January 2014
Volume 2 Issue 1!
!
!
!
!
www.saclatino.com!
!
!
$3.99
2014: Latinos Flexing Their Political Muscle Hilda Solis For LA County Supervisor Former U.S. Labor Secretary
Alex Padilla For Secretary of State State Senator
Kevin de Leon For State Senate President Pro Tem
Amanda Renteria For U.S. Congress Chief of Staff
The 2014 Elections could present a number of “Firsts” for California Latinos
Advertise Today! Magazine is your key vehicle to reach California Latinos... “SacLatino Magazine brings attention to big issues, separating what is important from what is not. It explains confusing and misleading information into factual knowledge. And, provides a wealth of thought provoking topics in exceptionally well written articles complimented with stunning photography. “ ! ! ! ! ! ! - Stephanie Salinas, Publisher, SacLatino
Commit to one-year of advertising and receive up to 30 % discount on regular prices! Contact us at info@saclatino.com for more information
Publisher始s Message
In 2014, our message needs to be louder! ! HAPPY NEW YEAR! There is no question that from now on, especially in national, state and local politics, we all need to lead by example. This holds true in education, economic development and political empowerment. ! Last year, we faced some tough challenges including the continued high dropout rates among high school Latino males, high teen-pregnancy among our young Latinas, and continued double digit unemployment numbers in the Central Valley. But, we also saw a glimmer of hope in the appointment of Dr. Joseph Castro as President of Fresno State, the election of a strong Latino as City Councilmember in Modesto, and the potential of job growth in the Central Valley through the Bullet Train and energy opportunities. We also learned in 2013 through a Pew Hispanic study that our communities do not know their leaders. This is a major concern now that we are in major statewide election year. The good thing is we will have perhaps the largest number of Latinos running for local, state and national office in the state始s history...perhaps a Table of Contents: none surprise considering we comprise the state始s largest population. The key will be whether these candidates Latinos Flexing Their Political Muscle represent the best interest of their party or the Latino " " " " .... Page 6 community? In this issue of SacLatino Magazine, we introduce Latino Professionals Development Project you to a number of candidates who are Latino and running " " " " ....Page 10 for office. We want you to get to know them, so we始ve included their websites. Moreover, we want you to decide if 21st District, the Battle for Political these candidates have the Latino community at heart to Dominance" " " " earn your support. Enjoy. " " " " .... Page 18
Stephanie Salinas, Publisher
Scandal Brings Out Political Heavy Hitters " " " " .... Page 26 Senator Kevin de Leon Aims for President Pro Tem " " " " .... Page 29
The Staff: Stephanie L. Salinas, Publisher Adrian Perez, Editor-In-Chief Cris Perez, Chief Operations Officer Sherry Martinez, Account Executive Cecelia Perez, Illustrator/Graphic Design
Latino Immigrant Millennials Lead Charge for Change " " " " .... Page 30
About SacLatino ! SacLatino and SacLatino.com are published and owned by SacLatino LLC, a private, for-profit public relations and communications business. For comments, information, or submit articles, write to: SacLatino, 2648 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815 or email us at info@saclatino.com . Any article and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of SacLatino, SacLatino.com or SacLatino LLC, but remain solely those of the author(s). SacLatino and SacLatino.com are copyrighted and its contents may not be copied or used without prior written consent. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
January 2014 g SacLatino.com 3
This exciting and powerful reception has grown in stature and attendance over the years. Those joining us include constitutional officers, legislators, appointees, business leaders, local elected officials, labor and community leaders from all over California. The two-hour, non-partisan business mixer format permits attendees to do strategic networking as the California Legislature and Governor Brown begin work on 2014 policy issues. 4!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
Watch Video Click Here
Los Angeles is proud to be the seventh of ten chapters in the national Minds Matter organization (www.mindsmatter.org). In addition to Los Angeles, Minds Matter has established chapters in New York, Boston, Denver, Chicago, Portland, Cleveland, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Minneapolis/St. Paul. San Francisco and Los Angeles both launched in October 2010. Minds Matter is a transformative program that inspires students by providing knowledge and skills necessary for unlocking their full potential and enhancing academic performance. Minds Matter was established in New York in 1991 by six Wall Street professionals to mentor and tutor inner-city high school students, as well as assist them with applications to competitive preparatory schools. For more information, or to Donate, go to http://mindsmatterla.org/site/
January 2014 g SacLatino.com 5
Latinos Flexing Their Political Muscle
Latinos Flexing Their Political Muscle
" Although California has had a very rich Spanish-Mexican history, it has had only one governor of Latino descent since becoming a state in 1850. Romualdo Pacheco, Republican, served as Californiaʼs 12th governor in 1875, for one year to complete his predecessorʼs remaining term. Otherwise, California has never elected a governor who was Latino. With the growing number of Latino voters today, will this change within the next decade? ! Latinos will officially become Californiaʼs majority population in 2014, an election year where local and statewide offices will be determined. As a result, both main parties are aggressively seeking support in hopes of gaining or retaining representation in all districts. ! Key to campaigning efforts will be the actual get-out-the-vote strategies, which continues to be the main struggle every campaign year according to a U.C. Davis report. Specifically, the report found that: • In 2012, Latinos increased their share of California voters, but their proportion of voters is still not representative of their share of the stateʼs citizen voting eligible population; • Despite large increases in voter registration,
more than 60% of eligible Latino adult citizens did not to vote in the 2012 general election. • 2012 Latino turnout of registered voters decreased 9 percentage points over 2008 Latino turnout. • The proportion of actual Latino voters registered as Democratic has been steadily declining over the last decade. Latino No Party Preference voters are on the rise. • Keeping the current Latino eligible turnout rate constant, Latinos are projected to be 30% of Californiaʼs voting electorate in 2040. This report, authored by Mindy Romero, Founding Project Director, California Civic Engagement Project, delineates a common occurrence among Latino voters - apathy.
! 6!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
!
!
!
Continued Next Page
VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOT VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * V VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VO VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VO VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOT ! In 2012, 60 VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VO percent of eligible VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * Latinos in California did VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VO not vote, a percentage nearly VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * 20 points higher than eligible VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOT VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * V non-Latinos in the state. The VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * turnout of eligible Latinos was only 39.4 VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VO percent, while eligible non-Latinos turned VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * out at a rate of 57.3 percent. This needs to be VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOT of concern if Latinos want to elect more Latinos VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * V VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * into office. VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VO ! Of the two major parties in California, the VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * Republican party has the most to lose with waning Latino VOTE * VOTE * VOT voter turnout. A stark statistic that should worry Republicans is VOTE * VOTE * V VOTE * VOTE * that one-third of Latino eligible voters are between the ages of 18 VOTE * VO and 29. Young Latino voters are less conservative than their parents VOTE * and are more sensitive to issues like immigration reform, legalizing VOT
cannibus and gay marriage.
