pages: CityCouncil/2020-02-18.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2020-02-18 | 8 | Councilmember Oddie stated the two items the Mayor raised were the language availability and having to pay for said service and the hours not being convenient; Alameda also has a growing population of people who speak Arabic languages. Ms. Berlanga stated although the language line is not a perfect solution, Centro Legal's most recent bill was for 15 different languages; recent case law requires courts to provide interpreters during court proceedings; in person interpretation is expensive, but is important; Centro Legal has partnerships with other organizations, which can be drawn upon if Centro Legal wants to do a presentation in another language; any connections the City can provide would be appreciated. Katy Guimond, Centro Legal de la Raza, provided the figures on the people served: one person indicated Cantonese, one person indicated Tagalog, the rest were English, French and Spanish; a few did not report a language. Councilmember Oddie stated the City should not be billed extra if translation was only for two clients. Ms. Berlanga stated Centro Legal is not billing extra and simply ensuring translation is part of the contract. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council has not even agreed to what will be approved as far as funding for next year; requested Ms. Berlanga wrap up quickly. Ms. Berlanga stated Centro Legal is open to suggestions or ideas in terms of clinics and hours; she thinks an appointment based system would be really great; an initial intake can be done via phone with an appointment setup in Alameda based on what works for the tenant; Centro Legal provides evening clinics. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the evening clinics are in Oakland. Ms. Berlanga responded in the affirmative; stated Alameda tenants have been coming to the clinics. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated even if Alameda tenants have been to the clinics; the tenants who did not attend cannot be counted. Vice Mayor Knox White stated the goal was 125 connections last year; the goal is dropping to 75; inquired whether Centro Legal actually spoke to 62 people and whether his general understanding is correct, to which Ms. Berlanga responded in the affirmative. Vice Mayor Knox White stated the budget proposes to do more outreach with less money for legal representation; inquired whether Centro Legal assumes services will be provided to a greater number of people. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 February 18, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-02-18.pdf |