REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - The first meeting of the San Mateo County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Commission will be held Friday, September 26, in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 400 County Center, Redwood City.
The 11-member committee will meet from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to the meeting as well as to a welcoming reception afterward to mark the inaugural gathering of the first commission of its type at a city or county level in California.
The agenda includes the official swearing in of commissioners, public comment and a review of the commission's role and scope. The Board of Supervisors appointed the commissioners at their September 9 meeting. They are:
Dr. Jei Africa, San Mateo
Richard Faust, Pacifica
Jason Galisatus, Redwood City
Gabe Garcia, Portola Valley
Stan Kiino, San Mateo
Kate MacKay, South San Francisco
Alex Neumann, Atherton (Youth Representative)
Glenda Savage, East Palo Alto
Lynn Schuette, Pacifica
Stevie Stallmeyer, Menlo Park
Jennifer Walter, Half Moon Bay
"San Mateo County is honored to add the LGBTQ Commission to our family of community advisory and advocacy bodies," said Dave Pine, President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and author of the resolution establishing the Commission. "Diverse, community-based voices are critical for developing public policy that reflects the needs and values of San Mateo County residents."
The LGBTQ Commission was established to promote programs and policies that foster the well-being and civic participation of LGBTQ individuals in San Mateo County. Potential areas of focus include:
. Bringing greater recognition and visibility to the LGBTQ community in San Mateo County by supporting such events as the County's Pride celebration.
. Reducing harassment and bullying of LGBTQ youth in local middle schools and high schools.
. Developing policy recommendations to improve outcomes for underserved and at-risk segments of the LGBTQ population, including youth, communities of color, non-English speakers, seniors, and immigrants.
. Promoting transgender inclusion among private and public entities in San Mateo County including access to health care and to gendered spaces such as bathrooms and shelters.
. Recommending initiatives to support LGBTQ families with children.
. Taking positions pertaining to federal, state and local policies, programs, and procedures, and any legislation affecting LGBTQ individuals.
Questions about the Commission can be directed to Commission Director, Honora Miller at hmiller@smcgov.org or 650-363-4872.