Wolk honors Cass Sylvia of Davis as Woman of the Year
Sylvia honored for service to Yolo County, 3rd Senate District
DAVIS– In celebration of Women’s History Month, Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) honored Kathleen “Cass” Sylvia today as the 3rd Senate District’s Woman of the Year.
Sylvia, a Davis resident, has served as Yolo County’s elected Public Guardian and Administrator since 1999. In that capacity, she provides services such as conservatorship for the mentally ill, elderly and disabled—providing for their basic needs, managing their finances, paying their bills. Sylvia and her staff also arrange burial or cremation services for the homeless and others with no will or relatives, or where the relatives are not willing and able to provide these services.
“Cass cares for those that can’t care for themselves, people with no one to help them when they are most in need. For over 17 years, she has championed Yolo County’s elderly and disabled, working diligently to ensure that the community’s most vulnerable members are treated with dignity, compassion, understanding, and respect,” Wolk said. “And Cass is just as committed to serving her community outside of her role as Public Guardian and Administrator. Her kindness, dedication and generosity of spirit are also reflected in her volunteer activities.”
Sylvia serves on the Yolo County Commission on Aging and Adult Services, and is a board member of Friends of Adult Day Health, president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Yolo Chapter, a volunteer with Project Amigo, and an organizer with the Sock Drive for Yolo Homeless.
Her past volunteer efforts include service as president of the Luna Vista Rotary Club of Woodland, Short Term Emergency Aid Committee, Food Bank of Yolo County, West Davis Elementary School Site Council, and Friends of the Davis Public Library. She has also volunteered for Loaves and Fishes and as co-chair of the Davis Library Expansion Campaign, a board member of Citizens Who Care, vice president of the Davis Farmers Market, and an advisory board member for the Yolo County Library and Yolo Land Trust.
“I am proud to recognize this dynamic woman and her ongoing contributions to Yolo County and the 3rd Senate District,” Wolk said.
Wolk also recognized Caitlin O’Halloran of Dixon, the co-founder of the Dixon Montessori Charter School and a governing board member and vice president of the Dixon Unified School District. O’Halloran is also commissioner for the State Board of Education Advisory Commission on Charter Schools and president of the Dixon Public Library Board.
O’Halloran currently serves as Wolk’s Legislative and District Director managing district staff to communicate, represent and provide outreach for the Senator throughout six counties, and working with Capitol staff on Wolk’s legislative package. Additionally, O’Halloran coordinates intergovernmental and community relations activities and district events, conducts negotiations on state and local issues, and represents the Senator at public events. She served as District Director during Wolk’s tenure in the State Assembly.
Every March, the Senate celebrates Women’s History Month by honoring women whose contributions improve lives in their communities, a tradition dating back to 1987.
Original Article: http://sd03.senate.ca.gov/news/2016-03-31-wolk-honors-cass-sylvia-davis-woman-year
