SF Human Rights Commission

Commissioner Faye Woo Lee, Molly Baier, Bridgett N. Brown, John Crowley, Jerry Jones, Suzanne Korey

San Francisco Human Rights Commissioner Carlotta del Portillo, Bernice Casey, Exec. Asst. San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, John Weber, Norma B. Tecson, and Daisy Anarchy

Bridget Brown moved and John Crowley seconded the motion and the agenda was approved unanimously.

John Crowley moved and Jerry Jones seconded the motion and the minutes were approved unanimously.

Kabir Hypolite noted that all members were asked whether they intended to continue on as members of the Employment Advisory Committee in its 2006-2007 term. Ronnie Rhoe, Bridgett Brown, Jerry Jones, and Suzanne Korey had previously indicated their intent to continue. John Crowley said he intended to do so. Molly Baier said her schedule is unsettled at this time and she will declare her intentions as soon as possible.

Mr. Hypolite reviewed recruitment procedures and efforts underway and noted John Weber and Norma Tecson, two prospective new committee members were present. Ms. Tecson is a returning member. Mr. Hypolite encouraged members to forward contact names of appropriate individuals or organizations for recruitment efforts. Copies of press release and a letter to current Employment Advisory Committee members were distributed.

Committee members discussed plans for a Special Planning Meeting to be held at the regularly scheduled March 2, 2006 meeting. Mr. Hypolite reviewed the proposed agenda for the committee. One half of the session will be devoted to an ice-breaker exercise and to a review of the Committee Guidelines and orientation of new committee members. The second half will be dedicated to a creation of a plan to address issues and topics. Each member was assigned the task of identifying which issues and topics he or she would like the committee to address for the 2006-2007 term.

Commissioner del Portillo announced her intention to join the Employment Advisory Committee but Commission Chair Malcolm Heinike has not yet formally appointed her to the committee. Mr. Hypolite agreed to urge Commissioner Heinike to formalize her appointment.

Bernice Casey, Exec. Asst. San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women discussed ongoing efforts by the Department on the Status of Women to address allegedly illegal working conditions and forced prostitution in exotic dancer clubs in San Francisco. Ms. Casey distributed copies of testimony received at the Department on the Status of Women, copies of class action litigation against club owners, and legislation proposed by the Department on the Status of Women to regulate the live adult entertainment business and address working condition issues raised by some exotic dancers. The proposed legislation will come before the Board of Supervisors in March or April 2006, and would require operators of an Adult Live Entertainment Business to obtain a non-transferable annual permit from the Entertainment Commission that can be revoked or suspended in the event unlawful sexual activity, solicitations for such activities, or other criminal offense set forth in specified sections of the California Penal Code occurs on the premises. In addition the proposed legislation addresses live adult entertainment business development and performance standards such as employee status, safe working conditions, prostitution, nuisance and noise abatement, hours of operation, private booths, and visible notice of fee-for-service rates, as well as other aspects of such businesses.

Daisy Anarchy detailed the history of strip club operations in San Francisco since the 1980s and described the illegal working conditions and practices allegedly engaged in by exotic club managements at various clubs in the City. She is an advocate and activist in support of the reform efforts to combat these practices. Ms. Anarchy stressed that club management deems the dancers to be independent contractors so that they can charge the dancers ‘stage fees’ for performing in the clubs. In addition, she described the use of private booths that contribute to the forced prostitution and sexual assaults against dancers. Finally, Ms. Anarchy expressed frustration at the lack of enforcement of building codes, employment regulations and political response to the continued violations.

Ms. Casey and Ms. Anarchy appealed to the Employment Advisory Committee to recommend that the Human Rights Commission formally support the proposed legislation as it moves towards consideration by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s Office.

Kabir Hypolite reported on the successful resolution of the All of Us or None (AOUN) negotiations with the Department of Human Resources, Civil Services Commission, Mayor’s Office and City Attorney’s Office regarding discrimination against formerly incarcerated individuals in employment with the City and County of San Francisco.

San Francisco, CA, 94102

John Crowley moved to adjourn the meeting and Bridget Brown seconded the motion to adjourn at 3:35 p.m. The motion was approved unanimously.