Hispanic Outreach Goal Report - City of Half Moon Bay
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The Coastside Collaborative for Children, Youth & Families Susan Alvaro, Executive Director • 625 Miramontes St., Suite 104 • Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 phone/fax: 650-712-1598 • coastsidecollab@sbcglobal.net City of Half Moon Bay Hispanic Outreach Goal Report Presented by Susan Alvaro, Executive Director Coastside Collaborative
Coastside Collaborative’s report to the City of Half Moon Bay on the results of the survey to Spanish-speaking residents I. Background and methodology: A. In September, 2002 Chief Ortiz approached us about helping the City with a project to survey its Spanish-speaking residents on their opinions and requirements regarding services provided by the City. The survey group would include a cross-section of Spanish-speaking residents of the City of Half Moon Bay and also Moonridge Housing complex (because Moonridge, although in unincorporated San Mateo County, is close to the City proper and its residents are served mostly by business and services within the City). B. We submitted a proposal to the City in October, 2002, projecting one year from the date we signed contracts to complete the project. C. Discussions with the City’s attorney regarding a contract lasted from November, 2002 until March, 2003. The agreement between the Collaborative and the City was signed 3/10/03. D. We began Phase I in March, 2003. • We developed survey questions, checked with City representative on scope of questions, and distributed draft questions to City Council for their review and comments. • Upon satisfying all parties that the questions would garner the data desired, we then translated the survey into Spanish and tested the survey questions on a resident sample of about ten people. We made a few adjustments to the wording to be a bit more culturally sensitive (for example, ‘if not/why not’ questions were perceived as being challenges instead of attempts to gain more understanding, so we softened the wording on those). E. We began Phase II in May, 2003. • We printed the survey, hired and trained two bilingual interviewers, Samantha Johnston and Hector Gonzalez-Najera, and selected sites for interview ‘events’ and focus groups. We approached a number of community groups serving the Spanish-speaking residents; some agreed to allow us to attend their meetings, but some didn’t, citing lack of time at meetings and/or concerns over disruptions or confidentiality issues. A few associations felt that questions about City services were not germane to their group’s interests. We also decided to do one-on-one interviews at Mac Dutra Park and the Public Library. F. We began Phase III in June, 2003. • In pairs, Susan Alvaro, Samantha Johnston, and Hector Gonzalez-Najera conducted the survey at the Catholic Worker House and Our Lady of the Pillar Church, during Bilingual Story Hour and the Touchpoints group at the Library, at the Intel Computer Clubhouse and ESL classes at Moonridge, and during the Smart Girls club meeting at Boys & Girls Club. Cabrillo Unified School District was especially cooperative, allowing us to individually survey participants at three ESL (English as a Second language) evening classes, their Even Start and Migrant Education parent groups, and both the Puente Club and SAL after school club at the High School. The Migrant Education parent group was excited to be asked to participate in the business of the community, and asked that we return to let them know both the results of the survey and what the results of the City’s investigation may yield. Hector went alone to Mac Dutra Park to chat with the men three times before they felt comfortable answering his questions. We even hired someone to hand-deliver surveys to his friends and neighbors, but he was unable to get many of them completed or returned to us. 2
Based on our long-standing relationships in the community, many of the groups welcomed us and were quite willing to talk, but others exhibited a surprising amount of discomfort and distrust, especially considering the openness with which we had been received on previous occasions, and for previous survey topics. I blame this on a couple of key differences: 1. Instead of questions about their children’s needs, we were asking questions about the adults themselves, and they are simply less comfortable talking about that subject; and 2. The climate in the last couple of years has been so strongly anti-immigrant that many of the local residents, especially but not only the undocumented among them, are increasingly reluctant to talk to anyone representing a government entity, such as the City. G. We began Phase IV in November, 2003, collating and processing the data and preparing this summary of findings for the City. H. Each session was begun with an explanation to