LATINAS TACKLING STATE POLITICS.Maritza Mendizabal is a Democrat. Her daughter, Marytza, is a Republican. Even though the duo from Northridge have different political opinions, they are united in their belief that Latinas must learn to exercise their political strength. So on Tuesday and May 7, the mother and daughter will be in Sacramento for Latina Action Day, an event that's expected to draw about 300 Latinas for two days of civic lessons, networking and meetings with legislators in the state Capitol building The term State Capitol Building can refer to the State Capitol building in a number of different US states, national or subnational entities. US States
``I'm concerned about my community. I really care about the issues,'' said Maritza Mendizabal, communications manager at Blue Cross of California. ``It's wonderful to know that there are other women who are as busy as I am and ... yet take the time to go to Sacramento and meet with elected officials.'' The event, which is in its third year, is organized by Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit A corporation or an association that conducts business for the benefit of the general public without shareholders and without a profit motive. Nonprofits are also called not-for-profit corporations. Nonprofit corporations are created according to state law. group that holds monthly meetings to discuss voting issues. State Sen. Hilda Solis Hilda L. Solis (born October 20 1957), an American politician, has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 2001, representing the 32nd District of California (map). and the Latino Caucus caucus: see convention. are honorary co-chairs. ``We think it's important that our image be ... that Latina women care deeply about the governance of their state,'' said Maria Contreras-Sweet, president and founder of HOPE. ``So many times people don't recognize the loyalty and love of their country that we really have.'' The goal of the event is not only to give Latinas the chance to see ``democracy at work,'' but to teach them how to approach legislators to tell them their concerns, Contreras-Sweet said. ``For a legislator LEGISLATOR. One who makes laws. 2. In order to make good laws, it is necessary to understand those which are in force; the legislator ought therefore, to be thoroughly imbued with a knowledge of the laws of his country, their advantages and defects; to to understand how to represent us, they need to hear directly from us about the needs in our community,'' she said. Marytza Mendizabal, 24, admitted she was a bit nervous about approaching an elected official, even though she majored in political science at UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX . ``It's one thing to read about them. It's another thing to talk to them,'' Marytza said. ``But they're just people. I overcame that apprehension The seizure and arrest of a person who is suspected of having committed a crime. A reasonable belief of the possibility of imminent injury or death at the hands of another that justifies a person acting in Self-Defense against the potential attack. about talking with them.'' It's that attitude that makes her mother proud. ``I don't care
"Don't Care" is a 1994 (see 1994 in music) single by American death metal band Obituary. if she's Democrat or Republican or whatever,'' Maritza Mendizabal said. ``I care that she is active.'' Corina Alarcon, president of Comision Feminil of the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. , an organization of professional Latinas, was among the 268 women who attended last year's event. ``I felt a great sense of pride, not just being a Latina but being with these powerful women,'' Alarcon said. Registration for Latina Action Day is $25. For more information, call Hispanas Organized for Political Equality at (213) 622-0606. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: `I'm concerned about my community. I really care about the issues. It's wonderful to know that there are other women who are as busy as I am and ... yet take the time to go to Sacramento and meet with elected officials.' Maritza Mendizabal, right, with her daughter, Marytza |
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