Jane A. Yokoyama, 1947-2004
Jane A. Yokoyama, 1947-2004
by Scott Kennedy
Flags in the City of Santa Cruz are lowered to half mast June 2 and 3 by Mayor Scott Kennedy in memory of former Mayor Jane A. Yokoyama who died on May 11, 2004.
According to a brief obituary in the Santa Cruz Sentinel on May 29, 2004, “Jane Yokoyama passed away on May 11, 2004 due to a sudden illness. A family service was held in San Luis Obispo County. Since 1978, Jane was active in Santa Cruz city government and its civic activities including various community projects. Survived by brothers, sister, nephews/nieces, and cousins. Donations may be made in memory of Jane to the United Way of Santa Cruz.” An identical obituary appeared in the San Luis Obispo Tribune on May 29th.
Jane Yokoyama was born on January 17, 1947. From 1979 to 1986, Jane taught Spanish language and Hispanic culture for the UCSC Language Program. According to UCSC’s Paco Ramirez, “She initiated the yearly Spring Quarter in Mexico Program and contributed to our endeavors in many other ways. Those of us in the Language Program who remember Jane regret her untimely passing.” Jane Yokoyama was in the first class of Leadership Santa Cruz in 1985-1986. In the 1980’s, she served as director of the Santa Cruz Immigration Project, a program of the antipoverty Community Action Board. Christine Johnson-Lyons, Director of CAB, says that “Jane was a tireless advocate for the rights and opportunities of immigrants in our county.”
An active member of the Santa Cruz Chapter of the NAACP, Jane Yokoyama’s successful first candidacy for the Santa Cruz City Council in November 1988 was supported by a diverse Rainbow Alliance. She was chosen by fellow councilmembers as Mayor in November 1990 shortly following the Loma Prieta Earthquake. She was reelected to the City Council in 1992 for a second four-year term.
According to City Council colleague Cynthia Mathews, “The thing that stands out most in my mind was Jane’s commitment to social equity. She was an early advocate for seeking out and responding to the concerns of Latino residents.”
Mayor Kennedy recalls that, “During protracted public debate about the Beach Area and South of Laurel planning, Jane served on the Council’s Beach Flats Committee and demonstrated an adamant concern about the quality of life for the mostly Latino and low-income Latino residents.” According to Charles Canfield, President of the Seaside Company, “Jane worked hard at what she believed would benefit our community. Her heart was in public service and helping nonprofit organizations. She will missed be greatly.”
Board of Supervisors Chair Mardi Wormhoudt observed that, “Jane was an extraordinary council member. She always did her homework, listened thoughtfully to all points of view, and worked hard to see that her decisions reflected the best interests of the community.”
The family has asked that donations be made to the United Way of Santa Cruz County which was Jane’s last place of employment in the County. Their address: 1220 - 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010.
Please visit the Notice for Jane A. Yokoyama:
http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?Id=LS02276599X
