City of Chula Vista

Regular Human Relations Commission Meeting

MINUTES

Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA

Present:

• Commissioner Diaz, 
• Commissioner Hecklinski, 
• Commissioner Hodge, 
• Commissioner Huizar, 
• Commissioner Holm, 
• Commissioner Lares-Urquidez, 
• Commissioner Pajanor, 
• Commissioner Redondo, 
• and Chair Branch 

Absent:

• Commissioner Olaoye 
• and Vice Chair Kean-Ayub 

Also Present:

• Commissioner Gomez 
• and Commission Secretary Ibarra 

Minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the agenda.

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:09 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California.

2.

ROLL CALL

Secretary Ibarra called the roll. 

3.

CONSENT CALENDAR

We had one request to speak. Robert spoke on the importance of posting meeting times and locations correctly. 

• Moved by Commissioner Redondo
  Seconded by Commissioner Pajanor

  Commission approve the recommended action on the below consent calendar items. 

  Yes (8)	Chair Branch, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Lares-Urquidez, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Holm, Commissioner Hodge, Commissioner Hecklinski, and Commissioner Huizar
  Abstain (1)	Commissioner Redondo

  Result:Carried (8 to 0)

3.1

Approval of Meeting Minutes

• Approve minutes dated February 27, 2025 

  Result: Defeated

3.2

Written Communications

• Approve communication from Commissioner Redondo requesting an excused absence from the July 25, September 26 and October 24, 2024 Human Relations Commission meetings.

  Result: Defeated

4.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

One request to speak and no e comments. Robert spoke about the importance of hosting events and presentations that can unify the community. 

5.

ACTION ITEMS

5.1

Updates and Discussion from Ad-Hoc Subcommittees

Staff liaison Ibarra gave updates on each of the subcommittees and the commission provided feedback.  

We had one request to speak. Robert encouraged the commission to report on how we are collaborating with other commissions. he was glad that we gave reports on specific events and how they bring the community together.  

5.2

Review March to September Recognition Event Schedule

Staff liaison Ibarra was asked by the chair to give an update on the communications team and their role in supporting the work of the commission. The new communications manager will be invited to a future commission meeting to discuss how we can collaborate in commemorating special events. We then disused updates on Women's History month, which include a proclamation on April 15th council meeting. MANA de San Diego, Chula Vista Women's Club, and the Girl Scouts. Staff liaison Ibarra also informed the commission that the mayor will issue proclamation to the San Diego County Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee on April 1st council meeting. The commission discussed ideas for Asian Pacific Islander and Jewish American History Month. 

• Moved by Commissioner Lares-Urquidez
  Seconded by Commissioner Redondo

  Commission to discuss recommended individuals and/or groups for recognition, including appropriate forms of acknowledgement. 

  Yes (9)

  Chair Branch, Commissioner Redondo, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Lares-Urquidez, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Holm, Commissioner Hodge, Commissioner Hecklinski, and Commissioner Huizar

  Result:Carried (9 to 0)
• Moved by Chair Branch
  Seconded by Commissioner Hecklinski

  Assign commissioners to subcommittees: 

  Asian Pacific Islander Month

  -Commissioner Hodge

  -Commissioner Lares-Urquidez

  -Chair Branch

  Jewish American History Month. 

  -Commissioner Hodge

  -Commissioner Huizar

  -Chair Branch 

  Yes (9)

  Chair Branch, Commissioner Redondo, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Lares-Urquidez, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Holm, Commissioner Hodge, Commissioner Hecklinski, and Commissioner Huizar

  Result:Carried (9 to 0)
• Moved by Chair Branch
  Seconded by Commissioner Hecklinski

  Commission votes to bring ideas on how to celebrate International Youth Day and Senior Day Subcommittees.  

  Yes (9)

  Chair Branch, Commissioner Redondo, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Lares-Urquidez, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Holm, Commissioner Hodge, Commissioner Hecklinski, and Commissioner Huizar

  Result:Carried (9 to 0)
• Moved by Chair Branch
  Seconded by Commissioner Hodge

  Commissioners assigned to International Youth Day

  -Commissioner Hecklinski

  -Commissioner Gomez

  -Commissioner Hodge

  Yes (9)

  Chair Branch, Commissioner Redondo, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Lares-Urquidez, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Holm, Commissioner Hodge, Commissioner Hecklinski, and Commissioner Huizar

  Result:Carried (9 to 0)
• Moved by Commissioner Redondo
  Seconded by Commissioner Lares-Urquidez

  Motion to table discussion and finish the August to December celebrations to next meeting. 

  Yes (9)

  Chair Branch, Commissioner Redondo, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Lares-Urquidez, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Holm, Commissioner Hodge, Commissioner Hecklinski, and Commissioner Huizar

  Result:Carried (9 to 0)

5.3

Discussion Regarding Recognition of European Heritage Month

We had one request to speak. Robert spoke in favor of creating European History Month and encouraged the commission to keep looking for opportunities to bring more unity to the community. 

Item was tabled until next meeting. 

• Moved by Commissioner Redondo
  Seconded by Commissioner Hecklinski

  Commission discuss and provide feedback as appropriate.

  Yes (9)

  Chair Branch, Commissioner Redondo, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Lares-Urquidez, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Holm, Commissioner Hodge, Commissioner Hecklinski, and Commissioner Huizar

  Result:Carried (9 to 0)

OTHER BUSINESS

6.

STAFF COMMENTS

Staff thanked commissioners for their participation and subcommittee work, shared updates on upcoming events and proclamations, and encouraged continued engagement. Staff encouraged commissioners to stay responsive to emails and rain actively involved as the commission prepares for a busy season. 

7.

CHAIR'S COMMENTS

Chair thanked everyone for participation in subcommittees and encouraged commission to respond to requests for attendance. Also encouraged everyone to come and work through events calendar. 

8.

COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS

Commissioner Hodge- Thanked Mr. Ibarra for his work getting the subcommittees going. With time, we can do community orientated work. Reminded us that she will not be in attendance next month due to traveling to her son's doctoral graduation ceremony. 

Commissioner Gomez- Spoke in support of European History month. 

Commissioner Redondo- reminded commission about special election. 

9.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

Minutes prepared by: Angel Ibarra Secretary