Governor appoints Yuba man to state post

A member of the Yuba County Sheriff's Department has been appointed to the state Corrections Standards Authority by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“I'm honored to be selected by the governor for this position,” Cleotha Adams said Saturday. “We're entering a new era of change for the state of California, and I'm glad to contribute something to the community.”

Adams, 49, who has served in the Sheriff's Department since 1995, is the sergeant for corrections.

A Democrat, Adams served in the United States Air Force from 1974 to 1994, retiring as corrections superintendent with the rank of master sergeant.

“I'm very pleased with his appointment. He's a great guy,” said Sheriff Virginia Black. “This is a wonderful opportunity for a small Northern California jail to have a voice on the board.”

The authority's mission, according to the Department of Corrections Web site, is to “provide visionary leadership, focused on local correctional effectiveness.” The authority brings “leaders in state and local corrections ... to jointly explore pivotal corrections issues ...”

Adams' position on the authority board requires confirmation from the state Senate. He will not receive a salary.

Serving on the board with Adams will be Archie Biggers of San Diego, Carol Biondi of Los Angeles and Deborah Botts of Hollister.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Josh Kendrix can be reached at 749-4707. You may e-mail him at jkendrix@appealdemocrat.com.