Latest Statements

January 2022

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on Governor Newsom's California Budget Blueprint

January 10, 2022

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement
on Governor Newsom's California Budget Blueprint

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the Governor's latest announcement of his 2022 California Budget Blueprint, LACDP Chair Mark J. Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"There’s no doubt that when California leads, our nation succeeds. With a $45.7 billion surplus, the Governor’s latest budget proposal for our state -  focused on key initiatives like achieving universal access to healthcare, tackling housing and homelessness, universal pre-k and expanded financial aid for college students, and more - shows that our leaders will continue to focus on our 39 million Californians and their families.

I  look forward to working alongside Democratic leaders here in Los Angeles to ensure that we continue to remain on a strong fiscal foundation, reflect our state's values, and achieve the Governor’s goals for our state through this California Blueprint."

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LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on the anniversary of the Jan 6th Capitol Insurrection

January 6, 2022

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on the anniversary of the
January 6th Capitol Insurrection

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA - 

On the anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection on the United States Capitol, LACDP Chair Mark J. Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"A year ago today, thousands stormed our Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the will of the people, and disrupt the continuity of government. Aided by the reckless and dangerous calls of a president and hundreds of Republican elected officials across the country, this mob of political terrorists incited violence, destroyed property, put members of Congress, staff members and those on the front lines at risk, caused devastating loss of life, and attempted to destroy the very fabric of our democracy. Those responsible, and those who helped plot this failed coup attempt must continue to be held responsible, including the former president.

I  was proud to be one of the 55 electors for California, and as we reflect on the events that happened on January 6, 2021, we should remind ourselves that our young nation, while fragile, is resilient and that our work continues to protect and defend this country as we build that more perfect union."

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December 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on Final Redistricting Maps

December 20, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement on Final Redistricting Maps

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the completion and approval of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission's final maps for state districts, LACDP Chair Mark J. Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"In 2008 voters approved the “Voters First Act” giving independent commissioners the power to draw new lines all across our state. For the second time, these commissioners have spent weeks looking through data and listening to the comments and voices of those in communities of interest who would be affected by new changes in district lines. From Los Angeles County to the Capitol, these new lines are representative of the incredible diversity in our state, especially for our 15.6 million Latinos. As the largest county in the nation, we knew LA would have significant changes that our leadership and team closely monitored these past few months. 

I  thank the Commissioners, especially Commissioners Le Mons, Sadhwani, Taylor and Vasquez from here in LA County, and commission staff for their tireless work in ensuring that Californians remain truly represented up and down our state."

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September 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on Recall Results

September 14, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement on Recall Election Results

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the results of the latest recall attempt on Governor Gavin Newsom, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"Tonight, Californians sent a clear message to Republicans and the rest of the nation - we will reject Trumpism at all costs, and will always back those who continue to move our state forward. 

For the 6th time, recall proponents have failed in their attempts to oust our Governor - this time using millions in taxpayer money, statewide resources, and mentally exhausting voters at a time when we should all be focused on ending this pandemic and getting Californians back in schools and back to work. 

I  am proud of the work of all of our grassroots organizations, activists, leaders and more here in Los Angeles County who stepped up to not only protect our county and state, but the future of our nation. I  look forward to Democrats getting back to work with Governor Newsom and Democratic leadership on our key priorities including expanding healthcare access, pushing for voter protection reform (including reforming our recall process), climate change initiatives, keeping families and communities safe, and keeping our Golden State the greatest in our nation."

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July 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on Mayor Garcetti nomination as a US Ambassador

July 9, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement the nomination of Mayor Garcetti as the next US Ambassador to India

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the announcement from the White House on the nomination of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to be the next US Ambassador to India, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"Mayor Garcetti has been a transformative and consistent leader, not only in his time as Council President but as Mayor. From Vice President Harris to Secretary Becerra and others, California, and especially Los Angeles, is continuing to lead our nation and now represent us around the globe. I congratulate Mayor Garcetti on his nomination as the next United States Ambassador to India, and look forward to speaking with Democrats about the path forward for our next Mayor as we head into our next election cycle." 

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on September Recall Date

July 1, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement on September Recall Date 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the announcement from the Lt. Governor on the date of the upcoming attempted recall of Governor Newsom, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"Today, as millions of Americans get ready for a weekend celebrating the birth of our nation, we’re reminded that Republicans will stop at nothing to thwart democracy and overturn the will of voters when they don’t get their way. With September 14th as our target date for what we know will be a failed recall attempt, we welcome the opportunity to remind voters how Governor Newsom and his team continues to lead strategically the 5th largest economy in the world, worked to protect 39 million Californians during a pandemic, and the work Democrats are doing every day on behalf of our state." 

June 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on LA Democrats resolution standing in solidarity with the family of Andres Guardado and calling on the resignation of Sheriff Villanueva.

