I have resided in Eureka for the past 9 years. I moved here from Simi Valley, CA after retiring as Superintendent of Schools in that community. After my arrival here I was offered the position of Executive Director for the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka. For five years I greatly enjoyed working with an excellent staff and the wonderful seniors of Humboldt County.
In 2002 I ran for City Council for Ward 1, and was pleased to be elected and have the opportunity to serve the citizens of the City of Eureka.
For this past year I have also worked part-time as Administrative Director for the Northern California Association of Nonprofits (NorCAN) assisting this organization in expansion and coordination of services.
Most of my professional life has been spent in the field of education. I started as a classroom teacher and eventually served as Superintendent of a small rural school district located in East Contra Costa County, and later as Superintendent of the largest urban district in Ventura County.
I graduated from University of California, Berkeley and hold BA, MA, and Doctorate degrees. My Doctorate is from the School of Education and is in Organization and Leadership.
I have three adult children and 7 grandchildren! My daughter Dede lives in Eureka and works in a local restaurant. My cat, Kiki is definitely a "senior", as she is 17 years old.
I chose to come to Eureka because of the vibrancy that I felt in this city. It seemed that while there was great early California history here, there was also the opportunity to move forward into the 21st century, and I wanted to be a part of making this happen. I was charmed by the preserved variety of architecture; ranging from Victorian, craftsman, and art moderne, up to contemporary designs. My first home here was on Hillsdale Street, and I had the pleasure of restoring the interior of this lovely Queen Anne. I then purchased a commercial building on Second Street in Old Town where I now live in a "French apartment" on the second floor.
As a councilmember I am particularly interested economic growth (including waterfront and harbor development), and housing - preserving what we have, and providing increased affordable housing in our city. I am also interested in the development of an "arts and theatre promenade" from the location of the Eureka Inn down to the foot of F street. My past experience with students and school administration are a basis of my support for our schools systems, including higher education. I remain very interested in senior issues and services, and hope to be a part of developing additional Alzheimer's services our families. Lastly, I am committed to increased public safety, and the development of a walkable, livable community that will be the "jewel" of our state.
I have had the opportunity to serve on a variety of boards and committees, including past president and board member of the Eureka Heritage Society, board member of the Humboldt Arts Council, board member of Main Street, commissioner on the Eureka Historic Preservation Commission, and the Eureka Theatre Board of Directors.
Presently, I represent the City of Eureka as chairperson for the Humboldt Waste Management Authority, HWMA, and serve as an alternate on the Redevelopment Agency Board of the city, and alternate for the Local Agency Formation Commission, LAFCO.
Mary Beth Wolford, Ed.D.
422 Second Street
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 444-3805
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