San Carlans Offer Prayers, Condolences

San Carlos residents remembered Mayor Omar Ahmad this afternoon, sharing their thoughts, prayers and memories.

 “It’s just horrible,” said Heidi Dembinski, 43, as she lunched outside of Town restaurant on Laurel Street. “So, so sad and just really shocking. I’m so surprised. My husband and I would see him around town from time to time.”

 For many residents, the news of Ahmad’s passing came as a shock.

 “What?!?” exclaimed Sarah Lutz, 85, a 48-year resident of San Carlos. “Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. That poor man. My prayers go out to his family. I didn’t know him personally but I did respect him.

 Mayor Ahmad’s early morning passing came just hours after he and the city council had finished their closed session meeting.

 “It’s very sad,” said Diana Moradzadeh, 50. “I wish I had known him better but he was always so pleasant when I’d see him around. It’s just, I don’t know, sad and unbelievable.”

 The news travelled quickly to those signed up for the eNotify feature the city offers, as each citizen received an email notifying them of the sudden death.

 “I woke up and checked my email and saw it and just couldn’t believe it,” said Gene Chasey, 66, an 18-year citizen of the City of Good Living. “I’m sorry when anybody passes away but this is truly sad. I didn’t know him but my prayers are with his family.”

 Ahmad’s Mayoral duties came in addition to his work in the private sector as the CEO of the tech start-up SynCH Energy Corporation, as well as the contributions he made to the many different boards he sat on throughout San Mateo County.

 “I am so very sorry for the loss,” said Beck Peters, 46. “Anytime anyone loses their life it’s a tragedy. This man did so much for the community and donated so much of his time to making it a better place, it’s just heartbreaking. He did so many things and will be missed.”