I attended Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, where I met Kathy, my wife-to-be. We were married in 1977. I received a bachelor's of science degree in chemical engineering with great distinction from San Jose State University in 1978 and a master's of science degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1980.
After graduating, Kathy and I moved to the American Canyon area of Napa in 1980 and I began working at Chevron Research Company. Over the 26 years I worked for Chevron, I received two technology patents, was a Distinguished Author in Petroleum Engineering Magazine, received the Chairman’s Award (Chevron’s highest honor) for regulatory advocacy work, and finished my career serving as a Senior Environmental Engineer providing advice to Chevron operating companies on how to prevent pollution, manage hazardous waste and remediate contaminated sites. I left Chevron in in 2006 to be available full time for my County Supervisor duties. I continued to do consulting for them over the last ten years, training young professionals on world class environmental practices. These week long courses were presented in Houston, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Angola, and Australia.
As my Chevron career began, I also became active in a number of local issues and was elected Chairman of the American Canyon Concerned Citizens in 1983. I was appointed to the Napa County Planning Commission in 1985 and served until 1989. During that time, we rezoned the entire county for consistency with our agricultural priorities in the General Plan. I also Chaired the Commission as we created the Airport Area Specific Plan which continues to guide development in that area today.
In 1990, I won a seat on the Napa City Council where I served my four-year term. My mother’s illness prevented me from running for another term. During that time, we navigated a drought and a severe recession. We developed the toilet retrofit program to allow development to proceed while offsetting new water use. This program has continued and has greatly reduced Napa City’s annual water use. We also created the tax incentive that allowed the Napa Premium Outlet Mall to proceed, by returning the first three year’s sales tax to offset sewer and infrastructure improvement costs required of the project. I also led the charge to acknowledge the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday in Napa City and travelled annually to Washington DC with Supervisor Mel Verrelman and others advocating for Flood Control.
After a couple years of coaching youth soccer, I was subsequently elected to the Napa County Board of Supervisors in 1996 where I continue to serve. I can point to a long list of accomplishments including requiring and getting a 2/3 vote for the sales tax supporting flood control, developing the work proximity housing program which received a Statewide award, dedicating tobacco settlement funds to local health related non-profits ($12 million of over the last 15 years), creating and funding the Parks and Open Space District, and supporting and opposing various measures that have led to a proper balance between protecting our agricultural and open space lands while allowing business the flexibility to succeed.
I also served as an Elder at First Christian Church for about 20 years, was on the Board of If Given a Chance for several years, am an officer with the local camp of Gideon’s International, and am the Executive Director for New Dawn Communities, a non-profit which built and funds a high school for orphans in Kenya and is building a new school in Tanzania. I am a long time member of the Rotarians of Napa Sunrise and am currently the International Services Chairman.
Kathy obtained her master's Degree in Physical Therapy and her Physician's Assistant certificate and worked at Community Health Clinic Ole and now at St. Helena Hospital.
Kathy and I go on regular trips to Africa and Haiti providing medical assistant, education, and moral support to extremely disadvantaged people.
Kathy and I have four children who went through Napa public schools. Wendy now has a Masters Degree in Education, Bethany a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Naomi a PhD in Philosophy, and Adam has a Medical Doctorate. They are each married to equally wonderful spouses. We have 7 grandchildren.
I bring a wealth of experience from all sectors of life which I have successfully applied to the needs of Napa County. I would like to serve another four years and I believe it is in the best interests of our residents that I continue.