Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Dave Pine, District 1
Subject: Appointment & Reappointment to the Domestic Violence Council
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for an appointment and reappointment to the San Mateo County Domestic Violence Council:
A) Patricia Erwin, appointment representing the Commission on the Status of Women, for an initial partial term effective December 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025; and
B) Stephanie Bilinski, Pro Bono Director of the Legal Aid Society, representing a non-profit agency providing legal services to domestic violence survivors, for a second full term effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2027.
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BACKGROUND:
The San Mateo County Domestic Violence Council is responsible for establishing policies to reduce and prevent domestic violence and enhance victim’s 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:
Patricia Erwin is being recommended by the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to serve as representative on the DVC, formerly held by Sue Datta who will resign from the CSW effective December 1, 2023 and simultaneously vacate the DVC seat. Stephanie Bilinski has served on the DVC since her initial partial term began in 2020 and is being recommended for reappointment for a second full 4-year term.
Patricia Erwin is a resident of the city of San Mateo and is a life-long feminist and contributor to the local community. She currently works for San Mateo County Health, in the Family Health Services division. Prior to the County, she has worked in the field of intimate partner violence criminal justice personnel, setting up response systems in the military and other work. She supports women’s career advancement and loves her role as a coach in individual’s personal and professional lives.
Stephanie Bilinski, Pro Bono Director for The Legal Aid Society, has extensive experience with family law with a focus on child custody and child welfare issues and divorce mediation. She took over representation for Legal Aid on the Domestic Violence Council in 2020 and is now requesting reappointment representing an agency providing legal services to battered women, for a second full term from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.