Speakers
- Keynote Speaker: Congressman George Miller
- Councilmember Mary Helen Rocha, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Antioch
- ABAG President Julie Pierce
- Tina Swanson, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council
- Russell van Löben Sels, Delta farmer
- Randy Fiorini, Chair, Delta Stewardship Council
- John Coleman, President, Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), Bay Planning Coalition Executive Director, and East Bay Municipal Utilities District Boardmember
- Panelists and speakers from Bay and Delta counties:
- Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Piepho
- Gary Bobker, The Bay Institute
- Marin County Supervisor Steve Kinsey
- San Joaquin County Supervisor Larry Ruhstaller
- San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine
- Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff
- Sonoma County Supervisor Susan Gorin
- Facilitated discussion led by Bill Chiat, Dean, California State Association of Counties Institute for Excellence in County Government
Speaker Bios
Mary Helen Rocha
Julie Pierce
Julie is the President of the
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Executive Committee. She is immediate
past Mayor of the City of Clayton and Vice Chair of the Contra Costa
Transportation Authority (CCTA). She has been working on transportation, land
use and growth management policy issues for 27 years, beginning in 1987, when
she was appointed to TRANSPAC, the Central Contra Costa Regional Transportation
Planning Committee.
She has served on the Clayton
City Council and the CCTA since 1992, serving five times as Mayor, and twice as
Chair of CCTA. Julie was recognized for her leadership by the Contra Costa
Council in 1995 for the adoption of Contra Costa’s very first Countywide
Comprehensive Transportation Plan, and was honored by the San Francisco Chapter
of the Women's Transportation Seminar with their 1998 Woman of the Year award.
Julie is the CCTA delegate to and President of the California Council of
Governments (CALCOG).
Julie served as chair of Contra Costa’s Shaping Our Future Policy Committee, which brought elected officials and stakeholders from the cities and county together to develop a plan to strengthen the linkages between housing needs, jobs and transportation infrastructure. This effort lead to the Urban Limit Line consensus included as a basic tenet in the renewal of Contra Costa’s 2004 Growth Management policy in Measure J.
Julie also represents the Contra Costa cities on ABAG’s Regional Planning Committee and on the ABAG Executive Committee where she was instrumental in the negotiation of the Plan Bay Area Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). Julie has been recognized locally, regionally and inter-regionally for her leadership, ability to build consensus from divergent views and for promoting a county and region-wide approach to transportation planning, land use and growth management.
Julie served as chair of Contra Costa’s Shaping Our Future Policy Committee, which brought elected officials and stakeholders from the cities and county together to develop a plan to strengthen the linkages between housing needs, jobs and transportation infrastructure. This effort lead to the Urban Limit Line consensus included as a basic tenet in the renewal of Contra Costa’s 2004 Growth Management policy in Measure J.
Julie also represents the Contra Costa cities on ABAG’s Regional Planning Committee and on the ABAG Executive Committee where she was instrumental in the negotiation of the Plan Bay Area Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). Julie has been recognized locally, regionally and inter-regionally for her leadership, ability to build consensus from divergent views and for promoting a county and region-wide approach to transportation planning, land use and growth management.
George Miller
Congressman George Miller is the Senior Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee and a leading advocate in Congress on education, labor, the economy, and the environment. First elected in 1975, he now represents the 11th District of California in the East Bay of San Francisco, including the majority of Contra Costa County. A principal author of major laws affecting America’s education system, labor and health policy, and the protection of natural resources, Miller announced in January this year that he will not seek a 21st term in the House this fall. Miller is among the 50th consecutive longest serving members of Congress in history, out of more than 10,000 members.
In addition to his focus on strengthening and growing America’s middle class, Congressman George Miller is driven by a passion for the outdoors and the environment, as evidenced by his past chairmanship of the House Committee on Natural Resources. Congressman Miller is an advocate and leader for fish and wildlife protection and conservation, ensuring responsible stewardship of our lands and waters, and developing clean energy technologies. He has worked towards these goals as a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus, the House International Conservation Caucus, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, the House Oceans Caucus, the Congressional National Parks Caucus, the Boating Caucus, the Trails Caucus, the House Recycling Caucus, the House Organic Caucus and the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus.
Miller was born in Richmond, CA, on May 17, 1945 and lives in Martinez. He graduated from Diablo Valley Community College, San Francisco State University, and earned his law degree from the University of California, Davis, Law School. He served on the staff of then-State Senate Majority Leader George Moscone in Sacramento. He is married to Cynthia Caccavo Miller, a life-long resident of Contra Costa County. They have two sons, George and Stephen, and six grandchildren.
In addition to his focus on strengthening and growing America’s middle class, Congressman George Miller is driven by a passion for the outdoors and the environment, as evidenced by his past chairmanship of the House Committee on Natural Resources. Congressman Miller is an advocate and leader for fish and wildlife protection and conservation, ensuring responsible stewardship of our lands and waters, and developing clean energy technologies. He has worked towards these goals as a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus, the House International Conservation Caucus, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, the House Oceans Caucus, the Congressional National Parks Caucus, the Boating Caucus, the Trails Caucus, the House Recycling Caucus, the House Organic Caucus and the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus.
Miller was born in Richmond, CA, on May 17, 1945 and lives in Martinez. He graduated from Diablo Valley Community College, San Francisco State University, and earned his law degree from the University of California, Davis, Law School. He served on the staff of then-State Senate Majority Leader George Moscone in Sacramento. He is married to Cynthia Caccavo Miller, a life-long resident of Contra Costa County. They have two sons, George and Stephen, and six grandchildren.
Tina Swanson
Christina (Tina) Swanson, Ph.D., is Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) Science Center, where she works to expand the organization’s scientific capabilities and support its legal and policy work across a range of environmental, public health and sustainable management issues. Prior to joining NRDC in 2011, Dr. Swanson worked with The Bay Institute (Novato, CA), serving as the organization’s fisheries/senior scientist and, from 2008-2011, as Executive Director and Chief Scientist. She is an expert in fish biology, aquatic ecosystem protection and restoration, ecological indicators and water resource management. Much of her work has been in the San Francisco Bay-Delta, but she has also worked and conducted research on marine and estuarine fish in Hawaii and, as a Fulbright Scholar, in the Philippines. Dr. Swanson has authored or co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed articles and numerous technical and policy memoranda and reports. Dr. Swanson received her B.A. from Cornell University, her doctorate from University of California, Los Angeles, and conducted post-doctoral research at University of California, Davis. She was President of the Western Division of the American Fisheries Society in 20012-2013 and of the California-Nevada Chapter in 2004-2005.
Russell van Löben Sels
A fourth generation farmer, Russell van Löben Sels is vice president and CFO of Amistad Ranches and secretary and CFO of Esperanza Enterprises. For over 40 years, he has farmed approximately 2500 acres of Bartlett pears, tomatoes, wine grapes, alfalfa, and grains in the Sacramento River Delta on land that was reclaimed by his great grandfather more than 130 years ago. He is a graduate of Stanford University with a major in economics. After completing service in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant, van Löben Sels returned to Courtland to join the family farming operation.
He is actively involved in local land-use, agricultural, industry, and legislative issues. A board member and recent past president of the Sacramento County Farm Bureau, van Löben Sels chairs the Delta Caucus, a coalition of Delta Farm Bureaus. He is a former director and secretary of Delta Sugar Corporation, and former director of the Yolo County Farm Bureau, the California Central Valley Flood Control Association, the Tomato Research Institute, and the California Pear Advisory Board. Currently he serves on the California Pear Growers Association Board of Directors and was its chair for fourteen years. Since 1980, he has been president and director of Reclamation District No. 744.
He is actively involved in local land-use, agricultural, industry, and legislative issues. A board member and recent past president of the Sacramento County Farm Bureau, van Löben Sels chairs the Delta Caucus, a coalition of Delta Farm Bureaus. He is a former director and secretary of Delta Sugar Corporation, and former director of the Yolo County Farm Bureau, the California Central Valley Flood Control Association, the Tomato Research Institute, and the California Pear Advisory Board. Currently he serves on the California Pear Growers Association Board of Directors and was its chair for fourteen years. Since 1980, he has been president and director of Reclamation District No. 744.
Dave Pine
Dave Pine was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in a special election in May 2011. He represents District 1 which includes Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Bruno, and portions of South San Francisco; the unincorporated communities of San Mateo Highlands, Baywood Park and Burlingame Hills; and the San Francisco Airport.
Pine serves on numerous county and regional boards and commissions including: The SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission; the SF Bay Restoration Authority; the Association of Bay Area Governments; the San Mateo County First Five Commission; and the Health Plan of San Mateo.
Supervisor Pine previously was a school board member for the Burlingame School District from 2003 to 2007 and the San Mateo Union High School District from 2007 to 2011. He is a past president of the San Mateo County School Boards Association, and also was an education policy advisor to Steve Westly during his 2006 California gubernatorial campaign.
