Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Carole Groom, District 2
Supervisor Warren Slocum, District 4
Subject: Appointments to the Commission on Disabilities
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for appointments to the Commission on Disabilities, each for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2023:
A) Janet Borgens; and
B) Anne Mathew; and
C) Steven Anthony Van; and
D) Ryan Love.
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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 through San Mateo County.
DISCUSSION:
As per commission bylaws, the terms of members are 3 years, for a maximum of 12 years.
Janet Borgens, Anne Mathew, Steven Anthony Van, and Ryan Love are being recommended to fill seats formerly held by Helen Lo, Veronica Navarro, Dawn Ward, and Shirley Moore, and each expired June 30, 2020.
As an experienced City Councilmember and community volunteer, Janet Borgens brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be of great benefit to the disabilities community. Through her 48 years of interacting with the disabilities community, as well as her own experience of caring for family members with disabilities, she has developed an understanding of the challenges and needs that individuals with disabilities face. Her energy and commitment to serving will be a welcome addition to the Commission on Disabilities.
As a mother of a child with special needs and health issues, Anne Mathew knows firsthand the barriers parents face when navigating their child’s education and care. Before putting her career on pause to be a full-time parent, Anne worked for 15 years in the healthcare industry identifying unmet needs, educating communities and developing awareness. Currently Anne is also serving on the PTA of her child’s school, and is determined to improve the ease of access to resources in the community for parents throughout the County.
Steven Van brings with him an eclectic level of experience with the disabilities community. As a caregiver to two sons with disabilities and his mother, Steven understands the limitations both the youth and older adults face in the County. While working with the Port of Oakland as a Program and Project Manager, Steven inspected capital improvement projects which helped him solidify his understanding of the needs for public access. Currently Steven consults with several companies on ADA improvement projects and IT infrastructure. His unique level of knowledge and experience will be of great service to the County.
Growing up in San Mateo County, Ryan Love is a true product of the County’s education systems. With that lived experience, Ryan brings fresh ideas on how students with disabilities can receive a more equitable education. Ryan also understands the community effort it took to make him the person he is today and is eager to give back to the County. Currently Ryan works several jobs, most notably as an Apple employee, copywriter, marketer and podcast host. His technical skills and perspectives should prove to be very useful to the CoD.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.