the whole group that participation was completely voluntary, anonymous, and confidential. We also explained that the purpose of the survey was to help them, the Spanish-speaking residents, convey to the City their opinions and information about what they needed from their city government. II. Demographics: • 703 people were successfully interviewed • 270 or 38.5% were male; 433 or 61.5% were female • Approximately 17% of respondents were between the ages of 16 and 20 years; while the rest (83%) were over 21. The oldest was 60 years old. • 663 people, or 94% reported living inside of the City of Half Moon Bay, while 40 (6%) did not. We believe that some of the residents of Moonridge identified themselves as living in the city, as they are unclear about the area boundaries and indeed feel themselves to be part of Half Moon Bay. • 673 respondents (96%) said that Spanish was the primary language spoken in their homes, even if they themselves spoke some English. 9 reported that Zapoteca (an indiginous language) was the primary language spoken, although they were fluent enough to respond to the survey in Spanish. III. Results and comments: • We have reported the responses as they were given by the participants. Any explanatory comments were theirs. You will note that the percentages don’t always add up perfectly, but this again reflects what we were told. On question 12, for instance, 108 people said they had called the police or fire department; 80 of them said they resolved the problem for which they had called for help, while 23 said they didn’t. Five people didn’t answer at all. When asked why they felt the problem was not resolved, only 15 would give answers. A. 1. Do you live within the boundaries of the city of Half Moon Bay? Y-94% N - 6% 2. Which is the primary language spoken by members of your household? Spanish - 96% Zapoteca - 3% English - 1% 3. Do you stay in / go into the city of Half Moon Bay to do business? Y-96% N - 6% (comment: we go there to look for work) 3
4. Do you use public transportation? Y - 21% N - 79% 5. Do you have children who attend school here? Y - 54% N - 46% 6. Do older adults in your family make use of services (ie, Senior Coastsiders)? Y - 3% N - 97% 7. Do you attend religious services in Half Moon Bay? Y - 86% N - 14% B. 8. Do you or any family members make use of the Community Center or Parks & Recreation activities such as classes, Candyland, the skate park, concerts, etc.? Y-12.5% N - 87.5% (comments: too expensive; not in Spanish) 9. Have you or any family members used any of the City’s facilities, such as IDES Hall, for parties or other events? Y-22% N - 78% (comments: mostly teens said ‘yes’ and ‘IDES Hall’) 10. Do you or any family members attend public events? Y-89% N - 11% Which ones? Flower Market, Pumpkin Festival, Farmer’s Markets 11. Do you go to any of the parades or festivals? Y-83% N - 17% Which ones? 4th of July, Nights of Lights, Pumpkin Parade, Chamarita Parade and Carnival, Library events, Posadas, Dog Festival (sic) C. 12. Have you ever had reason to call the Half Moon Bay Police or Fire Depts.? Y-15% N - 85% 12.b. If so, how was the response? fast - 98% slow - 2% (1 person said the HMBPD never arrived) 97% were treated with respect 3% said they were not - including the one who said they never arrived 74% were able to communicate with the officer or firefighter to resolve the issue 21% were not 5% did not respond If not, why not? 33% not needed 0% fear/ discomfort 55% language problems 13. Have you ever gone into the Half Moon Bay Police or Fire stations for a permit or any other non-emergency reason? Y-10% N - 90% 13.b. If so, how was the response? fast - 96% slow - 4% 100% were treated with respect 0% said they were not 96% were able to communicate with the officer or firefighter to resolve the issue 4% were not If not, why not? 100% not needed 4
D. 14. Do you or any family members read newspapers? Y-58% N - 42% Which ones? HMB Review, SM Times, SF Chronicle, Mercury News, Bohemian News, Church newsletter 15. Which TV station[s] do you watch in your home most of the time? Spanish stations 14, 55, 70; English stations 4, 7, 32, 42, 44, 56, MTV, CNN, ESPN, USA, TBS, TLC, DISNEY, LIFETIME, ANIMAL PLANET, DISCOVERY (comment: when asked about Channel 6, no one watched, and very few knew what it was) E. 16. Have you ever attended any government meetings, such as City Council or water board? Y-6% N - 94% Which ones? City Council, School Board, Water Board, MoonRidge Association If so: Why have you gone? 100% specific reason* 0% just to observe * were invited to speak or wanted to be heard If not: Why don’t you attend? wrong time of day not interested not in Spanish received no notice or didn’t know about it ‘I was not invited’ ‘I don’t own my own home’ ‘Does one have to be a citizen to attend these?’ Would you be more likely to attend if translation services were available? Y-93% N - 7% Would you watch government meetings on Channel 6 if translation was provided? Y-82.5% N - 17.5% (comment: Would watch if the subject were of interest to the individual) F. 17. Are you or a member of your family a registered voter? Y-11% N - 89% If not: why not? 80% not a citizen 0% don’t know how to register 4% don’t think my vote counts, anyway (comment: too young 6%) 10% no response If so: do you vote regularly? Y-84% N - 16% If not: why not? I don’t have the information I need I don’t know how I have no time I don’t know where it is (comment: ‘we need a civics class to teach us what to do’) 5
