By Juan Carlos Sanchez

Senator Barack Obama has inspired me to become his District Level Delegate for the 45th Congressional District.   If you have the opportunity to vote in the CA-45 district level Obama caucus, I respectfully ask for your vote.

As a 26-year-old Mexican-born immigrant, product of Coachella Valley Unified School District and proud UC Davis alum, I’ve worked tirelessly to advocate positive and progressive change throughout our 45th Congressional District.  

After finishing the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, I returned to my hometown of Coachella to become – much like Senator Obama – a community organizer.  

As a Political Organizer for the Roth for Congress Campaign, I worked with local activist and emerging leaders with the simple yet powerful message of  “change.”  In my efforts to galvanize a new generation of voters – much like Senator Obama’s campaign – I used new media tools like MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube.  

I also helped organize what I proudly called Roth-A-Palooza, which took place at my parents’ Coachella ranch.  

The Press Enterprise devoted a front-page article on our grassroots work.  

Since, I’ve been appointed as a delegate to the California State Democratic Party, appointed as alternate to the Riverside County Central Committee, and served as the Political Chair of Democrats of the Desert.  I am currently the Inland Empire’s Regional Political Organizer for SEIU United Healthcare Workers – West.  

I am proud that my union local was instrumental in pushing SEIU State Council to endorse Senator Obama before the California Primary.  

My efforts included:

o Speaking at a Obama rally in Riverside

o Recruiting and participating in precinct walking in Riverside

o Phonebanking our union members

o Organizing and executing a GOTV campaign targeting our union members.

I thank you for your time and hope you consider voting for me as our pledged Obama Delegate.  If you have any questions, please shoot me an email.  See you all on Sunday!

Juan Carlos Sanchez

e:  [email protected]

Note: I work for the SEIU United Healthcare Workers – West but nothing in this comment should be construed as anything other than my personal opinion at the time of posting

No Endorsement in the 80th AD

Manuel Perez may not have the money nor the local poohbah incumbency, but he definitely had the mojo this weekend.  I stand in awe of the union members who are my fellow delegates in Manuel’s corner.  Wizards with lists and cell phones, truly incredible.  

The endorsing caucus for the 80th AD was pretty intense, and the days preceding it packed with manuevering, accusations, threats.  Greg Pettis had put out press releases pre-announcing his endorsement after his March 13th PreEndorsement meeting victory, so he had a lot to lose here.  Greg managed to place every proxy he could, plus switching one of our votes.  But it wasn’t enough to reach 60% of the vote, as Manuel Perez also had strong support from delegates,  and Rick Gonzales found proxies for his folks, too.  So, no endorsement until the primary is over.  

The real winner is the district, as we have an abundance of Democratic  talent in this race.  Manuel Perez just won the endorsement of many more legislators, met with Karen Bass, the new speaker, won the endorsement of Alice Huffman- President of the California State Conference of the NAACP, also won the California Nurses Association (which is a huge plus), also the California Medical Association, the California Teachers Association, SEIU State Council.   I truly believe that Manuel is not only the best progressive in the race, but that he’ll win the primary and the general.  He’s a proven advocate for immigrants, students, and impoverished communities in the eastern end of the district, and a true progressive who stands up for gay rights, the environment, and a women’s right to choose, the major issues on the west end of the district.  Greg is great, so is Rick, but neither cover all the bases that Manuel does, nor do they have his charisma and passion for change.  He’s inspiring.

Here’s what David Dayen said, and I agree completely:

I continue to be very impressed with Manuel Perez; he is a transformational and not a transactional candidate, someone who doesn’t just check the boxes of the single-issue groups and vote the right way, but really changes the conversation and fights for progressive change.

I wish I were still there, but my son’s tenth birthday begins in a matter of hours, so that’s that.  It’s good to see the Calitics crew always, and particularly fun this time to talk to kid oakland and Caligirl, as I hadn’t had the chance before.

We have an exciting race ahead.  

California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero and celebrated labor leader and civil rights champion Dolores Huerta endorse Manuel Perez, Candidate for the 80th Assembly District.

