December 30th 2024.
After the sad news of former President Jimmy Carter's passing, the Bay Area community and political figures took a moment to reflect on his presidency and the remarkable example he set as a public servant.
Scott Weiner, the California State Senator representing San Francisco, Broadmoor, Colma, Daly City, and parts of South San Francisco, paid tribute to Carter on X, calling him a "great American" who "dedicated his life to public service even after leaving office, demonstrating his love for all people around the world." The Carter Center, through their social media platform, announced the passing of the 39th President of the United States at the age of 100, making him the longest-living president in American history.
Vice President Kamala Harris also shared her positive sentiments about Carter's term, mentioning his efforts in protecting the environment, promoting transparency in government, and successfully brokering a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement highlighting Carter's tireless advocacy for human rights and democracy, stating that his "unmatched life of service made the world a better place." Newsom also praised Carter's exceptional character and unwavering moral compass, as well as his ability to bridge the gap between people of different beliefs both at home and abroad.
Lateefah Simon, an Emeryville resident and newly elected member of Congress, took to X to honor Carter's legacy as a "beacon of justice and service." She acknowledged his significant contributions towards desegregating schools, championing civil rights, and his work with Habitat for Humanity in building homes for those in need.
Carter's impact was also felt in the Bay Area, as State Senator Dave Cortese, representing Silicon Valley, fondly remembered having dinner and engaging in a great conversation with the former president at a friend's house in Saratoga. "One of our fondest memories is having dinner and a wonderful conversation with President Carter at Mike and Mary Ellen Fox's home in Saratoga. I was fortunate enough to sit right next to him," Cortese shared.
Some Bay Area residents also mourned the loss of the former president. Janine Von Furst, an Alameda resident, briefly met Carter during a trip to Washington D.C. while working as an intern for Illinois Senator Adlai Stevenson III. She recalls him as a kind and appreciative man, saying, "He couldn't have been nicer and kinder. Rest in peace, President Carter."
Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker Emerita, and her husband expressed their sorrow and gratitude for Carter's life. Pelosi stated, "At the core of President Carter's public service was his unwavering commitment to recognizing the divine spark within every individual." She also highlighted his various acts of service, such as teaching Sunday school at his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the historic Camp David Accords, and his involvement with Habitat for Humanity.
Carter was known for his dedication to Habitat for Humanity, and in 2016, he and his wife, Rosalynn, visited the Bay Area as part of their national tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. To raise awareness about the need for affordable housing, the couple helped restore a house in East San Jose. Carter expressed the impact that Habitat has on not only the couple receiving the house but also the community at large. He stated, "People sometimes say to us, 'Well, you're only working on one house.' But look at the impact on this couple here when they get their house. That's profound. The second thing is Habitat sets an example of how we all can help hard-working, low-income, and middle-class people and address the basic human right of having a decent place to live."
The Greater SF branch of Habitat for Humanity also acknowledged Carter's contributions, stating, "A father, husband, and volunteer, former President Carter played a significant role in shaping Habitat for Humanity into what it is today." Senator Adam Schiff expressed his admiration for Carter on X, stating, "President Jimmy Carter leaves behind a legacy unlike any other. His unwavering service, dignity, and commitment to humanity will be greatly missed. He fought the good fight and kept the faith, and now his race is over."
Jesse Arreguín, the California State Senator representing Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Richmond, and some West Contra Costa County cities, also paid tribute to Carter on X, calling him a "shining example of a public servant." He encouraged others to continue Carter's legacy of promoting human rights, social justice, and peace.
Former President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were also known for their volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. In 2013, they visited San Jose to assist in the rehabilitation of a home as part of Habitat's 30th-anniversary celebration of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
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