About Debora

Debora Fudge has deep roots in Sonoma County that go as far back as her great grand parents.

Debora herself was raised in both Sunnyvale and rural Santa Cruz, and spent her early years living in a 100 year old farm house on 11 acres of land, with guinea hens, a cow, a goat, 2 dogs, 13 cats, and a duck named Shirley. Debora’s had a lifelong love for nature, the outdoors, and the rural life.

While growing up, Debora witnessed the destructive effects of suburban sprawl, as the rural land around her was developed. She ultimately became an environmental and community planner so she could ensure that growth in urban areas is planned in a way that protects rural areas and prevents sprawl.

Debora’s educational background is also in environmental planning. She earned a BS in Community Conservation Education at UC Davis and a Masters Degree in Environmental Planning at CSU Sacramento.

After pursuing her education, Debora worked as a State Planner for Governor Jerry Brown’s Office of Planning and Research, where she fought to protect agricultural lands in California.

After serving Governor Brown, Debora worked for 25 years as a Senior Environmental Specialist at PG&E, where she focused on energy conservation, toxic cleanups, and habitat and species preservation. In 2001, she co-founded PG&E’s Environmental Stewardship Program, and received an Environmental Award from the CEO in 2005.

Besides environmental planning, Debora’s other love is public service, which has been a Fudge family tradition. Her grandmother was California State PTA Chairwoman in the 1940’s, and then Chair of Red Cross chapters in Pennsylvania. Debora’s mom, step-mom, and aunts are all teachers, and her step-dad was a founding professor at UC Santa Cruz.

Following in the footsteps of her family, Debora was elected to the Windsor Town Council in 1996, where she has served ever since, as a champion for smart growth, economic development, and environmental protection. Debora has also been selected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor on four separate occasions, and was Windsor’s first four-time Mayor.

In 2005, Debora was appointed to serve on the SMART (Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit) Board, and she became Chair of the Board in January 2010.

She has served on numerous other local boards, including the Greenbelt Alliance Public Policy Committee, the Sonoma County Water Agency’s Water Advisory Committee, the Mayors and Councilpersons Association, the Russian River Cleanup Committee, Solar Sonoma County, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, and the Windsor Planning Commission, among others.

In 2006, while undergoing cancer treatment, Debora challenged incumbent Sonoma County Supervisor Paul Kelley, and came within 242 votes, out of the 25,000 votes cast.

She is well now, and in 2010, is ready to win.