About the Commission

The Parks Commission acts in an advisory capacity and makes policy recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding the management and operation of County natural preserves, marine reserves, open space areas, trails, parks and/or recreation areas and facilities within unincorporated San Mateo County. The Commission reviews and forwards to the Board of Supervisors recommendations regarding fees to be charged for the use of these areas. The Commission advises the Board of Supervisors regarding fish, game and wildlife policies and programs, and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the expenditure of fish and game propagation funds.

Mission Statement

Representing the people of San Mateo County and in their interest, act as an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors on matters related to open space, parks and recreation, providing a public and transparent forum on items agendized for its consideration in coordination with the County Parks Director.

Structure of the Commission

There are five Commissioners, each of whom represents one of the five Supervisorial Districts. Commissioners are appointed by the Supervisor elected from that District and serve terms concurrent with the Supervisors. Most Commissioners average 10 hours per month on Commission related business. Service as a Commissioner is as a volunteer. There is no compensation for this position.

Jorge Laguna

Chair
District 1 (Pine)
Appointed: 2/4/2021
Term Expires: 12/31/2024

Heather Green

District 2 (Groom)
Appointed: 2/26/19
Term Expires: 12/31/2022

Neil Merrilees

District 3 (Horsley)
Reappointed: 12/6/2018
Term Expires 12/31/2022

Meda O. Okelo

Vice Chair

District 4 (Slocum)
Reappointed: 1/23/2018
Term Expires 1/23/2021

Basem Manneh

District 5 (Canepa)
Appointed: 4/11/2017
Term Expires 12/31/2020

Youth Commissioner: Kevin Chiu

Commission Meetings

Meetings of the Parks and Recreation Commission are held regularly on the first Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m.

On March 17, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-29-20 suspending certain provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act in order to allow for local legislative bodies to conduct their meetings telephonically or by other electronic means. Thus, pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, local and statewide health orders, and the CDC’s social distancing guidelines which discourage large public gatherings, the Board chambers is no longer open to the public for meetings of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Meetings are held publicly and are conducted by a quorum of at least three of the Commissioners. Agendas are set for each meeting and minutes are recorded for actions taken. See individual meetings listed below.