I have lived in Davis for over 60 years and have been actively involved in local politics for at least as many.  On June 3rd the voters of Davis will elect a new County Supervisor for the 4th District.  I am casting my ballot for Jim Provenza and ask that you join me.  I have known Jim since he moved back to Davis 15 years ago and became involved in our community’s political life. Jim graduated from UC Davis Law School in 1981 and shortly after that opened a senior citizens law center that served low- income seniors in need of legal help. Jim also managed Santa Barbara County Legal Services where he was responsible for a $ million budget. He challenged the Reagan era cuts to the disabled and was successful in reclaiming the benefits of over 90% of those who came to his office for help.  Jim also was successful in ending race and gender discrimination by a landlord through his successful court challenges. As a Special Assistant District Attorney Jim has helped enact increased penalties for environmental polluters and attained millions of dollars for crime victims.   Jim has based his legal career on helping those less fortunate and by taking stands that others are often unwilling to take. Jim is a man of principle. Jim is respectful of those whose views differ from his own.  He listens to all and fervently believes that government’s purpose is to serve all the people fairly.  Jim will work hard to preserve services for seniors, the disabled, and low income people as our county supervisor - just as he has done his entire professional life.

 

-Betty Weir

 

 

     There are many good candidates worthy of mention on this page, but one in particular deserves your attention:  Jim Provenza.

     Jim’s strong local record of public service is well-known. But I’d like to focus on his contributions to women, and victims statewide. 

     I met Jim over fifteen years ago while working for a Senator who was a pioneer for criminal justice reforms so that survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence could receive basic protections we take for granted today.  

     In those days, district attorneys and law enforcement agencies throughout the state were formidable opposition because they feared prosecutions would be made more difficult if victims were given additional rights. They needed to think differently in order to garner enough votes, and this took some doing. 

     From the very beginning, Jim was an effective advocate. Through patience and polish, he persuaded many law enforcement professionals to adopt a different paradigm. With his sophistication, matched with the respect of his colleagues, reforms were made, successful prosecutions increased, and victims’ rights were secured. 

     Isn’t Jim the kind of advocate we need to serve us as a county supervisor?

 

-Heidy Kellison

 

 

     I am in the fortunate position of knowing Supervisor candidate, Jim Provenza well enough to endorse him, unequivocally. 

     I have known Jim personally for more than 25 years.  I know him to be highly principled, caring, and dedicated to thoughtful, reasoned consideration of issues ranging from political issues to family issues.  

     As a parent and a community member I have carefully watched Jim as he has served for four years on the Davis School Board.  While we have not agreed on every issue, I have always been impressed with Jim’s openness to listen, deeply consider varying sides of issues, and in the end make decisions based on the best interests of students and families. 

     Jim worked his way up through the legal field through hard work.  For eight years he worked as a legal aide attorney, supporting the rights of senior citizens, battered women, and victims of child abuse.  For the past fifteen years he has been employed as a Special Assistant District Attorney.  Jim Provenza will draw on these experiences in making reasoned, balanced decisions as Supervisor. 

     It is rare to be able to know someone very well, and to use that knowledge to be able to say to people in a town I care about—vote for Jim Provenza.  He has shown his commitment during his School Board service.  He has integrity, he is intelligent, he listens, and he carefully considers factors before making a decision.  What more could one look for in a Supervisor? 
 

Please vote for Jim Provenza for Supervisor. 
 

-E. Kim Coontz

 

     I enthusiastically support Jim Provenza for Yolo County Supervisor, especially because I have appreciated his service as a school board member and president.  

    As an English teacher who helped start Da Vinci High School, I was particularly thankful for his support for the development of our new school. His support of Da Vinci was only one of the many ways he worked to create opportunities for all types of students.

     While a board member, I found him to be very responsive to me as a teacher. Because of his experience as a lawyer, I asked him to serve as the judge in our 10th grade World Studies mock trial on world revolutions, and he eagerly agreed to do so.  

     Not only did he come both years that I asked him, but he even agreed to come to another class and give lawyering tips to the students. I was impressed with how willing he was to be involved in our project and the way he easily related to the students. 

     When I attended school board meetings, I always found Jim to be particularly intelligent and considerate. He would patiently and carefully listen to the issues and speak thoughtfully at the opportune time. 

