In Memoriam: Senator Ted Kennedy

The Los Angeles County Democratic Party mourns the passing of longtime U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, a champion of social justice and a fighter for all Americans. Our thoughts are with his family.

Statement of LACDP Chair Eric C. Bauman
on Amicus Filing in Steinberg Lawsuit

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) Chair Eric C. Bauman today released the following statement regarding State Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Governor’s line-item vetoes:

“Today I directed LACDP’s General Counsel – Laurence Zakson of Reich Adell & Cvitan – to prepare an amicus brief in support of Senate President pro Tem Darrel Steinberg’s litigation challenging Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s unconstitutional blue pencil reductions in critical healthcare and other safety net programs. We believe that the Governor had no authority to make these unwise cuts.

“LACDP stands with Senator Steinberg, members of the legislature, local government officials, and non-government organizations in the belief that these illegal reductions put the lives of those most dependant on our government for services at great risk. It is imperative that the courts take immediate action to enjoin these devastating cuts.

“It is inconceivable to any compassionate person that the Governor would decrease funding for domestic violence programs, AIDS prevention and services for the elderly, blind and the disabled, while refusing to end tax breaks for billionaires and hugely profitable corporations like Chevron.

“The fiscal train wreck that California has become in the past six years reminds us why we must work overtime to elect a Democratic Governor in 2010.”

Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Endorses Paul Krekorian for
Los Angeles City Council, District 2

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) voted to endorse Paul Krekorian for Los Angeles City Council, District 2, in the September 22, 2009, special election to fill the vacancy created by Wendy Greuel’s election as Los Angeles City Controller.

“Paul Krekorian is an extraordinary leader who will stand up for the people of Los Angeles. As a longtime neighborhood activist, local school board member and Assembly Member, Paul has always been a tireless advocate for creating jobs, promoting smart growth, and improving education, and we expect no less of him as City Council Member. He has the experience and relationships to help bridge the gap between Sacramento and Los Angeles and he will tackle key issues in the district and help restore the public’s confidence in city government.

“Paul is a problem-solver and coalition-builder who will work to improve the quality of life for the residents of the district. The Democratic Party proudly endorses Paul Krekorian for Los Angeles City Council, District 2,” said Eric C. Bauman, Chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.

Los Angeles City Council, District 2 covers Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills to Big Tujunga Road in the Verdugo Hills. It serves Lake View Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sun Valley, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Van Nuys.

Legal Opinion Finds Governor’s Budget Cuts Illegal

Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair John A. Perez sought and received a legal opinion that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s latest senseless and brutal budget cuts are illegal.

The legal opinion finds that Schwarzenegger’s use of line-item veto to slash additional hundreds of millions of dollars from the budget passed by the Legislature exceeded his authority granted by the California State Constitution.

Schwarzenegger’s illegal power-grab vetoes cut over $400 million directly from services that would devastate the lives of millions of Californians:

- $61 million from county funding for Medi-Cal
- $52 million from AIDS prevention and treatment
- $50 million from Healthy Families
- $27.8 million from the Williamson Act program
- Eliminating funding for community health clinic programs

Click here to read the report and legal memo.

Call your state legislators today and tell them to stand up for California and oppose Schwarzenegger’s power-grab. Don’t let Schwarzenegger terminate the lives of millions of real people who depend on critical state services. Click here to find their contact information.

2009 Los Angeles Mayor’s Day of Service

The Los Angeles County Democratic Party and friends will join L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for the 2009 L.A. Mayor’s Day of Service this Saturday, June 27, 2009. Below are projects that still need volunteers, please join us in the spirit of President Obama as we work to make Los Angeles County even greater!

Please click here to download a Mayor’s Day of Service flyer.

Project Youth Green at Roger Jessup Park
12467 Osborne St.
Pacoima, CA 91331.
Contact: david@youthspeakcollective.org

Project: Beautification at Roger Jessup: Mural painting, planting of vegetables, flowers, plants and trees, maintenance of fruit tree orchard, further development of learning garden and community outreach to homeowners

Million Trees Los Angeles Tree Planting
805 N. Mission Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90033.
Contact: thalia.uribe@lacity.org

Project: Million Trees Los Angeles Facilities Opening and tree planting project along Mission Rd. in Boyle Heights. Over 50 24” trees will be planted along with a fruit tree adoption.

Crenshaw High School Garden Beautification
5010 11th Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90043.
Contact: bill.vanderberg@ca.rr.com

Project: Planting at Crenshaw High School Garden that will include laying of bedding and soil and planting a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Aliso Canyon Brush Clearance Project
East of Reseda between Sesnon & Rinaldi
Northridge, CA 91326.
Contact: scoutingus@aol.com

Project: Help the Parks and Recreation Department clear brush at the Aliso Canyon Park before the beginning of fire season.

City of Palms Tree Planting
3387 Motor Ave, Palms CA 92277.
Contact: president@palmsla.org

Project: 135 Chinese Flame trees will be planted along Motor Ave in Palms.

When you are done with your project come enjoy a volunteer fair, free barbeque and entertainment at the Los Angeles City Hall Volunteer Appreciation Festival from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
More projects will be added as more information is received.