Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Chad Peace, Court Executive Officer
Subject: Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for appointments to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission, each for an initial partial term ending December 31, 2028:
A) Celina Chen; and
B) Enya Yuan.
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BACKGROUND:
For the efficient and effective statutory compliance of the review of juvenile operations in this county, the Court and the Board have agreed that the appointees by the Court to the Juvenile Justice Commission are appointed concurrently by the Board of Supervisors to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission. Historically, the County’s practice has been to have candidates for Commission membership identified by the County or by the Commission membership. The Court then reviews, appoints, and recommends concurrent appointment by the Board of Supervisors.
DISCUSSION:
With the recommendation of the Juvenile Presiding Judge, Susan Irene Etezadi, Presiding Judge Stephanie G. Garratt does not object to and recommends to the County of San Mateo the appointment of Celina Chen and Enya Yuan to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission for the term prescribed by law.
These appointments are for initial partial terms effective upon approval of this memorandum and ending on December 31, 2028. Celina Chen is being recommended to a seat formerly held by Susan Swope, who served the maximum years of service ending in 2024. Enya Yuan is being recommended to a seat formerly held by Melissa Wilson who resigned prior to her 2024 term expiry.
This is a request that the Board of Supervisors appoint the above-recommended commissioners to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission.
Celina Chen is an accomplished student at Menlo School (Class of 2027) with a deep and sustained interest in criminal justice, civic engagement, and public policy. She has gained meaningful experience through internships with Margaret Abe-Koga and Assemblymember Evan Low, where she contributed to legislative research and event planning initiatives. Celina has also written and submitted legislation to Senator Josh Becker and currently serves as a fellow at the Los Altos Institute, where she has published papers in political science and international relations.
At Menlo School, Celina has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to student engagement. She has served on the Student Council every year and is President of the Students in Politics Club. With seven years of combined experience in debate and mock trial, she is an articulate and persuasive communicator, skilled in advocacy and public speaking.
Beyond academics, Celina is dedicated to community service, volunteering regularly at the Boys and Girls Club. Fluent in Mandarin, she brings valuable cultural competence and language skills that enhance her ability to connect with diverse communities. Celina is especially passionate about collaborating with schools to prevent juvenile crime and engaging policymakers on issues such as probation reform and ensuring minors are not tried as adults. Her combination of intellect, leadership, and civic dedication make her an outstanding candidate to serve on the San Mateo County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission.
Enya Yuan is a highly accomplished student at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Economics. Her academic preparation in statistics, quantitative analysis, and political theory provides her with a strong foundation in analytical and critical thinking-skills that align closely with the work of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission (JJDPC).
Enya’s professional experience demonstrates a deep and sustained commitment to youth and justice. She has interned with the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, the San Mateo County Juvenile Courts, the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, and the Office of Congresswoman Jackie Speier. Through these roles, she gained hands-on experience with legal processes, case research, and working directly with system-involved youth and families.
Beyond her legal and policy experience, Enya has shown strong leadership and initiative. She currently serves as Project Coordinator for undergraduate research at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and as Head Chair at Berkeley Model United Nations. Her selection for programs such as Girls Nation further reflects her ability to engage in policy discussions, represent her peers, and contribute meaningfully to civic and community advocacy.
Enya brings an exceptional blend of academic excellence, professional experience, and dedication to youth empowerment. Her leadership, insight, and commitment to justice make her an outstanding addition to the San Mateo County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.