Mariko Yamada, Democrat for State Assembly

Cabaldon Supporters Equate Coffee Cart Job Training Program to Government Waste

Vacaville – In another example of desperate mudslinging, the EdVoice supporters of Christopher Cabaldon have attacked Mariko Yamada over her support of a job training program for people with disabilities.

The ad features a coffee cup and asks, “$91,000 for coffee service?....Would you like foam with that?” It hides the fact that the coffee cart is just part of a new Yolo County training program that will help people dealing with mental illness learn valuable job skills and empower them towards independence.

The coffee cart, received start-up funds due to Yamada’s leadership on the Board of Supervisors, and was also supported by fellow Supervisor Helen Thomson. Supervisor Matt Rexroad, a Republican political consultant voted against the appropriation.

The mailer in support of Cabaldon decries, “There are coffee stands on every corner – all paying rent and taxes without public subsidy. What was Yamada thinking?”

The “Cool Beans” coffee cart program is currently ramping up and when ready will allow members of the public and Yolo County employees to access healthy drinks, snacks, and sandwiches in the Herbert Bauer Health and Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Building in Woodland. The Bauer Building currently has no food or drink vending resources.

The program is administered by Turning Point Community Programs, which for 30 years has provided integrated, cost-effective mental health services, employment and housing that promote recovery, independence and self-sufficiency for adults, children and their families.