     I was also very impressed that Jim volunteered his own time to meet with legislators and other state officials to recover over $4 million which was owed by the state to our school district for the construction of Montgomery Elementary School. 

     Jim’s proven responsiveness to his constituency and caring manner will serve him well as a Yolo Count Supervisor. I ardently encourage everyone who lives in North, South, and East Davis (which makes up the 4th District) to vote for Jim on June 3rd. 
 

-Gregory Perry

 

 

     I am writing to urge you to vote for Lois Wolk (Senate), Christopher Cabaldon (Assembly), Tim Fall (judge), Jim Provenza (supervisor) and Cecillia Escamilla-Greenwald, Sue Greenwald and Rob Roy (City Council) in the June 3 election.
     This election is critical for both the short-term viability and sustainability of our community. Our schools are threatened with closures, teacher layoffs and program reductions. Many dedicated citizens have worked tirelessly to bridge the deficit gap, but even those heroic efforts are a Band-Aid, at best.
     Ironically, the very City Council members who claim to care about the schools and the 'kids,' are working at cross purposes against the schools by imposing huge, unnecessary city service rate increases (water, sewer, etc.) on homeowners and renters, and arguing for even more residential development (which is what put us in this hole to begin with).
     As generous as we are as a community, we have reached the point of 'enough is enough.' The same council members who lured us into this quagmire are arguing for city service and school district increases of $70 to $100 per month, which might push most of us to the limits of our ability to pay and prevent us from having any discretionary funds to further subsidize our schools.
     Nevertheless, the 'establishment' candidates (Don Saylor, Stephen Souza and Sydney Vergis) are arguing for residential development on essentially every vacant lot in our city, weakening Measure J to help developers reap huge profits, and unnecessarily building a $150 million, environmentally destructive water pipeline to divert filthy Sacramento River water into our homes.
     So what do we need? Renew Measure J in its current form (unrevised). Freeze city utility rates at current levels for one year to help residents save more income to subsidize the schools. Place a one-year moratorium on all new residential infill projects that have not cleared the city permit process.
     We cannot 'build' ourselves out of this mess, so we must turn to candidates who will rise above the lure of deep- pocket, self-serving developers. Please join me in voting for Sue Greenwald, Cecillia Escamilla-Greenwald and Rob Roy.

- Richard K. Entrikin

 

 

     The future is unwritten, but the past can help guide our voting choices.
     I'm choosing Jim Provenza for 4th District supervisor. I think he'll protect the county's cities from 'shakedowns' while working for better and cost-effective services for all residents, both rural and suburban. When other candidates talk about Davis 'cooperating' more, I hear them attacking us for not adding enough peripheral subdivisions. Jim understands that development is neither a demon nor a 'free lunch,' and he was a big help in defeating Measure X in Davis.
     Two letters from the past help me choose to support Sue Greenwald's re-election: X and J. Sue was the sole council vote against Measure X. She has the intelligence and dedication to stay on top of changing city issues. She also knows how much work it takes to keep downtown alive and integrate housing infill into existing neighborhoods. I think we'd benefit from electing three strong supporters of Measure J to the council: Sue, Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald and Rob Roy.

- Doug Walter

 

 

     Jim Provenza is the only candidate for Yolo County supervisor with a proven track record of serving the people of District 4. His actions are in line with his principles and pledges to voters.
     As member and president of the Davis Board of Education, Jim led and acted to bring about needed changes. He earned the respect of fellow board members, even if they disagreed on a particular issue. He mentored new trustees, and led restoration of transparency and fiscal integrity in district management. He worked for the excellence of all students.
     Jim has been a consistent and reliable advocate for land, people and local control - who transforms talk into positive action. Please vote for Jim Provenza.

- Richard Reed



I've had the pleasure of working with Jim Provenza on a number of neighborhood and city issue for the past several years, and strongly endorse him for County Supervisor.

I first got the opportunity to work with Jim when he ran for the Davis School Board. As a member of the Mace Ranch Neighborhood Association, we interviewed Jim and the other candidates and found Jim to be intelligent, thoughtful and open-minded. It was clear from the first meeting that one of Jim's strongest attributes was that he was ready to listen to almost any decent idea, which he thought might have an opportunity for success. Fortunately, the characteristics our Association witnessed early on, Jim carried to the Board, and has continued to not only work with neighbors and parents, but also to remain open-minded to any sensible idea which might benefit the students of Davis.

