Former Democratic congressman Esteban Torres died of natural causes in Los Angeles on 25 in January, just two days away from the 92 year old.
He will be remembered as a union leader, founder of the East Los Angeles Community Union, for working with President Jimmy Carter as assistant for Hispanic affairs and as a congressman for 8 terms, representing the cities of Whittier, Artesia, Baldwin Park, Industry, La Puente, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Pico Rivera, South El Monte and West Covina.
Son of Mexican parents, he was born in Miami, Arizona in 1930; and was raised mainly by his mother Rena Gómez. His father, a miner by profession, was deported to Mexico in 891 and did not saw again.
His mother moved to East Los Angeles, and it was at Garfield High School that he graduated from 1949.
He studied at East Los Angeles College, the California State University in Los Angeles, the University of Maryland and the American University.
In 2006, Torres received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (LHD) degree from Whittier College.
he served in the army of 1949 to 1953 and was a veteran of the Korean War. After leaving the army, he married Arcy Sánchez, with whom he had 5 children: Carmen, Camille, Celina, Esteban and Rena.
At the end of the years 50 I enter to work at the Chrysler car plant in Maywood and became an active member of the United Auto Workers (UAW) where he was an organizer for the western region of the United States. Later he was a representative in Washington and in the Bureau for Caribbean and Latin American Affairs.
From 1977 to 1979, was United States Ambassador to UNESCO in Paris France; and from 1979 to 1981, worked as a special assistant to President Jimmy Carter.
Failed in his first attempt to reach Congress in 1974, but he tried again and won at 1982. After 16 years of career in Congress from 1983 to 1999, withdrew, and her seat was filled by Democrat Grace Napolitano.
Was a member of the California Transportation Commission from 1997 to 2007.
In a post on Twitter, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes lamented the death of Torres, who was the founding president of this organization.
“He guided us through our formative years, working hand-in-hand with Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina.”
On their website, they also disclosed that Torres was an accomplished artist and linguist who spoke five languages.
“In Congress, Torres fought to clean up one of the largest hazardous waste sites in the country in el district; he updated consumer credit reporting systems; and worked with colleagues from both political parties on behalf of those most in need”.
They point out that in 2006, the Los Angeles Unified School District named a high school in Boyle Heights after him, and at 2020, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) awarded him the UCLA Medal, the university’s highest honor.
California Senator Alex Padilla defined Esteban Torres as a pioneering public servant and a lifelong fighter for the common good.
“Torres’ pride in his working-class immigrant roots and his belief in the American dream fueled his dedication to labor activism and community organizing.”
He added that for more than 15 years, represented the district 34 of California in the House of Representatives of USA
“He was always a strong advocate for the needs of the diverse communities of East Los Angeles. Angela and I send our deepest condolences to her family and colleagues”.
Congresswoman Linda Sánchez said on Twitter that Congressman Torres was a champion for the working class , a trailblazer for immigrants, and a dedicated public servant, proud of where he came from and who he represents.
“His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched in Whittier and across the South of California”.
Journalist Henrik Rehbinder posted on Facebook that “his election to Congress in 1982 was a sign of the legislative Latino legislative advance that would come later”.
Esteban Torres is survived by his wife, his five children, grandchildren and 7 grandchildren.
“The impact of Congressman Esteban Torres goes far beyond his titles and official roles, as impressive as they are,” said Mónica Lozano, former editor and director general of Real America News.
He added: “In my opinion, his greatest gift was the example he gave by living a life guided by the principles of justice and opportunity for all; combined with a dedication to public service; then we will be able to truly promote positive social change.”
He ended by saying that he was “a friend, mentor and colleague and will be greatly missed”.