Government should concern itself with the well-being of the people, to create a society centered around human beings—not the profits of corporations. 

Spanning over two decades, my activism dates back to my middle school days when I took to the Board of Education and City Council to address discrimination issues at my school and in my city. At the young age of 15, I volunteered for a local campaign in Glendale, which taught me the value of empowerment through advocacy and at the ballot box, giving each of us the ability to leave this world better than we found it and to help others realize their potential to do the same. This experience allowed me to discover my purpose and passion early on: public service.

Since then, my proudest accomplishments include working hand in hand with many of you to realize the following: Ensuring equal access and representation at local and state-level government entities. Creating public policy fellowship and internship programs to train our future leaders. Establishing the Glendale Domestic Violence Task Force. Launching voter registration, education, and ‘Get out the Vote’ initiatives, which resulted in registering over 50,000 new voters in Los Angeles County alone, leading to record-breaking voter turnout in some of the most competitive local, state, and federal elections. Securing recognition for the Armenian Genocide and adoption of Genocide education curriculum in CA public schools. Mobilizing 166,000 participants in the historic March for Justice for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Expanding green space, community outreach, and access to programs for low-income families and children when I had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission in Glendale.

My purpose has always been clear—to leave a positive footprint for future generations, fight for social justice, human rights and equity, empower and protect the rights of women, minorities, the working class and small businesses. This is who I am—from my days of community organizing and involvement as a city commissioner to running campaigns and now my own business.

In these alarming times, when a woman’s right to choose is in jeopardy, families are being torn apart, our children no longer feel safe in school, homelessness is at an all-time high, there is a climate and mental health crisis, and people with full-time jobs can’t afford to get sick, we need leaders who will roll up their sleeves and fight vigorously to uphold our democratic values. I want to be that person to lead this fight and represent you.

Together, we will ensure that we have an inclusive party as diverse as the people it represents, and make sure that the people’s voice is heard both on the legislative front and at the ballot box.

In both my volunteer work and my professional life I've tried to advocate for disadvantaged groups.   Within HRC,  my work always reflected a determination to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ community.  And in my work as a literary agent i've fought to get projects made that reflect the reality of often marginalized groups.

My political philosophy is simple--fight and advocate to give power to the people, and a voice to the powerless.

My name is Linda Perez, mother of 5 children, grandma of 7 and great-grandma of 1. 

I immigrated from Cuernavaca, Mexico, 40 years ago. I didn't speak English at all but the need to support my family gave me the strength to succeed, enhanced my skills and learned the language through a trade school.

I worked for non-profit organizations and finally, after 25 years I retired from Los Angeles Unified School District.

I volunteered for Aids Project L.A., Childrens Hospital/Teen Programs, Braille Institute, my children's schools, was a member of the Hollywood Police Advisory Board. My goal and my mission are to pay forward to my beloved community for all the great things I've received for my family. 

As soon as I was able, I became a U.S. Citizen and voted for the first time for President Clinton's re-election. I have not missed an election since then because I take my civil duties and responsibilities very seriously. I made sure all my children registered to vote as soon as they turned 18 years old and they're responsible voters as well.

I became President of my Union, California Schools Employees Association,  Chapter L.A.500., still holding the position of Past-President. 

I was an elected Delegate to the Democratic Convention in N. Carolina for the re-election of President Barak Obama.

Elected Delegate for the Assembly District 43rd. Participate in every rally and political action necessary to defend our democracy, 

I started my poliical life as a student activist in high school, including through participation in anti-Vietnam War protests and by volunteering for McGovern.  After attending UC Berkeley, a friend, Edward Lawson, asked me if I could help him get some media coverage of his civil rights case (involving policing and challenging a California "stop-and-ID" statute) that would eventually end up in the U.S. Supreme Court.  I knew nothing about PR but offered to try, and the case ended up getting mammoth worldwide media attention, said to be the most of any Supreme Court case that year.  Fortune or Forbes magazine ran a cartoon mocking how much coverage the case received, and Dan Rather led off the evening news with the story of Edward's Supreme Court victory.

 After that, I volunteered to do PR for a few more civil rights and political causes (Native American; Vietnamese American; senior citizens).  A good deal of coverage resulted, and when I walked in to volunteer for a political campaign, they instead offered me a job as campaign press secretary, which I accepted.  I would get hired by more political campaigns and firms over the years, while freelancing as a PR person, journalist and photographer and continuing to do a lot of volunteering for diverse causes in various capacities:  such has continued to be the case, over the years.  As a writer, I won a "Best Feature Story of the Year" award from the California Newspaper Publishers Association, for a story about the history of L.A.'s Central Avenue that ran in the Los Angeles Downtown News.  I also wrote the introduction to a book about the history of the City of Vernon.

I've also worked, off and on, for various governmental offices -- as press deputy for L.A. Council Districts 14 and 8, legislative deputy for CD 2, senior field representative for Assembly District 42, and director of communications for CD 5.  As a vounteer, I was  elected and reelected to the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, and served two terms as its co-chair, and co-founded the Northeast Central Alliance of Neighborhood Councls; was elected and reelected community representative on Marshall High School's school-based management/shared decisions-making council, and was elected and reelected as a member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party Central Committee, representing what was Assembly District 45 and is now AD 43.  I was elected to serve as committee chair, a position I presently hold. I co-founded the East Area Progressive Democrats and belong to several Democratic clubs.  I have been very involved in pro-choice activism.  I was honored, at the invitation of labor and a supportive grassroots coalition, to travel recently to Salt Lake City to take part in a labor action there.

