Notice of Upcoming Vote on Caucus Bylaws Amendments

The California Democratic Party Rules Committee has asked us to make the following amendments to our bylaws to meet the current Party policy on standard Caucus bylaws. This will be voted on at our meeting on either August 18 or August 19 during the Visalia E-Board conference.

Remove Article IV.C.5 Standard Biennial Dues: $40.00

Remove Article VI.F.4 A “Vacancy” shall refer to a Board officer who resigns from their position, or misses three meetings in a calendar year without having first contacted the Caucus Chair in advance of a meeting to request an absence, and is unresponsive to communications pertaining to Board business, as determined by the Caucus Chair. 

Remove Article VI.I “A “Vacancy” shall refer to the circumstance where the Caucus Chair resigns from the position.”

July 2023 Newsletter

Meet Our New Caucus Board Members
Get to know our newest board members! 
Gurpreet Kaur, Legislative Director Gurpreet Kaur has more than seven years of experience in the California State Government including in and around the Legislature. She has worked as Legislative, Policy and Regulatory Analyst and is proficient in legislative research and analysis as well as the Rulemaking process.
Gurpreet is well-versed in initiating legislative proposals and resolutions as well as working with authors/legislators and stakeholders in ensuring that interests are advocated and protected.
Marilyn Cachola Lucey, Treasurer Marilyn is Deputy District Director for an Assemblymember and has been active in community organizing and legislative advocacy with organizations such as ACLU and ACCE, using her training as an OFA Fellow. She strives to ground her professional and community work explicitly in anti-racism, anti-ableism, and cultural humility.
As a current board member for her region’s PFLAG affiliate, she leads their legislative advocacy efforts to protect and extend LGBTQ+ rights. In 2020, she worked for the Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign in California, and co-directed the East Bay Victory 2020 for Biden-Harris virtual field operations. She volunteers with Bay Area Action Coalition to train and support field teams, and execute field strategy for Democratic state and federal candidates. She is an appointed commissioner to Contra Costa’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls First 5 Children and Families Commission. She is serving her second term as Assembly District 16’s elected delegate to the California Democratic Party executive board. 
She lives in the San Francisco East Bay with her neurodiverse family. Her lived experience as an immigrant continues to motivate her to advocate for the protection of human rights and to organize communities to elect leaders who champion justice for the global majority.
Malia (“Lia”) Aiavao, Northern Secretary Lia Aiavao firmly believes in the power of representation and has spent her political career working to uplift the voices of historically overlooked communities. She knows that by amplifying voices, perspectives, and experiences, meaningful change can be achieved.  As a biracial woman of Samoan descent, Lia has seen firsthand how Polynesian and Pacific Islander communities have been left behind and forgotten. She knows that engagement in the political process, community organizing, and support for Polynesian and Pacific Islander candidates are vital steps toward ensuring that specific needs are met — and she’s committed to bringing people together to make that happen.
In 2018, Lia served as Field Director for Catherine Stefani’s successful campaign for San Francisco Supervisor, managing all aspects of the voter contact, volunteer management and outreach programs. She then went on to work as a Northwest Finance Associate with Kamala Harris for the People where she coordinated with top-raising National Finance Committee members and helped organize high-dollar and grassroots fundraising events. Lia is now an award-winning Deputy Media Director with an Oakland-based political consulting firm working with progressive candidates who are fighting for marginalized people and our future leaders of tomorrow.
Dr. Andrew Murphy, Southern Secretary Dr. Andrew Murphy (he/they) is an experienced leader in education, government, and policy. His previous roles include serving as a public school teacher, community organizer, union leader, nonprofit Executive Director, and Policy Deputy for the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education, where he was the primary author of the “Everyone Counts” resolution, a civil rights achievement that instituted data disaggregation policies for all students and employees of color in the nation’s second-largest school district.
Andrew is an elected California Democratic Party Assembly District Delegate and currently serves as President of the Asian Democrats of LA County and as a Board member of the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley and the Korean American Democratic Committee. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Louisville, a Master of Education from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, a Master of Korean Studies from Seoul National University as a Korean Government Scholar, and a Doctorate in Education from Loyola Marymount University.
For the rest of the board, bios for our entire board are available at https://aapicaucus.com/about-us/executive-board/
California Democratic Party Executive Board Meeting in Visalia Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20
The AAPI Caucus will be meeting in person as part of the conference. We’re planning a special event for you to meet and hear from AAPI leaders in the Central Valley.
Online registration for the Summer Executive Board Meeting closes on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 5:00 pm. The party encourages everyone to register online for easier credential pickup on-site. Non-EBoard Members or non-standing Committee Members wishing to be credentialed to attend the Executive Board General Sessions can request an EBoard Observer Pass.
Caucus meetings, Standing Committee meetings, training, and organizing actions during the Executive Board meeting are open to all Democrats.
Registration, Tentative Agenda, and more: https://cadem.org/executive-board/
The California Democratic Party is updating the party platform Give input now!
Suggestions and comments on the party platform can be provided in three ways:

