CONCORD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
1948 Colfax Street
Concord, CA 94520
Lou Callejas, Chair
Tel: (510) 671-3374
Fax: (510) 671-3449
TDD: (510) 671-3374
The Commission develops positive human relations through education and efforts toward understanding and encourages and promotes equal opportunity under the law. The Commission promotes human and civil rights, respect of ethnic and cultural differences, and the freedom of all persons from unlawful discrimination and harassment under its local ordinance, State, and Federal laws.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Concord
Type(s) of publications: None
CULVER CITY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
4117 Overland Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230
Syd Kronenthal, Director
Tel: (310) 253-6655
Fax: (310) 253-6666
TDD: None
The Department investigates complaints of human rights violations. Members serve on the County Human Relations Mutual Assistance Consortium. The Department provides staff to the Human Services and Park Commission (human relations commission).
Geographic area(s) served: City of Culver
Type(s) of publications: None
DAVIS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
23 Russell Boulevard
Davis, CA 95616
Bill Ritter, Chair
Tel: (916) 757-5626
Fax: (916) 758-0204
TDD: (916) 757-5666
The aims of this Commission are to promote positive human relations, protect and promote human and civil rights, and eliminate prejudice and discrimination. The city's 1983 civil rights ordinance prohibits discrimination against all federally protected classes and on the basis of sexual orientation. The Commission investigates complaints, reviews legislation, and organizes conferences and education programs.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Davis
Type(s) of publications: None
EL CERRITO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
10890 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Becky Barnett Beane, Chair
Tel: (510) 215-4314
Fax: (510) 233-5401
TDD: None
The Commission, which is composed of seven volunteer members, was founded to promote understanding and positive relations among the citizens of El Cerrito. The city, which is fairly well integrated, has a population of approximately 23,000, of which 10 percent is black and 25 percent Asian or Asian American. As part of its agenda, the Commission evaluates and makes recommendations regarding discrimination charges levied against the city. The Commission has no budget.
Geographic area(s) served: City of El Cerrito
Type(s) of publications: None
CITY OF FONTANA
P.O. Box 518
Fontana, CA 92335
Gregory C. Devereaux, City Manager
Tel: (909) 350-7654
Fax: (909) 350-6613
TDD: None
The City of Fontana is committed to creating a community known for safety, beauty, and diversity in housing, business, and recreational/athletic opportunities and services. The city recognizes that it is the diverse background, cultures, and interest of its citizens that make it unique.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Fontana
Type(s) of publications: Quarterly, monthly, and semiannual booklets
FRESNO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION (HRC)
City Manager's Office, City Hall
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
W. Ray Johnson, Director of Community Service
Tel: (209) 498-1646
Fax: (209) 488-1015
TDD: None
The Commission promotes harmonious relations among the different cultures and people of Fresno. The HRC monitors discrimination and hate crimes, develops positive programs to address these issues, mediates disputes, and celebrates cultural diversity.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Fresno
Type(s) of publications: None
HAYWARD HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
25151 Clawiter Road
Hayward, CA 94545-2731
David Korth, Manager
Tel: (510) 293-5542
Fax: (510) 293-5039
TDD: None
Hayward's 1992 Anti-Discrimination Plan, which the Commission was directed to implement, addresses three issues: illegal forms of discrimination (against federally protected classes and on the basis of sexual orientation), accessibility issues, and discriminatory attitudes. The implementation of the plan requires close collaboration with community groups and ethnic organizations, particularly in the prompt reporting of complaints.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Hayward
Type(s) of publications: None
LOS ANGELES COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
320 W. Temple Street, Suite 1184
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Ron K. Wakabayashi, Executive Director
Tel: (213) 974-7601
Fax: (213) 687-4251
TDD: None
The Commission promotes improved intergroup relations and works to eliminate conflict, discrimination, and prejudice based on race, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, and disability.
