Charmette Bonpua

Charmette Bonpua, 44, dedicated her life to public service, working for some of the most powerful figures in California government. Despite her high-profile career, she always made time for her family and others who sought her guidance as a role model, mentor and friend. She passed away unexpectedly on February 14, during a family trip in Las Vegas. Since 2005, she was chief of staff to Los Angeles City Councilman Herb Wesson Jr. She served in the same capacity for Wesson in Sacramento when he was Assembly Speaker and for former Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez. She provided fiscal and policy analysis as staff of the state Legislative Analyst, the California Debt Advisory Commission and the Assembly Appropriations and Governmental Organization Committees. She also encouraged and cultivated emerging leaders as a longtime board member of the Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Project. Charmette was born and raised in the Philippines, immigrating from Cebu to California with her family in 1981. She received an A.A. degree from San Joaquin Delta College, a B.A. in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master's in public administration from Columbia University in New York. She is survived by her parents, Juanito and Victoria Bonpua of Cebu; brother Juanito Bonpua Jr. (Lani) of Sacramento; sister Vera Bonpua-Chiong (Kenn) of Stockton; and five nieces and nephews. Her rosary, funeral mass and burial will be in the Philippines. Visitation at Klumpps Chapel of Flowers Sat Feb 20 4-6pm and Sun Feb 21 2-4pm. Lowers, Donations in her memory may be made to the Charmette Bonpua Memorial Fund (#1067836), c/o Golden 1 Credit Union, 1109 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 No Services.