2023
Assemblywoman Cindy Montanez
SAN FERNANDO – Cindy Montañez, the trailblazing San Fernando politician and environmental advocate who had a local elementary school named in her honor, died October 21, 2023 at the age of 49, city officials announced. Montanez was the youngest person ever elected to the San Fernando City Council in 1999 at age 25, and the youngest woman elected to the California state Legislature at age 28 in 2002. Two years later she chaired the powerful Assembly Rules Committee, becoming the youngest person, first Latina and first Democratic woman to hold that post.
“It is with inconsolable grief and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Councilmember Cindy Montañez, current CEO of TreePeople, and former California State Assembly Member,” San Fernando officials wrote.