Santa Barbara Flag Lowered in Honor of Former Mayor Sheila Lodge

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse says the city of Santa Barbara's flag is flying at half staff in De la Guerra Plaza in honor of former Mayor Sheila Lodge who died last week at age 97.

The plaza has three flags and the one near city hall is the city's flag.

Mayor Randy Rowse said Lodge was not only the first woman to be Santa Barbara's mayor, but continued her career serving the city in many capacities up to a few years ago when she was on the planning commission.

"Sheila Lodge was number one, the longest serving mayor and the first woman mayor and also a civil servant for her entire life. Her legacy of service to the community is huge. It is more than appropriate to have the city's flag at half mast in honor of Sheila Lodge."

Lodge served as mayor for 12 years from 1981 to 1993.

Prior to that she was on the city council.

She often met with councilmembers or candidates who were interested in her views as they made decisions on current issues.