G. 18. Have you or any family members had reason to use the services at City Hall? Y-2% N - 98% (comment: ‘we don’t know where it is’) Which ones? ‘City Hall’ 78% were treated with respect 22% said they were not Were you able to communicate with City employees to resolve your issue? Y-38.5% N - 61.5% If not, why not? 100% said language was a problem (comment: ‘I wanted to get my license.’) 19. Would you be more likely to use City services if translation services were available? Y-97% N - 3% (comment: ‘Don’t have any reason to go.’) 20. Which City services specifically would you like to have available in Spanish? permits: 69% what kind? not sure someone to answer questions: 84% what kind? not sure newsletters, event fliers, calendars: 79% activities for adults: 82% what kind? workshops, swimming lessons activities for children: 89% what kind? swimming lessons, painting, dance, cooking what else? youth activities, Spanish newspaper, more info about HMB and services H. 21. Do you volunteer any of your time to a school or other community agency or event? Y-29% N - 71% (comment: most of the ‘yeses’ were youth) Which ones? Library tutoring Boys & Girls Club YMCA & Intel Clubhouse school church soccer Community Leaders Trainings Dream Machines Pumpkin Festival If not: why not? no time/not interested don’t know how or what opportunities there are don’t speak English don’t think I’d be welcome even those who volunteer feel confused and uncomfortable. 22. Do you feel like you are part of this City and community? Y-81% N - 18% (comment: some answered ‘yes’ but then gave negative comments, below) Why or why not? Yes responses: I feel comfortable. People are not racist here, like some communities. I try to get involved. One feels confident and safe. 6
A lot of family here. A lot of Mexicans here. No responses: If you have no papers, you have no rights. Discrimination. We’re ignored, especially by businesses. Some places (of business) don’t let us in. 23. What would make you more likely to participate in the City and community? Weekly or monthly events - bilingual or in Spanish Safe and gang-free dances Bulletins and announcements in Spanish Latinos and Spanish speakers in City Hall and other places Nice, big children’s park like in San Mateo Meeting and business hours for those who work days More bilingual events and activities Movie theater Watchdog groups for Latinos’ rights Feeling like you have a say. More participation by Latinos in the City. 24. Anything we’ve missed that you want to add? It’s important to learn English / need more opportunities to learn English. That everyone should be required to learn English [!] A gymnasium for everyone. Better distribution of City funding: more to teachers and less to police [sic] More safety. Latino association to speak with the City /organized, recognized Latino organizations. A special place for people looking for work. More programs for youth, children, toddlers Why don’t we have a Cinco de Mayo party or an Independence Day (Sept. ) event? More City support for community activities A childcare center Latino volunteer opportunities / groups Getting informative booklets in Spanish by mail (esp. about government issues) Information about/from the Fire Department. A phone number for general information in Spanish Care for the incapacitated. The following were not related to City services, but we recorded the responses: We need a new school! Spanish-speaking teachers who can give parents information aboout schools. Translation in the schools for parents who don’t speak English. More capacity for kids at schools. Better public transportation system, including on weekends / school busing Better communication with the ambassadors from other countires. 7
