Trailblazing San Fernando Politician and Environmental Advocate Cindy Montañez Remembered as a Champion for Environmental Justice and a Trailblazer
San Fernando, CA – The city of San Fernando is mourning the loss of Cindy Montañez, a trailblazing politician and environmental advocate, who passed away at the age of 50 on Saturday. Montañez, who had a local elementary school recently named in her honor, was remembered as a fierce advocate for environmental justice in California.
City officials announced Montañez’s passing in a statement, expressing their grief and sadness over her death. “Cindy will be remembered as a fierce advocate and a champion for environmental justice across California. To her family, Cindy will always remain a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and great aunt, and will be missed dearly,” the statement read.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and details about the memorial service and funeral will be provided later.
Although the cause of death was not disclosed, Montañez had recently been diagnosed with aggressive terminal cancer. Despite her health challenges, Montañez made significant contributions to the San Fernando City Council and the California state Legislature.
In 1999, Montañez became the youngest person ever elected to the San Fernando City Council at the age of 25. Three years later, she became the youngest woman elected to the California state Legislature at the age of 28. Montañez’s achievements continued as she chaired the powerful Assembly Rules Committee in 2004, becoming the youngest person, first Latina, and first Democratic woman to hold that position.
In 2016, Montañez was appointed CEO of TreePeople, an organization dedicated to supporting sustainable urban ecosystems in the greater Los Angeles area. Her leadership at TreePeople further solidified her commitment to environmental causes.
The passing of Montañez has prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences from colleagues and officials. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised Montañez as a relentless trailblazer and a dedicated advocate for the people of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Democratic Party also mourned her loss, describing her as a “trailblazer” who shattered multiple glass ceilings.
Montañez’s legacy will continue to live on through the recent renaming of Gridley Street Elementary School to Gridley-Montañez Dual Language Academy and the renaming of Pacoima Wash Natural Park to Cindy Montañez Natural Park. These acts of recognition demonstrate the impact Montañez had on her community and the influence she will continue to have in the future.
As San Fernando mourns the loss of a beloved leader, the city and the state of California remember Cindy Montañez as a fierce advocate, trailblazer, and champion for environmental justice. Her dedication and passion for making a positive impact on her community will be remembered for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Cindy Montañez.