Rules Committee selects four members for Reentry Council after extensive applicant hearings

The Rules Committee on Oct. 28 heard two-minute statements from 36 applicants for four seats on the City and County of San Francisco Reentry Council and voted to forward four nominees to the full Board with positive recommendations.

Chair Ronan and committee members set a two-minute speaking limit and invited applicants to present in alphabetical order. Candidates described a mix of lived experience and professional service: many were formerly incarcerated or in recovery and now work in reentry services, workforce development, mental health, peer mentoring, or nonprofit leadership. Themes across applicants included housing navigation, peer mentoring, workforce programs, and advocacy for veterans and women.

Several applicants referenced state legislation and programs affecting reentry; for example, multiple speakers noted San Francisco’s reentry guide and SB 1437 as context for recent releases and needs.

After public comment in support of specific candidates, Supervisors deliberated. Committee members’ shortlists overlapped on several names; Chair Ronan moved to forward Yolanda Morissette to seat 1, Michael Brown to seat 2, Oscar Salinas to seat 3, and Jabari Jackson to seat 4. Roll call recorded Supervisors Stephanie, Marr and Chair Ronan voting ‘‘aye’’; the motion passed without objection. The committee will transmit the four recommended appointees to the full Board of Supervisors for final appointment.

Public commenters and supervisors repeatedly praised applicants’ lived experience and community connections as assets for council work to improve reentry outcomes.