Before focusing his career on public service, Pine worked as an attorney representing start-up and high-growth technology companies. After working in private practice with Fenwick & West, he served as Vice President and General Counsel for Radius, Excite@Home and Handspring.
Originally from New Hampshire, Pine is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Michigan Law School. He lives in Burlingame with his wife Jane and their two sons.
Pine serves on numerous county and regional boards and commissions including: The SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission; the SF Bay Restoration Authority; the Association of Bay Area Governments; the San Mateo County First Five Commission; and the Health Plan of San Mateo.
Supervisor Pine previously was a school board member for the Burlingame School District from 2003 to 2007 and the San Mateo Union High School District from 2007 to 2011. He is a past president of the San Mateo County School Boards Association, and also was an education policy advisor to Steve Westly during his 2006 California gubernatorial campaign.
Before focusing his career on public service, Pine worked as an attorney representing start-up and high-growth technology companies. After working in private practice with Fenwick & West, he served as Vice President and General Counsel for Radius, Excite@Home and Handspring.
Originally from New Hampshire, Pine is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Michigan Law School. He lives in Burlingame with his wife Jane and their two sons.
Randy Fiorini
Chair of the Delta Stewardship Council, Randy Fiorini was born in Turlock, CA, where he was raised on his family’s tree fruit and wine grape farm. After graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1975, Mr. Fiorini returned to Turlock and assumed managing partner responsibilities for Fiorini Ranch.
Interested in agricultural industry affairs, Mr. Fiorini was elected to serve as the Chairman of the California Canners and Growers, Chairman of the California Cling Peach Advisory Board, and was appointed by two Presidents to serve on the US Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Fruits and Vegetables.
In addition to farming, Mr. Fiorini has found time to serve as director on many local boards, including Faith Home Teen Ranch, Hope Unlimited International, and is the past president of Emmanuel Medical Center, Rotary Club of Livingston, and the Merced County Farm Bureau.
Recognized for his agricultural leadership and on-farm achievements, Mr. Fiorini was selected by the United States Jaycees in 1987 as the Outstanding Young Farmer in the United States.
Mr. Fiorini’s public involvement with water issues began in 1992 when he was elected director of the Turlock Irrigation District. He served in that capacity for 16 years. During that time he also served as president of the San Joaquin River Group Authority, president of the California Farm Water Coalition, and as president of the Association of California Water Agencies.
In March 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Mr. Fiorini to serve on the Delta Stewardship Council, and was initially elected to a four year as Vice-Chair of the Council by his colleagues at the Council's inception in 2010. At the conclusion of this term as Vice-Chair in 2014, he was elected Chair.
Interested in agricultural industry affairs, Mr. Fiorini was elected to serve as the Chairman of the California Canners and Growers, Chairman of the California Cling Peach Advisory Board, and was appointed by two Presidents to serve on the US Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Fruits and Vegetables.
In addition to farming, Mr. Fiorini has found time to serve as director on many local boards, including Faith Home Teen Ranch, Hope Unlimited International, and is the past president of Emmanuel Medical Center, Rotary Club of Livingston, and the Merced County Farm Bureau.
Recognized for his agricultural leadership and on-farm achievements, Mr. Fiorini was selected by the United States Jaycees in 1987 as the Outstanding Young Farmer in the United States.
Mr. Fiorini’s public involvement with water issues began in 1992 when he was elected director of the Turlock Irrigation District. He served in that capacity for 16 years. During that time he also served as president of the San Joaquin River Group Authority, president of the California Farm Water Coalition, and as president of the Association of California Water Agencies.
In March 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Mr. Fiorini to serve on the Delta Stewardship Council, and was initially elected to a four year as Vice-Chair of the Council by his colleagues at the Council's inception in 2010. At the conclusion of this term as Vice-Chair in 2014, he was elected Chair.
John Coleman
John A. Coleman was elected president of the Association of California Water Agencies in December 2013.
He has been a member of the East Bay Municipal Utility District Board of Directors since 1990, serving as president of the EBMUD board from 1996 to 2000 and president again in 2009 and 2010.
Coleman is a past president of the board of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies and is past president of DERWA, the joint powers authority for recycled water service provided by EBMUD and the Dublin-San Ramon Services District. He currently chairs the Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority and is chair of the Freeport Regional Water Authority.
