Latino Caucus

Latino Caucus_Logo

The Latino Caucus is a nonprofit official affiliate of the League of California Cities. Established in 1990, the Latino Caucus brings diversity to Cal Cities, with many of its members serving on Cal Cities Board of Directors. With the fastest growing population in California, the Latino Caucus is charged with bringing the Latino voice to state and local government discussions and decision-making meetings.  

The Latino Caucus is dedicated to developing advancement opportunities and promoting progress in the workplace and educational arena by ensuring an equitable allocation of resources, increasing voter registration, and encouraging Latinos to seek public office and take leadership roles in community activities. Learn more by visiting the Latino Caucus website.   

 

Mission, Goals, and Activities

The Latino Caucus of the League of California Cities serves as a leader to improve the quality of life, advocate on behalf of the Latino community, and provide, promote, and develop leadership. The Latino Caucus is an effective voice in the development of public policy affecting our cities, constituents, and all of California.  

The Caucus serves as a clearinghouse of statewide information key to Latino issues throughout California. Keeping members updated and encouraging local and statewide participation is vital to the continuing success of the Latino community. In carrying out its mission and goals, the Latino Caucus also:  

  • Publishes a quarterly newsletter providing timely information of issues facing the Latino community. 
  • Plans and facilitates workshops and forums focusing on issues of economic development, revitalization, housing, and public safety. 
  • Conducts three regional meetings annually in conjunction with the Mayors and Council Members Executive Forums as well as schedules other meetings open to the public throughout the year. 
  • Schedules an annual meeting in concurrence with the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo. 
  • Plans and organizes an annual Cinco de Mayo Legislative Day in Sacramento and schedules meetings with state legislators and statewide elected officials. 
  • Promotes the election of caucus members to the Cal Cities Board of Directors, advisory committees, and special ad-hoc task forces. 
  • Prepares reports and position papers for Cal Cities and the Legislature on issues important to the vitality of the Latino community. 
  • Organizes and leads regional legislative advocacy efforts at state and local levels on behalf of the Latino community.
  • Seeks to influence and shape public policy outcomes benefiting the Latino community at large by teaming up with the California Association for Local Economic Development, the Local Governments Commission, Hispanas Organized for Political Empowerment, and the California Legislative Latino Caucus and other organizations.
Caucus Leadership
President - Ulises Cabrera, Mayor, Moreno Valley
Vice President - Anna Velazquez, Mayor, Soledad
Secretary and Parliamentary -  Yvonne Martínez Beltrán, Council Member, Morgan Hill
Immediate Past President - Ray Marquez, Vice Mayor, Chino Hills
Regional Board Member - Teresa Acosta, Council Member, Carlsbad
Regional Board Member - Olivia Calderon, Mayor, Arvin
Regional Board Member - Jorgel Chavez, Council Member, Bell Gardens
Regional Board Member - Rosa Escutia-Braaton, Council Member, Modesto
Regional Board Member - Eddie Florez, Mayor, City of South San Francisco
Regional Board Member - Greg Gomez, Council Member, City of Farmersville
Regional Board Member - Daniel Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem, Sanger
Regional Board Member - Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Brentwood
Regional Board Member - Dan Parra, Council Member, Fowler
Regional Board Member - Sergio Robles, Council Member, Elk Grove
Regional Board Member - Roberto Uranga, Council Member, Long Beach
Honorary Board Member - Jaime Patino, HELO President, Union City
Executive Director - Erica H. Arriaga
Legal Counsel - Bonifacio Bonny Garcia
Education and Events

Visit the Latino Caucus website and keep an eye out in the Cal Cities Advocate for more information about upcoming events.

Annual Legislative Day 

Held in late spring in Sacramento, the Annual Legislative Day provides members the unique opportunity to meet legislators and discuss areas of great importance and issues of concern. The annual Legislative Day agenda includes legislative updates provided by leaders of the California State Senate and California State Assembly on legislation and budget items; educational and informative sessions with representatives from the League of California Cities and prominent business leaders from around the state; and concludes with a Capitol reception, where Latino Caucus members can meet Legislators in a relaxed and more personal setting.  

Workshops and Forums

Each year, the Latino Caucus sponsors several workshops and forums that inform and educate members about important issues of the day, while providing valuable networking and information sharing opportunities on a statewide basis. These workshops and forums highlight and draw attention to issues or concerns important to Latino communities. 

Leadership, Training, and Education 

The Latino Caucus provides members with growth, leadership, and educational opportunities through a series of focused events and activities. Special event topics in the past have included information regarding Fair Political Practices Commission reporting requirements, how to develop support in achieving high-level elected offices, and a thorough introduction of the legislative budget, bill, and regulatory processes. The Latino Caucus also works with local elected officials, mayors and city council members, and a myriad of national, statewide, and community-based organizations to develop youth-orientated programs to better prepare the next generation of Latino leaders in California. 

Economic Development

The Latino Caucus hosts several workshops and forums on local economic development opportunities, successful planning strategies for designing and implementing economic development plans, and timely information regarding potential funding sources available to local communities to bring economic development projects to their cities. 

Economic development forums focus on emerging issues for Latinos and for all Californians interested in revitalizing and bringing long-term economic vitality to their communities. Perspectives on how economic development plans impact Latino issues are also offered at each forum. Keynote speakers and presentations are provided by successful business leaders, educators, economists, local elected officials, and state legislators. 
How to Join

Membership in the Latino Caucus of the League of California Cities offers several valuable benefits. Members receive the Latino Caucus quarterly newsletter, which offers up-to-date information on emerging issues, a calendar of events, and legislative news. Members receive invitations to all special events, issues and forums, and conferences. To join, please visit this website.

Contact

Erica Arriaga                      Executive Director                Latino Caucus
916-316-2310