July 14, 2006

County Report

Boards and Commissions Vacancies in District Three

By Supervisor Pete McHugh
Special to the Times

The Board of Supervisors has established sixty Boards and Commissions to discuss matters related to their policy areas and then forward recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. Commissioners must reside in Santa Clara County and are appointed by the Board of Supervisors to usually three or four year terms. Most meetings are held monthly at the County Government Center located at 70 West Hedding Street in San Jose.

A commissioner’s normal term usually ends on June 30, which means that in July Board Offices have a large number of appointments they must make. My office currently has 13 vacancies on nine different Commissions. Although appointees may reside in any of the five Supervisorial Districts, I prefer to appoint candidates who live in my district. If you wish to apply, have any questions or want to request an application, please contact Shevani Desai in my office at (408) 299-5036.

Below, I’ve described some of the more popular or hard to fill District Three vacancies. For a complete list of current vacancies please go to the District Three section at www.sccgov.org

Advisory Commission for Persons with Disabilities
This Commission reviews and evaluates the needs, services, facilities and special problems of persons with disabilities in Santa Clara County. Commission members must be either disabled, a relative of a disabled person, a representative of a disabled community provider organization, or a representative of different disability groups as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Commission meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. This Commission will submit nominees for appointment to my office for consideration. If you wish the Commission members to consider you, please contact the Clerk of the Board at (408) 299-5082.

Commission on the Status of Women
This Commission focuses on actions that will help eliminate the practice of discrimination and prejudice against women in the areas of housing, employment, education, and related fields. This Commission meets the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. Any resident with an interest in women’s issues may apply.

Correctional Industries Advisory Board
This Board makes recommendations on ways to help County jail inmates develop skills and work experience. The Commission focuses on enhancing an inmate’s ability to find employment after release. My nominee must be an instructor, administrator, or other staff member in the adult education system. This Board currently meets as needed at 701 South Abel Street in Milpitas.

Historical Heritage Commission
The Historical Heritage Commission seeks to protect, preserve, and promote the County’s historical and cultural heritage. Commission members hold meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. For the Board to appoint someone, that individual must have demonstrated participation and interest in matters relating to the purposes of the Commission.

Human Relations Commission
This Commission takes actions to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in Santa Clara County. The prejudice and discrimination may be based on race, religion, national origin, cultural background, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The Commission also promotes equal rights in the fields of employment, education, housing and social justice. I have a three-year appointment for a member of the public at large. Commission members meet monthly, except for July and December, on the fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m.

In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority Advisory Board
The In-Home Supportive Services program assists elderly, blind or disabled individuals to remain in their own homes when they are no longer able to fully care for themselves. State law requires that the County have advisory board to the Board of Supervisors. I must nominate a senior who advocates for seniors who either currently serves on, or who has served on a senior advisory committee, board or commission within Santa Clara County. The Authority’s Advisory Board meets monthly on the third Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a lunch included.