Human Relations Commission - November 13, 2025

Commission backs library’s immigrant “Know Your Rights” program

Palo Alto’s Human Relations Commission voted 5-0 to support Mitchell Park Library’s “Know Your Rights: Information for the Immigrant Community” program. The approval includes use of the commission’s name as an event supporter.

Before the vote, a commissioner asked whether immigrant community members would feel safe attending and whether publicity could create safety concerns. Library staff said the Day Worker Center viewed the library as a trusted space and had not raised concerns about holding the program there. Staff also reported no problems with similar immigration-related programs earlier in 2025 and said they were prepared to address disruptions or policy violations.

Commission explores outreach on unclaimed tax credits

The commission discussed, but took no action on, ways to expand awareness of earned income tax credits and free tax preparation. Golden State Opportunity estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 Santa Clara County households were not claiming available credits, leaving an estimated $20 million to $30 million unclaimed.

The organization estimated that 60,000 to 70,000 county households claimed $120 million to $150 million through the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Statewide, it reported that more than 5.5 million people claimed more than $1.4 billion in federal and California credits in 2025.

Presenters described the credits as refundable tax credits rather than loans or public benefits. They said California credits may be available to filers using Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, while federal credits require a Social Security number. Commissioners discussed barriers facing unhoused residents, seniors, ITIN holders and people concerned about fraud or contact with government agencies.

The discussion emphasized multilingual outreach through trusted local organizations and free preparation by IRS-trained volunteers. Presenters said the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program requires compliant quality-review systems, not just individually trained workers preparing returns. A community organization requested an outreach presentation for seniors at its meal sites, and Golden State Opportunity agreed to coordinate and discuss privacy safeguards. Its online locator for free tax-preparation sites was expected to be available in late January.

Mediation program reports landlord-tenant disputes dominate caseload

The Palo Alto Mediation Program reported that its free, confidential service is handling a growing share of landlord-tenant disputes, including disagreements over rent increases, security deposits and repairs. The program, administered by Project Sentinel, also provides mediation and conciliation for neighbor conflicts.

During fiscal year 2024-25, the program served 283 unduplicated callers or clients and assigned 48 cases to mediators, compared with a goal of 50. From July through October, it reported 101 calls, 18 cases assigned for development, six resolved through conciliation and four still pending.

Commissioners raised concerns about power imbalances between tenants and landlords, potential mediator bias and the limitations of nonbinding mediation. Project Sentinel representatives said the organization and its mediators provide information, counseling and referrals but not legal advice. Mediators receive 40 hours of training and are appointed by the commission to two-year terms.

A commissioner also suggested examining whether mediation could help address conflicts between people living in recreational vehicles and neighboring residents. The commission chair indicated an intent to follow up with the program by email about possible resources.

City event-support requests get a faster approval route

The commission approved a new procedure allowing internal city event-support requests to be reviewed by the chair and vice chair without regard to the existing application timeframe. Human Services staff will receive the requests and route them to the two officers, who may refer an application to the full commission at their discretion.

Staff said city departments previously lacked a process for requesting commission support and that the existing application procedure expected six weeks of notice, potentially preventing timely consideration of city events. The motion was approved by voice vote, although the exact tally was unclear.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet