Claudia Madsen: 1929 - 2007

A faithful reader and citizen stringer passed along some sad news today. Community activist Claudia Madsen passed away on Sunday morning after a short battle with liver and pancreatic cancer. I am told that even in the last week when she realized her life was coming to an end -- she insisted on talking about matters close to her heart: the General Plan Update, building height limits and view preservation. Claudia has been an active board member of Citizens Planning Association for longer than anyone can remember and although I do not know -- would not be surprised if she had been a founding member of the organization. I am told that donations can be made in her name.

Claudia is one of the reasons Santa Barbara is such a beautiful city and has that sense of place which makes us all want to stay here despite the challenges. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed.