Michael was born in
Eureka California and grew up there attending local public schools.
Through family outings and self guided exploration of the local
redwood forests, Humboldt Bay and the local ocean beaches, Michael's
love of the environment came early and naturally.
After attending
Humboldt State University through most of his sophomore year,
Michael transferred to U.C Berkeley from which he graduated in 1985
with a degree in political science. After a year spent working back
in Humboldt County, Michael moved to Charlottesville, Virginia to
attend the University of Virginia - completing his Masters degree in
English in May of 1988.
The following year
Michael lived in Arlington, VA, while working in Washington, D.C. In
1989 he moved to Portland, Oregon to attend the Lewis and Clark,
Northwestern School of Law, which he selected because of its highly
rated environmental law program. He graduated from law school
receiving a certificate in environmental law in May, 1992. Since
July 1993 he has been practicing law as a solo practitioner in Lower
Lake, CA.
Michael has been a
member of the land trust since 1993 and was its president for five years. In addition, Michael is teaching English
Composition at the Yuba Community College, Clearlake branch and is a
past president of the Lake County Bar association.
