Gloria Molina, a trailblazer in Los Angeles County politics, has died at the age of 74. Molina passed away Sunday night at her Mt. Washington home after a battle with cancer.
Molina began her political career in the 1970s as a Chicano movement activist. She became the first Latina elected to the California Assembly in 1982. She later became the first Latina elected to the Los Angeles City Council and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, where she served for 23 years.
Throughout her tenure, Molina remained a champion for women, Latinos, and Eastside residents. One of her many accomplishments was the creation of Grand Park — since renamed Gloria Molina Grand Park — between City Hall and the Music Center.
“Words can’t express the loss of Gloria Molina,” stated L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis. “She was a beacon of hope to many — including myself. Seeing her break several glass ceilings throughout her public service career inspired me to follow in her footsteps and be of service to our community.”
“Women in politics in LA County owe a debt of gratitude to Gloria Molina,” added Supervisor Janice Hahn.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass called Molina “a force for unapologetic good and transformational change in Los Angeles.”
The California Latino Legislative Caucus also issued a statement, which reads in part:
"Gloria Molina had admirable courage as a fierce advocate; her moral compass and unyielding stand on behalf of our Latino community will continue to galvanize many. Despite rampant sexism, she defied gender norms and exclusionary expectations, as she proudly identified as a Chicana. She was devoted to our communities, specifically Los Angeles County's Eastside."
Molina announced her bout with terminal cancer two months ago.
"You should know that I'm not sad," Molina wrote in a heartfelt letter to the public. "I enter this transition in life feeling so fortunate.”
Molina is survived by her husband Ron, her daughter Valentina Martinez, son-in-law Brendan Curran, grandson Santiago and nine siblings.