“I feel honored beyond words”, says Mr. Perez, “to have received this support from two of California’s most distinguished leaders.  Both Dolores Huerta and Senator Romero have worked hard for those who have been marginalized and underrepresented.  I will attempt the same.”

This is one of the few California state seats in play this year, and the demographics indicate it should be blue by now.  Manuel Perez is an organizer, a healthcare provider, and a powerful progressive voice for this region.  Good thing I listened to netroots nags and ran for state delegate, because now I’ll have the honor of endorsing him this Thursday at our Pre-Endorsement meeting, and caucusing for him at the State Convention.   For your people-powered politics fix, read more about Manuel Perez on the flip.

Crossposted at Daily Kos http://www.dailykos.com/storyo…

Coachella School Board Trustee Manuel Perez grew up in both Coachella and Calexico, graduated from public schools and then from UC Riverside before coming home to teach. He later earned a Masters of Education from Harvard, worked as an organizer and health researcher and now provides health care access to thousands of families as Director of Community Health and Advocacy for a Community Health Foundation.  He and his wife Gladys are raising their family in the same community where they grew up, teaching their sons the same values they learned from their parents. – from latest press release from Agxibel Barrajas

For those who’ve already read David Dayen’s excellent profile on Manuel Perez, you know that UFW is integral to Perez’s life story.  Manuel had a date to introduce Dolores Huerta to the folks at the 1st Annual Southern Region Promotor Conference a few weeks ago, but had to miss it when he returned to Harvard to accept a 2008 Harvard Graduate School of Education Alumni of Color Achievement Award.  Clearly she has forgiven him.  About that conference, one Perez has worked hard on for many months:

Hello everyone,

As you know, Promotores from the Imperial and Riverside Counties have been working diligently to organize the 1st Annual Southern Region Promotor Conference entitled, “The People’s Conference-Sharing, Teaching and Learning for Social Change and Well Being.”   It is scheduled for Saturday, February 23, 2008 at Desert Mirage High School.  There will be many great workshops offered and the keynote will be legendary UFW organizer Dolores Huerta.  This conference is strictly for Promotores and we expect approximately 200 from throughout our regions.  However, if you would like to participate in the conference by hosting an informational/educational booth please let us know asap.  Because of our target population, the conference will be entirely in Spanish, but there will be translation services in English.  Attached are the registration form, a map, and a list for housing accommodations in case you may need a place to stay.  The attachments are in Spanish, including the Registration form.  However, if you need some help with the form, please do not hesitate to contact Poder Popular at 760-398-5327.  We are very excited about the event and we look forward to building and organizing community health with you.

Thank You,

Manuel Perez, Ed. M.

Southern Region Promotor Task Force-Member at Large

Director of Community Health and Advocacy

Borrego Community Health Foundation-

Centro Medico Coachella, Oasis, Cathedral City

This region was recently a Republican stronghold, but thanks to Bush, the neocons, and the general failure of GOP policies, Democrats are coming on strong in this region.  We have a real chance to elect a powerful liberal in the 80th, one who can advocate for better schools, equal access to health care in the context of his own experience in the field, one who can advocate for gay rights in Spanish.  This is who we need representing a region from Palm Springs to Calexico.  We need Perez in Sacramento, and now Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero and UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta have joined John Conyers, Joe Cota, Esteban Torres, LIUNA Local 777, and host of others in support of his candidacy.  

More photos here

Manuel Perez has been recently announced as a recipient of the 2008 HGSE Alumni of Color Achievement Award….  Mr. Pérez is being recognized for his work, which addresses issues of race and education in ways that offer new frames of thought and practice, and evidences a commitment to promote meaningful strategies to affect change and to improve educational opportunities for people of color.

Manuel Pérez is running to represent the 80th Assembly District in California, a region that stretches from Palm Springs through Coachella to Calexico.   This seat is in play, and though Manuel has excellent company in the Democratic primary, he stands apart.  Manuel Perez represents the new crop of progressives in the Democratic party: a community organizer first/politician second, a scholarship student who came back to the old neighborhood to teach, the proud son of UFW parents who advocates for gay rights and a women’s right to choose.   Harvard Graduate School of Education has reason to be proud.  The volunteers on his campaign know how they feel.

