Governor appoints Dawn Ortiz-Legg to fill vacant county supervisor’s seat

Posted: 7:00 am, November 21, 2020 by Publisher Scott Brennan

Dawn Ortiz-Legg pictured in 2016. Image from Twitter.

–Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday appointed Dawn Ortiz-Legg, 61, of San Luis Obispo to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors.

She fills the Third District SLO County supervisor’s seat left vacant after Adam Hill’s death earlier this year. The Third District includes 61-percent of the City of San Luis Obispo, Edna Valley, Avila, Pismo Beach, and Grover Beach.

“This is an honor for me to serve a wonderful community,” said Ortiz-Legg on Friday evening. “We have lots of challenges and I am ready to roll up my sleeves to support working families, young people, and seniors. I will be accessible to all, as it’s critical for the 3rd district to have representation.”

In 2016, Ortiz-Legg, running as a Democrat, lost the 35th District State Assembly race to Jordan Cunningham. Since 2018, she has worked as an agency liaison for Pacific Gas and Electric Company. In 2018, she was appointed by Hill to the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission. She previously worked at First Solar from 2010 to 2018 as an assistant project manager.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dawn Ortiz-Legg in the past, in various capacities,” said Lynn Compton, County Board Chair and District 4 Supervisor. “I look forward to continuing that relationship in her new role, and have already called and congratulated her.”

Ortiz-Legg has served on several local boards and commissions including the board of directors of the San Luis Obispo County Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC), the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee of San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, and the Cuesta College Sustainability Center.

Ortiz-Legg holds a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University and attended the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) where she earned a Master’s Degree in International Public Policy with a focus on climate change and technology.

Before she is seated, she will need to be sworn in by County Clerk-Recorder Tommy Gong. A date for her swearing-in is yet to be set.

At least five other county residents were reportedly under consideration for the appointment, including Erica Baltodano, Mariam Shah, Erica Stewart, Kara Woodruff, and Peg Pinard.