Sánchez Takes on Mission to Rename South Gate Post Office

"Henry is a much-loved and respected community leader," said Rep. Linda Sánchez. "I believe it is incumbent on all members of the South Gate community to honor those that have given so much of themselves to better the city. A post office named in his honor will remind us what true commitment of a civil leader is, and how that determination can inspire us all."

75- year-old Henry C. Gonzalez currently serves as a Councilmember for the City of South Gate, where he has proudly served for over two decades, beginning in 1982 when he became the first Latino elected to the City Council. He continued to make history as the City's first Latino Mayor just a year later, a role he has assumed several times during his 23 years in elected office. In 1999, he survived an attempted murder when he was shot in the head by an assailant as he returned home from a Council meeting.

As a union steward and later as regional Assistant Director for the United Auto Workers during his time with General Motors, Gonzalez worked to ensure effective communication between employee and employer. When General Motors closed its South Gate auto plant in the early 1980s, Henry Gonzalez played a prominent role in seeking employment for the 4,000 displaced workers.

An avid supporter of South Gate youth sports, Gonzalez founded the South Gate High School Booster Club and South Gate Youth Football, Inc. He served as a board member for countless national and local organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America and the Labor Council for Latin-American Advancement and has not missed a South Gate High School football game since 1972.

Rep. Sánchez already has broad support for the legislation from the California congressional delegation and will work to have the bill approved by the entire Congress.