Historical Overview of The Latino Caucus
Latinos have continually sought to increase their political representation in all levels of government. However, it was not until the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s that Latinos were able to reap the benefits of their political organizing. As a result, the last three decades of the 20th century have been witness to the effects of Latino's increasing political power.
The first two Latinos in the California State Legislature in modern history were elected in 1962. Phil Soto (1962-1966), a Democrat from La Puente, and John Moreno (1962-1964), a Democrat from Los Angeles, were elected to the State Assembly and served prior to the formation of the Latino Legislative Caucus. Most importantly, their elections set the precedent for a long line of Latino legislators committed to the service of their communities. In 1968, Alex Garcia, a Democrat from Los Angeles, was elected to the Assembly and, in 1970, Peter Chacon, a Democrat from San Diego, followed suit.
In 1972, three more Latinos were elected to the State Assembly: Joseph Montoya, Ray Gonzales, and Richard Alatorre. Aware of their unified strength, the five Latinos serving in the State Legislature officially formed the Chicano Legislative Caucus in 1973. The establishment of the Caucus marked a significant turning point in the political empowerment of the Latino community. For the first time in California's legislative history, an agenda was formulated and legislative priorities were developed to protect and preserve the rights of Latinos throughout California.
Today, the Latino Legislative Caucus is comprised of twenty-seven members: nine Senators and eighteen Assembly Members. It is one of the most influential organizations within the State Legislature. Its members hold strategic leadership positions and focus primarily on improving the quality of life for working families in California. Currently, due to the changing demographics of California, it is apparent that the issues affecting Latinos in California are issues that affect all Californians.
1970's
Once in office in 1973, the members of the newly formed Chicano Legislative Caucus, chaired by Assembly Member Alatorre, began to collectively organize and tackle issues of concern to Latinos and all Californians. The Caucus held weekly meetings when the Legislature was in session to discuss important policy issues such as labor issues affecting farmworkers. Their work ultimately led to the establishment of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which provided increased protections for California's farmworkers. Other issues of concern to the Chicano Caucus included the passage of the Bilingual Education Act in 1973, which provided for equal education for English Learners in California's schools. The availability and accessibility of affordable housing for working families; the implementation of outreach programs to diversify student enrollment in California public colleges and universities; and the state government workforce were also issues of great concern for the Caucus.
The Latino Caucus' dedication to grassroots organizing gave it the reputation of being highly responsive to constituent concerns, and brought to light issues affecting Latinos in California. During Assembly Member Chacon's Chairmanship from 1978 to 1991, the Chicano Caucus held regional meetings in various locations across California to discuss issues concerning Latino communities and published a newsletter. Throughout the 1970s, the staff assisting the Caucus were primarily interns and volunteers. It was not until the early 1980s that the Speaker of the Assembly assigned a staff member to the Chicano Caucus.
1980's
Many point to Assembly Member Alatorre's leadership in formulating the 1980 reapportionment plan as a turning point for the Chicano Caucus. Alatorre ensured that the reapportionment plan protected seats for Democratic majorities in Congress, the State Senate, and the State Assembly, and laid the groundwork to ensure that legislative seats were drawn to increase Latino representation. Earlier Supreme Court decisions based on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ensured that several legislative districts were drawn to increase Latino representation. Also of great importance in this decade was the election of Gloria Molina to the State Assembly in 1982, the first Latina elected to the State Legislature.
1990's
In 1991, the Caucus not only welcomed a new Chair, Senator Richard Polanco (1986-2002), but it also acquired a new name. Due to the growing diversity among the Latino members, the Chicano Legislative Caucus became the Latino Legislative Caucus and a new era for the Caucus began.
While 1980 was thought to be a major turning point due to reapportionment, the 1992 and 1994 elections had important historical significance for the Latino Caucus. In the 1992 elections, the Assembly gained three new Latino seats, expanding the Caucus membership to ten. Four more Latinos were elected to the State Legislature in 1994, bringing the Latino Caucus membership to 14 and doubling its size in four years. This year also marked the election of Assembly Member Hilda Solis to the State Senate making her the first Latina elected the California State Senate.
In 1996, the strength of the Latino community was felt significantly both at the polls and in the State Legislature. Voter turnout of Latinos increased by 40 percent in the 1996 presidential election, and 500,000 more Latinos voted in 1996 from six years earlier. The number of new citizens voting also was a large factor in the 1996 elections. More than 250,000 Latino immigrants became citizens in California in 1996 and they cast ballots in record numbers.
