To: Board of Supervisors
From: Shanelle Scales-Preston, District V Supervisor
Report Title: ADOPT Resolution to honor and recognize the life of Marilyn “Merl” Craft for her longstanding public service, leadership, advocacy, and contributions to the Pittsburg and East Contra Costa County communities, as recommended by Supervisor Scales-Preston.
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution to honor and recognize the life of Marilyn “Merl” Craft for her longstanding public service, leadership, advocacy, and contributions to the Pittsburg and East Contra Costa County communities, as recommended by Supervisor Scales-Preston.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No Fiscal Impact
BACKGROUND:
Marilyn “Merl” Craft was a dedicated public servant, trailblazing leader, and longtime pillar of the Pittsburg community whose nearly fifty years of service helped shape the civic landscape of East Contra Costa County. She devoted thirty-five years of her professional career to the City of Pittsburg as a Recreation Supervisor, where she mentored and supported generations of local youth and families through her work at the Marina Community Center. In recognition of her commitment to community service, she received the East Contra Costa County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Love in Action Award” in 2007.
Following her career in recreation, Merl continued her commitment to public service through local government, serving two terms on the Pittsburg City Council and ultimately as Mayor of Pittsburg. During her tenure, she championed initiatives and investments that strengthened the community, including My Brother’s Keeper Pittsburg, the Pittsburg Dream Courts, the Pittsburg Senior Center, and the reopening of the Pittsburg Marina Community Center.
Merl was also a passionate advocate for economic opportunity and workforce development, particularly for women seeking careers in the building trades. She helped establish the Future Build pre-apprenticeship program, which provided pathways to stable, career-track employment and successfully placed more than ninety percent of its graduates into jobs. A longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Pittsburg, she also played an instrumental role in organizing the club’s annual gala to support community projects and local initiatives.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Merl shared her generosity and compassion with her family and the broader community. Alongside her beloved husband, Jim Craft, and her children, Kolette, Lymond, Jay, and Tino, she built a legacy rooted in service, mentorship, opportunity, and an enduring commitment to improving the lives of others throughout Pittsburg and East Contra Costa County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
.In the Matter of, the Recognition of the Life, Service, and Lasting Legacy of Marilyn "Merl" Craft
Whereas, Marilyn “Merl” Craft was a dedicated public servant, trailblazing leader, and beloved pillar of the Pittsburg community whose fierce advocacy, boundless compassion, and nearly fifty years of selfless service transformed the civic landscape of East County and opened doors of opportunity for countless individuals throughout Contra Costa County; and
Whereas, Marilyn “Merl” Craft dedicated thirty-five years of her professional career to the City of Pittsburg as a Recreation Supervisor, serving as a guiding light of mentorship at the Marina Community Center and earning the prestigious East Contra Costa County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Love in Action Award” in 2007 for her tireless commitment to local youth and families; and
Whereas, Marilyn “Merl” Craft successfully transitioned her passion for community enrichment into local governance, serving with distinction for two terms on the Pittsburg City Council and culminating her legislative tenure as Mayor of Pittsburg, during which she championed landmark investments including My Brother's Keeper Pittsburg, the Pittsburg Dream Courts, the Pittsburg Senior Center, and the triumphant reopening of the Pittsburg Marina Community Center; and
Whereas, Marilyn “Merl” Craft believed deeply that everyone deserved a concrete pathway to a better life, establishing her legacy as a champion for equity by expanding opportunities for women in the building trades, and establishing the transformative Future Build pre-apprenticeship program, which achieved an extraordinary record of placing over ninety percent of its graduates into stable, career-track jobs; and
Whereas, Marilyn “Merl” Craft was a proud and long-standing member of the Kiwanis Club of Pittsburg, further utilizing her leadership and organizing prowess to curate the club's celebrated annual gala, bringing the community together in droves to support vital fundraising and localized projects; and
Whereas, Marilyn “Merl” Craft was a deeply devoted family woman whose unconditional love knew no bounds, opening her heart and home to her community alongside her beloved husband, Jim Craft, her children, Kolette, Lymond, Jay, and Tino, and her many cherished grandchildren; and
Whereas, Marilyn “Merl” Craft’s extraordinary service, steady presence, and trailblazing spirit continue to live on through the civic institutions she built, the public leaders she mentored, and the countless lives she permanently uplifted throughout Contra Costa County.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby recognize and honor the life, service, and lasting legacy of Marilyn “Merl” Craft, and extend its deepest commendation and gratitude for her extraordinary dedication to serving the residents of Pittsburg and East Contra Costa County.