Latino Journal Kevin de leon 2015

Public Policy And Government From A Non-Partisan Latino Perspective

Founded in 1996

Vol 19 No 1

$10.00

OVERVIEW OF

Mexico Energy Reform pg. 20 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

with Senator Kevin de Le贸n pg. 16

LATINO ELECTED OFFICIALS

At The State Level in California, Nevada and Colorado pg. 37 Find Us On

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Latino Journal Publisher’s CORNER

www.latinojournal.net FOUNDER, PUBLISHER & CEO José L. Pérez OPERATIONS Isela C. Pérez ORO Communications EDITOR Nancy Zarenda Spanish Language Academy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dennis R. Luna, Luna & Glushon Olman Valverde, Luna & Glushon Neptaly Aguilera, CAFE De California Adrian Pérez, SacLatino PHOTOGRAPHY Fred S. Romero Tia Gemmell Isela C. Pérez COVER DESIGN & MAGAZINE LAYOUT Commerce Printing Services WEBMASTER & DISTRIBUTION ORO Communications BACKGROUND The Latino Journal, founded in 1996, presents a non-partisan perspective of government, policy and politics. It is produced in hard copy and digital formats and distributed to anyone interested in learning more about Latino perspectives on government policy formulation.

The opinions expressed in the Latino Journal do not necessarily express the opinions of the editorial advisory board members or the publisher and his team. No part of this publication may be reproduced or photocopied without express permission of the Latino Journal.

The Latino Journal is published up to four times per year.

Latino Journal 1017 L Street #306 Sacramento, CA 95814 www.latinojournal.net Email: staff@latinojournal.net

Volume 19 Number 1

Dear Friends, Welcome to the relaunch of the hard copy of the Latino Journal!

After a few years of digital communication only, and in response to loyal readers and new thought leaders, we are combining the best of both mediums for distribution; in print copy and through our extensive digital network.

José L. Pérez

Latino Journal is committed to delivering compelling stories and vital information on public policy and government from a non-partisan, Latino perspective.

The number of Hispanics/Latinos in America today has increased from 35.3 million in 2000 to over 53 million according to U.S. Census reports. Hispanics in 2015 compose 18% of America’s total population and are now America’s largest minority group. This demographic change presents a powerful opportunity for the Latino voting bloc to change the outcome of elections and influence new policy directions in America.

In this issue we highlight achievements as well as opportunities for Latinos in California, Colorado, and Nevada to increase representation in elected positions. Western state Latinos are presenting new paradigms and shifts in policy at all levels of government. You have access to personal Latino Journal interviews with leaders in California and Colorado about how they are shaping the future of their states from a Latino perspective.

The Latino Journal’s next journey will be across America with an eye toward Washington D.C. to examine and report on Hispanic civic participation at the federal level - today, tomorrow and beyond.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of the Latino Journal and look forward to your feedback.

Warm regards to all, José L. Pérez Publisher

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MEET Synthia Jaramillo

2015 Editorial Advisory Board Neptaly Aguilera CAFE De California Silvia Aldana Pacific Gas & Electric Robert Alaniz Milagro Strategy Group Ruben Barrales Grow Elect Victor Cabral, J.D. Walker, Martin & Hatch Ben Durán, Ed.D. President Emeritus, Merced Community College Diedra García Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Michael W. González Illinois Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Synthia Jaramillo Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce David C. Lizárraga TELACU Education Foundation Dennis R. Luna Luna & Glushon Monica Martinez Ruben Strategy Group Alejandra Morán Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Roy M. Pérez RMP Strategies

Synthia Jaramillo is an experienced professional with extensive background and experience in Chamber of Commerce activities, programs and services. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Barelas Economic Opportunity Center (BEOC) of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC). Since October of 2013 Synthia has increased program revenue in the BEOC by $400,000.

The BEOC is a dedicated and modern facility located within, and adjacent to, low-income areas most in need of support. These include Barelas, South Broadway, and San Jose neighborhoods, and the South Valley. The BEOC is ADA accessible and easy to get to by public and private transportation. The BEOC is equipped with two stateof-the-art computer labs and several meeting and training rooms.

Synthia also serves as the primary staff member and point of contact for the AHCC Board of Directors, Executive Committee and members regarding workforce training, development and economic initiatives.

Most notably was the application submitted

by Synthia that enabled AHCC to be awarded the Hispanic Chamber of the Year 2014-2015 by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Synthia’s experience includes leading high-profile events including, La Noche Encantada – AHCC’s Annual Gala with over 1,800 attendees, the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon which reached over 400 attendees and initiates the Hispanic Heritage Month, Education Excellence Awards Dinner including the Governor Of New Mexico as the keynote speaker, and the Golf Classic – the main fundraiser for scholarships.

Synthia has been awarded and recognized by many institutions, including named 2015 Woman

J. Michael Treviño Michael Treviño & Company CC Yin APAPA, Inc.

Volume 19 Number 1

Her involvement in memberships reach across the nation. She is an active member of National Council of La Raza, United Way’s Hispanic Philanthropic Society Advisory Council, New Mexico Small Business Development Center’s Small Business Development Center Advisory Council New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange Stakeholder Advisory Committee, and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.

In addition to her outstanding participation in the Latino community, Synthia is also a proud mother of two daughters. ◆ LJ

Table of CONTENTS 3 5 5 6 8 10

Senator Richard R. Polanco (ret.)

Alexandra Gallardo Rooker Communications Workers of America

of Influence by Albuquerque Business First, the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Board Governance and Board Development Certificate, the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Corporate Sponsorship and Grant Writing Certificate and the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management Career and Professional Development Certificate.

12 16 20 22

Publisher’s Corner Editorial Board Profile: Synthia Jaramillo Senator Jessie Ulibarri: Elevating Colorado’s Latinos California Hispanic Chambers Advocate for Members Ginny Velasquez, Team Persona Staffing Exclusive Interview with Alex Padilla, Secretary of State Interview: Senate President pro Tempore, Kevin de LeÓn Mexico Energy Reform Assembly Member Rocky Chávez

26 Esteban Almanza: Department of General Services 27 Silicon Valley Companies Urged to Include Hispanics 28 More Women Lead California Utilities Commission 29 What is the FCC? 30 Math, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) 31 PG&E Power Pathway: Latina Introduces VP Biden 34 Hispanics In Energy 37 Latino Elected Officials at the State Level in California, Nevada and Colorado 5

Interview: SENATOR

Jessie

Ulibarri

COLORADO

Senator Jessie Ulibarri, one of Colorado’s 11 Latino legislators, is tackling some tough Latino issues in his home state.

“One of the projects we took on in our first year was to establish the Capitol Fellowship Program, recognizing our very limited staff capacity inside the Capitol,” stated Senator Ulibarri. “The community saw this as a priority; they want to see more Latinos not just in elected office, but involved in policy or helping Spanish campaigns.”

Like California, Colorado’s fastest growing population is the Latino community. The State's population is 20 percent Latino with just 11 percent represented in the Legislature.

With term limits due, the Senator anticipates seeing more Latinos and Latinas running for public offices in the next election cycle.

For the first time in Colorado, undocumented individuals supported under DACA were openly working in the state capital, speaking volumes about immigration reform.

CLLRO, as project partner, housed the Fellowship.

Senator Ulibarri said that it is because of community organizations that, regardless of limited state internal resources, the Caucus is able to increase the positive impact on Latinos in government.

Senator Ulibarri works closely with the Colorado Democratic Latino and Latina Legislative Caucus, which was reestablished in 2013. The Caucus works to close the legislative representation gap, and provides jobs and opportunity for political involvement to young Latinos.

According to Senator Ulibarri, though the Caucus is informal and developing, the group has earned respect and support from external community groups.

Early on, the Caucus repealed a statewide, “Show Me Your Papers” law, with the help of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Colorado Latino Leadership Research Organization (CLLRO). A law allowing in-state tuition for undocumented students was passed and Colorado also became the 10th state to issue drivers' licenses to undocumented residents, a bill sponsored by Senator Ulibarri.

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Senator Ulibarri is also focusing on education, and recognizes the large and growing achievement gap. Unlike other states that have recovered from the recession, Colorado ranks 43 out of 51 in per-pupil spending. He claims there is a lack of a real conversation about educational equity, providing support for English language learners and for students living at or below poverty levels.

The Caucus also concentrates on exposing educational realities, “It’s different whether you are in a rural or urban school district and it’s incredibly different if you’re a poor student or a middle class or wealthy student. So we want to level the playing field. It was our education that brought us into this work,” emphasized Senator Ulibarri. ◆ LJ

Latino Journal

PIFC and its member companies are honored to support the Latino Journal and the California Latino Legislative Caucus.

We look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of California families and consumers.

CALIFORNIA

Hispanic Chambers Advocate for Members

T

here is no grass growing around the feet of the new president of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), Alice Pérez.

In her short tenure as leader, Pérez has initiated high profile engagements of both government and the private sector while nurturing the development of many local Hispanic chambers throughout California. All in the name of improving the growth and development of California Hispanic businesses.

The first woman ever appointed to lead the California Hispanic Chambers, Pérez jumped into this position after serving as president of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber, serving as an executive with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and being the national Hispanic liaison for U.S. Bank.

Her national exposure and knowledge of banking and government have served Pérez well. In her short term, she has lead three major initiatives.

Earlier in 2015, the chamber to organized a meet and greet between Hispanic chamber leaders and Governor Brown and some of his top officials in his Administration in Sacramento. Many were Hispanics.

California contracts out billions every year with a goal set for small business participation many of which are owned by Hispanics.

Alice Pérez, Frank Montes and Congressman Pete Aguilar, March 20, 2015, Ontario, CA

In March the CHCC held an Economic Summit in California’s Inland Empire that drew formidable speakers from community, public and private sectors.

The anchor guest was newly elected Congressman Pete Aguilar (D-CA).

In May, the CHCC held a legislative event to advocate for the business members in the State Capitol that included visits with key legislators in policy issues important to them.

This coming August 20-21 it is planning its annual convention in Sacramento.

California Hispanics represent 16.5% of all businesses in California and it is the fastest growing business sector according to recent reports by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Ruben Barrales (far left) participating in a discussion on the uneven economic impact of California’s recovery with other distinguished members of the panel including Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia (far right).

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For more information visit the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce website. ◆ LJ Latino Journal

An Inside Look: Ginny Velasquez, Owner of Team Persona Staffing Ginny Velasquez is no stranger to starting at the ground floor and working smartly and tirelessly to reach extraordinary heights of success. As owner of Team Persona, a national , multi-million dollar consulting business, Velasquez rose to this position by way of tenacity, innovation, and excellence.

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Velasquez, whose father is from Mexico, attended the University of California, San Diego, earning bachelor's degrees in both computer science and math, with a minor in business economics. Immediately following graduation, Velasquez was hired by Accenture, a prominent and highly selective consulting firm. Starting at entry level, she worked as a computer programmer and in five short years promoted to project manager overseeing $5-10 million projects and supervising up to 30 people.

At Accenture, Velasquez formed such close professional relationships with colleagues and clients, that some joined her in her new business creation venture.

Those who looked to her for future employment opportunities did so because of her strong work ethic, fairness and passion for winning partnerships.

When the Y2K era hit, Velasquez filled the niche market assisting businesses in upgrading and modernizing their IT departments. Focusing on Y2K consulting until the dot-com era surfaced, she then moved into another world of opportunity

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by providing cutting-edge internet and tech-savvy staff around the state.

Velasquez has encountered open doors and business opportunities abroad, and as far away as India. However, she values her citizenship as an American, and has decided to invest her future in growing jobs in the American economy. As a mother of five, she also values close proximity to her family and so maintains the firm and her presence in her home country.

During the company’s national expansion, Persona Computing rebranded and was renamed as Team Persona. Velasquez added many new lines of business including staffing services in administrative office personnel, legal and paralegal assistance, and accountancy. As she expanded business capabilities, new municipalities such as counties, cities, states and the federal government were also targeted clients. Prominent clients today include AT&T and Verizon, whose national accounts reach 15 states.

Velasquez says that Team Persona, like every other growing business, had its ups and downs including a legal battle that

was upheld in her company's favor. She has faced challenges from competing community groups, and fought for her rights and equitable treatment. Velasquez reflected on one of her toughest-ever political challenges in Alameda County, admitting, “It was tough, but it was one of our great accomplishments."

With nearly 300 consultants nation-wide, $12 million in revenue, presence in 15 states and providing a lion's share of staffing business in California, Team Persona is an inspiring success story.

“I’ve been in business for 20 years. My word of advice to any other business, especially small business, is just to hang in there and not give up because I really believe that having a positive attitude and a lot of persistence helps you get through the inevitable cycle in the economy.

Constantly being ready to change and adapt is equally important. Always try to find new segments of business, find where the movements are, and make sure you value those long-term relationships so you can go back and look for opportunities through various partners in the industry.” ◆ LJ

Latino Journal

CAFE de California Concerned with the civil rights of Latinos in California State Government

Hispanics Strongly Urged to Consider Working for the State of California California state government, composed of over 150 departments, agencies, boards and commissions with over 200,000 employees statewide, is now recruiting and hiring new employees as a result of a balanced state budget and a significant number of retirements.

In the last seven years, according to the California Public Employees Retirement System, CalPERS, approximately 40% of the California work force has retired. As a result, many state agencies are now recruiting to fill thousands of jobs across the state. The average annual salary is approximately $65,000 with excellent benefits.

The leaders of CAFE de California, a Chicano Latino State Employees' Association, created in 1975 to advocate for equal employment opportunities in state government, estimates that there are over 4,000 statewide vacancies today.

"Since Hispanics are seriously underrepresented in state government (22%) in proportion to their representation in the State's population (38%), CAFE is reaching out to the vast network of Hispanic leaders, organizations and community groups throughout California to help recruit Latino candidates for these state government jobs," said Neptaly "Taty" Aguilera, CAFE state president.

For more information regarding state jobs, please visit the CalHR website: https://jobs.ca.gov/

Volume 19 Number 1

11

THE Latino VOTE CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE

Alex

Padilla

CALIFORNIA Exclusive Interview

LJ: What do you hope to accomplish as Secretary of State in 2015/2016?

AP: A number of things; one of them being what I perceive to be an attack on voting rights across America. In my view, many people have been adopting voter suppression laws, making it more difficult to register to vote and actually cast a ballot. I hope California continues policy leadership by showing a better way.

We do it when it comes to environmental protection, renewable energy policy, and in so many other ways. Here’s an opportunity to do it from a voting rights and civic engagement point of view.

So that’s one big-picture observation.

steps to getting people to cast ballots. We have to get more people

Sometimes we lose appreciation for momentous, historic occasions as time goes on. This year is the 50-year anniversary for the Voting Rights Act signed by President Johnson. I can assure you that the Latino community, politically, would not be where we are today if it wasn’t for the passing and deciding of the Voting Rights Act. So, yes, we ask ourselves on a regular basis: are there enough Latino elected officials, are we proportional to our population, how loud is our political voice, etc. All the gains that we have to date would not have been without the Voting Rights Act. As much progress as we’ve made, myself as the Secretary of State; Senator de Léon as the new president of the senate, and currently having more Latino members of Congress than at any other point in the nation’s history, we clearly have a lot more work to do.

who are registered to vote to actually participate, but you can't

That being said, what do we do about it? There are three important

flipping it on its head, where anybody who is deemed eligible

vote if you’re not registered, so the question is, how do we get more people to register? A couple of data points; there are more than 6 million current registered voters who are not active voters.

In addition, there are more than 6.5 million eligible to register voters who haven’t registered, 60 percent of them are Latino.

So, the potential is there, but for a number of reasons there are millions of people who haven’t taken those necessary steps. Part of my plan in this office is to be more visible; visiting high schools and colleges and doing all the hands-on things that I can do to invite more people to register and to vote. However, I think the most profound impact we might have is making the systemic change that I proposed, what we call the “New Motor Voter”. It’s taking the “Motor Voter” law that’s already in place and sort of CONTINUES ON PAGE 14 »

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Latino Journal

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THE Latino VOTE (CONT.) to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles is given the opportunity to opt out of being added the voter rolls, but by default, unless somebody opts out, is to be automatically added to the voter roll in California. In the process we know we won’t be able to capture 100 percent of the eligible-but-unregistered but we hope to capture 90 percent. That’s about 6 million people; close to the population of the state of Georgia.

expanding voting not just on that Tuesday, but perhaps to the

LJ: What does the Secretary of State’s Office plan to do with respect to voter education?

California because, ultimately, elections are administered at

That answer is anything and everything. We know the stuff that’s required to be done; the sample ballots and voter information guides that are mailed out, but clearly, that’s not doing the trick if you review turn-out rates from the last several voter cycles. We’ll be using all sorts of media; newspaper, radio, TV, social media companies, outdoor advertising; any possible way we can help get the word out.

weekend prior, as well.

LJ: Do you feel that the Secretary of State’s Office, with its resources, has the capacity to accomplish this vision?

AP: Yes, but certainly not acting alone. It will require partnerships with the election administration space with all fifty counties in the local level. That’s why for me, visiting all 50 counties was important during the campaign to discuss the vision and rely on communities from those counties to be partners in a transition.

We’re going to need to partner with the legislature and the governor, both to make changes and to get a hold of financial resources for the next generation of voting equipment and technology to enable a better voter experience.

LJ: Is there a role for other stakeholders, for example businesses

LJ: What about voter turnout? How do we get people excited either to fill out that absentee ballot or get to the polls?

and community organizations?

AP: It’s a combination of things. The one exception to the low voter turnout that we’ve seen in the last decade was back in 2008, when a young, charismatic candidate named Barack Obama ran for president. We actually saw record turn-outs for many areas.

If all elections had that level of excitement, the story would be different. From a systematic point of view, figuring out how to make it even more convenient for people to cast a ballot is what we're looking at, like voting by mail. Voting by mail is probably as easy as it gets, and it’s increasing in popularity, but we can do more to promote that. California is a big and diverse state, and most people choose to vote in person. If you want to vote in person, your options are very limited to that first Tuesday after that first Monday in November between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. at a location near your residence. That’s not convenient for everyone.

I’ve taken the delegation from the Secretary of State’s Office to Denver where they’ve implemented an option to vote at dozens of locations throughout the city or county, which would allow us to accommodate people from all different districts. We need to take that step here in California. People should have the option to go to any county or city to vote. We should accommodate people in different congressional, legislative, districts, etc. I envision

do it alone. All the sectors have to work together, whether it’s

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AP: Absolutely. If you want to change the world, you cannot non-profit organizations, the public and private sectors, media organizations, political campaigns, labor unions, etc.

