photo courtesy of the ceniceros family
Sen. Stone honors county’s first female supervisor
By JP Crumrine, News Editor and Melissa Diaz Hernandez, Editor
The California State Senate adjourned Thursday morning in honor of former Riverside County Third District Supervisor Kay Ceniceros, who passed away July 26 at the age of 81.
“Thank you for allowing me to adjourn the senate in memory of my friend and a great leader, Supervisor Kay Ceniceros,” State Sen. Jeff Stone, R-La Quinta, said as he closed the meeting.
Stone reminded the senate throughout his speech that Ceniceros was a trailblazer. Not only was she the first female appointed to the county planning commission, but was the “first female to be elected to the board of supervisors in the county’s over 100-year history.”
“She enjoyed solving problems for her constituents,” said Stone.
Stone later represented the same district as county supervisor before winning a seat in state senate.
“Those of us who were lucky to know her will always remember the positive example she set for Riverside County,” said Stone. “Members, we are honored here today to have in our presence her son, Bruce Ceniceros, who is here on the floor of the senate.”
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors also adjourned its Aug. 6 meeting in honor of Ceniceros. The current Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington described Ceniceros as “one of Riverside County’s larger than life icons. Kay Ceniceros was a remarkable visionary and leader.”
Ceniceros became an Idyllwild resident in 2000 with her husband, Blair. She made an impact on the community through her involvement with the Idyllwild Area Historical Society and Mountain Communities Firesafe Council.