Redondo Beach state senator Jenny Oropeza dies [Updated]

State Senator Jenny Oropeza has died. The 53-year-old Redondo Beach Democrat represented Long Beach and the South Bay. The cause of her death has not been announced.

As the State Senate voted on this year’s budget, the legislative clerk called Oropeza’s name in every roll call on every one of the 26 budget bills. The silence that followed underlined the seriousness of the illness that kept the Redondo Beach Democrat from flying to Sacramento to cast her vote.

Jenny Oropeza was first elected to the legislature in 2000. Four years later, doctors diagnosed her with liver cancer.

She had surgery – and was declared “cancer free” in 2005. Her battle with cancer motivated her to pass several bills to reduce pollution at the Los Angeles Harbor.

In May, Oropeza developed a blood clot in her stomach, but later said she was recovering.

Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg called Oropeza “a true public servant and a cherished part of our legislative family.” Assembly Speaker John Perez said Oropeza was “a leader of conscience and compassion.”

Her name remains on the ballot on November 2. If she wins, the governor will call a special election.

In honor of Senator Oropeza, Schwarzenegger ordered Capitol flags flown at half staff.