Rules Committee unanimously recommends Liz Winograd for Children and Families First Commission seat

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee on June 5 unanimously recommended Elizabeth "Liz" Winograd for Seat 6 on the Children and Families First Commission, sending her appointment to the full Board for confirmation. The committee's vote was recorded as aye by Vice Chair Shimon Walton, Supervisor Asha Safai and Chair Matt Dorsey.

Winograd, who was the sole applicant for the seat, told the committee she has worked in early childhood education for more than 20 years as a teacher, child-development center director and, most recently, as manager of the San Francisco Early Care and Education program at the Low Income Investment Fund (LIFT). "We've been naturalizing outdoor spaces and getting children back and connecting," Winograd said, describing programs that aim to help young children re-engage after COVID-era disruptions.

Supporters who spoke during the public-comment period emphasized Winograd's local experience. Naima Charles, speaking for the San Francisco Early Care and Education Advocacy Coalition and the Children's Council of San Francisco, praised Winograd's leadership of CPAC and an updated strategic plan and needs assessment. Maria, director of the San Francisco Children and Nature Collaborative at the Recreation and Parks Department, said Winograd's Connecting Children to Nature program has renovated 10 early-childhood outdoor play spaces and has plans for 10 more. Monique Guidry, a member of the Childcare Planning Advisory Council, cited Winograd's two decades of advocacy for families and providers.

Committee members praised Winograd's project experience across neighborhoods. "We need people that understand the mechanics of what makes childcare successful in San Francisco," Supervisor Asha Safai said. Vice Chair Shimon Walton and Chair Matt Dorsey also voiced support.

The clerk recorded the committee's recommendation; Winograd's appointment will be considered by the full Board as an item expected to appear on the Board agenda of June 13, 2023. The term for the seat was stated in committee as ending Oct. 8, 2026.