Latest Statements

June 2020

Response to today's SCOTUS Ruling on LGBTQ workplace protections under Title VII

June 15, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to today's SCOTUS Ruling on LGBTQ workplace protections under Title VII

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to today's landmark SCOTUS ruling on LGBTQ protections in the workplace, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"LGBTQ Americans all across our county and our nation continue to face unimaginable discrimination, despite all the progress we’ve made. Today’s SCOTUS Bostock v Clayton County, GA monumental ruling affirmed that workplace discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity is not only wrong, but unlawful under Title VII protections in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Our nation must continue to fight for the rights and protections of LGBTQ Americans not only in the workplace, but in our schools, in our communities and in our homes. Our fight is not over, especially on the heels of the Trump Administration rolling back healthcare protections for transgender Americans. As we celebrate Pride Month and honor LGBTQ pioneers, Los Angeles County Democrats will continue to be at the forefront of that fight for justice and equal rights."

 

Response to the Trump Administration's continued attacks on Transgender Americans' healthcare protections

June 12, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to the

Trump Administration's continued attacks on Transgender Americans' healthcare protections

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to the Trump Administrations Health And Human Services ruling on Transgender Americans' healthcare protections, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"The facts are clear: Donald Trump and his administration do not care about human life. Their continued attacks on Black, Hispanic, Asian Americans, Women, and once again the LGBTQ community should be a stark reminder that this lawless president will not protect you. Today’s Health and Human Services ruling erasing federal healthcare protections for Transgender Americans on the 12th day of Pride Month, the anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, and in the middle of a pandemic is disgusting. This president has again given the green light for those who’s duty it is to protect life, license to discriminate on the basis of sex and gender identity. LA Democrats will continue to fight for the rights our transgender community, especially in a time where so many Black Transgender Americans are being killed, including Dominique Rem'mie Fells and Riah Milton just this week. The president and his administration should be ashamed - but we know they lack the morals."

 

Response to today's Vote-By-Mail Ruling out of Sutter County

June 12, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez responds to today's

Vote-By-Mail ruling out of Sutter County

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to today's vote-by-mail ruling out of Sutter County against Governor Newsom's executive order, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

"As we continue to see a rise in coronavirus-related cases, voting by mail is not only critical to our safety, but essential to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. Today’s ruling out of Sutter County, suspending the Governor’s executive order, does not change that necessity.  Governor Newsom’s first priority is the safety and well-being of Californians, and Assemblymembers Gallagher, Kiley and the CAGOP have spent more time aligning with Donald Trump and his lies and playing politics, and less time working to provide a working solution on safely ensuring  millions of Californians can vote. LA Democrats look forward to supporting the legislative efforts in the Assembly and State Senate, and making sure to codify the vote-by-mail process as we head in to November."

Celebrating 50 Years of Pride

June 3, 2020

Celebrating 50 Years of Pride

 

Pride is usually a time for myself, the LGBTQ community and allies to come together to laugh, learn, celebrate and grow together.

Pride is usually a time where we reflect on the work of pioneers like Morris Kight, Bayard Rustin, Tak Yamamoto and June Lagmay, Jose Sarria, Jeanne Cordova and others who helped usher in a generation of activism and leadership. Over the years, representation within our ranks here at LACDP has grown, as we welcome more LGBTQ Angelenos within our leadership and in our new class of elected members than ever before. 

Pride is usually a time where we welcome Americans and those from all across the globe who have come to accept themselves into the "family," and to provide the support for those who continue to need it.

Pride is usually a time where, while waving rainbow flags, marching in a parade, and meeting new people, we can celebrate a moment of joy.    

For the past 50 years, Pride has been a constant reminder that the fight for equality is hard, but not impossible. As our country attempts to stay healthy in the middle of this pandemic, our nation has once again been confronted with the sins of racial injustices that have plagued our communities. Pride grew out of protests 50 years ago, and we're seeing our nation rise up once again and say ENOUGH.

This year, our fight is not only at the ballot box, but in continuing to support and uplift Black voices all across LA County, especially black transgender voices who are continuously forgotten in this fight for equal justice. 

I'm proud to stand alongside of you and LA County Democrats and all the work we do on behalf of LGBTQ Angelenos.

While we may not be able to be together this month like we have in the past - remember now is the time for focus, let's continue to meet the challenges head on, and take pride.

May 2020

Calling on LA City Councilmember Jose Huizar to resign

May 28, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez calls for the resignation of LA City Councilmember Jose Huizar

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to the recent federal indictments out of City Council District 14, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“In a time where blatant corruption is running rampant at the highest level of our government, Los Angeles residents deserve representation in our local government free from greed and deceptive practices. The recent indictments from the Department of Justice make clear that there are bad actors who have selfishly tainted the trust Angelenos have in our city officials and their ability to govern. While we have endorsed and supported Councilmember Huizar in past elections, Democrats will not tolerate illegal dealings or abuses of power. As a CD14 resident myself, I echo the call from Mayor Garcetti, Council President Nury Martinez and others calling for Councilmember Huizar to immediately resign, so City Hall can get back focusing on how to protect our city as we continue to navigate this pandemic."

