Senate committee advances nominee for developmental services director amid questions about center closures and master plan

The California State Senate Rules Committee advanced a nomination for director of the Department of Developmental Services after a confirmation hearing that reviewed closures of state developmental centers, progress on the master plan for developmental services and growing caseload pressures across regional centers.

The nominee (referred to on the record as "Pete," acting director of the Department of Developmental Services) described his statewide public-service career and emphasized partnerships with regional centers, service providers, advocates and other state agencies. "Our critical work is not done by any particular individual," he told the committee, and said his goal if confirmed would be "to leave things better than when I arrived."

Senators focused on the transition away from state developmental centers, including Sonoma Developmental Center, and the department—s role in relocating residents and tracking outcomes. The…