Aliza Lifshitz, M.D. – Achievement in Health and Communications. Founder and Editor in Chief of VidaySalud.com, the largest source of health information and wellness tools in Spanish on the web. Dr. Lifshitz, has been  the Univision TV Network’s health expert since 1988 appearing regularly on such programs as TV Mujer, Hola América, Al Mediodía, and Noticias y Más.

David C. Lizárraga – Achievement in Business and Community Empowerment.  President and CEO of TELACU/Millennium.  TELACU is the largest Community Development Corporation in the United States, with $550 million in assets.  Mr. Lizárraga also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the preeminent advocate for over 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation.

Enrique Morones – Achievement in Human Rights.  Internationally acclaimed Human Rights activist. President and Founder of Border Angels an all volunteer group established in 1986 which places water in the desert as well as blankets and food in border areas, during the winter, to help save migrant lives.

Judge Frederick P. Aguirre – Achievement in Judicial Service.  The grandson of a Mexican immigrant who settled in Orange County in 1908, Aguirre was born and raised in the barrio.  When Aguirre was a child, his father took him to meetings for LULAC. The gatherings often featured a discussion with a politician or prominent Mexican-Americans in the community.  Today he is an Orange county Superior Court Judge.

Leslie Sanchez –Achievement in Media.   Author and former Bush presidential advisor.  She is widely sought-after political analyst.  A columnist and commentator, Sanchez is founder and CEO of Impacto Group LLC, a communications and market research firm, which specializes in defining social and economic trends affecting woman and the emerging U.S. Hispanic community.

Richard Zaldívar – Achievement in Community Action.  Mr. Zaldívar is the founder and executive director of The Wall Las Memorias Project, an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting wellness and preventing illness among Latino populations affected by HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles and beyond. 

Rosa Gumataotao Rios – Achievement in Government.  Treasurer of the United States under President Barack Obama since July 24, 2009.  Rios developed strong roots in business and governments in Northern California and became an expert in economic development.

Univision (Maria Gutierrez) – Achievement in Media and Community Outreach – Premier Spanish-language media company in the United States, not only entertains Hispanics but is an important member of the community.  Univision Network is one of America’s top networks, regardless of language.  They are committed to covering the issues that matter most to Hispanics. 

Yolanda González – Achievement in the Arts.  She is known for her strong, bold brush strokes of color, texture, intent on evoking imagination and emotion.  Long time member of Self-Help Graphics, she represented her art in Spain and Scotland.  She has exhibited in the Diego Rivera Museum in Mexico City, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA and Italy among others.

Xóchitl Castañeda – Achievement in Health and Academics.  Project Director Iniciativa de Salud de las Americas, Health Initiative, coordinates and optimizes health resources for Latin American immigrants and their families in California through collaboration, education and training efforts. 

Melinda Mendez – In Memoriam. Lifelong educator and bilingual education resource teacher and program coordinator in the San Jose and Napa/Sonoma regions. Taught and lectured at Stanford University, Sonoma State University, and California State University, Sacramento. Founding Member of the California Center and the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, Inc. and played an integral role in the founding of the University of California, Merced Campus.

2009 Latino Spirit Award Honoree for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre & Arts, Jorge Huerta, pictured with Assembly Member Hector De La Torre, Latino Caucus Vice Chairman Tony Mendoza, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, and Assembly Member Mary Salas.

2009 Latino Spirit Award Honoree for Business & Philanthropic Achievement, Fred Ruiz, pictured with Assembly Member Joe Coto, Latino Caucus Vice Chairman Tony Mendoza, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, and Assembly Member Isadore Hall.

2009 Latino Spirit Award Honoree for Civil Rights Advocate, Dolores Huerta, pictured with Latino Caucus Vice Chairman Tony Mendoza, Assembly Member Lori Saldaña, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, and Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny.

2009 Latino Spirit Award Honoree for Non-Profit & Community Involvement, Catalino Tapia, pictured with Assembly Member Ed Hernandez, Latino Caucus Vice Chairman Tony Mendoza, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, and Assembly Member Felipe Fuentes.

