Remembering Sylvia, by William T. Bagley, Esq.

I’d say “practiced outrage”, that was Sylvia. Drafted by George Deukmejian in 1983, I served a short unexpired term on the CPUC—’83-85 and then returned to my law firm. Ah, Sylvia—we had so much fun. I don’t recall ever casting a vote “for” her, but I obtained a Deukmejian signature on a bill to authorize T.U.R.N. to obtain intervener fees (should have asked for a finder’s fee).

Instead, I bought Scotch (Red and Black label) for Sylvia. She would walk the halls in the old office building (I named 350 McAllister the “Earl Warren Building” while in the Legislature). Her feet hurt—at about 5:00 p.m. she would “pussy-foot” into my office. I’d pour scotch, foot pain was relieved. Never a vote, but a relationship.

At CPUC meetings, Sylvia would stand, indicating her presence, physically and vocally. At times I would shout to her (respectfully) “be quiet”. She would react with a zinger directed at me. Government was a “hobby” for me—have fun and do good was my motto. Sylvia and I were on the same page, sort of.

She once, while standing, leaned on the light switch and the whole hearing room went dark. I wish I could recall the remarks, stated from the dais and the light-switch wall between Sylvia and myself. Here’s to Sylvia—she was a great lady and to Mike Florio, a good guy, a gentleman and a fine attorney.

(Posted on behalf of the Honorable William T. Bagley)