The news that Lompoc Mayor Dick DeWees had died came to me completely out of the blue. I literally picked the news out of the fax machine when Tom Pfeifer of U.S. Rep Elton Gallegly’s office sent out a message of condolence.

I had no idea Dick was ill or had a medical condition that might lead to his death at what seems like the very young age of 61.

I’ll echo the comments of Carpinteria City Councilman Joe Armendariz and Congressman Gallegly and say that Dick was a great guy and a great friend of business up and down the region.

After five terms as mayor he knew the issues, the players and the roadblocks to progress. He had a great sense of humor and a knack for telling it like it is in a way that put people at ease.  His wise counsel and his knowledge of our region will be sorely missed.

— Henry Dubroff, Editor

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