Cindy Montañez: Former San Fernando councilwoman and California Assemblymember, dies at 49

San Fernando Council Member and former California State Assembly member, Cindy Montañez, passed away on October 21, 2023, within the confines of her San Fernando home.

At the tender age of 49, her untimely departure has left a void in the hearts of many who admired her remarkable journey in the world of politics.

In an official statement, the city of San Fernando expressed their profound grief and sorrow at the loss of Councilmember Cindy Montañez.

Her accolades included serving as the current CEO of TreePeople and a former member of the California State Assembly, achievements that bear testament to her dedication to public service.

The exact cause of her passing remains undisclosed, but it is known that Montañez had been grappling with an aggressive and ultimately terminal cancer diagnosis.

Montañez made her mark as the youngest person ever elected to the San Fernando City Council, accomplishing this feat at the age of 25. Notably, she became the youngest woman to serve in the state legislature when she assumed office at the age of 28.

At the age of 30, Montañez assumed the prestigious role of Chair of the Assembly Rules Committee.

In her honor, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education has made a touching gesture by announcing the renaming of a local elementary school. Gridley Street Elementary will be transformed into the Gridley-Montañez Dual Language Academy in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.

Montañez’s legacy, characterized by her trailblazing spirit and dedication to her community, will forever be remembered and cherished by the people she served and inspired.