06-21-1971 - Laserfiche WebLink

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HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - (Continued) experienced people are forced to accept employment they would normally be over-qualified fur; that Human Resources Development feels they will be able to make available approximately 300 jobs for youth in the County; that other organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhood Youth Corps, and Santa Ana Youth Employment Services are also working on this program; and that it is the hope of the Human Relations Commission that the City will authorize a summer research program for 1972. Mr. Norman Corbin spoke regarding the Affirmative Action Program. I-Ie stated that specific segments of the community are being denied equal rights of employment; that the Affirmative Action Program is a national issue, and urged that the City Council adopt such a program as soon as possible. Mayor Griset stated that the Staff will present a report to the Council on the Affirmative Action Program sometime during the month of July and that Mr. Corbin will be notified of the time so that he may be present. Reverend Gough requested that the hours at recreational facilities be maintained at the level of 1970 summer hours. The City Manager stated that the new budget being presented to the City Council is a "diminished service budget"; that more money has been allotted for recreational facilities, but there are more facilities to be serviced. Mayor Griset and Councilman Patterson stated that they would like to have the summer recreational program maintained on as high a level as possible; and that this matter will be considered during the Budget Study. Mrs. Shirley Cohen reviewed the Summer Food Program for Children which is conducted by the Veterans Charitable Foundation. She stated it is felt that this program is very beneficial to children in low-income areas; that all food is purchased and prepared by staff and volunteers of the Foundation at 201 South Sullivan. She stated that through the National School Lunch Act the Federal Government provides 80% of the funds needed for the program the year round; that the State Government provides the other 20%, but only during the school year, which makes it necessary to raise the additional 20%, or approximately $2,500, for the summer program; that they have been unsuccessful in their attempts to raise this amount of money and are requesting the City to transfer funds from the Human Relations Commission budget to the Park and Recreation Department budget. Both the Human Relations Commission and the Recreation Department endorse this request. In response to questions, Mrs. Cohen stated that the program is available to all children present, not on the basis of need; that to deny a child or to require payment from those who can afford to pay would be discriminatory, which is prohibited by the Federal act. CITY COUNCIL -217- June 21, 1971