Roberta Phillips, a regular fixture at Los Altos City Council meetings and advocate for freedom of speech, has died at 79.
Phillips was known for speaking her mind at city council meetings and reminding those in city government that they work for the residents.
Phillips showed up to a November 2023 council meeting in a bathrobe to protest council doing away with letting people comment on items via Zoom.
Phillips told the council that night she was there representing caregivers, parents of young children, seniors who can’t drive at night, and the many others who are unable to physically attend meetings.
“Our democracy has lasted for over 200 years. It is strong enough to allow speakers to participate remotely. Council members can participate remotely. Why can’t the community members?” Phillips wrote in a letter to the editor at the time.
Phillips lent her time and effort to many issues around the town, including an attempt to prevent an apricot orchard from being removed at the Los Altos library. Phillips wanted to maintain an important historic aspect of the city.
“Just like San Francisco is synonymous with cable cars, Los Altos is synonymous with the apricot orchard,” Phillips said in July 2025.
Phillips also worked on the 2018 “Yes on C” campaign, a city measure that would have required that every city-owned property transfer be put to an election. That measure died with 53% of voters opposing it.
Phillips was then-candidate Lynette Lee Eng’s campaign manager in 2016 and often accompanied the future mayor to events and appearances.
Phillips was vocal about ensuring new state laws related to housing would not have a significant impact on suburban towns like Los Altos. She wanted to see housing added responsibly.
Phillip’s advocacy meant she wasn’t always liked by all. In Feburary 2019, then-councilwoman Jeannie Bruins claimed Phillip’s smoking was why council meetings were not televised, as they needed to meet in a different space without the necessary equipment. Bruins claimed since Phillips smoked cigarettes, the odor, even when she wasn’t smoking, was enough to trigger Bruins’ asthma from the other side of the room.
Then-City Attorney Chris Diaz asked Phillips to leave a meeting as a result, to which she refused, reminding him of her rights to attend any public meeting she so wished. Phillips quit smoking some years later.
Phillips reminded the council on Feb. 11, 2025, that Holocaust Remembrance Day had recently passed, and urged the council and all of those listening to make sure today’s children know history and to honor those who died in concentration camps and the soldiers who fought for freedom across the world.
“And when we remember, it gives us hope. We certainly are not a perfect union, but we strive to become more perfect than what we are. By remembering and honoring those people who gave us freedom, we can create as better future for ourselves,” Phillips said.
Phillips was born in Long Beach, N.Y., and grew up with her two sisters. She recieved her master’s in art and art history from Hunter College. Phillips worked in tech and moved to Los Altos in 1990 and after retiring about 15 years ago, she became involved in town politics.
Phillips’ husband, Wallace Palmer, preceded her in death. She is survived by her two daughters.
A sad end to an era. I talked to Roberta at least once a week for the last 8 years. Frequently in disagreement on policy, we were always respectful and cordial, and spoke often of the personal and the mundane, not just Los Altos official business. I considered her a friend. She was certainly a solid citizen, engaged and informed. RIP.
Roberta dedicated so much of her life to giving a voice to others and standing up for the rights of everyone. She relentlessly held a high bar for the truth, accountability, and a seat at the table for every Los Altos resident to be heard.
When met with personal attacks or small-minded distractions, Roberta never wavered. Instead, she rose above them with masterclass skill in debate, public speaking, and sharp intellect, redirecting the conversation back to the substance of the issue and the real needs of the city.
She was remarkably smart, knowing the city’s budget inside and out, and quickly connecting the dots to advocate for a responsible impact and use of funds for the city residents. She effortlessly balanced a deep respect for history with a pragmatic understanding of present day and future needs. She was an incredible woman, advocate, and mother. The fierce dedication she brought to our community leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire everyone. Roberta will be deeply missed.
Roberta dedicated so much of her life to giving a voice to others and standing up for the rights of everyone. She relentlessly held a high bar for the truth, accountability, and a seat at the table for every Los Altos resident to be heard.
When met with personal attacks or small-minded distractions, Roberta never wavered. Instead, she rose above them with masterclass skill in debate, public speaking, and sharp intellect, always redirecting the conversation back to the substance of the issue and the real needs of the city.
She was remarkably smart, knowing the city’s budget inside and out, and quickly connecting the dots to advocate for a responsible impact and use of funds for the city residents. She effortlessly balanced a deep respect for history with a pragmatic understanding of present day and future needs. She was an incredible woman, advocate, and mother. The fierce dedication she brought to our community leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire everyone. Roberta will be deeply missed.
Elisa.. I am so sorry for your loss. I think your tribute to her is so eloquent
Roberta was a true cornerstone of Los Altos, and her absence will be deeply felt by all of us. Her love for this town was evident in everything she did—from fighting to preserve our beloved library apricot orchard to her constant presence at City Council meetings, ensuring our community’s history and character were never forgotten. She was an absolute force of nature who made Los Altos a better, more vibrant place. Rest in peace, Roberta. Thank you for your tireless dedication to our home.
Roberta was an asset to Los Altos, leaving good legacy for the city to follow. Her heart was in the right place. RIP Roberta!
