Mariko Yamada, Democrat for State Assembly

To The Beat of a Different Drummer

Dear Friends:

This past Sunday, friends and family gathered for a good, old-fashioned cook-out in Davis' Central Park. Together, we marked "one-month-to-go" in our campaign.

My older brother surprised me by flying-up from Los Angeles, along with his wife, Jean, and his daughter and son-in-law. I was deeply touched to see them when I arrived and learned that they'd helped with set-up for the day.

Thanks to Davis Firefighters Local 3494, and our supporter Mary Liu, we served up nearly 500 hot dogs and tofu dogs to campaign supporters while enjoying the soulful sounds of the Rick Donaldson Blues Band (my neighbors!) and the traditional beat of Davis Wakamatsu Taiko (our daughter Meilee studied Taiko under the instruction of Denis and Linda from Davis Wakamatsu Taiko, so their performances are always particularly meaningful for me).

This event was a friend-raiser, not a fund-raiser and we not only fed our campaign family, we also welcomed some of Davis' homeless to our food line. We, after all, stand for inclusion, not exclusivity. It's a difference I'm proud of in this campaign.

While my opponent has collected over $165,000 from land developers, including those with current projects before the West Sacramento City Council, we've held a series of events across the district that are open to the public. Do the donations matter?

According to the Sacramento Bee they do. While endorsing my opponent, the Bee pointed out their concern that Independent Expenditures filed on my behalf by California's teachers might make me a pawn of the union. I find their fear amusing.

What about the handful of billionaire financiers of Ed Voice who have pumped money into an IE for my opponent? Do they deserve a free pass from Editorial accusations of influence peddling, while our teachers who start out making $30,000 get singled-out?

If I am privileged to serve as your State Assemblywoman, my focus will be on the working families who are struggling to stay just one step ahead of poverty. There are plenty of lobbyists and legislators catering to the wealthy. I want to bring a balanced voice on behalf of those who aren't normally heard from in the halls of the Legislature.

To meet this end, we'll be working hard all day, every day, to bring home the win on June 3. Thank you for your support!

Follow-Up on West Sacramento Developer Donations

Christopher Cabaldon has taken over $165,000 from land developers, including major bundled donations from companies whose projects he will vote on while still on the West Sacramento City Council.

Two of these West Sac development projects/Cabaldon donors - ASB Properties' Yarbrough development and Richland Communities' Riverbend will place just over 5000 homes in a high-risk flood area. Speeding up their approvals before FEMA flood mapping changes occur is not smart growth, Mr. Mayor - it's irresponsible.

Siting residential development in the flood zone puts people and the emergency services personnel who have to rescue them in harm's way and it's why Mariko has consistently voted "no" on such projects in Yolo County.

And while new high-rises and a luxury golf course community in West Sacramento might be great "Elephant Projects" (they make a big splash), Democrats should be dismayed at the fact that West Sacramento has the highest rate of elder poverty in the six-county Sacramento region according to a Community Health Needs Assessment (page 18) conducted by our region's health care systems.

More Endorsements From Public Safety and Progressive Workers

We're proud to announce Mariko's endorsement from the Solano County Sheriff's Department Deputy Sheriff's Association (DSA). They join the Yolo County DSA in recognizing Mariko's commitment to public safety and law enforcement.

In addition, International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 17 Pensioner's Club, who are among the "toughest" to persuade. These are the ILWU retirees, and they have truly seen and heard it all. They don't give their support lightly. In her endorsement interview, Mariko said that she would have loved to join ILWU in shutting down the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Oakland on May 1 to halt shipments aiding the war for one day.

Sign Up to Walk or Call

Mariko's walked almost 3800 households personally. Now, you can help her bring home the win by signing up to walk or call your home precinct. Email Don Lowrie at Don@marikoyamada.net to volunteer!

Spread The Word

Mariko's Missive is going out to almost 1000 subscribers now. Help her spread her message to others by recommending a friend or relative to share her message of progressive values.

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