SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement today on the passing of Rita Semel, civic and interfaith leader:

“As co-founder of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, Rita brought people together to serve others in need—to build community. Those from every faith and every walk of life had a friend in Rita. The passing of Rita Semel is a profound loss, not just for San Francisco, but for all those far and wide who felt the impact of her work.”