Title
Adopt an ordinance to amend Chapters 2.12, 2.18, 2.19, and 3.14 of the Monterey County Code to reflect current civil rights practices, and ensure consistency with civil rights federal and state laws.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt an ordinance to amend Chapters 2.12, 2.18, 2.19, and 3.14 of the Monterey County Code to reflect current civil rights practices, and ensure consistency with civil rights federal and state laws.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On November 5, 1996, the State of California passed Proposition 209 (California Civil Rights Initiative). In accordance with the new legislation, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors established the Office of Affirmative Action to meet the requirements the legislation established for local jurisdictions. The Office of Affirmative Action dedicated its work to advancing civil rights policies and fostering equity within the County. However, over the years, the Office underwent several name changes to reflect its evolving role. After initially being designated as the “Office of Affirmative Action,” it later became the “Equal Opportunity Office” and, since January 9, 2018, is now referred to as the “Civil Rights Office” and its departmental lead the “Civil Rights Officer” under Chapters 2.19 and 2.80 of the Monterey County Code (“MCC”). These updates emphasized the Office’s responsibility for overseeing local civil rights policies and ensuring compliance with state and federal civil rights laws. While these changes in nomenclature have been documented, the County Code has not yet been fully updated accordingly. This recommended action seeks adoption of an ordinance to amend the County Code to align with current terminology, and make the .
Further, in addition to the terminology update, a change in the language pertaining to commissions under MCC Section 2.19.020 is necessary to afford flexibility in case the commissions determine to redesignate their name or purpose as ...
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