Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Connie Juarez-Diroll, County Legislative Officer
Subject: Appointments to the Commission on Disabilities
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Recommendation for appointments to the Commission on Disabilities:
A) Katie Murdock, representing Physically Disabled Community, for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2026; and
B) Julie Stamm, representing Sensory Impaired Community, for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2025; and
C) Michael Donovan, representing Other Disabilities Community, for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2026; and
D) Michelle Yoshimine representing Developmental Disabilities Community, for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2025; and
E) Alexandra Seeber; representing Other Disabilities Community, for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2025; and
F) Maya Ong Escudero, representing Community At-Large, for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2026.
body
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. These selections were finalized in December 2024 to be brought forth for approval by this memorandum of recommendation for appointments. Katie Murdock is being recommended to serve an existing partial term on a vacant seat carrying a term end date of June 30, 2026, formerly held by Janet Borgens. Julie Stamm is being recommended to serve an existing partial term on a vacant seat carrying a term end date of June 30, 2025, formerly held by Ligia Andrade Zuniga. Michael Donovan is being recommended to serve an existing partial term ending June 30, 2025; on a seat vacated by Ryan Love. Michelle Yoshimine is being recommended to serve an existing partial term on a vacant seat carrying a term end date of June 30, 2027, formerly held by Syroun Sanossian. Alexander Seeber is being recommended to serve an existing partial term on a seat carrying a term end date of June 30, 2026 vacated by Chelsea Bonini. Maya Ong Escudero is being recommended for a partial term ending June 30, 2026 on a seat vacated.
A longtime resident of the Coast who relies on public transportation, Katie Murdock has been involved in a myriad of civic activities ranging from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to emergency services. She has volunteered for the local theatre as well as Senior Coastsiders.
Julie is a legally blind guide dog user and disability justice proponent. She graduated from University of California at Berkeley with a major in Social Welfare and a minor in Disability Studies. Julie is a passionate education equity and inclusion advocate and believer in self-determination and independent living for the disabled.
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.
Maya Ong Escudero spent her professional career teaching students with disabilities and working with parents and teachers. Her goal is to be active in finding, managing, and disseminating resources for the benefit of all of San Mateo County’s residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.