Photo below: March 2012 candidate forum

Ms. Kawasaki had multiple high visibility endorsements, including the Long Beach Chamber (JOBS PAC) and Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, but was outpolled by Al Austin who had the endorsement of outgoing 8th district incumbent Rae Gabelich and was backed by organized labor.

LBREPORT.com was present at Ms. Kawasaki's election night gathering in April 2012 when it became clear that her margin of vote-by-mail ballots wouldn't prevail over Al Austin. Despite facing that outcome, Ms. Kawasaki delivered poised, eloquent and uplifting remarks to her supporters.

"Regardless of what happens tonight, it really is our victory," she said. "We're going to be still rolling up our sleaves. We're going to still be doing the best we can for our city. It's what we love. It's where we live...There'll be a tomorrow. We don't know what that is but just enjoy and just know that it's been just an incredible journey..."

To view Ms. Kawasaki's full remarks (carried live at the time by LBREPORT.com), click on-demand video below.

Ms. Kawasaki, who elected to the Water Replenishment District's governing board in 2006, undertook the challenge of a City Council campaign after waging a quiet, courageous battle against cancer. Her gracious election night words exemplified the poised, inspiring way she conducted herself and confronted the challenges she faced.

Among the comments we've received is this from Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert: "The passing of Lillian is not just a loss for those of us who knew her, but it is a loss for all of Long Beach. Lillian was a strong advocate for neighborhoods and a great leader, the right combination of smart and caring. I am fortunate to have known her."

Ms. Kawasaki worked at the Port of Los Angeles for twelve years in its Environmental Management Division, then went on to head L.A. City Hall's Environmental Affairs Dept following a stint in L.A. City Hall's Community Development Department, then advanced within the Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power to an Assistant General Manager, a position she held until March 1, 2008.

Her WRD bio said she was part of a group within DWP "that is responsible for department-wide environmental issues, CEQA review and environmental regulatory oversight for both the water and power systems. She is actively involved in the development of the LA River Revitalization Master Plan, habitat restoration projects, preparation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and wastewater quality compliance."

Her WRD re-election campaign website bio cited 40 years of water-related experience and expertise including Long Beach Water Commission, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Bay Delta Public Advisory Committee, California Groundwater Coalition, Carpe Diem: Western Water and Climate Change Project, and California Sustainability Alliance.

She also co-chaired of Friends of Manzanar, and was a Board member of the Asian American Education Institute and founding member of Association of Women in Water, Energy and Environment. She served for nearly 10 years on the California State University LA Foundation Board of Directors.

Ms. Kawasaki held a B.S. (Zoology) and M.S. (Biology) from CSU Los Angeles.

Funeral arrangements are pending. LBREPORT.com expresses our condolences to Ms. Kawasaki's family and many friends.