Eric Preven, Fierce Government Watchdog, Dies at 63
Eric Preven, a renowned government transparency advocate and citizen watchdog, has passed away at the age of 63, according to his family. Preven was known for his tireless efforts in monitoring local government meetings, utilizing the California Public Records Act, and holding officials accountable for their actions.
As a well-respected figure in Los Angeles County, Preven gained a reputation for being an eagle-eyed observer of local meetings and a savvy wielder of the state’s public records act. His dedication to government transparency and accountability earned him recognition from politicians and his family, who describe him as a reliable thorn in the side of the government.
A Career of Advocacy and Activism
Preven’s journey into local activism began 15 years ago, after his mother’s two chocolate labs were removed by the county’s animal control department. This incident sparked his interest in attending Board of Supervisors meetings, where he would voice his concerns and opinions. Over time, Preven became a fierce advocate for the public’s right to know what was happening in local meetings, keeping close track of staff changes at City Hall and utilizing the California Public Records Act to uncover important information.
Preven’s efforts led to several notable achievements, including a 2016 lawsuit against the county, which resulted in a California Supreme Court ruling that the public had a right to know how much the county was paying outside lawyers in closed cases. He also successfully forced the city to expand its rules around public testimony in 2019, after arguing that he had been unlawfully barred from weighing in on a Studio City development.
A Legacy of Accountability and Transparency
Preven’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from politicians and officials, who recognize his significant contributions to government transparency and accountability. Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who watched Preven testify for over a decade, praised his research-based approach, saying, “He would let the facts speak for themselves.” Supervisor Janice Hahn added, “Eric Preven never let those with power in government forget who we work for… He pushed us, he challenged us, and he had an opinion on everything.”
Preven is survived by his brother, Joshua Preven, his sister, Anne Preven, his mother, Ruth Preven, his father, David Preven, and two children, Isaac Rooks Preven and Reva Jay Preven. His legacy as a fierce government watchdog will continue to inspire and motivate others to advocate for transparency and accountability in their communities.
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