Mountain View City Council Saddened by Death of San Carlos Mayor

Though the business of the City Council of Mountain View flowed as usual at Tuesday night's meeting, something was different.

One of their own had died.

"It was a shock," said Vice Mayor Mike Kasperzak about the , who he had seen recently at a housing conference and at the annual League of California Cities bocce ball tournament. "I did not know him very well but he was very active in the Peninsula. I was like 'Wow!'"

Ahmad, 46, died Monday morning after her suffered a heart attack, according to San Carlos Councilmember Randy Royce. Paramedics responded to a 911 call from Ahmad and took him to Sequoia Hospital, but Ahmad died before he arrived.

"Our hearts go out to his family," said Mayor Jac Siegel. "This reminds us of the frailty of the human body."

Most Mountain View Councilmembers had interacted with Ahmad in one way or another through the years. Appointed mayor in January, Ahmad had served as a councilmember in San Carlos since 2007. 

"We were just at bocce ball last Thursday," said Councilwoman Laura Macias. "He was so dynamic. I remember how excited he was to be mayor. My heart goes out to his family."

In addition to his duties as an elected official, Ahmad sat on the San Carlos City’s Economic Development Advisory Commission, the Airport Roundtable, San Mateo Council of Cities, Economic Development Advisory Commission, the Harbor Industrial Association and many other groups.

Ahmad spoke in Mountain View, in his capacity as member of the Caltrain Board of Directors, last September during the announcement of Caltrain's new suicide prevention signs.

"It's tragic, shocking and unfortunate," said Margaret Abe-Koga. "I wish to send my condolences to his family."

will be held for the deceased mayor by the City of San Carlos on Friday, May 13.

Did you know Omar Ahmad, whether through politics, business or other Peninsula activities? How do you feel about his death? Tell us in the comments.