Latino Caucus Cesar Chavez Floor Ceremony (Thursday, March 26, 2009) Vice Chairman Mendoza presents Paul R. Chavez, grandson of Cesar Chavez, a gift on behalf of the Latino Caucus at the Floor Ceremony honoring his grandfather.

Cesar Chavez Cristo Rey Reception (Thursday, March 27, 2009) There where many members in attendance at the reception including our very own Latino Caucus Members.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (Friday, March 6) The Latino Leaders receptions are currently being held throughout the State of California to encourage civic engagement in our communities. Pictured here is Senator Romero and Assembly Member’s De León, Hernandez, Mendoza, Solorio, Torrico, and Torres at the Latino Leaders reception in Los Angeles.

Cesar Chavez Cristo Rey Reception (Thursday, March 26, 2009) Nick Ramirez a student at Cristo Rey, addresses attendees of the Reception and talks about Cristo Rey’s Work Study Program.

The California Latino Legislative Caucus 2009 includes members of the Assembly and Senate, has 17 Assembly members and 9 Senators.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Staff Retreat (Friday, April 3, 2009) The Latino Caucus held their 3rd Annual Staff Retreat at the Grand Island Mansion.  Senator Richard G. Polanco and former Assembly Member Richard Alatorre were both Keynote Speakers and offer valuable advice to staff.

Chairman Mendoza presents ACR 3 on the Assembly Floor, commemorating Cesar Chavez Day.

LATINO HEALTH ALLIANCE & Latino Caucus Policy Briefing “Budget Reform Debate and the Impact on Latino Health in California” February 2009.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (June 5, 2008) The California Latino Legislative Caucus in conjunction with the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) held a Mental Health Policy briefing with Assembymember Arambula as the keynote speaker.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (June 4, 2008) There was standing room only at the reception for Francisco Silva.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (June 4, 2008) Assemblymember Joe Coto, Chair of the Latino Caucus, introduced Mr. Silva to all the guests at the reception hosted by the Latino Caucus for Mr. Silva who was recently promoted General Counsel of the California Medical Association (CMA).  

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 5, 2008) Asm. Eng, Speaker Nuñez, Asm. Coto, Honoree Michael Torres, Senator Cedillo, Asm. Karnette and Senator Correa.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 5, 2008) Asm. Price, Speaker Nuñez, honoree Luis Valdez, Asm. Coto, Senator Cedillo and Senator Ducheny.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 5, 2008) Asm. Lieber, Speaker Nuñez, honoree Daniel Villanueva, Asm. Coto, Senator Cedillo, and Senator Florez.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 5, 2008), Asm. Portantino, Speaker Nuñez, Asm. Coto, honoree Jaime Escalante, Senator Cedillo, Senator Ducheny and Asm. Torrico.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 5, 2008) Asm. Ruskin, Speaker Nuñez, honoree Jim Plunkett (Superbowl XVI Champion) and Assemblymember Coto, Senator Gil Cedillo, Asm. Parra and Asm. Swanson.

The Mariachi entertainment play in the Assembly Chambers for the Latino Spirit Awards (May 5th, 2008).

CA Latino Legislative Juvenile Justice Summit (April 24 & 25) Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo was the keynote speaker at the dinner the Latino Caucus hosted for their Juvenile Justice Summit.

CA Latino Legislative Juvenile Justice Summit (April 24 & 25) Assemblymember Coto and Assemblymember Eng discussed the daylong sessions for the Juvenile Justice Summit.

CA Latino Legislative Juvenile Justice Summit (April 24 & 25) Assemblymember Pedro Nava a former prosecutor was a moderator at the first session of the summit titled “The Challenges of Youth Offenders”.

CA Latino Legislative Juvenile Justice Summit (April 24 & 25) There where many members of the state legislature in attendance at the Juvenile Justice Summit which contributed to its success!

CA Latino Legislative Juvenile Justice Summit (April 24 & 25) Los Angeles City Councilman and a former member of the Latino Caucus Tony Cardenas participated at the Juvenile Justice as a moderator for session 3 titled “Alternatives to Justice System”.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (February 14, 2008) There were many members of the Caucus as well as staff in attendance at the breakfast reception for Food for the Hungry.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (February 14, 2008) The Latino Caucus Hosted a Breakfast Reception for Food for the Hungry, this organization is meeting physical and spiritual hungers in 26 countries worldwide through programs such as child sponsorship, food production, water and sanitation, health care, agriculture, relief and church development. www.fh.org

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (February 13, 2008) Assemblymember Arambula and President Calderon discuss the economy in the USA.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (February 13, 2008) President Calderon and Assembly Member Tony Mendoza posed for a picture.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (February 13, 2008) President of Mexico Felipe Calderon Hinojosa meets with the California Latino Legislative Caucus.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Staff Retreat (Friday, February 1, 2008) Adriana Ruelas (Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Coto) and Minnie Santillan (Consultant to the Latino Caucus) at the Latino Caucus Staff Retreat.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Staff Retreat (Friday, February 1, 2008) Latino Caucus staff worked together on several issues which included “branding”.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Staff Retreat (Friday, February 1, 2008) Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina was the keynote speaker at the Latino Caucus Staff Retreat.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Welcome Reception (Monday, January 7, 2007)  Assemblymember Jose Solorio and Assemblymember Coto mingled at the Latino Caucus reception.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Welcome Reception (Monday, January 7, 2007) Assemblymember Dave Jones was one of the 45 members of the Legislature in attendance at the Latino Caucus reception, which was held at Ella’s.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 30, 2007) Congresswoman Hilda Solis became the first woman to receive the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for her pioneering work on environmental justice issues in California and in 2003, she became the first Latina appointed to the powerful House Committee on Energy and Commerce , she was the luncheon keynote speaker.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 30, 2007) The Clean Air Summit luncheon included a working panel, Senator Calderon was the moderator and Assemblymember De La Torre, Fresno City Councilmember Henry T. Perea and Assemblymember Dymally were the panelist.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 30, 2007) Assemblymember Dymally, Assemblymember  De León, Senator Cedillo and Senator Calderon listened attentively at the Clean Air Summit working sessions.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 30, 2007)  Senator Ridley-Thomas was the moderator for Session 3-Air Pollution Regulatory Decision Making & Advocacy.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 30, 2007)  Session 3- Air Pollution Regulatory Decision Making & Advocacy included Mary Nichols (Chair, California Air Resources Board), Alan Lloyd (Pres. of International Council on Clean Air Transportation) and Carolina Simunovic (Enviro. Dir. of Fresno Metro Ministries) as the panelist.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 30, 2007) Assemblymember De Leon was the moderator for Session 2- Health Impacts and Economic Cost-Benefit of Clean Air Policy.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 30, 2007)  Session 1- Background and Polling Data included Mark Baldassare (CEO of the PPIC), Prof. Manuel Pastor (Dir. of the Program for Environmental & Regional Equity at USC) and Alberto Mendoza(CEO, Coalition for Clean Air) as the panelist.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 30, 2007)  Senator Oropeza a was the moderator for Session 1- Background and Polling Data.  

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 29, 2007)  Paul Brest, President, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation addressed the Caucus members and participants at dinner.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 29, 2007) Assemblymember Parra, Assemblymember Levine and Caucus Vice Chair, Senator Cedillo enjoyed themselves and engaged in great policy conversations.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 29, 2007) many of the participants enjoyed themselves at the reception for the Clean Air Summit.

CA Latino Legislative Clean Air Summit: The Right to Breathe Clean Air?  (November 29, 2007) The Latino Caucus began the Clean Air Summit by hosting a reception, which included Latino Caucus members, pictured are Chair, Joe Coto, former member of the Caucus Assemblymember Dario Frommer and Senator Ron Calderon.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 12, 2007)  Henry Cisneros (Former Secretary of the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, Latino Leaders’ list of the Top 101 “Top Leaders of the Hispanic Community” and was recently inducted into the National Association of Home Builders.)  was the Keynote Speaker at the luncheon for the summit.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 12, 2007)  Assemblymember Saldana a was the moderator for Session 3- Financing Homeownership: Building Homeownership & Wealth in the Latino Community which included: Brad Blackwell (Wells Fargo Bank), Leo Simpser (HNMA/Ilumina), Chris Westlake (Deputy Director of the Department of Housing Policy Development), Gary Acosta (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals), Paul Leonard (Center for Responsible Lending) and Landon Taylor (First American Corporation)

