In Remembrance of Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle February 28, 2023. In the Board Chambers.

Board Chambers - Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle - September 12, 1949 - February 8, 2023 - Richard passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, February 8th, surrounded by his family after a long battle with prostate cancer.Born in Taft, Texas in 1949 and raised by his parents Raul and Olivia Valle, Richard grew up in a loving home along with his three siblings: Yolanda, Yvonne, and Robert. In 1959, Raul and Olivia moved their family to Union City, California where Richard attended Searles Elementary School, Barnard-White Middle School, and James Logan High School, graduating class of 1968. While attending James Logan, Richard met his beloved wife of 44 years, Barbara Aro-Valle and shortly after graduating, began his service to the nation by enlisting as a U.S. Army medic serving in Vietnam until 1970. Upon his discharge from the Army, Richard earned a degree in Sociology from Chabot Community College followed by a Master's in Public Administration from Cal State East Bay all while simultaneously developing and leading several non-profit organizations as well as raising his family.Richard's long career of service to his community began when he launched the Pre-Post Release Project on E St. in Union City (Decoto). By partnering with social service programs and eliciting housing, employment, food, and additional resources, the non-profit organization was able to support numerous justice involved residents and help mainstream them back into society. He built on this foundation by later becoming Founder and Executive Director of Centro de Services on H St. in Union City another non-profit organization focused on helping people with immigration processes, legal aid services, and social services. Over the next four decades, Richard would continue his public service, launching Tri-CED Community Recycling now California's largest non-profit recycling organization supporting organized labor, environmental stewardship, lifting-up at-promise youth, and providing second chances for justice-involved residents. While serving as President and CEO of Tri-CED, Richard sought to make a greater impact in his community and launched his political career in 1994 when he was elected to the city council of Union City. As councilmember, Richard championed several pieces of legislation that aligned with his values and beliefs and following his tenure, was appointed to the Alameda County District 2 supervisor seat in 2012. He subsequently won reelection three times and led his office with the same compassion, determination, and courage that he held in every position he maintained. Some of Richard's most notable achievements are the New Haven Unified School District Science Festival (aka "Science in the Park"), the Niles Canyon "Stroll-in Roll", and the development of the Union City Veterans Memorial Park. Richard was a devout Buddhist and a member of Soka Gakkai International (SGI). As an organization built on the philosophies of world peace, human rights education, and the interconnectedness of self and environment, Richard made great contributions to furthering the community's mission and incorporated the values in every aspect of his personal and professional life.He is survived by his spouse Barbara, two children, Monica, Andrew and three grandchildren, Sofia, Benjamin, and Jordan.There will be a Celebration of Life honoring Richard Saturday, February 25th from 11-2pm at the Union City Veteran's Memorial Park. The entire community is encouraged to join the fun and festivities with family and friends.
--Published by East Bay Times on Feb. 19, 2023.

[@BeingTrueLove]

I had no idea of his extensive history. What an honorable being. 🙏🏿