Don’t miss the California Democratic Party’s Summer Executive Board Meeting. Join us in person, July 8-10 in Los Angeles for our 2022 Summer Executive Board Meeting! The API Caucus will be meeting during the E-Board conference, exact date and time TBD. Hotel Reservations are now open!
Join South Asians for America (SAFA) for the First Ever South Asian Organizing 101 Virtual Training Series! Each session will feature a panel of experts on Topics related to Community Organizing including Types of Organizing (Issue/Ethnic/Faith Based), Digital Organizing Tools, Youth Engagement & Leadership in Organizing. April 21st: Session 2 will cover an overview of Community Organizing Tools, Resources and Guides and feature a special presentation on Free Digital Organizing Tools by Co-Founder of Democracy Labs, Deepak Puri. Democracy Labs is a non profit organization that was founded after the 2016 presidential election to find and introduce innovative new apps to progressive causes and campaigns so they can do more with less money. Democracy Labs shares information about free/low-cost apps through blogs, online courses and in-person workshops.April 28th: Session 3 will cover Best Practices for Community Organizing and will feature panels on Leadership in Organizing and Youth Engagement.RSVP for One or All Three Sessions at: https://bit.ly/SAFAOrganizingTraining
Help Register Voters in Fremont!The League of Women Voters of Fremont-Newark-Union City is holding voter registration drives at high schools and are in need of volunteers!Dates where help is most needed: Monday, April 25th at Irvington High, Shift A 8:15-10:15 Wednesday, May 18th at American High, Shift A 8:15-10:15 Thursday, May 19th at American, Shift A 8:15-10:15 Please contact Joanne Hoemberg if you are interested in volunteering!jhoemberg@sbcglobal.net
The CA Young Dems API Caucus is holding their annual fundraiser on Thursday, May 12, in San Francisco. RSVP here
We’re excited to bring you this event along with: – Rising Organizers Action – South West Asian and North African Democratic Club – California Young Democrats Asian Pacific Islander Caucus – Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats – Korean American Democratic Club – Chinese American Democratic Club – Alameda County Muslim Friends and Dems Democratic Club – Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus of Alameda County – Fresno County Hmong Democrats – Central Valley SEIU-UHW API RSVP at bit.ly/apispringmixer Contact Zahra Hajee at zahrahajee@gmail.com to add your Democratic organization as an event co-partner!
Voter Protection Team Hotline Operator and Poll Monitor Volunteers are needed! CADEM’s Voter Protection Team is seeking volunteers in six different languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog and Hmong. Please sign up to be a member of our Voter Protection Team for the 2022 Midterm Primaries. Hotline Operators will assist voters with voting-related questions, report, investigate, and troubleshoot election-related issues. Poll Monitors will check polling locations around the state, to ensure that all voters have equal access to the ballot. CADEM will be offering full training on Voter Protection prior to the Primary.
Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus of Alameda County15th Annual Membership DinnerThursday, April 21st, 2022, 6:30 pm -“Building Allyships as We Counter Anti-Asian Hate”For further information please contact: info@apadc.org
Save the Date: API Caucus Meeting – Friday, March 4, 5-7pm Panel Discussion: Housing, Land Use, and the AAPI Community The 2022 CA Dem State Convention will be online. Our Caucus will meet on Friday, March 4, from 5 to 7pm on Zoom. Agenda and other details are coming soon. Please register here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrdeCvqTkqHNPoQQSyuABDrdxKRZZq4-FC
More information on other events during Convention (March 4-6) are available at: https://cdpconvention.org
Congrats to Assemblymember-Elect Mike Fong! Results show Democrat Mike Fong winning over 2/3 of the vote in the AD49 Special Election. Thank you to everyone who helped out with the campaign.
