Board of Supervisors

Letter: Appointment of Cynthia Rodriguez as Yolo County District Attorney

Cynthia Rodriguez is under consideration for the Yolo County District Attorney appointment, possessing extensive experience within the criminal justice system and various state agencies. Her professional background includes roles as a public defender, an adjunct law professor at UC Davis, and counsel for entities such as CalPERS and the California Department of Corrections. Rodriguez’s candidacy is characterized by a commitment to fairness, victims’ rights, and a balanced approach to public safety, having previously garnered over 40% of the county’s vote in a prior election cycle.

Letter: Appoint Cynthia Rodríguez as Yolo County District Attorney

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors is considering Cynthia Rodríguez for the district attorney position, with a local resident expressing support for her candidacy. The endorsement cited Rodríguez’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and fairness as central to her qualifications for the role.

Letter: Appoint Cynthia!

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to appoint a new District Attorney next Tuesday. Acting District Attorney Melinda Aiello, previously appointed by former DA Jeff Reisig, is widely considered the leading candidate for the position. However, Cynthia Rodriguez, a Democratic nominee, has also emerged as a contender, reportedly backed by labor unions, local officials, and community residents.

Yolo Supervisors to Decide Process for Appointing New District Attorney after Reisig Retirement

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors is determining the process for filling the District Attorney vacancy following the May 15, 2026, retirement of Jeff Reisig, with Chief Deputy District Attorney Melinda Aiello currently serving as Acting District Attorney. County staff confirmed that state law and a formal California Attorney General opinion mandate Board appointment for the remainder of the term, which extends through January 8, 2029, rather than a special election. The Board is considering two primary approaches: either appointing Aiello to ensure leadership continuity or initiating an abbreviated recruitment process to evaluate additional candidates for the position.