Marin County Board Appoints New Members to Child Care and Youth Commissions

The Marin County government meeting held on August 21, 2025, focused on the appointment of members to various commissions, including the Child Care Commission and the Youth Commission, as well as updates on the CSA 16 Greenbrae.

The meeting began with Carla Kekmar, the assistant clerk, providing a status update on the Child Care Commission. This commission consists of 20 seats, with 10 appointed by the Board of Supervisors and 10 by the County Superintendent of Schools, each serving two-year terms. Currently, five terms are set to expire, and there are eight vacancies. Notably, several resignations have occurred, including those of Donjay Fields and Daphne Cummings. Recent appointments include Donjay Fields to the superintendent consumer seat, Daphne Cummings to the superintendent community seat, and Latanya Wiggins to the superintendent discretionary seat, all ratified during the meeting. The board recommended continuing recruitment for the remaining seats.

Public comments were invited, with Laura Hay from the Youth Leadership Institute expressing support for the Youth Commission. She highlighted the transition from an at-large system to a by-district system, aimed at enhancing equity and geographic representation. Several youth members, including Walt Nossardian and Mira, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the quality of applicants and the thorough selection process.

Samantha Ramirez, a former coordinator of the Youth Commission, voiced her concerns about recent changes to the commission and offered her support as a community partner. She suggested the formation of a task force to involve experienced individuals in the program's evolution.

Following public comments, the board moved to ratify the three members of the Child Care Commission and continue recruitment efforts, which passed unanimously.

The meeting then shifted focus to CSA 16 Greenbrae, where there are five total seats, one term expiring soon, and three current vacancies. Two applications were received: one from incumbent Ronald Peluso and another from David Sternberg. The board recommended appointing both members and continuing recruitment for the remaining seats.

In summary, the meeting addressed key appointments and recruitment efforts for various commissions, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and representation. The board's actions reflect a commitment to filling vacancies and enhancing the effectiveness of these commissions in Marin County.