Thursday, February 2nd from 6 to 7:30 pm
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Mavericks House: 107 Broadway, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Free Admission
Brews & Views welcomes San Mateo County District 3 Supervisor Ray Mueller, Puente Executive Director Rita Mancera, ALAS Founder Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, SMC Dept of Emergency Management Coordinator David Cosgrave, Senator Josh Becker, and CalTrans District’s Division of Environmental Arnica MacCarthy for a discussion about the current and future state of Coastside infrastructure and supervisor Mueller’s plans for developing a Coastside Resilient Infrastructure Specific Plan (CRISP). In addition, the CA Assc. for Economic Development Recovery has completed the Economic Development Recovery and Resiliency Guide, written by practitioners and partners who have dealt with economic disruptions/natural disasters, and published The CA Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook This event will be moderated by Lenny Mendonca, Former Chief Economic and Business Advisor at for the State of California, and founder of The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.
Admission and snacks are complimentary. Beer, wine, and other beverages will be available for sale at the event.
Guest Bios:
Ray Mueller, San Mateo County Supervisor, 3rd District
Ray is a California native and Bay Area resident for over 25 years. Ray previously served as a Menlo Park City Councilmember in 2012 and 2016 and served as Mayor twice. Prior to his service on the Menlo Park City Council, Ray served as Chair of the Menlo Park Transportation Commission.
Professionally, Ray works as an in-house attorney in the Emergency Response and Services sector. Prior to this Ray served as Chief of Staff to Santa Clara County Supervisor and former State Senator S. Joseph Simitian. His career includes practicing law both in-house and as a private litigator.
Ray’s volunteer service includes the San Mateo County chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and he previously served on the board of directors of LifeMoves, a leading provider of shelter/housing and supportive services across Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula.
Ray graduated from UC Berkeley, and then received his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Additionally, Ray earned holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University’s online platform, eCornell.
Ray and his wife, Kristen Shima are the proud parents of Max, 16 and Elle, 12, both of whom attend local public schools.
Rita Mancera, Puente Executive Director
Rita Mancera is the Executive Director of Puente. She is passionate about increasing opportunities for low-income families and immigrants in the areas of education, health, and financial security in her own community, as well as advocating for regional policies that make communities more equitable and inclusive. Rita is co-founder of Familias Al Aire Libre, a group the introduces local families to the outdoors through hiking.
Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, ALAS Founder
Belinda is ALAS' founder and a Board Member. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has a doctorate in Education as well as extensive experience working in community mental health in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. She is specialized in child trauma and Latino mental health. Also, she is committed to social justice advocacy and promoting healing through multicultural practices.
David Cosgrave, SMC Dept of Emergency Management Coordinator
David Cosgrave is the current District Coordinator for the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management. Prior to this position David was the Division Chief for Coastside Fire Protection District & unincorporated San Mateo County, retiring in July after 32 years of fire service. David serves as a Program Manager with CERT and is on the board of the Earthquake Country Alliance Bay Area.
Senator Josh Becker
Senator Josh Becker is a public policy innovator working at the nexus of community activism, technology and social justice. Elected to the State Senate in November 2020, Senator Becker represents the residents of California’s 13th Senate District, which comprises most of San Mateo County and the northern part of Santa Clara County.
He is the author of several bills focused on accelerating California’s transition to 100% clean energy and net zero emissions, voter access and justice reforms, and leveraging technology to provide greater economic mobility for all Californians.
Arnica MacCarthy, CalTrans District’s Division of Environmental
Arnica MacCarthy is a Senior Environmental Planner and Environmental Branch Chief at Caltrans, Bay Area (District 4). Arnica’s branch covers Marin and Sonoma counties. In her tenure at Caltrans, she initiated and led the District 4 Sea Level Rise Taskforce, advancing focus on the increasing climate stressor to the State Highway System. Beginning her career in County planning, Arnica understands the value of working closely with partner agencies and in her position at Caltrans, has developed strong working relationships with California Coastal Commission, State Parks, county and city representatives, and the public with a goal to improve California’s transportation system.