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 12, 2007) Participants of the Homeownership summit included members of the Latino Caucus as well as former members of the caucus, such as Assemblymember Juan Vargas.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 12, 2007)  Senator Moreno-Ducheny a was the moderator for Session 2- Housing Supply Production: What Works and What Doesn’t: Builder Perspective & Local Perspective which included Steve Doyle (President, Brookfield Homes),  Ray Becker (Director of Entitlement at DMB Associates),  Jim Madaffer (San Diego City Councilman) and Cathy Creswell (Deputy Director, HCD).

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 12, 2007)  Senator Padilla was the moderator for Session 1- The Future of Homeownership Demographics Report:  CA Emerging Homeownership Market- Regional trends & Economic Implications which included David Binder (David Binder Research), Fred Nothaft (CEO for Freddie Mac) and Dowell Myers (Professor at USC School of policy, Planning & Development).

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 12, 2007)  Caucus Chair, Joe Coto and Senator Lowenthal who serves as Chair of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee chat at the Homeownership Breakfast.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 12, 2007) Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero addressed participants at the breakfast, outlining the importance of the Homeownership Summit.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 11, 2007)  Dale E. Bonner, Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency for the State of California was the Keynote Speaker at the summit dinner.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 11, 2007)  Caucus Chair, Joe Coto welcomed the participants of the summit, which had an opportunity to dine with members of the Latino Caucus.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 11, 2007)  Assemblymember Salas and Assemblymember Fuentes enjoyed mingling at the Statewide Homeownership Summit reception hosted by the Latino Caucus.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Homeownership Summit: Where Will the New California Live?  (October 11, 2007)  The Latino Caucus hosted a Summit with over 150 people in attendance, which included 20 members of the Assembly and Senate.  The registration table was always busy registering attendees.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Friday, August 31, 2007: Dr. Alicia Gaspar de Alba, author of Desert Blood: The Juarez Murders signed books shortly after the Latino Caucus Speaker Series.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Friday, August 31, 2007: Dr. Alicia Gaspar de Alba, author of Desert Blood: The Juarez Murders received a standing ovation at the Latino Caucus Speaker Series.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Friday, August 31, 2007: Dr. Alicia Gaspar de Alba, professor at the UCLA and author of Desert Blood: The Juarez Murders presented at the Latino Caucus Speaker Series.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Wednesday, August 29, 2007: The Latino Caucus held a reception to honor David Sanchez, there where over 20 members of the legislature in attendance and the reception attracted over 100 attendees.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Wednesday, August 29, 2007: The Latino Caucus held a reception to honor David Sanchez the first Latino President for the California Teachers Association.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Wednesday, August 22, 2007: Assemblymember Coto, Dymally, Hayashi, Fuentes and Senator Padilla all participated on the Task Force on Diabetes and Obesity meeting to hear expert testimony on the prevention of diabetes and obesity among low-income and impoverished communities.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Wednesday, August 22, 2007: The California Task Force on Diabetes and Obesity held a meeting at the State Capitol to hear expert testimony on the causes of diabetes and obesity among low-income and impoverished communities.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Wednesday, July 18, 2007: Tri-Caucus Legislative Task Force on Diabetes and Obesity held a meeting to discuss the proposed process for achieving their goals.

The Legislative Black Caucus, LGBT Caucus, API Caucus & the Latino Legislative Caucus Co-host: Teen Violence: An Inside Look at Teen Bullying and School Violence(June 26, 2007)  Assemblymember Calderon, Senator Ridley-Thomas, Assemblymember Coto, Senator Torlakson, Senator Perata and Senator Correa gather around inspirational speaker Ryan Bellflower.

June 26, 2007 The CA Latino Legislative Caucus, CA Legislative Black Caucus, Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender together hosted TEEN TRUTH: LIVE, a program aimed at stopping bullying and violence in schools.  The presentation included student speakers who shared their personal experience with school violence and the effects the film had on them, a documentary film and inspirational speaker Ryan Bellflower.

