BREAKING: Former Santa Cruz County Supervisor Robley Levy has died at the age of 90. She passed away on December 9, 2025, in her beloved home in La Selva Beach, California, where she lived for over 62 years. Levy was renowned for her pivotal role in advancing environmental policies and establishing vital community parks across the county.
Levy served as the critical third vote on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors from 1980 to 1992, championing strong environmental protections that preserved the county’s coastal resources and agricultural lands. Under her leadership, the Second District saw a significant expansion of parks, going from just one neighborhood park in 1980 to multiple community parks, including Freedom Lake Park and Seascape Park.
In addition to her work on community parks, Levy was instrumental in securing the purchase of three regional parks: Polo Grounds County Park in Aptos, Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel, and Quail Hollow Park in the San Lorenzo Valley. Her commitment to community resources extended to preserving the La Selva Beach Library in the early 1980s, showcasing her dedication to public service.
Before her political career, Levy was the first president of the League of Women Voters of Santa Cruz County and served on various county commissions, including the Planning and Transportation Commissions. Appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the California Regional Coastal Commission in 1978, her influence on local governance was profound.
Born on March 24, 1935, in Santa Monica, California, Levy was raised by her single mother in Washington, D.C. She benefited from a strong education, attending prestigious schools and graduating from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1956. After moving to California, she and her husband, Fred Levy, had three children: Rebecca, Barnaby, and Elizabeth.
Following her tenure as a supervisor, Levy remained active in the community, serving on various boards and developing her passion for the arts. She became a printmaker and painter, exhibiting her work locally. In her later years, she explored her love for theater, engaging with the Aptos Saturday Shakespeare Group and supporting local theater productions.
Levy is survived by her three children and several grandchildren, who have expressed their pride in her legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to St. John’s College or the Robley and Fred Levy Scholarship Fund at Cabrillo College. A celebration of her life is planned for Spring 2026, with details available by emailing [email protected].
This heartfelt loss resonates deeply within the Santa Cruz community, as Levy’s contributions have shaped the county’s landscape for decades. Her legacy of environmental stewardship and commitment to public service will not be forgotten.
