BREAKING: Robley Levy, the former Second District Supervisor of Santa Cruz County and a passionate advocate for environmental protection, has died at the age of 90. She passed away on December 9, 2025, in her home in La Selva Beach, California, where she lived for over six decades.
Levy, who served on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors from 1980 to 1992, was a pivotal figure in implementing strong environmental policies that safeguarded the county’s coastal resources and agricultural lands. Her legacy includes the establishment of several vital community parks, such as Freedom Lake Park and Seascape Park, transforming the landscape of the Second District.
During her tenure, the number of neighborhood parks in her district surged from just one to five, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and environmental stewardship. Levy was instrumental in the acquisition of three regional parks, including Polo Grounds County Park and Anna Jean Cummings Park, securing green spaces for future generations.
“Robley was a fierce champion for our community and the environment,” stated a representative from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. “Her dedication to preserving our natural resources and promoting community parks will have a lasting impact.”
Before her election, Levy was a trailblazer as the first president of the League of Women Voters of Santa Cruz County and contributed significantly to various county committees and commissions. Her influence extended beyond local governance; she was appointed to the California Regional Coastal Commission by Governor Jerry Brown in 1978.
Born on March 24, 1935, in Santa Monica, California, Robley Marietta Timmins grew up in Washington, D.C., after her parents separated. Her mother’s determination provided Robley with a strong educational foundation, leading her to graduate from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1956.
Following her marriage to Fred Levy, the couple moved to California, where they welcomed three children: Rebecca, Barnaby, and Elizabeth. Robley’s passion for the arts flourished as she embraced a later career as a painter and printmaker, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene in Santa Cruz.
Levy’s love for theater also shone brightly; she actively participated in the Aptos Saturday Shakespeare Group and supported local theater productions. Her commitment to the arts and environmental issues underscored her remarkable life.
Robley Levy is survived by her children and grandchildren, including Clementine and Delilah Gamson Levy and Zachary Benson. A celebration of her life is planned for the Spring, with details to be shared via email at [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, her family requests contributions to St. John’s College or the Robley and Fred Levy Scholarship Fund at Cabrillo College to honor her enduring legacy.
As the community reflects on her impactful life, Levy leaves behind a profound legacy of environmental advocacy and community service that will inspire future generations.
