Volunteer * Endorse * Donate * Organize * Issues
Gayle's 10-point Plan Index Page Gayle's Campaign Page

Steps to Achieve this Part of Gayle's Plan

7. Human Rights for all, including Immigrants & the Homeless

Richmond's immigrant population is a vital part of our community. The diversity of our City is what makes Richmond culturally rich. To maintain that diversity, we need to ensure protection of immigrant rights and improve their access to services. Immigrants should not be afraid to use City services that are meant to support them. As mayor, I will support legislation that levels the playing field, while strenuously opposing policies that scapegoat immigrant communities. Regarding homelessness, the existing system of criminalization of the homeless and reactive service provision has failed. Changing the system will take courage and the resolve to do what works, not what is politically expedient.

As mayor, I will:
Create a Richmond Human Rights Commission with members representing the many
and diverse communities of Richmond.
End the criminalization of the Richmond homeless, abolishing the anti-homeless
ordinance (Richmond Municipal Code 11.96). No homeless person shall be fined or
incarcerated for sleeping in public if no reasonable alternative is offered to the homeless
person.
Recognize the institutional causes of homelessness, its history, and how we got to
where we are today. Using rhetoric and criminalizing poverty obscure the issue and do nothing
to solve the problem.
Rework the system to be truly accountable. The homeless service delivery system must
track individuals through a seamless continuum, with the ultimate goal of transitioning
homeless people to appropriate and permanent housing so they can reconnect with their
communities.
Coordinate existing resources and identify new resources from federal, state, local,
and regional sources. The Richmond General Fund is not a panacea. We need to maximize
funding streams.
Regionalize the solution because there is strength in numbers. We cannot solve
homelessness without a comprehensive regional plan that is inclusive of all Bay Area
municipalities, cities, and counties.
Create solutions that address long-term exit strategies for homelessness. We must
commit to those who are most vulnerable in our community. We must invest in supportive
housing, treatment on demand, and mental health services.
Create an “Equal Access” Ordinance to ensure that all Richmond residents have access
to City services regardless of language spoken.
Support legislation that allows driver licenses for all safe drivers.
Eliminate the unconstitutional anti-day laborers section of the Richmond Municipal
Code 14.72.
Create and fund a Richmond Day Labor Program.
Promote the acceptance of matricula consular ID cards for immigrant workers.
Support passage of a “Privacy Initiative Ordinance” so that immigrants and others are
not afraid to access City services.
Protect the privacy of Richmond residents and identify legal ways to block local
enforcement of the U.S. Patriot Act.
Oppose the implementation of the federal Clear Act and ensure no collaboration between
local police and federal immigration enforcement.
Support national legalization efforts for immigrants.
Build subsidized housing for all immigrants.
Oppose the anti-immigration bill, HR 4437, and any other anti-immigration legislation.

point 8 >>