Letter of support for Sheriff Tom Lopez
To the voters of Yolo County, my name is Robin Malugani, a recently retired Correctional Lieutenant. I was a proud member of the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office for 33 years. I am writing to give my full support of Sheriff Tom Lopez’s bid for reelection.
I have known Sheriff Lopez for my entire career and have watched him rise through the ranks from patrol deputy up to and currently the elected Sheriff of Yolo County. Throughout the years I have worked with Tom when he was assigned to the jail as Security and Investigations Sergeant and later for him as the Jail Commander, Undersheriff and Sheriff. No matter what position or rank he held he always exemplified leadership, integrity, professionalism and high moral character. Tom has always taken the time to listen, teach and mentor others so they may reach their full career potential. That is the true definition of leading by example.
I must point out the errors in Sheriff Lopez’s opponent’s platform point #6 “Inmate Rehabilitation.” Deputy Tommy Hayes states that he will bring meaningful programming to the inmates such as AA, NA and Anger Management. All of these programs have been in place since before I hired on 33 years ago. Along with the programs he mentions the jail currently provides parenting, a robust GED program, MultiDenominational Religious Services, Socialization program serving our mental health population, Domestic Violence classes, Work Release and Electronic Monitoring just to name a few. Also, while I was a Correctional Sergeant and supervising the Leinberger facility I helped to pioneer the Day Reporting Center which provides life skills and education to the inmates and Northern California Construction Training (NCCT) which placed several inmates in jobs upon their release. I worked very closely with then Undersheriff Lopez in implementing the DRC and NCCT programs which were so successful I had a waiting list for inmate participation.
Unfortunately, all programming had to be temporarily suspended due to the pandemic for the health and safety of the inmates. However, as restrictions ease and it is determined safe the inmate programs will return. The fact that Tommy Hayes is not aware of the current list of programs provided to the inmate population coupled with his lack of knowledge regarding pandemic restrictions in the jail and the major challenges it has caused for inmates and staff demonstrate his clear lack of experience and knowledge of the largest Division in the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Lopez’s vast knowledge and experience throughout all divisions in the Sheriff’s Office make him the clear choice as Sheriff for the citizens of Yolo County.
— Robin Malugani, Sutter
County