Geographic area(s) served: Los Angeles County
Type(s) of publications: Informational publications
LOS ANGELES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
200 N. Main Street, Room 700
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Charles Wise, Executive Director
Tel: (213) 485-4495
Fax: (213) 485-4390
TDD: Pending
The Commission advises the Mayor and City Council about the state of community relations and intergroup relations, including emergency issues; investigates and reports on problems that adversely affect the ability of people to live and work together; promotes the reduction of community conflict and tension; and creates programs that build respect, tolerance, and skills in nonviolent problem solving.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Los Angeles
Type(s) of publications: Position papers, reports, and policy studies
MODESTO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
P.O. Box 642
Modesto, CA 95353
Howard Mallory, Chair
Tel: (209) 577-5441
Fax: (209) 571-5128
TDD: None
The Commission was created under the Modesto Municipal Code with the goals of fostering positive intergroup relations, working toward the elimination of discrimination, and serving as a fair housing clearinghouse for Stanislaus County. It has seven members who meet monthly. In response to complaints of discrimination, the Commission attempts to reach a settlement through mediation. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Modesto
Type(s) of publications: None
ALAMEDA COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Social Services Agency
401 Broadway, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607
(Vacant), Chairperson
Tel: (510) 268-1208
Fax: (510) 268-7366
TDD: (510) 834-9434
The Commission's mandate is to create an environment in which all residents of the county may learn, work, and play in harmony and may realize their highest potential unhampered by discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigrant status, gender, age, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or mental or physical disabilities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Geographic area(s) served: County of Alameda
Type(s) of publications: None
PALO ALTO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Cubberley Community Center
4000 Middlefield Road, Room T2
Palo Alto, CA 94303
David Martin, Administrator, Office of Human Services
Tel: (415) 329-2639
Fax: (415) 856-8756
TDD: None
The Commission is established by the city charter to make certain that equal opportunity and access is afforded to all citizens. Two current ad-hoc committees include the Diversity Network and a homeless advisory campaign.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Palo Alto
Type(s) of publications: None
PASADENA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
234 E. Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91101
George Chapchan, Staff
Tel: (818) 405-4780
Fax: (818) 796-5766
TDD: None
The mission of the Commission is to engage in activities designed to aid in elimination of prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination and to assist the city in achieving better intergroup understanding. A 1987 city ordinance prohibits discrimination against the federally protected classes and on the basis of sexual orientation. Consisting of 11 members, the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council, although it does not have any legal authority. The Commission investigates complaints and refers cases to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or the Equal Opportunity Office.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Pasadena
Type(s) of publications: None
PITTSBURG COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMISSION (CAC)
Human Relations Committee
340 Marina Boulevard
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Ross De Boie, President
Tel: (510) 439-4875
Fax: (510) 439-7654
TDD: (510) 427-7950
The Human Relations Committee advises the City Council on issues that affect the quality of life, and pays special attention to helping protect and promote the rights and needs of individuals and groups in Pittsburg. Citizen concerns can be heard and acted on by completing a Citizen Input form.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Pittsburg
Type(s) of publications: None
RICHMOND OFFICE OF CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
2600 Barrett Avenue
Richmond, CA 94804
(Vacant), Director
Tel: (510) 307-8017
Fax: (510) 620-6716
TDD: None
Through its Business Opportunity Program and ordinance, the City of Richmond is committed to these basic goals: ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved in city contracting; increasing economic opportunities for small, local, and minority- and women-owned businesses; and fostering the formation and development of local business. The Office accepts complaints of discrimination, conducts preliminary investigations, and attempts mediation. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the appropriate office.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Richmond
Type(s) of publications: Program handbook
RIVERSIDE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
3780 Market Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Louise Hayes, Chair
Tel: (909) 782-5709
Fax: (909) 782-5943
TDD: None
The Commission works to reduce prejudice among all people; promotes intergroup relations; sponsors educational forums and activities; advises the City Council on interethnic relations; promotes and encourages good police and community relations; and assists other public and private agencies in providing equitable opportunities to all people in fair housing, employment, education, and health.
Geographic area(s) served: City of Riverside
Type(s) of publications: None
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING (DFEH)
2014 T Street, Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95814
Nancy Gutierrez, Director
Tel: (916) 227-2873
Fax: (916) 227-2870
TDD: (916) 227-2895
The Department has the mission of protecting and safeguarding the rights of all persons to be free from unlawful discrimination. The Department is the administering agency for California's civil rights laws. These laws prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, services, and public accommodations on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or physical disability, and denial of family care leave.
Geographic area(s) served: State of California
Type(s) of publications: Directory of Human Rights
SACRAMENTO HUMAN RIGHTS AND FAIR HOUSING COMMISSION
1121 I Street, Suite 250
Sacramento, CA 95814
Barbara Lehman, Executive Director
Tel: (916) 444-6903
Fax: (916) 444-6630
TDD: None
The Commission's goals are to receive and resolve citizens' complaints of discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, and public accommodations. The Commission also facilitates programs aimed at providing equal housing opportunities and community stability.
Geographic area(s) served: City and County of Sacramento
Type(s) of publications: Newsletter
SAN DIEGO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
1200 Third Avenue, Suite 916
San Diego, CA 92101
Ashley Walker, Director
Tel: (619) 236-6420
Fax: (619) 236-6423
TDD: None
The Commission advises the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager on methods of assuring that all residents of the city have equal access to economic, political, and educational opportunities; equal access to accommodations in all businesses; and equal service and protection from all public agencies. Under a city ordinance, the Commission investigates complaints of discrimination against the federally protected classes and those based on sexual orientation and medical condition. In addition, the Commission is responsible for creating programs and educational materials that inform local residents of their civil rights and the services of the Commission. The Commission investigates complaints of discrimination and attempts mediation; however, as it has no enforcement power, mediation requires the voluntary participation of all parties.
Geographic area(s) served: City of San Diego
Type(s) of publications: None
CALIFORNIA FAIR EMPLOYMENT & HOUSING COMMISSION
1390 Market Street, Suite 410
San Francisco, CA 94102
Lydia I. Beebe, Chair
Steven C. Owyang, Executive and Legal Affairs Secretary
Tel: (415) 557-2325
Fax: (415) 557-0855
TDD: None
The Commission endeavors to protect basic human and civil rights of all individuals. The Commission provides administrative adjudication, enforces housing regulations, and promotes civil rights legislation. The Commission serves as a valuable information resource and provides educational services that inform local residents of their civil rights and the programs of the Commission.
Geographic area(s) served: State of California
Type(s) of publications: None
SAN FRANCISCO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 800
San Francisco, CA 94102-6033
Maravie Bamba, Director
Tel: (415) 252-2500
Fax: (415) 431-5764
TDD: (415) 252-4500
The Commission fights discrimination, under the Administrative Code of the City of San Francisco barring discrimination and encouraging positive race relations. In addition to the federally protected classes, the code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and AIDS and related medical conditions. It also prohibits restrictions on the number of occupants.
Geographic area(s) served: City of San Francisco
Type(s) of publications: None
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS (CAHRO)
C/O Office of Human Relations
70 W. Hedding Street, Lower Level West Wing
San Jose, CA 95110
James McEntee, President, Board of Directors
Tel: (408) 299-2206
Fax: (408) 297-2463
TDD: None
CAHRO (nonprofit) endeavors to promote full acceptance of all persons; to protect basic human and civil rights; and, through its networking, serve as a resource for information sharing, research support, consultation and technical assistance, and resolution of interethnic or intergroup conflict. It conducts an annual training symposium.
Geographic area(s) served: State of California
Type(s) of publications: None
SAN LUIS OBISPO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
1341 Nipomo
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Trish Avery, Commission Chair
Tel: (805) 781-7300
Fax: (805) 781-7292
TDD: None
The Commission advises the City Council on social and human services issues; administers grants in aid; and promotes human rights awareness in the community through education.
Geographic area(s) served: City of San Luis Obispo
Type(s) of publications: None
ORANGE COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
1300 S. Grand, Bldg. B
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Rusty Kennedy, Executive Director
Tel: (714) 567-7470
Fax: (714) 567-7474
TDD: None
The Commission strives to deal with intergroup tensions and foster mutual understanding and respect among residents, to help to eliminate prejudices, intolerances, and discrimination in order to make Orange County a better place for all people to live, work, and do business.
Geographic area(s) served: County of Orange
Type(s) of publications: Occasional newsletter
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
105 E. Anapamu Street, Room 103A
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2089
Sheridan Gerard, Director
Tel: (805) 568-2293
Fax: (805) 568-2249
TDD: None
The Commission was created to promote tolerance and understanding among divergent groups throughout Santa Barbara County. As it has no legal power, its function is solely advisory. Currently, the Commission's focus is on diversity and ethnicity in school curriculums.
Geographic area(s) served: County of Santa Barbara
Type(s) of publications: None