LOS ANGELES, CA— The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) issued the following statement regarding California State Senator Jenny Oropeza:

“The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) joins the Latino community across the nation and in California in particular in remembering the life and work of California State Senator Jenny Oropeza, who passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Senator Oropeza’s voice and leadership will certainly be greatly missed. NALEO extends our deepest condolences to her family.

Senator Oropeza resided in Carson and was elected to the state’s upper chamber in 2006 after serving six years in the Assembly. She was known as a champion of health and environmental issues.

Senator Oropeza was an active member of NALEO and served on its board in 1999. She had also served as president of the National League of Cities’ Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO).