SW22:023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2022
CONTACT:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575

Secretary Weber Statement on the Passing of Dr. Dorothy L.W. Smith

SACRAMENTO, CA –– California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. issued the following statement on the passing of San Diego educator and advocate Dr. Dorothy L.W. Smith:

Dr. Dorothy L.W. Smith’s passing is a huge loss for the community and for California. She was a colleague and mentor to me and a trailblazer as the first African American woman to hold office in San Diego. Her stellar career on the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education set the standard for those of us who followed her into public life. It was from her example and her encouragement that I decided to run for my first elected office as a school board trustee.

An advocate for kids and an effective and engaged member of the Black community for decades, she could always be counted on to step in where needed. Dr. Smith was a rock for our community. Her loss is deeply felt and she will be sorely missed.

###