The Legislative Black Caucus, LGBT Caucus, API Caucus & the Latino Legislative Caucus Co-host: Teen Violence: An Inside Look at Teen Bullying and School Violence(June 26, 2007) film producer Erahm Christopher spreads his message of non-violence behavior by sharing his experience making a documentary focused on this issue.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Entertainment provided my the Mariachi Divas.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Assemblymember Kevin De León Presides over the 6th Annual Latino Spirit Awards Ceremony.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Assemblymember Mendoza, Senator Cedillo, Speaker Nuñez, Assemblymember Coto, and Assemblymember Torrico pose with honorees "Culture Clash".

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Senator Cedillo, Speaker Nuñez, honoree Supervisor Blanca Alvarado (Santa Clara County) and Assemblymember Coto.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Senator Oropeza, Senator Cedillo, Speaker Nuñez, honoree Gloria Molina, Assemblymember Coto, and Assemblymeber Feurer.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Assemblymember Eng, Senator Cedillo, Speaker Nuñez, honoree Raul Vargas, Assemblymember Coto, and Assemblymeber Richardson.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Senator Cedillo, Speaker Nuñez, honoree Victor Villaseñor (Author) and Assemblymember Coto.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Senator Cedillo, Speaker Nuñez, honoree Maria Contreras Sweet (Chairwoman of Promerica) and Assemblymember Coto.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Assemblywoman Carter, Senator Cedillo, Speaker Nuñez, honoree Edward James Olmos, Assemblyman Joe Coto, and Senator Correa.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) The CA Latino Legislative Caucus honors the Molina Family of Molina Healthcare.

California Latino Caucus Spirit Awards (May 7, 2007) Assemblyman Joe Coto presents ACR 43 a resolution in honor of Cinco de Mayo.

Latino Caucus Speaker Series (April 19, 2007) CA Latino Legislative Caucus in partnership with Comcast presented the speaker series. Photographed are Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, Dowell Myers, Senator Gil Cedillo (Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus) and Kristen F. Soares (Associate Vice President of External Relations at the University of Southern California State Capital Center).

Latino Caucus Speaker Series (April 19, 2007) Dr. Dowell Myers, professor at the University of Southern California and Assemblymember Joe Coto, Chair of the Latino Caucus.

Latino Caucus Speaker Series (April 19, 2007) Dr. Dowell Myers, professor at the University of Southern California and author of Immigrant and Boomers: Forging a New Social Contract for the Future of America presented at the Latino Caucus Speaker Series.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus (April 1, 2007) THE CALIFORNIA LATINO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS ROLLED OUT LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR 2007.

California Latino Legislative Caucus March 2007: Latino Caucus –

Left: Pictured from left to right, Senator Ducheny, Sen. Calderon, Assemblymember Salas, Assm. Juan Arambula, Assm. Jose Solorio, Sen. Negrete-McLeod, Assm. Tony Mendoza, Chair Joe Coto, Sen. Oropeza, Assm. Hernandez, Vice-Chair Cedillo, Assm. Caballero, Assm. De León, Assm. Nell Soto, Assm. De La Torre, Assm. Nava, Assm. Saldaña, Assm. Torrico.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Educational Symposium (March 22, 2007) Linda Darling Hammond was the Keynote Speaker at the Educational Symposium.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Educational Symposium (March 23, 2007) Legislator’s Educational Panel facilitated by Assemblymember Coto.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Educational Symposium (March 22, 2007) President Pro Tem Don Perata addressed the dinner attendees.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Educational Symposium (March 22, 2007) Participants of the symposium had an opportunity to dine with members of the Latino Caucus.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Educational Symposium (March 22 & 23, 2007) CA Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O' Connell addressed members of the symposium. He offered compelling statistics about California' s slow progress in closing the achievement gap.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus & BIENESTAR (March 6, 2007) Assemblymember De Leon addresses attendees at the 2nd Annual Legislative Briefing on the State of Latinos and HIV/AIDS in California.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus & BIENESTAR (March 6, 2007) Caucus Chair, Joe Coto addresses attendees at the 2nd Annual Legislative Briefing on the State of Latinos and HIV/AIDS in California.

Latino Caucus Speaker Series (Feb. 23, 2007) CA Latino Legislative Caucus in partnership with Comcast presented the first annual speaker series.  Photographed are Gilbert Martinez (Vice President-State Legislative Affairs, CA West Division Comcast Cable), Dr. Hayes- Bautista, Adriana Ruelas (Chief of Staff, Assemblymember Joe Coto, Eddie Garcia (VP Government Affairs, Bay Area, Comcast), and Senator Gil Cedillo (Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus).

Latino Caucus Speaker Series (Feb. 23, 2007) Well over 120 people from Capitol community attended La Nueva California: Latinos in the Golden State at the Latino Caucus' first Speaker Series event.

Latino Caucus Speaker Series (Feb. 23, 2007) Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, professor of medicine at the University of California Los Angeles and author of La Nueva California: Latinos in the Golden State presented at the Latino Caucus first Speaker Series.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Luncheon (Jan. 31, 2007) Senator Pro Tem Don Perata addresses Members and sponsors at the Latino Legislative Caucus Luncheon.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Luncheon (Jan. 31, 2007) Assembly Member Dean Florez leads the presentation over the tribal compacts to attentive members of the Latino Legislative Caucus.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Luncheon (Jan. 31, 2007) Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez presents a brief history of the Latino Caucus, as well as discusses redistricting and term limits to Members and sponsors at the Latino Legislative Caucus Luncheon.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Luncheon (Jan. 31, 2007) Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez and Chair of the Latino Caucus, Joe Coto, share a laugh at the Latino Legislative Caucus Luncheon.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Budget Briefing (Jan. 8, 2007) Caucus members Parra, De Leon, Padilla and Caballero listen intently during a strategic budget planning meeting.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Budget Briefing (Jan. 8, 2007) Legislative Analyst Liz Hill briefs Caucus members on the Governor's budget.

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Budget Briefing (Jan. 8, 2007) Caucus Chair Joe Coto and Vice Chair Gil Cedillo provided leadership during the budget briefing.

WORKING TOGETHER (Dec. 6, 2006) Three Latino Caucus staff members work together to solve a team problem during the recent daylong retreat-session workshop organized by Asm. Joe Coto, newly elected president of the 26-member Latino Caucus.

Latino Caucus Staff Retreat (Dec. 6, 2006) The values of working together, seeking each other's solace and trusting each other were underscored team-building exercises as part of the day long retreat.

Latino Caucus Staff Retreat (Dec. 6, 2006) Staff hammered out a list to improve staff training, career enhancement and communications within the caucus and with both the public and press.

A capacity crowd gathered Sunday, December 3, 2006 at the Sheraton Hotel for a luncheon to congratulate new members of the Latino Caucus.

New members shared memorable stories from their campaigns, and their goals for the coming legislative session.

Incoming Caucus Chair Assemblymember Joe Coto presented gift to outgoing Caucus Chair Senator Martha Escutia.

PROUD ACHIEVEMENT (May 4, 2006) -- Sen. Martha Escutia, D-Whittier, holds the crystal trophy honoring her for lifetime acheivement during today's presentation of the Latino Spirit Awards by the California Legislative Latino Caucus.

LIVE MUSIC (May 4, 2006) -- Classical music with a latin flavor is caught on film by one of several TV cameras on hand during a Capitol Rotunda reception that followed Thursday's Floor presenations.

LEADING WITH HIS RIGHT (May 4, 2006) -- Internationally known boxer Carlos "Famoso" Hernandez with his wife and three-month-old daughter share a light moment following his award for being an inspiring athlete.

MELONCHOLY MOMENT (May 4, 2006) -- The family of late Asm. Marco Firebaugh, who died March 21, were at the Capitol to receive a special Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Firebaugh posthumously. Pictured are Firebaugh's mother, left, Carmon Ramos Diaz, and his sister, Cecelia Diaz.

BUSINESS MEETING -- (April 19, 2006) Asm. Lori Saldana, D-San Diego, makes a point during a meeting between California builders and members of the Legislative Latino Caucus, led by incoming chair Joe Coto, D-San Jose.

Assembly Member Marco A. Firebaugh, Senator Martha Escutia and Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante honor Award Winning poet and writer, Michele Serros, 2004 Latino Spirit Award recipient for exceptional work in literature.