He is the immediate past chair of ACWA's Federal Affairs Committee and also serves on the Board of Directors of the East Bay Leadership Council, the National Water Resources Association (NWRA), and the WateReuse Association. He served on ABAG's CALFED Task Force, the Advisory Council for California Forward, and chaired its Water and Land Use Subcommittee.
Coleman served Governors Wilson and Davis as Deputy Director of External Affairs for the California Conservation Corps.
He has been a member of the East Bay Municipal Utility District Board of Directors since 1990, serving as president of the EBMUD board from 1996 to 2000 and president again in 2009 and 2010.
Coleman is a past president of the board of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies and is past president of DERWA, the joint powers authority for recycled water service provided by EBMUD and the Dublin-San Ramon Services District. He currently chairs the Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority and is chair of the Freeport Regional Water Authority.
He is the immediate past chair of ACWA's Federal Affairs Committee and also serves on the Board of Directors of the East Bay Leadership Council, the National Water Resources Association (NWRA), and the WateReuse Association. He served on ABAG's CALFED Task Force, the Advisory Council for California Forward, and chaired its Water and Land Use Subcommittee.
Coleman served Governors Wilson and Davis as Deputy Director of External Affairs for the California Conservation Corps.
Gary Bobker
Gary Bobker, Rivers and Delta Program Director, joined The Bay Institute in 1992. Since then, he has helped negotiate a number of landmark environmental agreements, from the Bay-Delta Accord to the San Joaquin River restoration settlement. Gary currently directs The Bay Institute's Rivers and Delta Program, which works to enforce and strengthen baseline environmental protections for the estuary, provide guidance and oversight to long-term restoration plans and projects, and reform Central Valley water use and agricultural drainage management. He supervises The Bay Institute’s Ecological Scorecard Project and is a leader in the environmental community’s efforts to secure new state and federal water quality standards for the estuary and to shape the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan and the Delta Stewardship Council's Delta Plan. Previously, he served as West Coast staff director for the National Toxics Campaign, as Northern California staff director for the California Natural Resources Federation, and as pollution prevention research analyst for the Citizen Action Coalition.
Mr. Bobker also served for many years as chair of the CALFED Program Ecosystem Roundtable, as Program Coordinator for the Environmental Water Caucus, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Estuary Institute.
Mr. Bobker also served for many years as chair of the CALFED Program Ecosystem Roundtable, as Program Coordinator for the Environmental Water Caucus, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Estuary Institute.
Larry Ruhstaller
Frank “Larry” Ruhstaller was born in San Francisco on April 3, 1948. He is a third
generation Stocktonian who grew up and attended local schools. He is a graduate
of the University of California at Berkeley
where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in US History with emphasis in US city
planning. Larry was a Lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy.
Currently, Larry is serving his sixth year on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. He represents the 2nd District which encompasses most of central and northern Stockton.
As a Supervisor, Larry has been instrumental in creating a Green Purchasing Policy for County Departments and has been a strong advocate for a comprehensive Delta restoration plan as the Chairman of the Delta Protection Commission and as a member of the Delta Stewardship Council and the 5 Delta Counties Coalition.
Supervisor Ruhstaller also serves on the Board of Directors of the Health Plan of San Joaquin, the Mental Health Board and Hospital Medical Executive Committee, which have oversight over operations at San Joaquin General Hospital. In addition, Larry serves as the Board Representative on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and as Chairman of the San Joaquin Flood Control Agency (SJAFCA).
Prior to his election to the Board, Larry served two terms on the Stockton City Council from 1997-2004. His community involvement includes service as Chairman of the Stockton Asparagus Festival, President of the Board of Directors of the Stockton Visitors and Convention Bureau, and is a member of numerous clubs and associations.
Frank and his wife Kitty have been married 26 years. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
Currently, Larry is serving his sixth year on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. He represents the 2nd District which encompasses most of central and northern Stockton.
As a Supervisor, Larry has been instrumental in creating a Green Purchasing Policy for County Departments and has been a strong advocate for a comprehensive Delta restoration plan as the Chairman of the Delta Protection Commission and as a member of the Delta Stewardship Council and the 5 Delta Counties Coalition.
Supervisor Ruhstaller also serves on the Board of Directors of the Health Plan of San Joaquin, the Mental Health Board and Hospital Medical Executive Committee, which have oversight over operations at San Joaquin General Hospital. In addition, Larry serves as the Board Representative on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and as Chairman of the San Joaquin Flood Control Agency (SJAFCA).
