in its function and shall have no police or enforcement powers. It shall issue no reports or recommendations except through the City Council and the City Manager. (Ord. 3578 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3405 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3211 § 10, 2011; Ord. 2543 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1909 § 2, 1980; Ord. 1857 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1120 § 1; prior code § 1.4.3).

A. The Human Relations Commission shall consist of 11 Voting Members and one Youth Advisory Member, to be appointed in accordance with Article VI of the City Charter, Chapter 2.25 CVMC, and this chapter.

1. Three voting seats shall be nominated and appointed in accordance with the general appointment process specified in CVMC 2.25.052(A).

2. The eight remaining voting seats shall be divided equally among the Council districts and each Council district seat shall be appointed in accordance with the district-based appointment process specified in CVMC 2.25.052(C). Members must be residents of the corresponding Council district and must maintain their district residency throughout their tenure.

3. The Youth Advisory Member shall meet the qualifications specified in CVMC 2.25.030(E) and shall be nominated and appointed in accordance with the general appointment process specified in CVMC 2.25.052(A).

B. The Members shall be: (1) representative of the diversity of the City; (2) specifically chosen to reflect the interests and concern with the protection of civil liberties of all people which make up the City’s residents; (3) committed to fostering better human relations in the City of Chula Vista; and (4) associated with the business and/ or civic activities of the City. (Ord. 3578 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3539 § 1(E), 2022; Ord. 3405 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3211 § 10, 2011).

In the event that private funds or funds from other governmental agencies are made available for special projects, surveys, educational programs or general program support, the City Manager is authorized, upon recommendation of the Commission and approval of the Council, to enter into appropriate contracts for the utilization of such funds in furtherance of the purposes and intent of, and the duties and functions of, the Commission. (Ord. 3405 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3211 § 10, 2011; Ord. 1857 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1120 § 1; prior code § 1.4.4).

The Commission’s meeting schedule shall include at least one regular meeting per month, at the day, time, and location established by written resolution of the Commission. (Ord. 3435 § 1, 2018).