BREAKING: Robley Levy, a highly regarded former Santa Cruz County Supervisor, has passed away at the age of 90. She died on December 9, 2025, in her beloved home of 62 years in La Selva Beach, California.
Levy was a pivotal figure in local politics, serving from 1980 to 1992, where her influential role contributed to the establishment of strong environmental policies that preserved the county’s vital coastal resources and agricultural lands. Her death marks a significant loss for the community she passionately served.
During her tenure, Levy was known as the critical third vote on the Board of Supervisors, instrumental in the creation of neighborhood parks. When she took office, there was only one park in the Second District. By the time she left, she had helped establish significant parks including Freedom Lake Park, Hidden Beach Park, and Seascape Park, among others.
Levy’s dedication extended beyond parks; she played a key role in the acquisition 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. She was also a champion for the preservation of the La Selva Beach Library within the County Library System in the early 1980s.
Born as Robley Marietta Timmins on March 24, 1935, in Santa Monica, California, she was raised by her single mother after her parents’ separation. Levy’s journey included attending prestigious schools and graduating from St. John’s College in Annapolis in 1956. Her passion for education and advocacy led her to become the first president of the League of Women Voters of Santa Cruz County before her election to the Board of Supervisors.
Throughout her life, Levy remained committed to the arts, serving on the boards of several local organizations and even pursuing painting and printmaking later in life. She was deeply engaged in the theater community, supporting local productions and even studying dramatic literature at Cabrillo College and UCSC.
Levy is survived by her three children, Rebecca, Barnaby, and Elizabeth, along with her cherished grandchildren, Clementine, Delilah, and Zachary. They carry forward her legacy of community involvement and environmental stewardship.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests contributions to St. John’s College or to the Robley and Fred Levy Scholarship Fund at Cabrillo College. A celebration of her life is planned for the Spring. Details can be obtained by emailing [email protected].
As tributes pour in, the community remembers Robley Levy not just as a supervisor, but as a passionate advocate for the environment, the arts, and women’s advancement in government. Her impact will continue to resonate in Santa Cruz County for years to come.
