In Memoriam
California Mayors, Council Members & Civic Leaders
Note: This list is not comprehensive, and we recognize there may be individuals we have missed. If we have inadvertently omitted a public official, we welcome your feedback so that we may consider adding them.
2025
Throughout 2025, California lost many dedicated public servants who shaped our communities through decades of leadership and service. From small towns to major cities, these mayors, council members, supervisors, and civic leaders left lasting legacies of progress and compassion. This memorial honors their contributions and the indelible marks they left on the Golden State.
January
Al Mijares — Orange County Superintendent of Schools
January 10, 2025 • Age 71
Al Mijares, the former Orange County Superintendent of Schools, died on January 10 after a battle with cancer. He led the Orange County Department of Education for nearly 12 years and was known for initiatives such as "One Billion Acts of Kindness."
Fred D. Thomas — Simi Valley Mayor
January 21, 2025 • Age 67
Fred D. Thomas, who was serving as Mayor of Simi Valley at the time of his death, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 21, just weeks after being re-elected in November 2024. Thomas had served on the Simi Valley City Council since 2022 and had previously dedicated 20 years to the Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley board of directors. Known for his commitment to youth development and community service, Thomas was remembered by colleagues as a leader who genuinely cared about the well-being of Simi Valley residents. He is survived by his wife and family.
Edwin "Ed" Jones — Thousand Oaks City Council & Ventura County Supervisor
January 24, 2025 • Age 94
Edwin "Ed" Jones, a political science professor and longtime public servant, died from complications of a recent fall at Los Robles Regional Medical Center. Jones served in elected office for nearly three decades across multiple positions: Thousand Oaks City Council (1970-1974 and 2018-2022), Ventura County Board of Supervisors (1975-1987), and Conejo Recreation and Park District Director (2010-2018). As Mayor of Thousand Oaks in 1972, he helped develop the city's first paramedic program and championed the oak tree and hilltop ordinances that preserved the city's natural beauty. During his time on the Board of Supervisors, he oversaw construction of the Ventura County Government Center and establishment of the Oak Park School District. A graduate of Occidental College with a master's degree in political science from Cal State Los Angeles, Jones was legendary for his door-to-door campaigning, walking precinct-by-precinct to meet constituents. "He loved Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Valley," recalled CRPD General Manager Jim Friedl. He is survived by his wife JoAnn and five children: Bob, Lisa, Robin, Cary, and Donna.
Mark A. Murphy — Orange Mayor
Died December 13, 2024 • Age 67 (announced January 2025)
Mark A. Murphy, known affectionately as "Mr. Orange," died suddenly at his home. Murphy served three terms as Mayor of Orange and began his public service on the Planning Commission in 1990. He spent 33 years at Hewlett Packard while simultaneously dedicating himself to community leadership. Colleagues remembered him as a passionate advocate for his city who embodied the spirit of civic engagement.
James "Jim" Walker — Pleasanton City Manager
December 24, 2024 • Age 85 (announced January 2025)
James "Jim" Walker, who transformed Pleasanton during his tenure as City Manager from 1980 to 1990, passed away on Christmas Eve in hospice care in New Mexico. Walker was instrumental in developing the Hacienda Business Park, which became a major economic engine for the city. His visionary leadership helped shape modern Pleasanton into a thriving suburban community while maintaining its small-town character.
March
Leon Williams — San Diego City Council Member & County Supervisor
March 1, 2025 • Age 102
Leon Williams, a trailblazer in San Diego politics and civic life, passed away at age 102. Williams made history as the first African American elected to the San Diego City Council in 1969, and in 1982 as the first African American to serve on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Williams broke down barriers, bringing moral leadership and a commitment to civil rights to San Diego.
Don Gage — Gilroy Mayor & Santa Clara County Supervisor
March 25, 2025 • Age 79
Don Gage, a beloved South County icon and native of Gilroy, died unexpectedly from complications of a fall at his home. Gage's political career began in 1981 and spanned multiple offices: Gilroy City Council (1981-1991), Mayor (1991-1997 and 2013-2015), Santa Clara County Supervisor (1997-2010), and Santa Clara Valley Water District Director (2010-2012). As Supervisor, he led efforts to widen Highway 101, protect open space, build the South County Courthouse in Morgan Hill, and create a county graffiti program. He received the Helen Putnam Award for establishing the Gilroy Youth Center. "His legacy is one of steadfast public service, thoughtful leadership and an enduring commitment to the well-being and dignity of every member of our community," said Mayor Greg Bozzo. Known for his strong leadership abilities and authentic character, Gage was remembered by longtime friend Jeff Speno as someone who was "in elected public service for the right reasons, to help the community." He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeanne.
