The first permanent city manager for Santa Clarita, George Caravalho, has died at age 81, according to family members.

Caravalho joined the City of Santa Clarita at the inception in 1988 and served as the city manager until 2002.

“He was the right man at the right time,” said Bob Kellar, Santa Clarita City Council member. “He really helped shape this city into what it is today.”

Before his time as city manager in Santa Clarita, Caravalho served as manager for San Clemente and Bakersfield, later serving as executive director of the Santa Clarita Redevelopment Agency from 1984-1988.

“He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to Santa Clarita,” Kellar said.

Caravalho has served on the board of directors for a number of organizations, including the International City Manager’s Association, the League of California Cities, the American Red Cross, United Way and the Boys and Girls Club. He was also the chairman of the League of California Cities Investigating Our Youth Task Force, according to SCV History.

“He did a great job for the City when we were just starting out,” said Dennis Koontz, who was part of the first City Council. “He was a wonderful man.”

He received more than 40 awards for innovation and excellence, including the 1996 International City/County Management Association Mark E. Kean Award for Excellence for his outstanding contributions to government, according to officials.

Current Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth, who served on the council when Caravalho was city manager, said he built a “lasting foundation” for the City to be built upon for years to come.

“There are many employees still with the City who were hired or mentored by George,” Smyth said. “He set the standard for how the City is run. It is really sad to see him go.”

After his service in Santa Clarita, Caravalho was named City Manager for Riverside and Director of Dana Point Harbor in Orange County.

His legacy lives on in the City of Santa Clarita with the George A. Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports Complex.

Caravalho is survived by his wife, Mary, and two sons.

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