Jimmy Carter dies: California reacts to 39th president's death
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter prepares to teach Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia on April 28, 2019. Carter, 94, has taught Sunday school at the church on a regular basis since leaving the White House i
Politicians, voters, and residents across California were remembering the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter on Sunday, after news of the 39th president's death spread across the world.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement Sunday on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, saying in part, "President Carter was a man of rare character – whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered. He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home. Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright energy and spirit never faltered."
Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement on social media giving a nod to Carter's dedication to public service and recalling her own memories of the former president.
Senator Alex Padilla also issued a statement via X, honoring Carter's philanthropy and commitment to peace. He also referred to Carter's work to protect the environment and defend democratic values, saying in part, "Jimmy Carter was a clean energy champion, a staunch defender of democracy, and a fundamentally decent person. His lifelong commitment to service led us through turbulent moments, and he leaves behind a shining example of how to better treat one another."
In 2013, Carter visited the Bay Area to help Habitat for Humanity build homes in Oakland. Carter, who was 89-years-old at the time, was joined by his wife Rosalynn as they helped crews build 12 new homes in the Brookfield Court development. The CEO of East Bay Habitat for Humanity remembered Carter on Sunday after hearing about his death. She was there during Carter's visit in 2013, and she knew him as a great man.
"We knew this was coming, but that doesn't make it any less sad," said Janice Jensen. "There's nothing he left undone."
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi remembered Carter in a lengthy social media post on Sunday, saying she and her husband Paul were mourning the loss of "a leader who embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness." She also honored "his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history" and offered prayers to his family.
Rep. John Garamendi (D-8th District) also released a statement talking about the personal impact Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had on his life and career direction.
"In 1975, on the street outside the state Democratic convention in Sacramento. A man approached Patti and I," Garamendi said. "He held out a hand and a big smile and said, "'Hi I’m Jimmy Carter and I’m running for president.' And so, Patti and I began our journey with Jimmy Carter." He also praised the Carters' humanitarian work and dedication to achieving peace around the world. It's a theme that appears in many of the public tributes appearing online from politicians and public figures honoring the former president.
"For those of us that worked with Jimmy Carter, we mourn his passing and for those who are touched by his accomplishments, we will always celebrate his example of a life well lived," Garamendi's statement concluded.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed said that the city was lowering the American flag to half-staff at City Hall for the next 30 days following Carter's death. She also praised his work aimed at "building a more just and compassionate future."
Everyday people across California are also remembering the former president and what kind of impact he left on them personally.
"We really highly respected him. He was a great president. We supported the work he did with habitat for humanity and respect the work he and Roslyn did there," Lee and Alice Cyr from Lafayette, Calif. said. "As a president, he really showed a lot of personal integrity and honesty and he lived his life the same way."