Recent News in the 48th District

(L to R) Pastor John J. Hunter, sr. Pastor, FAME; Assemblyman Mike Davis, Vice Chair Legislative Black Caucus; and 2012 Woman of the Year honoree First Denise Hunter, President & Chief Operating Officer, FAME Corporations

LOS ANGELES – April 1, 2012 - Assemblyman Mike Davis selected First Lady Denise Hunter of First A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles as the 2012 Woman of the Year from the 48th District. Since 1987, each year in March, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus sponsors the program to celebrate Women’s History Month. In the FAME Sunday morning worship service, Assemblyman Davis presented Mrs. Hunter with the certificate of recognition for outstanding service and dedication to the people of the State of California.

“The leadership Denise Hunter has provided to FAME Corporations has made a difference in improving the quality of life in the 48th District. Mrs. Hunter initiated the FAME Summer Youth Enrichment Program and the Back to School Program. Her work as Project Coordinator with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move California” will enhance health services in our community, as well. We have all benefited from the transportation assistance, business development, environment protection, housing and construction help provided by FAME Corporations under the leadership of Denise Hunter,” Assemblyman Mike Davis revealed.

In her role as President, Mrs. Hunter has direct responsibility for management and oversight for the thirteen corporate entities borne out of First A.M.E. Church. Mrs. Hunter also holds the honor of being the first female President of FAME Corporations. Through its various programs and partnerships, FAME is able to provide services to more than one million residents annually.

Mrs. Hunter currently serves on the Community Advisory Board for the National Children's Study for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties; she also served as a member of the transition team for California Attorney General Kamala Harris. Mrs. Hunter has also had the privilege of serving on the Pacific Northwest Ballet Board of Trustees, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institutional Review Board and many other boards and committees.

48th  District Women's History Month Ceremony honorees in the Sculpture Court  at CAAM (L to R) Charmaine Jefferson, Executive Director, California African  American Museum; Betty Yee, Board Member, California State Board of  Equalization; Assemblyman Mike Davis, 48th  District Host; Carolyn Fowler, Managing Partner, Daltek Global  Solutions, LLC; and Michelle Turner, USC  Black Alumni Association.

LOS ANGELES - March 23, 2012 - Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) selected four outstanding women committed to a lifetime of service to the city of Los Angeles and the state of California. The California African American Museum, Sculpture Court provided a beautiful setting for the annual gathering highlighting the contributions of the esteemed honorees including Betty Yee, Board Member, State Board of Equalization; Carolyn Fowler, Managing Partner, Daltek Global Solutions, LLC; Michele Turner, Executive Director, USC Black Alumni Association; and Charmaine Jefferson, Executive Director, California African American Museum.

"We are honored to recognize women who have made a difference throughout Los Angeles and the State of California because of the work they do above and beyond the call of duty. This year's honorees have made outstanding contributions to the Board of Equalization, California African American Museum, USC, and to the media as well as the general Los Angeles community," revealed Assemblyman Mike Davis.

March is National Women's History Month, an ideal time to consider the many ways what women have changed our nation. Over the years, due to the efforts of many, women have gained widespread recognition for their contributions to history, culture and society. Their commitment and dedicated service has proven to have an invaluable impact on the world and should be recognized.

LOS ANGELES – March 9, 2012 - Assemblyman Mike Davis hosted the 48th District Small Business Town Hall Breakfast featuring Keynote Speaker, Javier Cano, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and the JW Marriott, Los Angeles L.A. Live. The California African American Museum Conference Center in Exposition Park was filled to capacity with small business owners, stakeholders, non-profit organizations and corporate community affairs liaisons.

“It was great to hear of the impact that The Ritz- Carlton and JW Marriott has made in the downtown Los Angeles Community. I was impressed with the number of jobs provided to local residents. Most of all, the opportunities for small businesses to provide services through supplier diversity opportunities is critical as we seek to increase growth and development of our small business community. It is big businesses like The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott that will make the difference in our progress," Assemblyman Mike Davis remarked.

"They are a major source of support in the success of L.A. Live being California's most dynamic entertainment complex. Two other hospitality facilities are expected to be added to the area both the Marriot Courtyard and the new Wilshire Grand. When completed this level of high quality hospitality ensures the future success of L.A. Live as one of America's premier entertainment destinations," Assemblyman Davis concluded.

Cano’s charisma and vitality filled the room and piqued the interest of the small business owners for new economic development to a section of Los Angeles that is in need of luxury accommodations. Filling this need will create exciting opportunities for local hiring and supplier diversity. He emphasized the fact that the huge volume of tourist visiting Los Angeles provides business opportunity to local business. To get involved he suggested businesses utilize L.A. Inc. with programs like Tourism Marketing District to offer the business and leisure traveler your products and services.

