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
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Recommendation for the appointment of Kenneth Williams to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission, for an initial partial term ending December 31, 2024.
body
BACKGROUND:
For the efficient and effective statutory compliance of the review of juvenile operations in this county, the Court and this Board have agreed that the appointees by the Court to the Juvenile Justice Commission are appointed concurrently by this 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 this Board of Supervisors.
DISCUSSION:
With the recommendation of the Juvenile Presiding Judge, Susan Irene Etezadi, Presiding Judge Elizabeth K. Lee does not object to and recommends to the County of San Mateo the appointment of Kenneth Williams to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission for the term prescribed by law.
This appointment is for a partial term effective immediately and ending on December 31, 2024. Mr. Williams would succeed Ms. Zahara Agarwal who resigned from the JJDPC in March 2024.
This is a request that this Board of Supervisors reappoint the above-listed commissioner to the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission.
Kenneth Williams, a lifelong resident of San Mateo County, has been a key figure in the East Palo Alto community for the past 40 years. He has devoted his life to guiding and supporting some of the San Mateo County’s most vulnerable and historically underserved youth. Kenneth is a tireless advocate for youth and families. For the past decade, he has volunteered with Live in Peace, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth to reclaim their vision for the future. At Live in Peace, Kenneth oversees the Boys to Men program, which targets at-risk middle and high school students. Kenneth strives to provide a positive atmosphere that supports young people as they develop life skills such as problem-solving, effective communication, active listening, critical thinking, and decision making. Kenneth also serves as a mentor, life coach, and advocate for justice-involved youth in both our juvenile hall and community. Additionally, he works with the Youth Leadership Team and acts as a youth and family liaison with our local schools and other community-based organizations and programs. Kenneth is dedicated to helping all youth achieve their full potential so they can lead purposeful, productive, and prosperous lives.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.