UPDATE: Robley Levy, the beloved former Second District Supervisor for Santa Cruz County, has passed away at the age of 90. She died on December 9, 2025, in her home in La Selva Beach, where she lived for over six decades. Her contributions to environmental policy and community development have left a lasting impact on the region.
Levy served on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors from 1980 to 1992, playing a pivotal role in enacting strong environmental protections that safeguarded the county’s coastal resources and agricultural lands. She was instrumental in establishing key community parks, transforming the area from just one neighborhood park to several, including Freedom Lake Park and Hidden Beach Park.
Her dedication to public service extended beyond parks. Levy championed the purchase of three significant regional parks: Polo Grounds County Park in Aptos, Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel, and Quail Hollow Park in the San Lorenzo Valley. She was also a fierce advocate for women’s advancement in local government and played a crucial role in preserving the La Selva Beach Library.
Born on March 24, 1935, in Santa Monica, California, Robley Timmins Levy was raised by her single mother in Washington, DC. She attended prestigious schools and graduated from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1956. Levy began her career as a technical writer before moving to California with her husband, Fred Levy, who later became an English instructor at Cabrillo College.
Following her tenure as a Supervisor, Levy continued to engage with her community through various boards, including the Cabrillo Foundation and the Live At Home Foundation. An accomplished artist, she studied printmaking and painting while also nurturing her love for theater through involvement with local Shakespeare groups.
“Robley was a passionate advocate for our community and a fierce protector of our natural resources,” said a statement from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. “Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
Levy is survived by her three children, Rebecca, Barnaby, and Elizabeth, along with her grandchildren, who were a significant part of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. John’s College or the Robley and Fred Levy Scholarship Fund at Cabrillo College.
A celebration of her life is being planned for Spring 2026. For further details, family and friends are encouraged to contact Rebecca at [email protected].
Robley Levy’s remarkable journey and steadfast commitment to her community will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her efforts have shaped the fabric of Santa Cruz County, ensuring a greener, more inclusive future for all.
