We will have Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith as our guest for a community appreciation dinner.

Smith began her career at the Sheriff’s Office in 1973, working as a Matron (the former title for a female Sheriff’s Deputy) at the Santa Clara County Jail until 1976. She then became one of the first female permanent undercover vice cops. In 1990, Sheriff Chuck Gillingham promoted her to Assistant Sheriff.

Smith was elected Sheriff of Santa Clara County on November 3, 1998 by a substantial margin and took office on December 15, 1998, becoming the first female sheriff in California.

Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice from San Jose State University and a Master’s Degree in Business Management from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is a graduate of the California Command College and of the FBI Academy and National Executive Institute.

Sheriff Smith has received numerous citations and awards for her public service and has an outstanding record in the California Law Enforcement community. She is a Past President of the California State Sheriff’s Association and has been named Woman of the Year by the California State Assembly.

Free of charge; dinner will be served. PLEASE RSVP to pacifica.org/rsvp