IV. Summary and Analysis: A. Although there was some initial distrust of why the ‘government’ would want to ask the opinions of the Spanish-speaking community, most people warmed to the idea and became quite excited and grateful that the City would want to hear what they had to say. In general, most people felt fairly comfortable and content. It was no surprise that those who had stronger connections to the community felt more like they were part of it. Students and parents of students had stronger feelings of connectedness, as did the group that had been trained as ‘community leaders’ by the Partnership for the Public’s Health and the Coastside Collaborative. English speakers those who had been here longest had greater feelings of belonging than did newer, non-English speaking residents. Most non-English speaking residents expressed a strong desire to learn English, although some were unaware of opportunities to do so. Residents of the Moonridge complex, located in unincorporated County, mostly self-identified as part of the City proper, where the vast majority of them do business and attend religious services. Similarly, respondents believed IDES Hall to be a City facility, relating it to public events such as Pumpkin Festival and the March ‘Chamarita’ Carnival. 1. Some of the sense of disenfranchisement seemed to be connected to the considerable lack of information or incorrect information that was noted; we believe that much of this could easily be corrected by a concerted information campaign directed at the Spanish-speaking community. We strongly suspect, however, that English speaking residents might share some of the same confusion. Examples of misunderstanding include: • The difference between the City, Cabrillo Unified School District, and other government entities, such as County services and the Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance. Several residents were frustrated by the inability of City Hall staff to resolve their issues with the DMV, for instance. • The idea that one must be ‘invited’ to attend public meetings, that one must be a tax payer or home owner to attend, or that those are held exclusively during the work day. • The lack of understanding of the process of registering and voting. Respondents suggested an ongoing ‘civics class’ to teach them about how and where to register and vote, what issues are, etc. Debates, for example, are conducted exclusively in English. This class might further be used to learn general issues of ‘citizenship’, in the broader sense, such as why one might access City Hall (or where it is!). • Although only 29% reported that they volunteer their time, many more stated that they wanted to, but felt unwelcome, uncomfortable (due to lack of English), or simply unsure of opportunities and/or need. Most of the volunteers were youth affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club or SAL (Sheriff’s Activity League) programs at the High School. Not surprising, those who volunteered felt more ‘ownership’; they felt they were an integral part of the community. 2. Non-English speaking residents are less comfortable attending events and activities, asking for assistance, and using available services. A concerted effort to provide bilingual fliers and help at various contact points is recommended, as feasible. Many respondents suggested a regular newsletter mailed to homes would keep them connected to the community. Examples of such areas include: • Parks and Recreation activities and classes. Although the department has been translating fliers for many of its children’s activities, such as Candyland, etc., the Leisure Guide is in English 8
only. Of course, Spanish-language listings of classes offered in English only may be counterproductive, but the possibility exists that non-English speaking parents might be willing to enroll English speaking children, if they were informed. • Public meetings, such as City Council, are incomprehensible to non-English speaking residents, and many either did not know where or when to attend or felt they had to be ‘invited’. • Contact points, such as City Hall, the Police Department, the Community Center, and the schools, should have bilingual help for residents seeking services. 84% of respondents cited ‘someone to answer questions in Spanish’ as the specific City service they need and would be well pleased to have a phone number for accessing general information and asking questions in Spanish. The increasing number of Spanish-speaking police officers is helping residents communicate with the HMBPD. Additionally, commercial services, such as the AT&T translating operators, are available ‘on-demand’ to assist with multilingual telephone calls, and have been used successfully by some of the departments. • Residents, although they expressed an interest in watching translated broadcasts or reading translated reports of meetings, were unaware of the local public Channel 6 and felt it wasn’t worthwhile reading the local paper [the Review], because the English-only content is inaccessible to them. Some older residents wondered what had become of the Spanish-language section of the Review. 3. Many of the respondents reported that, although they attended many of the free public events [nearly 90% attended these], the cost of many activities were prohibitive. Only about 12% attended City-sponsored classes or activities. We also suspect that cost accounts for the relatively low ridership of public transportation. 