Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Neal I. Taniguchi, Court Executive Officer
Subject: Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission Appointments
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for two appointments to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission:
A) Eugene Jackson, for an initial partial term ending December 31, 2024; and
B) Jennifer Blanco, for an initial partial term ending December 31, 2025.
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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.
DISCUSSION:
With the recommendation of the Juvenile Judge Susan Irene Etezadi, Presiding Judge Elizabeth K. Lee has appointed Eugene Jackson and Jennifer Blanco to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission for the term prescribed by law. Eugene Jackson is being recommended for appointment to a seat formerly held by resigned member Monroe Labouisse, for an existing partial term ending on December 31, 2024. Jennifer Blanco is being recommended for appointment to a seat formerly held by Ruth Singh, for an existing partial term ending on December 31, 2025. This is a request that the Board of Supervisors appoints the above-listed commissioner to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission.
Eugene Jackson is a lifelong resident of East Palo Alto. He teaches and speaks in venues providing hope for a way out of a violent lifestyle. Through building relationships with the youth on the streets, Eugene offers young adults the opportunity for positive change, and directs those young adults towards academics, job training, receiving mentorship, as well as training in mixed martial arts. In the late 1990s, Eugene began to take part in bare-knuckle brawls on Indian reservations and other underground venues before moving on to the Ultimate Fighting Championship or better known as UFC, the pay-per-view MMA event producer that has since exploded into a global brand. As the sport adopted stricter rules and entered the mainstream, Jackson's reputation as a big- hearted bruiser quickly made him a fan favorite. Nicknamed "The Wolf," he went on to fight overseas, yet Jackson has never forgotten his roots. With gang violence a grim fixture in East Palo Alto, and the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area, he's worked for several years to help another generation of at-risk youth navigate the pitfalls that almost claimed him. Today, Eugene has assembled a team of partners to help eliminate the disease of violence county-wide. By building strong relationships with the young people, and helping them discover their dreams, Eugene has found that the young people are creating a positive safe community. Eugene is the youth delinquency and re-entry director at Live in Peace, a nonprofit organization in East Palo Alto, known for empowering youth and young adults to reclaim the vision for their future. He also serves on the advisory board for the East Palo Alto Police Chief. Additionally, he is a member of Ceasefire.
Jennifer Blanco is of first generation and of Cuban and Salvadorian descent. She is a fearless champion for children and has dedicated almost three decades of her life serving the San Bruno community, leaving an indelible mark as a San Bruno Park Elementary School District Trustee in her 17th year. Her commitment to the betterment of the community has been unwavering, and her extensive experience in this role has made her a respected figure among her peers and constituents alike. Jennifer's personal investment in the local education system is evident through her five children's journey within the district. Her firsthand experience as a single parent navigating the educational landscape has informed her perspective as a trustee, ensuring that the policies and decisions she champions are not only beneficial but also resonate with the needs of families. Having been an integral part of the San Bruno community for 28 years, her deep-rooted connections and understanding of its needs have been invaluable. Her passion for education and community development has been evident throughout her tenure, advocating tirelessly for initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities with and fostering a supportive environment for families. Her steadfast commitment to ensuring all students have the necessary support has given her a well-deserved recognition of being referred to as an equity warrior. Of the many programs Jennifer has brought to San Bruno is the national Día de los niños, Día de los libros since 2009. Where she leads the long-awaited annual celebration of children, families, and reading that culminates on or about April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. She is honored and looking forward to joining the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission where she will have the opportunity to serve all of San Mateo County's youth and families.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.