Fate of San Gabriel’s HEAR Commission Hangs in the Balance

HEAR Commission Regular Meeting, March 26, 2024 (Photo – Video screengrab)

On March 26, 2024, the HEAR Commission met with the looming possibility of disbandment of the HEAR Commission.

By Kayleigh Scott

To contextualize, City Council Member Denise Menchaca called for the termination of the HEAR Commission on March 5th. Since that time, there has been no action on the part of the City Council, other than the inclusion of this agenda item at the meeting to be held on April 16th. At this meeting, the City Council will discuss the continuation of the HEAR Commission.

Many public commenters have attributed equity and social justice initiatives in the City of San Gabriel to the HEAR Commission. These have included land acknowledgment initiatives, increased access to mental health resources and implicit bias training.

There are many questions regarding the status of the positions of the HEAR Commission and the work that it wishes to continue. One example is a movie screening that is scheduled for May. If the HEAR Commission is disbanded, these projects would be left to the City Council, depending on the decision to be made on April 16th. Potentially, staff could move forward with these projects without the support of the HEAR Commission’s funding or staff. There is also the potential for other programs created by the City in place of the HEAR Commission later on in the year. If the HEAR Commission were to continue beyond April 16th, there would be a secondary decision as to the length of continuity.

The HEAR Commission is not able to send letters of support to the City, but it was recommended that their concern be expressed in the form of public commentary. One public commenter pledged to be present at the April 16^th City Council meeting in order to speak on behalf of the HEAR Commission and support its ongoing presence in the San Gabriel community.

> Watch the full HEAR Commission regular meeting on March 24, 2024 below: