Dear Friends --

My Statement on the Passing of Wilma Chan

I join the family and friends of Supervisor Wilma Chan and our community as we mourn her passing. 

We lost a huge leader today. Wilma Chan has always been a force of good in Alameda County. As our former Assemblymember and current County Supervisor, Wilma has been a strong advocate for children and families. With a legacy of more than 40 years. In fact, Wilma was the first woman and Asian American to be Majority Leader in the Assembly – a true trailblazer.

Wilma’s work has been key in many of the advancements and improvements we have seen in Alameda County in the last few decades. She saved San Leandro Hospital from closing, secured a large amount of funds to support investment in the unincorporated parts of Alameda County and recently led Alameda County to be the first in the US to commit to provide healthcare coverage to all eligible children.

Another important resolution she was working on was the “Care First, Jails Last” policy – she saw the great need to reduce the number of people with mental illness, substance use and co-occurring disorders in our jail.

We have lost a giant champion for families and children. We have lost a friend. My heart goes out to her children and grandchildren and all her many friends who are grieving this tragic and unexpected loss.

A Luta Continua,