Hal Brown Memorial Set for March 24

Update: An earlier version had the incorrect address for the Valentine's Foundation.

A public memorial for former Supervisor Hal Brown has been set for March 24 at the Marin Civic Center Auditorium at 11 a.m.

The former Supervisor, who served 29 years and seven terms, to focus on his health. .

At the time of his retirement, he reflected back on his long career that began with his appointment to the board by his cousin, Gov. Jerry Brown, in 1983.

The most important thing he did in his time, he said then was "answer every single phone call and be real, real close to the people in my district."

Brown was known for advocating for the controversial Ross Valley flood fee, acquiring thousands of acres of open space, pioneering the Valentine's Ball, and advocating for public transit projects and services for women, children, and the elderly. He developed the first Safe Routes to School program and helped form the Marin County Child Care Commission.

He said, upon his retirement, the only issue he had hoped to still work on, besides implementation of the flood prevention projects, was addressing the growing pension problems at the county-level.

The family asked for privacy during this time and held a small, family funeral -- which to attend this week.

The public ceremony will be for constituents, colleagues, supporters and friends to honor Hal Brown. The celebration will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, with doors openng at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Brown’s family has asked that donations be made to the Marin Valentine's Ball Foundation, which provides benefits to local nonprofit and community organizations.

Donations can be made by mail or online:

The Marin Valentine’s Ball Foundation
PO Box 1612
San Anselmo, CA 94979

http://www.marinvalentinesball.org/beneficiaries.html