2.36.020 Purpose and intent.
A. It is the purpose and intent of the City Council to redefine and broaden the duties and functions of the Human Relations Commission as an advisory body, to make recommendations and offer advice to the Mayor, City Council and the City Manager on the rights of every inhabitant of the City of Chula Vista and in the improvement and effectiveness of the interrelationships between the various groups based on race, religion, color, ancestry, socioeconomic, age, sex (including gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation, place of birth, citizenship/immigration status, marital status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws of citizens forming the social body of the City and to advise the City on how it may best proceed in the realization of its stated goals to support a healthy community, strong and secure neighborhoods and a connected community as it seeks to promote ways in which the community welcomes and embraces its diversity and safeguards equal opportunity for everyone and to accomplish, among other things:
1. The development of a mutual understanding and respect among all such groups in the City and to help eliminate prejudice and discrimination;
2. The establishment and maintenance of contacts with groups in the community which are concerned with protection of civil liberties of all people, resolution of conflict, and interracial and intercultural understanding, and to report to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager regarding the activities of these groups;
3. The promotion of new and improved programs of services to all local citizens in cooperation with peer boards and commissions as well as the City Manager to increase intergroup relations and harmony;
4. The encouragement of citizen participation in local government by providing a forum for discussion as a means of resolving community relationship problems;
5. The protection and strengthening of the rights of all groups to ensure the enjoyment of their constitutional privileges and the elimination thereby of prejudice, discrimination or bigotry in this community;
6. The advancement of programs to assist senior citizens in the realization and satisfaction of their needs and other social concerns;
7. The encouragement of policies and programs to fully integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream of community life in the City;
8. The encouragement of the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and all officers, agencies, boards, departments, and employees of the City of Chula Vista to take steps to enhance peace and good order, and provide equal opportunity for and good will toward all people;
9. Prepare a written report of its activities to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager annually to include summaries of recommendation for development of policies, procedures and legislation deemed to be necessary.
B. It is the intent of the City Council to create healthy, enlightened attitudes, policies and practices by establishing this Commission as an official body, not primarily as an enforcement or audit agency, but as a commission which will conduct careful surveys, advise intelligently, and use the tools of education and motivation to the realization of the objectives stated herein, which are the fulfillment of democracy’s promises and realization of constitutional guarantees. (Ord. 3405 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3211 § 10, 2011; Ord. 2543 § 1, 1993; Ord. 1909 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1857 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1120 § 1; prior code § 1.4.1).