April
Bob Filner — San Diego Mayor
April 20, 2025 • Age 82
Bob Filner, former Mayor of San Diego and longtime Congressman, passed away at an assisted living facility in Costa Mesa. Filner served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 years before becoming San Diego's mayor in 2012. He resigned from the mayorship in 2013 amid controversy. Despite the troubled end to his political career, Filner was remembered for his decades of advocacy work and his early involvement in the civil rights movement as a Freedom Rider in the 1960s.
May
Nate Holden — Los Angeles City Council & State Senator
May 7, 2025 • Age 95
Nate Holden, a trailblazing figure in Los Angeles politics, passed away at 95. Holden served as a California State Senator from 1974 to 1978 and on the Los Angeles City Council from 1987 to 2003, representing the 10th District. His legacy is memorialized in the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center on Washington Boulevard, a testament to his commitment to bringing cultural enrichment to his community. Holden was known for his independent streak and his dedication to his constituents over three decades of public service.
Bill Little — Camarillo City Manager & Council Member
May 13, 2025 • Age 89
Bill Little, who rescued the City of Camarillo from near-bankruptcy during his tenure as City Manager from 1988 to 2000, passed away at 89. His financial acumen and steady leadership helped stabilize the city's finances and set it on a path to prosperity. After retiring from city management, Little continued his public service on the Camarillo City Council from 2012 to 2016. He was remembered as a dedicated public servant who put the community's needs first.
Federal Glover — Contra Costa County Supervisor
May 18, 2025 • Age 69
Federal Glover, the first African American elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and the county's fourth longest-serving supervisor, passed away at UCSF Medical Center. Born and raised in Pittsburg, Glover served on the Board of Supervisors from 2000 to 2024, chairing the board in 2004, 2008, 2013, and 2017. Prior to county service, he served on the Pittsburg City Council starting in 1996 and as Mayor from 1998-1999, following in the footsteps of his mentor Taylor Davis. During 22 years at Dow Chemical, he focused on training and safety before entering politics. Among his many accomplishments, Glover initiated the regional effort for Highway 4 improvements and the eBART extension to Antioch, consolidated three rural fire districts into the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and helped establish the County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice. In 2015, he received a life-saving heart and kidney transplant after suffering complete renal and cardiac failure. "Federal's leadership and tireless commitment to improving the lives of residents left a lasting legacy," the Board of Supervisors stated. Supervisor John Gioia called him "a best friend" whose "core mission was always to increase opportunities for our most disadvantaged residents." He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janis, and children Tederal and Carissa, along with six grandchildren.
Dr. Tom Holden — Oxnard Mayor
May 26, 2025 • Age 71
Dr. Tom Holden, who served 18 years on the Oxnard City Council including eight years as Mayor, succumbed to pancreatic cancer that was discovered during back surgery. An optometrist by profession, Dr. Holden balanced his medical career with dedicated public service to the Oxnard community. He was known for his thoughtful approach to governance and his commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents.
June
Art Madrid — La Mesa Mayor
June 6, 2025 • Age 90
Art Madrid, who dedicated a remarkable 44 years to public service in La Mesa, passed away at 90. Madrid served as Mayor from 1991 to 2014 and was a proud Marine Corps veteran. He became the first mayor in San Diego County to sign the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to governance. His legacy of service and environmental leadership left an indelible mark on La Mesa and the greater San Diego region.
Mike Rotkin — Santa Cruz Mayor
June 18, 2025 • Age 79
Mike Rotkin, who held the record for most mayoral terms in Santa Cruz history with five terms, died of leukemia at 79. Rotkin served 25 years on the Santa Cruz City Council while simultaneously working as a professor of Community Studies at UC Santa Cruz. A progressive activist and scholar, Rotkin brought an academic rigor to local governance while championing social justice causes. His dual career as an educator and public servant inspired generations of students and constituents alike.
Dan Karleskint — Lincoln Mayor
June 22, 2025 • Age 83
Dan Karleskint, who served on the Lincoln City Council from 2017 to 2024 and as Mayor in 2020 and 2022, passed away at 83. Before entering public service, Karleskint had a distinguished 40-year career in the high-tech industry. He brought his business expertise to city governance, helping guide Lincoln through periods of growth and development while maintaining the community's quality of life.
July
Fire Chief Bill McQuaid — Fountain Valley
July 25, 2025 • Age 57
Fountain Valley Fire Chief Bill McQuaid died while off-duty at Huntington State Beach at age 57. McQuaid had dedicated his career to protecting the Fountain Valley community and was respected by colleagues and residents alike for his leadership and commitment to public safety. His unexpected passing sent shockwaves through the tight-knit fire service community.
August
Andrew Meredith — Galt Mayor
August 16, 2025 • Age 45
Andrew Meredith, who served as Mayor of Galt in 2007-2008, passed away at just 45 years old, with the cause pending autopsy. Meredith was a U.S. Army veteran who served as a Black Hawk crew chief in Iraq, bringing military discipline and leadership to his public service. He was also active in the labor movement as a leader in IBEW Local 340. His early death was a profound loss to the Galt community he had served with distinction.
