Endorsing Kirsten Keith and Lee Fernandez for Harbor District

Vote Kirsten Keith for Harbor District in District 5

Coastside Families Taking Action (CFTA) endorses Kirsten Keith for Harbor District in District 5.

Keith has prioritized environmental protection and stewardship in her campaign platform, as well as in her work as the Director of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, and Board member of Sustainable San Mateo County. She knows the community groups, organizations, and agencies who are active in this area and has a good grip on the studies and recommendations they have produced. She shared a comprehensive summary of the environmental challenges facing our Harbor along with the recommended actions to combat them.

Keith is committed to racial and social justice - she is a member of the San Mateo County Bar Association Race and Social Justice Task force, and has served as an Immigrant Rights Volunteer with the International Institute of the Bay Area's (IIBA) San Francisco Office. She supports the Black Lives Matter movement and is committed to making the harbor a welcoming and accessible place for all people.

Keith has a long history as a public servant. In addition to serving as a city councilor in Menlo Park for 8 years (Mayor for 2), she has also served on myriad commissions, Boards, and groups in San Mateo County. We believe she has the experience to serve the coastside effectively and productively.

CFTA was also pleased that Keith is fluent in Spanish, given the coast’s substantial spanish-speaking population.

Vote Lee Fernandez for Harbor District in District 4

Coastside Families Taking Action (CFTA) endorses Lee Fernandez for Harbor District in District 4.

Fernandez would be a new face on the Harbor District, but she brings a clear vision of what needs to change on the commission and in the Harbor, and a compelling determination to make it happen.

Fernandez has a vision for a Harbor District Commission that is more transparent and open to the community, with parent-friendly evening meeting times and the formation of an ​Equality Committee seeking the inclusion of representatives from community organizations to inform Harbor District Commissioners of community concerns.

Fernandez is committed to environmental protection and sustainability, and has several concrete and researched ideas for improving our Harbor infrastructure while enabling shoreline restoration efforts and promoting LEED certified projects. She wants to accomplish this in a way that will support our fishing community and serve visitors while shrinking their environmental impact.

Fernandez​ is committed to racial and social justice, and has a lifetime of activism to prove it, dating back to the civil rights era. Notable ideas for our Harbor include gender-neutral restrooms and multilingual signage.

With a long career managing large projects in the Navy under her belt, and previous public service on task forces in Redwood City, we believe ​Fernandez​ has the experience and know-how to get things done on Harbor Commission and achieve her vision.

You can read more about our endorsement process​​.