Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: David J. Canepa District 5
Subject: Reappointments and Initial Partially Appointed Terms to the Commission on Disabilities
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the following members to the Commission on Disabilities:
A) Lisa Weiner, representing Physically Disabled Community, reappointment for a first full term ending June 30, 2028; and
B) Tryn Miller, representing Developmental Disabilities Community, reappointment for a second term ending June 30, 2028; and
C) Evan Milburn, representing Physically Disabled Community, reappointment for a second term ending June 30, 2028; and
D) Michael Donovan, representing Other Disabilities Community, for an initial partially appointed term from March 11, 2025 ending June 30, 2026; and
E) Michelle Yoshimine representing Developmental Disabilities Community, for an initial partially appointed term from March 11, 2025 ending June 30, 2027; and
F) Alexandra Seeber; representing Other Disabilities Community, for an initial partially appointed term from March 11, 2025 ending June 30, 2026.
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BACKGROUND:
The Commission on Disabilities is an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors, providing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in, and influence the development of, public policy that promotes the full integration of people with disabilities in their communities. Members of the Commission are dedicated and committed to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities throughout San Mateo County.
DISCUSSION:
The terms of members of the Commission on Disabilities are 3 years, for a maximum of 12 years. Lisa Winer was initially appointed for a partial term in November 2023, and is being recommended for her first full term ending 2028.
Evan Milburn and Tryn Miller were initially appointed in January 2019, each for a partial term ending June 30, 2022 when they were reappointed for a first full term, and herein being recommended for a second full term ending June 30, 2028.
Michael Donovan, Michelle Yoshimine, and Alexandra Seeber were all initially appointed in March 2025 and are being brought forward on this memorandum to clarify terms referenced in their appointment memorandum.
Michael Donovan was appointed correctly in March 2025 for a term ending June 30, 2026. The recommendation is being brought forward in this memorandum to clarify a typo in the March 2025 Discussion section referencing an incorrect existing partial term ending June 30, 2025, which should have reflected the expiry year 2026 as referenced in the March 2025 Recommendation.
Michelle Yoshimine’s term was accurately referenced in the Discussion section of the March 2025 memo for an existing partial term ending June 30, 2027, but inaccurately referenced the expiry in the Recommendation section and is being brought forward in this memorandum to clarify the correct June 30, 2027 expiry that is associated with the seat as was described in the March 2025 Discussion section.
Alexandra Seeber was appointed in March 2025 to serve an existing partial term ending June 30, 2026 as accurately mentioned in the March 2025 memorandum’s Discussion section, but inaccurately referenced due to a typographical error in the March 2025 Recommendation section. This memorandum is to clarify the correct term expiry of June 30, 2026.
Lisa Weiner was appointed the CoD in 2023. Lisa is a member of the disability community and a Belmont resident. She uses para-transit, IHSS, and is a member of the Health Plan of San Mateo. Lisa is active in a support group for her disease and organizes events and fundraisers for them.
Tryn Miller joined the Commission on Disabilities in 2019. She has been a long-time advocate for the disabilities community and uses her lived experience to advise the CoD on ways to help persons with disabilities and to stand up for their rights. Her love and passion for being on the commission has helped her grow as a leader, advocate and individual.
Evan Milburn has served on the Commission on Disabilities since 2019. He is currently Vice President of the CoD and serves as the Chair of the Legislation, Advocacy, and Outreach Committee. Evan is also a son, brother, uncle, and friend - all of which he is truly grateful for.
Michael Donovan recently became disabled and has a unique perspective of the disconnect between the wealth of services offered and the extreme restrictions imposed. After serving as a litigator in New York, Michael relocated to San Mateo County where he served as an in-house counsel for several start-ups. Michael is passionate about inclusion and improving access to programs and services in the community.
Michelle Yoshimine grew up in San Mateo County on the coast. They have volunteered for the Big Wave Project since they were twelve. Michelle is currently a State Ambassador for Best Buddies.
Alexandra (Alex) Seeber lives in San Carlos with her husband and 3 children. Her eldest daughter, Maya, has Rett Syndrome, and inspires Alex to be an advocate in the world of disability and beyond. Her experience teaching high school will help her advocate, educate and promote inclusion.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.