Former La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid Dies at 90 After 24 Years in Office

Art Madrid, a longtime public servant who served as mayor of La Mesa for 24 years and on the City Council for a decade, passed away at age 90. Moving to La Mesa in 1958 and serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Madrid later had a 35-year career at Pacific Bell before entering politics in the 1980s. Known for his passionate leadership and deep knowledge of the community, he was recognized for championing smart growth, downtown revitalization, neighborhood preservation, and initiatives that improved transparency and civic participation. Notably, in 1994, he sparked controversy by publishing names and photos of those arrested for prostitution, highlighting his tough stance on crime. Madrid also held influential regional roles, including chairing the San Diego Association of Governments board and contributing to statewide organizations. Tributes from city officials and peers emphasize his lasting impact on La Mesa and his dedication to serving its residents over more than four decades.