4. Although a small percentage of respondents reported having used the Police or Fire Departments for either emergency or non-emergency services, those who had reported that they were treated with respect and courtesy by the officers or office staff. Most people felt that they could communicate effectively with personnel, and language was the single largest barrier to satisfactory communication. Because Moonridge complex is served by the Sheriff’s Office, we must conclude that these feelings apply to that department, as well. 5. Evening hours for various City services were suggested for those unable to access them during normal working hours. Alternatively, a phone number accessible during evening hours and weekends might serve this need. 6. Respondents overwhelmingly (89%) reported that they felt part of the community, commenting that they felt safe, that racism was low, and that they had family or other ties locally. Negative responses overwhelmingly revolved around the perception that they were unwelcome or treated badly by many local business. 7. Respondents’ suggestions for topics we hadn’t asked mostly revolved around increased services and activities for children and youth, including wanting a large, community-centered park, such as San Mateo’s Central Park, that could be used by everyone. B. The Collaborative proposes that a follow-up survey be developed and delivered approximately 6-12 months after the completion of this process, to see if the suggestions have been successfully implemented by City departments and are being well received and utilized by the Spanish-speaking residents. 9
5. Attachments: A copy of the survey questions is attached, in both Spanish and English. HOPE PROJECT QUESTIONS Nota: Esta encuesta se mantendrá en anónimo y sólo tiene como propósito obtener información. Sus respuestas serán usadas para que la Ciudad entienda como servir a la comunidad. Note: This survey is anonymous. Your responses will be used by the City to help better serve the community. A. 1. Vive usted dentro de los limites de la ciudad de Half Moon Bay? Do you live within the boundaries of the city of Half Moon Bay? 2. Cuál es el idioma principal que hablan los miembros de su casa? Which is the primary language spoken by members of your household? 3. Se queda usted dentro de Half Moon Bay o viene para hacer mandados como compras, visitas al doctor, lavandería, etc.? Do you stay in / go into the city of Half Moon Bay to do business, such as grocery shopping, doctor visits, laundry, etc.? 4. Usa usted transporte público? Do you use public transportation? 5. Tiene usted hijos que asisten a la escuela aquí? Do you have children who attend school here? 6. Los señores mayores de su familia hacen uso de algún servicio como “Senior Coastsiders”? Do older adults in your family make use of services such as Senior Coastsiders? 7. Usted asiste a algún servicio religioso en Half Moon Bay? Do you attend religious services in Half Moon Bay? B 8. Usted o algún miembro de su familia hace uso del Community Center (Centro de la Comunidad o actividades de Parks and Recreation (Parques y Recreación como clases, Candyland, el parque de patinaje, conciertos, etc.? Do you or any family members make use of the Community Center or Parks & Recreation activities such as classes, Candyland, the skate park, concerts, etc.? 9. Usted o algún miembro de su familia ha usado alguna de las instalaciones de la Ciudad, como el IDES Hall, para fiestas u otros eventos? Have you or any family members used any of the City’s facilities, such as IDES Hall, for parties or other events? 10. Usted o algún miembro de su familia asiste a eventos públicos como el Flower Market/Mercado de Flores, Pumpkin Festival/Festival de Calabazas, etc.? A cuáles? Do you or any family members attend public events such as Flower Market, Pumpkin Festival, etc.? Which ones? 11. Asiste usted a cualquier desfile o festival? A cuáles? Do you go to any of the parades or festivals? Which ones? 10
C. 12. Por alguna razón, ha usted llamado a la policía o departamento de bomberos de Half Moon Bay? Have you ever had reason to call the Half Moon Bay Police or Fire Departments? 12.b. Si lo hizo, Como fue la respuesta? If so, how was the response? 12.b.1. Fue rápida o lenta? Was it quick or slow? 12.b.2. Fue usted tratado con respeto? Were you treated respectfully? 12.b.3. Fue usted capaz de comunicarse con el policía o bombero para resolver su problema? Were you able to communicate with the officer or firefighter to resolve your issue? 12.b.3.b. Si no, Por qué no? __ no fue necesario __ miedo o incomodidad __ otros If not, why not? __ not needed __ fear or discomfort __ other 13. Alguna vez ha usted entrado a la estación de policía o bomberos de Half Moon Bay por un permiso u otra razón que no fuera emergencia? Have you ever gone into the Half Moon Bay Police or Fire stations for a permit or any other non- emergency reason? 