Harriett Wieder died on Jan. 11 at the age of 89. She was a former mayor of Huntington Beach and the first woman on the Board of Supervisors, which she chaired in 1984, 1988 and 1993. She was a sometimes controversial figure, an advocate for regional planning and economic development and considered by many as a trailblazer for women. An edited version of excerpts from the tributes at her memorial service at University Synagogue in Irvine follows.
Marian Bergeson
Former OC supervisor, state legislator, California education secretary
Harriett exemplified, “Whatever he can do, she could do better.” She was a “take charge” person.
We often communicated while she served on the Board of Supervisors and I chaired the (state) Senate Local Government Committee. Harriett had no trouble seeking solutions for local issues such as health, water, land use and transportation utilizing state relationships.
One summer evening, Harriett, Jackie Heather—who was mayor of Newport Beach—myself and our husbands set out for an evening of relaxation on the Heathers’ boat. We made a pact that the conversation would be social and anything to do with politics was a no-no for the sake of our spouses. In fact, anyone who ventured into a political discussion would have to forfeit a dollar.
Well, after the girls ran out of money, Garth, Loren and Irv went topside and left us to solve the problems of the world.
Harriett was an advocate for causes that needed to be addressed. She made things happen.
She was a people person, she loved flashy clothes, she never went unnoticed in a crowd. She was generous and kind. She was “cool.”
Cristi Cristich
Founder, chief executive, Cristek Interconnects Inc., Anaheim
Many of us met Harriett right after she retired from the Board of Supervisors, as one of the first things she did was join the National Association of Women Business Owners, because she was so proud to finally be a business owner herself. She always said it was one of her lifelong goals to be an entrepreneur. She said how during her time of public service she had such an appreciation of the private sector in general and small-business owners in particular as the driving forces in the economy and society.
It was amazing how this super-accomplished public servant wanted to embark on an entirely new career at 70-plus and how much this woman was humbled by what we did!
Linda White Peters
Vice president of development, Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana; member, Women’s Roundtable of OC
Many years ago Harriett and (her late husband) Irv, my husband, Ross, and I were having dinner. We were sitting across from each other in a restaurant, and Harriett, who was “pro-choice,” got into a heated discussion with Ross, who was “pro-life.”
I kicked Ross under the table to stop. He then told Harriett he had to stop talking about this subject because I had kicked him.
Harriett then proceeded to kick me under the table and said, “We both have a right to our opinions, and I love a good argument so you shut up so we can keep talking.”
Which they did.
That was our Harriett. Neither Ross nor Harriett changed their views but everyone hugged as always at the end of the evening.
Gayle Tauber
Wieder’s daughter; president, Trusteeship, a branch of the International Women’s Forum
As I reflect back to 1970 and my mother’s first political campaign, her run for Los Angeles City Council, I remember her sharing the campaign slogan she had chosen: “Wieder the Leader.”
She announced it with confidence. I thought, how trite.
I had no idea that my mother would bring new meaning to that word.
Mother, you made a difference far greater than you could ever have imagined. You showed us the value in connecting on a very real level with everyone you came in contact with. You have challenged us to explore and to defend our fundamental values, our convictions. You’ve taught us to be true to ourselves and to be a champion of that truth.
Mother, you truly are, Wieder the Leader.
Joseph Prevratil
Chief executive, Archstone Foundation, Long Beach
Harriett was a pioneer on so many issues, but particularly on the frontier of a new way of aging.
She was very passionate and encouraged me to be bold in leading our foundation (which helps California’s elderly).
Today, people are growing older in a new way. As we approach what is euphemistically called retirement age, we choose to retool rather than retire. Harriett believed that the term “senior citizen” was good only for getting discounts and the term “retired” was a cop-out. She felt it more appropriate for us, as we age, to become “wise elders.”
Harriett knew that we were on a new frontier of aging and that there are no real models from the past for making the choice. She helped us create the future with her attitude and actions.
Judy Miller
Representative, Trusteeship
Harriett believed as much in other women’s capabilities as in her own, becoming incredulous if a woman said she didn’t know if she could accomplish something. For Harriett, a wall was simply something to be plowed through.
The story of Harriett’s passing appeared on a world feminist Web site. It was sandwiched between a story in London about the opposition to the first female bishop and one from France about trying to ban Muslim women wearing veils. I thought to myself, leave it to Harriett to be in the middle of controversies, even in death.