Another one of Jim's key attributes is his respectful demeanor which he also carried to the Davis School Board. The School Board has been successful thanks in large part to Jim's leadership skills, including his ability to work with his colleagues on the Board in the most professional and effective manner.

Finally, Jim's most important characteristic, may be his consensus building ability. After Jim was elected to the School Board, he continued to work with our neighborhood association, as well as others, in order to build consensus on issues which would benefit the students, parents and the community at large.

Jim's background and professional successes are quite impressive. Moreover, Jim has separated himself from his opponents, by actually taking his ideas to the School Board and getting things done. Jim has a proven track record as a local elected official. Jim has proven to be an open-minded, professional leader who doesn't just talk, but actually gets things done. Jim will do the same as a member of the County Board of Supervisors.

Please join me in voting for Jim Provenza for Supervisor.

Sincerely,
Chris Ochoa

Jim Provenza is very well prepared to be our next county supervisor. I had the pleasure of working with Jim on the school board and saw first hand his ability to tackle tough issues. His experience and open and caring approach will serve him well as he helps to confront the challenges of expanded need and contracting dollars at the county level.

Jim is committed to open government and actively seeks input from his constituents. He is a problem solver and was key to the school district recovering $4.5 million in facility funds from the state.

A major role of the county government is assuring the health and welfare of its citizens. Jim is a tireless advocate for those most at risk while keeping a very careful eye on budgetary issues. As a public health nurse I know that Jim understands what is needed and has the vision and leadership to assure that the people of Yolo County are well served. I heartily endorse Jim Provenza for County Supervisor.

--Sheila Allen

I am extremely skeptical when a candidate asks for my vote. Like many, I question the motivation of anyone wanting to go into politics. It takes a special kind of person to meet my high standards. First of all, their motivation must be to serve their constituents without bias. They must have uncompromising integrity, intelligence and dedication. I know that sounds idealistic. But those are my requirements if you want my vote.

The first time I met Jim Provenza was in his capacity as Davis School Board President. What made Jim stand out was his willingness to listen without bias, and seriously consider all voices. In one difficult, emotionally fraught situation after another, Jim's respect for the individual was apparent. Given the situation, Jim could have folded and fallen back on the written rule but he stayed focused on the issue at hand to achieve a positive resolution. I knew at the time I was seeing someone special in action. It takes a special person to work that way-to keep the individual in mind while working for the "greater" good of the School District . He fought for improvements in the special education program, modernized the budget and fiscal practices of the district and won back 4.5 million dollars in state funds for the school district.

As Special Assistant District Attorney for the past 15 years, Jim has been responsible for enacting legislation on hate crime, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child and elder abuse prevention. Jim has worked to protect seniors and other disadvantaged groups. Jim's record of accomplishments as an elected official stands for itself in making him the most qualified candidate for Yolo County Supervisor. But it is Jim's dedication to those less able or unable to be heard that distinguishes him from the others. It takes a very special person to use his talents in making a better world for those who need a little help but are too often not heard. These are the things that are often not acknowledged but touch the heart. Jim Provenza gets my vote for Yolo County Supervisor. He's earned my respect.

--Pam Lehnert Saltveit

Provenza Cares
I have lived in Davis for over 30 years. I was the owner and director of the Jack and Jill preschool childcare program for 24 years. During this time, I came to know Jim Provenza, both as a parent and as a community volunteer.

Did you know that Yolo County provides assistance to poor families who can't afford pre-school? Many studies have shown that quality pre-school helps increase student achievement. As a community, we need to focus on the needs of all of our children, from toddlers to teenagers, and even into adulthood. Jim Provenza has worked hard to help our students achieve and succeed.

There are many social services provided by the County for Davis residents that we may not need today, but are services that our neighbors, friends and family may depend on, both now and in the future. Electing someone who cares about the needs of families of all ages, who will listen, and who will fight to represent all of our interests is why it is so important to vote on June 3rd.

As a member of the Yolo County Childcare & Development Planning Council, I help plan and support quality and affordable child care services for families in our community. The Yolo County Board of Supervisors and the County Superintendent appoint the members to this Council and the Council recommendations are implemented by the County.

