Diedrich Legacy to City of Fullerton

The news of Ralph Diedrich’s death came as a surprise to me and, I am sure, many of his friends. Although his career had many ups and downs, I knew him at a time in his life when his dynamic leadership style made a positive, lasting difference in the history of Fullerton. Unfortunately, the media’s chronicling of Ralph’s career tends to center about a shadowy phase of his political adventures, but there is a significant contribution he made to Fullerton that I believe needs recognizing.

Fullerton’s General Plan is founded upon the work of a Citizens’ Goals Committee of which Ralph was chairman after he left the Fullerton City Council in 1970. I was privileged to join in a group of dedicated citizens that included the likes of Molly McClanahan, John Pitts, Miles McCarthy, Flossie Arnold, John McElligott, Herman Hiltscher and others. It was a group with many divergent philosophies and different interests--all eager to work on the complex task of putting together a starting point from which to evolve an effective General Plan. We worked long hours and had many seeming impasses, but it was Ralph who provided the drive and leadership to focus our discussions to form a consensus. The resulting report to the City Council was the foundation of the General Plan. I believe it is a model for California cities. It has provided stability in our city and enjoys the confidence of our citizens.

Whatever may be said about Ralph’s political career, he will always be remembered as a leader with dynamic, charismatic qualities. His was a voice that commanded attention and respect, whatever the issue. Whenever I refer to our General Plan, I often give homage to Ralph Diedrich for his leadership in setting its groundwork.

A.B. (BUCK) CATLIN

Mayor Pro Tempore

City of Fullerton