The Shasta Children and Families Commission (Commission), also known as First 5 Shasta, is a seven-member board comprised of three County representatives and four community representatives.
According to Shasta County Code Section 2.65.030, Subsection A, the four community representatives shall be selected by the Board of Supervisors from among the following categories:
a. Representatives of community-based organizations that have the goal of promoting nurturing and early childhood development;
b. Educators specializing in early childhood development;
c. Representatives of a local child care resource or referral agency, or a local child care coordinating group;
d. Representatives of a local organization for prevention or early intervention for families at risk;
e. Representatives of local medical, pediatric, or obstetric associations or societies;
f. Representatives of local school districts; and
g. Recipients of project services included in the county strategic plan.
Commissioner Joe Ayer's term expires January 2017. He has expressed interest in reappointment as a community representative. Additionally, one vacancy exists on the Commission due to a resignation. Erin Salazar has expressed interest in serving on the Commission as a community representative. Her application indicates that she is an educator/former educator specializing in early childhood development. Ms. Salazar's application materials are attached.
Shasta County Code Section 2.65.030, Subsection C dictates the membership of the Commission and the manner in which vacancies shall be filled:
"A commissioner serves at the pleasure of the board of supervisors and may be removed from office by the board of supervisors at any time. A vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments are made. The commission may make recommendations of candidates for appointment by the board of supervisors either to fill a vacancy or to commence a new term. The board of supervisors is under no obligation to accept any such commission recommendation. In the event of a vacancy, the board of supervisors shall act within sixty days to fill the vacancy."
On October 24, 2016, the Commission unanimously voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors reappoint Joe Ayer for three-year terms to expire January 2020. In addition, the Commission considered three candidates for the vacant seat and unanimously voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors appoint Erin Salazar for a three-year term to expire January 2020. Minutes from the October 24, 2016 meeting of the Commission are attached.