13.b. Si lo hizo, Como fue la respuesta? If so, how was the response? 13.b.1. Fue rápida o lenta? Was it quick or slow? 13.b.2. Fue usted tratado con respeto? Were you treated respectfully? 13.b.3. Fue usted capaz de comunicarse con el policía o bombero para resolver su problema? Were you able to communicate with the officer or firefighter to resolve your issue? 13.b.3.b. Si no, Por qué no? __ no fue necesario __ miedo o incomodidad __ otros If not, why not? __ not needed __ fear or discomfort __ other D. 14. Usted o algún miembro de su familia lee algún periódico? Cuáles? Do you or any family members read newspapers? Which ones? 15. Cuál o cuáles canales mira usted en su casa la mayoría del tiempo? Which TV station[s] do you watch in your home most of the time? E. 16. Alguna vez ha usted asistido a cualquier reunión del gobierno, como del City Council (Consejo de la Ciudad o del distrito del agua, etc.). Cuáles? Have you ever attended any government meetings, such as City Council or water district meetings? Which ones? 16.c. Si ha asistido, Por qué ha ido usted? __ razón especifica __ sólo para observar If so: Why have you gone? __ specific reason __ just to observe 16.d. Si no ha asistido, Por qué no asiste usted? __ razón especifica __ un hora inconveniente ___ no estaba interesado ___ no es en Español If not: Why don’t you attend? __ specific reason __ wrong time of day __ not interested __ not in Spanish - Usted estaría más dispuesto a asistir si hubieran servicios de traducción disponibles? Would you be more likely to attend if translation services were available? - Usted miraría las reuniones del gobierno en el canal 6 si se ofreciera traducción? Would you watch government meetings on Channel 6 if translation was provided? F. 11
17. Está usted o otro miembro de su familia registrado para votar? Are you or a member of your family a registered voter? 17.b. Si no está registrado, por qué no? __ no soy ciudadano __ no sé como registrarme __ en cualquier caso, no creo que mi voto cuente If not: why not? _ not a citizen __ don’t know how to register __ don’t think my vote counts, anyway 17.c. Si está registrado, vota usted regularmente? If so: do you vote regularly? 17.c.1. Si no vota regularmente, Por qué no? __ en cualquier caso, no creo que mi voto cuente __ no tengo la información que necesito If not: why not? __ don’t think my vote counts, anyway __ don’t have the information I need G. 18. Usted o algún miembro de su familia ha tenido alguna razón para usar los servicios del City Hall (La Municipalidad? Cuáles? Have you or any family members had reason to use the services at City Hall? Which ones? 18.c . Fue usted tratado con respeto? Were you treated respectfully? 18.d. Fue usted capaz de comunicarse con los empleados de la Ciudad para resolver su problema? Were you able to communicate with City employees to resolve your issue? 18.d.1. Si no fue capaz, Por qué no? __ no fue necesario __ miedo o incomodidad __ otros If not, why not? __ not needed __ fear or discomfort __ other 19. Usted estaría más dispuesto a utilizar los servicios de la Ciudad si hubieran servicios de traducción disponibles? Would you be more likely to use City services if translation services were available? 20. Específicamente, cuáles servios de la Ciudad le gustaría tener disponibles en Español? Which City services specifically would you like to have available in Spanish? 20.b. Permisos: De qué clase? permits: what kind? 20.c. Alguien para responder sus preguntas: De qué clase? someone to answer questions: what kind? 20.d. Boletines, folletos de eventos, calendarios newsletters, event fliers, calendars 20.e. Actividades para adultos: De qué clase? activities for adults: what kind? 20.f. Actividades para niños: De qué clase? activities for children: what kind? 20.g. Qué más le gustaría? what else? H. 21. Dedica usted parte de su tiempo para ser voluntario de la escuela, otra agencia de la comunidad o cualquier evento? Cuáles? Do you volunteer any of your time to a school or other community agency or event? Which ones? 21.c. Si no es voluntario, Por qué no? __ no tengo tiempo/no estoy interesado __ no sé como __ no pienso que sería bienvenido If not: why not? __ no time/not interested __ don’t know how __ don’t think I’d be welcome 22. Usted se siente como parte de la Ciudad y de la comunidad? 22.b.Por qué o por qué no? Do you feel like you are part of this City and community? Why or why not? 12
23. Qué le haría a usted más dispuesto para participar en la Ciudad y la comunidad? What would make you more likely to participate in the City and community? 24. Hay algo que usted le gustaría agregar que nos hizo falta aquí? Anything we’ve missed that you want to add? 13
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