Statement on the Murder of George Floyd and protests in DTLA

May 27, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement on the murder of George Floyd and protests in Downtown Los Angeles

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to the murder of George Floyd and protests in Downtown LA, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“Tonight, Angelenos are coming together after witnessing yet another killing of an unarmed black male in America. Make no mistake, a pandemic has not stopped hate that has reverberated across this country for decades, exasperated even further by a lawless, racist and bigoted president and his administration. The murder of George Floyd this week in Minnesota at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve, and the seemingly never ending cycle of unnecessary deaths, continues to be a stark reminder that our country still has a serious problem. Black Lives Matter isn’t just a saying - it’s a reality, and LA County Democrats continue to stand with those demanding justice, accountability, and change”

 

 

Statement on the RNC & CAGOP Vote-By-Mail Lawsuit

May 26, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement on the RNC & CAGOP Vote-By-Mail Lawsuit

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to the RNC and CAGOP vote-by-mail lawsuit against Governor Newsom, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“The Republican playbook has been the same for years, and frankly voters are finally starting to see it for what it is - voter suppression. The RNC and the CAGOP’s latest attempt to use the courts to gaslight supporters is another charade to confuse and deflect from their inaction on putting forth policies designed to help working class voters. California joins South Carolina, Utah, and 26 other states who allow vote-by-mail - are they suing Republican-led states, too? If you don’t want voters to vote, then don’t run to represent them. No one should have to choose between their health and their right to vote”

 

Statement reflecting on Memorial Day

May 25, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez reflects on sacrifices made for our nation
this Memorial Day

LOS ANGELES, CA --  Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“We end this month, as we have for the past 152 years, honoring fallen Angelenos and Americans all across the country who have served in our Armed Forces and sacrificed their lives for our country. 

From Civil Wars, to Vietnam, to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, our young nation has been, and continues to be tested, at home and around the globe. Today we remember those patriots, women and men, black, latino, API, LGBT and more who sacrificed themselves in service to our nation. 

As we continue to grapple with the effects of this pandemic, this start to our normal summer may look a little different, but one thing is for certain - it's continued to remind us about true sacrifice.

This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect on those brave Americans who fought to ensure that we continue to maintain a healthy democracy, free from tyranny. Let us remember those that fought for our right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. Let us honor those fallen services members and recommit ourselves to helping build a more perfect union. 

Wishing you and yours a very thoughtful Memorial Day.”

 

Statement regarding the Special Election results in CA25

May 12, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez releases statement regarding the Special Election results in CA25

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to the ongoing results from tonight's Special Election in CA25, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“Tonight the Trump-Garcia-McConnell machine showed America that they will continue to deploy their dangerous tactics, buying and lying their way into an election. As we continue to grapple with the local and national affects of the coronavirus, Mike Garcia has fallen in line with Donald Trump in their attempt to destroy the Affordable Care Act, putting millions of Americans at risk. I   know the Christy will be the voice Congress needs right now to ensure that our workers are safe and our families are secure. This fight in CA25 was never going to be over tonight. Trump, Mike Garcia and the Republicans have been put on notice, and they will do whatever they can do defeat Christy in November. There’s too much at stake, and LA Democrats look forward to the challenge ahead with Christy.”

 

Statement on NRCC's Latest Tweet Attack Regarding CA25 Voting Centers

May 8, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez blasts the NRCC and CA25 Candidate Mike Garcia for latest Tweet Attack 

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to the National Republican Congressional Committee's latest tweet attacking LA Democrats and CA25's newest vote center, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“The NRCC and the Trump/Mike Garcia Republican Party are nothing if not consistent. Their latest tweet attack and attempt to suppress the vote is so on brand, they’re practically telling on themselves. The reality is, here in LA County and all across the country they are afraid of voters and democracy. Just ask Mitch McConnell - voter suppression is the only way they know they can win. We’re glad to have led the fight to ensure that all Angelenos in CA25 have an opportunity to vote in Tuesday’s Special Election and we’re going to keep making sure voters have that opportunity in November and beyond.”

 

Screenshot of tweet is below:

Statement on Governor Newsom's Vote-By-Mail Executive Order

May 8, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez applauds Governor Newsom's Vote-By-Mail Executive Order for the upcoming General Election

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to Governor Newsom's executive order today, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“The safety and health of all Californians and Angelenos continues to be a top priority of our elected officials, especially through the leadership of Governor Newsom. With so much uncertainty due to COVID-19 over the next few months, LA County residents should not have to choose between their safety and their right to vote. On behalf of the 2.9 million Democrats, almost a third of the state’s voting base, I  applaud the Governor’s decision to ensure that all Californians will be able to vote-by-mail in the upcoming election. I look forward to our party’s continued work to make sure that we’re working with Secretary Padilla, Registrar  Dean Logan and the county to ensure a safe and democratic election.”

Statement on CA25 Special Election Voting Centers

May 4, 2020

LACDP Chair Mark J Gonzalez calls on LA County Registrar to add Voting Center in Lancaster for CA25 Special Election

 

LOS ANGELES, CA --  In response to the lack of diverse areas receiving voting centers in CA25 and across LA County, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark J. Gonzalez released the following statement: 

“For the second time in just a matter of weeks, voters in Congressional District 25 are returning their ballots or headed to voting centers to cast ballots in a Special Election. This is also the second time since the introduction of voting centers that Dean Logan’s Registrar’s office has failed to provide voting locations in areas with a predominantly Black or Latino voting base. Lancaster is the single most diverse part of the district, and yet the nearest voting center is nine miles away. Registrar Logan’s Voting Center placement decisions need to be consistent with our state’s focus on ensuring that every voter has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, register to vote, change their voter registration and more, especially in communities of color. I urge the Registrar’s office to swiftly and safely add a voting location in the Lancaster area for the upcoming Special Election, ensuring that voting equipment is working properly, and that all center workers have PPE and are following proper safety guidelines. The Registrar should also seriously consider building a diverse task force to identify future locations every election and ways to ensure that voters don’t have to worry about how they’re going to participate."