While serving on the Educate and Advocate subcommittee, I had the opportunity to work with Jim Provenza when he was President of the Davis School Board on preschool programs for Davis students. Jim cares about our children and will insure that the County partners with school districts and other organizations to help families in need.

Jim's experience in advocating for state funding will be critical to maintain the education and child care programs funded at the County level. That is why Yolo County Superintendent of Schools Jorge Ayala and Davis Superintendent James Hammond both support Jim Provenza for County Supervisor. Please join me in voting for a qualified and caring member of our community for Yolo County Supervisor, Jim Provenza.

--Chithra Lakshmanan

With the campaign season upon us, I would like to comment on the demanding nature of public service. Excellence in public service requires intelligence, long hours, patience, integrity, and a large dose of humility. A current candidate for Yolo County Supervisor, Jim Provenza, possesses all of these qualities, and more. In addition to the rigors of being a school board trustee, Jim personally acquired a $20,000 grant for our local suicide prevention program and $20,000 for the Davis Bridge Foundation, an organization that provides free after school tutoring for Spanish speaking children. We are all keenly aware that local services suffer due to inadequate funding and funding cuts. Jim's commitment to the overall health of the Davis community extends well beyond his excellent analytical skills and dedication through long hours of work - he is a most generous and compassionate man. Jim is one of those unique individuals who contributes much more to our community than most.

I am proud to be Jim's friend. We are fortunate that he is running for Yolo County Supervisor where, if elected, he will employ his considerable talents for the good of Davis residents and Yolo County. Please join me on June 3rd in casting your vote for Jim Provenza for Yolo County Supervisor.

--Joyce Puntillo

I am writing in support of Jim Provenza for County Supervisor. I first met Jim when he began his campaign for the Davis School Board. I was so impressed that I decided to join his campaign team and work for his election. Those who have dealt with Jim during his tenure on the board quickly came to realize that he is a caring and thoughtful person and works tirelessly on behalf of his constituents.

One of Jim's most important accomplishments on the board was the recovery of over four million dollars in state matching funds which, due to management errors, were lost by the district. With his contacts in state government and ability to deal effectively with people, Jim was able to convince the state to reconsider their decision and award the funds to the district.

Jim was also the only board member to take a public stand against Measure X and Covell Village. Whatever your opinion may have been on that issue, you have to respect a public official who is willing to take a stand, something Jim's current opponents were unwilling to do. Growth is a critical issue for Davis, as the county supervisors have a history of trying to force growth upon our community. We need someone who will represent the will of the people he represents and not just support the interests of developers. I believe that Jim is that person.

I also want to express my support for Sue Greenwald, Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald, and Rob Roy for Davis City Council. Like Jim, each of these candidates opposes excessive growth and supports Measure J in its current form.

Please support Jim, Sue, Cecilia, and Rob on election day.

--Phil Reedy

 

 

    

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From The Davis Enterprise 

 

Letters to the Editor

 

 

 

 

     We first encountered Jim Provenza in January, 2004, only one month after he became a Davis School Board Trustee.  That encounter was the school board meeting to discuss the expulsion of our son from Davis High.   

     At issue was the decision by school administration to execute a policy without considering the individual or the circumstances.  Jim was alone in recognizing that the school board had discretion in expulsion cases.  Only he had the courage to submit that the punishment must fit the circumstances and that no student’s future should be placed in jeopardy merely to advance a “zero tolerance” or a "we have no choice" crusade. Jim had the compassion to recognize that the board had not only the ability, but also the responsibility to examine the details of the alleged offense as well as student’s overall conduct record in actions as harsh as expulsion. 

     After justice and common sense ultimately prevailed, Jim had the integrity to go on to successfully implement new school board practices that emphasized the importance of discipline while recognizing that flexibility and the exercise of sound discretion is in best interest of all the children in our schools.  He also promoted ways to better educate students and families about their rights and options in disciplinary actions. 

     Integrity, courage, compassion, and common sense are cornerstones of the character of Jim Provenza.   He applied that foundation in his service on the school board and we believe the residents of Yolo County deserve those qualities in their county supervisors. 

     Please join us in voting for Jim Provenza for Yolo County Supervisor.

 

-Renee and Steve Liston

 

 

     Jim Provenza has been working hard over the past four years to serve our community.  As the School Board President, Jim oversaw improvements in the School District’s accounting practices.  Working with Assembly Member Lois Wolk, Jim also helped secure $4.5 million in state funding for our school facilities. 

