After 12 years in office, 1st District County Supervisor Naomi Schwartz announced Thursday that she will not run for office in 2004.

Schwartz said she would not retire from public service but feels it is time to step aside to give others the chance to serve.

“I believe strongly that communities and their local governments are enriched by broad participation, fresh talents and new ideas, and I think it is time for my public service to take another form and to give someone new the opportunity to represent the 1st District on the board,” Schwartz said.

As supervisor of the 1st District, which stretches from Carpinteria to the city of Santa Barbara, Schwartz said she focused on family issues, environmental conservation, public safety, economic progress, housing and transportation.

Schwartz has also been the board’s representative to the California State Association of Counties, chair of the California Children & Families First Commission, chair of the California Coastal Commission and a member of the National Association of Counties’ Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee. Schwartz also co-founded CoastWatch, the Fund for Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee.

Schwartz announced her support for her executive staff member Salud Carbajal, who plans to run for her seat.

“His candidacy gives me great peace of mind in deciding to leave the board – he has my full support,” Schwartz said.

Third District Supervisor Gail Marshall will also not run for re-election in 2004. Marshall, whose district includes Isla Vista, survived a recall campaign against her in 2002 but said in a statement that she would rather pursue the “pleasures of private business and family life.”