The California Contract Cities Association is mourning the loss of two of its members — both former or current elected officials in Los Angeles County.
Former Palmdale City Councilman Mike Dispenza passed away on Sunday, Oct. 28 at the age of 80. He had served on the dais for 16 years. He represented the city on the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District, the League of California Cities Desert – Mountain Division, the Inland Port Task Force, the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Antelope Valley Transit Authority. He also founded the Palmdale Sheriff’s Booster, co-founded the Palmdale Education Foundation, and served as president of the Antelope Valley Underwriters. He leaves behind his wife Sarah, three children, and five grandchildren.
Bellflower City Councilman Joseph Ronald “Ron” Schnablegger, 62, passed away on Oct. 30. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joyce, their four sons, and nine grandchildren.
Schnablegger was first elected to the city council in 2013 and served a stint as mayor and mayor pro tem. He was highly involved with the Habitat for Humanity and its projects in Bellflower.
“Ron always put the community first,” said Mayor Ray Dunton, as quoted by the Long Beach Post, “and his input as a commissioner and council member helped shape Bellflower into what it is today and what it is becoming. His colleagues and city staff will miss his leadership dearly.”
Schnablegger’s term does not expire until 2022. The city council will meet soon to discuss how to fill his seat.
The California Contract Cities Association offered its condolences to the friends, families and communities of its two late members in an email.