Mayor Daniel Lurie has taken a step towards bolstering San Francisco's key commissions and committees by bringing on a cadre of community leaders and policy experts. The newly appointed members are set to contribute their diverse expertise to various areas of the city's administration, aiming to facilitate the city’s recovery and enhance public safety. Among the appointees, Jacqueline Francis has joined the Asian Art Commission, and Eleanor R. Cox brings her skills to the Historic Preservation Commission, as reported by the official San Francisco city news release.
Adding to the list of appointments, the Juvenile Probation Commission will now benefit from the insights of Elijah Mercer, whose background in data management and community advocacy speaks to a deep understanding of systemic challenges. The Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families’ (DCYF) Oversight and Advisory Committee welcomes Yvette Edwards, Ryan Hazelton, Eloise Krehlik, Prasanthi Patel, and Jenny Pearlman. Mayor Lurie praised the new appointees: "These appointees have proven their commitment to their professional communities and will bring unique perspectives to their roles on these critical city commissions and committees," in a statement the mayor's office released.
Each appointee carries a notable portfolio. Dr. Jacqueline Francis, who has earned tenure and was promoted to professor in 2022 at California College of the Arts, is an esteemed art historian with extensive experience in art education, research, and leadership. Eleanor R. Cox, a senior preservation specialist at MIG, Inc., holds a master’s degree in historic preservation and is well-versed in cultural landscape projects and climate adaptation for historical resources. Her experience includes working at sites such as Pinnacles National Park and Yosemite National Park.
Meanwhile, data strategist Elijah Mercer will lend his skills to the Juvenile Probation Commission. Mercer is lauded for his work at Instituto Familiar de la Raza and for being the founder of data for JustUS. The Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families' Oversight and Advisory Committee sees the inclusion of various advocates and experts like Ryan Hazelton, executive director of Mariposa Kids, and Prasanthi Patel, COO of a dental nonprofit, both of whom are deeply involved in youth and health services. Yvette Edwards, an education advocate, champions support for students with diverse learning needs and is also a key part of this new chapter in the committee's work. Eloise Krehlik, a fixture in youth advocacy and bilingual outreach, and Jenny Pearlman, with extensive policy experience at Safe and Sound, round out the list of appointees, bringing knowledge to their new roles.
