Month: February 2015

Marqueece Harris-Dawson for LA’s 8th District

Los Angeles – The CHIRLA Action Fund would like to announce its endorsement of Marqueece Harris-Dawson for Los Angeles City Council District 8. Elections for City Council will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2015.

As a champion for education, equity, safety and immigrant rights, Marqueece represents a new generation of leaders in South Los Angeles. At the core of his experience is a belief in social justice for all the communities that reside in the 8th Council District.

Marqueece has been recognized with numerous community commendations, recognitions and awards including the coveted Do Something “BRICK” Award, The Wellness Foundation Sabbatical Award, the NAACP Man of Valor Award, Durfee Foundation’s Stanton Fellowship and Liberty Hill Foundation’s Upton Sinclair Award.

Veterans’ advocates hit the Hill

A group advocating the rights of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are on the Hill this week to press lawmakers on issues ranging from disability care to high rates of unemployment.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the largest organization for veterans of the wars, will host a series of events as a part of their Storm the Hill campaign this week, culminating in Thursday’s release of their legislative agenda for 2010.

Top priorities include improving the claims processing system for disabled veterans, addressing the suicide epidemic among service members and improving the Veterans Affairs Department’s health care services for women.

This is the fifth annual trip for the group, which was founded in 2004. Starting Monday, the veterans will form teams named for the military alphabet — Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc. — and will meet with more than 100 lawmakers to discuss their issues.

The veterans were originally scheduled to meet with Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, who died Monday.

CHIRLA Action Fund Endorses Jacque Robinson for Mayor of Pasadena

Los Angeles – The CHIRLA Action Fund, one of the strongest advocates for immigrant rights in California, announced Tuesday it is endorsing Jacque Robinson for Mayor of the City of Pasadena.

With her experience and dedication, Jacque Robinson represents the diversity and future of Pasadena.  She is the only woman candidate in a field of six. Elections are March 10, 2015.

The following are statements from Angelica Salas, CHIRLA Action Fund Board Chair.

“We are delighted to endorse a fighter for underrepresented communities and a champion for all residents of Pasadena.  Robinson has the charisma, expertise, and drive to bring our community together and represent us well.

On several issues that have impacted immigrants, including comprehensive immigration reform and Proposition 47, Ms. Robinson has demonstrated she understands our community and that’s why we support her efforts to lead Pasadena as the next Mayor.”

The CHIRLA Action Fund first endorsed Ms. Robinson in 2007 when she first ran for the Pasadena City Council.  Ms. Robinson is a first generation American of Belizean roots.