Support Manuel Pérez for the CA 80th AD here.

Yet another reason to love Air America:  Stephanie Miller and Jim Ward are coming to the desert in support of Democrats of the Desert’s Annual Awards Dinner:

The money we raise supports Democratic candidates in the CA-45th Congressional district, the 80th and 64th California Assembly Districts, and the California 37th Senate District.  We’re making Democrats cool here, at last, as Julie Bornstein recently exhorted us to do.   KPTR is beloved of all Democrats out here, and they’re giving our sponsors one heck of a deal.  Tell your friends, and come out to the Palm Springs area this April to party with us.  Stephanie Miller!

Rogelio V. Morales is a new Democratic candidate in the 2008 congressional elections for the 44th Congressional District (map) of California. He is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.). The primary will take place on June 3, 2008. He is going up against Bill Hedrick and Louis Vandenberg.

Here’s his biography and background information, from http://www.sourcewatch.org/ind…

“Rogelio V. Morales’s life is a testament to the continuing vitality of the American Dream.

Rogelio (pronounced row-hell-leo) was born in Los Angeles, CA. As a first-generation American, Rogelio was raised by illiterate Mexican immigrants whose combined schooling totaled a third-grade education. He also attended 92nd Street Elementary School in Watts, Los Angeles, CA. Throughout his childhood, Rogelio was often surrounded by gang violence, poverty and drugs.

In 1987, Rogelio’s family moved to the Inland Empire after his father’s job relocated to Riverside, CA. He attended several schools in the district, including Myra Lynn Elementary School, La Sierra Academy and La Sierra High School. In June 1995, Rogelio graduated from John W. North High School. A month later, he joined the United States Marine Corps.

Throughout his enlistment in the Marine Corps, Rogelio received several awards and commendations. In 1997, at the age of 20, he was selected by his unit commander to represent his infantry company in the Marine Corps’ Annual Rifle Squad Competition (ARSC). At the competition’s end, his unit was recognized as the “most combat ready rifle squad in 1st Marine Division.” According to his Navy Achievement Medal citation, Rogelio’s leadership as a fire team leader was “instrumental” to his rifle squad’s first place finish. Later that same year, Rogelio was awarded the ARSC Badge by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General C.C. Krulak, at an awards ceremony held at Marine Barracks, in Washington, D.C. Looking back on his achievements, however, Rogelio remains humbled by the awesome privilege of once being in command of Americans who had chosen to serve their country.

After being discharged from active duty in 1999, Rogelio enrolled at Riverside Community College (RCC). At RCC, he excelled at academics and student government. Rogelio graduated in the summer of 2002 and earned the honor of being named the student commencement speaker. That summer, he transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In 2004, Rogelio graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Political Science. Then in September 2005, Rogelio enrolled in the Juris Doctorate program at the University of Washington, in Seattle, WA. Rogelio expects his law degree in March 2008.

Truly, Rogelio V. Morales represents new, exciting leadership the 44th Congressional District can be proud to call its own.”

Here is some background information on the candidate as well:

• Full Legal Name: Rogelio Vergara Morales

• Place of Birth: Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital in Los Angeles, CA.

• Age: 30 years old (as of 12/31/2007)

• Military Rank Attained: Corporal (E-4)

• Type of Discharge: Honorable

• Marital Status: Single/ Never Married

• Political Party: Democrat

• Religion: Christian – Protestant

• Other Languages: Spanish

• Reason for Running:

“Congressman Calvert has lost touch with the values and priorities of the 44th Congressional District. What’s worse, Congressman Calvert is no longer an effective representative to aid our district’s emerging political and economic importance. As your congressman, I promise to restore the special trust and confidence voters demand from their representatives. Indeed, I believe the best and brightest days for our district are still ahead, and I intend to hasten their long-awaited arrival.”  –Rogelio V. Morales, Democratic Candidate, U.S. Congress —

See contact info below:

[email protected]

Contributions can be sent to:

C/O Cardenas, P.O. Box 51748, Riverside, CA 92517

Make checks payable to: Morales for Congress

Re full disclosure, BlueBeaumontBoyz is a supporter of Greg Pettis’ amazing campaign for the CA-80 Assembly District seat.

I received this Press Release from the Greg Pettis for CA-80 Assembly District, a seat occupied by the termed-out potty mouth Repugnant Bonnie Garcia.

For Immediate Release  November 27, 2007
For More Information  Richard Oberhaus 760-413-7938

PETTIS LAUNCHES BID FOR ASSEMBLY WITH DISTRICT-WIDE TOUR AND WEB LAUNCH

El Centro – Veteran Cathedral City Councilmember Greg Pettis officially kicked off his campaign for the open 80th Assembly District seat today, surrounded by supporters in front of the El Centro Regional Medical Center and Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

Pettis pledged to use his two decades of experience, building relationships and working on issues that benefit families to create a healthier California.

“I’m launching my campaign in front of a hospital because it is the symbol of hope for a better tomorrow. It’s time to extend that hope to the 6.5 million uninsured Californians as well as individuals and businesses who are struggling each week with the high cost of health care,” Pettis said.

Pettis’s Press Release continues:

“A healthy California doesn’t stop with just the health care issue,” Pettis added, “but also a healthy economy and environment and schools that give our children the opportunity to live their dreams close to their roots.”

Pettis’ campaign launch coincided with the launch of his campaign website at www.gregpettis.com, where viewers can view videos and read about the Pettis Plan for Progress.

“Over the last 10 years, I’ve been working with Greg in Sacramento to improve Imperial County’s transportation system. As a member of the Assembly, I know he’ll give the Valley the priority we deserve,” said El Centro City Councilmember Sedalia Sanders.

“From his 13-years on the City Council in Cathedral City to his work on the Salton Sea Authority to building new parks for our kids, he brings a reservoir of practical experience making government work for our corner of the state, said Palm Springs City Councilmember Ginny Foat.

Pettis is considered the Democratic frontrunner in the race to replace Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, who will be stepping down due to term limits. He has raised more money hand has more donors than all the other Democratic candidates combined based on the last filings with California’s Secretary of State.

He has also won the endorsements of the San Bernardino/Riverside County Central Labor Council, Building Trades of California, Democracy for America, Victory Fund, Desert Stonewall Democrats, Cathedral City Professional Firefighters; State Controller John Chiang and former State Controller Steve Westly; State Board of Equalization Member Judy Chu; State Senators Carol Migden, Christine Kehoe, Sheila Kuehl and Darrell Steinberg; and Assembly members John Laird Lloyd Levine and Mark Leno.

Democrats now outnumber Republicans by 9%, i.e., 13,000 voters in the 80th AD.  This district, with its open-seated status, will be in the top-two most contested seats in the State in the General Election.

Re full disclosure, BlueBeaumontBoyz is a supporter of Greg Pettis for CA 80th Assembly District and blogs under the nom de plume BluePalmSpringsBoyz in mydesert.com.

Tonight, at the Campaign Kick-Off tonight, the Greg Pettis campaign for the CA-80 Assembly District previewed its new website at www.gregpettis.com which will be officially launched tomorrow, November 27, 2007.  Then, Cathedral City Council veteran and Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Pettis officially launches his bid for the 80th State Assembly District seat.  The CA-80th AD seat is currently held by Repugnant Bonnie Garcia.

The Campaign Kick-Off Event tonight at the Cathedral City Public Library was extremely well-attended and included presentations by Pettis, Richard Oberhaus, Campaign Director, and Pettis’ campaign consultant.  Those in attendance included elected officials, political activists, media representatives, and campaign volunteers.