LJ: Is there one organization or group that you feel is a strong champion of trying to accomplish the vision you have?

AP: My personal involvement has been much more with National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) than with other organizations. They have been a great model and national leader in all areas of participation in our democracy; from citizenship and census, to redistricting and voting rights and voter registration.

There has been a huge correlation between the work done with NALEO and what I want to accomplish as Secretary of State.

In conclusion, we have a big stake in this. Once upon a time, Latino issues were marginalized to immigration, bilingual education, and affordable housing, but as our share of the population grows, everything is a Latino issue. Latinos have a say in everything from energy policy to the financial world to health care. We’re not going to make progress as a state without Latinos doing their part. The same is true for civic engagement. It’s our responsibility. ◆ LJ

Latino Journal

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Interview:

SENATOR

de Le贸n

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LJ: Senator de León, thank you for taking time to talk with Latino Journal. Can you share with us what you would like to accomplish as Senate President pro Tempore to improve education, economic development and political empowerment for California’s Latinos?

KDL: First and foremost, it’s about creating the optimal conditions for opportunity. In that space, when we’re talking about opportunity, we’re talking about economic opportunity, educational opportunity, we’re talking about the opportunity to breathe in clean air into your lungs, to drink clean water, to be in a position to receive career technical education for a job that will sustain you in the middle class, if you don’t go on to a UC or Cal State school or independent, non-profit private school.

I think with the changing demographics with Latinos and Asian Americans

Volume 19 Number 1

growing in numbers, it is absolutely critical that we give all individuals, regardless of who they are or where they come from, or the color of their skin a real opportunity to succeed in the seventh largest economy in the world. Short of that, we run the real risk of an economic apartheid system because we have so many of a particular group that are shut out from economic opportunities that the state has to offer.

LJ: Some private sector industries such as technology in Silicon Valley, show almost no representation of Hispanics in their corporate boardroom or executive suites, for companies such as Apple, HP, Google, Cisco, Facebook, Yahoo, etc. Should our state senate be concerned about that? And if so, what types of activities should the state senate consider to help create solutions?

KDL: I think we should all be concerned.

Not just the state senate; everyone from

the private sector as well as the public sector. The fact that there’s a dearth of color, not just Latinos, but African Americans as well in Silicon Valley, which is one of the biggest economic drivers in our state, is very worrisome.

I think there is a cultural gulf that exists between Silicon Valley and the rest of California, especially given the fact that you have so many folks of color that are consumers of the products that are created in Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley is a phenomenal place where many of the world’s greatest technological ideas are born and I think it is critical that whether it is on the governance level, that many companies, whether they are a very established tech company or you are a start-up or mid-level company, that you do have representation of the great diversity of the state of California.

CONTINUES »

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Interview:

SENATOR DE LEÓN (CONT.)

Sadly, today that’s not the case, either as employees or, surely, on the governance level. There are many Latinos, African Americans and Asian Americans who serve on very good non-profit boards, such as local YMCA, Boys and Girls Club in neighborhoods with the highest needs, those non-profits, where you give so much of your time. But, on corporate boards and obviously on boards in Silicon Valley, they are very limited and sometimes non-existent. That simply is not acceptable.

LJ: Should the Senate have any engagement with the leadership in Silicon Valley regarding that?

KDL: Sure. I think the Senate, as well as everyone, not just the Senate, should engage the key players in Silicon Valley and talk about the need to diversify, not

be concerned about the serious underrepresentation of Latinos in those state jobs?

KDL: Well, I think what you described falls squarely on the shoulders of the governor, given that these are state agencies that are under the executive branch, not the legislative branch. However, I will say that it is important that our agencies be reflective of the real diversity of current California. The reality is that America's future is California today and how we deal with California today will portend for what the future will look like in America.

LJ: In 2004 there were ten Latino members in the state senate, today there are six.

What should the Latino community do to reverse that trend and get close to the 16 Latino members to mirror the state’s Latino population?

KDL: I think community members are going to have to go out and vote. They key economic drivers and key economhave to be part of this very important civic ic consumers in California. By doing so, duty, at this very point, civic responsibility, it would be an accurate reflection of the irrespective of your income level or where amazing mosaic that is the state of Caliyou may live, it is incumbent on everyone fornia. to fulfill their obligation and to particiLJ: As a leader in California government pate in the electoral process, whether it that employs 200,000 workers in state is a presidential election, or a gubernatogovernment jobs, should the legislature rial election or special election, community members need to vote in all cycles. I personally am a real stickler because of that.

It has been a little frustrating to see the patterns of voter participation. Obviously, one of the greatest voter participation exercises that Senator de León accepting an award for "Outstanding Public Service" just for diversity’s sake, but to understand

18

we have ever witnessed in the history of this country was the election of the first person of color to the White House and that was President Barack Obama. We saw historic numbers of folks who were never even registered to vote who stumbled over themselves to get registered to vote and then eventually actually cast a vote. It was something that was so historic. But, I think voting has to be normalized. I think it is important that we at the legislative branch as well as the executive branch, work together with local government to help facilitate voting especially with communities that are more challenged economically so we can inculcate a culture of electoral participation.

LJ: Do you have a message for our readers that you would like to convey?

KDL: I am truly honored that I have had the opportunity to share a few words with the Latino Journal. I am honored to have the opportunity to be the first person of color, a Latino, since 1883. In spite of all the challenges we have in California, it continues to be the best state and the best country in the world, period. Because it is the only place where you could have had a young man protest against Proposition 187, lead one of the biggest marches in the history of California at that time, the largest march in the history of California and become the leader of the California State Senate. So, it speaks to who we are as a people in the greatest state on earth, whether you are Latino, whether you are Asian American, whether you are African American, Irish American, mixed race, or any other ethnicity from throughout the world, we are mainly Americans and Californians. I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the Senate. ◆ LJ

Latino Journal

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Overview of

MEXICO ENERGY REFORM

Mexico has recently begun a sweeping and historic reform to its energy industry.

In December 2013, President Enrique Pena Nieto launched the reform of Mexico’s energy sector through a constitutional amendment that opened the oil and gas industry, and the power generation sector, to private participation. The significance of the change can not be overstated because prior to that time the Mexican energy industry was for most purposes not open to foreign investment.

On August 12, 2014, Mexico adopted nine new “secondary laws” as well as amendments to existing laws which implement the December 2013 constitutional changes.

With respect to Mexico’s oil and gas industry, the changes are being made in order to increase Mexico’s diminishing production of hydrocarbons.

Despite an increase in investment by Mexico in exploration and extraction, oil production in Mexico declined from 3.4 million barrels per day in 2004 to 2.5 million in 2012, with consequent negative effects on the Mexican economy.

By making these changes, Mexico hopes to kick-start its production of oil and gas by attracting significant outside investment for the first time since foreign oil companies were ousted in 1938.

Legal Structure Under the constitutional amendments, Mexico will retain direct dominion over the subsoil as well as the exclusive right of exploitation and development of petroleum and gas. The Constitution still prohibits the private ownership of hydrocarbons and reserves ownership of all solid, liquid, and gaseous hydrocarbons, to the Mexican state. Also, the Mexican federal government will keep ownership and control of Petróleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”).

However, for the first time, the production of hydrocarbons in Mexico will be carried out through allotments (asignaciones) granted to Pemex or other Productive State Entities (“PSE”) or through the execution of exploration and extraction contracts with the private sector.

By Dennis R. Luna & Olman Valverde

Compensation to the private sector shall include (a) cash for service contracts; (b) a percentage of income for profit sharing contracts; (c) a percentage of the production obtained for production sharing contracts; (d) the transfer of hydrocarbons once they have been extracted from the subsoil for license agreements; or (e) any combination of the above.

Bidding Process During a process known as Round Zero, announced on August 13, 2014, Pemex was provided with a portfolio of assets to exploit on its own or through joint ventures with international oil companies. The Ministry of Energy (“SENER”), with the technical assistance of the National Hydrocarbons Commission, was in charge of implementing Round Zero.

In 2014 Mexico also launched the first round of bidding for oil and gas rights in which private companies can participate (“Round One”). The first phase features 14 shallow-water areas. Any Mexican, foreign or state productive company may participate in the bidding round either individually or in consortium.

To qualify as an operator, a company must have served from 2010 to 2014 as operator for at least three exploration and production projects (“E&P”) or have total aggregate capital E&P investments of at least $1 billion. The company must also show experience as an operator in at least one offshore E&P project or as a partner in at least two such projects and must show experience in industrial safety and environmental protection within the last five years.

Government Agencies There are many government agencies that will be responsible for overseeing the energy reform, including the following: • Ministry of Energy (Secretaria de Energia, SENER). SENER will continue to establish energy policy. It will also decide which fields will be open for exploration and production by private companies, determine technical and financial requirements for bidders, and determine which contract types will be awarded.

Private oil companies will be able to book the contracts for exploration and extraction as their reserves and report the reserves with the understanding that the hydrocarbons in the subsoil are the property of the Mexican government.

• National Hydrocarbons Commission (Comision Nacional de Hidrocarburos, CNH). This commission focus on the upstream sector.

It will oversee regulation; run public tenders according to the rules established by SENER and SHCP; oversee the bidding process; name the winning bidder of the each tender; and oversee seismic and geological studies.

