Community Leaders, Locals, and Fans Remember Rob Reiner

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) Many people are just learning about the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner.

Young people may not know his name but they may know his often quoted films including "When Harry Met Sally, Princess Bride," "A Few Good Men" "Stand by Me" and "Spinal Tap, Spinal Tap II" and his recent book entitled "A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap."

People of a certain age remember his father Carl and Rob's star-making role as Meathead on "All in the Family."

Reiner's acting and directing career led to recognition at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2001 and one of his leading ladies, Meg Ryan, lives part time in Montecito.

But he is also remembered for his legacy when it comes to young children and child development.

Reiner helped pass Prop 10, a cigarette tax, to fund early childhood development programs.

The most famous is known as First 5 California.

Former Congresswoman Lois Capps said she was a nurse when it began and she has applauded it ever since.

"First 5 was his baby and it just made such a difference in how babies were appreciated and valued and given priority," said Capps.

Wendy Sims-Moten knew Reiner due to her work as an advocate through First 5 with a focus on school readiness for children up to age 5.

"When prop 10 was being challenged, actually, he came and did an interview here, actually it was at Goleta Valley Community Center. We had little kids that were around and coming around they were at the Rainbow School and they were just being kids, I remember he was trying to do a press conference and they were yelling and screaming and he just made a wonderful look 'oh they are just being kids and that is why were are here,' so, kids are allowed to just be who they are and when they are growing up without pressure," said Sims-Moten.

Sims-Moten remembers being In the room with him and the energy he brought.

"He understood and knew in a profound way that if we strengthen our systems at the earliest opportunities our children will be prepared for school, they will be stronger and they will be more resistant, I can't believe that he is gone but his work will love," said Sims-Moten.

She said is is a honor to be part of his legacy that includes First 5 Santa Barbara, First 5 San Luis Obispo and First 5 Ventura and more than 55 other locations in the state.

She also said having a famous man show his interest in the children from birth to 5 years of age made a difference and still makes a difference.

"Thank goodness for this visionary leader thank goodness for his vision and his legacy," said Sims-Moten, "Thank you Rob, thank you for answering that call, thank you for sharing your vision about children and families with children in California."

Many people are thinking about ways to pay tribute to Reiner and his wife and their children.

Local fan Guy Rivera said he knew Reiner was a good guy when he cast his mother in "When Harry Met Sally" and she ended up delivering the line "I'll have what she is havin," one of the most quoted lines in movie history.

There second-born son Nick, who has battled addiction for half his life, is now facing charges in his parents death.

Your News Channel will have more on Reiner's legacy tonight on the news.