Cindy Montañez, the trailblazing San Fernando politician and environmental advocate who had a local elementary school named in her honor Tuesday, passed away on Saturday at the age of 50, according to city officials.
“It is with immense grief and profound sadness that we announce the loss of Councilmember Cindy Montañez, current CEO of TreePeople and former California State Assembly Member,” wrote San Fernando officials.
” … Cindy will be remembered as a fierce champion for environmental justice across California. To her family, Cindy will always be a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and great aunt, and she will be deeply missed.
“The family kindly requests privacy during this difficult time. We will provide details about the memorial service and funeral as they become available,” the statement continued.
The cause of death was not disclosed, but Montañez was recently diagnosed with aggressive terminal cancer.
Montañez made history when she was elected to the San Fernando City Council in 1999 at the age of 25, becoming the youngest person ever elected. At age 28 in 2002, she became the youngest woman elected to the California state Legislature. Two years later, she chaired the powerful Assembly Rules Committee, becoming the youngest person, first Latina, and first Democratic woman to hold that position.
In 2016, Montañez was appointed CEO of TreePeople, an educational and environmental advocacy organization that works to support sustainable urban ecosystems in the greater Los Angeles area.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Assemblywoman Montañez. She was a tireless trailblazer who led with conviction and a vision of a better Los Angeles for all,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a statement.
“I witnessed her tenacity firsthand. She stood beside me as we fought together in Sacramento, making tough decisions to aid our state. She also advised me during my time in Congress on various issues affecting our city. Through it all, one thing was evident—Assemblywoman Montañez’s heart and soul were always devoted to the people of Los Angeles,” Bass continued.
“Just last month, I had the privilege of honoring her with members of the City Council. I stand with countless Angelenos in cherishing memories of the Assemblywoman. My thoughts are with her friends and family as we mourn the loss of a remarkable Angeleno.”
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Unified School Board unanimously voted to rename Gridley Street Elementary School to Gridley-Montañez Dual Language Academy in San Fernando.
“I find it incredibly inspiring that the school community rallied behind this name change while still preserving its connection to Gridley,” said LAUSD board member Kelly Gonez, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. “The students related to Cindy’s story and were inspired by her remarkable achievements in her young life.”
In August, the Los Angeles City Council renamed Pacoima Wash Natural Park to Cindy Montañez Natural Park.
The Los Angeles County Democratic Party released a statement mourning Montañez, referring to her as a “trailblazer” who “broke through numerous barriers.”
“Her lasting legacy of advocating for environmental justice, climate change, and housing will resonate for generations to come,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with her family, and may her influence endure with strength and purpose.”
