Friends, family, and community members will gather May 22 in Caspar to remember former Mendocino County Supervisor Norman de Vall, a longtime North Coast political figure whose advocacy helped reshape local politics during a pivotal era of environmental and social activism.
De Vall, who died April 16 at age 86 following a long illness, served 16 years on the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors after first winning office in 1978. Supporters remembered him as a fierce advocate for “the Commons,” championing worker rights, Class K housing, sustained-yield logging, environmental protections, and public participation in county government.
Born in Hollywood in 1940, de Vall arrived in Caspar in 1962 as part of a generation seeking an alternative to urban life. He built a home in the redwoods, became active in local politics during the 1970s, and helped open county government to new voices and grassroots organizing.
A public memorial service will be held May 22 at noon at the Caspar Community Center. Organizers are asking attendees to RSVP in advance here.