Speaker John Perez, Republican Leader Connie Conway and Legislative Black Caucus members recognize Tuskegee Airmen at a Special Black History Month Celebration on the Assembly Floor. The surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen pictured are: Cara Johnson, widow of Capt. Alvin Johnson (third from left); Tech. Sgt. Boyd Taylor (fifth from left); Edith Roberts, widow of Col. George "Spanky" Roberts (sixth from left); Sr. Master Sgt. George Porter (in wheelchair); and Sgt. Judge Albert (second from right).

Sacramento - The California State Assembly paid tribute to the men of the George "Spanky" Roberts Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen at the 2012 African American History Month Celebration, which highlighted the outstanding contribution that the Tuskegee Airmen made to the United States armed forces in the field of aviation during World War II. The "Tuskegee Experiment" was geared towards determining if African Americans had the skill, coordination and courage to fly under combat conditions. The War Department undertook a study during the war, which revealed that the men of the 332nd Fighter Group met or surpassed expectations. The findings of the study were labeled "classified" and suppressed until Secretary of State Robert McNamara ordered them declassified in 1963.

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LOS ANGELES - February 18, 2012 -Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) expresses great sadness on the passing of one of the world's greatest artist, Whitney Houston. In the 1980's and 1990's her talents warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide.

"My heart is heavy with the loss of the incomparable Whitney Houston," stated Assemblyman Mike Davis. Her contributions to the music and film industries will be remembered for many years to come. Her iconic voice and incredible career has made a powerful influence on several generations of singers. She will be sorely missed because her performances and music impacted people in a profound way. This is a devastating loss to her family, friends and fans of her remarkable body of work."

Her legacy will live on through the great performances etched in our hearts and minds. We had her for a brief time but we are thankful of her great talent and the fact that she shared her enormous gifts with us.

LOS ANGELES - Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) 5th Annual Job Fair presented over 80 employers to thousands of job seekers assembled at Exposition Park in front of the Wallis Annenberg Building.

"I am pleased corporations and small businesses came out with available jobs for our constituents in the 5th Annual Job Fair. It is important that we were able to identify companies which will hire individuals who have had contact with the law and are off parole. When people are given an opportunity to work they can make positive contributions to themselves, their community and to our state as taxpaying citizens," Assemblyman Mike Davis says.

"We must continue the collaboration to provide everyone an opportunity with adequate assistance during these times of increased need for jobs." remarked Michael Dolphin, EDD Division Chief, LA-Ventura Workforce Services.

Additionally, Davi Dancy, EDD Field Office Manager, Crenshaw/West LA Workforce Services, stated "Jobseekers came in impressive numbers and were ready to work. Many of the employers attending the event stated to her that they were pleased with the caliber of job seekers and had made job offers to an impressive number of applicants, while others had been scheduled for second interviews."

The Crenshaw EDD staff offered Job Search Assistance Workshops and Resume Critiques. Veteran Representatives were also on hand at the EDD table to provide services to the veteran job seekers.

The Job Fair was presented in partnership with the Employment Development Department, the Wilshire Metro/Compton WorkSource Center, Southeast LA – Crenshaw Workforce Center, Los Angeles Sentinel, Mothers In Action, Florence Western Medical Clinic, the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program, Chef Marilyn and various local government and private organizations within Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties.

Over the past four years, the job fairs have matched thousands of job seekers with hundreds of employers throughout California. The fairs connect job seekers with employers who value their skills and provide a unique opportunity for job seekers to meet with employers with high-quality job openings and resource agencies offering a wide range of employment services and information. Job seekers can learn about career opportunities, education and training options, apprenticeships, and other services offered by public and private agencies. This year's event continued the success of previous job fairs which matched thousands of job seekers with employers and service providers.

CONTACT: Joan Scott, (213) 744-2111

On Monday, February 6, 2012 the California Legislative Black Caucus members held a V.I.P. Reception for the great Quincy Jones as a part of the State Assembly recognition of his 79 Grammys and 5 decades of work in the music and entertainment industry.

LOS ANGELES - Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) recognizes the great contribution Don Cornelius made to the promotion of Black Music and Black Artists in America and internationally.

"It is with the greatest sadness that I learn of the passing of Don Cornelius, a true legend in the entertainment world," said Assemblyman Davis. Don Cornelius was a history maker himself by the significant work he did at providing a platform for many African American entertainers left off of the mainstream agenda in the American Music Industry. His platform provided the rightful recognition for musicians who had both performed and sold to millions, yet were not featured on American television in the way that their white counterparts often were on shows like American Band Stand. His show, better known as Soul Train, presented a sense of pride for not only African Americans, but all Americans as it became known for the forgotten musical history that reflected the greatness of America itself."

