Update: Feb. 3, This story has been updated with statements from Mayor Keir Jones, Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, Long Beach Councilmember Suely Saro and real estate agent Phil Jones. Information has been added about a candlelight vigil that will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 23 and a grant named in her honor.
Update: Feb. 7, This story has been updated to reflect that the Signal Tribune has not been made aware of the cause of Rogers’s death. This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
Signal Hill Parks and Recreation Commissioner Terry Rogers died at her home yesterday, Sunday, Jan. 30.
The City of Signal Hill called Rogers “a long-time champion and advocate of the Signal Hill community” in a statement. As of Feb. 7, no information had been released on the cause of her death.
Rogers served on the boards of the Signal Hill Police Foundation, Signal Hill Community Foundation, Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce, Signal Hill Historical Society and Friends of the Signal Hill Library.
Her service also extended to the Signal Hill Rotary, Salvation Army and Rock for Vet’s Music is the Remedy. She was a frequent volunteer at city events, including Spring Fest, Halloween Carnival, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Hounds on the Hill, and helped sponsor events such as Concerts in the Parks.
She worked in the real estate industry for over 25 years and had lived in Signal Hill since 2007.
“Commissioner Terry Rogers had an incredible impact on our City. Terry was a tireless community champion who continuously went above and beyond for her community. Her passion for serving others will not be forgotten,” Mayor Keir Jones said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences go to Commissioner Rogers’ family and all those she touched throughout her remarkable life.”
Phil Jones, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance who worked with Rogers, described her as a “positive force.”
“She always looked at the bright side of things. Hardworking, committed, certainly committed to the Signal Hill Community and the Salvation Army,” Phil Jones said. “She was always a role model. When we had new associates come into the office, she would be the first one to offer them support, advice. Just a wonderful spirit.”
In a Facebook post, Keir Jones said he first met Rogers during her five years as president of the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce.
“Along with her volunteer efforts, Terry took it upon herself to check in on our seniors, past chamber members and others needing help to make sure they were doing ok during the pandemic,” Keir Jones posted.
In an interview with the Signal Tribune, Keir Jones said, “Terry is someone that makes you feel like she sees you. She’s always there to lend a hand. For me, she was one of my number one cheerleaders. She was always asking me how she could help.”
He said she had a “great ability” to put together a fundraiser and rally business leaders and residents to champion a cause.
He noted that she was instrumental in the Community Foundation’s efforts to raise funds for Concerts in the Park each year. She put together the Police Foundation’s annual golf tournament to raise money for the foundation.
He called her the “glue” of the community, someone who always knew what was going on in Signal Hill.
“It was really today, last night, really reflecting on the contributions Terry has made, I realized what a black hole she’ll leave,” he said Monday. “She’s just not replaceable. There’s not even anyone that’s doing what she did, and did with a smile on her face. The impact is going to be huge.”
In 2015, Rogers received a Woman of Distinction Award in the Signal Hill business category by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell.
“Signal Hill lost a true champion and the world lost a great person. […] Terry was an advocate who always engaged. She often connected community members with policymakers to help them effectively voice their concerns,” O’Donnell said in a statement. “Countless times, Terry would reach out to me or my staff when someone needed help or when an issue she cared about needed to be addressed. I was honored to call her a friend and I offer my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Rogers ran for Signal Hill City Council in 2020, and was a frequent public commenter during council meetings. Before COVID-19 forced council meetings to be virtual, Rogers was a fixture during council meetings, sharing brief comments with the council as an engaged member of the community.
She last spoke at the Jan. 25 council meeting, questioning the profitability of cannabis businesses should voters allow them to operate in Signal Hill. Rogers also served on a council subcommittee last summer on renaming and redesigning a new park under construction at Cherry Avenue and E. Burnett Street.
“I’ve dedicated my entire life to this city because I really do love it and its people,” Rogers said during a 2020 interview with the Signal Tribune.
The Signal Hill Community Foundation established a “Terry Rogers Community Action Award and Grant” on Feb. 2 to “recognize the contributions made to our city through the efforts of Terry Rogers,” the foundation posted on Instagram.
“The Award & Grant will help carry on Terry’s legacy by providing funds for local residents who want to do what she did: bring food to our seniors, support public safety, and fill the gaps of other programs by giving their time to the residents of Signal Hill,” the foundation wrote.
The Long Beach City Council adjourned its Tuesday, Feb. 1 meeting in her honor.
“For those that know Terry, Terry was Miss Signal Hill. She was everywhere, all around the community and just by nature of her work in Signal Hill, she was everywhere in Long Beach,” Mayor Robert Garcia said. “This is a huge devastating loss for that community.”
Councilmember Suely Saro said Rogers was “always there” at Cambodian events in her district. The two met during Saro’s time working in Signal Hill.
“I’m at such a loss for words still. I can’t imagine not seeing her anymore,” Saro said. “I just want to add how much of a cheerleader she is to everybody, and always thinking about others and wanting to make sure that she helps make sure this world is a better place, and I think that she’s done that.”
The Signal Hill City Council will adjourn its Tuesday, Feb. 8 meeting in her honor.
The Signal Hill Community Foundation will hold a candlelight vigil celebrating Rogers’ life at the Signal Hill Park Amphitheater (2175 Cherry Ave.) on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. Updates can be found on Instagram at @ilovesignalhill. For more information, call 562-989-7330. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
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