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Adopt a resolution supporting the naming of a state overpass, interchange, or other Solano County highway designation through the Caltrans application process in honor of Judge John A. DeRonde
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Thomson recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution supporting the naming of a state overpass, interchange, or other Solano County highway designation through the Caltrans application process in honor of Judge John A. DeRonde.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The family of the late Judge John A. DeRonde (1922 - 2003) has requested that the Solano County Board of Supervisors consider supporting the naming of an overpass, interchange or other Solano County highway designation in honor of Judge John A. DeRonde.
Judge DeRonde was a long-time resident of Solano County. He served in the military at Travis Air Force Base, and while in the service, he was instrumental in the creation of the Travis Unified School District. Distinctly, he served as a judge on the Solano County Bench from 1971 to 1991. He contributed personal time, resources, and effort to numerous activities, organizations and projects, all for the benefit and betterment of Solano County.
Judge DeRonde was a resident of Solano County for over four decades. He retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Lt. Colonel. His last tour of duty was at Travis Air Force Base, where he served as an attorney in the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) office. While in that office, Judge DeRonde lobbied successfully with state and federal officials to approve the creation of the Travis Unified School District. Today, the Travis Unified School District includes five elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, a community day school, as well as an education center. The families with children in the Travis Unified School District live and work in our community and contribute to the economic prosperity of Solano County.
After retiring from the Air Force, Judge DeRonde opened a law practice in Vacaville. In 1971, Judge DeRonde was appointed as a Justice Court judge for Solano County. He later became a Municipal Court judge, and was subsequently elected to serve as a Superior Court judge. He retired from the Solano County bench in 1991, serving Solano County as a judicial officer for 20 years.
Judge DeRonde served on many boards and committees which benefited all of Solano County. He donated his time to the California Judges Association, of which he was a director, the Solano County Bar Association, the Vacaville Lions Club and Fairfield (F.A.S.T.) Lions Club, the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and its Military Affairs Committee, the Solano County Retired Officers Association, the Solano County Taxpayers Association, amongst many others. He was voted "Man of the Year" by the Fairfield-Suisun Exchange Club.
The City of Fairfield on March 20, 2007 and City of Vacaville on December 11, 2018 supported the family’s request, which requires a resolution for consideration by Caltrans as part of the Caltrans application process. Support resolutions are required prior to consideration of their request by the State Legislature.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution, but that would not be recommended as this gives the Board the opportunity to honor the service of late John A. DeRonde to Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION