The Godfather of Marin politics , Gary Giacomini dies at 77

Longtime Marin political force Gary Giacomini dies at 77

Gary Giacomin, pictured in 2001, looks over the Larkspur Landing ferry terminal. (Marian Little Utley - Marin Independent Journal) 

By Brad Breithaupt, Marin Independent Journal

and Stephanie Weldy, Marin Independent Journal

POSTED: 12/03/16, 5:36 PM PST | UPDATED: 16 MINS AGO

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Gary Giacomini served on the Marin County Board of Supervisors for 24 years. 

Former Marin County supervisor Gary T. Giacomini, a lion-like defender of West Marin’s ranchlands against suburban sprawl and an outspoken champion in Marin’s defense of the Buck Trust bequest, died late Friday night at his home in San Geronimo Valley.

Mr. Giacomini, in and out of political office, was a political force in Marin for more than 50 years.

He died in his sleep, his son Andrew Giacomini said Saturday. He was 77.

The 52-year San Geronimo Valley resident is well-known for wearing a poppy pin in his lapel and for preferring cows over condos.

He is also known for his steadfast defense of planning protections aimed at keeping West Marin’s ranchlands free from market-driven growth.

“West Marin would have a four-lane highway right through it if it weren’t for Gary,” said David Freitas, a former business partner of Mr. Giacomini and a lifelong friend.

A 1,500-acre property in the San Geronimo area in West Marin was named the Gary Giacomini Open Space Preserve, honoring him for being instrumental in orchestrating the deal that saved the land from development.

Mr. Giacomini served on the Marin County Board of Supervisors for 24 years. He was the longest-serving county supervisor in the history of California upon his retirement. See full article HERE

Editor'd Note: Gary Giacomini was controversial figure and is widely regarded as the Godfather" in Marin politics.  His post supervisor life was spent as a lobbyist/lawyer for development interests.  Although he was one of the many that saved his beloved West Marin from development, he vigorously lobbied for development in East and Southern Marin. He has been particularly interested in massive development in Lucas Valley/Marinwood.  His firm and associated business partners have been the NUMBER ONE contributor to local politicians which won him loyalty by the Marin power structure.  He was reputed to have his own parking space at the Marin Civic center and would appear regularly at public and private meetings at the County. 

He did help shape West Marin which in turn influenced land use policy throughout the nation and we should all laud his efforts.   

A new day is emerging in Marin politics.