Board Honors Former Department Head Stan Wisniewski Who Was Tragically Killed In A Traffic Accident

The Board of Supervisors adjourned Tuesday in memory of Stanley Wisniewski, former director of the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, who died October 15 in a single-vehicle accident at the age of 59 near his home in Paso Robles.

Wisniewski, who retired in March 2008 after working for more than 40 years with the County, was driving on State Route 41 in San Luis Obispo County when his vehicle crossed the road, going up an embankment. Investigators believe he over-corrected, driving back across and off the road, down a steep hillside and into a deep gully.

Supervisors, in comments at Tuesday’s Board meeting, praised Wisniewski for his leadership, honesty, integrity and cheerful personality. Board Chairman Don Knabe said Wisniewski’s death was “a tragedy,” and Supervisors Michael D. Antonovich and Zev Yaroslavsky called him “a good man.” “We loved him,” said Supervisor Gloria Molina.

Wisniewski worked his entire career for the County of Los Angeles, other than for one summer when he was 16. He began working as a recurrent beach parking attendant while a student at North Torrance High School in 1967, and continued while attending USC. After graduating, he went to work for the Auditor-Controller’s Office and then transferred to the Department of Small Craft Harbors in 1975, which ultimately was merged with the Department of Beaches to become the Department of Beaches and Harbors.

Wisniewski was named director of the Department of Beaches and Harbors in 1993 and was instrumental in overseeing the commencement of second-generation development of Marina del Rey.

“As a professional, Stan was grounded in his belief to always do the right thing for the benefit of the public he served,” said Santos H. Kreimann, current director of the Beaches and Harbors Department. “He was a man of strong conviction, and one of the most determined and dedicated public servants I’ve ever known.”

Wisniewski is survived by his two children, Dana and Weston. Memorial services are pending.