Santa Monica City Mayor Ken Genser died Jan. 9 with family and close friends by his side. He was 59.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our Mayor Ken Genser, an indefatigable champion for quality of life in Santa Monica. Ken distinguished himself with a fierce intellect, passion for progressive social policy and compassion for people. He served the Santa Monica community throughout his lifetime and will be greatly missed,” Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Pam O’Connor said in a press release.
Mayor Genser served on the Santa Monica City Council for 21 years. He was elected mayor three times, in 1992, 2000 and 2008. Genser was Mayor Pro Tem in 1991 and 1999. He led on issues ranging from affordable housing and tenant protection, land use and zoning policies to environmental quality, workers rights, parks, public safety and funding for the schools.
As a lifetime Santa Monica resident, he began his 30-year career serving the public through appointment to a City Task Force for Revision of the Housing Element and was Chair of the Goals and Policies subcommittee from 1980 to 1982. He was a founding member of Community Corporation of Santa Monica, serving from 1982 to 1988. He was appointed Planning Commissioner from 1983 to 1985. Genser served as a board member of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation from 1985 to 1988.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ocean Park Community Center.