June 8, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez statement on LA Democrats resolution standing in solidarity with the family of Andres Guardado and calling on the resignation of Sheriff Villanueva. 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA --  

Following the vote tonight at the Los Angeles Central Committee , LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

“Accountability has long been one of the foundations of Democracy. As voters, we have an obligation to hold our leaders accountable for their actions, and as the Democratic Party, a responsibility to ensure that our elected officials are upholding our ideals and principles. Tonight, marking the one year anniversary of the murder of Andres Guardado, Los Angeles Democrats stand in solidarity with the Guardado family, recognizing the systematic brutality of law enforcement that has continued to shake our county. Leadership and accountability starts at the top, and while strides have been made to reform police culture in Los Angeles, it’s simply not enough. Sheriff Villanueva has had multiple opportunities since his election to reign in long standing problems within his department, which is why tonight, Los Angeles Democrats are holding him accountable and calling for his resignation. A failure to lead in Los Angeles, is a failure to serve Los Angeles. We will continue to hold those accountable who fail to live up to their obligations."

 

May 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on a potential recall of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón

May 20, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on a potential recall of
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the announcement that proponents have qualified to start a petition of a potential recall of Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

“Today, the LA Registrar Recorder approved the petition for public circulation for a potential recall of Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón. Democrats and voters across Los Angeles overwhelming supported DA Gascón in November, and voted to support policies that will hold criminals accountable, allow for restorative justice, and would move our failing criminal justice system forward into the 21st century. Now the same failed proponents, with the help of misinformation, attempting to oust the Governor are going after the newly elected DA. Make no mistake, Los Angeles Democrats will fight any attempted recall of this District Attorney, voted in with over 50% of the vote. If this is the playbook when a small minority of people and republicans want to use when they don’t get their way, wasting taxpayer money and time, then we’ll crack open ours to continue to fight these recalls to nowhere."

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April 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on President Biden's first Joint Address to Congress

April 28, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on President Biden's first 
Joint Address to Congress

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following President Biden's Joint Address to Congress, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

“Tonight, President Biden reminded us that America is “on the move” and building back better. From his investments in the American family and worker, focus on ending this pandemic, fighting for enact police reform and ending the gun epidemic, opening back up America, leading our allies around the world, and putting us in a position to be competitive in this ever-changing world. Historically flanked by Vice President Harris and Speaker Pelosi, the President laid out a plan that I hope will receive bipartisan support. They barely stood tonight, but let’s hope Republicans will help stand for the American people. Los Angeles Democrats will stand with this president, and Democratic leaders all across the country to remind Americans that we are here to lead."

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LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issues statement on Governor Recall signature preliminary qualification

April 26, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez statement on the
preliminary ballot qualification of the recall of the Governor

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the announcement that proponents have gathered enough qualified signatures to force a potential recall of Governor Newsom, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

“$400 million on the backs of our 39 million Californians. Republicans are forcing a recall on a governor whose approval ratings are over 50%, and who has proven he can get things done, because they know they can’t win in 2022. Los Angeles Democrats say: Bring. It. On. It's a waste of our time, and tax payer money. This recall will fail later this year, and Democrats are going to remind Republicans, again, why in November of 2022"

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LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez on today's tabling of CA Assembly Bill 1400 - California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act

April 21, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez on today's tabling of CA Assembly Bill 1400 -
California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following the tabling of California Assembly Bill 1400- California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"Throughout this pandemic, we have been reminded that American families, especially families all across Los Angeles County, have been hit hard by a healthcare system that is profit-focused and not patient-focused. From the beginning, Los Angeles Democrats have been working side by side and led with the authors of AB1400 - the California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act - to let Californians know that we believe in a just and fair system that will not bankrupt individuals and families. While AB1400 has been tabled for now, we will continue to work with Assemblymembers Kalra, Santiago, Lee, all of the co-sponsors and activists to ensure that all the necessary components are included to make single payer healthcare a reality in California, and then the nation."

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LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez responds to Mayor Garcetti's 2021 State of the City

April 19, 2021

LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez on Mayor Eric Garcetti's 2021 State of the City

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- 

Following Mayor Eric Garcetti's 2021 State of the City, LACDP Chair Mark Gonzalez issued the following statement: 

"As Los Angeles County works to get our county of 10 million back on track, tonight in his State of the City, Mayor Garcetti laid out a bold, focused agenda to move LA City forward. From major investments in rental assistance, tackling our homeless crisis and pushing a national right to housing” plan, urgently advancing our climate goals, to a pilot program for universal basic income, Mayor Garcetti reminds us that even in the midst of a pandemic, our work for the people of LA continues. I applaud the Mayor for laying out his vision to ensure that the state of Los Angeles City remains strong. Los Angeles Democrats will continue to stand with our elected leaders in the fight for our families and communities."

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