David Joseph Olivas, 63, entered heaven on September 29, 2023, in Ventura, California, where he lived near many of his loving family members.
David was born to Michael and Elizabeth Olivas in Los Angeles, California on July 12, 1960. He attended Loyola High School of Los Angeles where he excelled academically, played football, and was a leader in social justice. While in high school, David was bestowed the Father Pedro Arrupe Social Justice award, one of the highest honors to be bestowed upon students in Jesuit institutions. He then earned his BA from Harvard University, where he fostered his love for public service. While at Harvard, he founded the Harvard-Radcliffe Students for Carter-Mondale and would later be invited to the White House for his work. David then earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the UCLA School of Law. After graduation, he served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Hon. David W. Williams of the United States District Court, Central District of California.
David's professional life was anchored by his passion for public service, political activism, and servant leadership. Throughout his career, David served as contract City Attorney to the Los Angeles County cities of Baldwin Park, South El Monte, Maywood, and Cudahy. Additionally, he spoke at colleges and law schools as a lecturer on the importance of public service, especially local governance, and worked on immigrant rights issues, in particular with matters involving day laborers.
In 2003, he had the honor of serving as an elected City Council Member for the City of Baldwin Park. His major accomplishment was the construction of the award-winning Baldwin Park Arts and Recreation Center for youth. It was dedicated to him at the ribbon cutting. Additionally, he was honored to be elected to the 57th Assembly District Democratic Central Committee twice. David's unwavering commitment to serving his community was clear to everybody who knew him. In his own words: "I encourage anyone who reads this to run for Water, School, or College Boards or for City Council. You are needed at the local level!"
Upon moving to Ventura, David continued his commitment to social justice and activism. He was President of the Ventura Latinx Bar Association and an active member of the Montalvo Community Council and Ventura Chamber of Commerce. He was also the Co-Chair of the Public Safety Racial Equity Advisory Group (PSREAG) which was designed to promote equity, inclusion, diversity in housing, employment, economic development, health care, and public safety in the County of Ventura.
In addition to his public service, he loved to immerse himself in the world of literature,
science fiction, and history. He was an avid reader like his father. David was especially
fond of reading biographies and enjoyed going to the theater to watch sci-fi movies with
his family. Some of his favorite pieces of literature and media included works from Jimmy Carter, George Lucas, the Federalist Papers, and Frank Herbet. David's other joy in life was being surrounded by his family, whom he enjoyed spending time with. David always encouraged his nieces and nephews to pursue higher education, and he loved to collect memorabilia from the various colleges and universities they attended. Spirituality was a cornerstone in his life and the guiding foundation of his life's work and values.
David's beautiful legacy will forever be cherished by his mother Elizabeth Olivas and in the lives of his siblings: Elizabeth Olivas Montoya (David J. Montoya Jr.), Daniel A. Olivas (Susan L. Formaker), and Dina Olivas (Sam L. Castillo). He is preceded by his father Michael A. Olivas and his elder brother Michael A. Olivas II. His love extends to his nieces and nephews: Christina Fiedler (Andy Fiedler), David J. Montoya III (Nora Montoya), Gabriel A. Montoya (Nikki Montoya), Benjamin Formaker-Olivas, Michelle Castillo, Alejandro Olivas Castillo, and Ariana Olivas Castillo. Also included are his great-nephews and great-niece: Joseph Fiedler, Henry Fiedler, and Eireann Montoya. He will be missed by his loving aunts Gloria V. Lemus and Thersea Romo and numerous extended family members.
Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial in the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., followed by interment at Santa Clara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura or the Diabetes Action Research and Education Fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.