Elected officials in attendance, included Ginny “Ma” Foat, Palm Springs City Councilwoman, Paul Marchand, Cathedral City City Councilman, Pat Hammer, Cathedral City City Clerk, and Karl Baker, Desert Hot Springs City Councilman-elect.  Political activists in attendance included George Zander, President of the Desert Stonewall Democrats, Bob Silverman, Treasurer of the Desert Stonewall Democrats, and Chuck McDaniel, President of the Desert Hot Springs Democratic Club.  Other political activists included Bob Mahlowitz, Chair of the Palm Springs Office of Neighborhoods, Robert Marchand, Chair of the Cathedral City Public Arts Commission, Sonia Marchand, Jono Hildner of the victorious No on C pro-environment campaign, Roger Tansy, Bill Cain-Gonzalez, and many others.

Media representatives included a reporter from The Desert Sun, The Observer and BluePalmSpringsBoyz, bloggers from mydesert.com, and BlueBeaumontBoyz.

Pettis discussed the strengths of his campaign, including strong financial backing, sizable electoral base, significant relevant experience, and support in the Hispanic and Latino communities.  Pettis reported that his campaign has already raised more monies than that raised by all of his Democratic opponents combined!  Pettis also reported significant electoral support in each of his election campaigns in Cathedral City, one of the largest cities in the 80th AD.  Amazingly, Pettis garnered even more support in the Hispanic and Latino communities during his last re-election campaign than he did in the Anglo community!  Pettis reviewed his primary campaign themes including:

• Health Care: Affordable and Accessible Medical Coverage for All Californians
• Economy: Good-paying Jobs and Opportunities for All Californians
• Clean and Safe Environment

Regarding health care, Pettis said:

“It’s time to extend the hope of affordable and accessible health care to the 6.5 million uninsured Californians as well as to individuals and businesses who are struggling each week with the high cost of health care.  California also requires a vibrant economy, clean and safe environment, and superior schools that give all of our children the opportunity to live their dreams.”

More below the flip…

Pettis has already won the endorsements of the San Bernardino/Riverside County Central Labor Council, Building Trades of California, Democracy for America, Victory Fund, Desert Stonewall Democrats, Cathedral City Professional Firefighters; State Controller John Chiang, former State Controller Steve Westly; State Board of Equalization Member Judy Chu; State Senator Carol Migden, State Senator Christine Kehoe, State Senator Sheila Kuehl, State Senator Darrell Steinberg; and Assemblyman John Laird, Assemblyman Lloyd Levine and Assemblyman Mark Leno, Palm Springs City Councilwoman Ginny “Ma” Foat, Cathedral City Councilman Paul Marchand, Desert Hot Springs City Councilman-elect Karl Baker amongst many others.

In a related event, a Media Advisory from the Greg Pettis Campaign indicated that the official announcement of Pettis’ candidacy for the CA 80th AD will occur in two stages, one in El Centro tomorrow morning and the second in Palm Springs in the afternoon.

DATE:  November 27th, 2007
TIME:  10:00 AM
LOCATION:  1318 South Imperial Ave., El Centro (across from El Centro Regional Medical Center)

TIME:  2:30 PM
LOCATION:  E Tachevah Dr & N Avenida Olivos, Palm Springs (Outside of Desert Regional Medical Center)

Greg Pettis will officially launch his bid for the open 80th Assembly District seat. Pettis is a Democrat who has served 13 years on the City Council in Cathedral City. He will be joined by 80th District leaders and supporters.

The 80th Assembly District encompasses eastern Riverside County and all of Imperial County including the communities of Blythe, Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Springs, and Westmorland.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Campaign Manager Richard Oberhaus

760-413-7938

Kakie Urch, reporter from The Desert Sun, indicated today that

Cathedral City Council veteran Greg Pettis on Tuesday will officially launch his bid for the 80th State Assembly District seat currently held by Bonnie Garcia.

Pettis and his campaign plan two events, one in El Centro and one in Palm Springs, to kick off the campaign for the Democrat who has been on Cathedral City Council for 13 years.

In Palm Springs, Pettis will make his announcement at 2:30 p.m. outside to Desert Regional Medical Center at E. Tachevah Drive and North Avenida Olivos.

