“The Los Angeles County Democratic Party strongly condemns the offensive and disgusting campaign mailer that attacks Los Angeles City Council candidate John Choi using xenophobic, racist and red-baiting imagery and language. This mailer is beneath any Democrat and reflects the worst values in our society. The independent expenditure was produced and paid for by ‘The Best Successor to Eric Garcetti – Committee to Support Mitch O’Farrell for City Council District 13 in 2013.’

“The attack features a photo of Council candidate John Choi, a Korean American, at the top of a page, labeled as ‘The Other Guy” in bold letters, in a pose reminiscent of a classical dictator. It prominently features bright yellow letters against a bright red background, with a headline reading ‘Not From Our Community’ and characterizes him as ‘transplanted’ into the area.

The color scheme, photo placement, and choice of words were deliberately selected to invoke anti-immigrant and anti-Asian sentiment, while falsely insinuating Choi is a communist.

“The use of such disgusting depictions and language has no place in this campaign and no place anywhere in our nation. No campaign should ever use race-baiting ‘Willie Horton-esque’ tactics to score political points.

“We call upon Mitch O’Farrell to join with the Los Angeles County Democratic Party in condemning this obnoxious racist attack. Additionally, we demand the independent expenditure committee that produced and paid for this mailer to immediately cease and desist using such discriminatory tactics.

“This Democratic Party has endorsed John Choi for Los Angeles City Council District 13. However, we recognize that Mitch O’Farrell is a long-time Democrat, and we ask him to speak out against this divisive, insensitive and hateful mailer.”

“StudentsFirst, which seems hell-bent on destroying teachers union and privatizing our public schools, claims the mantle of a liberal organization, especially here in California where they’ve dumped millions of dollars into the campaign coffers of anti-teacher candidates recently.

“To get a real sense of where their politics lie, look no further than their decision to honor extremist, anti-gay Republican Tennessee legislator John Ragan as their ‘Reformer of the Year’.”

Ragan was a chief sponsor of his state’s version of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, legally requiring that any school official approached by any student with questions or comments about “inconsistent with natural human reproduction” — i.e., homosexuality — to contact that child’s parents.

He also supported legislation that would require teachers to tell gay students they need a psychiatrist, and once responded to a constituent saying that a gay person is not a “mentally healthy adult human being.

“Honoring such a person flies in the face of their manufactured image here in California as a progressive group. I hope that the next time StudentsFirst supports a candidate here for school board or city council, voters remember they are one of John Ragan’s biggest campaign donors. I assure you the LA County Democratic Party won’t let anyone forget that.”

6:45-7:00pm All AD Delegations and Regions will meet concurrently this month to conduct pro-forma and informational business and to fill vacancies.

Credentials

Credentials will be open from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

LACDP General membership Meeting

7:00 PM       LACDP  General membership Meeting Begins

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER – Bauman

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA – Bauman

4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – Rudinskas

5. CONTROLLER/TREASURER’S REPORT – Wingard

6. CHAIR’S REPORT – Bauman

7. VICE CHAIR’S REPORTS – Anderson & Montgomery

8. LACDP STAFF REPORTS – Alves, Lee, Seiden & Swiatek

9. CREDENTIALS REPORT – Grunwald & Kinney

10. BALLOT MEASURES COMMITTEE – Martinez & Montgomery

11. ASSEMBLY DISTRICT DELEGATION ENDORSEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

12. LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE – Atkins & Igelsrud

13. OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS

14. NEW BUSINESS

15. ADJOURNMENT

Click here to download a PDF version of this meeting agenda

 LA County Democratic Party’s John F. Kennedy Awards

The Los Angeles County Democratic Party is pleased to present the John F. Kennedy Awards on Thursday, May 9, 2013. The event will take place from 6:30pm to 9:00pm in the Stadium Club at Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles.

