LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lynn Hiden - 40 years as heart and soul of the community


The city council pose for a photo with Lynn Hiden (in green) after the presentation of a proclamation marking her 40 years of community service in Lafayette. Photo Pippa Fisher

Few people exemplify "Love Lafayette" like Lynn Hiden, who has been serving the community for over 40 years. Mayor Mike Anderson recognized her four decades of service with a proclamation at the Oct. 15 city council meeting.

Currently a member of the Transportation and Circulation Commission, Hiden started her civic involvement on what was known as the Traffic Commission back in 1979. She is clearly a beloved figure in the city, evident from the number of people who came to the meeting in support of her, and by the number of people who spoke of her gifts, and talent for working tirelessly to find solutions, and her tenacity in keeping residents informed on the issues of the day.

Many know and appreciate her as a prolific email-writer who raises awareness on local and statewide concerns facing the city.

"You are an important part of the Circulation Commission," noted Anderson, adding, "But I think more importantly you've been an important part of circulating information throughout the community." Anderson even recalled a time before email was available when Hiden would instead be making phone calls to spread awareness.

Lafayette School District trustee Rob Sturm referred to her, as many others also did, as a dear friend. He said that the community was fortunate to have someone with Lynn's wealth of community knowledge, care and pragmatism, doggedly leaning in each day to improve the city.

"Lynn is our Paul Revere," said Sturm, "with the writing style of Charles Dickens who, I will note legend has it, was paid by the word."

Perhaps Vice Mayor Susan Candell summed it up most simply: "She is the heart and soul of Lafayette."

Hiden said that her 40 years of adventures in Lafayette have meant so much to her. "Thousands of challenges, wonderful friends, an unsurpassed honor," she said, as the packed room gave her a standing ovation.