By Armando Hernandez/La Opinion
Trailblazing politician Gloria Molina — who served decades in elected offices including Los Angeles City Council member and county supervisor — died May 14 at age 74 from terminal cancer she battled during the last three years.
Rep. Barbara Lee, D-California, noted in a tweet: that Molina was the first Latina to serve in the California State Assembly, the first Latina to serve on the LA City Council, and the first Latina to serve on the LA County Board of Supervisors. “Rest in power, barrier breaker. You will be sorely missed,” tweeted Lee.
Molina died at her home in Mt. Washington, surrounded by family, according to her daughter Valentina Martinez.
“Gloria had been battling terminal cancer for the last three years. She faced this fight with the same courage and resilience with which she lived her life. Over the past few weeks, Gloria has been encouraged by the love and support of our family, community, friends, and colleagues. Gloria expressed her deep gratitude for the life she lived and the opportunity to serve our community,” Martinez said.
Molina was a longtime Democrat who served in the California State Assembly for five years in the 1980s, then won election to the Los Angeles City Council in 1986, representing a district that included East Los Angeles and parts of the San Fernando Valley. In 1990, Molina won a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and stayed on until 2014, eventually retiring after term limits were enacted.
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