Volume 1, Edition 11 — August 2007

graduate from a University. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and in Public Administration, from Cal State Long Beach and later received a Multiple Subject Bilingual Teaching Credential. Soon afterward, Tony became a teacher at Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School in East Los Angeles .

After noticing the disparities between the city services of the working class communities and those of their more affluent neighbors, he and some college friends walked door to door – first to register voters, then to campaign for change.  Chosen as Artesia’s youngest and first Latino Mayor he served for a decade on the city council and left a legacy of hope for at-risk youth and victims of domestic violence.  Then, he bested a crowded field for the Democratic nomination for the 56^th Assembly District. His goal is to help other hardworking families and at-risk kids like him have a fighting chance to succeed.   

As a freshman legislator, Mendoza is authoring groundbreaking legislation like the anti-gang parental accountability act that The Sacramento Bee calls “one of the most novel proposals of the legislative season.”

In his new office hangs a Simon Silva print called “Amor de Padre,” (A Father’s Love.)  It is a deeply personal reminder of what he never had and what he ensures his children will never go without.  It is also a reminder of how he has taken his personal struggles and turned them into his passion, helping the hardworking families of his district and the children who await them at home.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Newsletter — August 2007

"Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures."

 Cesar Chavez  

 Tri-Caucus Legislative Task Force on Diabetes and Obesity met July 18^th 

Various members of the Tri – Caucus Task Force on Diabetes including Dymally and Hernandez where in attendance

There was full participation by all members in attendance at the Task Force meeting

Gov. Schwarzenegger participates at the CLYLP mock floor session

On July 18^th, the Tri-Caucus Legislative Task Force on Diabetes and Obesity held a briefing for the legislative members at the Grand Sheraton Hotel.  The task force was established by ACR 114, which was authored by Assemblymember Joe Coto in 2006.  The purpose of the task force is to study the factors that lead to high rates of diabetes and obesity among African Americans, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, Latino Americans, and Native Americans.  The task force consists of Assemblymembers, Senators, and researchers and doctors from universities and organizations across the state.  The task force will prepare a report, including possible legislative proposals to fight diabetes, at the end of the year.

various members from industries that specialize in researching and combating diabetes.  Maria Robles facilitated the session along with Assemblymember Coto . The meeting started off with brief introductions from the members, including statements from the API Caucus, Black Caucus, Latino Caucus, and the Diabetes Biotechnology Foundation which sponsored the dinner. It was followed by presentations from industry scientists about cutting edge diabetes research, followed by questions from the legislators.  The meeting concluded with a discussion of the process and possible dates for the full task force.

The Tri-Caucus Legislative Task Force on Diabetes and Obesity will continue to discuss and propose possible solutions to the growing problem of diabetes in California .  Assemblymember Joe Coto stated, “I’m impressed with the commitment and support this initiative has already received and I’m confident that we’ll be able to develop legislative solutions that will address this crisis.”

Si se puede!  Si se puede!  That was the chant that filled the air Wednesday morning outside the Capitol.  Over 100 energetic high school students from all around California gathered in Sacramento to announce their presence as California ’s future leaders.

Latino Legislative Caucus Vice Chair Senator Gil Cedillo stated on Wednesday morning that, “the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Program was intended to find ‘the best and brightest’ of California ’s Latino youth and it is evident that they accomplished their goal.” Anyone who had a chance to speak with the participating students could attest to the intelligence, determination and enthusiasm each one possessed.

program. They learn about the legislative process through participation in mock hearings and lectures from Latino legislators.  Other activities consist of campaign development workshops, College Day and information on Chicano/Latino culture and history.  The program, which was developed to enhance the leadership potential of California ’s youth, celebrated its 25^th anniversary this year.

At a press conference during the week, student speaker Andrea Negrete of Parlier, CA, described her experience as an awakening, one in which she has gained more confidence in herself, and her culture.  She shared that her goal was to become a professor.  Other students expressed similar reactions to the program and observers got a good indication of what California ’s future leaders look like - an energetic group ready to tackle the issues that face their communities.

The Latino Legislative Caucus is pleased to announce sponsorship of a Housing and Home Ownership Summit, October 11^th and 12^th, 2007, at the Del Coronado Hotel in San Diego . 

This conference will be the second in a series of statewide conferences and summits focusing on the five goal areas of the Caucus.  The focus areas include education, health, housing, economic development and leadership.  The first state-wide meeting was an education symposium held in March of this year at the Barona Valley Ranch in San Diego County . 

produce a compelling public policy agenda regarding the demands for housing created by a surging population in California , particularly among Latinos.

Former Secretary of Housing Henry Cisneros has been invited to offer the keynote address. Panelists leading the sessions will include some of the most knowledgeable individuals in California ’s housing and related fields.  Attendees will include: members of the legislature, Latino elected officials, lending industry representatives, public policy representatives, consumer representatives, developer/builder  representatives, leadership development representatives, university faculty and students in related areas, media and government agencies dealing with home ownership issues. 

On May 16, Assemblyman Joe Coto (D – San Jose), Chairman of the Assembly Insurance Committee, convened a hearing to look into "Insurance Industry Investment in Urban and Economically Disadvantaged Communities."  What is frequently referred to as "community reinvestment" has been an issue of controversy and debate for over a decade.  The banking industry is required by law to devote a portion of their resources to underserved communities; the question before the committee was whether the insurance industry should be held to the same standard.

results than insurance companies.  Assemblyman Coto looked into reasons why these sectors have succeeded and what lessons can be learned and applied to the insurance industry.

California Public Utilities Commission President, Michael Peevey, insisted that the industry's regulator MUST make community development investments a priority.  He also commented that once the insurance industry gets past its initial resistance, it will see that profitable investments that help underserved communities exist.  According to banking executives, banks also initially resisted the idea that profits could be earned by investing in community development projects.  However, after years of pressure from banking regulators, banks now actively compete to earn the right to invest in community development projects.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Newsletter — August 2007

From June 18th to August 10th, eight Sacramento area high school students participated in the CLCA Summer Internship Program.  The goal of the program is to provide high school students of color from underserved communities a chance to gain meaningful professional experience in public service and to provide mentorship and support for these students to pursue their higher education goals.  The students serve as interns for state legislators at the Capitol. They spend a minimum of 10 to 15 hours weekly learning about the legislative process, drafting letters, conducting research, and performing other duties as assigned.  Interns also participate in two mock hearings to help foster their understanding of the legislative process. 

CLCA is a Sacramento based professional organization that brings California ’s legislative staff, legislative advocates, the Sacramento community, and other Latino professionals around the state together to promote the professional development of its members.  CLCA has a rich history in the Sacramento Capitol community.  For over two decades, the association has provided a supportive, positive community for legislative staff, legislative advocates, and anyone interested in supporting Latino issues.

2007 CLCA Summer Interns

• Nataly Cuellar, junior, Inderkum High School – Office of Assemblywoman Mary Salas
• Uriel Gonzalez, sophomore, Cristo Rey High School – Office of Assemblyman Anthony Portantino 
• Amalia Labrado, senior, Sheldon High School – Office of Assemblywoman Karen Bass
• Gilberto Ramirez, junior, Davis Senior High School – Office of Assemblyman Jose Solorio 
• Nicolas Ramirez, sophomore, Cristo Rey High School – Office of Assemblyman Pedro Nava
• Monique Rivera, senior, Valley High School – Office of Assemblyman Juan Arambula
• Vanessa Rodriguez, junior, Hiram Johnson High School – Office of Assemblyman Kevin De León
• Alixandra Slaughter, junior, Natomas High School – Office of Assemblyman Mike Davis