To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures
Staff Name and Phone Number: Andrew Smith, 707-565-2371
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Countywide Appointments to the Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Approve the Appointments of Angelina Grab and Patrick Mills to the Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission for each to serve as At Large representatives for a term of two years beginning September 15, 2026, and ending September 15, 2028. (Countywide)
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Executive Summary:
The Board of Supervisors are responsible for appointments to over 75 Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces. Vacancies and upcoming expiring appointments are posted on the County’s list of Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces website: <https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/boards/w/808bd6e42edf8e0f>.
Rule 50 of the Board Rules of Procedures states that the Clerk of the Board shall convene staff to review prospective countywide appointments and make appointment recommendations to the Board. In January 2023, the County Executive Officer delegated responsibility for managing recommendations for various Countywide appointments to departments and agencies with subject matter expertise, administrative oversight of the respective body, or other relevant qualifications. The Department of Agriculture, Weights, and Measures (AWM) was assigned responsibility for reviewing applications, evaluating interested candidates, and recommending qualified individuals for appointment to the Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission’s At Large representative seats. This item recommends the appointment of Angelina Grab and Patrick Mills to fill the Commission's At Large Countywide vacancies.
Discussion:
The Fish and Wildlife Commission was convened by Board of Supervisors in September of 1974 (Resolution 46215), and the authority to approve the Commissions expenditures was officially delegated to the Agricultural Commissioner in February 2002 (Resolution 02-0179).
The Commission is composed of 12 members, including two members appointed from each Supervisorial District, and two At Large (Countywide) members appointed by the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation by the Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures (Department). All appointments to the Commission are subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors. Currently, all 10 Supervisorial District-appointed seats are filled, and both At Large (Countywide) seats are vacant.
The Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission leverages funds from fines and forfeitures imposed or collected because of environmental enforcement actions prosecuted by the District Attorney for violations of the California State Fish and Game Code in Sonoma County. The Commission reviews grant applications from education and conservation entities and recommends funding amounts for final approval by the Agricultural Commissioner to be paid from the wildlife propagation fund. The Commission also runs an annual Scholarship Program and reviews scholarship applications from local students studying natural sciences at the college level, and awards funding to the top applicants.
The Department received three applications for consideration to fill the Commission's two At Large (Countywide) vacancies. Agricultural Commissioner Andrew Smith interviewed each applicant and, in collaboration with the Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and AWM staff responsible for administrative management of the Commission, evaluated the candidates and developed recommendations for appointment. This item recommends the appointment of Angelina Grab and Patrick Mills to serve in the Commission's two At Large (Countywide) seats. If approved, each appointee will serve a two-year term.
Angelina Grab
Angelina Grab is an accomplished professional with extensive volunteer experience and continuing education focused on animal care and facilities maintenance, including certifications through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Since June 2025, she has served as the District 2 representative on the Behavioral Health Board. Angelina brings a strong commitment to public service, a collaborative approach, and an enthusiasm for learning that will be a valuable asset to the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Patrick Mills
Patrick Mills is a Fire Captain with the Sonoma County Fire District and an avid outdoorsman. As a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Hunter Education Instructor, he taught new hunters about safety, ethical hunting practices, wildlife conservation, and responsible outdoor recreation. Patrick brings extensive knowledge of the relationship between hunting, conservation, and California fish and wildlife regulations, making him well qualified to serve on the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Strategic Plan:
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Prior Board Actions:
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Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Applications Recommended for Appointment
Application Not Recommended for Appointment
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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