As reported by Governor Newsom’s office, California has seen several key appointments across its fire and legal services.
These appointments include Vickie Sakamoto as the new Assistant State Fire Marshal at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and multiple appointments to the State Board of Fire Services.
Additionally, Yvette Roland has been reappointed to the State Bar Court of California, where she has served since 2014.
Each appointee brings extensive experience in their respective fields.
These roles, confirmed eight days ago, reflect a commitment to leadership within California’s critical fire prevention, safety, and legal oversight sectors.
Governor Newsom announced the appointment of Vickie Sakamoto as Assistant State Fire Marshal at CAL FIRE.
Sakamoto has been part of CAL FIRE since 1989, holding various roles such as Division Chief, Deputy State Fire Marshal Supervisor, and Deputy State Fire Marshal III Specialist.
Before joining CAL FIRE, Sakamoto worked as a Fire Prevention Technician at the Florin Fire Protection District.
She is also a member of the Northern California Fire Prevention Officers.
This position does not require Senate confirmation, and her compensation is set at $200,004.
Sakamoto is affiliated with the Democratic Party.
Donald Butz, Fire Chief at the Lakeside Fire Protection District since 2016, has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services.
His background includes roles such as Deputy Fire Chief at Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and Fire Chief at the Viejas Fire Department.
Butz is involved in various associations, including the Fire Districts Association of California and the California Fire Chiefs Association.
Zoraida Diaz, Fire Chief for the City of Fremont since 2023, joins Butz on the State Board.
Diaz’s previous roles include Deputy Fire Chief for Fremont and Battalion Chief for the City of Oakland Fire Department.
She is also active in professional organizations, such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Both Butz and Diaz’s positions on the board do not require Senate confirmation and are unpaid.
Janet Ruiz, Director of Strategic Communication at the Insurance Information Institute, also joins the board.
With a career in communications for insurance organizations since 1989, Ruiz’s expertise adds to the board’s advisory capacity on fire services.
Yvette Roland has been reappointed to the State Bar Court of California, where she has served since 2014.
Her legal background includes partnerships with Duane Morris LLP and Hancock, Rothert & Bunshoft LLP.
Roland has also clerked for Hon. Terry J. Hatter, Jr. at the U.S. District Court in California and is involved in various legal associations, including the National Council of Lawyer Disciplinary Boards and the California Association of Black Lawyers.
Roland holds a Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law, a Master of Education from Stanford University, and a Bachelor’s in History and English from UC Riverside.
This role, compensated at $222,772, does not require Senate confirmation.
Roland is a member of the Democratic Party.
Governor Gavin Newsom has recently announced several appointments impacting fire services and legal oversight in California.
Vickie Sakamoto has been named Assistant State Fire Marshal for CAL FIRE, adding to her extensive career with the department.
New members of the State Board of Fire Services include Donald Butz, Zoraida Diaz, and Janet Ruiz, each bringing varied professional backgrounds to support fire service initiatives statewide.
Additionally, Yvette Roland has been reappointed to the California State Bar Court, continuing her service in the legal disciplinary system.
None of these appointments require Senate confirmation.