! "When you talk about these hot-button social issues that are percolating to the top of the agenda, the younger Latinos and younger Asians are more likely to be in sync with the white (liberal) population," says Mark DiCamillo, Director of the Field Poll which published this finding. "That's a long-term problem for the Republicans." ! At their spring convention, California Republicans elected former State Senator JIm Brulte as their chair, a leader who relates more to Latinos than his predecessor. But, the party also adopted the same conservative platform that has lost them voters across the state. Today, Republicans comprise less than 30 percent of all California voters. ! Regardless of their numbers, Latino Republicans are running for office, including former Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado, who is seeking to become California始s first elected governor who is Latino. In addition, the 26th Assembly district is more than likely going to elect a Latino Republican since it is a strong Republican seat and the two leading contenders are
Latinos. ! Four years ago, the California Democratic Party had a chance to run several Latinos for statewide office, but opted to run an all White slate, except for State Controller John Chiang, who is Asian. The decision did not set well with many Latino leaders, all the candidates were voted into office. In 2012, Democrats achieved a super-majority, meaning they controlled both houses in the Capitol including 27 Latino legislators. Latino Democrats may see one, perhaps two statewide seats, State Controller (Assembly Speaker John Perez) and Secretary of State (State Senator Alex Padilla.) Of the two, only Padilla will have a worthy opponent in current Commissioner with the Board of Equalization Betty Yee. ! So where are the best opportunities for Latino candidates? Local races. These are also viewed as having the most significant influence on Latino始s daily lives. ! ! ! ! Continued Page 9 January 2014 g SacLatino.com 7
Latinos Flexing Their Political Muscle ! In Californiaʼs Capitol of Sacramento, voters could elect the first Latino/a city councilmember in over a decade. East Sacramentoʼs born and bred Rosalyn Van Buren would, if elected, also be responsible for the largest and most lucrative council district. ! In the stateʼs Central Valley, Amanda Renteria, the first Latina Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, is running for the 21st Congressional District. Renteria, a Democrat, is a Stanford graduate with a Harvard Masterʼs degree whose expertise in agriculture making her a prime candidate for the ag-rich Central Valley. If elected, she would be the first female and Latina to represent the Central Valley in Congress. ! Of the races mentioned above, except that of Rosalyn Van Buren, all could be determined with a strong Latino voter turnout. Van Burenʼs seat will depend on a strong democrat and republican turnout. ! Californiaʼs Latino voters could make a major difference especially once it achieves political maturity statewide. It reached political maturity in Los Angeles in the 1970s and it is poised to reach maturity in the Central Valley, which cumulatively touts the third largest Latino population in the nation behind Los Angeles and Houston. ! Political maturity is an essential ingredient to ensure the representation of Latinos in elected offices (school boards, local, state, and federal government, and quasi-government boards and commissions.) It means being able to identify, prepare, raise funds, and generate the votes to get candidates elected. It also includes getting candidates trained to r u n f o r o f fi c e , o b t a i n endorsements, and able to r a i s e m o n e y. More i m p o r t a n t l y, i t m e a n s understanding the voters. ! For example, this is the profile of Californiaʼs Latino voters:
that age range. By contrast, only 24% of all California eligible voters and 22 percent of all U.S. eligible voters are ages 18 to 29.
Citizenship and Nativity Among Latino eligible voters in California, 28 percent are naturalized U.S. citizens. This compares with 25 percent of Latino eligible voters in the U.S. and 20 percent of all eligible voters in California, but just 8 percent of eligible voters in the U.S overall.
National Origin Latino eligible voters in California have a different national origin profile from Latino eligible voters nationwide. More than eight-in-ten (81%) of Latino eligible voters in California are of Mexican origin, 4 percent are of Salvadoran origin, and 15 percent claim other national origin. Among all Latino eligible voters nationwide, only six in ten (59%) are Mexican, 2 percent are Salavadoran, and nearly four-in-ten (38%) are of some other national origin.
Educational Attainment More than one-quarter of Latino eligible voters in California (26%) have not completed high school, about double the 13 percent of all California eligible voters who have not completed high school. ! ! ! ! Continued Page 19
Age One-third of Latino eligible voters in California (35%) are ages 18 to 29, similar to the share of all Latino eligible voters nationwide (33%) in
January 2014 g SacLatino.com 9
Latinos Flexing Their Political Muscle
Latino Professionals Development Project Seven counties in the Central Valley have a majority Latino population
" California is host to numerous associations, networks, and societies for Latino professionals ranging from nursing to engineers, from accounting to insurance. Each has a goal of creating activities and events where these professionals can network, learn and grow their respective trades. However, California is in crisis, where Latino youth are not receiving an education necessary to take on future jobs; where economic development is relegated to nonprofits; and, where political empowerment means supporting platforms that do not improve the status of Latinos in California. ! This year, Latinos in California will be celebrating two significant milestones, becoming 40 percent of the population and becoming the largest population segment. With this growth comes the responsibility of taking on tasks and issues that at one time appeared like they did not pertain to Latinos. It also means that Latinos need to assume leadership roles and ownership of the problems specifically in the areas of education, economic development and political empowerment. ! The Central Valley is a region where Latino population growth is reaching majorities in cities and counties like Modesto and Fresno. In the Sacramento region, Latinos will reach majorities by 2020. ! Still, these regions tout Stephanie Salinas, Project the highest school dropout Organizer rates for Latinos and the highest teen pregnancy rates for Latinas. They also tout the poorest incomes and 10!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
low political influence. In fact, the city of Fresno, with one of the most prestigious universities in the nation, Fresno State, only has a 16 percent college educated population. ! To address these three areas of concern, the Latino Professionals Development Project was established. Its focus is to work with Latino professionals, nonprofits, elected officials and educational institutions to heighten awareness, increase participation and provide training toward improving educational attainment, economic growth and political empowerment. ! To date, there are several communities that have taken interest in the project, but only three have been formally established: The Latino Professionals of Sacramento; The Latino Professionals of Modesto; and, The Latino Professionals of Fresno. Communities looking to join are Bakersfield, Visalia, Marysville/Yuba City, and Salinas/Monterey. ! The Project is recruiting participants through a combination of workshops and meet and greet events, designed to provide quality and essential information. In addition, a conference is being planned for the Fall of 2014 where Latino Professionals, government leaders, and major industries identify needs and strategies to improve Latinos始 quality of life.