Don Cornelius was a meticulous producer of America's soul music. The Scramble segment in his television show often increased the popularity of the various talents which graced American stages. A parade of the world's most dynamic talent was seen on numerous episodes of Soul Train. Talent like Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, The O'Jays, The Temptations, and The Jackson 5 were among the musical artist who performed.

"I was proud to establish the Living Legends Award Ceremony in the California State Assembly over the past six years where we honor African American Musical Artists during the Black History Month Celebration," expressed Assemblyman Davis. "I was even prouder to have Don Cornelius to join me at the African American Museum to kick-off this annual celebration where we recognized the music of Grammy Award Winner Dionne Warwick in 2006.";

“Looking back on the wonderful work that Don Cornelius did for this country by producing the Soul Train Awards and The Lady of Soul Awards as well as Soul Train, I will miss all of the great experiences his productions brought to us all," reflects Assemblyman Davis.

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Scholarship Program was established to assist deserving students by offering financial assistance to help meet educational expenses. Scholarship Candidates must be full-time students in good academic standing at an accredited college or university. Graduating high school seniors with written proof of acceptance at an accredited institution of higher learning are also eligible. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The amount of each award is $1,000.00. To be considered for this scholarship, the following information must be completed and returned to your Representative's office.

» View Printable Application Form

Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr. after receiving the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award stands proudly with Assemblyman Mike Davis

LOS ANGELES – January 13, 2012 Assemblyman Mike Davis hosted the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Commemoration at the California African American Museum in Exposition Park. This year’s honoree, President, Los Angeles City Council Herb J. Wesson, Jr. gave a heartwarming keynote address as he accepted the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award.

“Even though Los Angeles was founded in the 1700’s, this is the first African American elected as President of the City Council,” remarked Assemblyman Davis. “This historic act creates an atmosphere of inclusion. Dr. Martin Luther King’s holiday is an outstanding time to recognize this achievement of diversity for the city.”

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LOS ANGELES – December 21, 2011 – Assemblyman Mike Davis found the perfect opportunity to kick start the holiday season by hosting the 48th District’s Annual Holiday Celebration & Toy Drive at the magnificent Natural History Museum, African Mammal Hall in Exposition Park. Guests were greeted by Assemblyman Davis and the Little Dickens Carolers’ dressed in classic Dickens styled costumes, as they delivered handpicked toys for underprivileged families throughout the 48th District.

“The mission of this event was to bring joy to the many children during the Christmas holiday season.” I am pleased that the guests of this event had the same vision as I did, which is helping those less fortunate,” remarked Assemblyman Mike Davis. “I am grateful for the support and performances given by our celebrity friends who made this an enjoyable and unforgettable event,” he added.

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LOS ANGELES - Governor Jerry Brown ended prison-based gerrymandering in the State of California by signing AB 420 (Redistricting) authored by Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles). Prior to AB 420, for redistricting purposes, California followed the practice of prison gerrymandering, which counts prisoners where they are incarcerated, rather than in their last known legal residence, as required by Election Code Section 2025. AB 420 requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide the California Redistricting Commission with last known address data on its inmates, so that they may be counted in their home districts, and not in prison.

"Prison gerrymandering dilutes minority representation in our state's democracy," said Assemblyman Davis. "It violates the 14th Amendment of the Constitution because it violates the one-person, one-vote principle, which requires all members of a political body to represent the same number of constituents. Prison gerrymandering can artificially inflate the population in some districts, and lead to "captive constituents" who are counted as residents of the districts where prisons are located for ten years, when on average they are free within 3 years.

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Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) successfully moved AB 420-Redistricting through the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee by a 3 to 2 vote. The bill which seeks to end prison-based gerrymandering by changing the way California's inmates are counted for redistricting purposes advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senate Room 4203 at 11:00 a.m. on July 11, 2011.

"I am thrilled to have obtained the support of the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee for AB 420," Assemblyman Mike Davis said. "This bill will help clarify instructions on how prisoners must be counted for the specific purpose of redistricting, given the various government departments which could count prisoners in their institutions instead of where they should be according to our California Elections Code Section 2025. AB 420 will close the loophole that exists in the misinterpretation of department policy versus law," Davis remarked.

"I look forward to discussing the minimal financial impact of the bill on the state in the hearing to be held in the near future in the Senate Appropriations Committee," Davis expressed. "My goal is to get AB 420 before the full State Senate for their consideration."

See Assemblyman Mike Davis discuss AB 420-Redistricting on KNBC's new digital show "Nonstop News LA" hosted by Colleen Williams that aired on June 16, 2011.

Click on the link below...

For more information and to participate in the Senate Committee hearing on AB 420, contact my 48th District Office at (213) 744-2111.