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18548 | SSHRB, Minutes - Regular Meeting, March 23, 2006 Page 3 techniques. Two years ago Berkeley and Oakland programs merged. Between the two agencies, 30,000 have been trained. This proposal will build capacity in City of Alameda through volunteer training. Not a legal organization, they don't provide legal advice, but create a positive environment to get people talking and working together. He urged support of the staff recommendations. In response to Dome's question, Escobar stated there is outreach and recruitment to targeted communities; it is a stepping stone for people who want to be mediators professionally. They' ve had a big influx of people who want to be mediators so have to be selective. They work with City agencies, police department, council members, planning and other managers and some court referrals. They try to get people into mediation before they get to court. In response to Bonta's questions, Escobar stated the top 3 issues are family concerns (e.g. retooling custody, elder care, parent/teen disputes); landlord/tenant concerns (but they refer to legal resources if eviction involved) and small business and workplace disputes. They have a sliding scale fee, but no one is turned away. Landlord/Tenant fees are $40 for each side (if they can) and business/commercial is $80 session. The process starts with listening, counseling, coaching for a specific situation of one caller. If both parties are willing, set up convenient time to meet with team of mediators who find out issues, facilitate discussion and empower them to resolve their own conflicts. In response to Hollinger-Jackson's questions, Escobar noted there is a huge need for translators, mostly Spanish speaking and that they are recruiting low-income/under-employed Alamedans to train and practice on the job, transfer skills into their own lives. In response to Hanna's question, Escobar stated their offices are at Preservation Park in Oakland and they are looking for places in Alameda where they can conduct mediations. In response to Dome's question, Wright stated that the performance goals in the chart are from the first two quarters of FY 2005-06. Programs that have met more than 100% of goals already are ones that sign all their members up at the beginning of the grant period. Hanna commented that the process looks like a lot of work and the distribution appears to be fair. Hollinger-Jackson stated it is very clear, consistent with our recommendations re: needs. Bonta asked about "approved for funding" in non-public service categories and Wright explained that Technical Assistance helps the agencies that provide services to the community and it has been broadened to serve a number of agencies. She noted that the East Bay Mediation program is seen as a one-time/one- year investment to build a cadre of volunteers in the community. Money may not be available next year. She noted that even though one-time funding, will they be able to do it because people they train will stay in their volunteer base. Bonta noted that the first 3 SSHRB priorities are clearly being met but the fourth is somewhat usual and is there anything that speaks to this priority. Wright noted that the chart in packet shows focus areas covered by each proposal. Bonta stated that the report to the Council should recognize the fact that we were able to accommodate the requests that were made. Hollinger-Jackson stated there should be a comment re: support for the one-time funding for EBCMS and that there should something said about the focus areas. Bonta will review and sign the letter but can't be at the meeting on the 18th Hollinger-Jackson will attend on behalf of the Board. |