Pemex will be able to execute joint ventures and partnerships with private sector companies, and also enter into contracts for exploration and extraction.

• Energy Regulatory Commission (Comision Reguladora de Energia, CRE). CRE will regulate the electricity, midstream, and downstream sectors.

The Law on Public-Private Partnerships was amended to allow publicprivate partnerships in activities such as refining, natural gas processing, transportation, distribution and storage of hydrocarbons, liquefied petroleum gas, shale gas, and oil.

• Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Secretaria de Media Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, SEMARNAT). This agency is responsible for protecting, conserving, and restoring the natural resources, assets, and environmental services of Mexico.

Private sector companies will be able to participate in downstream activities.

• National Agency for Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection (Agencia Nacional de Seguridad y Proteccion al Medio Ambiente

20

Latino Journal

del Sector Hidrocarburos, ANSIPA). It will regulate and oversee environmental and safety issues, and operate under SEMARNAT.

budgetary autonomy. This law is intended to improve technical oversight of the energy industry.

• Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (Secretaria de Hacienda y Credito Publico, SHCP). SHCP will bear primary responsibility for deciding or negotiating fiscal terms for each contract type and designing the Mexican Petroleum Fund for Stabilization and Development (Fondo Mexicano del Petroleo para La Estabilizacion y el Desarrollo). This will be a sovereign wealth fund with primary responsibility for the national oil income.

• Geothermal Energy Law. Allows private parties to carry out the inspection, exploration, and exploitation of geothermal resources to generate power.

• National Center for Natural Gas Control (Centro Nacional de Control de Gas Natural, CENEGAS). It will operate the state-owned natural gas pipelines and storage facilities.

• National Center for Energy Control (Centro Nacional de Control de Energia, CENACE). It will operate the state-owned electricity grid.

Secondary Laws The nine new secondary laws are as follows: • Hydrocarbons Law. Grants the government the ability to contract the exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources to any state production company or private entity.

• Hydrocarbons Revenue Law. Enables the state to execute certain agreements with private enterprises for hydrocarbon exploration and extraction, namely: licensing agreements, profit sharing agreements. production sharing agreements, and service agreements.

• Pemex Law. Transforms Pemex into a State Productive Company and calls for merging the company’s exploration and production arm with its gas and petrochemicals business with the intent of creating a more competitive corporate structure. This law also grants Pemex the ability to partner with third parties. As a State Productive Company, Pemex is obligated to meet the requirements of various new government entities.

• Law of the Mexican Oil Stabilization and Development Fund. The Mexican oil fund will receive, manage, and distribute revenue derived from the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons resulting from agreements entered into by the state with third parties or by direct awards granted by Pemex.

• Power Industry Law. Repeals the Law of the Federal Public Service of Electric Energy which regulated the power industry since 1975. This law creates the possibility of trading electric power with third parties, although power transmission and distribution remain under the control of the national power grid.

• Federal Electricity Commission Law. Transforms the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) into a State Productive Company and establishes guidelines regulating acquisitions, leases, services and works, budget, and debt.

• Law of Coordinated Energy Regulatory Agencies. Grants the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH) and Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) their own legal standing as well as technical, procedural, and

Volume 19 Number 1

• Law of the National Agency of Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection of the Hydrocarbons Sector. Creates an agency under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) with technical and procedural autonomy. This agency is tasked with regulating and supervising industrial and operational safety as well as environmental protection.

Conclusion Mexico is just starting to implement a process by which it hopes to attract significant foreign capital for essentially all areas of its energy sector, including up stream oil and gas exploration and production, refineries, pipelines, electrical generation, supply chain and related activities.

The energy reform presents a valuable opportunity both for Mexico and for foreign investors as the process unfolds over the next several years and decades.

At this point in time, with decades of experience and investment in energy by the private sector the U.S., there is significant opportunity for U.S. companies to become involved.

About the authors: Dennis R. Luna, Esq., is the Managing Partner of the law firm of Luna & Glushon and Editor-in-Chief of the California Oil & Gas Report.

With over thirty six years of legal experience, Mr. Luna is considered one of the top energy and real estate attorneys in California. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Southern California School of Petroleum Engineering, as well as a Master of Business Administration from USC. Mr. Luna is a licensed Professional Engineer and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Olman J. Valverde, Esq., is a Senior Oil & Gas Attorney at Luna & Glushon. Mr. Valverde has over fifteen years experience as a business transactional attorney, and advises energy companies in matters related to acquisitions and divestitures of mineral properties, land title issues, and regulatory and legislative affairs. Mr. Valverde’s experience includes purchase and sale of oil and gas leases, pipeline sale agreements, project finance transactions related to exploration and development projects, providing analysis regarding ownership of mineral rights, and litigation related to quiet title, breach of lease and production activities. ◆ LJ

21

Interview: REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE for

U.S. Senate of CALIFORNIA

RockyChavez

LJ: Can you tell us a little about why you chose to join the U.S.

also for the rest of the world. A farmer who produces something

Senate 2016 race?

also supports many different industries, shipping, packing plants,

RC: Well, I want to help California get back on track. Right now,

trucking, processing and more. There’s a whole industry built

I’m in the San Joaquin Valley talking to the agriculture indus-

around agriculture and we need to support that.

try; in particular the Latino community. I just spoke to five young

LJ: How do you see any potential competition in the Republican

Latinos and Latinas who are involved in agriculture, and to them,

Party?

it’s about water; water for their jobs and for their community. They told me about their increasing rates to get water in their households, which is a huge issue to them. When I asked what other issues affected their community, they responded with education.

They want to make sure they have the opportunity to go to school.

Three of the five youths I spoke to were preparing for enrollment for community college. Their ages are 21-23, and some of them were born in Mexico; others were born in the United States, but returned to Mexico at a young age and then returned to the states in high school. They speak to the diversity of the California popu-

RC: I think a year from now, there will probably be 10-15 others in the race, but I’m pretty confident that I'm the only elected Republican who has experience winning races and has represented statewide as a secretary. I welcome all candidates, that’s part of the election process, but I’m pretty confident that I’ll be representing not only the Republican Party, but California as a whole. In the past, I’ve gotten a lot of democratic support. So I look forward to the race in California.

LJ: What do you think it’s going to take to win?

lation. That's what has inspired me to run to represent California

RC: We’re in the raising the money phase at the moment. For

as a whole.

the primary, we’re looking at about $1-3 million and when we

LJ: In terms of the water issue, what role can Congress play in what seems to be a natural cause of the draught?

RC: Actually, the droughts in California are a big part of the history in the state. We have an infrastructure system that’s designed for 20 million people, and we’re now at 39 million people. We need to increase our infrastructure, in particular retention, transmission

get to the general, it will be more like $50 million. It’s obviously going to be a very expensive race. California is so important to the nation that when we start getting into the race, there will be a lot of people scrutinizing.

LJ: What is your strategy to appeal to Democrats since California’s such a blue state?

and also to ground water storage. California is the breadbasket

RC: We’re going to work on the things people care about. People

of the world. There is no more fertile land and climate than in

care about education. Currently, I sit on education committees and

this state. We’re providing food not only for Californians, but

from what I see, it takes six to 10 years to

22

CONTINUESON PAGE 23 »

Latino Journal

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RC: Yes, on immigration reform. We literally have millions of people in California who are undocumented and working under the radar. My position is that they need to be recognized as residents, and should not be concerned with being policed. Citizenship is something that needs to be earned and should be attained through a fair process, which is already coming into play. What we should not do is support a program that will separate a child from their parents.

LJ: It was recently reported that Jeb Bush said that President Obama really has never been interested in immigration reform because he’s been using it as an offensive tactic on the Republicans. What are your thoughts about that?

RC: I think President Obama is smart and is doing that. Republicans in other states that are less invested in or affected by immigration than Californians, have taken the bait and allowed him to form the discussion. The reality is, as the chief executive officer of the United States, he has not made it an issue about reform. I think it has a lot to do with the unions. He was smart enough politically to blame the Republicans, but some members of the party were smart enough not to take the bait.

LJ: Do you have any thoughts about the Democratic candidates running for the US Senate?

RC: In all races I’ve run, I’ve always talked about what I’m doing get a degree, and when I was a kid, it was a four-year program.

We’re looking at early education, too. In Fresno, for example, 60

and let the public decide whether or not their viewpoints align with mine. I know what my opponents have to offer and I know

percent of kids grow up in single parent homes and their ability to

what I have to offer and I’m comfortable with that.

develop cognitively without access to preschools and educational

LJ: Is there a message you would like to leave with our readers?

daycare centers affects them later on. So education, families and educational transition is a focus of ours. This is not only a statewide effort, it’s national. As a marine colonel, and someone who has served overseas many times, I think California needs someone who understands not only what is going on at home, but internationally.

RC: Yes, it’s a time for change. We’ve been talking about change since six years ago, when the conversation was started by Obama.

