LONG BEACH, CA \u2014 A former Long Beach mayor known for navigating the city through \u201cthe worst economic downturn since the Great Depression\u201d has died, city officials announced Monday.<\/p>\n
Robert \u201cBob\u201d Foster, who served two terms as mayor<\/a> from 2006 to 2014, died the evening of Nov. 30 at the age of 78, officials said.<\/p>\n \u201cMayor Bob Foster served Long Beach with steady leadership and a deep love for our community,\u201d Mayor Rex Richardson said in a written statement. \u201cHe guided our city through challenging times with honesty, courage and a clear sense of responsibility. Long Beach is stronger because of his service.\u201d <\/p>\n Before running for office, Foster had a distinguished career at Southern California Edison, according to city officials.<\/p>\n Foster started his career with SCE in 1984 in Sacramento<\/a>, where he served as \u201cprincipal liaison to the California Legislature and state agencies,\u201d the company said in a statement. He worked his way up the company and was appointed president in 2002.<\/p>\n \u201cBob was instrumental in guiding SCE through the California energy crisis and helping the company survive severe financial challenges,\u201d Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, said in a written statement. \u201cUnder his leadership, SCE developed the largest portfolio of renewable energy programs in the United States. His impact on California\u2019s clean energy future is still felt today.\u201d<\/p>\n Foster retired three years after being named president \u201cto pursue his long-held passion to run for elected office,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n