Catharine Baker

Catharine Baker
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 16th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
December 1, 2014
Preceded by Joan Buchanan
Personal details
Nationality American
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Daniel Baker
Children Alex & Kate
Residence Dublin, California
Alma mater University of Chicago
UC Berkeley School of Law
Occupation Politician
Profession Small Business Counsel
Religion Christian
Website Bakerforassembly.com

Catharine Baker is an American politician currently serving in the California State Assembly. She is a Republican representing the 16th district, encompassing Lamorinda and the Tri-Valley area. Prior to being elected to the state assembly, she was an attorney at Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel.

Early life

Catharine is a native Californian, born and raised in Cathedral City, California. Her mother was an award-winning public school teacher, teaching in California for over 20 years, and her father ran the small family business selling and servicing office equipment. Catharine earned her BA degree from the University of Chicago, overcoming diagnosis and treatment for cancer her senior year to graduate Phi Beta Kappa and with honors. Catharine earned her JD degree from UC Berkeley School of Law.

Career

Catharine is an attorney at Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel law firm in Pleasanton, where she helps small businesses and non-profit organizations get started and succeed. In addition, Catharine has received awards for her pro bono work as an attorney. In 2008, she was recognized as a “Pro Bono Star” within her prior law firm. In 2011, she received the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services from the California State Bar Association, one of the most prestigious awards for pro bono legal services in California, for her commitment to providing pro bono legal representation to low-income individuals and families.

Personal life

Catharine is an active parent leader in our local schools. She served as Vice President of the Dougherty Elementary School Site Council, and on the school’s Safety Committee for five years, chairing the committee for two of those years. Catharine also chaired the GATE committee and has served on other school improvement committees throughout the community. She has experience working cooperatively with teachers, parents, and school administration to develop and implement school improvement programs.

Catharine is also a former Preschool Commission Member with the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church Preschool, which runs a preschool serving families from throughout the San Ramon Valley.

Catharine also serves our community as a volunteer leader. She is a Board Director and Trustee Chairwoman with the Diablo Regional Arts Association (DRAA) in Walnut Creek, and has been involved in development for the DRAA’s arts and educational programs for almost a decade.

Catharine is a member of the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church in Alamo, where she serves on the Children’s Ministry Committee and Staff-Parish Relations Committee and volunteers as a teacher in Sunday school.

In addition, she is actively involved in local Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, serving as a summer camp leader in both organizations.

Catharine was Senior Legislative Assistant to California Congressman Sonny Bono, specializing in transportation infrastructure, natural resources and environmental policy, Medicare, Medicaid, health care, energy, agriculture, and Social Security.

Election Results

[1]
California State Assembly elections, 2014
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Catharine Baker 31,632 36.7
Democratic Tim Sbranti 25,217 29.2
Democratic Steve Glazer 19,636 22.8
Democratic Newell Arnerich 9,794 11.4
Total votes 86,279 100.0
General election
Republican Catharine Baker 66,681 51.7
Democratic Tim Sbranti 62,393 48.3
Total votes 129,074 100.0

Committee Membership

References

  1. ↑ State Assembly Member District 16 - Districtwide Results: http://vote.sos.ca.gov/returns/state-assembly/district/16/

External links