Sunder Focuses on Big Picture for Schools
Multiple families rallied in support of Davis school board candidate Madhavi Sunder on Saturday April 19 under the majestic Valley Oak in Mace Ranch Park in Sunder’s East Davis neighborhood. The campaign committee, Families for Madhavi Sunder for School Board 2014, consists of a diverse array of families representing different aspects of the Davis community. Campaign manager Sarah Heringer provided donuts and drinks for the sixty children and adults that gathered together to celebrate the campaign. Davis Photographer Rik Keller chronicled the event.
Sunder chose the location next to the Korematsu Elementary School to commemorate the school board’s important decision nine years ago to name the school after the Asian-American civil rights legend. Fred Korematsu famously challenged the Internment of Japanese Americans, children and grandparents, citizen and non-citizen. While he lost before the Supreme Court during World War II, he reopened his case decades later and was vindicated in court.
Sunder led the campaign to name the school, believing that the name would serve as a “teaching moment” for the children in the school. Indeed, the school now enshrines a commitment to social justice, and children learn Korematsu’s lesson: “If you have the feeling that something is wrong, don’t be afraid to speak up.”
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Robb Davis Team to Rally on April 26
Volunteers for the Robb Davis for City Council campaign will rally on Saturday April 26 to launch a weekend of neighborhood walks for the candidate. Speakers at the “Big Walk” rally, beginning at 9:30am at the home of Claire Goldstene, 1125 Bucknell Drive, will include Davis City Councilmember Brett Lee and former Davis Mayor Ken Wagstaff.
Davis, a public health professional, social services organizer and member of the city’s Bicycle Advisory Commission, is making his first run as a council candidate.
For more event information, call (240) 393-3072. Background about Robb, campaign activities, and his policy platform can be found at www.Davis4Davis.org.
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From the Campaign Trail: Sam Neustadt for Yolo County Superintendent of Schools
You may have seen me out recently walking your neighborhood, talking to families, teachers, and community members.
My supporters have been hard at work too: calling their friends, hosting events, and walking neighborhoods with me to talk about my campaign to support the students, families, and teachers in Yolo County.
To those who have spent evenings and weekends helping on the campaign, I want to say thank you. And, thanks to the dedicated Yolo supporters who hand-painted 4×8-foot signs in support of our campaign. That’s grassroots activism at its very finest!
Speaking of grassroots: I’m proud to say the vast majority of our contributions have come from individual community members who feel strongly about supporting a career educator in the role of Superintendent – one with the experience necessary to serve.
When I haven’t been out talking to parents, teachers, and voters, I’ve been hard at work in my day job as Assistant County Superintendent in neighboring Solano County.
Just last week, we hosted an Inclusion Summit for educators and parents to discuss inclusion best practices and the implementation of common core standards for our students with special needs. We were proud to partner with the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, the UC Davis MIND Institute and local education leaders.
Recently, I was also proud to testify on behalf of the State SELPA Association for AB 2057 (Bonilla) – a bill that will ensure fair and appropriate testing for our special needs students.
In my 28 years in K-12 education, I have advocated on behalf of students, families, and teachers and have collaborated with county officials and state legislators to find solutions that better serve our student. If elected, on day one I will be ready to serve our community and advocate for our students and teachers.
In the coming weeks, I want to hear about what’s important to you. Please consider joining me at one of our upcoming events, or at the Davis Farmers Market every Saturday leading up to the election on June 3rd.
All the best,
Sam
Endorsements
Here’s what Sam’s supporters are saying
“As a strong proponent of creating governments that are efficient, transparent, accountable, and focused on performance, I fully endorse Sam Neustadt for Yolo County Superintendent of Schools. He has the current and relevant experience the position demands.” – Delaine Eastin, Former CA State Superintendent of Public Instruction and former CA State Assemblymember
“I am supporting Sam because I think, bottom line, the students, parents, residents and taxpayers of Yolo County will be better served if Sam is their County Superintendent of Schools. It is not a political position – it is a position requiring management and educational competence. I am looking forward to working with an experienced educator, whose background in special education and fiscal management is exciting.” – Nancy Lea, Trustee, Yolo County Board of Education
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Family Law Practitioners Support Beronio
Family law practitioners in Yolo County have formed a support group on behalf of judicial candidate Janene Beronio, her campaign committee announced today. The new group is called “Family Law Attorneys for Beronio” and will be co-chaired by long-time local family law lawyers Alexandra Fullerton and Bill Kopper.
