My background, education, and experience (both professionally and in community and nonprofit spheres) have equipped me with a broad knowledge base and skill set for the job of Napa County Supervisor. First, I have a long-term connection to the people and communities of District 3 and Napa County as a whole. My parents moved to the valley in 1969. I was born and raised in St. Helena, and went K-12 at the St. Helena public schools. Growing up, I worked many different local jobs: at the kiosk at Bothe State Park, at the local movie theatre (then the Liberty, now the Cameo), for Knickerbockers catering, in a tasting room and on bottling lines. All this work helped me better understand our local community and the jobs and businesses that make up our local economy. My decades spent in this valley have given me not only an understanding of current issues, but also a comprehension of the history we have here. As a long-time resident, I have formed relationships with folks in every community, and I understand the perspective of residents in many different parts of the county.
Second, through my education and professional experience, I have gained skills and expertise to address the challenges we face. I earned my undergraduate degree at Yale University and my law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law. After law school, I went to work for the Oregon Attorney General, first doing criminal appellate work, and later advising natural resource agencies in the state. This work gave me experience with the public sector and different government entities, as well as experience addressing water and land use issues. When I moved back to California, I worked in private practice on a range of topics, including estate planning and land use.
Third, my community and nonprofit involvement has allowed me to work with local residents and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face in District 3. For example, I co-chaired the 17-member St. Helena General Plan Update Steering Committee; I have served on the Board and as Board Chair for the Napa County Land Trust; and as a Board member for Nimbus Arts.
Currently, I serve on the Napa County Planning Commission; Diane Dillon appointed me to the position in 2014. My seven years as a Planning Commissioner have allowed me to develop a county-wide perspective (from Pope Valley, to Gordon Valley, to Franz Valley!) and granted me the opportunity to listen and talk with applicants, industry representatives, and members of the public on a range of topics over the years. I also serve on the Watershed Information and Conservation Council (WICC), and I’m a member of the St. Helena Walking Trails subcommittee. Most recently, I served on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) task force, an effort spearheaded by the Napa Community Firewise Foundation (NCFF). The CWPP process was a valuable chance to work with fire professionals - in both prevention and response - and learn more about fire risk and mitigation planning in the county. Now, I am also working with local residents to reinvigorate St. Helena’s Fire Safe Council.
In sum, my background, legal skills, community and county-level work, combined with my long connection and commitment to this place mean that I am well-qualified to take on the many duties of Supervisor for District 3.