The 1996 elections brought another four additional Latinos to the State Capitol, including the first ever Latino Republican. These elections helped elevate several Latinos to significant leadership positions and committee chairmanships in both the Senate and the Assembly. In the Senate, Charles Calderon became the first Latino Senate Majority Leader. In the Assembly, Cruz Bustamante became the first Latino Speaker, and Antonio Villaraigosa became the first Latino Majority Floor Leader. Denise Moreno Ducheny became the first Latina legislator to Chair the Assembly Budget Committee and the Budget Conference Committee. Martha Escutia became the first Latina legislator to Chair the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Joe Baca, the first Latino to serve as Assembly Speaker pro Tempore in 1995.
In 1997, in the wake of Propositions 187 and 209, the Latino Caucus in 1997 was still able to gain passage of several major legislative and budget measures to protect and invest in Latino working families in California. Those two Republican-spearheaded initiatives created a hostile environment for immigrants and people of color in this state, and spurred the Latino Legislative Caucus to pursue legislation protecting minority and immigrant communities.
The Federal Government's decision in 1996 to restrict the access of permanent resident immigrants to federal welfare programs created one of the greatest challenges for the Latino Members of the Legislature. The majority of the people affected lived in Latino Caucus Member's districts, and statewide, the Latino community was disproportionately impacted by these restrictions. California now has over 2 million legal non-citizen immigrants; this constitutes over 32 percent of the national total.
During the 1997 legislative session, Speaker Cruz Bustamante negotiated the adoption of the first ever state-only food stamp program for individuals losing federal eligibility based on immigration status. At the same time, Majority Floor Leader Antonio Villaraigosa worked on legislation restoring eligibility for Medi-Cal, prenatal care, In-Home Supportive Services, and Supplemental Security Income for the permanent resident community.
In 1997, Caucus members established the first ever-healthcare program, Healthy Families, for the children of California's working poor, and pursued legislation ensuring an eight-hour workday for all Californians, funding for farmworker housing, funding for childcare for farmworkers, created a food voucher program for farmworkers, and funding for pesticide use enforcement. All of this occurred in the midst of federal cutbacks to non-citizens on federal food stamps program.
Members of the Caucus were also at the forefront of the discussions on Bilingual Education reform. The academic success for English language learners continues to be one of the most contentious issues for the Latino Legislative Caucus.
In 1998, Members of the Latino Legislative Caucus in both houses assumed leadership positions. Majority Floor Leader Antonio Villaraigosa was elected Speaker of the Assembly, and Senator Richard G. Polanco, Chair of the Latino Caucus, was elected Majority Leader of the Senate. They are the second Latinos in history to hold these influential and powerful positions.
1998 was filled with tremendous advancements in one of the most historic years for Latinos. Latino voters went to the polls in record numbers. They influenced not only the beginning of a new Democratic Administration in the Governor's office, but also the election of Cruz Bustamante, the first Latino Lieutenant Governor in the State of California in over 100 years and the only Latino statewide office holder this century. Likewise, the 1998 elections increased the number of Latino elected officials in the State Legislature to 24, including a historic high of 4 Latino Republicans. These results reflect the continued growth in Latino demographics and civic participation.
This growing population made the Latino vote a highly coveted commodity by both the Democratic and Republican Parties during the 1998 general election. Both parties utilized Spanish-language radio and television campaigning to reach constituents, in hopes of garnering the estimated 1.2 million Latino votes-a historically high number of registered voters. Notably, the Republican Party, which in prior years had damaged its image in the Latino community by targeting undocumented immigrants, revoking welfare benefits to legal immigrants, and attacking affirmative action programs for minority students, focused on recruiting middle class Latino voters.
2000's
The issues now confronting the Latino Legislative Caucus are still similar to those from decades past: providing affordable housing, investing in our children, ensuring that higher education is affordable and accessible, creating well-paying jobs for working California families, and improving the overall quality of life for all Californians.
The Latino Caucus has worked diligently to develop policy priorities and an annual agenda of policy issues critical to the economic prosperity and vitality of California. In 2001, the Agenda for California's Working Families was established. This annual Latino Caucus policy agenda has focused on issues such as education, immigrant rights, health, housing, language rights, and a equitable budget funding system. In the past two years, the various initiatives and policy issues underscored in the Latino Caucus agenda have been successfully debated and enacted into law.
In 2001, the Latino Caucus was instrumental in the appointment of Justice Carlos R. Moreno to the California Supreme Court. The Latino Caucus worked in collaboration with the Mexican American Bar Association and other parties to lobby Governor Gray Davis and muster support for Justice Moreno. Following his nomination by Governor Davis, Justice Carlos R. Moreno was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California on October 18, 2001.
To facilitate the 2001 Reapportionment process, the Latino Caucus hired a team of consultants to monitor and evaluate the reapportionment plan developed by the Legislature to ensure that the plan reflects the growing Latino population in California. Caucus Members met with consultants to review the individual characteristics of each district. The Latino Caucus effectively utilized this information to assist members in determining the outcome the final reapportionment plan that was adopted by the Legislature.
In 2002, Assembly Majority Floor Leader Marco Antonio Firebaugh was unanimously elected Chair of the Caucus. Under his tenure, the Caucus reorganized its leadership team to reflect the geographic diversity of California. The Latino Caucus leadership team now consists of Northern and Southern Vice-Chairs, Northern and Southern Whips, and a Policy Committee Chair.
Latino political representation in California continues to strengthen as the Latino Caucus continues to grow and gain key positions in the Legislature. Currently, ten out of the fifteen Latino Caucus Assembly Members chair standing committees or hold leadership positions in the State Assembly. All nine Latino Caucus Senators chair standing committees or hold leadership positions in the State Senate. This is indicative of the growing political clout that Latinos and the Latino Caucus represent in California.
2002, also marked the creation of the California Latino Legislative Caucus Institute for Public Policy (CLLCIPP). The core mission of the Latino Caucus Institute is to develop stronger, healthier communities throughout the State of California and to serve as an agent of change to ensure that California's Latino community has an increasingly positive and dynamic influence on the diverse economic, social and political body that is California. The Latino Caucus Institute will focus its energy and resources on six key strategic goals during its first five years:
1) Support public policy research that will help create robust public dialogue on critical issues and provide an online public policy clearinghouse for other intiatives;
2) Establish the Richard G. Polanco Public Policy Fellows Program, an intensive yearlong public policy and leadership development program that will produce highly-trained and capable leaders for key sectors of society;
3) Create an internship program, a three-month internship that will integrate training and mentoring for a cross-section of both at-risk youth and achievers interested in public service;
4) Present public policy symposia to include an annual Institute policy retreat, bi-annual corporate public policy briefings, an annual gala dinner, quarterly roundtable breakfasts, and an annual family picnic;
5) Build an Endowment Fund to provide financial independence, greater ownership of resources, increased capacity, and long-term sustainability.
6) Form corporate resource partnerships focused on problem solving at the local level and at the highest levels to support public policy research, public symposia, publications, and other collaborative opportunities.
In 2003, the Latino Caucus celebrates its 30th Anniversary. The new millennium brings a new crop of Latino leaders to the State Legislature, with wide array of perspective and experience. This dynamic group of legislators will undoubtedly continue in the legacy of their predecessors, providing insight, direction and optimism to the Caucus with great vigor. |
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Past Members of The Latino Caucus
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The Honorable Phil Soto
1962 to 1966
 Philip Soto, a Democrat from La Puente, along with Assembly Member John Moreno, was one of the first two Latinos elected to the California State Legislature in 1962. He served as the state representative for the 50th Assembly District from 1962 to 1966. Soto was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of the La Puente City Council prior to his service in Sacramento. As an Assembly Member, Soto helped organize with the United Farm Workers (UFW), marched with Cesar Chavez in Delano, California, and was active in the anti-Vietnam War movement. After leaving office in 1966, Soto went on to serve as Director of Operations at "SER, Jobs for Progress," a non-profit, vocational and job training program in East Los Angeles. Philip Soto died on November 4, 1997 in Pomona, California.
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The Honorable John Moreno
1962 to 1964
 John Moreno, a Democrat from Santa Fe Springs, was one of the first Latinos elected to the California State Legislature in 1962, along with Assemblyman Philip Soto. He served in Sacramento representing the 51st Assembly District from 1962 to 1964. A native of Los Angeles, he went to college at the University of Southern California and served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947. Before his election to the Assembly, Moreno served as Mayor for the city of Santa Fe Springs. He was also a public school teacher in Santa Fe Springs where he was active with the California Teachers Association. During his term at the Capitol, he served as Vice-Chair of the Constitutional Amendments Committee. Since his service in the Assembly, Moreno and his family have moved out of California.
