Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Warren Slocum
Subject: Appointments and Reappointments to the San Mateo County Domestic Violence Council
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Recommendation for appointments and reappointments to the San Mateo County Domestic Violence Council, each for a term from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021:
A) Colsaria Henderson, Executive Director of Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA), appointment representing a non-profit serving battered women; and
B) Becky Arrendondo, Clinical Services Manager with Correctional Health Services, reappointment representing Correctional Health Services; and
C) Rose Mukhar, Member-at-Large; and Attorney and Founder of Justice At Last, reappointment representing a non-profit law firm in San Mateo County specializing in the legal needs of survivors; and
D) Lauren Zorfas, Member-at-Large; Attorney and Co-Founder of ADZ Law, LLP, reappointment representing a law firm in San Mateo County specializing in survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking.
body
BACKGROUND:
The San Mateo County Domestic Violence Council is responsible for establishing policies to reduce and prevent domestic violence and enhance victims’ services.
Members of the Domestic Violence Council evaluate, make recommendations and initiate activities regarding: current response of law enforcement, the judicial system, health care services and community resources; local government efforts to reduce domestic and family violence; public awareness and public education necessary to state and local laws; and the need for services for those who are victims of domestic and family violence. The Council develops an annual work plan and submits an annual report to the Board of Supervisors.
DISCUSSION:
Colsaria Henderson is the new Executive Director with Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA). She brings nearly 20 years of experience in anti-violence work, and a deep expertise in domestic violence program development, advocacy and policy change. As such, she would be an asset to the Domestic Violence Council.
Becky Arrendondo has many years working in Victims Services, most recently with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. She is currently serving as a Clinical Services Manager in Correctional Health.
Rose Mukhar is a social justice, human rights and crime victims' rights attorney with experience in cases involving children, women, refugees, and survivors of domestic violence, torture, and human trafficking.
Lauren Zorfas has been an attorney for over 15 years and was the Executive Director of Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County where she focused on providing free, quality legal service to low-income residents. Ms. Zorfas also worked as the Supervising Attorney for the Family Law Facilitator's Office and Self-Help Services for the San Mateo Superior Court for six years. Prior to that, Ms. Zorfas worked for the San Mateo County Department of Child Support for seven years.
Supervisor Warren Slocum recommends the appointment and reappointments of the above-mentioned individuals to the Domestic Violence Council.
These reappointments and appointment contributes 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.