Board remembers pioneering former Supervisor Betsy Marchand
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Supervisors paid tribute to Betsy Marchand, the first woman elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors (served 1973–1997), recalling her role in founding the Yolo Basin Foundation, creating the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area and championing transparency in local government.
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors closed its Nov. 4 meeting with an extended in‑memory tribute to former Supervisor Betsy Marchand, who died Oct. 22 at age 91.
Multiple supervisors recalled Marchand’s long public service — she was sworn in in January 1973 as the first woman on the county board and served until 1997 — and her regional contributions, including work to found the Yolo Basin Foundation and create the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Supervisors described her as a mentor who emphasized public engagement and transparency; Supervisor Frerichs and others shared personal anecdotes about Marchand’s counsel and support.
The board indicated there will be a celebration of life in mid‑December and said staff would provide additional details when available. The memorial concluded the meeting.