Sharon Runner

Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, and Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R- Palmdale, presented Assembly Concurrent Resolution 138, which would name a portion of State Highway Route 14 as the Senator Sharon Runner Memorial Highway. ACR 138 unanimously passed the Assembly.

“I feel blessed to have known Sharon as both a mentor and friend. Her love of California and compassion towards others is what made her an exceptional and well-respected leader,” Wilk said. “Sharon was truly selfless and always put others above herself. There was no better wife, mother, grandmother, friend or mentor. Sharon’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched.”

Sharon Runner was a lifelong resident of Lancaster who served in the California State Assembly from 2002 until 2008, as well as the California State Senate in 2011, as well as 2015-2016. Before her political career, Senator Runner cofounded Desert Christian Schools. One of her great policy achievements was Jessica’s Law, which restricted sex offenders from living near parks, schools, and other places where children congregate. Senator Runner passed on July 14, 2016.

ACR 138 would also name a portion of State Route 138 in Palmdale after the World War II veteran and former Mayor of Palmdale, Larry Chimbole.

“I am proud to have learned from Sharon Runner’s leadership and counted her as a close friend. Larry Chimbole was instrumental in making Antelope Valley what it is today,” said Lackey. “Naming these sections of highway in honor of these great leaders will serve as a small token of their legacy for positive change in our community.”

The next steps in naming both memorials require Caltrans to produce signs and schedule ceremonies. The dates of those ceremonies are to be determined at a later date.

The 38th Assembly District encompasses Simi Valley, the northwestern section of the San Fernando Valley and most of the Santa Clarita Valley.