Ellen Corbett, a dedicated public servant and member of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Board of Directors, passed away on Friday, leaving behind a legacy of committed advocacy for public parks, open spaces, and community engagement.
Her passing was met with deep sorrow by those who knew her, including EBRPD General Manager Sabrina Landreth, who reflected on Corbett's impactful contributions to the community and the district.
"Ellen was an incredible champion of our mission and a tireless advocate for communities to have access to open space, public parks, and nature," Landreth stated. "In the last eight years, Director Corbett represented her constituents by serving on the Park District’s Board of Directors.
Her time with us was the capstone to a long, decorated, and meaningful public service career in local and state government, including serving as the majority leader of the California State Senate and the Mayor of San Leandro. We will remember Ellen as a fearless leader for regional parks at the urban core of the Park District’s jurisdiction. May she rest in peace."
Corbett's career in public service spanned decades, beginning with her role as Mayor of San Leandro, where she made significant strides in urban development, community engagement, and local governance.
Her leadership in San Leandro set the stage for her subsequent roles in the California State Assembly and Senate, where she served with distinction, including a term as Senate Majority Leader.
In these roles, Corbett was known for her unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, education, and public health, advocating for policies that sought to improve the quality of life for all Californians.
Ellen Corbett was born in Oakland and raised in San Leandro, communities that she would go on to serve throughout her life. Her early education at Chabot Community College and California State University, East Bay, where she developed a strong foundation in political science, equipped her with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of public policy and governance.
She later earned a bachelor's degree in political science from UC Davis, followed by a law degree from the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific. Her legal education and background played a crucial role in her approach to legislation and public service, providing her with a deep understanding of the legal frameworks that underpin public policy.
In 2016, after a distinguished career in state politics, Corbett was elected to the EBRPD Board of Directors, where she found her true calling in environmental advocacy.
Her work on the board was marked by a deep commitment to ensuring that all communities, especially those in urban areas, had access to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities provided by regional parks.
She was instrumental in the success of Measure FF in 2018, which passed with overwhelming support from voters, securing critical funding for park maintenance, wildfire prevention, and public safety in the East Bay. As co-chair of the Measure FF campaign, Corbett's leadership was pivotal in mobilizing community support and ensuring the continued preservation and enhancement of the region's parklands.
During her tenure on the board, Corbett also served as president from January 2020 to January 2021, a period marked by the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under her leadership, the EBRPD navigated the complexities of public health mandates, working closely with county health departments to keep parks open and accessible to the public during a time when outdoor spaces became essential for mental and physical well-being.
Her ability to guide the district through such a challenging time is a testament to her resilience, leadership, and deep understanding of the community's needs.
Corbett's passing is a significant loss for the East Bay community and the broader region. Her contributions to public service, particularly in the areas of environmental conservation and public health, have left a lasting impact on the communities she served.
The decision to fly the flags at EBRPD properties at half-mast in her honor is a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to public service and the betterment of her community.
Ellen Corbett will be remembered not only for her accomplishments in public office but also for her unwavering dedication to the principles of equity, justice, and environmental stewardship.
Her legacy will continue to inspire those who work to protect and enhance the natural beauty and resources of the East Bay for generations to come.
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