ACTIVIST, FORMER ASSEMBLYMAN GONZALES DIES

Former Bakersfield Assemblyman Raymond Gonzales, who shocked political pundits by becoming the first Latino elected to state office from Kern County, has passed away after a battle with kidney disease.

Current Assemblyman Rudy Salas says his friend’s surprise 1972 win inspired his own run for office, and Gonzales was a mentor to many in the community.

The longtime Democratic activist had also been an advisor to Governor Jerry Brown, a Bakersfield College professor and trustee of the Bakersfield City School District. He was 80 years old.

Kelli Pierce