Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: President David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Appointment and Reappointments to the Commission on Aging
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the following appointment and reappointments to the Commission on Aging, each for a term ending June 30, 2028:
A) Appointment of Ellen Tafeen, for an initial full term; and
B) Reappointment of Martin Nakai, for a first full term; and
C) Reappointment of David Linnell, for a first full term; and
D) Reappointment of Irene Liana, for a second term; and
E) Reappointment of Maria Elena Barr, for a third term; and
F) Reappointment of Patty Clement, for a third term; and
G) Reappointment of Angela Giannini, for a third term; and
H) Reappointment of Erzsebet Taylor, for a third term.
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BACKGROUND:
The mission of the San Mateo County Commission on Aging (CoA) is to improve the quality of life for seniors in San Mateo County through the promotion of independence, self-sufficiency, mental and physical health, as well as community involvement.
DISCUSSION:
Upon approval of the recommended appointment and reappointments, each Commissioner would serve a 3-year term effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
Ellen Tafeen is being recommended for appointment to a seat currently held by JoAnne Arnos, who will be terming-out upon completing twelve dedicated years of service on the Commission on Aging once her current term ends on June 30, 2025.
On March 25, 2025, Martin Nakai was appointed to the CoA for an existing partial term ending June 30, 2025. On February 13, 2024, David Linnell was appointed to a partial term ending June 30, 2025. Approval of their reappointments reflect Martin’s and David’s first full terms of service.
Irene Liana has served on the CoA since her first full term of service began in July 2022 and is being recommended for a second term. Marie Elena Barr and Patty Clement (fka Patty Clement-Cihak)have each served since November 2017 and December 2016, respectively, and are each being recommended to serve a third term. Angelina Giannini and Erzsebet “Liz” Taylor have served on the CoA since December 2016 and September 2018, respectively, and are each being recommended to serve a third term.
Born to Polish immigrant parents having survived war torn Europe, and being a first generation American, Ellen Tafeen learned early from her parents and her faith to respect the sanctity of life and gratitude for living in a country that provides safety and freedom. Upon her retirement in 2003 from decades of working in the high-tech industry, she enjoys spending her free time volunteering by helping others; especially older adults. A few years ago, Ellen became involved with AARP volunteer opportunities and trained to become a certified AARP Safety Driver instructor, teaching classes at local senior centers and as District Coordinator for San Mateo County, as well as being a yearly AARP Tax Aide Preparer in Redwood City at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, providing free tax services mostly for seniors and low-income residents. Since 2019, Ellen has served on San Mateo County’s Commission on the Status Women; with a personal interest in addressing the needs of elderly women.
Martin Nakai is a resident of South San Francisco. A 3rd generation Japanese-American local, he was born and raised in San Francisco. A retiree now, Martin worked many years in retail, and was also a corporate buyer for 13 years, travelling abroad to 16 countries on three different continents. He was a Sunday school teacher for 30 years and served as Sunday school Superintendent for 20 of those years, and is a monthly volunteer at a local Food Pantry program. He has been married for 49 years, has 2 children and 2 grandchildren.
David Linnell serves as the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Diablo Region in Walnut Creek. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to supporting seniors through acute care, long-term care, and assisted living settings. He is deeply passionate about ensuring that vulnerable older adults in our county have access to the essential services they need and deserve.
Irene Liana is one of the founders of Villages of San Mateo County whose mission is helping members to remain independent and age in place by providing access to support services provided by volunteers. Her career spans over 25 years in Senior Human Resources Management positions in major corporations. She has a passion for advocating for seniors and supporting their needs to remain independent and socially engaged.
Maria Elena Barr is a widow with one daughter. She lives in San Bruno and is a proud Army Veteran serving and stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana and she was employed at AT&T for 33 years. She wants to support those older adults who fall into the income gap. She was a care giver for her husband and loves to help seniors.
Patty Clement has 40+ years of experience working in the field of Gerontology. She has a breadth of knowledge and experience she would like to share to support older adults and the work of the Commission. She would like to continue serving and advocating for the needs of older adults in the county. She enjoys giving back to the community; this is her home.
Angela Giannini has lived in San Carlos for 25 years and was formerly Director for Charles Schwab Fixed Income Trading and Mutual Funds. Since retiring from this position, she has devoted her time to support the needs of San Mateo County residents, especially older adults and their feline companions. Her volunteerism includes work with Meals on Wheels, Board of Directors of the Nine Lives Foundation, Board of Directors of Cats Valley, Board of Directors Rotary Club, and MELP (the county’s Medical Equipment Loan Program).
Erzsebet “Liz” Taylor is active in community efforts to improve the lives of our older adults in San Mateo County, especially those residing in the north county. She is a passionate volunteer and is excited to continue her work on the CoA.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.