Elect Dixson judge of Superior Court

I have proudly lived in Placer County for over 40 years. I had the privilege of serving the people of Placer County and the State of California as a Judge of the Placer County Superior Court. During my tenure, I oversaw every kind of civil and criminal cases, including death penalty murders, sexual assaults and more. Before becoming a judge, I had been a deputy district attorney, a civil attorney and then an elected district attorney with the weighty responsibility to prosecute a range of cases from minor offenses to the worst crimes imaginable, including the horrific murders of two CaliforniaHighway Patrol Officers. More recently, I had the privilege of serving on the California Commission on Judicial Nominees with the responsibility to thoroughly investigate the qualifications, integrity and fitness of candidates being considered for appointment to the bench. In short, I've seen the best and the worst of judges and candidates for judgeships. I care about the judicial system in our country, our state and our county. I have seen comments in the current election that legal system insiders are "circling the wagons" to support the incumbent judge. I can't speak for others, but I don't circle wagons to protect "bad" or even "poor" judges. In years past, I have publicly criticized judges not performing to the standards we have a right to expect, and have sponsored a recall petition to remove a bad judge. Respectfully, the real question I think the voters should start with is, "What makes a good judge?" The best judge is not the one that promises to decide cases the easy way, the way that is most popular or the way that is politically easy. The best judges are those with guts, integrity, a commitment to the law and a commitment to pursue truth and justice; because sometimes, the right decision is the unpopular decision. The qualities of a good judge are not about what kind of law you practiced as an attorney, it's about who you are as a person, how you will handle the tough calls, and how you will treat the people in your courtroom. Leon Dixson has the qualities we need on the Placer Superior Court. He has my support and he deserves your vote. Richard L. Gilbert Sacramento Why she supports Steyer for governor I am writing to express my support for Tom Steyer for governor of California. For me, the strongest reason to vote for Steyer is that he is absolutely the strongest on fighting climate change. He has been endorsed by all the environmental groups. He is the ONLY one who says the words "MAKE POLLUTERS PAY." He is the only one who is independent enough to go up against PG&E and stop fossil fuel production. His independence from special interest PACs and corporate money is exactly what California needs right now. Steyer has consistently demonstrated he is for the people, not the rich and powerful. He wants to challenge the monopoly status of the state's investor-owned utilities and raise property taxes on business. His track record of taking on Big Oil and Big Tobacco shows he isn't afraid to stand up to monied interests to protect our health and environment. He's supporting single-payer healthcare and is pushing to raise corporate taxes to bring in money for our schools. Steyer's longstanding advocacy for climate justice remains the gold standard for any candidate in this race. Steyer isn't just another politician; he is a transformative leader with a history of delivering results even when the establishment couldn't. I am particularly moved by his commitment to making California more affordable. His bold plan to build 1 million affordable homes and break up utility monopolies to lower electric bills offers a real path forward for families struggling with the cost of living. It is time for a governor who understands that the status quo is unsustainable and has the vision to lead us toward a more equitable future. Please vote for Tom Stryer for governor of California. Cynthia Shallit Sacramento Thanks to all for Auburn Memorial Day ceremony Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women of our armed forces who lost their lives while serving our country, and to remember and thank the loved ones they left behind. On behalf of the Auburn Area Honor Guard, Richard W. Townsend American Legion Post 84, Alyn W. Butler American Legion Auxiliary Unit 169, American Legion Riders Chapter 84, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 84, Veterans of Foreign Wars Placer Foothills Post 904 and their Auxiliary, Knights of Columbus Mother Lode Assembly 2778 and Placer County Navy League, thank you Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, Young Men's Service League and other volunteers for placing flags on veterans' graves in Auburn and Newcastle, and Troop 13 and VFW for the beautiful Aisle of Flags. Special thanks to the Luther Burbank High School NJROTC Color Guard, national anthem singer Larry LaVerne, Valentina Cheng and Donna Hoffman for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and your readings, Navy League Chaplain Bruce Lundberg and American Legion Auxiliary Chaplain Bonnie Bradbury for your prayers, Kathy Dusart of Doves of White, bagpiper Neil Henderson, buglers Joel Aviles and Kevin Reyes, Mona Anderson for help with the flowers, and O'Shay's Florists for the beautiful wreaths, and flowers given to our Gold Star family members. Thank you, Tom Dwelle Jr. and family, for planning to do a flyover. Thank you, Congressman Kevin Kiley, Auburn Vice Mayor Rachel Radell-Harris and Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson for your remarks. Thank you, Auburn Cemetery District and Larry Laverne, for the sound systems. Our sincere thanks to Katelan Sweeney and staff of the Auburn Cemetery District and Jeff Forrey and staff of Newcastle Cemetery for the chairs, traffic control and preparations and support for the flag-placing volunteers and ceremonies. A BIG thank you to Bill Poindexter of the Auburn Journal for your outstanding coverage! Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and gratitude, and we greatly appreciate the many who joined us in honoring the men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we cherish, and in paying tribute to their Gold Star family members. Bonnie B. Potter, Master of Ceremonies Auburn