Details

Betsy Marchand - Board of Supervisors Collection

FONDS-132

1970/2020

1000.0 - Record Group Number
1994-023 - Accession
2022-018 - Accession

Bestand

The Betsy Marchand Papers includes correspondence, press releases, speeches, campaign material, newspaper clippings, photographs, slides, commendations, and awards related to Yolo County Supervisor Marchand’s work while in office, her political campaigns, and post-retirement activities.The collection spans from 1958-2020 (bulk 1970-1996) and documents Betsy Marchand’s public service, women in politics, infrastructure projects, healthcare, environmental work, public transit, and a small amount of personal materials.There are personal items such as birthday cards and correspondence to and from Marchand included in the collection. Additionally, there are several awards and plaques Marchand won as well as VHS tapes and slides used at her retirement dinner. There are campaign photos, newspaper ads, and material on local politicians running for various offices in the newspaper clippings Marchand collected.

Marchand grew up in Covina, California, where she became a high school teacher before moving to Yolo County in 1964. Prior to running for office, Marchand was active in county advisory committees and volunteer work such as with the East Davis Swimming Pool Committee, the Mental Health Advisory Board, the Police Chief’s Drug Committee and the Davis United Methodist Church. Marchand was the first woman ever elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors and served for six terms. She was elected in 1972, served on the board from 1973-1996, and has continued her work in the public sector since retirement. Throughout her career, she emphasized the environment, healthcare, infrastructure, and women’s causes.

Marched helped found and work with organizations such as the Yolo Basin Foundation. She was also integral to the opening of the Vic Fazio Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area and updates to Highway 16. She spent eleven years on the board of the Yocha Dehe Tribal Gaming Agency and continued as an adviser to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation after her retirement as Supervisor. Marchand was also known as an avid supporter of public transportation and helped with the expansion of the Davis Unitrans bus service. She was an early supporter of both the Yolo Crisis Nursery and the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center. After stepping down from the Board of Supervisors, Marchand continued her work in the public sector, including being appointed as California’s President of the State Board of Reclamation from 2001 to 2005, working with the Davis Chamber of Commerce, and continuing her efforts with the Yolo Basin Foundation and other nonprofits. Marchand was commended officially numerous times during and after her work on the Board of Supervisors by a wide range of organizations, charities, communities, and politicians for her dedication to public service.

J10.01-J10.05; J05.01