Online Testimony Form
2024 Testimony Submission Form on the Platform Committee Website The deadline for submitting testimony online is Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Online Testimony Hearings
Sunday, August 6, 2023, @ 11:00 AM Planks Accepting Testimony: Education, Children, Culture and the Arts, Women Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfuqsqzkiGdHew6nUNNNZadfH2t5Jzdzw#/registration

Wednesday, August 9, 2023, @ 6:30 PM Planks Accepting Testimony: Energy and Environment, Sustainable Communities, Rural Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uspjktGdFcmif-RZ17ivSr3dyuAnRz#/registration

In Person at the Executive Board Platform Committee Meeting
Date: Friday, August 18, 2023 at the E-Board Meeting in Visalia Planks Accepting Testimony: Veterans and Military Families, Seniors, Health Care, Immigration, Preamble
Notice of Upcoming Vote on Caucus Bylaws Amendments
The California Democratic Party Rules Committee has asked us to make the following amendments to our bylaws to meet the current Party policy on standard Caucus bylaws. This will be voted on at our meeting on either August 18 or August 19 during the Visalia E-Board conference. Details of the changes will be sent in a future newsletter before the meeting.
Upcoming AAPI Events
Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) Summer Soiree Friday, August 18, 2023, 6-10pm, San Gabriel, CA https://www.causeusa.org/2023-summer-soiree
Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County’s Inaugural Awards Gala Sunday, August 20th, 2023, 4-6pm, San Gabriel Grapevine Arbor (324 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776) http://bit.ly/ADLACAwards
AAPI Leadership Summit by Asm. Evan Low and the AAPI Legislative Caucus September 7 and 8, 2023, Sacramento, CA https://aapileadershipsummit.org/home

Grieving the loss of Affirmative Action – a space to discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling and the rollback of progress

Today the Supreme Court struck down race conscious (Affirmative Action) policies in college admissions.

Our Caucus has led on Affirmative Action in the past and led programs and outreach efforts, including in 2020 to support Prop 16 (which if it had passed, would have repealed the Prop 209 ban on affirmative action).

To provide a space for our community to gather to grieve this loss and discuss the implications and rollback of progress, along with the California Young Democrats API Caucus, we will be hosting a virtual program tomorrow night, Friday June 30th from 5:30-6:30pm.

We will be inviting community members and speakers to discuss this topic as well as organizing work to combat this significant curtailment of progress.

Zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/aapicaucus630

New Caucus Board, Party Platform Update, AAPI Dem Club Events, and More

Meet the 2023-2025 AAPI Caucus Board
State Chair: Deepa Sharma State Vice Chair: Hon. Tammy Kim State Communications Secretary: Alfred Twu State Parliamentary Chair: Aref Aziz State Legislative Director: Gurpreet Kaur State Treasurer: Marilyn Cachola Lucey State Recording Secretary: Shivam Patel  
Northern Chair: Hon. Harris Mojadedi Northern Vice Chair & Political Director: Hon. Emily Ramos Central Valley Vice Chair & Political Director: Hon. Rachel Hernandez Northern Secretary: Malia (“Lia”) Aiavao Northern Outreach & Local Clubs Chair: Zahra Hajee   
Southern Chair: Jessica Caloza Southern Vice Chair & Political Director: Michael Milan Southern Secretary: Dr. Andrew Murphy Southern Outreach & Local Clubs Chair: Steve Kang
Learn more about us at https://apicaucus.com/about-us/executive-board/
We would like to sincerely thank outgoing colleagues Vice Chair Adam Ma, Legislative Director Olivia Lee, and Treasurer Shawn Kumagai for their invaluable contributions to our Caucus. 
The California Democratic Party is updating the party platform Give input now!

Suggestions and comments on the party platform can be provided in three ways:

Online Testimony Form 2024 Testimony Submission Form on the Platform Committee Website The deadline for submitting testimony online is Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Online Testimony Hearings
Sunday, July 9, 2023, @11:00 AM Planks Accepting Testimony: Civil Justice, Political Reform, World Peace and International Relations, National Security Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvd-msrj4jH9aE2-pIkYp8IMQ-mEc7X68s#/registration

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, @ 6:30 PM Planks Accepting Testimony: Criminal Justice, Gun Violence Prevention, Internet and Free Speech Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kcOGtrDIjGNPKIFvJJ9rAssadMnBYt1lf#/registration

