Word reached me on Tuesday that my board colleague, Sierra College Trustee Elaine Rowen Reynoso, had been involved in a car accident while traveling in Virginia. Her husband, former California Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso, was injured as well.

The first message didn’t have a lot of details, but an update that I just received indicates the situation is very serious and she remains in critical condition.

Elaine and I haven’t seen eye to eye on a number of issues, but it is moments like these when disagreements about public policy fade in importance. Our thoughts and prayers are with Elaine, Cruz and their families, and Cacey and I earnestly hope for a speedy recovery and return to their public responsibilities.