Hung Wei — Cupertino Mayor
August 28, 2025 • Age 69
Former Cupertino Mayor Hung Wei died of lung cancer at 69. Wei served on the Cupertino City Council and as Mayor, contributing to the governance of one of Silicon Valley's key cities. His service helped shape policies during a period of tremendous growth and change in the technology hub.
October
Luis Molina — Patterson Mayor
October 4, 2025 • Age 60
Luis Molina, who served as Mayor of Patterson from 2010 to 2016, died of natural causes at 60. A Marine Corps veteran and graduate of CSU Hayward, Molina dedicated himself to serving his Central Valley community after his military service. He was remembered for his commitment to Patterson's growth and development during his tenure as mayor.
Mark Milberg — Novato City Council
October 13, 2025
Mark Milberg, Novato City Councilmember, passed away in October. Milberg was appointed to the council in 2021 and served as mayor in 2024. He had previously contributed his financial expertise as a member of the Citizens Finance Advisory Committee. His colleagues remembered him as a thoughtful leader dedicated to fiscal responsibility and good governance.
Betsy Marchand — Yolo County Supervisor
October 22, 2025 • Age 91
Betsy Ann Marchand, the first woman ever elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Born in West Covina to a pioneer California family, Marchand earned her bachelor's degree from Pomona College (Phi Beta Kappa) and a master's from Vanderbilt University as a Ford Foundation Fellow. She worked as a high school teacher before running for office in 1972. When she announced her candidacy, a local pundit boasted that "it would be a cold day in hell before a woman is elected supervisor in this county." Marchand won—and on the day of her swearing-in at the Yolo County Courthouse in January 1973, it snowed in Woodland. She served six terms (24 years) on the Board of Supervisors, fighting for a $13 million grant to build the infrastructure for Woodland Community College. After retiring in 1996, she was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to serve as President of the State Board of Reclamation (2001-2005). She was also a founding member of the Yolo Basin Foundation, instrumental in forming the Vic Fazio Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (California's largest state-managed wildlife area), and served 11 years on the Tribal Gaming Commission at Cache Creek Casino for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Named 2016 Woman of the Year in Yolo County by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, her legacy lives on in the Betsy Marchand Conference Room in the District 4 office. "Betsy was a trailblazer with a heart for public service," said Supervisor Lucas Frerichs. She was preceded in death by her husband, UC Davis History Professor Roland Marchand.
November
Mark Carnevale — Cathedral City Council
November 16, 2025 • Age 75
Mark Carnevale, Cathedral City Councilmember, died by suicide at age 75, according to the Riverside County Coroner. First elected in 2014, Carnevale served as mayor twice, in 2019-2020 and 2023-2024. Beyond politics, he was a beloved local businessman who had owned Nicolino's Italian Restaurant since 1985. The Cathedral City community mourned the loss of a leader who had contributed to both civic life and the local business community for decades.
Mike Morgan — Camarillo Mayor
November 26, 2025 • Age 77
Mike Morgan, who served an extraordinary 38 years on the Camarillo City Council including six terms as mayor, was killed in a car crash in Nevada. The accident occurred when Morgan attempted a left turn into the path of an oncoming semi-truck. Morgan's nearly four decades of service made him one of the longest-serving council members in California history. His death was a devastating loss to a community he had helped shape over generations.
Bob Foster — Long Beach Mayor
November 30, 2025 • Age 78
Bob Foster, who served as Mayor of Long Beach from 2006 to 2014, died from injuries sustained in an accidental fall at his La Quinta home. Before entering politics, Foster served as president of Southern California Edison. As mayor, he successfully guided Long Beach through the Great Recession, making difficult decisions to maintain city services while balancing budgets during one of the most challenging economic periods in recent history. Foster was remembered as a steady, pragmatic leader who brought business acumen to public service.
December
Stephen Cassidy — San Leandro Mayor
December 5, 2025 • Age 61
Stephen Cassidy, who served as Mayor of San Leandro from 2011 to 2014, passed away at 61. An attorney by profession, Cassidy began his public service on the school board from 2004 to 2008 before moving to city leadership. During his mayoral tenure, he was credited with saving San Leandro Hospital from closure and spearheading the construction of a fiber-optic network that brought high-speed internet to the city. His legal background and innovative approach to city challenges left a lasting impact on San Leandro's development.
A Legacy of Service
These twenty-three individuals represent the best of California's civic tradition—ordinary citizens who stepped forward to serve their communities and, in doing so, achieved extraordinary things. From the first woman elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors to a professor who walked every precinct in his city, from mayors who guided their towns through economic crises to supervisors who built infrastructure that will serve generations to come, each left their community better than they found it.
Their legacies live on in the parks they preserved, the programs they created, the buildings they championed, and the countless lives they touched through their service. As California continues to grow and change, we honor their memory by continuing the work of building stronger, more compassionate communities.
May they rest in peace, and may their service inspire future generations.