“Family law attorneys throughout Yolo County support Yolo Court Commissioner Janene Beronio for election as our next Yolo Superior Court Judge. There is so much emotion and turmoil in the family law arena, and we who practice in that area every day know that Janene Beronio brings the calm demeanor, the steady hand, the agile mind, and the kind heart that is needed for a family law Judge,” said Ms. Fullerton.
“No other candidate for Judge brings such a lengthy, broad and deep level of service and experience to this campaign,” said Mr. Kopper. “Family law attorneys in this county are not looking for an advocate on the Bench. We are looking for an experienced neutral. There is no better choice than Commissioner Janene Beronio.”
Other family law attorneys on the steering committee of Family Law Attorneys for Beronio include: Raquel Silva, Yasmin Spiegel, Brian Pakpour, Sarah Orr and Chuck Jensen.
Due to the announced retirement of Yolo Superior Court Judge Stephen Mock, there will be an election for Judge on June 3. Yolo Superior Court Commissioner Janene Beronio is a candidate for election to this judicial position. She has over 25 years’ experience as a Court Commissioner, all for the Yolo Superior Court. In addition to Commissioner Beronio, three attorneys have also announced that they are running for the position of Yolo Superior Court Judge.
Beronio Signs Available
The Beronio for Judge Committee announced today that Janene Beronio for Judge lawn signs are available to the public. The campaign committee also announced a schedule of events and availability of Commissioner Beronio throughout the county. Yolo Superior Court Commissioner Beronio is a candidate for election to the position of Superior Court Judge. The election will be held on June 3.
Members of the public who wish to obtain a Beronio lawn sign may request it through the campaign website at www.janeneforjudge.com or can e-mail Commissioner Beronio directly at janenebob@aol.com.
Commissioner Beronio will be available to meet and chat with voters at the Davis Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning in May from 8 to 10 a.m.
On Saturday, April 26, Commissioner Beronio will be riding in the 78th Annual Winters Youth Day Parade. The campaign will also have a booth. The parade starts at 10 a.m., moving down Main Street in Winters. If folks come earlier they can attend the Rotary Pancake Breakfast. There is a Kid’s Faire and craft and food booths. Information on the day in Winters can be found posted on the events page of the Beronio for Judge campaign website.
On Sunday, April 27, from 2 to 5 p.m., there is a reception for Commissioner Beronio at the Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Ave., in Clarksburg. There is a $50 charge for this event. The contact person is Martha Sequeira (msequeira76@gmail.com). This event is also posted on Beronio for Judge website.
On Friday, May 9, starting at 5:30 p.m. there will be a meet-and-greet at Reiff’s Antique Gas Station located at 52 Jefferson St., in Woodland. Commissioner Beronio will be available to meet with and chat with voters.
On Saturday, May 17, from 2 to 4 p.m., there will be a reception for Commissioner Beronio at a private residence in Davis. This is a family-friendly function. Indian appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. There is a $50 charge for this function ($100 for a family). The contact person is Shama Mesiwala (fuldewala@yahoo.com) 530-747-0642.
Throughout the month of May, Commissioner Beronio will also reach out to Yolo County voters by walking precincts in Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, and Woodland.
Janene Beronio is a Yolo Superior Court Commissioner and has served in that capacity for the past 25 years. A Court Commissioner is appointed by the Judges of a county and can, by law or stipulation of the parties, do virtually the same work as is done by a Superior Court Judge. Commissioner Beronio is endorsed by every active and retired Yolo Judge.