The reality is, we haven’t changed much in foreign affairs, we haven’t changed in our water production in the state of California, we have not improved education and though the economy is somewhat stable, it’s limping along. We need to understand what

LJ: Do you have a position in terms of some of the important

government's role is, and also value private entrepreneurship; like

issues that are being discussed in Washington, D.C. today that you

small business owners and set up people for success. That’s what

would like to elaborate on?

we need to do. ◆ LJ

24

Latino Journal

PROFILE:

Esteban

Almanza

The Man Behind the Department of General Services

Esteban Almanza,

public school construction,” said Almanza.

services, and growing. We want to do a better

Chief

Deputy

“Currently, we’re looking for more funding

job of collaborating and organizing events

Director

of

to continue that growth.”

and expos throughout the State to match-

Almanza says there is still much to be done.

make, improve our relationships and gain

Another area of concern is the lack of invest-

contracts within every community. “

California

the State

Department

of

General Services (DGS), 3,800

manages state

employees. DGS,

ment for the maintenance of state buildings, but said that the priority for funding is shifted toward aiding the current draught.

the back-office operation for the State of

“For the last couple years, a lot of folks have

California, oversees about a dozen divisions,

been trying to get the biggest bang with the

including public school construction and

limited dollars we have toward improving

small and minority business procurement.

our buildings,” said Almanza. “We want to

Almanza, who started with the department as chief deputy in May of 2011, became the

improve the quality of the environment that our state employees work in.”

There is a government goal of 25% for small business contract participation and 3% to disabled veteran businesses. According to Almanza, the DGS has met those goals, both within the agency and statewide. He says, however, they could do better. The goal of the DGS is to increase participation of small businesses on state purchasing, and to increase diversity in those partnerships.

interim director in December 2014. During

Billions of dollars a year are set aside for Cali-

his four years of service with the agency, he

fornia small/minority business procurement

has made significant progress, especially in

through the DGS. Almanza indicated that he

community in how to do business with the

the area of public school construction. In

and his team have been striving to improve

state,” said Almanza.

2011, the department was backlogged with

DGS’s outreach to underserved communities

16,000 school building projects not yet initi-

who could benefit from securing a contract

Aside from supervising the allocation of

ated. Almanza has since reduced that number by 40%.

with the State. He shared that an obstacle for small businesses is their lack of awareness of

“It’s up to us to reach out and educate the

billions of dollars in toward education, procurement and many other services, Almanza says the most exciting part of his

The DGS achieved this reduction through

state purchasing and procurement programs.

the Office of Public School Construction

Almanza assured that recent efforts have

(OPSC). As staff to the State Allocation

been focused on statewide outreach to small/

“What’s most enjoyable is to see that we are

Board, OPSC implements and administers a

minority business owners.

making a difference in people’s lives out in

$35 billion voter-approved school facilities

job is his involvement with the community.

“We want to ensure that we’re reaching

the communities,” said Almanza. “When I

all communities and all types of business.

get the opportunity to participate in ribbon

“For a few years, we were providing at

Diversity is important. We are a govern-

cuttings for schools that we helped fund I

least $1 billion a year to school districts for

ment that spends $8 billion dollars a year in

call it my community fix.” ◆ LJ

construction program.

26

Latino Journal

Silicon Valley Companies Urged to Include Hispanics The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), based in Washington D.C., led a delegation of its board of directors and advisory council, including Hispanic members of Congress, for a Tech Community Summit in Silicon Valley, hosted by Google, on Friday, June 5, 2015.

In addition to the Summit, the CHCI delegation held high level meetings with tech companies including Google, Apple, Cisco, eBay and several venture capital firms. Last year, after mounting pressure from diversity advocates, leading technology companies made public their gender and race employment statistics, revealing a startling diversity gap, with Latinos being one of the most underrepresented minorities. The numbers revealed on average that top technology companies had less than 4 percent of Latinos in their workforce.

Silicon Valley is situated near San Jose, CA, the third largest city in California behind Los Angeles and San Diego. Hispanics make up 33% of San Jose’s population and almost 40% of California’s population. It is home to the world’s most innovative technology development and home to technology titans like Apple Inc., Adobe Systems, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Agilent Technologies, Applied Materials, Cisco Systems, eBay, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Intuit, Juniper Networks, LSI Logic, National Semiconductor, NetApp and Nvidia.

In spite of this large Hispanic population in the Silicon Valley and State of California, few Hispanics work or are in governance of these giant companies. There are some efforts by some companies to invest back into the people of California, but, our research shows much more can be accomplished by these technology companies.

Former California Assembly Member Manny Diaz, who is an electrical engineer from San Jose, says the Silicon Valley is 40% Latino but only 2% Latino working in the technology companies.

“We are talking about tens of thousands of jobs. Many Latinos are not really ready for those jobs. I don’t think they discriminate against Latinos, they just look for people who are qualified to do what they need. The Latino community needs to examine itself to figure out what it needs to do to prepare for these great paying jobs. We have to build the pipeline to create the pool of capable people. The industry does not do enough to invest financially in workforce preparation of California youth,” Diaz said.

“We need each other and need to work together to address these very low numbers,” said Rep. Linda T. Sánchez, CHCI Chair. “I applaud the companies who have shared their employment figures – what gets measured gets results. We know that the tech sector is fueling job growth.

David Lizárraga, co-founder and long-time leader of the TELACU Education Foundation, a highly successful organiza-

Volume 19 Number 1

tion that provides support for Latino academic success from K-12, pre-graduate and graduate students, says, “Silicon Valley companies have done some investments at the university level, probably funding some areas of education, probably funding some buildings that hold their event name or their logos in the buildings with the major universities, but it hasn’t reached really where the rubber meets the road. And that is empowering our growing minority population here in California, in particular the Latino community, empowering them and assisting them to be able to take advantage of the tremendous employment opportunities and investment opportunities that are created here within California.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be approximately one million newly created STEM jobs in the next 10 years.

That corresponds with an increase of 16 million Latinos in the same period. Latino talent can fuel these employment ranks.”

The Tech Community Summit included Latino representatives of Silicon Valley technology companies, start-ups, non-profits and associations, joining CHCI’s board and advisory council for roundtable discussions to address how best to develop a pipeline of Latino talent in the tech sector.

The conversation continued with high level discussions at several of Silicon Valley’s top companies to advance Latino diversity and address how technology companies can work towards better outcomes.

“We advocated for a comprehensive approach and critical investments so talented young Latinos can gain access to this critical job sector,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President & CEO. “Silicon Valley does not need to look very far to recruit more Latinos and CHCI hopes to partner with them to ensure they are providing jobs not only for coders and engineers, but in marketing, law, human resources, and the many other areas of work they employ.”

CHCI has invited the technology companies to continue the conversation at its Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., this October 6-7.

For more information on the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute please visit www.chci.org ◆ LJ

27

More Women Lead California Utilities Commission

Commissioner Carla J. Peterman (center left) and Commissioner Catherine J.K. Sandoval (center right), listen to public comments as they consider important issues before the California Public Utilities Commission.

W

ith Governor Brown’s recent appointment of Ms. Lian M. Randolph, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is now led in majority by women, and all women of color.

Commissioners Catherine J.K. Sandoval, a noted Rhode Scholar, became the first Hispanic appointed in the Commission’s 100 year history. She also was the first Latina to win a Rhodes Scholarship from Oxford University in England.

Sandoval was appointed in January 2011 for a six year term and is a noted expert in telecommunications policy.

Commissioner Carla J. Peterman was appointed in December 2012. Peterman was the first African American female appointed to the Commission as well as to the California Energy Commission. Peterman is also a Rhodes Scholar and is a noted expert in energy policy and financing.

28

Commissioner Randolph was appointed in December 2014 and has been a long-time attorney working in various state government assignments including the California Fair Political Practices Commission from 2003 to 2007. She also worked for the law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

The three women, Commissioners Sandoval, Peterman and Randolph, were appointed by Governor Jerry Brown.

The CPUC regulates privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passer transportation companies, in addition to authorizing video franchises. The five commissions are appointed by the Governor, as is the president of the commission. The current president of the CPUC is Michael Picker. ◆ LJ

Latino Journal

WHAT IS THE

Federal Communications Commission?

The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

An independent U.S. government agency overseen

by Congress, the commission is the United States’ primary authority for communications law, regulation and technological innovation. In its work facing economic opportunities and challenges associated with rapidly evolving advances in global communications, the agency capitalizes on its competencies in:

the FCC). Bureau and office staff members regularly share expertise to cooperatively fulfill responsibilities such as:

• Promoting competition, innovation and investment in broadband services and facilities

• Public safety and homeland security

• Supporting the nation’s economy by ensuring an appropriate competitive framework for the unfolding of the communications revolution

Rules and Rulemakings

• Encouraging the highest and best use of spectrum domestically and internationally • Revising media regulations so that new technologies flourish alongside diversity and localism • Providing leadership in strengthening the defense of the nation’s communications infrastructure Leadership The agency is directed by five commissioners who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The president also selects one of the commissioners to serve as chairman.

Only three commissioners can be of the same political party at any given time and none can have a financial interest in any commission-related business. All commissioners, including the chairman, have fiveyear terms, except when filling an unexpired term.

Organization The commission is organized into bureaus and offices, based on function (see also Organizational Charts of Volume 19, Number 1

• Developing and implementing regulatory programs • Processing applications for licenses and other filings • Encouraging the development of innovative services • Conducting investigations and analyzing complaints • Consumer information and education The FCC’s rules and regulations are in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which are published and maintained by the Government Printing Office. Title 47 Rules & Regulations are also available on the web in a searchable format.

Most FCC rules are adopted by a process known as “notice and comment” rulemaking. Under that process, the FCC gives the public notice that it is considering adopting or modifying rules on a particular subject and seeks the public’s comment.