Prior to his election to the Board, Larry served two terms on the Stockton City Council from 1997-2004. His community involvement includes service as Chairman of the Stockton Asparagus Festival, President of the Board of Directors of the Stockton Visitors and Convention Bureau, and is a member of numerous clubs and associations.
Frank and his wife Kitty have been married 26 years. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
Mary Nejedly Piepho
The Honorable Mary Nejedly Piepho
is serving in her third, four-year term on the Contra Costa County Board of
Supervisors. As the District III Supervisor, she represents the largest of the
five districts which covers Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery
Bay, Knightsen and Oakley in East Contra Costa County and Blackhawk, Diablo and
Camino Tassajara in the Southern portion of the County.
Supervisor Piepho serves on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee, and is a founder of the Delta Counties Coalition. She also serves on various other committees such as the Local Agency Formation Commission, Legislation Committee, and the Delta Protection Commission.
Supervisor Piepho’s policy priorities include:
Prior to her election as a County Supervisor, Mrs. Piepho was an elected member of the Byron Union School District and also served as: President, Los Medanos Community College Foundation Board of Directors; President, Contra Costa Community College District Bond Oversight Committee; Member, Highway 4 Safety Task Force; Member, Vasco Road Safety Task Force; Director, Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce; Member, Discovery Bay Parent-Teacher Association; Representative, Contra Costa County Special District, Byron-Brentwood-Knightsen Union Cemetery District
Supervisor Piepho is a life-long resident of Contra Costa County and is the daughter of the late State Senator John A. Nejedly. She lives on the Delta in Discovery Bay with her husband David, a retired firefighter for the Alameda County Fire Department, and daughter Mariah, who attends public school.
Supervisor Piepho serves on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee, and is a founder of the Delta Counties Coalition. She also serves on various other committees such as the Local Agency Formation Commission, Legislation Committee, and the Delta Protection Commission.
Supervisor Piepho’s policy priorities include:
- Effective delivery of county services in a fiscally prudent manner
- Public safety, both police and fire, as a funding priority
- Maintenance and expansion of our transportation infrastructure
- Preservation and revitalization of the County’s agricultural core lands
- Responsible stewardship of natural resources such as water.
Prior to her election as a County Supervisor, Mrs. Piepho was an elected member of the Byron Union School District and also served as: President, Los Medanos Community College Foundation Board of Directors; President, Contra Costa Community College District Bond Oversight Committee; Member, Highway 4 Safety Task Force; Member, Vasco Road Safety Task Force; Director, Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce; Member, Discovery Bay Parent-Teacher Association; Representative, Contra Costa County Special District, Byron-Brentwood-Knightsen Union Cemetery District
Supervisor Piepho is a life-long resident of Contra Costa County and is the daughter of the late State Senator John A. Nejedly. She lives on the Delta in Discovery Bay with her husband David, a retired firefighter for the Alameda County Fire Department, and daughter Mariah, who attends public school.
Steve Kinsey
Steve has lived in West Marin since 1978, enjoying its spectacular natural beauty and alternative lifestyles while also participating in many civic activities. He has served on the Marin County Board of Supervisors since being elected in 1996, and represents most of Marin’s coastal area. As an elected official, Steve has focused on watershed and fishery restoration, sustainable agriculture, and the integration of transportation and land use planning. He also champions the needs of all children, especially through his work as a Board member of First Five Marin since its founding. Given the multi-cultural nature of Supervisor Kinsey’s district, he has worked closely with communities of color to reduce the barriers to equal opportunity. In 1998, Mr. Kinsey co-founded the Fishery Network of the Central California. Coastal Counties (FishNet4C) and has served as its chair since then. In 2001, FishNet4C received the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Excellence Award for its groundbreaking work in shaping regional Salmon restoration policies. Steve also serves on the Board of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the Transportation Authority of Marin, which he has chaired since 1998. He is especially proud of Marin’s national leadership in Safe Routes to School, increasing opportunities for biking and walking, and expanding renewable energy. Supervisor Kinsey joined the California Coastal Commission in 2011, with the mission of protecting the coast and ensuring access for all people, and is currently Chair of the Commission.
Mr. Kinsey received a B.A. in architecture from Arizona State University. Prior to taking office, he owned and operated a residential design/build firm for fifteen years.
Mr. Kinsey received a B.A. in architecture from Arizona State University. Prior to taking office, he owned and operated a residential design/build firm for fifteen years.
