Mariko Yamada
| Mariko Yamada | |
|---|---|
| 山田真理子 | |
 Mariko Yamada 2015 Mariko Yamada in October, 2014 | |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 4th district 8th district (2008–2012) | |
|
In office December 1, 2008 – November 30, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Lois Wolk |
| Succeeded by | Bill Dodd |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
October 23, 1950 Denver, Colorado |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Janlee Wong |
| Children |
Meilee Midori |
| Residence | Davis, California |
| Alma mater |
University of Colorado University of Southern California |
| Occupation | Social Worker/Civil servant |
Mariko Yamada (born October 23, 1950) is a former Democratic assemblywoman from California's 4th Assembly district. She was elected in 2008 after defeating West Sacramento mayor Christopher Cabaldon in a competitive Democratic primary, a defeat that many considered an upset win for Yamada.[1] She was the third consecutive woman from Davis to be elected to this seat, following in the footsteps of Helen Thomson and Lois Wolk.
Personal
Both of Yamada's parents were held in Japanese internment camps during World War II.[2] Yamada grew up attending inner-city schools and later became the first member of her family to complete college and graduate school.[2] She lives in Davis with her husband, Janlee Wong. They have two children—Meilee, a 2007 alumna of the University of Southern California, and Midori, a 2008 alumna of the University of California at San Diego.
Education
Yamada received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado and received her master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California.
Political career
Prior to serving in the Assembly, Yamada represented the city of Davis on the Yolo County Board of Supervisors.
Career
Yamada's experience includes a decade in Washington, D.C. in federal service, first with the U.S. Census Bureau working on the undercount reduction campaign of the 1980 Census. She later worked as an investigator with Civil Rights division of the United States Department of Commerce. She also co-produced and co-hosted "Gold Mountain, D.C.", a jazz and information show on WPFW 89.3 FM.
References
- ↑ Bajko, Matthew (June 5, 2008). "Two gay Assembly candidates win races". Bay Area Reporter. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
- 1 2 Hashimoto, Giovanni. "Assemblymember Yamada Speaks to College Democrats". Pacific Union College. Retrieved October 28, 2012.