Opinion: Ventura County leaders remember Supervisor Carmen Ramirez
On the evening of Aug. 12, Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez died after she was struck by a pickup truck while crossing a street in downtown Oxnard. Here is a small sampling of the outpouring of condolences from community leaders in the days following her death:
“There was no one I admired more than Carmen. She was an inspiration to work for the good of the entire community. When she served as an advisor to the University, she sought to bring opportunity to everyone, most especially to those who had been underserved. It was a special honor to be her friend.”
— Richard Rush
Former president, CSU Channel Islands
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“Carmen was my friend, and I cannot put into words what this loss means to the many people who were fortunate to know her. My heart is broken. She loved her community passionately, and she will always be remembered fondly for her kindness, her warmth, and her smile. She was a source of inspiration for so many, and a mentor to so many others. Her compassion, her caring conviction, and her unwavering optimism were contagious. She cared deeply, and she lived to serve others. She challenged us to strive to be better, to be better neighbors, to better serve others. Her partner, Roy, her family, her friends, and the community she loved so much are in my prayers.”
— Julia Brownley
U.S. Rep., 26th Congressional District
via Twitter
“I am heartbroken about the tragic passing of Ventura County’s Supervisor, Carmen Ramirez. She was a cherished leader and friend in our community and her legacy has made such a positive difference for her county. I’m keeping her family and loved ones in my thoughts tonight.”
— Salud Carbajal
U.S. Rep., 24th Congressional District
via Twitter
“We are all in shock and words cannot express the enormous void that will be felt after the devastating loss of my dear friend Carmen Ramirez. Our community has lost a champion for those whose voices would be otherwise unheard. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
— Jacqui Irwin
California Assemblymember, 44th District
via Twitter
“I am saddened by the sudden, tragic loss of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez. Through advocacy, leadership and mentoring she touched the lives of so many. Her legacy as an environmentalist and social justice advocate will live on as I and many others continue to lift up her life’s work.”
— Sevet Johnson
Ventura County Executive Officer
via LinkedIn
“We have truly lost a giant and staunch fighter for the greater good of humanity and our environment. I hope we can all pay tribute to Carmen’s beautiful, generous, kind, and compassionate soul by honoring her legacy in the work we do in the community.
“My dearest Carmen, you have always been a mentor, a friend and a role model and I’m deeply grateful for the time we shared together. My deepest and sincerest condolences to Carmen’s husband Roy and the entire family. May she rest in power and peace.”
— Pedro Alberto Chavez
Caliber Home Loans
via LinkedIn
“Carmen Ramirez was a quiet but determined leader fighting for our communities and county to be the best that it could be. From the Museum of Ventura County’s perspective, hers was a voice and vote that was critical to saving our museum. Carmen recognized the importance maintaining the historical records while providing a forum to discuss and flush out our far-too-often varnished history. Because of people like Carmen, we have begun to offer representation and credit to the Native Americans and Mexicans whose contributions helped build Ventura County. Carmen would not let us forget our roots. And we will not forget Carmen.”
– Bill Kearney and Kate McLean
Chair and Past Chair of the Museum of Ventura County
“Supervisor Ramirez was a once-in-a-lifetime leader. She offered valuable insights into the needs of the community she so graciously served and offered her unwavering support for the Gold Coast Health Plan programs and services that would best serve the members of those communities. Without a doubt, her time with us will leave a lasting impression on our staff, members, providers, and our community at large.”
— Nick Liguori
CEO, Gold Coast Health Plan
Gold Coast Health Plan news release
