George Ramos and Patricia Kotze-Ramos flank Steve Cooley, Republican candidate for Attorney General.  Kamela Harris did not appear at the launching of the LBA PAC although an invitation was extended.

2010 Elections
    Low voter turn out hurts statewide Latino candidates
      Guest Article: Paulo Sibaja: Year of the Republican Latino

      California's Propositions ... an analysis on Latino impact coming soon

Latino Journal hosts launch of the LBA PAC to represent the interest of 200,000 Hispanic businesses in Los Angeles County

After several years of silence, the Latin Business Association (LBA) that began over 34 years ago as the premier Hispanic business organization in the country, launched its political action committee to help educate and influence the decisions of about 30 legislators representing Los Angeles County and all seven statewide offices. 

Ruben Guerra, chairman of the LBA PAC, said, "The LBA PAC will support candidates and measures that support Latino business creation, retention, growth, and ultimately improve the qualify of life for not only Latinos but for all Californians." 

The LBA PAC was successfully launched on July 13, 2010 at the City Club at Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles before 200 invited guests and dignitaries.  "This was an impressive gathering and shows the remarkable goodwill established by the LBA over so many years in Los Angeles," said Ernie Gutierrez, the vice chair of the LBA and member of the LBA PAC. 

Among the distinguished speakers and guests were Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado, the first Latino Republican candidate for statewide office; Assemblymember Dave Jones Democratic candidate for Insurance Commissioner; Assemblymember Tom Torlackson, candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction; and Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley, Republican candidate for Attorney General. 

Other distinguished guests included State Senators Curran Price and Gil Cedillo.  Assemblymember Tony Mendoza and Commissioner Nancy Ryan of the public utilities commission.  State Treasurer Bill Lockyer had planned to attend but a last minute alert was sent to the function planners stating that he would be unable to attend and requested to meet the LBA PAC board of directors.

All the statewide candidates were invited to attend the launch of the LBA PAC. 

The LBA PAC board members are: Ruben Guerra, chair; Patricia Kotze-Ramos, vice chair; John R. Valencia, treasurer; Ernie Gutierrez, secretary.  The other board members are: Rick Rodriguez, Robert Moulder, Robert Quintero and Jose L. Perez.

A candidates forum and interviews will be scheduled and the LBA PAC will announce its endorsements in late September.  LBA PAC has several membership levels available to anyone who is interested: Corporate, individual member of LBA, and individual non-member of LBA.

Commissioner Nancy Ryan Visits With LBA Board Members    

The LBA board of directors had a great meeting with Commissioner Nancy Ryan of the CPUC on the topic of supplier diversity and the need to strengthen the relationship of the Hispanic business community and the CPUC.  Hispanics represent half the population of Los Angeles county or about 5 million people.  Hispanic businesses represent about 20% of all businesses in the county.


 

California Hispanic Chambers To Hold Statewide Convention At the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Ken Macias, the nationally recognized CPA and owner of Macias, Gini and O'Connell, who is on his third year leading the largest state Hispanic chamber network in the country, announced the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce will hold its 2010 annual convention on August 11-13 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel at 506 South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles.

The Latino Journal is a strategic partner of the CHIC and encourages all to support the annual convention.  For more information please visit www.cahcc.com.