Assembly Member Rebecca Cohn joins Assembly Member Marco Firebaugh, Senator Martha Escutia, Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante and Assembly Member Ron Calderon in honoring, Latino Theatre Company Executive Director, Jose Luis Valenzuela, 2004 Latino Spirit Award recipient for exceptional work in theatre.

Assembly Members Marco A. Firebaugh, Ed Chavez and Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante along with Assembly Members John Laird and Abel Maldonado honor award-winning Actor, Lupe Ontiveros, 2004 Latino Spirit Award recipient for exceptional work in film and theatre.

Assembly Members Gloria Negrete McLeod, Marco A. Firebaugh, Senator Martha Escutia, Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante along with Assembly Member Fran Pavley honor award-winning cartoonist and writer, Lalo Alcaraz, 2004 Latino Spirit Award recipient for exceptional work in Arts and Literature.

Assembly Members Rick Keene and Bonnie Garcia join Latino Caucus Members in honoring, Sacramento Bee, Executive Director, Rick Rodriguez, 2004 Latino Spirit Award recipient for excellence in journalism.

Assembly Member Marco A. Firebaugh, Latino Caucus Chairman, Zach Horowitz, President and COO of Universal Music Group, and John Echevarria, President of Universal Music Latino, present award-winning recording artist, David Bisbal with a gold record.

Latino Caucus Members honor Grammy winning recording artist, David Bisbal with the 2004 Latino Spirit Award for exceptional work in latin music.

Latino Caucus Members join Frank del Olmo's family as they pay tribute to the award-winning Journalist and 2004 Latino Spirit Award recipient for exceptional work in Journalism.

Latino Caucus Members from the California State Assembly (not pictured Assembly Members Dario Frommer and Sarah Reyes).

Latino Caucus Members from the California State Senate (not pictured Senator Liz Figueroa)

Back Row (Left to Right): Assembly Members Juan Vargas, Simon Salinas, Dario Frommer, Ed Chavez, Lou Correa, and Manny Diaz.
Middle Row: Assembly Member Nicole Parra, Senators Dean Florez, Gil Cedillo, Martha Escutia, Deborah Ortiz, Richard Alarcon, and Assembly Member Cindy Montañez.
Front Row: Assembly Member Jenny Oropeza, Senators Gloria Romero, Nell Soto, Assembly Member Marco A. Firebaugh, Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny, Assembly Members Gloria Negrete McLeod, and Rudy Bermudez.

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez joins the women of the Latino Caucus in an impromptu photo opportunity.

Latina Caucus Members (not pictured Assembly Member Sarah Reyes and Senator Liz Figueroa).

Assembly Member Nicole Parra obtains an autograph from Tom Flores, former coach and player, Oakland Raiders, during the 2003 Latino Spirit Awards Celebration.

Assembly Member Sarah Reyes welcomes the 2003 Latino Spirit Award Winners. From Left to Right: Derek Parra, speed skating Olympic gold medalist; George Lopez, comedian and actor; Vikki Carr, award-winning recording artist; Carlos Santana, award-winning recording artist; Rita Moreno, Oscar winning actor; Gregory Nava, award-winning film producer; Tom Flores, former coach and player, Oakland Raiders.

Oscar winning actor Rita Moreno, is acknowledged by the Latino Caucus during the 2003 Latino Spirit Awards.

Olympic Gold Medalist, Derek Parra is recognized during the 2003 Latino Spirit Awards Ceremony.

Grammy winning recording artist Carlos Santana, is honored by the Latino Caucus during the 2003 Latino Spirit Awards.

Actor and comedian George Lopez is recognized during the 2003 Latino Spirit Awards Ceremony.

Latino Caucus Members honor award-winning actor Andy Garcia, recipient of the 2003 Recipient of the Latino Spirit Award.

Senator Nell Soto and Andy Garcia dance to mariachi music in the Assembly Chamber during the 2003 Latino Spirit Awards Ceremony.

Dora the Explorer, along with HBO executives, is recognized during the 2003 Latino Spirit Awards Ceremony.

Senator Richard Polanco (retired) is honored for his lifetime commitment to public service during the 2003 Latino Spirit Award Ceremony.