Central OC Times

On August 13, 2024, Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) announced that she will honor former Assemblymember and Senator Marian Bergeson by dedicating the Upper Newport Bay Bridge in her memory. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Friday, September 13.

“I am proud to author Assembly Concurrent Resolution 93, which renames the North Arm of the Upper Newport Bay Bridge the Marian Bergeson Memorial Bridge, as a visible reminder of former Senator Bergeson’s legacy,” stated Assemblymember Dixon. “Marian Bergeson was a remarkable woman, who helped pave the way for women in leadership in California. She was an inspiration to many throughout the County and State, and specifically to Newport Beach. She deserves to be forever remembered for her service to the people of California at multiple levels of government.”

Marian Bergeson (August 31, 1925 – July 6, 2016) holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve in both the California State Assembly and California State Senate. Her legislative career spanned from 1978 to 1995. Additionally, she served on the Orange County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 1996 and was California's State Secretary of Education from 1996 to 1999. From 2004 to 2012, she completed two terms on the California Transportation Commission. Bergeson's political journey began with her election to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education in 1964, where she served for twelve years.

The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony at Balboa Marina Public Pier in Newport Beach on Friday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. RSVPs can be made by calling (949) 798-7221. Notable attendees will include Governor Pete Wilson, State Senator Janet Nguyen, Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill, CalTrans District 12 Director Lan Zhou, Marian’s daughter Julie Bergeson McCormick, among other colleagues, staff members, friends and supporters.