January 5, 1946 – May 25, 2026
Dorothy Kathleen Herrera Settlage of Los Angeles, California, passed away unexpectedly on May 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Born in Los Angeles on January 5, 1946, Dorothy grew up in Visalia and Bakersfield. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA and went on to earn her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the People’s College of Law in 1986. She was a probation officer for the Orange County Probation Department for two decades, then practiced law for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA). There, she was at the forefront of LAFLA’s advocacy efforts to help low-income seniors of color during the 2008 foreclosure crisis.
LAFLA mourns her as a dedicated legal and community advocate who spent her life fighting for senior and low-income communities across Los Angeles. Dorothy, or “Dot,” as she was often known, served as a senior attorney in LAFLA’s consumer law unit, representing Angelenos facing foreclosure, mortgage loan disputes, debt collection, credit issues, and other legal problems. During the 2008 foreclosure crisis, Dot was at the forefront of LAFLA’s advocacy efforts. She provided expertise on the devastating impact of the crisis on low-income seniors of color. LAFLA declared on her sudden passing: “Dot was thoughtful, smart, strategic, and, above all, kind. We honor her legacy by continuing the fight for equal justice on behalf of seniors and low-income Angelenos.”
Dorothy spent her life fighting for justice, participating in local protests, and helping her community as a legal observer. She will be remembered for her devotion to family and friends, her profound embrace of cultural and spiritual diversity, and her passionate advocacy for those in need. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arnold (Arnie) Settlage, and her parents, Michael and Dora Herrera. She is survived by her three sisters, Gloria Stickler, Patricia Flores, and Barbara Smith; and her Settlage family: Mabie Settlage, Randy Settlage, and Kathy Cohen.
A celebration of life will be held on August 28th at Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA, from 11 am-3 pm. in the Lakeview room. Please RSVP to RSVP4Dorothy@ gmail.com. Donations in Dorothy’s honor can be made to Inquilinos Unidos https://www.inquilinosunidos.org, a tenant rights non-profit group where Dorothy served as a board member, or to the Sierra Club https://www. sierraclub.org, which Dorothy supported for decades.
¡Dorothy Herrera Settlage presente!
