I live in and love San Francisco because this city, more than any in which I have lived or visited, values and protects diversity, fairness, and civil rights.  These qualities have been vital in my life as a public defender, a mother, a lesbian, an ACLU Board member, and now as a candidate running for Judge Superior Court of San Francisco this June 8, 2010.

I have demonstrated my committment to San Francisco values of integrity, fairness and service over the last two decades. Since graduating from the Univeristy of Michigan Law School (where I was a founding member of the Michigan Journal of Race and Law), I have devoted my life to serving my community.

My thirteen years at the Public Defender’s office shows not only my depth of litigation experience, but also my commitment to serving those without financial means. My Northern California ACLU Board membership and leadership positions in that important organization have taught me the value of spirited debate and tenacity about protecting rights.  And my community involvementwith the Municipal Attorney’s Association, the Brandeis Hillel Day School, and Golden Gate Women’s Soccer League—have allowed me to collaborate with San Franciscans from diverse fields and backgrounds.

As outdoor enthusiasts, my wife, kids and I treasure our lives in San Francisco and know that we are lucky to be able to walk our dog, Jasper, on the beaches of Fort Funston or in the fabulous open spaces of Glen Canyon and Bernal Hill, to play soccer (everyone in our family actually plays) on the myriad fields that San Francisco boasts and has been improving to turf over the years, to play in the parks, whether it’s our neighborhood playgrounds in Bernal Heights (Holly Park, behind the library, St. Mary’s Rec), to stroll or ride our bikes on the Embarcadero during Sunday Streets, or simply to curl up with a book at home or at one of our family’s favorite cafes.

I hope to have your support in my campaign and help assure that there is justice for all in San Francisco.

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