The California town that lost its mayor to gun suicide

The Guardian US News
by Juan Pablo Pérez Burgos in San Juan Bautista
March 11, 2026
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

The mayor of San Juan Bautista, Jim West, died by gun suicide after nearly three decades of community involvement.

AI Summary

Jim West, mayor of San Juan Bautista, died by gun suicide after nearly three decades of transforming the town. A local behavioral health agency provided assistance to the community following his death. Jim West convinced county supervisor Anthony Botelho to attend the town's Christmas light parade in 2018.

What's Being Done

A local behavioral health agency provided assistance to the community following the mayor's death.

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