Volunteers Needed to Elect Mike Fong in the Assembly District 49 Special Election
The California Democratic Party has endorsed Mike Fong for the AD49 special election in the San Gabriel Valley. Election day is Feb 15. You can help by calling and contacting voters seven days a week, from your home or at the campaign office. Office Location: 925 South Atlantic Blvd. Suite 103 Monterey Park, CA 91754 Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Signup: Please sign up for a 2-3 hour shift https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ETwj8cr3QTLC_rjqtgQYh_c3o_lvNcnjHXLpZoAj1_o/edit?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=61e2201c. Please contact Berenice at (714) 397-8099 to sign up and/or if you have any questions.
2022 California Democratic Party Pre-Endorsement Voting Starts Feb 4 If you are a delegate, a County Central Committee member, or a designated representative of a Democratic club, you will be receiving a Pre-Endorsement Ballot this week. Here are some important dates to add to your calendar: February 4: CADEM will email you your ballot. When you receive your ballot, please 1) fill out your ballot; 2) sign the ballot with an original signature; and 3) return the ballot to the California Democratic Party via email or by mailing the ballot to: 1830 9th St, Sacramento, CA 95811. February 12: Deadline to return ballots before the start of the roll call vote for each specific race at the Virtual Pre-Endorsement Meetings. To view the schedule of the Pre-Endorsement Meetings on February 12, please visit https://cadem.org/endorsements/.
The March 4-6, 2022 California Democratic Party Convention will be online. Register by February 9. CADEM is transitioning the 2022 State Convention to a virtual-only event on March 4-6, 2022. The last two years have taught us that the manner in which we connect with one another–either in-person or virtually–is less important than the power of the connections we build. With so much at stake in 2022, the collective power of California Democrats will be vital to holding the House, expanding strong majorities in the State Legislature, and keeping statewide Democratic leadership in place. Soon, we will have the opportunity to be together in the streets and knock on doors to keep CA the Bluest State in the Nation. Until then, we will come together virtually to do the work of our Party and plan to win in 2022 and beyond. Join us: https://cdpconvention.org
Organizing Director Job Available The California Democratic Party is hiring an Organizing Director. The Organizing Director will report to the CADEM Executive Director and Party Chair and will coordinate and work with the other departmental Directors. Details at https://cadem.org/jobs/
Highlighting AAPI Majority & Plurality Assembly, Senate, and Congressional Districts The new district maps have created 2 AAPI majority districts (AD 24 & 49) as well as 9 AAPI plurality districts (AD19, 20, 25, 67, & 70, SD10, CD17, 28, 45). The Caucus has been highlighting these districts on social media. Follow us at: Twitter: @CDPAPICaucus Instagram: @apicaucus Facebook: fb.com/apicaucus #AAPI #RepresentationMatters
2022 Primary – Local Endorsement Process County Central Committees will be endorsing in local elections in the June 2022 Primary Election, such as County Supervisor or Judge.
UPDATE: The convention will be a virtual, remote-only meeting.
The party hopes to convene in-person at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but recognizes the pandemic landscape is rapidly changing with a new variant and a rise in infections. Over the course of the next 3 weeks – by the end of January 2022 – the party will announce a formal decision to either (A) move forward with an in-person State Convention in Los Angeles or (B) to conduct the event as a virtual, remote-only meeting. Link to registration and hotel reservations are at https://cdpconvention.org/.
Organizing Director Job Available The California Democratic Party is hiring an Organizing Director. The Organizing Director will report to the CADEM Executive Director and Party Chair and will coordinate and work with the other departmental Directors. Details at https://cadem.org/jobs/
2022 California Democratic Party Endorsement Process The California Democratic Party has begun its 2022 Midterm Endorsement Process starting on December 1, 2022. Candidates for Federal and State office in California have until February 3, 2022, to register for consideration by our Delegates and Party Activists. Legislative Candidates will first be considered at our Pre-Endorsement Conferences on February 12, 2022 and all endorsements will be voted on and approved at our 2022 Endorsing Convention in Los Angeles between March 3 – 6, 2022. Learn more / apply at https://cadem.org/endorsements/
2022 Primary – Local Endorsement Process County Central Committees will be endorsing in local elections in the June 2022 Primary Election, such as County Supervisor or Judge. Los Angeles County: For eligible candidates and ballot measures on the June 7, 2022 Primary ballot seeking endorsement, the application filing period opens Monday, January 10, 2022 and closes Monday, March 14, 2022. Please visit www.lacdp.org/endorsement for details Santa Clara County: To receive consideration for SCCDP endorsement, contact our Director of Candidate Recruitment and Endorsement, Clarence Madrilejos, at endorse@sccdp.org. Sonoma County: Please see the SCDP website or contact john@sonomademocrats.org Tulare County: Contact Arturo Rodriguez for info on the endorsement process or running for office at 916-620-5052. Other Counties: Please contact the County Central Committee Chair for information on the endorsement process.
