Majority of Placer County Supervisors Endorse Dave Bass for Rocklin City Council

Candidate for Rocklin City Council Dave Bass announced, today, that he has received the endorsement of the majority of the Placer County Board of Supervisors. Since announcing his campaign for Rocklin City Council in August, Bass has earned the endorsements of Supervisors Cindy Gustafson, Jim Holmes, and Robert Weygandt.

“I am running for city council to preserve Rocklin’s reputation as the best place to live in California and to address key issues of public safety, quality of life, and responsible growth. I am humbled that a majority of the Placer County Board of Supervisors, our regional leaders, support my vision for the city of Rocklin,” said Bass. 

Bass is endorsed by a broad coalition that includes Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo, former Assembly Member Roger Niello, the Rocklin Police Officers Association, Rocklin Firefighters, the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce PAC, and the entire Rocklin City Council.

Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo Endorses David Bass for Rocklin City Council

Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo announced his endorsement of David Bass for Rocklin City Council. Woo is the latest public safety leader to endorse Bass. 

Bass is endorsed by:

• Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo
• Placer County Sheriff, ret. Ed Bonner
• Rocklin Police Chief, ret. Chad Butler
• Rocklin Police Chief, ret. Ron Lawrence
• Rocklin Police Office Association, 
• Rocklin Firefighters Local 3847 
• Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 

“I look forward to collaborating with law enforcement to keep our community safe. Safe neighborhoods are part of what makes Rocklin an exceptional place to live. I am honored to have the support of one of the leading law enforcement officers in our community,” said Bass.  

Bass is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who was deployed to Panama where he worked to halt the flow of narcotics into the U.S. He is an attorney who handles complex litigation and criminal law matters. Bass previously served as a Deputy District Attorney as well as a Deputy Attorney General. While a Deputy Attorney General, he prosecuted white-collar crimes like counterfeiting, tax evasion, and political corruption.

Sheriff Woo joined the Placer County Sheriff's Office as a deputy. During his time at the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, he has held many positions including Detective in Property Crimes and Special Investigations, Sergeant in the Special Operations Unit, Special Enforcement Team Commander, and was appointed Undersheriff in 2017. Woo was elected the 29th Sheriff of Placer County in June 2022.

Bass is running on a platform focused on public safety, quality of life, and responsible growth. He is a dedicated member of the Rocklin community, serving on the boards of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce, Rocklin Police Activities League, and as a member of the South Placer Rotary Club.

Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber Political Action Committee Endorses Dave Bass for Rocklin City Council

The Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber Political Action Committee (Metro-PAC) announced its endorsement of Dave Bass for Rocklin City Council.

Metro-PAC endorses candidates for local and state office who understand the important role of business towards inclusive economic prosperity for our Capital Region. The Metro-PAC endorses candidates that understand and value the important role of our business community and actively seek to engage and partner with them during their terms.

“Dave Bass is a champion for the business community in Rocklin. His professional experience representing businesses in court, and his advocacy for business in the community, make him an exceptional candidate for Rocklin City Council. The Metro-PAC endorsed Bass because we know he will serve the city of Rocklin with honor, integrity and transparency,” said Chelsea Minor, Metro-PAC Board Chair. 

Bass is endorsed by a broad coalition that includes Rocklin Police Officers Association, Rocklin Firefighters, the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce PAC, a majority of the Placer County Board of Supervisors and the entire Rocklin City Council. Bass is running on a platform focused on public safety, quality of life, and responsible growth. He is a dedicated member of the Rocklin community for many years, serving on the boards of Rocklin Chamber of Commerce, Rocklin Police Activities League, and as a member of the South Placer Rotary Club.

Former Placer County Sheriff Edward Bonner Endorses David Bass for Rocklin City Council

Retired Placer County Sheriff Edward Bonner announced his endorsement of David Bass for Rocklin City Council.

Sheriff Bonner showed exemplary leadership and service to Placer County for 42 years. Bonner served the County as a Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant and Undersheriff, and the elected Sheriff from 1994 until 2017.

“I’m honored to have Sheriff Bonner’s endorsement. He created a legacy that believes in dedicated service, excellent leadership, and keeping Placer County a safe place to live, work and visit,” said Bass.  

David Bass is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served overseas in search and rescue and narcotics interdiction. He is also an attorney who handles complex litigation and criminal law matters. Bass previously served as a Deputy District Attorney as well as a Deputy Attorney General. While a Deputy Attorney General, he prosecuted white collar crimes focusing on product counterfeiting, tax evasion, and political corruption. 

Bass has widespread support from public safety leaders and organizations across the region including Rocklin Police and Rocklin Fire. David Bass is running on a platform focused on public safety, quality of life, and responsible growth. He has been a dedicated member of the Rocklin community for many years, serving on the boards of Rocklin Chamber of Commerce, Rocklin Police Activities League, and as a member of the South Placer Rotary Club.

The Sacramento Bee: Starkly contrasting styles, experience define Rocklin City Council race. Here’s our choice.

