Assemblyman Anthony Portantino's Brother Dies

The brother of California Assemblyman Anthony Portantino has died at the age of 52 in what appears to be a suicide, a spokesperson in the assemblyman's Pasadena headquarters said Friday.

Wendy Gordon, a communications deputy for Portantino, confirmed that his brother Michael Portantino had died and that the assemblyman was greatly distressed by the tragic death.

Michael Portantino was a San Diego-based journalist and publisher of the Gay and Lesbian Times, a prominent San Diego weekly. He was found dead on the night of Dec. 8 after evidently jumping from a seven-story hotel, the Park Manor Suites, in San Diego, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The newspaper said that Michael Portantino had been "devastated" since his weekly was forced to abruptly shut down in October because of financial problems. Michael Portantino "enjoyed the bully pulpit and was not shy about scrutinizing politicians and community leaders he believed had done something wrong," the Union-Tribune said.

Assemblyman Portantino represents California's 44th district in the state Assembly, which encompasses La Cañada Flintridge, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, South Pasadena, Altadena and parts of Monrovia and Arcadia.

The Portantino family has issued a statement about Michael Portantino's tragic loss, spokesperson Gordon said, adding that Assemblyman Portantino was making preparations for his brother's last rites.

"He made us laugh, he made us think and sometimes he even made us angry as he challenged us all to live our lives to their fullest potential," the statement said. "We have all been touched by his spirit and passion and we hope that he is remembered for the positive role he played in all our lives."

Besides Assemblyman Portantino, Michael is survived by his daughter Tatiana, mother Barbara, brother Phil, and a sister, Mary Ann.