Sunday, August 6, 2023, @ 11:00 AM Planks Accepting Testimony: Education, Children, Culture and the Arts, Women Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfuqsqzkiGdHew6nUNNNZadfH2t5Jzdzw#/registration

Wednesday, August 9, 2023, @ 6:30 PM Planks Accepting Testimony: Energy and Environment, Sustainable Communities, Rural Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uspjktGdFcmif-RZ17ivSr3dyuAnRz#/registration

In Person at the Executive Board Platform Committee Meeting
Date: Friday, August 18, 2023 at the E-Board Meeting in Visalia Planks Accepting Testimony: Veterans and Military Families, Seniors, Health Care, Immigration, Preamble
Comment on the Delegate Selection Plan for the 2024 Democratic National Convention
The California Delegation will send a total of 497 delegates and 35 alternates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. The total delegation comprises of 424 Pledged Delegates, 35 Alternates, and 73 Unpledged Delegates.
The California Democratic Party develops the National Delegate Selection Plan that outlines how the 277 District-level delegates, 92 At-Large delegates and 55 PLEO delegates are chosen. An important part of the plan is ensuring that our delegation reflects California’s diversity. A draft version of the Plan is available HERE. 
If you would like to provide comment or testimony for consideration, please fill out the following form: 2024 California Democratic Party Delegate Selection Plan Testimony Submission Form

Oral testimony provided at one of the in-person hearings listed below must also be submitted online HERE to be considered.

Upcoming Testimony Hearing Dates:

Central Valley: July 1, 2023, 1-4PM, Fresno County Democratic Party Office- 1033 U St., Fresno CA. 93721

Northern California: July 8, 2023, 1-4PM, California Democratic Party Headquarters- 1830 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

Online: July 15, 2023 (11AM-1PM): ZOOM LINK  For more information on the National Delegate Selection process, click HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Delegate2024@cadem.org.
Upcoming AAPI Events
Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club’s “Dinner with a Dem” Event on July 10 from 6-7:30pm, Santa Clara County Democratic Party HQ 2901 Moorpark Avenue #110 San Jose, CA 95128. RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/dinnerwithadem2023

Southern CA Armenian Democrats, Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County, Korean American Democratic Committee, and the Pilipino American LA Democrats BBQ Battle Saturday, July 22, 2023, 11am – 3pm, Glendale Verdugo Park, located at 1621 Canada Blvd, Glendale, CA 91208 Join us and enjoy some delicious Armenian, Korean Pilipino and Asian Fusion BBQ and spend a relaxing afternoon with your fellow Dems!  The event is FREE for folks to attend. Kindly fill out the RSVP form to let us know you are attending: bit.ly/BBQ-23

Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) Summer Soiree Friday, August 18, 2023, 6-10pm, San Gabriel, CA
https://www.causeusa.org/2023-summer-soiree

Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County’s Inaugural Awards Gala Sunday, August 20th, 2023, 4-6pm, San Gabriel Grapevine Arbor (324 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776) http://bit.ly/ADLACAwards

Events & API Caucus Membership Meeting at the California Democratic Party Convention

Friday, May 26
Convention Welcome Reception – 7pm
First Draft Taproom and Kitchen, 1230 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles

Saturday, May 27

CADEM Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month – 1:30pm
During General Session in LA Convention Center Hall A

California Young Democrats API Caucus Happy Hour – 5-7pm
with Assemblymember Mike Fong
HiDef Brewing, 1203 S Olive St, Los Angeles
http://tinyurl.com/CYDAPIHAPPYHOUR

API Caucus Meeting – 7:45-9:30pm
Platinum F-J Meeting Room, JW Marriott, 900 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles

AAPI Legislative Caucus Hospitality Suite – 10:15pm- Midnight
with Assemblymember Evan Low
Platinum E Meeting Room, JW Marriott, 900 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles

For list of all CADEM Convention events please visit https://cdpconvention.org/schedule/

Share your convention experience! Use hashtag #Organize4CA and #CADEM

All events are open to the public except General Session. Convention credentials or observer pass required for General Session.




2023 API Caucus Membership Meeting
Saturday, May 27, 2023, 7:45pm-9:30pm
Updated Location: Platinum F-J Meeting Room, JW Marriott
900 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles

AGENDA
– CDP Officer Reports

– Adoption of new Caucus Bylaws
New bylaws can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uUcvmXc43iMbmknmbB7vYgry-l0uUa_i/edit

– Awards Ceremony – Trailblazer, Rising Star, and Organization Award

– Democratic Senate Candidates

– Invited guest speakers:
– AG Rob Bonta
– AAPILC Chair Evan Low
– California Democratic Party officer candidates
– Democratic Candidates for US Senate: Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, Barbara Lee (sending surrogate)

– CDP API Caucus Officer Elections

– Speakers – time permitting.

