Woodland, California – With the upcoming March 5 primary election in California, local races in Yolo County have taken center stage. Among these races is the competition for an open seat on the Yolo Superior Court bench. Clara Levers, a Deputy Attorney General, is one of the candidates vying for this position. As the election approaches, the Daily Democrat reached out to Levers and other candidates in contested races to learn more about their platforms, priorities, and qualifications.
Levers, a graduate of UC Davis School of Law, brings two decades of legal experience to her candidacy. Throughout her career, she has worked in various aspects of the legal system, including criminal defense, civil litigation, and appellate prosecution. Her role as a deputy attorney general at the California Department of Justice has allowed her to specialize in criminal law and trial practice, and she has dedicated her career to perfecting the judicial process.
In addition to her legal expertise, Levers is also recognized for her dedication to public service. She serves as the editor of a manual for peace officers, educating law enforcement officials on legal procedures relating to searches, seizures, warrants, interrogations, and more. Furthermore, she has taught over 4,000 police officers and sheriff’s deputies on conducting lawful searches and interrogations since 2009. Levers’ ability to quickly absorb information and find solutions to legal questions has been honed throughout her career and will be assets should she be elected as a judge.
When asked about her motivations for seeking the position, Levers expressed a desire to provide direct public service to her community. She aims to utilize her legal expertise, skills, and commitment to fairness and justice for the benefit of the residents of Yolo County.
Levers also shared her guiding principles as a judge, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful and well-reasoned rulings that inspire public confidence in the court. She recognizes the stress and emotional impact that court proceedings can have on individuals and strives to treat everyone with patience and respect. Additionally, Levers aims to prevent cases from being retried, sparing witnesses and victims from testifying multiple times.
Regarding the local criminal justice system, Levers acknowledges the need to address issues related to substance abuse, mental health disorders, and homelessness. She believes that resources, experts, and leaders who understand the criminal justice and treatment systems are essential in creating long-term solutions. Yolo County is already implementing programs such as the Addiction Intervention Court and Mental Health Court, which have proven effective in reducing arrests and providing support to individuals. As a judge, Levers is committed to being a reliable partner in these innovative systems and advocating for more resources for these programs.
In closing, Levers shared her personal connection to the community, having grown up on a farm outside of Woodland and worked in agriculture. Her fluency in Spanish has allowed her to connect with a broader range of individuals, and she has used her language skills to assist applicants for U.S. citizenship and help those affected by immigration policies. She looks forward to using her second language to connect with the community in outreach opportunities as a judge.
For more information about Clara Levers and her platform, visit her website: [insert website URL].
(Note: All information in this article has been rewritten in AP News Style, incorporating additional context and analysis while avoiding plagiarism.)