Former councilman and mayor Henry Alarcón passes at 95

EL CENTRO — Henry P. Alarcón, this city’s first Hispanic councilman and a two-time mayor passed away Saturday at the age of

95.

Born in Los Angeles on Jan. 18, 1923, Alarcón moved to the Valley in the early 1930s with his Alarcón family — attending Washington and McCabe elementary schools before graduating from Central Union High in 1943.

From there he established himself as a stalwart member of the community. He not only owned a small business (Henry’s Jewelry on Main) for 45 years, but took an active role in civic matters as well, serving on the El Centro City Council from 1969 to 1983. He also served as mayor in 1971 and again in 1982.

Concurrently with his City Council duties, Alarcón also served, from 1974 to 1983, on the board of directors of the League of California Cities, an association of city officials who, per the league website, “work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they may influence policy decisions that affect cities.” He was among the first members of Mexican descent to serve on that board.

Alarcón was occasionally at the center of some controversial issues, but he was not afraid to stand his ground and do what he thought was best for his city in the face of adversity.

Among the achievements of which he was proud include helping to establish the El Centro Community Center and Swarthout Park.

Alarcón’s leadership activities included time on the board of El Centro Regional Medical Center and the Centinela Prison Board. He was also member of the El Centro Rotary Club and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Services for Alarcón are pending