Biography

Lois Wolk loves her work. As the Assemblywoman from Solano and Yolo Counties, Lois has made a difference for farmers and families, commuters and small business owners, for hikers and boaters, students and seniors. Lois' success stems from her commitment to find the right solutions to big challenges.

As a legislator, she has tackled tough issues including transportation, education, health, housing, human services, public safety, environmental protection, and flood protection. She was a founding member of the Bipartisan Group, legislators from both parties that worked on consensus solutions to state budget and political reform issues in 2002.

	Committee Work – Focused on the Details: Chair of the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Budget Budget Subcommittee on Transportation and Information Technology Banking and Finance Natural Resources Veterans Affairs Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture Special Committee on Water during the Second Extraordinary Session Select Committees include: Biotechnology, Domestic Violence, Future of Farming in California, Procurement, and Ports.

Serving in her 3rd Assembly term, Wolk has succeeded in getting numerous bills passed by the legislature and signed into law. Highlights include legislation to designate 31 miles of Cache Creek in Yolo and Lake Counties as a State Wild, Scenic and Recreational River; the establishment of a statewide immunization registry, the requirement that bank employees report suspected elder financial abuse to law enforcement, and most recently landmark flood protection legislation crucial to residents of the Delta and San Joaquin County area.

Wolk has been honored frequently for her public service, including The California Journal, which awarded the Assemblywoman the "Golden Pedigree" for her integrity, trustworthiness, and personal ethics—and recognized her as one of the "Freshman Elite" for her high standing among first-term legislators in August 2004.

Wolk has a long record of community and public service. In 1990, she won a seat on the Davis City Council, and served two terms as Mayor (1992-94 and 1996-98). While on the City Council, she led the effort to build the Sutter Davis Hospital and the University Retirement Community. She spearheaded the formation of the Economics and Finance Commission and the Open Space Commission. She also led the efforts to preserve and restore Putah Creek and create wetlands adjacent to the Wastewater Treatment Plant and in the Yolo Basin.

Wolk served Yolo County as County Supervisor from 1998 to 2002, chairing the Board in 2000. As a Supervisor, she led the effort to create a Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center for abused children, a Crisis Nursery, the Yolo County Children's Alliance, and the first Tree Plan for Yolo County. During her tenure, the Board successfully funded a new Juvenile Hall and revised the County's Agricultural Zoning Ordinance to preserve Yolo's prime agricultural land.

Wolk earned her B.A. from Antioch College in 1968, and an M.A. from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in 1971. She taught History, Social Studies and French in grades 7 through 12 in both public and private schools. She has been married to Bruce Wolk, Professor of Law at UC Davis Law School since 1968. They have two grown sons, Adam and Dan, two granddaughters, Audrey, Isabel, and one brand-new campaign season grandaughter, Avery.