Sec. 2-324. - Purpose - Powers and duties.

(a)

The purpose of the commission is to promote better human relations between all people in Sonoma County through education, advocacy, communication, and by initiation of action that fosters the recognition of and an appreciation for the diversity of our community.

(b)

The powers and duties of the commission shall be as follows:

(1)

To study and research by means of meetings, conferences, public hearings or other appropriate means any conditions which represent prejudice or discrimination on the bases of race, ethnicity, national origin, creed or religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or medical condition in Sonoma County;

(2)

To conduct surveys and other research on discrimination against each of the classes of persons or conditions defined in this section;

(3)

To develop educational and instructional materials and programs to promote equal rights, tolerance, understanding and inclusiveness and to prevent or alleviate discrimination;

(4)

To provide information and referral to resources addressing discrimination;

(5)

To consult and cooperate with the board of supervisors, federal, state and other governmental authorities, and to refer to appropriate government agencies any matters, within their jurisdictions and powers;

(6)

To advocate for policy at the local, state and federal levels that promotes equal rights, tolerance, understanding, inclusiveness and prohibits discrimination against each of the classes of persons or conditions defined in this section;

(7)

To recommend to the board of supervisors necessary procedures, programs or policies that promote equal rights and the recognition and appreciation of human diversity;

(8)

Subject to the approval of the county executive, to request from county departments information, services, facilities and any other assistance necessary for the purposes of promoting the objectives of this article;

(9)

To provide to the board of supervisors minutes of all commission meetings and, upon request, reports of its activities; and

(10)

With the consent of the board of supervisors, to solicit and accept funding support as well as donations of funds and/or services from any source in order to carry out the powers and duties outlined herein, as permitted by law. The commission shall use the standard county budget process.

(11)

The commission is authorized to enter into contracts for goods and/or services consistent with the commission's work plan and budget. The commission shall use the standard county purchasing procedure(s), and the director of human resources (or his/her designee) shall have the authority to sign such documents on behalf of the commission.

(Ord. No. 5870, § 1, 12-15-2009; Ord. No. 5724, § 1, 2007; Ord. No. 4625, § 1, 1993.)