At this event, we will honor:

- Hon. Hilda L. Solis, United States Secretary of Labor, 2009-2013

- Yolanda “Cookie” Parker, National Finance Committee Member, 2008 & 2012 Obama Campaigns

- Dr. Irving S. Lebovics, Chairman, Agudath Israel of California and Former Chairman, California Dental Association Government Affairs Council

- Courtni Sunjoo Pugh, Executive Director, Service Employees International Union Local 99

2012 was a banner year for California Democrats, made possible by the progressive coalition that fought together side-by-side and because LA’s Democratic base turned out big. But we can’t take our achievements for granted – we must immediately shift our focus to the challenges ahead. Your contribution will help us replenish our coffers for this year’s many local and special elections and prepare for the battles to come in 2014.

Sponsorship and ads still available – please contact us ASAP for deadlines.  Ticket reservation deadline is extended to Tuesday, May 7, 2013.

You may RSVP here, or contact our Executive Director Adam Seiden at 213-382-4111 or rsvp@lacdp.org for more information.

Elections will be held at the 2013 California Democratic Party Convention in Sacramento. Click here to visit the California Democratic Party website for more information on the Convention.

* Incumbent

Statewide Officers
Chair – John Burton*
Vice Chair – Alex Gallardo Rooker*
Vice Chair – Eric C. Bauman*
Secretary – Carolyn Fowler
Controller – Hilary Crosby*

Regional Directors
Region 9 – Diana Love*
Region 10 – Debra Broner
Region 11 – Karen Wingard*
Region 12 – Agi Kessler
Region 14 – Tina McKinnor
Region 15 – Anthony Duarte*
Region 16 – Sergio Carrillo*

Caucus Chairs
African-American Caucus – Darren Parker*
Asian Pacific Islander Caucus – Clark Lee*
Business & Professional Caucus – Ray Bishop
Children’s Caucus – Judy Jacobs*
Disabilities Caucus – Marilyn Grunwald*
Environmental Caucus – Tony Hale*
Filipino American Caucus – Melissa Ramoso
Irish American Caucus – Thomas Patrick O’Shaughnessy*
LGBT Caucus – John Cleary and Denise Penn
Progressive Caucus – Michael Thaller
Senior Caucus – Chad Jones
Women’s Caucus – Christine Pelosi*

May 21, 2013 City of Los Angeles Elections

Cities

Los Angeles Mayor Runoff Election

No Consensus

Los Angeles City Attorney Runoff Election 

(Endorsement Carried Over From Primary)

Mike Feuer 

Los Angeles City Controller Runoff Election 

(Endorsement Carried Over From Primary)

Ron Galperin 

Los Angeles City Council Runoff Elections

Dist. 1 – Gil Cedillo

Dist. 9 – Curren Price, Jr.

Dist. 13 – John Choi 

Los Angeles City Council Special Primary Election

Dist. 6 – Cindy Montañez 

Eric C. Bauman, Chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party, released the following statements regarding the LACDP endorsements: 

Los Angeles Mayor

“Los Angeles is truly blessed to have two strong, well-qualified, and experienced Democratic leaders vying to become the next Mayor.  Regardless of the outcome, we know that LA will be in good hands and the new Mayor will serve LA well.  The Los Angeles County Democratic Party looks forward to working with the new Mayor in July to move LA forward.”

Los Angeles City Attorney

“The Los Angeles County Democratic Party looks forward to elect Assembly Member (ret.) Mike Feuer as our next LA City Attorney.  His experience and expertise will make him an excellent City Attorney who will work hard to protect consumers, reduce gun violence, and keep our neighborhoods safe.”  

Los Angeles City Controller 

“Ron Galperin is a relentless fighter who will work hard to reform city government, cut waste, and improve key city services.  He will work for the people of Los Angeles, not lobbyists.  We look forward to electing him as the next City Controller.” 

Los Angeles City Council, Dist. 1 – Gil Cedillo 

“LA’s Democrats know they can count on Gil Cedillo to stand up for Democratic values. The LA County Democratic Party strongly supports Gil Cedillo because he demonstrates the leadership, the courage and the vision to bring people together to get things done for this community and all of Los Angeles. He is the only candidate endorsed by the LA County Democratic Party in Council District 1,” said Eric C. Bauman, Chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.

