Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: 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:
A) Lisa Weiner, for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2025; and
B) Timothy Ponti, for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2026; and
C) Gurpreet Padam, for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2026; and
D) Barbara Valley for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2024.
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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 throughout San Mateo County.
DISCUSSION:
As per commission bylaws, the terms of members are 3 years, for a maximum of 12 years. Lisa Weiner is being recommended to serve an existing partial term on a vacant seat carrying a term end date of June 30, 2025. Timothy Ponti and Gurpreet Padam are each being recommended to serve initial partial terms ending June 30, 2026 on seats vacated by Anne Mathew and Krista Martinelli. Barbara Valley is being recommended to serve an existing partial term ending June 30, 2024 on a seat formerly held by Ashley Roehm.
Lisa Weiner is a member of the disability community and Belmont resident. She uses para-transit, IHSS and is a member of the Health Plan of San Mateo. Lisa is active in a support group for her disease and organizes events and fundraisers for them.
Timothy Ponti is a resident of Broadmoor and has been involved with disability activism since 2005. He attended UC Berkeley and holds a master’s degree in city Planning from University of Pennsylvania. The focus of his studies was community and economic development, particularly disability and housing access. He also has a strong interest in IHSS and is a current employee of the County of San Mateo’s Department of Housing and Community Development.
Gurpreet Padam is an MD with a private practice that is based on in-home care of her patients. She has traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Gurpreet has also set up a free clinic at her place of worship. She lives in San Carlos.
Barbara Valley is currently serving on the Redwood City Senior Affairs Commission and is the Chair of the Redwood City Roosevelt Neighborhood Association. She is a past member of the Redwood City Library Board. Barbara has family members with disabilities including her father who was a double amputee.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.