An employee who worked in California’s Capitol died of COVID-19 in late December, after serving nearly 40 years in state government, according to memos obtained by CapRadio.
Automotive pool manager Lawrence “Larry” Luna III, 58, was a “fixture in the Capitol, providing dependable service and assistance” to many governors and lawmakers, according to a memo from Senate Secretary Erika Contreras to lawmakers and staff. The memo is dated Dec. 30 and states Luna died on Dec. 22 “after a battle with COVID-19.”
A similar memo from Assembly Rules Committee Chairman Ken Cooley did not specify COVID-19 as the cause of death.
“Larry was a well-respected DGS employee who was a staple of our Capitol community and he will be very missed,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins in an emailed statement. “It is heartbreaking that his life was cut short after a battle with COVID-19, and his family remains in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon described Luna in an emailed statement as “a dedicated, well-liked member of the Capitol community.”
“My thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time,” he added.
Luna’s death comes as COVID-19 cases continue to climb among Capitol employees.
More than a dozen employees who work in the Capitol have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the Legislative session on Dec. 7, according to memos obtained by CapRadio. They include Department of General Services workers, Assembly employees, a California Highway Patrol officer and staffers in the governor’s office.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, legislative leaders are hammering out a plan to safely reconvene. Lawmakers were originally supposed to return Monday, but that date has been pushed back to Jan. 11.
Luna’s family members did not respond to messages from CapRadio requesting comment about his life and impact.
An announcement on one family member’s Facebook page described Luna as “a loving son” and “the most caring father.” Social media posts show Luna was an avid Raiders fan.
“His cheerful attitude, and his willingness to be of assistance endeared him to many, and his leadership and professionalism, garnered him the respect of his coworkers,” according to the Senate memo.
A lifelong Sacramentan, Luna was the eldest of five siblings and had four children of his own.
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