Happy Songkran! Happy Thingyan! Choul Chnam Thmey!

The AAPI community is not a monolith. And we can’t ever forget the contributions of our Southeast Asian friends and neighbors.

The AAPI caucus wishes Thai and Lao Americans a Happy Songkran, Burmese Americans a Happy Thingyan, and the Cambodian Americans Choul Chnam Thmey!

API Caucus Rising Star & Trailblazer Award Nomination Deadline: April 14

Two Months Until the CADEM Convention in Los Angeles
The Caucus will be meeting in person at the CADEM Convention over Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles. Registration details will be available soon.
Sign up to speak at the API Caucus Convention Meeting
Candidates and campaigns: We will have some time at our Convention meeting for candidates to speak to the Caucus. If you would like to speak, please fill out the form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9qfiPs_s-onFNsFVZ6zWc5c5d9gcVWP9Ea38z5BCOQAmTqw/viewform
Apply Now to Run for a Position on the 2023-2025 API Caucus Board
The API Caucus will be meeting and holding our elections for the 2023-2025 Board at the May 2023 CA Dem convention. If you are interested in running for a position on the API Caucus Board, please fill the form here. https://forms.gle/qabDzEfDoHPJn68H7
The deadline is 30 days before the convention. Convention starts on May 25 – please apply by April 25.
Learn more about the different Caucus board positions in our bylaws at https://apicaucus.com/bylaws/
A candidate for office must be a full member of the Caucus in good standing for at least 30 days prior to the election. If you need to renew your membership, please use the link here: https://onlinecampaigntools.com/WebForms/ViewForm?key=v3OgtUdQThjhzNZ%2FYfwUPw%3D%3D
Nominate Someone for our Trailblazer & Rising Star Awards Applications Close April 14
Trailblazer Nominee Submission Form: https://forms.gle/asJa8BL6P2HEMZcX9 The Trailblazer Award honors extraordinary California Democrats for their excellence in leadership and outstanding public service to the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community and the people of California. 
Rising Star Nominee Submission Form: https://forms.gle/Nd7yMoiizkPeL91z8 The Rising Star Award recognizes outstanding emerging leaders in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community whose courage, service, and leadership demonstrate strong commitment to empowering the AAPI community in California.

Apply Now to Run for a Position on the 2023-2025 API Caucus Board


The API Caucus will be meeting and holding our elections for the 2023-2025 Board at the May 2023 CA Dem convention. If you are interested in running for a position on the API Caucus Board, please fill the form here. https://forms.gle/qabDzEfDoHPJn68H7
The deadline is 30 days before the convention. Convention starts on May 25 – please apply by April 25.
Learn more about the different Caucus board positions in our bylaws at https://apicaucus.com/bylaws/
A candidate for office must be a full member of the Caucus in good standing for at least 30 days prior to the election. If you need to renew your membership, please use the link here: https://onlinecampaigntools.com/WebForms/ViewForm?key=v3OgtUdQThjhzNZ%2FYfwUPw%3D%3D
Nominate Someone for our Trailblazer & Rising Star Awards
Trailblazer Nominee Submission Form: https://forms.gle/asJa8BL6P2HEMZcX9
Rising Star Nominee Submission Form: https://forms.gle/Nd7yMoiizkPeL91z8

The CA Dem API Caucus Stands with Congresswoman Judy Chu against Racist Remarks by a Republican Congressman.
Asian Americans are American. Questioning the loyalty of Representative Judy Chu, who is a distinguished American public servant, perpetuates racism against our communities. We must reject the coordinated right-wing smear campaign targeting Chinese Americans.
President Biden Nominates Julie Su for Secretary of Labor
Julie Su has worked on campaigns for raising the minimum wage, creating high quality jobs, enforcing safety standards, and stopping wage theft and human trafficking. She also previously served as the Labor Secretary of the State of California.
Learn more at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/28/president-biden-nominates-julie-su-for-secretary-of-the-department-of-labor/

Save the Date! California Democratic Party Convention at the Los Angeles Convention Center in May

The API Caucus will be meeting and holding our elections for the 2023-2025 Board at the May 2023 CA Dem convention. If you are interested in running for a position on the API Caucus Board, please fill the form here at least 30 days before Convention: https://forms.gle/qabDzEfDoHPJn68H7

Learn more about the different Caucus board positions in our bylaws at https://apicaucus.com/bylaws/
A candidate for office must be a full member of the Caucus in good standing for at least 30 days prior to the election. If you need to renew your membership, please use the link below.
Renew Your Caucus Membership

If you need to renew your membership, caucus dues can be paid at https://onlinecampaigntools.com/WebForms/ViewForm?key=v3OgtUdQThjhzNZ%2FYfwUPw%3D%3D