By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office
Jul. 20, 2026 | 4:04 PM
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The County lost long-serving former Supervisor Bill Horn, who died Friday in Escondido at age 83. Horn served on the Board of Supervisors for 24 years, leaving a legacy of public service, leadership and dedication to the community.
“Our thoughts go out to his loved ones and friends at this difficult time,” said Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton. “Bill was committed to the public, as a leader on the Board of Supervisors and as a veteran who served the nation in the military. We honor his memory and the impact he made.”
Horn was a native San Diegan. His long career of public service began after he graduated from San Diego State University. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving five years on active duty and seven years in reserve duty. He earned numerous distinctions, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, designating valor for acts of heroism.
Horn was a Valley Center ranch owner, and it was his passion for property rights that prompted him to run for the Board of Supervisors. He represented the County’s Fifth Supervisorial District, including much of North County, from 1995 through early 2019. He also championed agricultural and veterans issues.
Horn expanded County services for the region’s large population of veterans and their families, including those struggling with homelessness. He declared 2015 the Year of the Veteran and hosted an annual conference to celebrate veterans and highlight their needs.
In addition, Horn supported major investments in wildfire and disaster preparedness and helped bring new library branches to Valley Center, San Marcos, Vista, 4-S Ranch, Fallbrook and Borrego Springs.
