Tributes continue to pour in as the East Bay absorbs news about the death Wednesday of longtime Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle.
Valle, who was 73, represented District 2, which includes Hayward, Union City, Newark and parts of Fremont, since 2012. His cause of death was not immediately available.
Nate Miley, president of the board of supervisors, said Valle was a champion for his district, especially his hometown of Union City.
“I am devastated to learn of the passing of my colleague and friend,” Miley said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.
During his 10 years on the board, Valle fought for safety-net services, mental health programs and was a tireless supporter of Saint Rose Hospital, Miley said.
“My condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, staff and to all those lucky enough to call Richard a friend,” Miley said.
“Supervisor Valle was a tireless advocate for our East Bay community — this is an immense loss.” Assemblymember Buffy Wicks
Valle is the second member of the five-seat Alameda County Board of Supervisors to die in office in recent years.
District 3 Supervisor Wilma Chan was fatally hit by a vehicle in the city of Alameda in November 2021. Following her death, the board appointed Chan’s former chief of staff Dave Brown to replace her, and Lena Tam was elected to the seat in last November’s election.
Alameda County “has lost another great leader,” Assemblymember Mia Bonta said Wednesday on Twitter.
“I am heartbroken. Richard Valle fought for working class families,” Bonta said. He was a kind person. I was so fortunate to know him and to work with him.”
Supervisor Keith Carson said Valle would be missed.
“I am deeply saddened about the passing of my longtime colleague and friend, Richard Valle,” Carson said in a statement posted on Twitter.
Valle was a devoted public servant with a passion for bettering the community, Carson said.
“Richard fought for everyone who needed county assistance and was a strong supporter of workers,” Carson said.
Oakland City Councilmember Kevin Jenkins also wrote about the supervisor’s death, saying on social media that Valle was a “dedicated public servant. His passion for environmental and social justice was unparalleled, and his commitment to community will endure.”
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks said she was saddened to hear of Valle’s death.
“Supervisor Valle was a tireless advocate for our East Bay community — this is an immense loss. My thoughts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues,” Wicks said in a statement on Twitter.