Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigrant Rights Commission topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rules Committee forwards slate for Immigrant Rights Commission; committee emphasizes youth and trans representation
Summary
The Rules Committee considered multiple applicants for five seats on the Immigrant Rights Commission (terms ending June 6, 2021), heard endorsements and staff recommendations, and forwarded incumbents and selected nominees — including Jessie Ruiz Navarro — to the full Board without objection.
The Rules Committee on April 8 considered Item 2, a hearing to appoint five members to the Immigrant Rights Commission for terms ending June 6, 2021. Adrienne Pahn, director of the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs, told the committee the work of the commission is urgent amid what she called "daily attacks on our immigrant population and our vulnerable communities" and urged reappointment of incumbent commissioners while filling identified gaps, including youth representation and a lack of a trans-community member.
A field of applicants described varied qualifications. Adla Christie (Adla) discussed her education and policy background and said protecting DACA beneficiaries and opposing travel bans motivate her application. Haragu Gaim, a refugee from Sudan, emphasized creating a welcoming space for immigrants; Ryan Cojaste (reappointment candidate) described leadership roles on the commission and work on emergency DACA renewals and an immigration defense unit; Paul Monje, policy director at Compass Family Services, said he would focus on how housing and homelessness affect immigrant families; and Jessie (Jessie/Jesse) Ruiz Navarro, a transgender Latina and longtime volunteer with Ella Para Trans Latinas, urged the committee to consider the commission’s lack of representation for transgender immigrants and limited-English speakers.
Members of the public and organizational representatives offered endorsements. Jordan Davis and others urged appointments of candidates who reflect lived immigrant experience and community needs. Supervisor Shamone Walton moved to positively recommend several incumbents and nominees; Supervisor Ronan seconded. The committee took the appointments in two parts and, without objection, forwarded the recommended reappointments and nominees — including Jessie Ruiz Navarro and Paul Monje — to the Board of Supervisors for its April 16 agenda.
The committee did not record a roll-call vote on individual appointments in the hearing transcript; the chair noted motions were taken without objection. The Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs will provide staff follow-up as the Board considers the nominations.
