Hey, brother

All councilmembers do constituent service and balance many obligations. But Rich did it effortlessly and with such honest and forthright intention. He led by example.

And he began that effort at a time when it appeared the wheels were falling off the city, when its reputation was tarnished and when there seemed to be little hope.

There have been a few people I’ve encountered in my time covering this little gem of a city who were truly dedicated public servants worthy of note. They are among those who did it for the right reasons, who wanted to make the city a better place and who led by example. Gary Yates, Arne Croce, Claire Mack, Bertha Sanchez, Dorothy Chow, Jerry Hill and Sue Lempert are some names that immediately come to mind. If I name more, I’d have to name a lot more, so you should know that other list may include you too.

Rich Hedges is an elder statesman of the San Mateo family and has been engaged with community betterment for decades. I only caught him midstream. Before the Daily Journal even existed, in the late 1990s, I was covering the city for the San Mateo Weekly, which later became the Independent. Rich asked me to breakfast at the Lyon’s on El Camino Real at State Route 92 (currently Jack’s). He greeted me with a “Hey, brother,” which is his warm way with everyone. I still recall he had dry toast and oatmeal. He talked about unions, politics, growth, change, helping others and asked about me. I assume he wanted to know what kind of newspaper editor I intended to be, but it was too early for even me to know. The people of San Mateo, and its selfless community servants, people like Rich, provided me with an example of who I aimed to be and the Daily Journal truly is a reflection of San Mateo’s values.

It was Rich who offered me a hand with anything I needed. A few months later, he corralled me into talking to his men’s group with his church at 7:30 a.m. on a Saturday, which I did without question. He wanted me to talk about the paper and what we do. I was glad to do it.

We touched base from time to time and later he would ask about my father-in-law who he befriended on a shuttle route. Rich is always there for insight, guidance and a helping hand. He is warm, understanding and firm when necessary. He will work with anyone on any issue at any time as long it’s the right thing to do.

He was the right selection to be on the City Council in 2022. For some, a position on the council is one of power. For Rich, being on the council gave him no more power than he already has. People listen to him because he listens to them. He knows how things work and how to get things done. He didn’t need an official position to do the work of the city, but the city needed him for the official position to steady its leadership. That’s service. That’s Rich.

At his last council meeting Monday night, Rich said he often thinks of his father, who he lost too soon, for guidance in making sure he is doing the right thing. Collectively, we can now think of Rich for guidance in making sure we are doing the right thing. That is his impact, and that’s what he did and will continue to do.

And I’ll say it again, thank goodness for Rich and others like him.

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Leane Eberhart, a survivor of a pedestrian collision with a car at Tilton and North Ellsworth avenues, is having a “light up the night” dog and pedestrian event 5:30-7:30 p.m. today at the Congregational Church. There she will be giving away free LED lights while supplies last in honor of her “beloved Peanut” the dog. Many people walk their dogs while in dark clothing, and she is trying to change that through this vigil and outreach.