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Approve the reappointment of Linda Chandler and the appointments of Sandra Stevens, Gerald Huber, Alexandra Gonzalez as regular members, and Cynthia Tierney Panganiban and Aubrey de Castro as alternate members, to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council representing Solano County for two-year terms of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve the reappointment of Linda Chandler and the appointments of Sandra Stevens, Gerald Huber, Alexandra Gonzalez as regular members, and Cynthia Tierney Panganiban and Aubrey de Castro as alternate members, to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council representing Solano County for two-year terms of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
SUMMARY:
The Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging (N/S AAA) Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA) was established to advise the N/S AAA. The twenty-member ACOA, comprised of 16 regular members and 4 alternates, is required by the California Department of Aging and the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement between Napa and Solano Counties. The ACOA is charged with providing the N/S AAA with guidance on senior issues. The duties of the ACOA include reviewing service providers, advocating on behalf of seniors, and recommending program enhancements to the N/S AAA.
The recommended six candidates, who include five new appointments and one reappointment, are well-suited for the Advisory Council role, as noted by their backgrounds, and are expected to make a positive contribution to N/S AAA ACOA.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing this agenda item are nominal and included in the FY2026/27 Working Budget. There is no additional impact on the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
The ACOA consists of 16 regular members and up to four alternate members, with eight regular members and up to two alternates appointed by the Napa County Board of Supervisors and eight regular members and up to two alternates appointed by the Solano County Board of Supervisors.
Per the ACOA bylaws, each term begins July 1 and ends on June 30, and ACOA members may serve for two years and may be reappointed for two additional two year terms.
The ACOA serves in a planning and advocacy capacity for seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, and for other organizations designated by the Board of Supervisors, taking positions on matters about federal, State, and local policies, programs, procedures, and legislation affecting older persons. The ACOA seeks input from senior advocacy organizations, elected officials, local aging commissions, and the public to advocate for and make formal presentations on issues of concern to seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. ACOA members work with N/S AAA staff to develop, implement, and monitor the Four-Year Area Plan and annual updates, hold public hearings, and produce the annual report by the Older Californians Act. The ACOA consists of a diverse group of adults representing different service backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and locations throughout the county. The duties of the ACOA include reviewing service providers, advocating on behalf of seniors, and recommending program enhancements.
To determine the best candidates for the new appointments, the ACOA membership committee interviewed 18 candidates for the ACOA. The committee recommended Sandra Stevens, Gerald Huber, and Alexandria Gonzalez as Solano County appointments and Cynthia Tierney Panganiban and Aubrey de Castro as alternates. The ACOA voted unanimously to recommend their appointments to the Solano County Board of Supervisors at their meeting on June 2, 2026. The N/S AAA staff also recommend these individuals for appointments.
Sandra Stevens is a Vallejo resident who served on the Solano County Grand Jury and mentored youth. Ms. Stevens was previously one of two alternates serving on the ACOA, and is recommended to serve a two-year term as a regular member from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
Gerald Huber is a resident of Fairfield and served as the Solano County Health and Social Services Director for 10 years until 2024. He has over 35 years of leadership in health and human services, serving vulnerable populations, including seniors, people with disabilities, and children. It is recommended that Mr. Huber serve as a regular ACOA member from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
Alexandria Gonzalez is a resident of Fairfield and holds a supervisory position in a supportive housing services agency. It is recommended that Ms. Gonzalez serve as a regular ACOA member from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
Cynthia Tierney Panganiban is a resident of Suisun City and has over 30 years of leadership, training, and coaching primarily in healthcare. She has volunteered in professional industry associations and in the community. It is recommended Ms. Panganiban serve as an alternate ACOA member from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
Aubrey de Castro is a Vallejo resident and has served for 16 years as a home care coordinator for older adults in the Napa and Solano areas. It is recommended Ms. De Castro serve as an alternate ACOA member from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
In addition to the new appointments, the full ACOA also unanimously voted on June 2, 2026, to recommend the reappointment of Linda Chandler for a second two-year term to expire June 30, 2028.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve any of a portion of the recommended appointments, and direct staff to conduct new recruitment. This is not recommended as it would delay the formation of the ACOA.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Advisory Council on Aging provides oversight to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION