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Published February 12th, 2014
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City to Memorialize Orinda's First Mayor, Richard Heggie
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| By Laurie Snyder |
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| Dick Heggie Photo provided |
"This evening is one of those rare opportunities when council has choices and options for recognizing a very special person in Orinda's community and in Orinda's history," observed Janet Keeter, city manager, as she began a presentation before the Orinda City Council Jan. 21. "This is to recognize Orinda's first mayor - and that is Richard Heggie, who passed away in this last year."
Keeter explained that the City Council had, at several previous meetings, met to discuss possible options for honoring Heggie's contributions to the community, directed staff to return with visuals to facilitate city discussions about the memorial, and also obtained input from Heggie's widow, Bea Heggie, and former colleague, Bobbie Landers, with whom he co-founded the Orinda/ T?bor Sister City Foundation. Landers, who also served with Heggie on Orinda's first city council before becoming mayor herself was seated in the audience with Bea Heggie during the City Council's deliberations. Councilmember Amy Worth was recused due to her husband's legal representation of Bea Heggie on other matters.
"The option that the council agreed upon in the workshop is to rename the Upper Library Plaza to the Richard Heggie Plaza," continued Keeter. If approved, the city would then schedule a celebration and invite current and former council members, Heggie's family and members of the public.
A graduate of Berkeley High School, Heggie earned a master's degree in international relations at the University of California, Berkeley after serving in the U.S. Navy. He spent 19 years with the Asia Foundation, more than 12 as executive director of the World Affairs Council of Northern California, and was awarded the Order of Leopold II by the Government of Belgium. In addition to his service for the city of Orinda - for which he was named Orinda's Citizen of the Year, he was a Regent of the University of California and president of Cal's Alumni Association, president of the Japan Society of Northern California, vice president of the Oakland Museum, and director emeritus of the East Bay Community Foundation.
"I'm very delighted to have this opportunity, personally, to make this recognition known," said Mayor Sue Severson. Added Councilmember Victoria Smith, "I think it's a lovely idea, and I want to thank everyone who was involved. It will be a very nice addition."
The City Council approved the memorial 4-0 (Worth recused). Staff will order signage "consistent with lettering throughout the library," and install a plaque citing Heggie's accomplishments. The cost to the Orinda Parks and Recreation Department is expected to be roughly $750. The date for the unveiling will be announced later.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA