Sandra James (Navajo)
Board Member
For 25 years, I have dedicated my career to public service, driven by a commitment to empathy, diversity, and equity. My work centers on ensuring that San Francisco residents—especially those who are marginalized or overlooked—receive the essential services and support they deserve. I am proud to contribute to efforts that preserve housing stability and protect vulnerable individuals in low-income neighborhoods across the city. I am Diné, Navajo—“the people.” Born in Shiprock, New Mexico, and raised in San Francisco’s Mission District, my cultural identity and lived experiences deeply shape the way I serve. Growing up in this community and attending local public schools and San Francisco City College, I learned the lasting importance of resilience, advocacy, and belonging. These roots continue to guide my perspective and strengthen my commitment to ensuring every resident has a voice and equitable access to resources. Staying connected to the community is central to my work. I regularly attend our social events, collaborate closely with sister nonprofit partners, and stay engaged with public hearings and evolving government policies. These relationships help me understand community needs in real time and allow me to serve with clarity, compassion, and respect. Beyond my professional role, I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors at the Friendship House, where I focus on uplifting, recognizing, and supporting the American Indian community. Guided by experience and cultural grounding, I work to help advance the organization’s mission and strengthen its impact for future generations. Every chapter of my journey has been shaped by service, community, and cultural pride. I remain committed to advocating for the people of San Francisco with integrity and heart. With appreciation, Sandra James
She retired from the Superior Court in September 2011. On July 31, 2014 she was reappointed as a part-time Commissioner for San Francisco assigned to Dependency, and Duty Judge for that Court where she served until 2015. She has been a Yurok Tribal Court Judge since 1997 and was appointed Chief Tribal Court Judge in 2007, a position she held in conjunction with her Superior Court assignment until 2015, when she resigned from the Superior Court to devote full attention to developing a model Tribal Court system.
On August 16, 2023 she was reappointed by Patricia Guerrero Chief Justice of California and Chair of the Judicial Council of California as co-chair of the Judicial Council of California's Tribal Court-State Court Forum with her new term to begin on September 15, 2023. She was selected by Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire as the 2023 North Coast Woman of the Year.