Tributes Pour In For Supervisor Wilma Chan

ALAMEDA, CA — The sudden death of Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan Wednesday set off an outpouring of anguish and tributes. Local and state political colleagues were quick to praise Chan's public service, but no where was her loss more deeply felt that in Alameda where she lived and was a visible member of the community.

Chan was a former member of the state Assembly, where she served as Assembly Majority Whip from 2001 to 02 and as Assembly Majority Leader from 2002 to 04. She was the first woman and the first Asian American to hold the position.

Wednesday morning, around 8 a.m., Chan was hit by a vehicle at Shoreline Drive while walking her dog. The dog survived. Chan died at Highland Hospital at 2:30 p.m.

Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft released a statement on Chan's death:

"On behalf of the Alameda City Council and the City of Alameda, we extend our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Supervisor Wilma Chan who was tragically killed this morning after being struck by a car as she walked her dog. Supervisor Chan, an Alameda resident, was a longtime dedicated public servant who served the residents of Alameda for more than two decades as a former State Assembly Member, and Speaker of the Assembly, and on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Chan was a tireless advocate for seniors, children, and families, promoting programs that advance children's health, and help lift people out of poverty, and so much more. Her compassion, strong sense of community, and devotion to the people she served will be profoundly missed."

The Alameda Police Department called Chan a beloved public servant, Alameda resident, friend, and family member:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Supervisor Chan. She made so many contributions and touched so many lives during her 30 years of public service where she served with equity as her guiding principle. My heart goes out to her family, her friends, and all who loved her,” said Alameda Chief of Police Nishant Joshi.

Alameda Unified School District Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi and the AUSD Board of Education wrote:

"We are devastated by the news of Wilma Chan's passing. Supervisor Chan was a fierce and compassionate champion of children, families, and public education. From founding the Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth, and their Families (ACCYF) to focusing on food insecurity, and from supporting AUSD's mental health efforts to helping to guide the county's COVID-19 response, she consistently and generously stood up for the rights and needs of children and families in our city and our region. She will long be remembered as a model of leading with heart, courage, and an authentic commitment to service and equity. We are grateful for all she has done for our district and our community, and we send our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.

The Alameda Chamber of Commerce released a statement:

"We are shocked at the devastating news of the passing of Alameda County Supervisor, Wilma Chan. She was an advocate for many, but more importantly, a friend. Thank you Wilma for all your leadership, guidance, and insights. You will be greatly missed."

Girls Inc. of the Island City also expressed their loss:

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Supervisor Wilma Chan. Supervisor Chan was an extraordinary advocate for children and families, especially for our most vulnerable populations, for over 30 years. Her groundbreaking and historic bills and legislation have ensured the health and emotional, educational, and economic wellness for thousands of children and adults in Alameda County as well as in the state of California. As the first woman and Asian American to be Majority Leader in the California State Assembly, as well as the first Asian American to be elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Chan was a trailblazer and inspiration to women everywhere. Supervisor Chan was an incredible role model, strong advocate for girls, and a tremendous supporter of our organization. Because of her amazing legacy, she was honored with our 2019 Women Who Dare award for personifying all the values that we teach our girls. She will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who was touched by her great work."

Alameda Point Collaborative, which works with the homeless:

"The Alameda Point Collaborative is deeply deeply saddened by the death of Supervisor Wilma Chan today. She was a fierce champion for those who needed her the most. She fought to get more housing and services for our homeless neighbors. The health and safety of our youngest was always a priority for her. Without Supervisor Chan's support the Wellness Center would not be happening right now. She always knew what the right thing to do was, and wasn't worried about whether it was the popular thing to do. She leaves behind an amazing legacy of services, and yet we can't help but mourn the service and accomplishments that would be in the future if she hadn't been taken from us so soon."

Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter report that Chan's dog Maggie is safe with her family:

"All of us at FAAS share in our community’s grief at the tragic death of Supervisor Wilma Chan. A friend to many of us, Supervisor Chan was a tireless advocate for the people of Alameda and beyond. She leaves a legacy of service that inspires us all. We extend our deepest sympathy to Supervisor Chan’s family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to have met or worked with her during her remarkable life."

Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern wrote:

“I am saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Supervisor Wilma Chan. She was a strong supporter of our community policing programs to reduce incarceration, poverty, addiction and homelessness. Her leadership and support of these programs will continue to change lives and are part of her lasting legacy of community service. I send my sincere condolences to her family, friends, supporters and our Alameda County community.”

Fire Chief William McDonald on behalf of Alameda County Fire Department:

"It is with sadness and deepest condolences that we make this post today. The passing of Supervisor Wilma Chan is very tragic and saddening as she was a tireless advocate of our a community residents. She was always supportive of the Alameda County Fire Department. Supervisor Chan was the embodiment of our mission, dedicated to superior service, and that is the legacy she will leave behind."

Statement From District Attorney Nancy E. O'Malley On The Passing Of Supervisor Wilma Chan:

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan. Supervisor Chan was a north star for so many important issues that served the vulnerable in our community. She was a champion, for example, of All In Alameda County, which addresses food insecurity and address issues of poverty. Her influence and commitment to her community and Alameda County will be greatly missed."

Alameda County Transportation Commission Chair and Mayor of San Leandro, Pauline Cutter, expressed condolences:

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Supervisor Wilma Chan this afternoon. She has been at the forefront and a leading voice advocating for children, families and the rights of those most vulnerable. Her service to the entire county and specifically to the City of San Leandro will be deeply missed. As the first woman and Asian American to be Majority Leader while serving in the State Assembly and a powerful leader on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, she has pioneered changes at all levels for affordable healthcare in our local communities and throughout the state. This untimely passing is an immense loss to all of us.”