Paul Valle-Riestra Obituary

Paul Miguel Valle-Riestra May 13, 1959 - May 26, 2011 Resident of Walnut Creek Paul passed away peacefully at the Bruns House of East Bay Hospice after a long battle with brain cancer. Born and raised in Walnut Creek, CA he attended Walnut Creek Elementary, WCI and Las Lomas High School. His parents, Frank and Edith, inspired his love of travel and the outdoors as well as his dedication to his community. As a child he played in the creek alongside his home with his brother Chris, basketball and baseball with WCYAA. While at Las Lomas, Paul participated in a program called CloseUp, twice going to Washington D.C. to tour the national monuments, meet politicians and learn about national government. These experiences inspired Paul's interest in local government. He went on to UC Davis and graduated with honors, receiving his BA in Political Science/Public Service . Paul went on to earn his Law Degree at Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley in 1985. As part of his education he went to Washington D.C. as a Law Clerk for the Media Access Project and then joined McDonough, Holland & Allen as a lawyer after graduating. Paul returned to his love of local government and became the Staff Attorney for the League of California Cities in Sacramento. There, he met Alice Sutliff, and they were married in 1990. It was then that they returned to their home town to raise a family. Back in Walnut Creek, Paul worked as Assistant City Attorney for 16 years under the guidance of City Attorney, Tom Haas. In 2006, Tom retired and Paul was appointed City Attorney for Walnut Creek. Paul won a settlement for the City in its case to enforce franchise fees from cable companies and was able to ensure that the city had a public channel, WCTV. He brought competition to the cable industry here when he paved the way for Astound to operate in the city and emerged as an expert in Telecommunication Law and author of a book "Telecomunications" in 2002. Paul's M.O. was to do the right thing and keep moving forward. He had the gift of calm, balance and determination. He once said with a smile, "It's not that I'm the best attorney I just never give up." His wisdom and compassion for others made him at once a natural leader and friend. He could see and sought to encourage the best in everyone. Whether assisting Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity or leading city tours, Paul's dedication to the community was surpassed only by his devotion to his family. Usually quiet and thoughtful, his quick wit would surprise and uplift both at work and home. Paul's love of travel took him and his wife on adventures to Europe, climbing ruins in So. America and through the jungles of Belize. They had two daughters, Jenna and Cara, who eventually joined them in their travels. When Alice's sister died suddenly, Paul didn't hesitate to invite his nephew, Levi, into his home and raise him as his own. Much time was spent going to Civic Park, movies, bike riding, Giants games, skiing, camping, taking the annual family snow trip and kayaking with friends. Somehow he fit it all in and lived so fully. Paul faced Brain Cancer with the same calm, courage, optimism and determination that guided his life. In keeping with his wishes to "pay it forward," we request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Brain Tumor Society in his honor by calling 1-800-770-8287, online at: Brain Tumor.org or by sending a check to NBTS- East Coast Office, 124 Watertown St., Ste. 2D, Watertown, MA 02472. Please be sure to give Paul's name. You're still making a difference, Paul, and you're our love and inspiration. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lesher Arts Center in Walnut Creek, on June 7th, at 3:00pm.

Published by Contra Costa Times on Jun. 3, 2011.
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We were very sorry to read about Paul's passing.

Jim and Sue Enes

June 15, 2011

Am deeply saddened to hear of Paul's passing, knew him as a young teen, and always felt he was going to be one of those that all could admire and look to for a fine example of what you can accomplish with the right mindset. My condolence's to his family, Perry Pike

June 3, 2011

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