The Commission considers the comments received in developing final rules. For more information, check out our online summary of the Rulemaking Process at the FCC. Advisory Committees In 1972 Congress passed the Federal Advisory Committee Act to ensure that advice by advisory committees is objective and accessible to the public.

The Act put in place a process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these committees that provide valuable input from consumer groups, industry stakeholders, public safety officials and other interested parties. ◆ LJ 29

MATH ENGINEERING & SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT (MESA)

Develops California Youth San Francisco State University student Jose Estrada signed up for MESA’s Cisco Shadow and Mentor Program to add just one more line to his resume, as many college students do. He did not realize that signing up for the program would, in his own words, forever change his life.

This is music to Mae Torlakson’s ears.

She serves as the Corporate Partnership Liaison for the program ---Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA).

Jose and Mae symbolically, and literally, represent the shift to Silicon Valley and the new economy that is urgently needed in education today. That is, the move towards STEM skills and education in the academic fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In today’s world, the MESA program has been a model for the nation. It has been replicated in 12 other states and serves 28,000 educationally disadvantaged students in California alone. This program is needed now more than ever. Innovation and technology are the cornerstone of the global economy.

In 2014, job search website CareerCast. com named “mathematician” the best occupation of the year. Statisticians, actuaries, and computer system analysts

30

careers were also at the top of the list.

Currently, the United States’ students and workforce are not ready to respond to the needs of the new economy. We’ve seen the statistics. Students in the United States recently finished 27th in math and 20th in science in a ranking of 34 countries by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The World Economic Forum ranks the U.S. 48th in the quality of math and science education. In 2018, we are projected to be short 3 million high-skilled workers.

The numbers only get worse when focused on minorities in the STEM fields. In 2004, the Latino student dropout rate was 24% -- too high. In California, Latinos, African Americans and American Indians comprise 43.7% of the population, yet

received only 13% of all STEM degrees, the worst gap among all 50 states.

The light that has been illuminating the way forward? MESA. The program gives students the tools needed to become the engineers, scientists, and other mathbased professionals urgently needed by the global economy. The program is successful due to its unique combination of enrichment activities, competitions, academic support, as well as exciting industry and business partnerships.

MESA has served middle school, high school, community college, and university level students throughout California since 1970. Most MESA students are low-income, attend low-performing schools with few resources, and are often the first in their families to CONTINUES ON PAGE 32 »

Latino Journal

PG&E

POWER Pathway

Latina Introduces Vice President

V

ice President Joe Biden visited Oakland, California on April 10th of this year to demonstrate an outstanding example of workforce development. Through PG&E’s Power Pathway™ program, military veterans are given the opportunity to create professional connections and develop employment skills.

California State University, San Francisco, is grateful for PG&E’s

Launched in 2008, PG&E’s Power Pathway™ program works in partnership with local educational systems, the civic workforce investment, and industry employers to promote career pathways in the energy industry.

Latinos and Latinas in the community,” said Torres. “Just to give

Liz Torres, just one of 300 veteran graduates through Power Pathway™, had the honor of introducing VP Biden to 15 other students studying gas pipeline safety, who were nervous moments prior to meeting the vice president. Biden was on a two day trip to San Francisco and made time to visit these graduating students, who studied gas pipeline safety.

Power Pathway™ program, as it has aided her and many others in paying for training and certification. She wants to continue her education and is interested in studying law.

“I want to be a role model for kids; especially for the young them a little push and tell them not to give up.”

PG&E’s Power Pathway™ has graduated over 800 students, civilians and veterans alike, and helped them attain training and jobs in a growing industry. eighty percent of them are currently employed with PG&E. “Persistence is key,” Torres said. “Success is possible even for those that grew up in less than ideal settings. I just want all the

“It almost felt like a dream; I was waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up,” Torres said about meeting Biden. He visited their classroom in Oakland. Torres recalled feeling underdressed for the occasion, as she and her classmates were suited in construction work wear. Upon arriving, Biden mentioned he felt overdressed and changed attire to level with the students.

young people to know that. “

“He was very down to earth and was actually interested in who I am,” Torres said. “It’s rare for people, especially minorities to meet someone with that type of power.”

The aim is to train the next

All 15 students were able to speak with the vice president, who offered warm advice and appreciation for their service and for pursuing training and education in the energy industry.

need to be filled. Biden, during

Torres, who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at a

light on veterans and their service. ◆ LJ

Volume 19 Number 1

President

Obama

appointed

Biden to head the “Ready to Work” initiative that develops America’s workforce training. generation of workers and secure job placement for positions that

Laura Butler, VP of Inclusion & Diversity, Pacific Gas & Electric

his visit, complimented the veteran trainees and said that he not only wants to put their skills to work, but also wants to shine a

31

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

attend college. Latino Americans make up 56% percent of MESA students.

Almost twice as many MESA high school seniors go to college (76%), compared to all California high school graduates (41%). Fifty-three percent of MESA pre-college students go to college in STEM majors. And, an astonishing 97% of MESA community college students transfer to four-year institutions in STEM majors.

MESA’s Newest Success Part of MESA’s formula for success is its partnerships with business and industry in the STEM fields. Its most recent example of this is the Cisco Shadow and Mentor Program, Torlakson’s brainchild.

The program is a partnership between MESA and Cisco that provides shadowing and mentoring opportunities for MESA higher education students interested in pursuing careers in technology. In 2013 the first cohort of 30 pairs launched the effort, followed by 33 pairs in 20142015, and 51 pairs participating in today’s cohort. Of the Year 3 Cohort, 40% are Latino, 30% are Asian, 8% are Black, and 8% are Multi-Ethnic.

To kick off their experience, students spend

a half-day at Cisco learning more about the company’s technologies and solutions, meeting their individual mentors, shadowing their jobs, and then reflecting on the experience. Over the next year, the MESA student and Cisco mentor meet monthly for discussions on a range of topics.

“The program benefits MESA students by providing them with a first-hand look into actual careers in technology,” stated Torlakson. “Cisco, in turn, also benefits by having direct access to a uniquely diverse talent pool with high success potential and by getting to know prospective employees in a far more intimate manner than through the traditional hiring practice. It’s a win-win for California’s students, the STEM industry, and our economy.”

Since its inception just two years ago, the program has already seen great success.

Following the conclusion of the first two cohorts, six students – including Jose Estrada – have been hired by Cisco.

Torlakson, along with fellow MESA and Cisco colleagues, make up the team that leads the shadow and mentor program.

They are encouraged by the results they have seen so far. “Estrada and the other five students who were hired by Cisco represent perfectly the purpose behind

MESA – that is, developing STEM professionals who will be dedicated to and successful in these fields,” observes Oscar Porter, MESA Executive Director.

He further emphasized that developing STEM professionals is a critical mission in today’s world.

Closing the STEM Gap Today’s world is looking to STEM in a new way; one that was not even imagined just one generation ago. Along with the changes in technology and innovation, we are also seeing an unprecedented shift in the demographics of our nation and California.

It is partnerships like the MESA and Cisco joint effort that are the answer to what many have called ‘the STEM crisis.’

“There are major needs for STEM-trained professionals, and an enormous need to bring diversity to the fields MESA is focusing on.” stated Torlakson.

“The MESA partnership with Cisco is working because we are focusing on STEM academics while introducing diverse students to these fields.”

José Estrada and his fellow five Cisco hires represent real progress. The innovative techniques that MESA uses are a game changer. ◆ LJ

32

Latino Journal

BELIEVE IN THE POWER of

good.

Allstate is proud to support the Latino Journal.

Š 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.

Volume 19 Number 1

33

National Non-Profit Organization Advancing the Integration of Latinos into the Energy Framework of America In November 2012, four enthusiastic

five utility commissioners. With approx-

individuals – two men and two women -

imately 220 commissioners for all states

launched Hispanics In Energy (HIE) with

combined, very few of them are Hispanic.

a mission to seek and create the means and

Former Commissioner, Monica Martinez

ways to diversify America’s $1.4 trillion

of the Michigan Public Service Commis-

energy industry. Integration of this thriv-

sion, in 2010 asked the question, why do

ing sector means that Hispanic representa-

we not have Hispanics in Energy? That

tion will burgeon.

question led to the creation of HIE, a

America’s energy is regulated at the state

501(c)3 public benefit corporation.

level by utility commissions with each

Hispanics compose about 18% of the

state appointing or electing an average of

nation’s population, are nearly 54 million

Former Secretary of Interior and former U.S. Senator Ken Salazar, Congressman Tony Cárdenas and President of the Puerto Rico Senate Eduardo Bhatia met with HIE leadership in Washington DC to discuss ways to increase diversity and inclusion in the energy industry.

34

strong, and are the largest minority group in America. Still, very few hold executive roles in government agencies that oversee and regulate energy, or in the C-suite or middle management of leading industry corporations and firms.

HIE’s network includes almost 4,000 individuals representing utilities, utility commissions, community-based organizations, trade associations, business groups, educational institutions and Hispanic chambers of commerce from throughout the country. An array of talented energy experts from these groups have joined to move the HIE agenda forward; coming from management, regulatory affairs, human resources, policy, science, technology, engineering and science, from research and development, and other related fields.

