Full Biography for Sandie Dunn

Candidate for
United States Representative; District 3

Sandie Dunn: Community Leader and Candidate for Congress

Sandie Dunn's rich background and her diverse
professional and personal experience illustrates her
personal commitment and concern for the working
families of California's 3rd Congressional District.

Dunn's dedication to the Sacramento Valley begins
with her own community. As the president of her
local civic organization, the Carmichael Creek
Neighborhood Association, Dunn is a leader on
land-use and water issues. She also is active in
helping to reduce crime and is working to preserve
open-space and create new parks to give families a
place to play, appreciate nature and to enjoy the
fellowship of their neighbors. She continues to give
the people of her community a sense of pride and
ownership in the neighborhoods where they live.

In 1991, Dunn started a small business as a
co-founding partner of the Sacramento law firm of
DeCuir & Somach where she represents individual
farmers, and clients such as the Glenn-Colusa
Irrigation District and the Sacramento Area Flood
Control Agency (SAFCA). As a successful small
business owner, she understands the importance of
fiscal responsibility and the need to provide
sufficient health care and pension benefits to her
employees.

Few have the expertise on western water issues as
Dunn. Dunn has practical experience on the water
and land-use needs of agriculture, has helped local
agencies implement critical flood control plans and
has protected northern California water. Prior to
starting her own firm, Dunn served as the
supervising attorney for the western office of the
U.S. Department of Justice's Environment and
Natural Resources Division, where she was
instrumental in saving federal ownership of 160,000
scenic acres surrounding Mono Lake.

Born in Loveland, Colorado and raised in
Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dunn worked to put herself
through college and law school. Dunn was the first
member of her family to graduate from college,
receiving both undergraduate and Juris Doctorate
degrees from the University of Wyoming.

Dunn is married to Dick Barbar. Carmichael has
been their home for sixteen years. Together they
have raised Dick's two children, Rick and Jeannie,
now grown and successful with families of their own.