     As a County Supervisor, Jim will continue to advocate on our behalf.  Jim will apply his 28 years of experience, working at the state and county levels, to help Yolo County receive its fair share of state and federal funding.  As a Special Assistant District Attorney, Jim has been successful in obtaining state funding for law enforcement, crime victims and environmental protection programs.  

     Jim will work hard to represent Davis’ interests on the Yolo County Board. Jim is committed to preserving open space and farmland. Jim believes that the County can solve its financial problems in ways other than resorting to developers’ demands.  Jim has already been actively involved in preparation of the Yolo County General Plan.   

     Jim’s commitment to public service, as well as his intelligence, integrity and independence, are the reasons why our current supervisor, Mariko Yamada, has endorsed Jim Provenza to fill her seat.  Jim also has the most support from  current and past local elected officials.  Visit his website at jimprovenza.com to review his list of supporters and positions. 

     Jim is trying his best to reach every voter in East, South and North Davis (which comprise District 4). Hopefully, you too will be able to meet Jim over the next few weeks before June 3rd.  He is at the Farmers Market every Saturday, so stop by to tell him what you think should be on the agenda for our next County Supervisor.   

     I have known and worked with Jim Provenza for many years. I whole-heartedly support his election to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. Davis will be well-served with Jim Provenza as our next County Supervisor.     
 

-Maynard Skinner 

 

 

     Jim Provenza has been my Mace Ranch neighbor for the past 15 years.  I supported Jim’s election to the School Board because of his desire to help students who don’t always fit in the system.  Previously, we had worked together on School District issues, especially gathering community support for the facility bond measure that funded the Fred Korematsu Elementary and the Francis Harper Junior High Schools, as well as the Davis High Performing Arts Center.  

     I appreciate Jim’s service for our schools, but I am supporting Jim for Yolo County Supervisor because of his expertise in the criminal justice system.  I worked with Jim when he served as the Senate Judiciary Committee consultant.   

     Later, as a Special Assistant District Attorney, Jim assisted me in advocating to improve Yolo County’s criminal justice system to benefit our children. His expertise and knowledge of how crime victims in other counties were treated          was instrumental in the collective efforts of many, especially Lois Wolk, in improving Yolo County’s crime investigation practices. 

     Jim is patient, has good listening skills, and he is not judgmental.  Over the years we haven’t always been on the same side on issues, such as how Davis should grow in the future, but I have always respected Jim’s compassion to preserve our community’s quality of life and his integrity.   

     Jim will work hard to represent Davis’ interests on the Yolo County Board. That is why our current supervisor, Mariko Yamada, encouraged Jim to run to fill her seat.  I know he is trying his best to reach every voter in East, South and North Davis (which comprise District 4).   

    Hopefully, you too will be able to meet Jim over the next few weeks before June 3rd.  He is at the Farmers Market every Saturday, so stop by to tell him what you think should be on the agenda for our next County Supervisor. Our city is fortunate that people like Jim offer to serve our community.

 

-Sheryl Patterson

 

 

     Our government is a representative democracy. So whom do our elected leaders represent?
     President Kennedy once said in an interview that big business does not need the help of government; it can take care of itself. His administration would try to serve those who need its help. In his inaugural address in 1961, he restated this, 'If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.'
     Jim Provenza has made his career using his legal education from the UC Davis Law School to work for regular people. He was executive director of the civil legal aid society in Santa Barbara for almost 10 years. Then, for more than 10 years, he has worked as special assistant district attorney for Los Angeles County in the state Capitol to strengthen penalties against environmental polluters, promote restitution for victims of crime and protect our justice system from those who attack our constitutional rights.
     I agree with Betty Weir's letter of May 1: 'Jim fights for those who need it.' I ask your vote June 3 for Jim Provenza for nonpartisan county supervisor in our 4th District of Yolo County.
     Mariko Yamada and her husband are educated as social workers. Mariko grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Denver. Her father had been interned at a detention camp during World War II and supported his family as a landscape gardener.
     She has been chairwoman of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors; she earned a master's degree in social work and is a strong supporter of the dignity of labor. She fought for bringing SMUD to Davis and for greater public control of essential green energy.
     I hope you will vote June 3 for her in her bid to be the Democratic nominee for the 8th Assembly District.
    Both of these Davisites are good listeners, and will work for fairness and due process in an open, representative government.

- John C. Chendo

 

 

     Looking for the most effective elected representatives for Davis?
     The ones who earn an 'A-plus' in my grade book are Don Saylor and Stephen Souza for City Council, and Jim Provenza for county supervisor.
     All three have been highly effective elected officials in our town. They understand how to turn the desire to serve into results for the Davis community, benefiting our children and families.
     Saylor has been working for our families and our community for many years, and we are better off for it. Don is devoted to public service. But he's not just spending time, he's creating results. Serving with Don on a two-by-two subcommittee, I know Don's been a powerful partner for Davis schools and has supported collaboration between the city and the district.
     Don is a leader, who effectively brings together people, resources and strategies to accomplish goals. He has a great ability to get things done, and we have better parks, better schools and better neighborhoods because of that expertise.
     Souza excels at listening and responding to various constituencies, understanding perspectives, and truly empathizing with people and their concerns, even if he is new to the issue presented. I am impressed with, and grateful for, Stephen's enthusiasm, creativity and genuine and visible caring for our community. His first inclination is to find a way. I rarely hear him say 'I can't.' He is someone I know we can turn to for sensitive and sensible solutions on the council.  
     Provenza is thoughtful, diplomatic, tireless and second to none in his ability to serve his constituents. Having worked with Jim on the school board, I know first-hand how many parents and children he has helped. Jim has a legal background and expertise that he applies to ask the right questions and identify and pursue options others might miss. Jim's ability to disagree with someone on one issue, and then work with them effectively on another, makes him a valuable and effective member of a governing board.
     Join me in voting for excellence and effective representation - Don Saylor, Stephen Souza and Jim Provenza.

- Gina Daleiden

We all have busy lives. Who really can afford the time to get to know the political candidates in the upcoming election? How do we really know what this person will do when elected to office? I can't answer that question but, as a Davis teacher, I can share my personal dealings with Jim Provenza in his four years of leadership on the Davis school board and why I believe he would be a great choice for County Supervisor.

I remember clearly the first time I saw Mr. Provenza in action. I was attending a school board meeting where drastic cuts were proposed to the newly formed agriculture program. Jim fought to restore our funding and spoke passionately about the importance of serving students who desire to study farming or other vocations.

Building the high school agriculture education program at Davis High has been challenging. Among these initial supporters was newly elected school board member, Jim Provenza. His support became a regular fixture in our program. Not only did he fight for our budget but he became a regular at many of our events. He judged our speaking contests, came to meet our students at the Yolo County Fair, and attended our agricultural advisory meetings. Last year the students of the program honored Mr. Provenza with the prestigious Honorary FFA degree, a testament to his impact on the children.

Mr. Provenza will always have a special place in my heart for supporting the vision of a strong agricultural program and creating opportunities for students that most need our help. Furthermore, I support Jim's plan to protect farmland in Yolo County and trust that he will continue to be a strong advocate for agriculture on the board of supervisors.

Jim's experience on the school board both connected him closely to the needs of the community and provided him a proven record of local service. This is the kind of leadership we need on the Yolo County Board of Supervisors.

--Amy Schulte

Provenza Will Protect Our Land

Abundant parks, natural habitats, and productive farmland are some of the important reasons why Davis and Yolo County are such special places to live. I have a career commitment to the protection of some of our state's great open spaces and parklands, and I've seen all too often what lack of both thoughtful planning and elected official leadership has done to decimate open spaces that once defined local and regional character in so many parts of California. I count myself among the fortunate to live in a community that supports preservation of parks, open space, and farmland.

However, the conversion of prime agricultural land for developer driven growth continues to threaten our way of life. The vast land area in South Davis next to the Yolo Conservancy Basin was proposed for development just last year. The agricultural land on the east side of Mace Boulevard has been identified as suitable for a major freeway shopping center. The land next to UC Davis, south of I-80, known as Hamel Ranch, has also been suggested for annexation as the next major development.

The pressures on farmland next to our cities are enormous. We need a county supervisor who has prior experience as an elected official to handle such pressures. We need an activist supervisor who will work hard to help farmers thrive so that we can preserve our rural lifestyle while building a strong economy in Yolo County.

Jim Provenza has proven that he can be trusted to protect our interests in face of such development pressures. He is the only candidate for supervisor who opposed the proposed sprawl development of productive farmland near the Vic Fazio Wilderness area. While other elected officials and candidates advocated for this project or remained silent, Jim publicly opposed it. He is not afraid to take a tough stand even if it offends powerful developers or the political establishment. Please join me in voting for Jim Provenza on June 3rd.

--Rick LeFlore

The Sacramento Bee got it right in endorsing Jim Provenza for Yolo County Supervisor. Jim Provenza is the only candidate for the 4th District Supervisor seat who has already demonstrated his commitment, intelligence and effectiveness as a local elected official.

As a Davis School Board member (and as its most recent past president), Jim was always open and responsive to community concerns, conscientious in his study and evaluation of issues, mindful of an approach's potential impact on unrepresented and disadvantages individuals, and attuned to fiscal implications of decisions.

Among other things, Jim improved relations between the school district and the City of Davis and supported transparent government, opposing unnecessary closed session meetings. He was instrumental in recovering $4.5 million in state funds for the school district and in implementing improved fiscal practices. This experience and these traits will all contribute to Jim's effectiveness as a Yolo County Supervisor.

Jim is also the Supervisor candidate who has most clearly articulated strong support for open space and agricultural land preservation. Jim took a public position against the Covell Village project and opposes peripheral sprawl housing projects. He strongly supports Measure J, which requires that peripheral housing projects be approved by Davis voters.

Jim will serve the county while also respecting the rights and interests of its cities. When Yolo County proposed development on the periphery of Davis, Jim attended the Supervisors meeting and strongly argued against such development. He was the only one of the current Supervisor candidates to do so and is the only one who has articulated unequivocal support for the county-city pass-through agreement.

With his background as a Special Assistant District Attorney, Jim has lobbied for crime prevention and victim assistance legislation, and has contributed to efforts to improve Yolo County's crime investigation practices. He is a person of integrity, who is forthright in dealing with people and always willing to listen and show respect, even when he disagrees.

Please join me in voting for Jim Provenza for Yolo County Supervisor.

--Robin Wiener

Provenza advocates for those at risk
Jim Provenza is very well prepared to be our next county supervisor. I had the pleasure of working with Jim on the school board and saw first-hand his ability to tackle tough issues. His experience and open and caring approach will serve him well as he helps to confront the challenges of expanded need and contracting dollars at the county level.

Jim is committed to open government and actively seeks input from his constituents. He is a problem-solver and was key to the school district recovering $4.5 million in facility funds from the state.

A major role of the county government is assuring the health and welfare of its citizens. Jim is a tireless advocate for those most at risk while keeping a very careful eye on budgetary issues. As a public health nurse, I know Jim understands what is needed and has the vision and leadership to assure that the people of Yolo County are well-served. I heartily endorse Jim Provenza for county supervisor.

--Sheila Allen

My support goes to this quartet
I support Jim Provenza for county supervisor, Christopher Cabaldon for Assembly, and Steve Souza and Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald for Davis City Council.

All of them care about our public safety. They care about our schools. They care about our community and families. All of them have experience in local government - something that will help them be effective when elected.

Jim has worked hard for our safety and I have seen the results of his work during my years as a prosecutor in Sacramento and Yolo counties. He is a person of reason and conviction. I have seen him in many settings and know he will provide us with the effective leadership we need in this county in the years to come.

I echo the reasons the Sacramento Bee endorsed Jim Provenza: 'As a member of the Davis school board he helped revamp the district's troubled budgeting system. That experience will benefit the Yolo board in difficult times.' Jim is a proven elected official whose experience is needed in these tight budget times.

Christopher will provide us with strong and effective leadership. He is incredibly talented and energetic. He has extensive experience with budgets, improving his local community, working with elected officials, public safety issues and the environment. He is committed to improving the congestion on Interstate 80, providing for affordable college education and so much more. We have a brighter future with him representing us.

Steve is a hard-working council member. I know he will continue to work for us all. Cecilia is bright, energetic and a strong voice that will speak for all of the people once she is on the council. She is committed to serving the entire community. She will be tough on unhampered growth and help make Davis a green city. She will help to keep Davis' downtown a vital and vibrant place. We need her leadership!

--Patricia Lenzi