Alameda County Supervisor struck, killed while crossing Shore Line Drive

City of Alameda officials and community leaders released messages of condolences to Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan who died Wednesday, Nov. 3, in a car collision in Alameda.

Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft released a statement on the City’s website where she cited Chan’s dedication to helping seniors, children and combating poverty.

“On behalf of the Alameda City Council and the City of Alameda, we extend our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Supervisor Wilma Chan,” stated Ashcraft. “Supervisor Chan was a tireless advocate for seniors, children, and families, promoting programs that advance children’s health, and help lift people out of poverty, and so much more.”

Councilmember Malia Vella expressed her sympathies via Twitter. “This is devastating. Wilma was many things to many people. She was a mentor, an icon and a champion for children, working families, and all of us.”

Alameda Chief of Police Nishant Joshi also expressed his condolences. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Supervisor Chan,” wrote Joshi. “She made so many contributions and touched so many lives during her 30 years of public service where she served with equity as her guiding principle. My heart goes out to her family, her friends, and all who loved her.”

Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi and the AUSD Board of Education thanked Chan in a joint statement for her contribution and support of programs to help Alameda youth.

“Supervisor Chan was a fierce and compassionate champion of children, families, and public education,” the press release stated. “From founding the Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth, and their Families to focusing on food insecurity, and from supporting AUSD’s mental health efforts. We are grateful for all she has done for our district and our community.”

Girls Inc. of the Island City released a statement describing Chan as a pioneer in the Alameda County community.

“Her groundbreaking and historic bills and legislation have ensured the health and emotional, educational, and economic wellness for thousands of children and adults in Alameda County as well as in the state of California,” stated the press release. “As the first woman and Asian American to be Majority Leader in the California State Assembly, as well as the first Asian American to be elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Chan was a trailblazer and inspiration to women everywhere.”

Chan was struck by a vehicle while walking her dog at the intersection of Shore Line Drive and Grand Street just after 8 a.m. She was transported by the Alameda Fire Department to Highland Hospital in Oakland where she succumbed to her injuries, according to an Alameda Police Department (APD) report. The driver of the vehicle, an adult female, remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. She has not been charged with any crime as of Tuesday, Nov. 9.

APD, Public Works, and the Transportation Planning Department officials are conducting a review of the incident. Chan’s death highlights the city’s ongoing traffic safety concerns. According to APD, this is the fourth traffic related fatality Alameda has seen this year.

Chan, a Stanford University graduate, was a Third District Alameda County Supervisor from 1995 to 2000 and from 2010 until her death. She was a member of the California State Assembly from 2001 to 2006. She is survived by her two children and two grandchildren.