Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Warren Slocum
Supervisor David J. Canepa
Subject: Appointments and Reappointment to the Arts Commission
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Recommendation for appointments and reappointment to the San Mateo County Arts Commission:
A) Edward Sweeney, representing District 4, appointment for a term ending December 31, 2022; and
B) Samaruddin Stewart, representing District 5, reappointment for a term ending December 31, 2022; and
C) Pauline B. Fong, representing District 5, appointment for a term ending December 31, 2022.
body
BACKGROUND:
The Arts Commission was created to promote and encourage the arts, to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors, to prepare and update the County’s strategic and cultural plan, and act as a liaison with arts organizations in order to ensure collaboration and coordination related to culture and art activities in San Mateo County.
On January 15, 2002, the Board approved Resolution No. 65013 (the “Original Resolution”) creating the San Mateo County Arts Commission (the “Arts Commission”), the purposes of which include the promotion and encouragement of the arts in the County and liaising with arts organizations to ensure collaboration and coordination relating to cultural and arts activities in the County. The original resolution limits the Arts Commission to five (5) members, with no more than two (2) members residing in the same supervisorial district. However, the County’s dedication to the arts continues to grow and, along with it, the number of highly-qualified residents interested in serving on the Arts Commission. Therefore, on September 4, 2018, the Board approved Resolution No. 076092 to increase the total membership of the Arts Commission to 10 members, two from each supervisorial district, and modify the term of membership to replace the term “12 year limit” with “three-term limit.”
DISCUSSION:
With a passion for music and the performing arts, Mr. Sweeney has been the Executive Director of Music@Menlo since 2007. Prior to this, he served in executive roles for the Orchestra for St. Luke’s, the Aspen Music Festival and has served on the Board of the Wheeler Opera House, including 5 years as chair. Mr. Sweeney resides in Redwood City.
Samaruddin “Sam” Stewart is currently the Arts Commissioner for District 5 in San Mateo County, originally appointed in 2015. Aside from his volunteer role for the County, he serves as a program manager for a partnership between the Society of Professional Journalists and the Google News Initiative which trains journalists across the country on digital storytelling skills - including combating misinformation, satellite mapping, data visualization, and immersive visuals. Prior work includes a Knight Foundation Prototype Grant for his innovative work in verification of visual content and fellowships with Stanford University and the US Department of State.
Pauline Fong-Martinez played key leadership roles as an organizational development professional for complex organizations in the not-for profit, public/governmental and private sectors. She is passionate about arts and culture, science education, and healthcare - and enhancing the quality of life for all members of our community. Pauline credits growing up in San Francisco for the opportunities she had to develop an understanding and appreciation for how arts and culture can build vital communities and connect us to a higher quality of life.
These appointments and reappointment contribute to the 2025 Shared Vision statement of a Collaborative Community. Our diverse population works well together to build strong communities, effective government and a prosperous economy, civic engagement - including voting, public service, charitable giving, volunteerism, and participation in public discussions of important issues - is uniformly high among the diverse population of San Mateo County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.