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The Honorable Alex Garcia
1968 to 1982
 Alex Garcia, a Democrat from Los Angeles, served in the Assembly from 1968 to 1974 and in the State Senate from 1974 to 1982. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a graduate of East Los Angeles Junior College, the University of California at Los Angeles, and the Southern California Business School. Before his election to the State Legislature, Garcia served as a field representative for Congressman Ed Roybal for five years. During his tenure in Sacramento, Garcia chaired the Senate Business and Professions Committee and was a member of the Commission on the Californias. After his retirement from the State Legislature in 1982, Senator Garcia went on to serve on several state boards and commissions.
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The Honorable Peter Chacon
1970 to 1992
 Peter Chacon, a Democrat from San Diego, served in the Assembly from 1970 to 1992. After receiving a bachelor's degree, teaching credential, and M.A. from San Diego State University, Mr. Chacon worked as an educator and administrator for the San Diego Unified School District. During his tenure in the Assembly, Chacon authored legislation that established the "Bilingual/Bicultural Education Program" in California schools. He is often referred to as the "father of bilingual education in California" because of his commitment to assuring that students learning English received a quality education. He carried legislation creating the State Housing Finance Agency, which helps provide affordable housing for low and moderate-income families. He also served as Chair of the Latino Caucus for eight years. Since retirement from legislative service in 1992, Chacon has been living in Placerville, teaching English and citizenship to Latino immigrants.
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The Honorable Joseph Montoya
1972 to 1990
 Joseph Montoya, a Democrat from El Monte, served in the Assembly from 1972 to 1978 and from 1978 to 1990 in the Senate. He graduated from Mount San Antonio College and UCLA, and spent four years in the U.S. Air Force. His career in elective politics began at the age of 28 with a one-vote victory to the La Puente City Council in 1968. He later served as Mayor of La Puente before his election to the State Legislature. In the Assembly, Montoya served as the Majority Whip and on the Rules Committee. During his service in the Senate, he chaired the Business and Professions Committee, where he achieved one of his greatest legislative accomplishments, the Garment Industry Manufacturing Act, protecting garment workers' rights. He also carried legislation on community redevelopment to completely overhaul the ineffective, 25-year-old ineffective system. Senator Montoya served as Chair of the Chicano Caucus for four years.
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The Honorable Raymond Gonzales
1972 to 1974
 Raymond Gonzales, a Democrat from Bakersfield, was elected to the Assembly in a surprise-upset victory over a veteran Republican legislator in 1972. He earned an A.A. from Bakersfield College, a B.A. from San Francisco State College, an M.A. from the University of the Americas in Mexico City, and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. Prior to his service in the Assembly, he was a professor of Ethnic and Latin American Studies at CSU Bakersfield. While in the Assembly, Gonzales served as Chair of the Education Committee and was instrumental in supporting and promoting bilingual education. After his two year service in the Legislature, Gonzales went on to serve as a Foreign Service Officer at several U.S. Embassies in Latin America and Europe, served as Deputy Director of the U.S. Peace Corps, and is currently teaching Latin American studies and political science at CSU Monterey Bay.
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The Honorable Richard Alatorre
1972 to 1985
 Richard Alatorre, a Democrat from Los Angeles, served in the Assembly in Sacramento from 1972 to 1985. A native of East Los Angeles, Alatorre attended James Garfield High School, CSU Los Angeles and USC. Prior to his service representing the 55th Assembly District, he worked as a regional director for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and as a field representative for Assembly Member Walter Kurabian. During his successful tenure in Sacramento, Alatorre was the first Chair of the Chicano Caucus (now known as the Latino Caucus). As Chair of the influential Elections and Reapportionment Committee, he helped craft the 1980 state reapportionment, which required the balancing of numerous conflicting political interests, and ensured increased political representation for Latinos and other minorities in California. In 1985, he was elected to the Los Angeles City Council to represent the 14th District and served as Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. He has also been a member of the Democratic National Committee.
Alatorre is past Chair and member of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
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The Honorable Ruben S. Ayala
1972 to 1998
 Ruben S. Ayala, a Democrat from Chino, served in the Senate from 1974 to1998. Senator Ayala's record of community service includes his tenure as member of the Chino School Board from 1955 until 1962 and as a Chino City Councilman from 1962 to 1964. In 1964, he became Chino's first elected mayor and shortly thereafter was elected to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, where he served as Chairman from 1968 to 1972. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific during World War II with the First Marine Division. Among his accolades are two local parks, a Chino Hills high school, and a Rialto street named in his honor.
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The Honorable Art Torres
1974 to 1994
 Art Torres, a Democrat from Los Angeles, served in the Assembly from 1974 to 1982 and in the Senate from 1982 to 1994. He received his undergraduate degrees from East Los Angeles College and UC Santa Cruz and his law degree from UC Davis. Before his election to the Legislature in 1974 at the age of 28, Torres was a teaching fellow at Harvard University and a lobbyist for the United Farm Workers leader, Cesar Chavez. During his legislative tenure, Torres served as Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, the Senate Toxics and Public Safety Management Committee, and the Senate Insurance Committee. In 1994, Torres ran for the State Insurance Commissioner but lost by less than 5 percentage points. In 1996, he became Chair of the California Democratic Party, becoming the first Latino to hold this post. Under his leadership, he helped California Democrats re-elect President Clinton, take back control of the Assembly, and keep control of the Senate.
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The Honorable Matthews "Marty" Martinez
1980 to 1982
 Matthew Martinez, a Democrat from Montebello, served as an Assembly Member in Sacramento from 1980 to 1982. After his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he went on to attend Los Angeles Trade Technical College. In 1971, Martinez began his career in public service by joining the Monterey Park Planning Commission, and later was elected to the Monterey Park City Council where he was also elected Mayor. During his two-year tenure in Sacramento, he served on the Agriculture, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Local Government Committees. In 1982, Martinez was elected to Congress, to represent the 31st District. While the Democrats were in control in Congress, he held a key Chairmanship on the Education and Labor panel. He is also the father of former Assembly Member Diane Martinez.
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The Honorable Gloria Molina
1982 to 1987
 Gloria Molina, a Democrat from Los Angeles, served in the State Assembly from 1982 to 1987, becoming the first Latina elected to the State Legislature. A native of Montebello, she attended East Los Angeles College and Rio Hondo College. Prior to her election to the State Legislature, she served as Chief Deputy for then-Speaker Willie L. Brown Jr., as a field representative for Senator Art Torres, as Deputy Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, and as Deputy Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel under President Jimmy Carter. In 1987, she was elected to the Los Angeles City Council, representing the First District. With another victory in 1991, she became the first Latino elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, one of the most influential positions in the state.
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The Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard
1987 to 1992
 Lucille Roybal-Allard, a Democrat from Los Angeles, served in the Assembly from 1987 to 1992. Born and raised in Boyle Heights, she received a B.A. in Speech Therapy from CSU Los Angeles. Prior to her election, she was a Public Relations, Planning Associate for the United Way, a manager for Community and Human Resources, and Executive Director of the National Association of Hispanic CPA's in Washington, D.C. While in the Assembly she served on the influential Rules Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, where she chaired the Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. She became the first Latina elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, representing the 33rd District. This past year, she was elected Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation. She currently serves on two influential committees: Budget and Banking and Financial Services. She is the daughter of Edward Roybal, who was the first Latino elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 1948, and who later served in Congress.
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The Honorable Charles Calderon
1982 to 1998
 Charles Calderon, a Democrat from Los Angeles, served as an Assembly Member from November 1982 until April 1990, when he was elected to the Senate to represent the 30th District. Before beginning his tenure in the Legislature, Senator Calderon served as Assistant to the General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in Washington, D.C., and as a special consultant to the California Secretary of State. In addition to serving as General Counsel to the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, Senator Calderon worked with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office as a tough city prosecutor. He also is a past Chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus, a former board member of the Western Center on Law and Poverty, and currently serves on the Board of the California Medical Center. One of his major legislative accomplishments is AB 241, which established the Museum of Latino History, Art, and Culture-the first museum of its kind in the United States. He is currently a partner in the law firm of Burke, Williams, and Sorensen.