HIE’s short term priorities include increasing energy literacy in the Latino community, especially in public policy, promoting diversity and inclusion in jobs in energy, and promoting supplier diversity for Hispanic businesses. We are grateful to the trade organizations such as Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and Amer-

Latino Journal

HIE President Monica Martinez (left) and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (right), Chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus, at the American Association of Blacks in Energy policy summit in Washington DC.

USHCC holds an energy panel at their legislative meeting in Washington D.C.

ican Petroleum Institute (API) for their

to the burgeoning call for education and

state’s large Latino population, increasing

willingness to examine this industry and

resources in this area, HIE is planning its

the cost to those least able to afford it. HIE

assess opportunities for greater diversity

next policy summit with America’s energy

was the sole Latino representative and

and inclusion in jobs and business.

leaders in Washington DC this fall.

speaker raising this issue, while hundreds

In 2013, HIE held its first energy policy

In 2014, along with the jobs in energy

summit

California,

initiative, HIE testified before the Arizona

followed by one in Washington DC. Both

Corporation Commission, on the high-cost

HIE supports renewable energy develop-

focused on energy literacy and in response

impact the Net Metering policy has on that

ment and has encouraged

in

Sacramento,

Former CEO Anne Shen Smith next to new CEO Dennis Arriola, Southern California Gas

of others spoke out in favor of more benefits for roof top solar owners.

Jesus Soto, SVP Engineering, Construction and Operations, PG&E (left) recognizes team members for supplier diversity achievement.

CONTINUES »

Geisha J. Williams, Executive VP, Electric Operations, PG&E (left) also recognizes her team for supplier diversity.

◀ Left: Commissioner Catherine J.K. Sandoval, California Public Utilities Commission (left) with Nancy Zarenda (right), Vice President, Hispanics In Energy.

▶ Right: Dennis Arriola, President & CEO, Southern California Gas, the first Hispanic to lead an energy utility in California, addressed the HIE attendees with a robust message promoting inclusion and diversity.

Volume 19 Number 1

35

HISPANICS IN ENERGY (CONT.) Latino businesses to look at the renewable energy side to create business opportunities. Few have taken up the challenge and some formidable opportunities have been hindered by the lack of access to capital to build their projects.

“We cannot get a PPA to provide the collateral a bank needs to finance our project” a former Admiral in the U.S. Navy shared with us. PPA, or Power Purchasing Agreements, are a contract to buy energy.

Another first took place in 2014 when both HIE and American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) collaborated to promote diversity in energy jobs, launching a national conversation with diverse communities in eight cities across America including Chicago, Bakersfield, Philadelphia, Las Cruces, Canton, Denver, Charlotte and Detroit. This effort included strategic relationships with the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the U.S. Department of Energy Minorities in Energy Initiative.

Reports produced by the accredited

consulting company IHS for the API, demonstrate how the energy sector will create an overwhelming number of well-paying union jobs caused by the growth of non-traditional drilling, or fracking, in several key areas around the country. These include New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Texas. California’s Monterey Shale is in a pause mode due to unmet technology thus preventing access to the immense deposit of oil.

building eight new refineries, 8,000 new

In 2015, HIE signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Energy to collaborate on key issues including workforce preparation with a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math); educating the population about energy in general and minimizing the carbon footprint on climate change.

energy legislation by Congressman Bobby

And, Mexico is opening up an estimated $13 trillion dollar energy opportunity by recomposing its energy governance and regulation permitting outside investment in its country's energy. This includes

gas stations, and upgrading its national pipeline and drilling in land and water, which will help Mexico catapult itself to one of the most robust economies of the world.

Earlier this year, HIE testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, in Washington DC, on proposed jobs in Rush (D-Il) from Chicago. The legislation is a first-ever effort for government and key national stakeholders to create a workforce specifically designed for the energy sector.

The upcoming HIE national energy summit in Washington DC will gather key influencers and review the State of Energy for Latinos in America. Stay tuned for more information by visiting the HIE website and you are invited to join. ◆ LJ

Key energy trade association leaders discuss the importance of inclusion and diversity in the energy industry at the AABE summit, with HIE as a supporting organization in Washington DC. (Left to right) Jack Gerard, American Petroleum Institute; Rhone Resch, Solar Energy Industries Association; Donald Santa, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America; Tom Kiernan, American Wind Energy Association; Richard J. Myers, Nuclear Energy Institute; Thomas R. Kuhn, Edison Electric Institute; Mike Duncan, American Coalition for Clean Coal

36

Latino Journal

Latino Elected Leadership AT THE STATE LEVEL IN CALIFORNIA, COLORADO & NEVADA

How well are Hispanics positioned to participate in the U.S. political process? Despite dramatic growth throughout America, Latinos are still out of reach of their proportional representation in both houses of state legislatures.

The Latino Journal embarked on an examination of these numbers and reveals results for the three states featured in this issue.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates for 2014, California, Nevada and Colorado are states with a high percentage of Hispanics. As seen below, a wide gap exists in equitable representation, and a numerical increase in Latino legislators is suggested in order to close that gap.

State

Latinos as a Percentage of Population

Total Legislators

Total Latino Legislators

Percent

Suggested Numerical Increase

California

38.4%

120

24

20.8%

24

Nevada

27.5%

63

6

9.5%

11

Colorado

21.0%

100

10

10.0%

11

California is home to 14.9 million Hispanics, the greatest number of any state in the nation. The Latino voters, however, make up about 24% of the total California vote and lags behind its 39% of the total population. It is difficult to believe that only two Latinos have been elected to statewide office in the last 130 years. California is a solid Democratic state. It wasn’t until 2014 that a Latino was elected as Senate President pro Tempore, Kevin de León, since 1883. To date, California has not yet elected a Latino to the U.S. Senate. Equitable representation in the political process will be achieved when Hispanics increase their legislative numbers and elect more Hispanic women and more Republicans. Now is the time for California to elect the second Latino governor and the first Latino U.S. Senator.

Nevada may elect its first Hispanic U.S. Senator in 2016. Possible contender include Democrat former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto. Hispanics are quickly becoming the go-to group for both Republicans and Democrats, and are the key to the electoral success of both parties. In the Legislature, Hispanics must more than double to reach proportional representation of the fast-growing Hispanic population of Nevada.

Colorado, home to prominent Hispanic political leaders, including former U.S. Senator Ken Salazar and former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, shows much promise for Latino civic engagement. Read more about State Senator Jesse Ulibarri and State Representative Joe Salazar, who lead the Latino Legislative Caucus. Colorado is challenged to more than double their Latino numbers in the legislature to mirror the State’s Latino population.

Volume 19, Number 1

37

California STATEWIDE ELECTED LEADERSHIP

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla (D) Secretary of State Alex Padilla, elected in 2014, is the second Hispanic elected to a statewide office California in modern times. He is committed to modernizing the office, increasing voter registration and participation, and strengthening voting rights.

Padilla previously served in the California State Senate and chaired the Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications. He championed legislation to combat climate change and create a greener, more sustainable economy and raised the energy consciousness of Californians.

Padilla's parents emigrated from Mexico and raised their family in the working class community of Pacoima, California.Padilla attended local public schools and went on to graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Padilla has served in many governance positions and more recently chaired the National Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).

Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D) The first Latino elected President pro Tempore of the California State Senate in more than 130 years, Senator Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) aims to make an impact on public education, climate change, and energy efficiency.

Senator de León authored legislation that created a first-in-the-nation retirement savings program for over 6.3 million workers in California’s private sector.

The senator, who serves with vigor and determination, has built a record of life-long dedication to public service. As a former educator who taught U.S. citizenship courses to immigrant communities, he took a stand in 1994 against Proposition 187, a voter-approved statewide initiative that denied government service to undocumented immigrant.

In response to this initiative, he organized the largest civil rights march in California history.

38

Latino Journal

California STATE SENATE Senator Kevin de Le贸n (SD-24)

Senator Ed Hern谩ndez (SD-22)

Senate President pro Tempore Chair, Senate Rules Committee

Chair, Senate Health Committee

State Capitol, Room 205 Sacramento, CA 95814

State Capitol, Room 2080 Sacramento, CA 95814

Tel: (916) 651-4024 Fax: (916) 651-4924

Tel: (916)651-4022 Fax: (916) 651-4922

Senator Ben Hueso (SD-40)

Senator Ricardo Lara (SD-33)

Vice Chair, California Latino Legislative Caucus

Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee

Chair, Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee

State Capitol, Room 5050 Sacramento, CA 95814

State Capitol, Room 4035 Sacramento, CA 95814

Tel: (916) 651-4033

Tel: (916) 651-4040 Fax: (916) 651-4940

Senator Tony Mendoza (SD-32) Chair, Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee State Capitol, Room 5061 Sacramento, CA 95814 Tel: (916) 651-4052 Fax: (916) 651-4932

Volume 19, Number 1

Subscribe to the Latino Journal Magazine by visiting: www.LatinoJournal.net

39

California STATE ASSEMBLY Assembly Member Luis Alejo (AD-30) Chair of the Democratic Latino Legislative Caucus Chair, Assembly Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0030 Tel: (916) 319-2030 Fax: (916) 319-2130

Assembly Member Nora Campos (AD-27) Member, Assembly Rules Committee State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0027 Tel: (916) 319-2027 Fax: (916) 319-2127

Assembly Member Susan Talamantes Eggman (AD-13) Chair, Assembly Democratic Caucus State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0013 Tel: (916) 319-2013 Fax: (916) 319-2113