January 2014 g SacLatino.com 11
Latinos and Local Elected Seats
Tony Madrigal Wins Modesto City Council Seat Changes looming for city with majority Latino population
Newly elected City Councilmember Tony Madrigal (Right) with Fred Garcia of the American GI Forum
! Modestoʼs City Council District 2 is as tough as it is diverse. Comprised mostly of Latinos and Asians, it is also home to Black and Whites. It is also home to the largest number of unemployed, which has led to the rise of numerous gangs, drugs and crime. ! Being a poor district has also led to the rise in basic infrastructure needs, like pothole repairs and fixing deteriorating sidewalks. ! With the current Councilman not seeking reelection, it presented an opportunity for three Latinos to seek the office, each with a goal of fixing the problems in District 2. ! Tony Mardigal, 39, is a seasoned politician and campaigner, who grew up in the Modesto area and works as a substitute teacher. He left the area to attend
12!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
UC Santa Cruz, where he stayed and served eight years as a city councilmember, focusing on gang prevention and economic development. That experience convinced Modesto voters that he had what is needed in this tough district. ! “I moved back to Modesto to be closer to my mom and family,” says Madrigal. “I was the strongest candidate with eight years of city council experience.” ! Madrigal says he looks forward in being active in the local community and has already initiated the “Nopal Festival” in the nearby community of Ceres. It is a project he brought back with him from Santa Cruz, which this year attracted thousands. - SacLatino
Latino Candidates 2014
Van Buren aims to be the first Latina on Sacramentoʼs City Council in over a decade Smart and determined, Rosalyn Van Buren is vying for the largest and most lucrative district in Sacramento
SACRAMENTO, CA -- Rosalyn Van Buren is personable, likable and very smart. But most of all, sheʼs a mom and someone who really cares about her community. ! Born and raised in East Sacramento, the very district she seeks to represent, Rosalynʼs mother was a nurse and her father a social worker. They along with the Catholic schools she attended, taught her the importance of volunteering and helping the less fortunate. ! Each summer, Rosalyn would spend her summers at her grandfatherʼs farm, where she learned work ethic and hard labor. Her grandfather, Jose Soto, was the first Mexican American farmer in Sacramento County. He was also the first to use organic methods to grow crops. ! Rosalyn attended the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California, where she majored in English. As a student, she formed a student organization to help the surviving elementary children from the Cleveland Elementary massacre, which left 5 children dead and 29 wounded. The organization evolved into a student community outreach effort, providing tutoring and mentoring for this and other public elementary schools. ! Upon graduating, she returned to East Sacramento where she established a successful real estate business. After several years, she sold the business to pursue her true passion, working with community based organizations that help underserved children. ! As a mother of two, a daughter and son, Rosalyn is especially sensitive to the needs of children
in Sacramentoʼs most challenged areas. Working with local school districts, she took on providing mentoring children identified as have extra special needs. Using calming techniques and one-on-one tutorial support, she was able to impact the lives of ethnically diverse students. ! Today, Rosalyn is the Executive Director for the organization Our Kids Community Breakfast Club, which provides breakfast and educational services primarily to elementary age children in Sacramentoʼs Oak Park and Del Paso Heights. In addition to providing breakfast, she incorporated an arts and reading component, where the parents can also benefit. ! Rosalyn also serves on the UC Davis Medical Center Advisory Board, the Mayorʼs Gang Prevention Task Force, and a member on the Vida de Oro Folk Art Festival Board of Directors. ! Rosalyn hopes to become the first Latino/ Latina to serve in Sacramentoʼs City Council in over a decade. Her candidacy has obtained the endorsement of Senator Richard Polanco (retired), Mayor Heather Fargo (retired), current City Councilmember Bonnie Pannell, former City Councilmember Ray Trethway, Deptuy District Attorney Maggie Krell, and numerous business owners and individuals. ! District 3 is large and diverse encompassing East Sacramento, Sac State University, CalExpo, Northgate/Gardenland, South Natomas, Discovery Park, Richards Boulevard, and the Rail Yards. ! For more information about Rosalyn, visit her website at www.vanburenforcitycouncil.com. January 2014 g SacLatino.com 13
Latino Candidates 2014
The 26th Assembly Seat could elect its first Latino Republican ! Esther Barajas is an insurance broker in Visalia, California. Born in Mexico City, her parents immigrated to the United States, settling in San Diego, where young Esther developed her hard work ethic and can do attitude by watching her parents work to build a better life for their children at work and in the home. ! In what she describes as of one of the proudest and happiest days of her life, Esther became a United States citizen in 2005. After graduating from San Diego¹s Mission Bay High School in 1997, Esther continued her education by getting a degree in Interior Design from the highly acclaimed Institute of Design and Merchandising. ! In 2007, Esther relocated to Visalia, California, which she now calls home. She quickly became involved with her community joining the Rotary International and founding the first Latino Rotary Chapter in Tulare County. She is an active board member of the Latino Political Action Committee, a graduate of Leadership Visalia, and is a member of the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. ! Tulare ranks among the lowest in the State for employment and percentage of high school graduates, college graduates, and college graduated returning to the area. Esther plans, once she is in the State Assembly, to work at finding solutions to the districtʼs employment and educational problems. ! As a natural problem solver and communicator, Esther has the ability and desire to reach across party lines to build the coalitions necessary to solve problems and find solutions. ! For more information about Esther Barajas, visit her website at www.estherbarajas.com.
14!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
! Born to farmworker parents, Rudy Mendoza is a fi r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Mexican-American who picked oranges and grapes in Central Valley fields until the age of t w e n t y. H e l a t e r became a farm manager starting his own business helping o t h e r s m a l l b u s i n e s s o w n e r s c o m p l y w i t h burdensome regulations. An active member in his community, Rudy got involved with many local education boards and community commissions. In 2008, he ran and was elected to the Woodlake City Council and was elected mayor of Woodlake earlier this year. ! Rudy understands the obstacles to “pulling yourself up by the bootstraps” because he had to overcome them himself. If elected to the California State Assembly, he states he will fight for every constituent who wants to improve his or her life; every worker who wants to move up the ladder; every woman who wants to start a company; every businessman who wants to expand his enterprise; and, every parent who wants more opportunities for his or her children to prosper. ! Rudy believes that instead of providing a helping hand for these efforts, the government often gets in the way. and as an Assemblyman, he will fight to make government a partner, not an opponent and strip away the layers of bureaucracy, mandates, and taxes that stifle entrepreneurship. He states that California has many resources, but its single greatest resource is the creative and hard-working people of California. ! For more information about Rudy Mendoza, visit his website www.mendozaforassembly.com.
