Board of Supervisors Welcomes Two New Members

Redwood City - San Mateo County supervisors today selected David Canepa as president and Noelia Corzo as vice president for the upcoming year.

Supervisors also welcomed two new members: Jackie Speier, a former member of Congress who previously served on the Board of Supervisors in the 1980s, and Lisa Gauthier, a former East Palo Alto mayor and council member.

In their remarks, each supervisor outlined their vision for the coming term while acknowledging that there will be challenges as well as opportunities from each level of government.

This marks the second time Canepa has served as president; the first was in 2021.

Canepa shared his vision for "a County grounded in collaboration and common-sense governance" to guide decision-making about, among other priorities, affordable housing, the environment, health, the economy and equity. He also compared the fear and unknowns about the new federal administration to those the County faced with innovation and compassion during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"But let me tell you what I do know: I know that the County of San Mateo will fight tooth and nail for its residents, especially our most vulnerable," Canepa said. "We will not quietly accept changes and actions that harm our community. We will navigate these potentially choppy waters ahead to ensure everyone who lives and works here is treated with human decency and respect."

Canepa, who won reelection in 2024 and represents District 5 on the Board, was sworn into office by California State Controller Malia Cohen accompanied by his wife and son.

The addition of Gauthier and Speier give the Board a female majority.

Speier served as a supervisor from 1980 to 1986 before being elected to the California State Assembly and Senate, followed by her service in the U.S. Congress from 2008 to 2023. She won election in supervisorial District 1, which was previously represented by Dave Pine who left office due to term limits.

"I can't begin to say how thrilled I am to be home again. I thank the residents of District 1 for the privilege and opportunity to serve and to deliver for all of San Mateo County. After 40 years on all levels of government I learned that all politics is local. If you want to get something done - serve locally," Speier said.

Speier ticked off several priorities including combatting childhood poverty and creating more childcare and affordable housing, particularly on public land. Speier also garnered laughter but pointing to the jacket she wore to today's ceremony while holding up a black and white photo of her wearing the same one during her swearing in 45 years ago.

"You have to wonder why I still have it," she joked before later being sworn in, flanked by her son and granddaughter, by 16^th District Congresswoman Anna Eshoo.

Gauthier comes to the Board following 12 years on the East Palo Alto City Council, including three turns as mayor. She won election to the District 4 seat vacated by Warren Slocum due to term limits. Gauthier wants to tackle the high cost of living and the dearth of childcare spots. From the dais, Gauthier referenced her 4-year-old grandson sitting in the front row who she held while being sworn in by her daughter Brittnee Gauthier. She said he motivates much of her work.

"His future means the world to me. San Mateo County should be a place where he can grow up, survive and thrive. And I know we can get there," she said.

Corzo, who represents District 2, also pointed to bettering the County and the community while accepting the vice presidency.

"It is our duty to do right by every single one of our residents. It is our duty to improve and transform our systems so that they fairly and equitably serve us all through both support and accountability," she said. "May we continue to uplift equity, justice and ethics in our work every single day."

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