Los Angeles City Council, Dist. 6 – Cindy Montañez

“Cindy Montañez is an outstanding advocate for our community because she is an experienced leader who shares our values.  As a young legislator in Sacramento, she stood up for LA and fought for better consumer protection, increased economic development, and safer neighborhoods.  As Council Member, she will be a champion for the residents in the San Fernando Valley.  The Democratic Party is proud to support Cindy Montañez.”

Los Angeles City Council, Dist. 9 – Curren Price, Jr.

“Senator Curren Price is a strong fighter who has worked tirelessly for LA.  We need his leadership on the City Council to revitalize our local economy, create good jobs, and ensure safer neighborhoods.  The Los Angeles County Democratic Party is proud to endorse Curren Price for City Council.”

Los Angeles City Council, Dist.13 – John Choi

“John Choi is a true progressive leader who is committed to moving our city forward by creating good jobs, cleaning up our environment and ensuring everyone in our community has a voice in our government. LA needs champions like John Choi on the City Council and the Democratic Party is proud to be John’s partner.”

For more information, visit www.lacdp.org/endorsements.

“Less than four months after the American people spoke and chose President Obama’s agenda over the Romney-Ryan Tea Party agenda, Rep. Paul Ryan today has introduced a budget that once again seeks to slash domestic spending, turn Medicare into vouchers, gut Medicaid, and repeal Obamacare.

“Rep. Ryan: the American people have had enough of your obstruction, distortion, and rightwing cynical approach to governance.  The overwhelming vote of the American people last November should have made you realize that your agenda is out-of-touch with America.

“Even after sitting down with the President last week, you are still playing to those who wish to paralyze our government and end support for the frailest and most at-risk in our society.

“You should be ashamed to look your constituents in the eyes.  It is time to cease this game playing, stop resetting the goal posts, and get on with moving our nation forward.”

West Hollywood City Council

“On behalf of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, I congratulate John Duran and Jeffrey Prang for their re-election to the West Hollywood City Council.  The residents of West Hollywood have spoken loudly and clearly: they have affirmed their confidence in the City’s direction and the leadership of these fighters who have time and again stood up for West Hollywood.  We look forward to working with these City Councilmembers in the fight for Democratic values and for our community.”

West Hollywood Measure C

“Once again, the Republican forces and special interests have managed to distort the truth and took away the voters’ ability to vote for candidates of their choice.  The Los Angeles County Democratic Party will continue to fight against the special interests in West Hollywood and all communities in Los Angeles County.”

Los Angeles Mayor

“Today, the election was about the future of our City and moving our City forward in this critical time.  On behalf of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, I congratulate City Controller Wendy Greuel and Council Member Eric Garcetti.  Angelenos have spoken at the ballot boxes and have selected two outstanding Democratic leaders who will advance to the runoff election.  We look forward to a spirited campaign in the coming weeks.”

Los Angeles City Attorney

“The Los Angeles County Democratic Party congratulates Assembly Member (ret.) Mike Feuer on his primary victory for City Attorney.  His experience and expertise will make him an excellent City Attorney who will work hard to protect consumers, reduce gun violence, and keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Los Angeles City Controller

“On behalf of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, I congratulate Ron Galperin on his primary victory for City Controller.  He will work hard to reform city government, cut waste, and improve key city services.  We look forward to electing him as the next City Controller in the May runoff.”

Los Angeles City Council

“The Los Angeles County Democratic Party stands firm in our commitment to the people of Los Angeles by working to elect Council Members who will fight tirelessly to create jobs, strengthen our economy, and support crucial city services.  On behalf of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, I congratulate all winning candidates on their success.  We look forward to working with them in moving Los Angeles forward.”

Los Angeles City Measure A

“Unfortunately, the special interests have managed to twist the truth and defeat our efforts to save critically needed emergency and vital city services in Los Angeles.  The Los Angeles County Democratic Party will continue to stand up for Angelenos and fight back the special interests that have time and again impeded progress in Los Angeles.”