Tom Fulks wrote an impassioned tribute to Supervisor Adam Hill just after the news came. Here is Larry Allen, who heard belatedly.

 

·      Larry Allen I just returned from a media-free week in the Sierras to learn the devastating news of Adam’s death. I am stunned and heartbroken beyond words at this tragic loss of a true friend and dedicated defender of the public good. Adam was (it’s so hard to use the past tense in describing him) a truly caring individual who stepped up to run for County Supervisor because of his deep passion for improving our communities and the living conditions of our residents while preserving our local environment and natural resources. He accomplished so much in his tenure on the Board, including establishing a permanent shelter for the homeless amidst fierce opposition; working to improve mental health services countywide; expansion of the airport and other community services to improve the local business climate for hi-tech and other employers with good paying jobs to locate and flourish in our county; working to mitigate the economic impacts of Diablo closing; putting public health above recreation in supporting dust reduction measures at the Oceano Dunes; helping establish the Pismo Preserve; and countless other issues he fought on behalf of all our residents. He did all of this and much more in the face of constant and often vicious partisan attacks on his character and the issues he championed, as Tom so eloquently described. Adam was not a perfect human – no one is. He could be caustic and intemperate when pushed too far or when faced with the ideological shields of lies, indifference and sheer ignorance on constant display by the far-right majority on the Board today and their cabal of mindless supporters. His passion was his blessing and his curse, but it was always honest and deeply heartfelt. We have lost a true champion for the less fortunate and underserved in our county, and we are all the poorer for it. And I have lost a good friend. But his legacy will be his inspiration for achieving the greater good in our communities and globally, and that is something we all can aspire to. Rest in peace Adam – we will do our best to carry your legacy forward.