Former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, who led the city through the Great Recession and whose vision led to the town’s new Civic Center, died on Sunday, Nov. 30, according to his family. He was 78.
Foster was a community leader and not only made significant impacts on the city throughout his career, but also made substantial contributions as a clean energy leader for the state.
A statement by the Foster family, shared by Mayor Rex Richardson and the city, confirmed Foster’s death on Monday, Dec. 1. His cause of death was unknown at the time of writing.
“Mayor Bob Foster served Long Beach with steady leadership and a deep love for our community,” Richardson said in a statement. “He guided our city through challenging times with honesty, courage and a clear sense of responsibility. Long Beach is stronger because of his service.
“On behalf of our entire city,” he added, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to Nancy (his wife) and the Foster family as we honor his life and legacy.”
Former California Governor George Deukmejian speaks in support of Mayor Bob Foster’s Measure I, during the filming of a video spot at Marina Vista Park in 2008. (File Photo)
Bob Foster, Beverly O’Neill, John Thomas, Jane Close Conoley, and Steve Goodling at the Musica Angelica event.
Bob Foster, former Mayor of Long Beach, speaks at the memorial service for former California Gov. George Deukmejian at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Deukmejian, who served as governor from 1983 to 1991, died May 8 at the age of 89. (Photo by Scott Varley, POOL)
Mayor Robert Garcia takes a selfie with former mayors Beverly O’Neill and Bob Foster before an event at Wilson High in Long Beach on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. The current and two former mayors of Long Beach gathered for a Q&A with Wilson High students to talk about their experiences in school as well as their times as mayor. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
From left, Rich Archbold, Lily Gibbs, Shelby Mayo, Katie Worsting, Robert Alexander, Mayor Robert Garci, Beverly O’Neill and Bob Foster gather for a discussion at Wilson High in Long Beach on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. The current and two former mayors of Long Beach gathered for a Q&A with Wilson High students to talk about their experiences in school as well as their times as mayor. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
Bob Foster, shown here at one of his inaugural addresses, could have the new Coucil Chambers named after him, if the City Council votes to do so on Tuesday, April 23. Foster was mayor of Long Beach from 2006 to 2014. (photo courtesy of City of Long Beach)
Former Mayor Bob Foster, right, poses for a photo with his grandson, Bob Foster, son Kenny Foster and grandson Ryan Foster inside the Bob Foster Civic Chambers at the grand opening of the new Long Beach Civic Center on Monday, July 29, 2019. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
Long Beach mayoral candidate Robert Garcia, center, Garcia’s mother, Gaby Garcia-O’Donnell and Mayor Bob Foster share a laugh after seeing the first results from Tuesday’s election at Garcia’s election party at the Hotel Maya on Tuesday evening. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen)
Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame inductee Al Unser Jr., left, on stage with former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster during Unser Jr.’s induction ceremony in 2009. (File photo by Stephen Carr, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Former Mayor of Long Beach Bob Foster speaks prior to congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) being sworn in during an event to commemorate his new role as the Ranking Member and top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee at Long Beach City Hall in Long Beach on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Former California Governor George Deukmejian speaks in support of Mayor Bob Foster’s Measure I, during the filming of a video spot at Marina Vista Park in 2008. (File Photo)
Robert “Bob” Foster was born on Jan. 1, 1947, and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from San Jose State University in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in public administration. In the late 1970s, he became deputy executive director of the California Energy Commission, helping develop legislation that created statewide energy efficiency standards.
He joined Southern California Edison in 1984 as head of the company’s Sacramento office, serving as principal liaison to the California Legislature and state agencies dealing with energy issues. He was elected vice president of public affairs in 1993, promoted to senior vice president in 1996, and assumed the position of senior vice president of external affairs for both SCE and Edison International in 2001. Foster became SCE president in 2002.
Under Foster’s leadership, SCE developed the largest renewable, clean energy programs in the country, according to a company statement.
“Bob was instrumental in guiding SCE through the California energy crisis and helping the company survive severe financial challenges,” Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, said in a statement. “Under his leadership, SCE developed the largest portfolio of renewable energy programs in the United States. His impact on California’s clean energy future is still felt today.”
Foster also served as trustee to the California State University system from 1997 to 2006 and later taught as a “Leader-in-Residence” in the department of political science at San Jose State University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater in 2015.
As the 27th mayor of Long Beach, from 2006 to 2014, Foster championed fiscal responsibility, public safety and environmental stewardship. During his tenure, he worked to stabilize the city’s finances, strengthen the police force, and confront pollution and goods-movement challenges at the port.
During the recession sparked by the 2008 financial crisis, Foster guided the city through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and helped Long Beach navigate rapidly rising pension costs, according to a city statement. His commitment to fiscal responsibility and pension reform was instrumental in stabilizing the city’s financial landscape and eventually led to the city achieving a budget surplus for the first time in decades.
His vision and work also led to the creation of the new Civic Center and the Billie Jean King Main Library in downtown. Long Beach honored that legacy by naming the new council chambers the Bob Foster Civic Chambers.
While serving as mayor, Foster was appointed by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Board of Governors for the California Independent Systems Operators; he served as board chair from 2010 to 2014.
Foster was admired for his sharp wit, authenticity and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, city officials said. He engaged with world leaders, employees and residents with the same genuine interest and care. Above all, he loved his family, including his wife, Nancy, and was deeply devoted to the community he served.
“Bob Foster was a modern-day Cincinnatus,” City Manager Tom Modica said in a statement, referring to a legendary statesman during the Roman Republic. “He took the responsibility of public service incredibly seriously and was never afraid to do the right thing, even if it was unpopular.
“He was incredibly generous with his time and resources, helping anyone who needed it, with unmatched wit, humor and kindness,” Modica added. “Those of us who got to work closely with him will never forget him and his service to Long Beach.”
City Prosecutor Doug Haubert, whose tenure overlapped with Foster’s, said the former mayor was “unfailingly kind and frank.”
“One thing I always appreciated was his ability to cut through politics and focus on the problem,” Haubert said. “He knew others looked to him to make the hard decisions, and there were tough decisions during his time as mayor. When budget cuts were needed, he did not play political favorites. We needed him during the recession more than anyone knew.
“After serving with him, I eventually got to know him personally,” Haubert added. “He might have had a tough exterior, but underneath that, he was compassionate, warm and caring. He loved his family and the Long Beach community deeply. I will really miss him.”
Foster’s commitment to public service continued after he left office. He and his family supported countless nonprofits and charities across Long Beach, including mental health programs, initiatives for students and libraries, and Cal State Long Beach.
“Bob’s commitment to service, integrity and community made a lasting impact on our city,” the Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach, of which Foster was a founding board member, said in a statement. “His leadership helped strengthen Long Beach for generations to come, and his guidance was foundational to our walk. We hold Nancy, his family and all who loved him in our hearts.”
Rep. Robert Garcia, who succeeded Foster as Long Beach mayor before eventually being elected to Congress, said in a statement that Foster was an “incredible friend, mentor and leader” who devoted his life to his country and community.
“I first met Bob when I served as student body president at CSULB, and he served as a California State University trustee,” Garcia said. “We served together on the City Council, where I was proud to support his agenda for our city. No one did more for my first campaign for mayor than Bob. His support was invaluable, and I’m honored he had the trust in me to succeed him and continue his work.
“He was a great friend and mentor, and I always enjoyed his advice, our talks and his jokes,” Garcia added. “We will miss him terribly, and all of our love is with his wife, Nancy, and his family. We will continue to work to honor his incredible legacy.”
Service and memorial plans are still being decided and will be announced at a later time.