After nearly three decades of public service, Congressman Tony Cárdenas was honored in the Los Angeles City Council chambers with a resolution for his achievements as his term comes to an end and he retires from politics.
Cárdenas began his career in 1996 as a California state assemblymember, holding his position for six years before being elected to the LA City Council in 2003. He served as a councilmember for close to 10 years until he was elected to his current position in 2013.
He announced in November 2023 that he would not be running for reelection and would be retiring from public office. When his term ends in early January 2025, Cárdenas’ career will have spanned 28 years.
Cárdenas has been a known supporter of mental health services, juvenile justice reform and education. He was an early sponsor of the federal legislation that created the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a bilingual hotline connecting anyone in distress or experiencing a mental health crisis with a trained counselor.
During his last year in office, Cárdenas doled out millions to various organizations and nonprofits in the San Fernando Valley for youth programs, mental health services, community improvement and more. Among the agencies, he presented $750,000 to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center to assist in the expansion of its neonatal intensive care unit and more than $3.5 million towards the San Fernando Gardens housing development for new energy-efficient air conditioning units.
The council’s tribute to Cárdenas was led by Councilmember Imelda Padilla on Friday, Dec. 13, and joined by Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, Mayor Karen Bass, Sen. Alex Padilla, former State Sens. Bob Hertzberg and Richard Polanco and former Councilmembers Wendy Gruel and Ed P. Reyes.
The resolution also declared Nov. 1 as Tony Cárdenas Day in LA. The honoring was originally scheduled to take place on that day, but it was moved due to the parade celebrating the LA Dodgers’ World Series championship win.
“Congressman Cárdenas’ story is one of perseverance, dedication and vision,” Imelda Padilla said. “From his roots in Pacoima to his role as a trailblazer in Congress, he has championed causes that have an undeniable mark on our city and beyond.”
Alex Padilla noted that when he and Cárdenas first entered politics, there were few Latinos in all levels of government. However, the senator said that part of Cárdenas’ legacy is inspiring more people to get involved not just in politics, but all aspects of public service.
“All perspectives deserve a seat at the table and all voices deserve to be heard,” Alex Padilla said. “And if we’re better today than we were 25-30 years ago, it’s in large part because of the work and passion of Congressmember Tony Cárdenas.”
Bass recounted how she first heard about Cárdenas in the 1990s when he was focused on juvenile justice reform. During their respective terms in office, Bass noted that Cárdenas had started a juvenile justice caucus while she formed a caucus on foster youth. They also worked together to ensure COVID-19 relief funds would come to their communities.
“On one hand, I know people are sorry that you’re leaving Congress, but I’m not,” Bass joked. “I’m glad…because you’re coming back to LA right when we need you the most, preparing for these world events … so I hope that you don’t come in thinking that you’re going to retire because we have a long list of things for you to do.”
Cárdenas thanked all the speakers for their words and the support he’s received from his family over the years – especially his wife. He said he was proud to have been a voice for the Northeast San Fernando Valley and those who may have felt neglected, including immigrant families and people who are undocumented.
He also expressed pride that many people who have worked for or with him have thanked him for inspiring them to pursue public service.
“Some places on purpose, I think, want people to believe [certain groups] don’t belong,” Cárdenas said, “and I constantly try to break those barriers and those ridiculous stereotypes that certain people don’t belong.”
When asked about what concerns he has about the country, Cárdenas said he’s worried for immigrants when it comes to President-elect Donald Trump and his negative attitude towards them.
“I do fear for people who are undocumented,” Cárdenas said. “But one thing I want to say is that Donald Trump is blind to the fact that without immigrants, our country would not be the number one economy in the world. Without immigrants, our country would not be as beautiful and successful as it is.”
While he said he doesn’t have any concrete plans on what he’s going to do after his term ends, Cárdenas said he’ll likely serve on not-for-profit boards and things of that nature, but he’s first looking forward to spending quality time with his family.
“I still have one more week of legislating in Washington, so I’m 100% focused on that, but I feel good about coming back home, spending more time with my family, my grandkids and more time here in my community.”