Help us identify AAPI Candidates Our board is working to identify AAPI candidates running for state, federal, and local office throughout California. If you are running or know of someone who is, please contact our Northern California chair Harris Mojadedi or Southern California chair Tammy Kim.
Candidate Training with New American Leaders It’s official (and after nearly two years of online trainings) — New American Leaders’ signature training, Ready to Lead, is back and in-person next year! Our Southwest Regional Training will take place in Las Vegas on February 4-6th. At Ready to Lead, participants will learn how to share their powerful New American story, address and overcome racism on the campaign trail, fundraise, and organize their community to get out the vote. But most importantly, participants will join a network of other bold New American leaders who are ready to change the face of leadership and create a democracy that works for and represents all of us. (1) The application is here: https://bit.ly/RTL-2022 (2) The application deadline is: January 10th @ 11:59 PM ET The upcoming midterm elections are too important to sit out, so here’s my ask: can you share this opportunity with folks in your network? Or apply! First and second-generation immigrants, refugees, and anyone who identifies strongly with the immigrant experience are encouraged to apply. We challenge ideas of who should run and who can win, and many participants come from working-class backgrounds, are first-generation college students, or are formerly undocumented.
Participate in State and Local Redistricting Efforts The redistricting process for State Assembly, State Senate, and Congress is wrapping up on December 23. Draft Maps, Visualizations, and Iterations are now available at https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/map_viewer There are many ways to give comment, include written comment or calling into a hearing. Local redistricting for city council districts is also in progress in many cities, check your city website on how to participate.
Save the Date: March 3-6, 2022: California Democratic Party Convention in Downtown Los Angeles Vaccination and testing will be required for people attending in person. Tentative agenda on pages 7 & 8 here: https://cadem.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-November-EBoard-Floor-Report.pdf Party leadership will be: 1) Consulting with public health professionals for direction as to the proper protocols for an event of this nature – especially given the fluidity of the pandemic; 2) Exploring any/all options available for a hybrid meeting with remote access for key portions of the meeting for those who are unable or unwilling to participate in-person; and 3) Fully assessing the associated costs, legal ramifications, and applicable bylaws provisions related to final proposed protocols. If the final proposed protocols are aligned with the Executive Board’s decision in November to have an in-person convention with vaccination and testing required, no additional action will be needed. But, if the final proposed protocols differ from those recommended by public health professionals, party leadership will present those options to the Executive Board for further action.
2022 California Democratic Party Endorsement Process The California Democratic Party has begun its 2022 Midterm Endorsement Process starting on December 1, 2022. Candidates for Federal and State office in California have until February 3, 2022, to register for consideration by our Delegates and Party Activists. Legislative Candidates will first be considered at our Pre-Endorsement Conferences on February 12, 2022 and all endorsements will be voted on and approved at our 2022 Endorsing Convention in Los Angeles between March 3 – 6, 2022. Learn more / apply at https://cadem.org/endorsements/
Help us identify AAPI Candidates Our board is working to identify AAPI candidates running for state, federal, and local office throughout California. If you are running or know of someone who is, please contact our Northern California chair Harris Mojadedi or Southern California chair Tammy Kim.
Voter Registration Training with Rising Organizers We will be holding a voter registration training in January. More details to come.
