After 23 years as a Palos Verdes Estates city councilwoman, Rosemary Humphrey laughs as she refers to her unofficial title as the “matriarch” of the council.
“They don’t call me that to my face, but a lot of times I’ll give some history about an issue and I think the other council members appreciate that history,” she said.
Humphrey, who has also been principal of Rancho Del Mar High School since 2001, will be honored with the Citizen of the Year Award from Palos Verdes Estates’ Chamber of Commerce in October. She said that she is especially flattered that she was nominated for the award by members of the community.
“I didn’t even know I was nominated—and they select from the nominations,” she said. “So it’s a community recognition, not a city recognition.”
The nature of the honor seems especially fitting to Humphrey because serving the community is her passion. “You can help people,” she said. “I don’t have any higher aspirations. People have asked [if I do], I’ve said, ‘No, no, no. I’d rather be in the community.’” She added that many have requested that she remain on city council after getting to know her and her work.
Humphrey began working for the Palos Verdes community as a volunteer. After working as a teacher and administrator for the Redondo Beach School District, she took some time off while in the process of adopting her daughter, the youngest of three children. “In September [of 1989] I thought, I feel like I should be doing something,” she said. “I’m used to working, so I went down to City Hall.” She volunteered to assist in the 50th birthday celebration of Palos Verdes Estates, and during the event, several individuals approached her about running for city council. She was elected for her first term in 1990.
Humphrey has been actively involved in the preservation of open spaces, including the memorial garden across from City Hall, Civic Center Park and Lunada Bay Park, as well as keeping Malaga Cove Library under the city’s responsibility. She is also the director of recreation and community in the district and is involved in “Kids’ Corner” (a daycare for elementary school students), “Teen Scene” (a program for adolescents), enrichment programs for elementary school students and adult education programs on the peninsula.
City Manager Judy Smith said Humphrey is driven by her interest in helping youths.
“When I think of Rosemary, I think of youth and recreation,” Smith said.
Humphrey has worked most of her life with people of all ages in the community. No matter who she is working with, she strives to make a positive difference in the lives of those she touches.
“The only difference is the size of the bodies, kind of,” Humphrey said. “You know, really, people are people and everybody has their own unique needs.”
But she said that her work with children has provided plenty of comedic moments as well. She said that several times, young students of her elementary school programs will attend city council meetings for special events, for example, scout troops being recognized, and the children will turn to her with a confused expression when they see that she is a councilmember.
“I think sometimes they’re surprised to see me there,” she said with a laugh, wrinkling her brow in imitation of the perplexed look the children sometimes have.
Humphrey has oftentimes assisted older students with school projects related to government. When the kids arrive at City Hall, they are intimidated. With her characteristic warmth, Humphrey eases their worries.
“I’ll meet with them outside before they go in,” she said. “Because we want them to understand it’s not a scary place.”
Her work in the community has also influenced her family life. She said that her children, who are now 33, 29 and 21, were often involved in volunteer work and community service, like beach clean-ups.
“My children didn’t know any other life,” she explained. “Of course, being in education you have a really good understanding of education and what students need to do and what students need to accomplish.”
Teaching is the only life Humphrey knows as well.
“I was going into education and that was it,” she said. “I never even considered any other field.”
Palos Verdes Estates Mayor George Bird, who is serving his first term on the council, said that he appreciates the depth Humphrey brings to city politics.
“When she speaks on a subject she brings historical perspective and wisdom to every discussion,” he said. “She’s a community resource. She epitomizes commitment and volunteering to our community.” He added, “I’m the new kid on the block.”
Smith also said that Humphrey’s extensive background has often proven useful during council meetings.
“She obviously has great knowledge of the city,” Smith said. “She has the history and is able to provide that info to the discussion when it’s warranted. It’s a good perspective…. She’s an amazing person. She’s very high energy. We sometimes like to joke she doesn’t sleep because we sometimes get an email at two in the morning.”
Humphrey, who is serving her fifth term, said her experience on the council dais mixes well with the fresh perspectives of newer members.
“It’s good to have a good balance,” she said.
Not all city councils have unlimited terms for its members, but Humphrey said that this way of government suits the city. She said the council often has a balance of newer and older members. “It’s good to have a good balance,” she said.
Bird pointed out that the experience
Bird said that the breadth of knowledge Humphrey brings to bear in council discussions has convinced him that council members should not have term limits.
“Rosemary Humphrey is the best argument against term limits,” Bird said. “You get term limits, you don’t get Rosemary Humphrey.”
Humphrey said she is pleased to get a similar reaction from community residents as well.
“You get to a certain point where you’ve been on for a long time,” she said. “And people will ask you, please, don’t go.”
The Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce annual Citizen of the Year Awards Dinner honoring Rosemary Humphrey, the San Pedro Peninsula YMCA and the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates is Friday, October 19th at the Palos Verdes Country Club. For reservations contact the chamber office at 310-377-8111 or office@palosverdeschamber.com
