Dear Friend:

Each February we celebrate a multitude of holidays and observances, but one that often goes unnoticed is the Japanese American internment Day of Remembrance on February 19th.

The 19th of February was designated a Day of Remembrance as a way to increase public awareness of the events surrounding the forcible internment of Japanese Americans following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The particular date was chosen because February 19, 1942 was the day that President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law Executive Order 9066, which effectively suspended the civil liberties of Japanese Americans in the United States.

Roosevelt's proclamation altered the lives of 120,000 Japanese Americans by ripping them from their homes and placing them inside camps. While held there, they were denied many of the basic civil rights guaranteed to them under the constitution, such as their freedom of speech, religion and privacy, all because of fear.

This year marks the 70th Anniversary of this historic day.

It is clear that these citizens were not a threat to national security and today, this internment is one of the most widely condemned actions in US history.  The events of 1942 serve as a reminder to us all that we should never again let our fears get the better of us. We must pledge to all do our part to eradicate injustice and work to never again repeat these grave mistakes.

Sincerely,

TONY MENDOZA
Assemblymember, 56th District

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 3- Deadline for Woman of the Year Nominations
Assemblymember Tony Mendoza is looking to honor and celebrate the work of deserving women making a difference in our community. The women who are chosen as “Women of the Year” in their respective cities will be invited to a celebration dinner recognizing their achievements in the community. One woman will receive the title of Woman of the Year for the 56th Assembly District and will be invited to a special State recognition event in Sacramento to be held in 2012 at the State Capitol. For a copy of the application or for further information on the 2012 Woman of the Year, visit http://asmdc.org/members/a56/ or call (562) 864-5600.

February 4– City of Cerritos Festival of Friendship
The Let Freedom Ring Committee organizes an annual Festival of Friendship to celebrate the City’s diverse residents. The Festival of Friendship features cultural displays and performances and is usually held in February at the Los Cerritos Center. For more information, call the Cerritos Recreation Services Division at (562) 916-1254.

WHAT:                  Festival of Friendship
WHEN:                 Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 12 p.m.
WHERE:               Cerritos Civic Center
18124 Bloomfield Ave.,
Cerritos CA 90703

February 8– City of Lakewood 2012 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast
Join the Mayor in prayer with city, civic and religious leaders.  Reservations are required and can be made by phoning (562) 866-9771 x3123.

WHAT:                 2012 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast
WHEN:                 Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
WHERE:               Lakewood Centre - Weingart Ballrooms (A & B)
5000 Clark Ave
Lakewood, California 90712

February 20- President’s Day
President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February. The holiday is a celebration of the 44 Americans who have led our nation.

February 25– City of Artesia Youth Safety Expo
The Youth Safety Expo provides information about various public safety agencies and focuses on safety tips for youth. Sheriff helicopters, fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and other first responders will be at the event to give out information about safety.

WHAT:                Youth Safety Expo
WHEN:                Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:              Artesia Park
18750 Clarkdale Avenue
Artesia, California 90701

February 27– City of Lakewood 31st Annual Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame Banquet
Athlete of the Year, Performers of the Year and Special Achievement awards are presented to high school and collegiate athletes who live in Lakewood or attend school in Lakewood. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (562) 866-9771 x-2408.

WHAT:                 31st Annual Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame Banquet
WHEN:                Wednesday, February 27, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
WHERE:               Lakewood Centre - Weingart Ballrooms (A & B)
5000 Clark Ave
Lakewood, California 90712

DISTRICT NEWS

Polanco Fellow Placed in Asm. Mendoza’s Capitol Office

2011-2012 Polanco Fellows Class Leader Alex Milan Delgadillo was selected to work in Assemblymember Tony Mendoza’s Capitol Office last month as part of his duties.

Named in honor of former California State Senator Richard G. Polanco, a founder and the chair of the California Latino Caucus Institute, the Polanco Fellowship program provides leadership training and development for a select group college graduates. The heart of the Fellowship is an eight-month placement in the Capitol office of a state legislator. While in the legislator's office, Fellows work with Assemblymembers and Senators and their staff.  They work on legislation and attend hearings on critical public policy issues.

“I am eager and excited to show Alex the legislative ropes,” Assemblymember Tony Mendoza said. “His background and educational experience make him an ideal Polanco Fellow and I welcome him to my office.”

Raised with his family in northeast Los Angeles, Alex aspires to become a public servant with a vision of building the community coalitions statewide needed to lead California on the key issues affecting its future—education, poverty, and immigration. 

Alex received his Bachelor’s Degree in Politics with a Minor in Legal Studies from the University of San Francisco (USF) in 2010.  Alex is a product of California’s diverse community college system having earned his undergraduate units while attending Los Angeles City College, Rio Hondo Community College, and Glendale Community College.

For further information on the Polanco Fellowship, please visit http://www.cllcipp.org/index.html.

Cesar Chavez Nominations Now Being Accepted

Assemblymember Tony Mendoza is now accepting nominations for the 56th Assembly District’s 2012 Cesar Chavez Humanitarian Award.

The Cesar Chavez Humanitarian Awards honor a 56th Assembly District resident who has worked hard to have a positive effect in the local community. The winning individual is one who exemplifies the work of Cesar Chavez and displays his 10 core values of acceptance of all people, sacrifice, determination, non-violence, service to others, respect for life and the environment, celebrating the community, knowledge, and innovation.

