Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, spoke at the annual LULAC conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Aug. 5. Huerta, 93, was born in New Mexico but raised in California. She spoke about several key themes – abortion rights, gay rights, the importance of voting and dangers facing our democracy.
Category: Politics
Posted inPolitics
COMMENTARY: The power of the Latino vote in California
There are 10 congressional districts with significant Latino populations and are considered the 10 biggest elections in the country – three of them are in California and happen to be in districts not only with a large Latino presence, but in districts won by Republicans on the congressional side and by Joe Biden on the presidential side. All three are part of 18 congressional districts nationwide that voted for Biden in 2020 while being won or held by a Republican in Congress.
Posted inOpinion
COMMENTARY: I’m not a flag waver
I agree with the James Baldwin quote: “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
I struggle to reconcile all the conflicts in our country such as police brutality and political violence against immigrants. I struggle to celebrate our independence.
Posted inPolitics
Larry Gonzalez, trailblazing elected official, LAUSD board member, dies at 67
Larry Gonzalez, a businessman and former elected official, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 67 years old. arry will be remembered in history as the youngest-ever board member of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education.
Posted inLA Elections
Mayor Bass Promised To House 17,000 Angelenos. How Is She Doing?
It was a big and bold promise by Karen Bass as she campaigned to be LA’s next mayor: get 17,000 unhoused Angelenos into housing during her first year in office. The homelessness crisis plays out daily on city streets — confronting residents, business owners and visitors with the visible failure of public policy to keep people sheltered and safe. When LAist asked Angelenos what issues most urgently needed Mayor Bass’ attention, 63% of respondents said homelessness and a third listed it as their biggest personal stressor.
Posted inPolitics
Transgender Latina making history at the 21st Annual Latino Spirit Awards
Earlier this month, the 21 Latino Spirit Awards were held at the State Capitol in Sacramento. To coincide with the state celebration of Cinco de Mayo, like every year since 2002, prominent, talented, Latinos, who are leaders of their fields from across California were honored by the California Latino Legislative Caucus. Among the honorees was Bamby Salcedo, the first transgender woman activist to be recognized with these awards.
Posted inPolitics
What 4,339 Southern Californians Say Needs Immediate Action From LA Mayor Karen Bass
We asked and you answered. Here are some key takeaways from responses we got to the question about what feels most urgent to Angelenos as the new mayor’s policies and priorities take shape. That’s why LAist launched a 12-question survey during L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ first three months in office to understand what you think her administration should tackle first.
Posted inOpinion
COMMENTARY: Tributes to Trailblazer Gloria Molina
Molina was the first Latina elected to the California State Assembly and served there from 1983-1987, and then became the first Latina elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 1987, followed by being the first Latina elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 1991. She served on the powerful and influential county board for 23 years, retiring in 2014 due to term limits, capping 32 years in public service in the state’s largest city and the second-most populous in the country.
Posted inOpinion
COMMENTARY: Who will fill the void left by Nury Martínez on the LA City Council?
There are seven candidates and a write-in running for the 6th District, including four Latinos. Few voters usually participate in the midterm elections. And the more candidates who split the vote, the better. That means that in order to win, they need a fraction of what they normally should get.
Posted inPolitics
COMMENTARY: Marco Davis and cultivating Latino Leaders
Marco Davis, a former Obama administration official, grew up in the New York City area as the son of a Jamaican father and Mexican mother, and is a graduate of Yale University. He brings more than two decades of public policy and community service experience as CHCI’s sixth president and describes how he felt when he was first approached for the top CHCI job.
Posted inOpinion
COMMENTARY: We need more Latinas in political leadership
Latinas represented in politics
Posted inOpinion
COMMENTARY: Could California have two U.S. Latino/a/x senators?
Politicians are eyeing the senate seat of Dianne Feinstein. Could California see two Latinos in the U.S. Senate? One name floating around is former Los Angeles congressman and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. While he hasn’t commented about it – and wouldn’t as a sitting Cabinet secretary anyway – Becerra is on a hypothetical short list that includes former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, among others.