Dr. Mase Apologizes Before Board of Supervisors, Receives Support and Criticism

sundari-mase
sundari-mase

Sonoma County’s Health Officer, Dr. Sundari Mase, is again addressing her previous DUI-related convictions, this time on the county record.
Dr. Mase appeared at yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting to again apologize for her actions.
“I admit I made mistakes with a serious lapse in judgement” said Dr. Mase. “And I took full responsibility for those mistakes. I deeply regret that this occurred.”
Dr. Mase also said she has done “all that is required and more” to address her offenses and that it would not happen again.
“I also want to assure you and the community that these incidents have not in any way interfered with my ability to do my job during this pandemic.
Dr. Mase pleaded guilty to a “wet reckless,” the informal description of a DUI-related plea bargain, stemming from a December 2020 arrest in Alameda County. She was previously convicted of a DUI-related charge from a 2014 incident in San Diego.
Reaction to Dr. Sundari Mase’s apology was met with mixed response from the public. Some showed support and sympathy while others expressed anger and criticism.
“She has a disease that causes impaired cognitive function,” said one person. “Please let her go.”
Another said “Dr. Mase is obviously sorry, contrite, apologetic and she deserves our forgiveness.”
The Board of Supervisors all expressed support for Dr. Mase while also including some criticism.
“I do think that it is a testament to your work in the community the number of people who have come forward in support of you during this challenging time,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins. “At the same time, I want to acknowledge that we do have trust that needs to be rebuilt with the community and in partnership with the community.”
Supervisor Chris Coursey was perhaps the most critical on the board.
“There’s no excuse for driving while intoxicated, there is no question about that, we all know its wrong,” said Coursey. “It’s a choice and its always the wrong choice for any of us that makes that decision.”
However, Coursey did say it didn’t appear that these mistakes affected Dr. Mase’s work during the pandemic and that he’s ready to move on. None of the Supervisors were made aware of Dr. Mase’s DUI related convictions until it was made public by the Press Democrat in mid-February. The newspaper has stated that they learned about her arrest from an anonymous tip.