Latino Candidates 2014
Student education a focus for Assembly Candidate Diana Rodriguez is a candidate for the 9th Assembly District. She is currently an elected trustee of the Sacramento City U n i fi e d S c h o o l District having been first elected in 2008, and then re-elected to a second term in 2012. Diana has been and continues to be a leading voice against harmful school closures, proper spending of the districtʼs $440 million budget, and increasing transparency in school policy. As an advocate for working families and children she supported policies to improve schools and put the best teachers in the classrooms and championed to disclose how the district spends taxpayer dollars, resulting in the posting of all requests for bids, consulting contracts, purchase orders and the districtʼs expenditure reports and cash flow statements. Diana has served as president of the school board and has been active in improved education efforts at the state and federal level including Past Board Member and Secretary, for the nation-wide Parent/Teacher Home Visit Program; Chair, Sacramento 2010 US Census Latino Complete Count Committee; Delegate Assembly Member, California School Boards Association. She has participated in the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, and completed the National Economic Policy Institute from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and has a degree in finance from DeVry University. Diana is a long-time public servant with a combined 15 years of public service work in all branches of local government – school, city, county and state. She currently works as a manager for the State of California and lives in Sacramento with her three daughters - Ezra, Taja, and Alana. For more information on Diana Rodriguez, visit her website www.dianarodriguezforassembly.com
Entrepreneur would look out for working families ! As the only son of Mexican immigrants, Lou Gonzales is no stranger to hard work. ! Throughout his childhood, Lou would watch his Dad leave every morning to spend all day and most nights working to provide for the family of three during his 41-year career with the Southern Pacific railroad. ! After graduating from High School in Arbuckle, CA, Lou enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his Country. Following his service in the Army, he moved to Southern California, where his affinity for cars and his career with automobiles began. ! With his ability to speak Spanish and amiable nature, Lou immediately landed a job with an auto parts store in North Los Angeles, where he developed his knowledge of automobiles and the people skills to establish lasting relationships. Since then, Lou has never looked back, and his hard work, commitment to his community, and desire to succeed continue to lay the groundwork for a successful career. ! Today, Lou is the President and CEO of Antelope Valley Chevrolet and Acton Ace Hardware, and is also seeking to serve his community more by running for the 36th Assembly District. ! As the next Assemblyman for the Antelope Valley, Lou plans to use his experience and knowledge to focus on job creation, economic opportunity, and public safety for the hard working families of the region. ! Lou is also a volunteer and supporter of the Antelope Valley Union High Schoolʼs Be Cool Stay in School program, the Help Support Grace Resource Center, the Antelope Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the American Cancer Society. ! Lou Gonzales and his wife Joyce live in Lancaster where they are parents to five children, as well as the proud grandparents of five grandkids. ! www.lou4assembly.com January 2014 g SacLatino.com 15
Latino Candidates 2014
San Francisco could elect its first Latino Assemblymember ! Two-term San Francisco Supervisor David Campos is seeking to replace Assemblymember Tom Ammiano and represent District 17. The Guatemalan immigrant is a Harvard Law School grad and has been in public service since 1999. ! Coming together with his parents and two sisters as an undocumented immigrant at age 14, David Campos escaped from war-torn Guatemala. Despite not initially speaking English, David excelled in school, graduating at the top of his class from Jefferson High School, in a poverty-ridden section of South Central Los Angeles. David earned scholarships to Stanford University and Harvard Law School. ! He began his career in public service in 1999, serving as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco. As a Deputy City Attorney, David handled a variety of important legal matters and cases, including serving as the lead counsel in implementing the San Francisco Unified School Districtʼs school desegregation. ! Davidʼs dedication to youth and education continued as a Police Commissioner and San Francisco Supervisor. A long-time advocate of community policing, David worked to bring police and violence prevention organizations together and helped reduce violence in the Mission and other neighborhoods. ! As Chair of San Franciscoʼs Transportation Authority, David led the successful effort to provide free transit on MUNI for low-income youth, an effort made necessary in part by the loss of school buses to state and local budget cuts. ! Health care has always been a priority for Supervisor Campos, who led successful negotiations to keep St. Lukeʼs hospital open in the Mission, 16!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
focused attention on restaurant workers who werenʼt receiving the health care consumers were paying for, and worked closely with Planned Parenthood to devise legislation to stop harassment of patients at a womenʼs health clinic near St Lukeʼs. ! David is a strong supporter of clean energy and authored San Franciscoʼs Community Choice Aggregation law, which will soon launch to bring San Franciscans the choice to purchase clean energy. ! Campos would be the first Latino to be elected to the State Assembly in the history of San Francisco, and continue a recent tradition of openlygay leaders serving in the seat, beginning with Carole Migden (1996-2002) and continuing with Mark Leno (2002-2008) and Tom Ammiano (2008 to present). More info at www.davidcampossf.com
Latino Candidates 2014
Bonnie Garcia, seeks to return to Sacramento as State Senator for the 28th Senate District ! Bonnie Garcia (R-Cathedral City) was elected to California's 80th Assembly District in 2002, serving eastern Riverside County and all of Imperial County. She became the first Hispanic woman to represent the district and the first Puerto Rican elected to the California legislature. Now as a candidate for the 28th Senate District, a safe Republican seat, Bonnie begins an untraditional campaign as a Republican Latina. ! “This is what a Latina Republican looks like,” she told a group as she stood in the middle of a half-circle of people. “Itʼs like a unicorn sighting.” ! She has buckled trends in California, gained support of a powerful union, and sat on the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors. Bonnieʼs style and self-confidence has allowed her to plow her own path, making her a trailblazer and unique Latina leader. ! Born as one of five children in Manhattan's Lower East Side to a young Puerto Rican couple who divorced soon after her birth, Bonnie was raised in a law enforcement and military family, making public service and safety a tradition in her household. ! She has taught at the university level, even though she did not receive her Bachelor of Science degree until age thirty-eight, spending countless evening hours in class. Earning a degree in workforce development from Southern
Illinois University, Bonnie served as a bilingual service provider for a member of the state assembly and senate before getting elected. ! Once elected, Bonnie assumed leadership roles, fighting for her constituency and being recognized as a consensus builder, working both sides of the aisle to produce good public policy. Her abilities were quickly recognized and she was asked to be a member of Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggerʼs transition team. In addition, she was named as on of Californiaʼs delegates to the Republican National Convention. ! In 2008, after being termed out as a m e m b e r o f t h e A s s e m b l y, G o v. Schwarzenegger appointed Bonnie as Chairwoman to the state's Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. ! Her candidacy to the State Senate is producing new and continued support from unions and Latinas across the state. More recently, she received a significant donation and support from the United Domestic Workers of American, which also campaigned for her in her quest for State Assembly. In addition, the Hispanas for Political Equality (HOPE) have been making public statement of her support. ! Bonnieʼs vast experiences make her a very unique public servant with a demonstrated commitment to her constituency and California. ! Visit www.bonniegarcia.org January 2014 g SacLatino.com 17
Latino Candidates 2014
21st Congressional District - The battle for political dominance With Democrats seeking to make the Central Valley blue, Republicans may be struggling to retain its dominance in this agricultural land. It is especially evident in the 21st Congressional District where Latino voters will experience a major as moderate Democrats and a moderate Republican face each other in 2014. Of the three candidates vying for this seat, two are of Mexican descent and one is of Portuguese descent. Two have legislative experience at the national level, and one does not. But all three bring business savvy and a concern about the educational and economic development of Latinos in this agriculturally rich district. "
Amanda Renteria, Democrat ! There is only one female running for this Congressional seat, Amanda Renteria, a moderate Democrat who is no stranger to the halls of Capitol Hill in Washington. As the first Latina to be chief of staff in the US Senate, she is a native to the district she seeks to represent. Born and raised in the community of Woodlake, she is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who worked the land until they were able to establish their own small business. She played sports and attended Stanford University, where she competed in sports and graduated with degrees in Economics and Political Science, with honors. ! Upon graduation, Amanda worked as an investments analyst in Los Angeles for four years before deciding to return to Woodlake, where she became a teacher. In addition to teaching advanced math and economics, Amanda was also the coach for the girls始 junior varsity basketball and softball teams. After teaching for several years, Amanda decided and was accepted to the Harvard Business School where she earned a master's degree in business administration with a focus on public and nonprofit management. She returned to California working as a special consultant for the city of San Jose where she managed budgeting processes for 43 city departments. ! In 2005 Amanda was asked to join the office of California's US Senator Dianne Feinstein as an advisor on economic issues where she contributed greatly to the American Innovation Global Competitiveness for workforce development and job creation. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Continued On Page 20 18!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
Latinos Flexing Their Political Muscle Continued from page 9
Homeownership Nearly six-in-ten Latino eligible voters in California (57%) live in owneroccupied homes, similar to the share of all Latino eligible voters nationwide (58%). Somewhat greater shares of all eligible voters in California (62%) and all eligible voters nationwide (69%) live in owner-occupied homes.
Number of Eligible Voters White eligible voters outnumber Latino eligible voters in California by about 2 to 1; Latino eligible voters outnumber Asian eligible voters by about 2 to 1 and black eligible voters by more than 3 to 1. ! California was once a significant Republican state, responsible for the election of Ronald Reagan, which included garnering 45 percent of the Latino vote. However, because of bad public policy approaches, including anti-immigrant legislation, the GOP has strengthened the Democratic party始s support by Latinos. However, that too is subject to change based on the growing number of undeclared Latino voters. - SacLatino
January 2014 g SacLatino.com 19
Latino Candidates 2014 Within a year, Amanda moved to the office of US Senator Debbie Stabenow, the Chairwoman of the Senate Agricultural Committee and a member of the Budget Finance and Energy Committees. Soon, Amanda was promoted to Chief of Staff becoming the first Latina to hold that post in the history of the U.S. Senate. While overseeing the Senate Ag Committee she worked on and gained passage of the 2012 Farm Bill, which was only one of very few bills gaining bipartisan support. ! Amanda is married, the mother of two children and her husband Pat is co-founder of an early stage brain health technology company and teaches entrepreneurship in Fresno Stateʼs MBA program. ! For more information about Amanda Renteria, visit her website at www.amandarenteria.com.
John Hernandez, Democrat ! John Hernandez is the former President of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as “Executive of the Year” by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Two years ago, John ran for Congress and was defeated by David Valadao, who is running for reelection. ! John is the son of a railroad union man and a politically active mother who worked on behalf of veterans through the American GI Forum. A graduate from Fresno State with a degree in History, he has worked for the insurance industry and has helped businesses grow through his involvement with the Chamber of Commerce. ! In his 2012 campaign for Congress, John did not receive the Democratic Partyʼs endorsement, yet with a struggling campaign, he was able to beat the Partyʼs candidate to face Republican Valadao in the November election. Although he lost by 15 percentage points, his campaign caught the eye of many who like to see the underdog win. For 2014, it appears history may repeat itself with the Democratic Party endorsing Democratic challenger Amanda Renteria over Hernandez. ! “Weʼve been working all summer,” John says. “The key is we have name recognition up and down this district.” ! Johnʼs activity is tenacious and his seeking of local union support is unwavering. He knows that if he can get Latinos to vote, he will win. However, even though Latinos are the majority in the district, and, theoretically it is a democrat district, the low voter turnout has allowed the seat to be Republican. John is married to his wife Karen and have been living in Fresno for over 17 years. ! For more information about John Hernandez, visit www.johnhernandezforcongress.com. 20!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
Latino Candidates 2014 David Valadao, Republican – Incumbent !
As a first-term Congressman, David Valadao has made a name for himself, especially in the hotly debated issue of immigration reform. A first generation man of Portuguese descent, David is sensitive to this issue, especially after seeing his parents work hard and experience the American dream. ! Born in Hanford, California, David worked along side his father, who started a small dairy in Kings County. Upon graduating from Hanford High School, he attended the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California. ! In 2010, David ran for state Assembly to replace retiring Assemblyman Danny Gilmore. He won the seat easily, defeating Shafter Mayor Fran Florez in the November election. But, it was his election win for Congress in 2012 that caught the eye of many, including the Wall Street Journal, which recommended the GOP take notice on how to win an election in a Democratic seat. ! In C o n g r e s s , D a v i d s e r v e s o n th e Committee on Appropriations; Subcommittee on Agricultural, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies; and, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch. More recently, he joined the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Initiative to call on Immigration Reform. ! David is also active in local causes including: the Children's Hospital of Central California; 4-H and Future Farmers of America; and, various Catholic Charities. In Congress, he is a member of Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, a member of the Congressional Sportsmans Caucus, Co-chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, Cochair of the Congressional Portuguese American Caucus, a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, a member of the Congressional Small Business Information Technology Caucus, member of the US-Mexico Friendship Caucus, member of the Congressional Caucus on Brazil, member of the Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus, member of the Congressional Valley Fever Ta s k F o r c e , a n d m e m b e r o f t h e Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. ! David is married, has three children and lives in Hanford, California. ! For more information about David Valadao, visit www.valadaoforcongress.com. January 2014 g SacLatino.com 21
Latino Candidates 2014
Stateʼs Assembly Speaker John Perez seeks to become State Controller Californiaʼs Assembly Speaker John A. Perez join the California Legislature at the peak of the economic slowdown. Five years later, the State of California has a surplus and appears to be headed the right direction. ! John A. Pérez is Speaker of the California State Assembly and has been a state legislator from Los Angeles since 2008. He is running for the office of California State Controller in 2014. In describing his reason for seeking the office, Pérez emphasized that while Californiaʼs economy has improved significantly in recent years, considerable work remains. ! “California has made great strides in its path to recovery, but our work is far from complete. Iʼm running for Controller to ensure our government reflects the values of the people of California and increases prosperity, by managing our finances smartly, efficiently and effectively,” Pérez said. ! Pérez noted that when he first joined the State Assembly, Californiaʼs budget deficit was more than $60 billion, over half the state budget for the year. “Fiscal restraint has been crucial to putting our finances back in the black, and will remain vital to ensuring a prosperous future for our state,” Pérez added. ! Pérez also noted the important role of the Controller in expanding opportunity for California families, an aspiration that has guided his career. “Balancing our books is essential, but this job is about even more. Itʼs about promoting the financial stability that can offer every Californian 22!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our stateʼs prosperity. I will continue to advance smart investment decisions that help businesses, create jobs and unleash Californiaʼs full potential,” he said. ! Since Pérez became Speaker of the Assembly in 2010, his leadership has helped C a l i f o r n i a m a k e s i g n i fi c a n t s t r i d e s i n strengthening opportunity for the middle class and restoring fiscal responsibility, including: P a s s i n g O n Ti m e a n d B a l a n c e d S t a t e Budgets. Pérez has led the State Assembly in passing balanced and on-time budgets three years in a row – a first in 30 years. The budgets
Latino Candidates 2014
have eliminated the stateʼs structural deficit, balanced its books and improved Californiaʼs credit rating – as the nationʼs credit rating declined. As a result, California has spent $480 million less in debt financing this year alone. The Assembly also laid the groundwork for a November 2014 ballot initiative to create a Rainy Day Fund that will protect the state budget during boom and bust cycles. ! Helping Businesses, Creating Jobs. Pérez introduced and led the passage of legislation creating GoBiz, to improve the stateʼs efforts to attract new businesses and investments in California. Under his tenure, the legislature also strengthened key industries like tourism and trade that employ millions of Californians, provided tax credits for emerging industries like green manufacturing, and made reforms to state efforts to encourage business activity in distressed communities. ! Making Work Pay. Pérez helped secure passage of legislation that raises the state minimum wage to $10 per hour, which will boost an individualʼs earnings by $4,000 per year and put $2.6 billion into the hands of California workers. ! Passing Middle-Class Scholarships. Landmark legislation authored by Pérez will put higher education within the reach of more California families, cutting student fees at UC and CSU by up to 40% for middle-class families.
! Expanding Access to Health Care. Pérez helped lead Californiaʼs implementation of President Obamaʼs Affordable Care Act, including the expansion of Medi-Cal coverage to over one million low-income and uninsured Californians. He also authored legislation creating Covered California, the first health benefits exchange in the nation, offering health insurance at a lower cost to more than two million California families and small businesses. ! Pérez has dedicated his career to improving the lives of Californians and advancing the prosperity of our state. Growing up in the working class communities of East Los Angeles, his parents taught him the value of hard work and community service. He served in the private sector labor movement prior to joining the state legislature, and has also served on numerous boards and commissions focused on public policy at the city, state and national level. ! As the first openly gay person to be elected to the position of Assembly Speaker in the country, Pérez has been a longtime advocate on behalf of the LGBT Community. He has been especially active in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He has been a leader with AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Latino Coalition against AIDS, and the California Center for Regional Leadership. ! For more information on John A. Pérez and his vision for California, visit: Web – www.PerezForController.com January 2014 g SacLatino.com 23
Latino Candidates 2014
As Secretary of State, Can Alex Padilla get more Latino voters to vote? From Los Angeles City Council by age 26 to State Senator, Alex Padilla has demonstrated a genuine concern for constituencies at local and state levels. As Secretary of State he could infuse renewed energy and direction. ! In his fifteen years in elected office, California State Senator Alex Padilla has built an impressive record of accomplishment and has been recognized for his exceptional leadership skills. Now Alex Padilla is running for Secretary of State to engage millions of new voters and make it easier to start a business in the biggest state in the country. As Secretary of State, Alex Padilla seeks to: • Reduce by half the 10 million Californians who are not registered or not voting • Restore trust in government with new campaign finance disclosure • Use technology to provide better information about how to register and vote • Expand options for time, place and method of voting • Eliminate the backlog of business filings • Institute a one-week turnaround for registering a new business ! As State Senator, Alex Padilla represents more than 1.1 million people in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. More than 70 Padilla bills have been signed into law since he was elected to the State Senate in 2006. Around the Capitol recently named Padilla one of 2013ʼs “Most Effective "I'm proud to have the support of so many Legislators,” citing his ability to “cross ideological lines, take on of my colleagues in this campaign,” said big bills and keep warring parties within the caucus.” State Senator Alex Padilla. ! Frequently mentioned as one of Americaʼs Latino rising 24!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
Latino Candidates 2014
stars, Alex Padilla is now President of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), representing more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed officials nationwide. ! Winning a seat on the Los Angeles City Council at the age of 26, Alex Padilla was later elected by his peers as President of the Council, becoming the first Latino and youngest member ever to serve as President. During his term as City Council President, Padilla also was elected as the President of the California League of Cities, the first Latino to serve in that position. ! Alex Padilla chairs the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Select Committee on Science, Innovation and Public Policy. Padilla also serves as a member of the following committees: Appropriations; Business, Professions, and Economic Development; Elections and Constitutional Amendments; Governmental Organization; and Labor. ! Like so many Californians, Padillaʼs parents emigrated here in pursuit of the American Dream. His father, a retired member of UNITE HERE, worked as a short order cook and his mother cleaned houses. Alex Padilla grew up in the working class neighborhood of Pacoima, graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering and now serves as a member of the MIT Board of Trustees. ! He lives in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles with his wife Angela and their two sons. Website: www.padilla4sofs.com.
Senator Alex Padilla officially launched his campaign for Secretary of State on April 11th of this year. Since that time, he has been traveling throughout the state meeting with voters, local elected officials, community leaders, and county election officers to get their perspectives on the Secretary of State’s office. January 2014 g SacLatino.com 25
Latino Candidates 2014
32nd State Senate District brings out slew of candidates to overcome scandal - includes a who’s-who of political powerhouses...
From teacher to legislator, Tony Mendoza knows there is more that needs to get done Can he bring stability to a predominantly Democratic district marred by a scandal that may push voters to go Republican? ! Assemblyman Tony Mendoza was born at Hoover Hospital in South Central Los Angeles, the second youngest of nine children. As a young man living in a single parent home, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of working families and the opportunities that a good education can provide. ! Mendoza was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. He enrolled at California State University, Long Beach where he earned his Bachelorʼs Degree in Political Science: Public Administration, later earning his Multiple Subject Bilingual Teaching Credential at California State University, Los Angeles. Now, he is enrolled at the University of Southern California for an Executive Masters in Leadership. ! For more than 10 years, Mendoza taught elementary school in East Los Angeles while serving as a member of the board of directors of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). He was also a representative with the California Teachers Association (CTA) and the National Education Association (NEA). ! His eagerness to help others motivated him to run for public office and allowed him to win a seat on the Artesia City Council. In 1997, Mendoza became the youngest and first Latino member of the Artesia City Council. A year later, he became the youngest to serve as the cityʼs mayor at the age of 26. After three 26!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
successful terms on the city council and teaching for 10 years, Mendoza decided he could best serve fellow educators, parents, and the community by running for State Assembly. ! In 2006, Mendoza won a seat in the Assembly and served the 56th District, representing the communities of Artesia, Buena Park, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Los Nietos, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier and Whittier. Due to term limits, Mendoza left the Assembly in December of 2012. Tony has returned to the classroom in East Los Angeles as an elementary school teacher. He is also working with Tri City Regional Medical Center as Senior Program Manager for the Parent Nutrition Program with Activate Hawaiian Gardens. ! Assembly member Mendozaʼs legislative ! ! ! ! Continued Next Page
Latino Candidates 2014 career has resulted in multiple bills he authored being signed by the Governor and adopted into law. His bill AB 97, passed in 2008, made California the first state in the nation to ban the use of Trans Fats—the healthdeteriorating food ingredient—in restaurants. His parenting education legislation, AB 1291, passed in 2007 allows judges to sentence the parents of children with first-time gang offenses to anti-gang parenting education classes that prevent further involvement in the gang related lifestyle and its activities. In 2011, AB 22 was signed into law by Gov. Brown, which prohibits the use of Credit Checks in the
hiring process. ! Mendoza also leads the charge to improve healthcare and educational needs for overlooked and under served communities. He served as Past Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and was a member of the Assemblyʼs Agriculture, Elections, Rules, and Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism & Internet Media Committees. ! Tony lives in Artesia with his wife, Leticia, their three daughters and their son. ! Visit www.tonymendoza.net.
Sally Morales Havice seeks to rejoin state legislature after 10-year absence Havice joins in on an opportunity to represent the 32nd State Senate District
Sally Havice has lived nearly her entire life in the Cerritos-Norwalk area. Throughout her career as a college professor, school board member and State Assemblywoman, Sally has always dedicated herself to improving the quality of life of the constituents she represented and helping to provide an education to her students. After graduating from local schools, Sally ventured into the workforce and worked her way through business school. But her passion for education continued to push her forward. She worked her way through Cerritos College where she was invited to lifetime membership in the Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society and graduated with honors. She then transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where she graduated (cum laude) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in Linguistics – all while working full-time and raising her three sons. Sally did doctoral studies at the University of California and the University of Hawaii. In 1989, she ran for and won a seat on the ABC Unified School District Board of Education,
where she served until her election in 1996 to the California State Assembly. Havice was overwhelmingly re-elected to the Legislature in 1998 and 2000. After being termed out from the state legislature, she returned to her profession as a teacher at Cerritos College. Sally Havice has committed her life to education and young people and children. For 30 years Sally has taught English composition and literature as well as speech communication at Cerritos College. At Cerritos College, she has also served as the Interim Assistant Dean of Liberal Arts and as the Community Liaison for the Cultural Performing Arts. She was President of the Cerritos College Faculty Association, a member of the Faculty Senate, and was honored by her colleagues by being elected Outstanding Faculty Senator. Currently, she is the campus representative to the California Community College Association (CCA-CTA). Sally is the proud mother of three sons — Edward, a physician; Raul, a police officer; and Joseph, a computer engineer – and a grandmother of 12. More info www.facebook.com/haviceforsenate January 2014 g SacLatino.com 27
Latino Candidates 2014
Mario Guerra, named “Nonpartisan Elected Official of the Year,” seeks 32nd State Senate Seat as a GOP candidate Guerraʼs like-ability may appeal to voters frustrated with “politics as usual” and potentially upset a crowd of known democratic leaders
! Mario Guerra is Mayor of Downey, California, a businessman, an ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church, a Chaplain of the Downey Police Department and community leader. He came from Cuba at the age of 6 and was raised locally. ! After majoring in Economics he Co-Founded Scanlon-Guerra-Burke Insurance Brokers (SGB-NIA ) and has been President of the firm, which was named one of the Top 10 largest brokerage firms in Southern California by the Los Angeles Business Journal and also named as one of the Top 100 Brokers in the United States. ! Mario and his wife Ann are co-founders of Angel Tree for Downey which last year served over 275 children during the holidays. They also founded the Diakonia Foundation, which gives scholarships to local High School kids for community service and outreach to others. ! As Mayor, Mario started and served as Chairman of Downeyʼs Green Task Force, led Downey as one of the finalists for Most Business Friendly City several times and has helped create
over 6000 new jobs in Downey over the past 4 years. He has helped facilitate the revitalization and planning of Downtown Downey, being instrumental in starting a Farmers Market in Downtown Downey. He believes that community involvement makes a difference and attended over 120 of the new neighborhood watch groups started in Downey in the past 3 years. ! Mario was first elected to the Downey City Council in the November 2006 with 64% of the vote and was re-elected in November 2010. He served as Mayor from 2008 to December 2009 and was sworn in as Mayor again in December of 2012. His Healthy Downey initiative has helped bring attention and sustainability to health awareness issues confronting our community and Walking Wednesdays with the Mayor have become community gatherings. ! Mario is very proud to have been named NonPartisan Elected Official of the Year for Los Angeles County. ! Mario, his wife Ann, and their five children have proudly made Downey their home for over 35 years. ! More information: www.guerraforsenate.com.
The 32nd State Senate District has also attracted the following notable candidates who have not formally organized a campaign, but have publicly acknowledged their candidacy: Dr. Irella Perez, Democrat and current Trustee with the Whittier Unified School District; Sandra Salazar, Democrat and current Trustee with the Cerritos Community College District; and, Jorge Robles, Democrat and a current Peace Officer. Source: Around the Capitol. 28!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
Latino Candidates 2014
Poised to become the first President Pro Tem of the California State Senate who is Latino ! No, Kevin de Leon is not running for office. He is a current State Senator representing the 22nd Senate District. So why is he included in this election issue? He could become the State Senateʼs leader and one of the most powerful elected officials in California. ! As the Senateʼs President Pro Tem, his role would be to manage legislation, appoint committee leaders, lead the Senate Rules Committee which approves gubernatorial appointees, and negotiates the state budget. He would be the highest ranking Latino in state government. ! Raised in San Diegoʼs Logan Heights, de Leon knows the challenges Latinos in California face, especially in urban areas. An educator who taught English as a second language and U.S. citizenship, de Leon served in the California State Assembly beginning in 2006 where he chaired the powerful Appropriations Committee. ! In his eight years representing voters of his Los Angeles district, de Leon has championed legislation affecting residents across the state. He pushed the issues of immigration, gang violence, and wage differentials. He introduced bills that address the sale of gun ammunition, overtime pay for domestic workers, driverʼs licenses for the undocumented, and energy efficiency in schools. ! In 2009, de Leon made a move to become the next Speaker of the Assembly, but his bid was cut short when former Speaker Karen Bass pushed a relatively unknown freshman legislator John Perez. Although Speaker Bass was criticized, many later learned it was part of a maneuver so she could get
elected to Congress. ! De Leon later said that losing the Speakership was “one of the great things to happen to me,” because he grew from the experience. He sights the ability to work better with his colleagues, became more patient, and them with policies, goals and ambitions. ! In the State Senate, de Leon has continued to make a name for himself as a champion of those less fortunate and supporter of common sense public policy. He received national recognition for bringing up and pushing for retirement security for private sector employees. ! However, six months ago all his work may have collapsed around him as the scandal regarding Senator Ron Calderon accepting bribes broke into national news. Calderon, a seasoned political figure from Los Angeles, is being investigated by the FBI and the California Fair Political Practices Commission for accepting quid pro quo bribes by an FBI agent posing as a major film maker. In the FBI affidavit, de Leonʼs name is mentioned 56 times, and is also mentioned as having accepted $5,000 in campaign contributions from the undercover agent. However, neither the FBI or the FPPC are investigating de Leon. ! De Leon has made no secret of his interest in becoming the next President Pro Tem of the Senate and current Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, who is termed out, has been guiding de Leon. ! If he becomes President Pro Tem of the State Senate, Kevin de Leon will also become one of Californiaʼs most powerful elected leaders. SacLatino January 2014 g SacLatino.com 29
Latino Candidates 2014
! Young boomers who went to the streets in protest during the 1960ʼs are now finding themselves at the opposite end of the spectrum as todayʼs young adults are getting frustrated with the bureaucracy. Otherwise known as the “New Left,” student radicals during the sixties stood up against: conformist views of the fifties, including the draft, voting rights, union representation, equal rights, equal pay, and a stronger say in government. ! Sound familiar? That generation known as the Baby Boomers, along with the Chicano movement, shares similar fervor of todayʼs generation of young adults. The current generation, now known as the Millennials, are looking to Cesar Chavezʼs strategies and spirit to guide them for what they believe are critical issues: Social equality, job opportunities, equal pay, education, stronger voice in government, and immigration reform. Latino Millennials ! Nationally, the total number of Millennials 18-29 account for forty-six million Americans, of which Latinos make up nearly 20 percent. The nonLatino White population is experiencing a record low of just a little over 59 percent. In California, A Pew Study shows Latinos ages 49 and under makes up 64 percent of its overall Latino population. ! In terms of issues, studies show Latino 30!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
millennials are especially disappointed with President Barack Obamaʼs administration for maintaining the largest deportations of undocumented immigrants by any President holding office since 2008. ! The Administrationʼs insensitivity to the impact on families (many which had one or both parents deported and children left in foster care), to the deportation of military servicemen and women, the immigrant children whose lives, no fault of their own, are a question mark after having grown up as Americans, but living without a country. ! Of those protesting only the group known as the DREAMERs have the most to lose. There are 1.7 million undocumented Latinos age 30 and under, who live in fear of deportation. Their economic contributions have been documented by the nationʼs most respected economists, yet bureaucrats use them as bait and scapegoats for all the economic ills America faces. ! Frustrating among Latino millennials is the lack of Boomer respect responsiveness, considering they were the ones who lead for political and social change in the 60s. Who Latino Millennials? ! The makeup of the young may reflect a more diverse picture today than it did 50 years ago. Besides race, studies have found very distinct
Latino Candidates 2014
Latino Millennials expressing frustration with Boomers Will the US see a youth revolt like it experienced in the ‘60s? By Stephanie Salinas
differences in characteristics that are quite contrary to older Americans. ! Todayʼs youth are less religious. In fact one in four do not associate themselves to a specific religion. Latinos were once believed to be all Catholic identified themselves as Evangelicals, protestants, and even Mormon. ! Where Boomers are still focused on divisions based on gender and race, Millennials are viewed as twice more tolerant of different races. In fact, demographers believe interracial marriages will be highest among this group, breaking existing racial barriers across the nation. ! Millennials are more politically progressive and studies suggest this group will force both dominant political parties to rethink their current divisive strategies. This may be largest group to identify themselves as “declined to state” and opt not to align themselves with either Democrats or Republicans. Moreover, in California, which has the top-two vote getter system for the primaries, the odds of third party and no-party candidates stand a good chance to get elected into state-level office. ! Finally, Millennials view Boomers as a selfish group without regard toward addressing the economic challenges being created for Millennials to fix. This includes the burden of Obamacare, Social Security, government pensions and world relations. Moreover, there are not enough jobs currently for
the millions of Millennials graduating with a college degree. Discouraged and Fed Up! ! As a result of the lack of economic progress, opportunity and political cohesion Millennials are frustrated with a future ruled by the oldest class of Americans. President John F. Kennedyʼs famous quote “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country,” is the type of attitude more Millennials are adopting as a broken government continues its trend of being a disappointment. ! Writer Zoe Carpenter of The Nation recently wrote, “In sharp contrast to 2008, a mere 20 percent of Millennials today think that government spending is the way to improve the economy.” ! By seeing those under 35 experience a 37 percent drop in net work between 2005 to 2010 and student debt now reaching over $1 trillion, current bureaucratic leaders are begging for a Millennial revolt. ! Latino DREAMERs are leading the charge for change, but this is merely a drop in the bucket. Todayʼs lack of voting is not apathy, but frustration with bureaucratic leaders. Millennials are reaching a point where demands for change will reflect those of Boomers fifty years ago. - SacLatino January 2014 g SacLatino.com 31
Latino Candidates 2014
The Honorable Hilda Solis comes home and runs for LA County Supervisor ! The Honorable Hilda L. Solis was confirmed as Secretary of Labor on February 24, 2009, becoming the first Latina to serve in the United States Cabinet. Prior to confirmation as Secretary of Labor, Secretary Solis represented the 32nd Congressional District in California, a position she held from 2001 to 2009. ! In the Congress, Solisʼ priorities included expanding access to affordable health care, protecting the environment, and improving the lives of working families. A recognized leader on clean energy jobs, she authored the Green Jobs Act which provided funding for “green” collar job training for veterans, displaced workers, at risk youth, and individuals in families under 200 percent of the federal poverty line. ! In 2007, Solis was appointed to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the Helsinki Commission), as well as the Mexico — United States Interparliamentary Group. In June 2007, Solis was elected Vice Chair of the Helsinki Commission's General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions. She was the only U.S. elected official to serve on this Committee. ! A nationally recognized leader on the environment, Solis became the first woman to receive the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2000 32!
SacLatino.com g January 2014
for her pioneering work on environmental justice issues. Her California environmental justice legislation, enacted in 1999, was the first of its kind in the nation to become law. ! Upon leaving the position of Labor Secretary, Solis took a position as a scholar in residence at CalPoly Pomona where she guest lectured in classes, mentored students in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, and helped faculty develop curriculum. ! Solis is the daughter of immigrant parents who met while attending citizenship class. Her father was a Teamster organizer in Mexico and continued his organizing after arriving in the U.S. Her mother was also a union activist, fighting for better working conditions on behalf of the United Rubber Workers. ! Upon graduating from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and earning a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, she worked as a federal employee, including in the Carter White House Office of Hispanic Affairs and later as a management analyst with the Office of Management and Budget in the Civil Rights Division. ! Solisʼ political career began in 1985 when she ran and won a seat on the Rio Hondo Community
Latino Candidates 2014
College District. ! Solis was reelected for a second term when in 1991 she decided to run for the newly created Assembly seat. Handedly winning the seat, she was one of seven new Latino Assemblymembers known as “Los Siete.” ! As a member of the State Assembly, Solis took on visible issues including a bill that would have allowed undocumented immigrants in the United States to attend California colleges as long as they in California. ! In 1994, Solis ran and won election to the State Senate, replacing Art Torres who had decided to run for state Commissioner. She had become the youngest and first Latina elected to the State Senate and the first woman to represent the San Gabriel Valley. She easily won reelection and became known for tackling labor, education and environmental issues. ! As State Senator, Solis was best known for introducing a landmark law that was first of its kind in the nation and set precedence for environmental laws. The law protected low-income and minority communities from landfills, pollution sources and other environmental hazards in communities that were already burdened with such industries. Her work in environmental justice prompted her being recognized
with the Profile in Courage Award by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. ! In 2000, after being termed out, Solis opted to run against Matthew “Marty” Martinez, a 18-year veteran congressman who was well liked by business, but not labor. Using her Labor connections, Solis soundly defeated Martinez ! In 2008, Solis was a strong support of Hilary Clinton for President, but upon Barack Obamaʼs nomination, and knowing he needed the Latino vote, he courted Solis to get her support. ! After becoming President, Obamaʼs transition team identified and recommended Solis for Secretary of the Department of Labor. Upon naming her for the post, she became the first Hispanic to hold this office and the first Latina to serve any cabinet post. ! If elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Solis would be replacing a long-time friend and mentor, Gloria Molina. In 1991, Molina named Solis to the Los Angeles County Commission on Insurance, setting her up for a political career. ! Solis is married to Sam Sayyad, who owns an auto repair business. She is the third of seven children from Raul and Juana Barela Solis. ! For more info: http://www.hildasolis.com/ January 2014 g SacLatino.com 33
Hispanic Chamber Events
Click Here
San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 13th Annual Latina Business Conference When: Thursday, Mar 20, 2014 Where: Hilton Stockton 2313 Grand Canal Blvd. Stockton,CA 95207 Call: (209) 943-6117 for more information
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 11:00am to 1:30pm
Millennium Hotel * 506 So. Grand Ave * Los Angeles, CA CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
No other publication is talking about critical issues like SacLatino Magazine. Here’s what you can expect in the coming months: “The Economic Impacts of Fracking” “Vocational Schools for Present and Future Jobs” “Small Businesses, the Backbone of the Latino Economy” “Culture in Health: Kaiser’s Latino Health Center” “Crisis in Latino Education” “45 Years of the Chicano Movement”
www.saclatino.com
Cheers and Beers to the Sacramento Taco Festival on October 4, 2014