Chapter 2.80
WOMEN’S COMMISSION

Sections:

2.80.010    Established—Statutory authority.

2.80.020    Membership.

2.80.030    Term of office.

2.80.040    Organization and procedures.

2.80.050    Powers and duties.

2.80.010 Established—Statutory authority.

The Women’s Commission is established under the authority of Government Code Section 31000.1, in compliance with SCCC 2.38.060. [Ord. 2734, 1979; prior code § 3.13.010].

2.80.020 Membership.

The Commission shall consist of 10 members, residents of the County, appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Each Supervisor shall nominate two persons who may reside within the Supervisor’s district to serve on the Commission. [Ord. 2734, 1979; prior code § 3.13.030].

2.80.030 Term of office.

Each member shall serve for a term of four years commencing on April 1st of the year in which the member’s nominating Supervisor begins a full term. Each member serving on the Commission on the Status of Women at the time of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall automatically be appointed as a member of the Women’s Commission. [Ord. 2734, 1979; prior code § 3.13.040].

2.80.040 Organization and procedures.

(A)    General Organization. Except as otherwise provided by this section, the Commission shall comply in all respects with SCCC 2.38.110 through 2.38.250.

(B)    Staff Support. The County’s Commissions Coordinator shall serve as administrative staff to the Commission and shall provide the Board of Supervisors with copies of all minutes, reports and recommendations created by the Commission.

(C)    Officers (Exception). The Commission shall elect two co-chairpersons during the first meeting in April of each year.

(D)    Vacancies (Exception). A vacancy shall exist and shall be reported in writing by the Commission to the Board of Supervisors, the Clerk of the Board, and the member vacating their seat whenever a Commission or committee member fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings without good cause entered in the minutes of the Commission, or fails to attend any three meetings during any six months’ period without good cause entered in the minutes of the Commission.

(E)    Leave of Absence (Exception). Each Commission member shall be entitled to take one leave of absence not exceeding four months in duration during the member’s four-year term, providing that the member taking such a leave of absence shall inform both the Commission and the member’s nominating Supervisor in writing, in advance. [Ord. 5278 § 22, 2018; Ord. 4325 § 4, 1994; Ord. 4321 § 1, 1994; Ord. 2734, 1979; prior code § 3.13.050].

2.80.050 Powers and duties.

The Women’s Commission shall advise and assist the Board of Supervisors in its efforts to achieve a parity of equal rights and opportunities on behalf of all people of Santa Cruz County. In carrying out its duties, the Commission may undertake to do all of the following:

(A)    Advise the Board of Supervisors on matters affecting any current inequalities suffered by citizens of this County;

(B)    Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors to rectify any such inequalities;

(C)    Make available to the public information and resources concerning equal rights and opportunities. The Commission shall also maintain a current file of services and resources useful to the community;

(D)    Review Santa Cruz County’s equal employment opportunity plan and policies and recommend to the Board of Supervisors and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission any revisions which may be necessary to eliminate employment discrimination against women;

(E)    Review Santa Cruz County’s rules and job descriptions and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the Civil Service Commission, as necessary, to assure that any unnecessary barriers to the employment of women are removed;

(F)    Study the present and projected needs of women. Develop comprehensive goals to achieve present solutions and effective future planning;

(G)    Review pending Federal and State legislation which would impact upon women and, where appropriate, advise the Board of Supervisors of its recommendations;

(H)    Exercise any other responsibilities related to the needs and concerns of women and as set forth in the Commission’s bylaws as approved by the Board of Supervisors. [Ord. 5058 § 2, 2009; Ord. 3667 § 1, 1985; Ord. 2734, 1979; prior code § 3.13.020].