[Editor: Benicians are expressing themselves in letters to the editor of our local print newspaper, the Benicia Herald. But the Herald doesn’t publish letters in its online editions – and many Benician’s don’t subscribe. We are posting certain letters here for wider distribution. – RS]

Mariko Yamada: Good for the Delta

I am pleased to write this letter in support of Mariko Yamada, who is a candidate for the State Senate in District 3 [representing Benicia].

I’ve followed her activities in the Assembly and have been impressed by her consistent advocacy for improvement of working conditions for farm workers.

Also she has demonstrated a clear understanding of the need to protect water quality in the Delta and in our area generally. In the Assembly she was a senior member of the Assembly Committees on Agriculture and Water.  She opposes the Delta tunnels which potentially would be a disaster for the Delta and also negatively impact other northern California water needs.

Unlike her opponent [Dodd], Mariko has consistently voted to support overtime compensation and wage protection for farm workers.  Farm workers have historically been excluded from receiving additional pay for overtime work. As recently as this year, her opponent voted against such a bill.  Recently Gov. Brown signed that bill into law.

Mariko, a lifelong Democrat, is not a voice for corporate interests such as oil, Monsanto and pharmaceutical companies.

Her legislative service has focused on elder care, justice for workers and care for the environment.

I urge you to join me in voting for Mariko Yamada for State Senate.

Evie Treventhen, Napa

June 7 primary election – Yamada for Senate, District 3

Benicia Independent joins Mayor Elizabeth Patterson and the California League of Conservation Voters in endorsing Mariko Yamada for State Senate District 3

As a member of the State Assembly, Mariko Yamada took notice of Benicia and represented us well.  Now, having termed out of her Assembly seat, she is in a tight race for California Senate.

I once told Mariko I’d vote for her for President – she’s that good! I made an early financial commitment and helped sponsor one of her first meet and greets here in Benicia last December.  Please vote for Mariko Yamada in the June 7 primary!

Her opponents are being heavily supported by independent groups representing oil interests and other big money lobbyists.

See her campaign site (YamadaForSenate.com/) for details on her rich personal background and her plain-spoken progressive stance on the issues.  Here’s a map of District 3 – its huge, including the cities of Benicia, Martinez, Napa, Petaluma, St. Helena, Fairfield, Vacaville, Davis, Dixon, Woodland, etc.