Applications can be found on the Assemblymember’s website at: www.asm.ca.gov/mendoza. Completed forms can be either faxed to (562) 863-7466 or mailedto the Assemblymember’s District Office at: 12501 E. Imperial Hwy. Suite 210, Norwalk, CA 90650. The deadline for applications is March 9, 2012.

Assemblymember Mendoza will be hosting finalists, their families and other community members at his annual 56th Assembly District 2012 Cesar Chavez Humanitarian Award Banquet on March 29, 2012. The annual award banquet pays tribute to the late labor leader Cesar E. Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers of America, by recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of community members who display the core values Chavez followed during his lifetime.

Creating Jobs with the Help of State Farm

As California’s unemployment rate hovers near 11 percent, Assemblymember Tony Mendoza has joined forces with State Farm Insurance Field Executive Kevin McKinney to host the State Farm Insurance Business Opportunity Seminar on February 9, teaching community members how they can create their own insurance agency.

This free public event will feature information on how attendees can open their own State Farm Insurance & Financial Services Business with State Farm’s nine month paid training (including salary, benefits, and licensing), one-on-one mentor coaching with established agents, $30,000 signing bonus, and more. The program also boasts a greater than 80 percent agent success rate.

“In today’s economy too many people are struggling to find stable employment,” Assemblymember Mendoza said. “We organized this event to provide the struggling unemployed with assistance and disseminate this valuable information to the community.”

The event will take place at the Cerritos State Farm Agency Field Office at 17777 Center Court Drive, Ste. 725, Cerritos, CA 90703 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Refreshments are provided and RSVPs are requested.  For further details or to RSVP for the February 9 event, please contact Denise Morales at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Sergio Contreras at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

LEAD Foundation Holds First Fundraiser

Southern California Lead Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is hosting its first fundraising dinner on February 2, in effort to raise money for the continuation of its threatened Young Legislators Program.

Along with hundreds of other organizations, the LEAD Foundation had its account frozen when an unscrupulous accountant was found to have stolen funds from a number of not-for-profit organizations.

The Young Legislators Program is an innovative program that nurtures young leaders by providing them with the opportunity to engage in discussions and learn from active business leaders, government officials, and organizations in the community.

The program is designed for high school seniors interested in learning about leadership and the California legislative process. The students are invited to attend monthly seminars centered on various leadership themes. Additionally, students who complete the program are invited to attend an all-expense paid trip to Sacramento for a private tour of the Capitol and participation in a mock Assembly session.

“This fundraiser will help us to ensure that the LEAD Foundation can continue making a difference in the lives of area children,” Young Legislators Program founder Assemblymember Tony Mendoza said. “Community support is what makes the continuation of this program possible.”

The fundraising reception will take place Thursday, February 2 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the newly opened Buffalo Wild Wings at 11255 E. 183rd Street, Cerritos, CA 90703. Donations will go toward supporting the Young Legislators Program. 

Those interested in attending or sponsoring the Southern California Lead Foundation should contact Sergio Contreras at (562) 863-2029 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

January proved a busy month for Assemblymember Tony Mendoza’s legislation as three of his bills saw action on the Assembly floor.

Clean air bill AB 937 would alter current at-berth regulations aimed at reducing emissions from some ocean going vessels while docked at a California port, to include alternatives that can cost-effectively treat additional vessel types and allow more vessels to be covered by the regulation.  The bill passed the Assembly Committee on Transportation with a vote of 10-3 on January 10 but was held on suspense in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on January 19.

Assemblymember Mendoza’s AB 1172, giving school districts the authority to deny a charter school petition on the basis of financial impact, also moved along the legislative process by passing the Assembly Committee on Education with a vote of 7-4, with one abstention, on January 11.

The bill now heads to the Assembly floor for a vote.

“If a charter school would be a financial burden to a district that is already faced with extremely difficult decisions— such as eliminating adult education, counselors, librarians, or closing a school— then the district should have the authority to deny the charter,” Assemblymember Tony Mendoza said. “I want to ensure that these schools do for the State what they are intended—foster innovation and ultimately increase educational outcomes for all children. Not unnecessarily burdening our educational institutions.”

Meanwhile, Assemblymember Mendoza’s AB 785, a bill limiting the mingling of family, contracts, elected officials and government affairs and improving governmental transparency statewide, passed the Assembly Committee on Elections with a vote of 6-0, but failed to pass the Assembly Committee on Local Government.

“I am extremely disappointed that my colleagues in the Local Government Committee didn’t seem to value limiting the instances of conflict of interest in government,” Assemblymember Mendoza said. “With the dismissal of this beneficial piece of legislation, they have voted to maintain the status quo and continue to turn a blind eye to shady dealings that financially benefit family members of elected officials rather than protecting fairness in government.”

AB 785 would have expanded the list of family members that the law would recognize as constituting a conflict of interest, when those immediate family members stand to gain financially from a contract under review by an office holder in their official capacity. The bill stated that elected members of any state or local body, board or commission would abstain from voting on any contract that could financially benefit their spouse or child, parent, or sibling, or the spouse of the child, parent or sibling.