Assembly Member Eduardo García (AD-56) Chair, Assembly Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy Committee State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0058 Tel: (916) 319-2058 Fax: (916) 319-2158

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Assembly Member Ian Calderón (AD-57) Chair, Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism & Internet Media Committee State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0057 Tel: (916) 319-2057 Fax: (916) 319-2157

Assembly Member Rocky Chávez (AD-76) R Vice Chair, Assembly Education Committee; Member of Veterans Affairs Committee State Capitol, Room 2170 P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0057 Tel: (916) 319-2076

Assembly Member Christina García (AD-58) Assistant Majority Floor Leader of the California State Assembly State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0058 Tel: (916) 319-2058 Fax: (916) 319-2158

Assembly Member Jimmy Gómez (AD-51) Chair, Assembly Appropriations Committee State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0051 Tel: (916) 319-2051 Fax: (916) 319-2151

Latino Journal

Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez (AD-80) Vice Chair, Assembly Local Government Committee State Capitol

Chair, Assembly Labor & Employment Committee State Capitol

P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0051

P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0048

Tel: (916) 319-2051 Fax: (916) 319-2151

Tel: (916) 319-2048 Fax: (916) 319-2148

Assembly Member Eric Linder (AD-60) R

Assembly Member Patty López (AD-39)

Vice Chair, Assembly Governmental Organization Committee

Member, Assembly Rules Committee (Alternate)

State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0030

State Capitol, P.O. Box 952849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0039

Tel: (916) 319-2060 Fax: (916) 319-2160

Tel: (916) 319-2039 Fax: (916) 319-2139

Assembly Member José Medina (AD-61)

Assembly Member Henry T. Perea (AD-31)

Chair, Assembly Higher Education Committee

Chair, Assembly Agriculture Committee

State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0061

State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0031

Tel: (916) 319-2061 Fax: (916) 319-2161

Tel: (916) 319-2031 Fax: (916) 319-2131

Assembly Member Anthony Rendon (AD-63)

Volume 19, Number 1

Assembly Member Roger Hernández (AD-40)

Assembly Member Freddie Rodríguez (AD-52)

Chair, Assembly Utilities & Commerce Committee State Capitol

Chair, Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management

P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0063

State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0052

Tel: (916) 319-2063 Fax: (916) 319-2163

Tel: (916) 319-2052 Fax: (916) 319-2152

41

California STATE ASSEMBLY (CONT.)

Assembly Member Rudy Salas (AD-32)

Assembly Member Miguel Santiago (AD-53)

Chair, Assembly Accountability & Administrative Review Committee

Majority Whip, California State Assembly

State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0052

State Capitol, P.O. BOX 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0053

Tel: (916) 319-2052 Fax: (916) 319-2132

Tel: (916) 319-2053

Assembly Member Tony Thurmond (AD-15) Chair, Assembly Budget Committee No. 1, Health and Human Services State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0030 Tel: (916) 319-2015

42

Latino Journal

Nevada STATEWIDE ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval (R) Governor Brian Sandoval is the first Hispanic to hold statewide office in Nevada and the youngest chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

He was born in Redding, California.

Sandoval was elected as Nevada Attorney General in November 2002.

At the recommendation of U.S. Senator Reid to then President George W. Bush, Sandoval was appointed as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Nevada.

Sandoval resigned in 2009 to successfully run for governor of the State of Nevada. In 2014, the moderate Sandoval was re-elected Governor with a resounding 71% of the vote.

Sandoval is widely supported and remains very popular throughout Nevada. He recently declined to run for U.S. Senate, a race many say he would easily win.

Nevada LATINO SENATORS Senator Mo Denis (SD-2) Past Chairperson 3204 Osage Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89101-1838 Tel: 702-657-6857

Senator Ruben Kihuen (SD-10) P.O. Box 427 Las Vegas, NV 89125-0427 Tel: 702-274-1707 Ruben.Kihuen@sen.state.nv.us

Moises.Denis@sen.state.nv.us

Volume 19, Number 1

43

Nevada

STATE ASSEMBLY

Assembly Member Irene Bustamante Adams (D-42)

Assembly Member Richard Carrillo (D-18)

401 South Carson Street Room 3156 Carson City, NV 89701-4747

01 South Carson Street Room 3130 Carson City, NV 89701-4747

Tel: 775-684-8803

Tel: 775-684-8801

Irene.BustamanteAdams@asm.state. nv.us

Richard.Carrillo@asm.state.nv.us

Chair, Latino Legislative Caucus

Assembly Member Edgar Flores (D-28) 401 South Carson Street Room 3124 Carson City, NV 89701-4747

401 South Carson Street Room 3129 Carson City, NV 89701-4747

Tel: 775-684-8583

Tel: 775-684-8599

Edgar.Flores@asm.state.nv.us

Nelson.Araujo@asm.state.nv.us

Assembly Member Teresa Benitez-Thompson (D-27)

44

Assembly Member Nelson Araujo (D-3)

Assembly Member Olivia DĂ­az (D-11)

401 South Carson Street Rm 3105 Carson City, NV 89701-4747

401 South Carson Street Room 4122 Carson City, NV 89701-4747

Tel: 775-684-8845

Tel: 775-684-8553

Teresa.BenĂ­tezThompson@asm. state. nv.us

Olivia.Diaz@asm.state.nv.us

Latino Journal

Colorado ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Colorado Lt. Governor Joseph A. García (D) Joseph A. García was selected by Governor John Hickenlooper as his running mate in 2010. They won the election making GarcíaColorado’s 48thLt. Governor.

Garcia was born in 1957 in Lafayette, Indiana. He attended Colorado schools and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1983. Throughout his career, he has excelled in practicing law and dedicated himself to public service.

Former Governor Ritter appointed García to the Western Interstate Commission in Higher Education. García later served as president of Pikes Peak Community College and then, as president of Colorado State University-Pueblo.

Today, Governor García also serves as the executive director of Higher Education in Colorado.

Colorado LATINO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS Senator Jesse Ulibarri (SD-21) Minority Caucus Chair Co-Chair, Latino Legislative Caucus 200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203 Capitol Phone: 303-866-4857 jessie.ulibarri.senate@state.co.us

Rep. Joseph Salazar (RD-31) Co-Chair, Latino Legislative Caucus 200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203 Capitol Phone: 303-866-2918 joseph.salazar.house@state.co.us

SD = Senate District RD = Representative District

Volume 19, Number 1

45

Colorado STATE SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVES

Senator Irene Aguilar (SD-32)

Senator Lucía Guzmán (SD-34)

200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203

200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203

Capitol Phone: 303-866-4852

Capitol Phone: 303-866-4862

irene.aguilar.senate@state.co.us

lucia.guzman.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Beth Martínez Humenik (SD-24)

Senator Leroy García (SD-3)

200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203

200 E. Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80203

Capitol Phone: 303-866-4863

Capitol Phone: 303-866-4878

beth.martinezhumenik.senate@state. co.us

Leroy.Garcia.Senate@state.co.us SenLeroyGarcia@gmail.com

Rep. Crisanta Durán (D-5)

Rep. Dominick Moreno (D-32)

Majority Leader

Assistant Majority Leader

200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203

200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203

Capitol Phone: 303-866-2348

Capitol Phone: 303-866-2964

crisanta.duran.house@state.co.us

dominick.moreno.house@state.co.us

Rep. Clarice Navarro (D-47) 200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203

Rep. Dan Pabon (D-4) Speaker Pro Tempore

Capitol Phone: 303-866-2905

200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203

clarice.navarro.house@state.co.us

Capitol Phone: 303-866-2954 dan.pabon.house@state.co.us

46

Latino Journal

TELACU Congratulates and Thanks The Latino Journal for 19 Years of Outstanding Service to Latino Communities!

THE ENERGY OF

» CLEAN AIR

California California suffers suffers from from the the worst worst air air quality quality in in the the nation, nation, particularly particularly in in the the South South Coast Coast and and San San Joaquin Joaquin Valley air districts (Long Beach to Fresno).

Valley air districts (Long Beach to Fresno).

Poor Poor air air quality quality creates creates specific specific health health impacts impacts in in these these areas areas and and frequently frequently it it is is the the most most vulnerable vulnerable who who are at risk.

Studies show that California has a wide health disparity problem that cuts along are at risk. Studies show that California has a wide health disparity problem that cuts along economic, economic, ethnic ethnic and racial divides.

This disparity adversely affects those living in communities near freeways, ports and and racial divides. This disparity adversely affects those living in communities near freeways, ports and rail rail depots. depots.

While While the the transportation transportation sector sector is is California’s California’s biggest biggest emissions emissions challenge, challenge, it it also also offers offers the the greatest greatest opportunity to improve air quality and quality of life.

All cost-effective solutions should be considered. opportunity to improve air quality and quality of life. All cost-effective solutions should be considered.

California California can can accelerate accelerate the the development development of of even even cleaner, cleaner, affordable affordable technologies technologies that that help help drive drive down down the cost of new heavy-duty engines using natural gas technologies. the cost of new heavy-duty engines using natural gas technologies. ® SoCalGas SoCalGas® believes believes we we can can and and should should take take actions actions to to clean clean the the air air we we all all breathe. breathe. That’s That’s why why we’re we’re working working with legislators in Sacramento to help shape sensible policies, focused on meeting our environmental with legislators in Sacramento to help shape sensible policies, focused on meeting our environmental goals. goals.

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