Roberta was a force of nature! She advocated for her viewpoint in every important issue in Los Altos. She was outspoken but was committed to civil discourse. She was always willing to listen. Roberta always told me that relationships were more important to her than issues. She valued friendships and was a good friend to so many people. She will be missed!
My headline would read “Passionate advocate for Los Altos residents dies.” For Roberta, it was always about what was best for the city and its residents (current and future) and never about herself. That her advocacy often included criticism of the city council resulted from their failure to listen to the range of resident viewpoints or to think about long-term impacts of their decisions. She was always positive and energetic in her advocacy. Her loss is a loss for all of Los Altos.
I love that headline!
Roberta and I sometimes disagreed, but she was never disagreeable. I always valued hearing from her, as she always helped me look at issues in different ways, sometimes changing my viewpoint.
When I was elected to council, she called to congratulate me, even though we were “enemies” she said jokingly. Seriously, I assured her that was not the case: anyone who invested such time, thought, and energy into improving our community must surely be a friend.
Once during my office hours another resident was frustrated not just by policy but also by confusion about the process. Roberta took them aside, patiently explaining how to engage.
May such ongoing engagement in our community be Roberta’s legacy.
Roberta was a very kind neighbor, a good friend and a kickass Los Altos resident. Huge loss for Los Altos and Los Altos city council too! She always had Los Altos’ and the neighborhood’s best interests at heart on several fronts. We will miss her immensely.
I would like to see Roberta is nominated for Los Altan of the Year. Never in it for one nickle, she did her best to offer her insights and perspective to the city officials as a concerned citizen who loved her hometown. Roberta was extremely respected and well informed about issues facing Los Altos. She was passionate and her point of view was always heard, respected and many times acted upon. These past months, Roberta was involved in two major movements: the changes proposed to the parking plazas downtown, and the city’s notion of removing the trees on San Antonio Road. She was a very articulate and vocal opponent, and thought both of these projects could have lasting consequences to the character of Los Altos. When Roberta had something to say, people always listened. Los Altos has lost a gem.
Cindy, I would also like to see Roberta nominated for a Los Altan of the Year. How do we make it happen? Elisa
I second that idea!
Please nominate Roberta as Los Altans of the Year! She’s missed in Los Altos and her legacy needs to live on..
Roberta was truly a positive force in Los Altos. She gave so much of herself to our community, always finding ways to make Los Altos a better, more caring, and connected place. Her dedication, generosity, and commitment to helping others left a lasting mark on our community. I feel especially fortunate to have known her and to have shared in her friendship.
Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Roberta was truly blessed. She touched so many lives through her kindness, service, and unwavering belief in our community. Los Altos is a better place because of all that she gave, and her contributions will continue to be remembered and appreciated for years to come. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and the difference she made will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Roberta is irreplaceable. She will be missed as a city watchdog, as a spokesperson for those who were afraid to stand up themselves, as a team player who made a big contribution to whatever cause she fought for, and as a supportive friend with a big heart. She absolutely should be Los Altan of the Year!
My deepest condolences to Roberta’s family. Roberta was an amazing woman who loved Los Altos. I am deeply grateful and blessed to have had her advice and guidance.
Roberta was tireless and dogged in her concern for city matters and spent hours of her time on the phone talking to everyone to share her views. . I appreciated her friendship over the years so much. . I have especially marveled at her tenacity and drive for issues surrounding the City of Los Altos and how focused she was on keeping Los Altos village character issues in clear focus. I always smile when I think about her energy and enthusiasm for city matters large and small.. She poured over every council agenda and understood city process intimately. She never gave up despite long odds and when she believed in the issue she was unstoppable. She devoted herself to making connections and casting wide networks. She kept in touch always with me for which I felt personally grateful. Roberta really knew her mind and never hesitated to share and explain. She was truly a unique and committed individual to local politics and will be sorely missed
Roberta was one of those special people who made Los Altos a better, stronger, and more caring community. She gave so much of herself to our community, always finding ways to help others and bring people together. Her dedication, generosity, and commitment to Los Altos left a lasting mark.
I feel especially fortunate to have known Roberta and to have shared in her friendship. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing her was truly blessed. She touched so many lives through her kindness, service, and genuine care for others. Los Altos is a better place because of all that she gave, and her contributions will be remembered for years to come. She will be deeply missed, but the difference she made and the spirit she shared will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Roberta was one in a million! She loved Los Altos, which lead her to become a big supporter of preserving our tree lined downtown parking plazas against the proposed parking structure and park development. She often said how much she loved the easy parking for the Post Office and shops, worried about the impact it could have on our downtown businesses and was adamant that we preserve our downtown for future generations to enjoy, just as we’ve all been lucky enough to do. She was intelligent and well spoken with a big heart that was able to create bridges instead of walls, even when in opposition with the City Council. Her honesty was never offensive because it came from her love for Los Altos. I admired her kindness, sense of humor, her integrity and her fearlessness to stand up for what the residents want. There will never be another one like her and I feel lucky to have known her. We miss you already Roberta, but hope you will continue to watch over us and protect the city you so loved.