In El Centro, the announcement will be across from El Centro Regional Medical Center at 1318 South Imperial Ave.

Garcia, a Republican cannot run for re-election to the Assembly seat because of statewide term limits.

Another major endorsement for Manuel Pérez, who already has the strong support of last term’s Democratic candidate, Steve Clute, CA Latino Legislative Caucus Chair Joe Coto, Coachella Mayor Eddie Garcia, Imperial County Supervisor Victor M. Carrillo, Rep. John Conyers and former Congressman Esteban Torres, among others.  Manuel Perez has the strong support of LIUNA 777.   

Here’s Eddie Garcia, Joe Coto, and Manuel Pérez at La Estancia (just down Hwy 111 in Indio, great food)

X-posted at dKos.  Much more below.  Flip it.

I was working as a field organizer in support of a ballot measure that would preserve SEIU-UHW jobs and benefits for the last several weeks (we lost, bad scene now for healthcare workers in Hemet and Menifee), so was out of the loop regarding the Pérez campaign’s day to day happenings.  Just as I get back from fighting the good fight for one union, here’s LIUNA 777 for Manuel.  Naturally.  Manuel Pérez worked the fields with his UFW parents.  Joe Mota, former director of UFW, endorsed Manuel’s campaign early on.  The CA Assembly needs an organizer, a teacher, a local hero like Manuel, and labor knows it. 

If you’ve just heard about Manuel Pérez, the best diary that introduces him is this one by David Dayen, who came out to Indio and talked with Manuel back in September.  He found, as I did, that Manuel is the real thing.  Yes, there are other Democrats in this primary, and many of the establishment in Democratic Riverside feel that Greg Pettis, Cathedral City councilman, deserves the nomination.  They say it’s his turn, he’s the most recognizable, etc.  He has the biggest warchest for the race.  Greg is a great guy, but I don’t believe in party poohbahs assigning our candidates for us.  I believe that the best representative of the people should go to Sacramento.  And for the California 80th Assembly District, Manuel Pérez represents us best, and presents the most compelling change for a district that’s had a Republican rep for far too long. 

I was bantering with a Republican from Palm Desert last month, and he was positively gleeful at the prospect of Pettis, with his money and establishment ties, getting the nod, and then losing to whomever the GOP runs.  I think that voters from Palm Springs to Calexico already recognize that we have a charismatic working class hero, a Harvard MA, a local teacher, and a community organizer who brings women’s health care to the least served communities in the 80th available to us, and we’re going to seize this opportunity to galvanize the district.  Support Manuel Perez for the California 80th AD at his Act Blue page:  Manuel Perez – Putting People First

From the campaign:

Laborer’s International Union of North America – Local 777 endorses Manuel Pérez for the 80th Assembly District; list of supporters continues to grow

Manuel Perez, Democratic candidate for the 80th Assembly District, has received the endorsement of the Laborers International Union Association, Laborers Local 777, as well as its umbrella organization, the Laborer’s International Union of North America.

‘He is a strong and clear voice for the communities he serves, and is willing to fight for fundamental rights; fair pay; fair treatment and justice; protections and security for our families; access to health care; better education and better working conditions for the residents of the 80th Assembly District,’ said Fred W. Lowe, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer for Laborers’ Local 777.

Laborers’ Local 777 joins, a growing number of local, state and national leaders who have endorsed Manuel Perez for the 80th District, including Latino Legislative Caucus Chair Joe Coto; Imperial County Supervisor Victor M. Carrillo, Coachella City Mayor Eduardo Garcia, Former Assembly member and Candidate for the 80th AD Steve Clute, Former Congressman Esteban E. Torres and Congressman John Conyers, D-Michigan.

‘I am excited and honored to have received the endorsement of one of the most progressive and fastest growing Laborers’ Union in the United States.  LIUNA has been fighting for working families since 1903 and I want to be part of making history with them as we tackle the 21st Century,’ said Manuel Perez. ‘I will be an ally in the quest to create more opportunities for workers and will fight for better wages, good benefits and safe jobsites.’