Huffman Announces Staff Changes, Mendocino County Office Open Houses

March 21, 2014

WASHINGTON­—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today announced changes to his district staff in Mendocino County, and invited press and the public to attend two “open house” events at his offices in Fort Bragg and Ukiah.

Effective March 24, Heather Gurewitz will become Huffman’s Mendocino County Field Representative. Originally from Los Angeles, Gurewitz came to Mendocino County in 2009 and has spent the last 5 years as the Women's Business Center Director for West Company Business Assistance, where she has assisted socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to create and grow businesses. Gurewitz served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras, and an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Northeast Oregon. She has a BA in Geography from UC Berkeley and a Master’s Degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon and is fluent in Spanish.

Huffman said: “I am happy to welcome Heather Gurewitz to my team where she will lead my outreach in Mendocino County. In addition to her diverse experience and lifelong dedication to economic development and helping the underprivileged, she brings her commitment to serving Mendocino County’s community priorities, and I look forward to having her on my team.”

Congressman Huffman also announced the retirement of Heidi Cusick Dickerson, his Mendocino County District Representative. Dickerson previously served as Rep. Mike Thompson’s District Representative for eight years, and is a recognized leader in the county, championing numerous successful projects ranging from saving the Anderson Valley Health Clinic to promoting the county’s food and wine industries.

Huffman said: “I’m sad to see her go, but Heidi has earned her retirement and couldn’t leave on a higher note—after years of dedicated and tireless work to bring the Point Arena-Stornetta Public lands on the Mendocino coast into National Monument status, Heidi witnessed the National Monument sign pounded into the ground and was one of the first to step foot on the new monument. I know Heidi will continue to be a passionate advocate for all things Mendocino and wish her continued success in the future.”

Congressman Huffman also announced the departure of Christine Anderson, who has worked in Mendocino County as a constituent services representative for both Huffman and Congressman Thompson. Anderson is a longtime resident of the Mendocino coast, having served as Development Director for the Mendocino Land Trust before beginning her career as a congressional staffer.

Huffman said: “Christine has been a valuable and effective member of my team in Mendocino, building strong relationships and helping constituents throughout the county. I am grateful to have had her as a key member of my team during my first term in Congress, and wish her and her husband all the best in their future endeavors.”

Christine’s part-time role will be filled by Roseanne Ibarra, who joins the Huffman office from FIRST 5 Mendocino in Ukiah, where she has served as administrative manager and executive secretary. Ibarra is an Ukiah resident who has worked in the state assembly, is an active volunteer in the community, and is pursuing a law degree. Ibarra plans to split her time between FIRST 5 and the Office of Congressman Huffman.

Huffman said: “We are very lucky to bring Roseanne on board. She has demonstrated a true commitment to the community, and she will play an important role in my office, finding ways to assist Mendocino’s citizens and helping the county’s agencies and organizations achieve their goals.”

For planning purposes: Congressman Huffman’s Open Houses

On March 31, from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. PT, Huffman and his Mendocino County staff will be at the Fort Bragg Town Hall: 363 North Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.

Later in the day, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. PT, Huffman and his Mendocino County staff will be at the County Agriculture Building: 890 North Bush Street, Ukiah, CA 95482. 

This will be an opportunity to welcome the new Mendocino team and thank Heidi and Christine for their years of service.

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