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The Honorable Xavier Becerra
1990 to 1992
 Xavier Becerra, a Democrat from Los Angeles, served from 1990 to 1992 in the State Assembly, representing the 59th District. Born and raised in Sacramento, he attended Stanford University, where he received a B.A. in Economics in 1980 and a law degree in 1984. He served in the Senate Fellowship program with then-Senator Al Rodda. After law school, he went on to be a Deputy Attorney General with the California Department of Justice. Prior to his service in the Legislature, Becerra was an aide to Senator Art Torres. In 1992, he was elected to Congress where he currently represents the 30th District. In Washington D.C., Rep. Becerra is the only member from Southern California currently serving on the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means.
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The Honorable Louis Caldera
1992 to 1997
 Louis Caldera, a Democrat from Los Angeles, represented the 46th Assembly District from 1992 to 1997. During his tenure in the Legislature, Mr. Caldera served as Chair of the Assembly's Banking and Finance, Revenue and Taxation Committees. He also served as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader and was the legislative leader of the California Democratic Leadership Council. While in the Legislature, Caldera's legislative agenda promoted economic growth, education and legal reform. Caldera successfully authored California's safety law, requiring all children under the age of 18 to wear bicycle helmets when cycling. Caldera received his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1978; and in 1987 he earned a Juris Doctor from the Harvard School of Law and an MBA from Harvard Business School. In 1997, President Bill Clinton appointed Caldera Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Caldera currently serves as the President for the University of New Mexico.
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The Honorable Diane Martinez
1992 to 1998
 Diane Martinez, a Democrat from Alhambra, was elected to the California State Assembly on November 3, 1992. In her tenure as representative of the 49th Assembly District, she served as Chair of both the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Commerce Committee and on Elections, Reapportionment, and Constitutional Amendments. Her other committee appointments included Appropriations, Education, Judiciary, Insurance, and International Trade and Development. She served as the Speaker's appointment to the Little Hoover Commission and to the Electricity Oversight Board. Among Assembly Member Martinez' accolades are numerous awards and acknowledgements for her work in the community, in education, the environment, energy and public utilities, and on law enforcement issues. Additionally, she received international recognition and assumed national prominence on women's issues as the author of the 1994 "pants bill," which made it legal for women to wear pants in the workplace. In 1998, she made a strong showing in her unsuccessful bid for California Insurance Commissioner.
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The Honorable Grace Napolitano
1992 to 1998
 Grace Napolitano, a Democrat from Norwalk, was elected in 1992 to represent the 58th Assembly District after serving as a City Commissioner. Following her election in 1992, Assembly Member Napolitano quickly emerged as a leader, having been elected by her colleagues as Chair of the California Women's Legislative Caucus and as Vice Chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus. She also served as Chair of the Assembly Committee on International Trade and Development and as a member of the Committees on Consumer Protection, Governmental Efficiency and Economic Development; Local Government; Public Safety; and Transportation. Assembly Member Napolitano has been very active in national women's issues, Latino leadership issues, and local government issues dealing with water, transportation, infrastructure, redevelopment, and finance. A staunch preservationist and environmental advocate, she is a recognized leader in important state and federal issues such as economic development, immigration, and international trade. Assembly Member Napolitano was elected in 1998 to the U.S. House of Representatives where she is currently serving her community.
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The Honorable Hilda Solis
1992 to 2000
 Hilda Solis, a Democrat from the San Gabriel Valley, served in the California State Assembly from 1992 to 1994, and in 1994 she made history by becoming the first Latina elected to the State Senate. As a trailblazing State Senator, she passed innovative environmental justice legislation aimed at improving low-income and minority communities most affected by pollution and waste. This legislation was the first of its kind. Furthermore, as the Chairwoman of the powerful Senate Industrial Relations Committee, she worked with labor groups and led the battle to increase the minimum wage in California from $4.25 to $5.75 an hour in 1996. Solis graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1979, and earned a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California in 1981. She was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2000, where she currently serves.
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The Honorable Joe Baca
1992 to 1999
 Joe Baca, a Democrat from San Bernardino, served in the California Legislature for seven years. His career in Sacramento was one of historic firsts. After his election to the California State Assembly in 1992, Mr. Baca was elected Speaker pro Tempore of the Assembly - the first Latino since California joined the Union in 1850. From January 1997 through December 1998, he was the third ranking leader of the Assembly, serving as Assistant Speaker pro Tempore and the Speaker's Federal Government Liaison. He also served as a member of the Rules Committee. He was elected to the California State Senate on November 3, 1998, where he served on the Rules Committee, which is responsible for confirming Governor's appointments. His other committee assignments included the Committees on Veterans Affairs; Public Employment and Retirement; Energy, Utilities and Communications; Local Government; and Governmental Organization. Joe Baca was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1999 in a special election and has continued to serve since.
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The Honorable Cruz Bustamante
1993 to 1998
 Cruz Bustamante, a Democrat from Fresno, served in the Assembly from 1993 until 1998, representing the 31st District, which included his birthplace, Dinuba, California. In the Legislature he focused his attention on juvenile justice, education, agriculture, and reform of the endangered species laws. He was elected the first Latino Assembly Speaker in 1996, and through February 26, 1998, Cruz M. Bustamante presided over the most productive legislative years in decades. In 1997, under Bustamante's leadership, the Legislature passed the largest middle class income tax cut in almost fifty years. In 1998, Cruz Bustamante once again made history by being elected the first Latino Lieutenant Governor in the State of California in over 100 years and the only Latino statewide office holder this century elected.
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The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa
1994 to 2000
 Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat from Los Angeles, was elected by the people of the 45th Assembly District in 1994. He quickly rose to positions of leadership, and became Assembly Majority Floor Leader in 1997. In 1998, Villaraigosa was elected by his colleagues to serve as Speaker of the Assembly succeeding Cruz Bustamante. During his leadership in the Legislature, Antonio shepherded passage of the largest school bond in California history, the most significant investment to modernize our schools in the history of the nation. He also achieved the largest urban neighborhood parks initiative in America, and the biggest expansion of health care for children in this state since Medi-Cal. He was elected to the Los Angeles City Council in March 2003.
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The Honorable Martin Gallegos
1994 to 2000
 Martin Gallegos, a Democrat from Baldwin Park, was elected to the California State Assembly in 1994 and served through 2000. Dr. Gallegos made history by becoming the first Doctor of Chiropractic ever elected to the California Legislature. As the only health care provider at that time elected to the Legislature, Dr. Gallegos established his primary legislative focus on improving access to and quality of health care for all individuals. He was educated at East Los Angeles College, Occidental College and Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. Dr. Gallegos currently serves as the Senior Vice President, Chief Legislative Advocate for the California Healthcare Association.
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The Honorable Sally Morales Havice
1996 to 2002
 Sally Morales Havice, a Democrat from Cerritos, was elected to the California State Assembly in 1996 and served through 2002. Prior to serving in the Legislature, she taught English Composition and Literature at Cerritos College for 23 years and also served two terms on the Board of Education for the Artesia, Bloomfield, and Carmenita Unified School District. While in the Legislature, she focused on school safety and quality of life issues. After serving three terms, Sally Morales Havice returned to Cerritos College.
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The Honorable Tony Cardenas
1996 to 2002
 Tony Cardenas, a Democrat from the San Fernando Valley, served in the California State Assembly from 1996 to 2002. Before being elected to the Assembly he worked as an Engineering Specialist for Hewlett-Packard. He then became owner and president of a real estate company in the San Fernando Valley. Upon entering the Legislature, Tony Cardenas was the only freshman to serve on both of the influential Assembly fiscal committees: Appropriations and Budget. In his second term he was elected Chairman of the Assembly Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. Tony Cardenas was recently elected to the Los Angeles City Council in March 2003.
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The Honorable Thomas Calderon
1998 to 2002
 Thomas Calderon, a Democrat from Montebello, was elected to the California State Assembly and served through 2002. Prior to the joining the Legislature, Thomas Calderon taught English as a Second Language and was a substitute teacher for the Montebello Unified School District. In 1986 he established his own communications firm, Calderon and Associates. From 1994-1998 he served as Chief of Staff to Assembly Member Martin Gallegos. While in the Legislature, he served as Chairman of the 59th Assembly District Democratic Committee and President of the Board of Directors for the Open Door Clinic, a drug and family counseling, nonprofit agency. Thomas Calderon currently works as a consultant.
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The Honorable Sarah Reyes
1998 to 2004
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The Honorable Lou Correa
1998 to 2004
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The Honorable Marco Firebaugh
1998 to 2004
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The Honorable Manny Diaz
2000 to 2004
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