Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3
Supervisor Noelia Corzo, District 2
Subject: Appointment to the Farmworker Advisory Commission
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the appointment of Maria Juana Zavala to the Farmworker Advisory Commission, representing Agricultural Industry, for an initial full term ending June 30, 2029.
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BACKGROUND:
On June 14, 2022, the Board of Supervisors established the San Mateo County Farmworker Advisory Commission (Resolution No. 078906) as further amended September 24, 2024 (Resolution No. 080650). In creating the Farmworker Advisory Commission, the Board recognized that the agriculture industry is a major component of the San Mateo County economy.
This ten-member Commission promotes programs and policies that address the unmet needs of farmworkers in San Mateo County. The Commission’s areas of focus include: advising the Board of Supervisors and County agencies on effectively outreaching to farmworkers and their families; helping farmworkers and their families navigate public agencies and access benefits and services; raising awareness among farmworkers about labor laws and other protections; bringing visibility to issues that disproportionately affect farmworkers; and helping to build trust and relationships in the County’s agricultural community, particularly between employers and employees.
Commissioners must be residents of San Mateo County and be members of one of the following groups: four (4) farmworkers, three (3) representatives from a designated community-based organization that targets and benefits the County’s farmworker population; one (1) family member of a farmworker; one (1) member from the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee; and one (1) representative from the agricultural industry who is not a farmworker.
Initial terms of Commission members were staggered to help ensure the continuity of the Commission. Five of the ten members served initial two-year terms. After the initial term, all members serve three-year terms, with a maximum term limit of four three-year terms.
DISCUSSION:
Maria Juana Zavala is being recommended to represent the Agricultural Industry on the FAC, for an initial 3-year term ending June 30, 2029. The seat was formerly held by Jonatan Ramirez whose term ended December 2025.
Maria Juana Zavala has lived in Pescadero for more than 25 years and raised three children here, the youngest being a recent graduate of Pescadero High School. She began her career in farming and, through dedication and hard work, became the owner of “Blooming Marias,” a local flower farm. Her experiences have given her a deep understanding of the needs of workers and the challenges of starting and sustaining a business in the agricultural sector.
As a long-time resident of San Mateo County’s South Coast, María not only has firsthand experience working on local farms but has also gained valuable insight by listening to her family members and neighbors share their experiences of working in the fields. She has consistently advocated for the agricultural community at all levels, from local to federal, ensuring both farm owners and farmworkers have a voice. María participates actively in school and community meetings, working to make sure everyone’s concerns are heard. Her advocacy includes traveling to Washington, D.C., to push for immigration reform for farmworkers. Although this work can be intimidating, her commitment to securing better conditions and opportunities for all motivates her to continue driving positive change through representation and collaboration.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.