Category: News

Thank you to everyone that volunteered and donated to our candidates! With most ballots now counted, here are some highlights from this year’s primary election: Statewide Statewide candidates Attorney General Rob Bonta and Treasurer Fiona Ma both won over 50% of the vote in the primary and are in a strong position for re-election in November, where they will face Republicans. Sacramento Representatives Ami Bera (CA6) and Doris Matsui (CA7) both have a majority of votes in the Congressional primary and will be on the November ballot. Bay Area Assemblymembers Phil Ting (AD19), Alex Lee (AD24), Ash Kalra (AD25), and Evan Low (AD26) all finished in first place in the primary, and will be on the ballot in the November general election. In the open Senate District 10 seat, CA Dem endorsed candidate Aisha Wahab has also advanced to the November general election. Representative Ro Khanna (CA17) has a majority of votes in the Congressional primary and will be on the November ballot. Rosemary Kamei was elected to the San Jose City Council, with nearly 2/3 of the vote. Southern California Assemblymembers Mike Fong (AD49) and Al Muratsuchi (AD66) all finished in first place in the primary, and will be on the ballot in the November general election. In the open Assembly seats, Fauzia Rizvi (AD63) and Diedre Thu-Ha Nguyen (AD70) both received the most votes in their district and will be on the November ballot. Representatives Judy Chu (CA28), Ted Lieu (CA36) has a majority of votes in the Congressional primary and will be on the November ballot. Congressional candidates Asif Mahmood (CD40) Jay Chen (CA45) are running to unseat Republican incumbents and have both advanced to November ballot.

Save the Date- API Caucus Membership Meeting at the July CA Dem Executive Board Conference Friday, July 8, 6:30-8pm Online – Zoom Link available soon For the full agenda of the E-Board conference and other information, please see https://cadem.org/executive-board/

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.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqd-2pqTIrH9RoEw8cVlOWbEM6R049PrW-
Speaker sign up form:https://forms.gle/kNuhsHZ1uj6b2rxz6

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.

Follow our Twitter @CDPAPICaucus for a recap

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) For a list of all 8 resolutions adopted by the party this weekend, please see pages 9-13 of https://cadem.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-November-EBoard-Floor-Report.pdf

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 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.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta in the news on protecting communities affected by pollution California has a new battle plan against environmental injustice. The nation is watching (November 18, 2021)

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

Stop the Republican Recall! Join the CDP API Caucus on Saturday, July 17 at 4pm for the virtual event Launching Asians & Pacific Islanders for Newsom

In just over a month, ballots for the September 14 recall election will be mailed out to voters. Learn how you can get involved in the campaign to Stop the Republican Recall. RSVP for the Saturday, July 17 kickoff event at bit.ly/APIS4NEWSOM We are thrilled to be joined by Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller & California Democratic Party Vice Chair Betty Yee, and California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks. Co-sponsors for the event include: Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club, Muslim and Friends Democratic Club of Alameda County, and the Pacific Islander Club of San Mateo County. Follow APIs for Newsom on social media! Twitter: @APIsforNewsom Facebook: APIsForNewsom Instagram: @apisfornewsom

Save the Date: California Democratic Party Executive Board Meeting August 25-29, 2021 (Virtual) The API Caucus, other caucuses, and standing committees will be meeting. Details and information on how to register to attend will be announced soon.

Give Input in the 2021 Redistricting Process The California Citizens Redistricting Commission is currently taking input on how State Assembly, State Senate, and Congressional districts should be drawn. Participate at https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/ This year, there is an interactive map where you can draw on a map to show where your community lives.

API Caucus Board Members Appointed to Standing Committees The California Democratic Party has announced its 2021-2023 Standing Committee Appointments. Fully 15% of all appointees are Asian or Pacific Islander, and include the following API Caucus Board members: Shawn Kumagai – Lead Co-Chair of Credentials Committee Vanndearlyn Vong – Credentials Committee Alfred Twu – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Olivia Lee – Co-Chair of Rules Committee Harris Mojadedi – Rules Committee

Reflections on Pride Month With the conclusion of Pride Month, here are a few reflections from LGBTQ+ board members of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus: “For many Asian Americans, Southeast Asians, South Asians and Pacific Islanders, coming out can be a difficult process because of cultural traditions in addition to LGBTQ+ AAPIs being identified as minorities within a minority. I challenge all of us to continue our fight for our immigrant communities, trans rights and anti-Asian hate. Let this month be filled with triumph as we celebrate the next generation of leaders like Tony Hoang as the next Executive Director at Equality California and other jubilant LGBTQ+ leaders in the great State of California!” Adam Ma, Statewide Vice Chair “Both LGBTQ and Asian Pacific Islander are diverse identities. We have made great progress working together, but hidden among the success, there is still much work to do, for example, making sure that refugees and transgender Californians – both groups that still face higher poverty rates and discrimination – get the same opportunities and rights. I urge everyone to use disaggregated data – detailed statistics that look at each ethnic group or gender or sexual identity individually – to best understand and represent everyone.”  Alfred Twu, Statewide Communications Secretary “Pride month is a time to celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQ+ community and to recognize the tremendous progress we have made towards equality. It is also a time to reflect on the meaningful work we still have before us. As an openly gay elected official, I am committed to ensuring we have LGBTQ+ API representation within our Democratic Party and within our elected offices. Representation matters! Only by having LGBTQ+ API people in decision-making positions can we ensure that our community’s needs and perspectives are taken into account. Happy Pride Month!” Hon. Shawn Kumagai, Statewide Treasurer “As a queer identifying Muslim and South Asian man, pride month means so much to me. Pride month for me is a time to celebrate the beauty and richness of our LGBTQ+ community in all the shapes and forms we come in.  During this pride month, I’m thankful of the California Democratic Party API Caucus, which honors and uplifts the diversity of our API community.  As we continue the fight for equity and justice, let us remember the words of Audre Lord: “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” We must continue to uplift the voices and stories of queer and trans people of color, to embrace the many ways of being, and fight for our collective liberation.” Harris Mojadedi, Northern California Chair “As the LGBTQ+ rights movement has become increasingly exclusive along lines of race and class, we must remind ourselves that the roots of Pride were in protest for equal rights for ALL. The work is far from over– this year marks a record for anti-trans & LGBTQ+ legislation, attacking the basic rights of trans and queer folks across the nation. This Pride, I am grateful to be working alongside API LGBTQ+ leaders that are committed to building an inclusive movement that addresses the intersections of our community.” Zahra Hajee, Northern California Outreach and Local Clubs Chair

Upcoming Democratic Club Events Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club’s Annual “Dinner with a Dem” will be on Monday, July 26, 6-8pm. Details coming soon.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from the 2020 Candidates for the Democratic Nomination for the Office of President!

– State Secretary Aref Aziz

Please join the API Caucus for our meeting during the 2020 Fall Endorsing Convention in Long Beach.

AGENDA

Please note that we will be revising our Bylaws at this meeting. A copy of the draft bylaws can be found here.

Saturday, November 17, 2018 – 5:45PM – 7:30PM
The Westin Long Beach, Room Tokyo/Vancouver (Level 3)

1. Call to Order | Approval of Agenda | Welcome
2. Reports
   1. Officer Reports
      1. Treasurer’s Report
      2. Secretary’s Report
      3. Northern California Report
      4. Southern California Report
   2. Appointed Officers Report
      1. Communications
      2. Diversity & Outreach
      3. Legislative Action Committee
      4. Rules
3. 2018 General Elections Wrap-Up and Discussion
4. Speakers and Announcements
5. Adjournment

Download the meeting agenda→