Bill Chiat
Bill Chiat is Dean of the CSAC Institute and president of Alta Mesa Group, LLC. His expertise spans 35 years in local and state governments. He served as County Executive Officer of Napa County and Director of Organizational Effectiveness in Santa Barbara County. Mr. Chiat has held executive positions in city and special district governments, including several regional agencies and joint power authorities. From 2004 to 2012 Mr. Chiat served as Executive Director of the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. At the state level, he served as Executive Director of the Arizona Governor’s Office for Excellence in Government and led the state’s executive education program.
Mr. Chiat provides facilitation services and organizational development, leadership and governance consulting to local governments throughout the West through his consultancy, Alta Mesa Group, LLC.
Mr. Chiat has a B.S. from the University of Minnesota and a M.S. in natural resources administration from the University of Michigan. He is a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He has research and taught numerous courses in public agency leadership, organizational structure, governance and operations over the last 30 years. In 2012 Mr. Chiat received the Michael Gotch Courage and Innovation in Local Government Award from the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions, and was recognized by the California State Legislature for his work with local governments.
Mr. Chiat provides facilitation services and organizational development, leadership and governance consulting to local governments throughout the West through his consultancy, Alta Mesa Group, LLC.
Mr. Chiat has a B.S. from the University of Minnesota and a M.S. in natural resources administration from the University of Michigan. He is a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He has research and taught numerous courses in public agency leadership, organizational structure, governance and operations over the last 30 years. In 2012 Mr. Chiat received the Michael Gotch Courage and Innovation in Local Government Award from the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions, and was recognized by the California State Legislature for his work with local governments.
Karen Mitchoff
Supervisor Karen Mitchoff was sworn in as Contra Costa County District IV Supervisor in January of 2011. She began her service to the County in the office of former Sherriff-Coroner Richard Rainey. She also worked as a fiscal and administrative analyst for the county's Employment and Human Services Department and as Chief of Staff for former Supervisors Sunne Wright McPeak and Mark DeSaulnier.
Karen served on the Pleasant Hill City Council from 2008 to 2010, and as Mayor in 2010. Karen was appointed to the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board of Directors in 2003 and was elected to that Board in 2004 and 2006. She served as Chair in 2005 and 2006, and served on a variety of committees during her tenure there. Karen was appointed to the Pleasant Hill Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Redevelopment in 1988, and also served on the Planning Commission from 1992-1996.
Karen was born in Portland, Oregon. Her father was transferred to California in 1962 when she was a young girl, and the family moved to Pleasant Hill in 1965. She attended local public schools: Gregory Gardens Elementary, Valley View Middle, College Park High, and then attended Diablo Valley College, earning an A.A. degree in Business. She returned to college in 2000 (while working full time) and graduated from Cal State East Bay with a B.A. in Human Development.
Karen served on the Pleasant Hill City Council from 2008 to 2010, and as Mayor in 2010. Karen was appointed to the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board of Directors in 2003 and was elected to that Board in 2004 and 2006. She served as Chair in 2005 and 2006, and served on a variety of committees during her tenure there. Karen was appointed to the Pleasant Hill Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Redevelopment in 1988, and also served on the Planning Commission from 1992-1996.
Karen was born in Portland, Oregon. Her father was transferred to California in 1962 when she was a young girl, and the family moved to Pleasant Hill in 1965. She attended local public schools: Gregory Gardens Elementary, Valley View Middle, College Park High, and then attended Diablo Valley College, earning an A.A. degree in Business. She returned to college in 2000 (while working full time) and graduated from Cal State East Bay with a B.A. in Human Development.
Susan Gorin
A native of Massachusetts, Ms. Gorin and her family moved to Sonoma
County in 1982. Ms. Gorin graduated from Sonoma State University 1991, cum
laude, with degrees in Political Science and Economics. She became involved in
local government and in 1996 Ms. Gorin was elected to the Santa Rosa School
Board, subsequently served on the Santa Rosa Board of Public Utilities, and
Santa Rosa Planning Commission. She was then elected and served as a six-year
city council member and two years as Mayor.
In 2012, Ms. Gorin was elected to the Sonoma County Board of
Supervisors, representing the First District.
Ms. Gorin is currently serving on the Sonoma County Water Advisory
Committee, Sonoma Clean Power, Health Action, Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO), Bay Conservation Development Commission and the North Bay Water Reuse
Authority.
Her passion for the outdoors has flourished during her three decades of living in Sonoma County, guiding her service to the community.
Her passion for the outdoors has flourished during her three decades of living in Sonoma County, guiding her service to the community.
