Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Supervisor Noelia Corzo, District 2
Subject: Reappointments and Appointments to the Behavioral Health Commission (fka Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Commission)
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the following reappointments and appointments to the Behavioral Health Commission, each for a term ending September 30, 2027:
A) Reappointment of Paul Nichols, as a member for a second term; and
B) Reappointment of Frieda Edgette, representing Family member, for a second term; and
C) Reappointment of Kristina Bell, representing Law Enforcement, for a first full term; and
D) Appointment of David Rice, representing Veteran/Veteran Advocate, for an initial partial term; and
E) Appointment of Jason Sutherland, representing Public member, for an initial partial term.
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BACKGROUND:
The Behavioral Health Commission reviews and evaluates the County’s mental health and substance abuse disorders needs, services, facilities and special problems. The Commission advises the Board of Supervisors and the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Director on any aspect of the local mental health program, reviews and approves procedures used to ensure citizen and professional involvement at all stages of the planning process and submits an annual report to the Board of Supervisors on the needs and performance of the County's mental health system.
The Commission consists of 22 members, 19 of whom are appointed by the Board of Supervisors representing family members, consumers/clients, professionals and interested residents. With respect to the remaining three members, one shall be a member of the Board of Supervisors, and two shall be members of the County’s Youth Commission. By State law, at least 50% of the 19 members appointed by the Board must be consumers or family members of consumers of mental health services. Per BHC Bylaws, one (1) member shall be a representative of law enforcement who shall be selected by the local chiefs of police.
DISCUSSION:
Paul Nichols is being recommended for reappointment since his first full term began in 2021. Frieda Edgette has served on the BHC since her first term began in 2021. Kristina Bell is being recommended for reappointment as the Law Enforcement representative and has served since her partial term began February of 2022. Upon approval, these three reappointments each reflect a three-year term from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2027.
David Rice is being recommended to serve as the Veteran/Veteran Advocate for an initial term. Jason Sutherland is being recommended by the Board to serve in the Public seat, formerly held by Lavanya Poreddy who has resigned. Both appointees’ terms would be effective upon approval of this memorandum as initial partial terms through September 30, 2027.
Paul Nichols applied to become a commissioner on the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission in September of 2021 after a satisfying career as a San Mateo County prosecutor, and then an internet marketer. He is representing in the category of Consumer/Client member on the BHC. Because of his longtime involvement in, and commitment to, the recovery community, Paul volunteered to head up the Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee on the Commission. This is Paul's second tenure on this Board. In the 1990's, when Paul's role as a prosecutor was focused on narcotics prosecutions, he served on the San Mateo County Drug Abuse Advisory Commission - the predecessor to the Behavioral Health Commission.
Frieda Edgette has served as the Chair of the Children and Youth Committee of the Behavioral Health Commission for three years and finds honor in making a positive impact in improving mental and behavioral health of young people and families in San Mateo County.
Kristina Bell was appointed Chief of Police for Redwood City on June 5, 2023. With over 19 years of experience in public safety, she has developed extensive expertise in supporting vulnerable populations, particularly individuals facing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Chief Bell has served on the Behavioral Health Commission since December 2020 and remains committed to supporting the Commission’s important work in addressing behavioral health needs.
David Rice is an Army Veteran who currently works at the Dept. of Veteran Affairs. He has dedicated the last fifteen years to supporting Veterans who are unhoused and struggling with mental health and substance use. He is passionate about helping others and providing resources that lift people up within their communities. Prior to his work with Veterans, he worked as a graphic designer and owned a video production company. David grew up in San Mateo, where he currently lives with his family.
Jason Sutherland is a lifelong resident of San Mateo County and passionate about our community’s diverse cultures and positive experiences. When not working, he spends his time volunteering for youth sports like baseball and hockey, or enjoying local nature trails and favorite camping spots. Jason believes in living a life filled with purpose, adventure, and in the wellbeing of people to express their best self.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.