Participate in State and Local Redistricting Efforts The redistricting process for State Assembly, State Senate, and Congress is wrapping up on December 23. Draft Maps, Visualizations, and Iterations are now available at https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/map_viewer There are many ways to give comment, include written comment or calling into a hearing. Local redistricting for city council districts is also in progress in many cities, check your city website on how to participate.
Save the Date: March 3-6, 2022: California Democratic Party Convention in Downtown Los Angeles Vaccination and testing will be required for people attending in person. Tentative agenda on pages 7 & 8 here: https://cadem.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-November-EBoard-Floor-Report.pdf Party leadership will be: 1) Consulting with public health professionals for direction as to the proper protocols for an event of this nature – especially given the fluidity of the pandemic; 2) Exploring any/all options available for a hybrid meeting with remote access for key portions of the meeting for those who are unable or unwilling to participate in-person; and 3) Fully assessing the associated costs, legal ramifications, and applicable bylaws provisions related to final proposed protocols. If the final proposed protocols are aligned with the Executive Board’s decision in November to have an in-person convention with vaccination and testing required, no additional action will be needed. But, if the final proposed protocols differ from those recommended by public health professionals, party leadership will present those options to the Executive Board for further action.
At our meeting, we received information the signed Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the pending Build Back Better Bill (courtesy of Legislative Director Olivia Lee). Learn more about what the funding and benefits for California here: Infrastructure Bill – Road and bridge repair – Climate change mitigation & resilience – Transit, bike, and pedestrian funding – Electric Vehicle charging network – Broadband investment, including subsidies for low income families Build Back Better Bill – Access to affordable childcare – Universal preschool for 3 & 4 year olds – Union jobs to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half – Increased Pell Grants for college students – Job training for IT, public health, childcare, manufacturing, and clean energy – Expanding free school meals & funding for food during summer break – Rental assistance and funding to build & renovate affordable housing – Closing the Medicaid coverage gap – Expanding long-term care – Lower taxes for families
Learn More about the California API Equity Budget CA State Senator Dr. Richard Pan highlighted California’s API Equity Budget: – $110 million to support survivors of anti-Asian hate crimes / prevention of hate crimes. – $10 million for data equity – making sure there is disaggregated data for each ethnicity – $10 million for ethnic media – Funding for peer social networks to stop bullying – & more! Learn how organizations can apply for funds at https://aapilegcaucus.legislature.ca.gov/api-equity-budget
Los Gatos Mayor Marico Sayoc and Irvine Vice Mayor Tammy Kim spoke on hate directed towards AAPI elected officials at public meetings, and the importance of support from leaders when others fail to stand up to increasing hate. They described that “there’s an intersection between racism and misogyny, where people at public meetings feel more bold to say hateful things towards AAPI women in elected office.” On how we can support candidates facing hate: “There’s an idea that ignoring it makes it go away, but that hasn’t been the case.” It’s important for the community to speak up when it happens, and media coverage has also helped. The API Caucus encourages Central Committees and Democratic clubs to speak out, pass resolutions, and support officials and candidates facing hate. City of Irvine Vice Mayor Tammy Kim is interviewed about her response to a racist attack she faced during a council meeting in a Guardian piece, ‘I am an American’: how a city official stood firm against an anti-Asian attack (November 13, 2021)
California Democratic Party Passes Resolution Supporting and Welcoming Afghan Refugees Special thanks to our NorCal Chair Harris Mojadedi, Alex Melendrez, and Chair Deepa Sharma, who co-authored Resolution 21-11.010, Supporting and Welcoming Afghan Refugees
