SANTA CRUZ, CA - From the County of Santa Cruz: The County of Santa Cruz regrets to announce that Gary Hazelton, a former Assessor-Recorder who served the residents of Santa Cruz County for 34 years, died suddenly on Monday. He was 69.
Hazelton began working for the County in 1975. In 1988, he was promoted to Division Director of the Assessor's Office overseeing property valuations. In 2002, he ran unopposed for County Assessor, and in 2004 assumed the title of Assessor-Recorder, overseeing a successful merger of the two departments.
Hazelton won reelection in 2006 before announcing his retirement in 2009.
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"Gary was a mentor and a friend," County Assessor-Recorder Sean Saldavia said. "The imprint he left on this office is lasting, and we're all striving to meet the standards he set. Our condolences go out to his family. He will be missed."
The County Assessor locates, maintains ownership records and sets valuations for all taxable property in the County. The Recorder's Office maintains vital records, such as birth, marriage and death certificates.
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Hazelton is survived by his wife, Jill, three children and ten grandchildren.
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