The two candidates vying to fill the Rocklin City Council seat vacated by aspiring assemblyman Joe Patterson offer a stark contrast. Dave Bass is a mild-mannered military veteran and lawyer who has advocated for abused elders and wildfire victims. Then there’s Matthew Oliver, the controversial Placer County preacher and restaurant owner who defied public health measures during the pandemic. When The Sacramento Bee’s Editorial Board met with both candidates recently, Oliver made his general disdain for politicians clear — a curious position given that he is running for elected office. He also interrupted Bass’ closing statement by posting live commentary using the virtual meeting software’s “chat” function, repeatedly writing “lol” to indicate laughter.

Such antics don’t suggest Oliver is ready to hold a position of public trust or engage in the civil discourse and debate it requires.. The fact that he is endorsed by Patterson and aspiring congressman Kevin Kiley is a testament to the low standards of Placer County’s Trump-emulating Republicans.

Fortunately, Bass is well qualified to serve Rocklin. As a planning commissioner, he has valuable expertise on the needs of the community as it expands. And expand it will: Placer County is expected to undergo unprecedented growth in the next five years. Asked about Rocklin’s affordable housing needs, Bass spoke to the city’s state housing allocation, projects currently underway that meet the needs of lower-income residents and his plans for responsibly managing growth. “We need to understand what affordable housing is — it’s housing for our newest teachers,” Bass said. “We have to change the dialogue and narrative around affordable housing. We need to increase our rental inventory to meet some of those ultra-low-income numbers we’re going to see, but we need to make sure we’re doing that responsibly (and that) we are equitably pushing that into different parts of the city because we don’t want to concentrate it in one spot.”

In response, Oliver slammed Bass for his “political mumbo-jumbo talk that puts people to sleep.” “I’m glad there’s someone to know what’s required to meet the state guidelines,” he said dismissively. Oliver sounded as if he has never tuned into a local City Council meeting and isn’t cut out to take part in one. Bass is. He’s knowledgeable on the technical aspects of the role, and his concern for the community is evident.

Bass has served on the boards of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce and Rocklin Police Activities League, and he’s a member of the South Placer Rotary Club. He’s also a former deputy district attorney and deputy attorney general with experience prosecuting felonies. Bass says he is running for City Council to improve and expand opportunities for Rocklin’s youth in sports, education and recreation. Oliver, however, seems to be running for City Council to expand opportunities for himself. It’s worth remembering that at the height of the COVID pandemic, he put the health of the community at risk to pocket a few more dollars. During his interview with the Editorial Board, Oliver accused the Rocklin City Council of “corruption” and alleged that its members have “skeletons in their closet.” When pressed to go into more detail, Oliver condemned council members for maintaining the city’s relationship with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. instead of breaking ties with the utility, claiming the city had the opportunity to do so in 2019. Bass responded that “it’s an absolute lie that in 2019 we could have walked away from PG&E.” “It’s really irresponsible to pass this misinformation on,” Bass said. “It … scares me to think we’re going to have someone on the City Council that will misrepresent facts that are so easy to check.” Rocklin deserves trustworthy leadership. Bass would be responsible and capable addition to the Rocklin City Council.

Rocklin Chamber PAC Endorses David Bass for Rocklin City Council

The Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee endorsed David Bass for Rocklin City Council in the special election to fill a two-year term.

"The Rocklin Area Chamber PAC is proud to endorse David Bass for Rocklin City Council. Bass is a tireless advocate for Rocklin businesses and has been a dedicated volunteer and leader in our community and its non-profits,” said Chairman Franklin Burris.

Burris added, “Dave’s experience on the Planning Commission and knowledge of development are strengths we need on Council as the City moves toward buildout.”

The Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce PAC represents the interests of businesses, nonprofits and volunteers in the city. The Chamber inspires people, elevates business, influences regional leaders, and is a hub for the community. The Chamber’s action shapes the future of living and doing business in Rocklin.

“I am proud to advocate for our business community alongside the Chamber of Commerce. I appreciate their confidence in my campaign for City Council,” Bass said.

Bass serves as the Vice-Chair of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce. The Rocklin Area Chamber PAC functions as an independent committee, separate from the organization.

Public Safety Organizations Endorse David Bass for Rocklin City Council

Rocklin Police Officers Association, Rocklin Firefighters Local 3847, and Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 endorsed David Bass for Rocklin City Council.

“Rocklin’s police and fire services are part of what makes Rocklin a special place to live. I’m honored that the men and women who keep Rocklin safe trust me on city council.” said Bass.

We have made the protection of life and property our life’s work and we appreciate your continued leadership,” said Chris Wade, President Rocklin Firefighters Local #3847, of Bass.

“The Rocklin Police Officers’ Association is proud to endorse David Bass for Rocklin City Council,” said the Rocklin Police Officers’ Association.

Bass is an attorney who counsels businesses in highly regulated industries. Before entering private practice, Bass served as a deputy district attorney in Placer County, and California deputy attorney general. While a Deputy Attorney General, Dave prosecuted white collar crimes focusing on product counterfeiting, tax evasion, and political corruption.

He is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard where he worked in both search and rescue, and narcotics interdiction.