WHEREAS the recent takeover of the Afghan government by the Taliban has created a humanitarian crisis, leading to deteriorating human rights conditions, reducing safety of vulnerable individuals, including, but not limited to: women and girls; members of the LGBTQ+ community; those who have direct ties to the U.S. government; members of ethnic minority communities; those who are Shi’a Muslim; adherents of non-Muslim faiths, including those of Sikh and Hindu faiths; and individuals who work for or have ties to aid organizations; and
WHEREAS the U.S. federal government evacuated nearly 130,000 people out of Afghanistan, with tens of thousands of these evacuees slated to be resettled in the United States, and as a result, federal, state, and local leaders have the unique responsibility to openly accept Afghan refugees in our communities, assisting in the successful resettlement of vulnerable groups, providing support to organizations with missions centering service delivery to the Afghan community, and showing support for the Afghan community during this difficult time; and
WHEREAS refugees and their families face a multitude of challenges when arriving in the United States, including, but not limited to: resettlement, language barriers, financial hardship, finding work and obtaining permanent legal status, and California is uniquely positioned to accept Afghan refugees because it is the home of the largest concentration of Afghans in the United States; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the California Democratic Party supports welcoming Afghans into our communities and providing these individuals resources and support to successfully resettle in the United States, and commends community organizations working to support refugees; and
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the California Democratic Party affirms and recognizes the contributions of immigrants to California, and the unique contributions of the Afghan community in particular, and welcomes Afghan families to achieve their inherent right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Full List of Co-Sponsors: CDP API Caucus; Democratic Party of Orange County; Speaker Nancy Pelosi; U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla; Controller Betty Yee; Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA; Rep. Barbara Lee; Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Anna Eshoo, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Judy Chu; Rep. Zoe Lofgren; Rep. Mark DeSaulnier; Sen. Dr. Richard Pan; Asm. Alex Lee; Asm. Rebecca Bauer Kahan; Mayor Farrah Khan (AD68); Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen (AD9); Vice Mayor Shawn Kumagai (AD16); Harini Krishnan (AD22); Michael Milan (AD 42); Alfred Twu (AD15); Adam Ma (AD66); Emily Ann Ramos (AD24); Tonya Love (AD18); Lindsay Carlson (AD54); Zach Denney (AD13); Allyssa Victory (AD18); Brandon Harami (AD19); Mejgan Afshan (AD 79); Susan George (AD14); Zahra Hajee (AD19); Donald Lathbury (AD15); Nadia Rahman (AD19); Cynthia Wang (AD19); Thea Selby (AD17); Vanndearlyn Vong (AD70); Marcos Aranda (AD17); Joe Rose (AD 59); Igor Tregub (AD15); Laurence Zakson (AD50); Karishma Khatri (AD20); Andy Kelley (AD 15); Carolyn “Jiyoung” Park (AD 51); Melissa Shuen-Mallory (AD20); David Atkins (AD37); Lance Kwan (AD20); Nabil Kherfan (AD23); Gladys Soto (AD17); Susan Rowe (AD5); Karina Dominguez (AD25); Wendy Bloom (AD15); Iyad Afalqa (AD74); Nima Rahimi (AD17); Mike Chen (AD17); Chelsea Kelly-Reif (AD7); Susan Sheu (AD50), Jason Small (AD45); Michelle Verne (AD45); Olivia Lee (AD55); Lisa Andres (AD67); Kristy Boer (AD 20); Sascha Bittner (AD19); Ashley Lopez (AD36); Murad Sarama (AD07); Sally Lieber (AD24); Christine Pelosi (AD17); Patty Tutor (AD65); Lauren Johnson-Norris (AD74); Eugene Fields (AD68); Molly Muro (AD55); Ken Wyant (AD68); Ajay Mohan (AD68); Sharky Laguana (AD17); Susan Gutowsky (AD6); Leah Herzberg (AD45); Linda Dewlaney (AD20); Sara Roos (AD54); Maliha Williamson (AD67)
California Democratic Party Honors the Transgender Day of Remembrance As part of the Fall 2021 Executive Board Conference, the California Democratic Party held a panel discussion with transgender leaders from around the country on how to organize for trans rights, especially for young people states with anti-trans legislation. A recap, including links to reports and resources, is available here.
Participate in State and Local Redistricting Efforts The redistricting process for State Assembly, State Senate, and Congress is wrapping up in the next few months, with the first draft maps scheduled for release in November.
Draft Maps are now available at https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/11_7_9_21 There are many ways to give comment, include written commentor calling into a hearing. Local redistricting for city council districts is also in progress in many cities, check your city website on how to participate.
Asian Pacific Islander Caucus 