In 1950, Stanford reopened the old Walhalla restaurant in Sausalito, California as the Valhalla and took up residency in Sausalito. The opening night was filled with music, lights, and notables from San Francisco and a few Sausalito "celebrities" as well. With her new residency she became active in local civic affairs. She ran six times for the Sausalito City Council before winning election in 1972 and was elected mayor at 72. She also served as vice-president of the chamber of commerce and sponsored a little league team in 1976.