SEIU 721 President David Green statement following the tragic death of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez

“Our union mourns the tragic death of Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez this past weekend.

Carmen Ramirez was a lifelong social and environmental justice warrior for the people of Ventura County. There’s no doubt that Carmen Ramirez’s tireless work to defend our communities from powerful corporate interests seeking to exploit our precious natural resources made an impact throughout the Tri-Counties region, and beyond. She stood up to fight and mobilize for residents every single time our environment came under threat, and time after time, her efforts led to collective victories for all of us.

Carmen Ramirez was an indispensable ally to our Tri-Counties region members and a champion for public sector workers and services. Thousands of workers in the Tri-Counties region served under her leadership during her tenure at the City of Oxnard and most recently on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. She made history in becoming the first Latina to ever serve on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

Just as Carmen Ramirez helped a countless number of residents as a public servant, and during her time as a community lawyer, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us to improve and protect our public services and our communities.

Rest in Power Compañera Carmen Ramirez.”