Dublin Mom Running for State Assembly

By Autumn Johnson

Dublin resident Catharine Baker announced her candidacy for District 16 State Assembly seat on July 10.

The mother of two says she made the announcement on her twins' tenth birthday.

"They are my main drive for running," Baker said. "Having a state that is working is important. There are so many things we could do better so I decided to step up. I would like kids to have a state that is successful in areas of education, economy, debt and infrastructure."

Baker, who is lawyer, is running against Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti, Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich and Orinda City Councilman Steve Glazer. Joan Buchanan is the outgoing District 16 Assemblymember.

[Related article: Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti Will Run For State Assembly]

The child of a school teacher and businessman, Baker is originally from Cathedral City in the Southern California desert, currently living in Dublin and working in Pleasanton.

Baker, a graduate UC Berkeley School of Law, says when she first had her children, she was a stay-at-home mom, eventually going back to work part time.

"There were times during the recession when I was the primary breadwinner," Baker said, adding "I know what it is like to go through that."

In the 1990s, Baker worked as a Senior Legal Aide on Capital Hill under former Congressman Sonny Bono.

"I have a unique perspective," Baker commented. "I worked on issues surrounding Medicare, Social Security, water, agriculture, infrastructure and education, which are all issues today."

Baker says she stays involved in the Dublin community and is on the Dublin School Site Council, several improvement committees and participates in scouting organization activities.

"I am the only candidate with school-aged children in this race," Baker said. 

A little-known fact about Baker? Her love of archery.

"I volunteered at a camp over the summer," Baker said. "It was so rewarding to see young girls starting out not that great and end the week with them hitting bullseyes."

Baker says this is an important race.

"Anytime we are choosing our leaders is important," Baker said. "When you have a race that can determine balance and progress in Sacramento... that makes it critical."