I've co-founded a couple of neighborhood watches and currently coordinate one of them:  the Northeast Silver Lake Neighborhood Watch, under whose auspices we also began and continue to hold the annual Silver Lake National Night Out event, as well as other community meetings and activities.   I've been in photography exhibitions and have started and oversee a series of free poetry events held, so far, in Echo Park:  we invite people from all walks of life to come and read/recite poetry of quite diverse origins in front of an audience while musicians improvise behind each speaker.   

Podcasting has become a new thing for me, and so far I have completed about 20 episodes on very varied topics, always with special guests.  As much as possible, in all realms of life, I devote myself to causes that seem vital to me, and especially to causes that people choose to bring to my attention when in need.  The goal is to stay creative and true.  I am a resident of Silver Lake, living with wife, daughter and dog.  

Trying to be empathetic and fair, and believing firmly that justice counts, leads many of us to be Democrats, and I am no different in that regard.

We want and need to treasure idealism, but we also need to be effective, and get things done, and win as many elections as we can when up against Donald Trump and his extremist apologists and enablers.

We should abhor snobism and elitism (and any other "ism" that separates people from each other) -- what matters in politics is that people work hard and well, together, with integrity and dedication and not for self-furtherance. Egalitarianism, a good "ism," rules and makes for a fun and respectful political work ethic and environment.

As a member of the County Central Committee and especially as its current chair, I think it's absolutely vital that our efforts and procedures, especially regarding endorsements, be fair and inclusive, follow the rules, and have an even playing field for all.  It's equally important to discover and encourage stellar Democratic candidacies, up and down the ballot, in as many geographic areas and jurisdictions as possible.  These two priorities are related -- when a party does not operate in good faith but serves only its insiders, we alienate many great volunteers, voters, and potential candidates who otherwise would gladly and selflessly participate.

As a member of the county party and delegate of the state party, I've written/co-written/sponsored successful party resolutions on many matters -- an environmental resolution co-written with Erin Brockovich; a resolution regarding protecting and enhancing arts funding; a resolution calling for emergency funding regarding homelessness; a resolution calling for formal recognition of the Armenian Genocide; campaign reform; etc.  I've had a significant role in other efforts, whether it's trying to end gun violence, promote pro choice causes, raise the minimum wage, provide better care for animals, and on and on.  The deilght is always in meeting others and respecting them and their communities, rights and voice, while establishing productive common bonds and shared experiences. Politics is fun!  But it's also real work, including as a volunteer, and in that regard I've volunteered not only in California but elsewhere (for example, in presidential elections, I've been to New Mexico for Kerry, Nevada for Obama, Arizona for Clinton, where at least we got rid of an evil sheriff).  There are losses, and mistakes, but also lessons gained and friendships won, and hopefully we are all dedicated enough and worthy enough that together we build what the Constitution called a more perfect union.  We call it an ever-growing Blue Wave. No matter the name, too much is at stake to do anything but that.  

I have been a teacher and adviser in LAUSD for 22 years.  I have been a member of UTLA for 22 years, and went out on Strike for the Schools LA Students Deserve.  I am the UTLA Pace Chair and on the Board of Directors.  I was born and raised in Glendale and now have 2 sons in GUSD.  I believe in our Public Schools. 

I am a Racial and Social Justice Warrior, bringing resolutions to local, state, and national conferences and conventions.  I was instrumental in pushing the GUSD and LAUSD to pass the Black Lives Matter in Schools Resolutions this year.  I have experience lobbying locally, in Sacramento, and in DC, and have been a panelist on an Assembly Select Committee to End the School to Prison Pipeline.  I have advocated for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and divestment from Turkish investments.  I have demonstrated for Immigrant Rights in LA, DC, Minnesota, and Houston.  I believe diversity makes us stronger.

My political philosophy leans heavily on intersectionality.  I believe that politics are a part of every day life and that we should engage in political discussions from an early age.  I believe that political engagement and community engagement are intertwined.  I can take an issue to the streets through demonstrations, marches, and protests; and also advocate for it with politicians and change agents.  At times, issues need to be addressed individually, such as Black Lives Matter at Schools Week; at other times issues can intersect and be addressed on multiple levels, such as Immigrant Rights being inclusive of all immigrants and the LGBTQ community.  I have been an advocate and ally of societal issues, and will continue to be into the future.

Last year I was given the great honor of being named 2019 female Democrat of the Year for the 43rd Assembly District.  I think this reflects both my recent history and my years of activism.  

I proudly attended L.A. public schools and graduated from Hamilton High School, and then was a graduating member of the fabled first class of CalArts, and went on to be in various art exhibitions and books, before finding my way into grassroots politics.  As a volunteer in pro-choice "clinic defense" efforts, I initiated and co-organized a very successful art auction benefiting the various organizations that were managing clinic defense.  Since then, I have continued to volunteer in many efforts, here in California and also in other states -- for example Obama in Nevada -- but have also become a field organizer and voter contact professional, overeeing many field programs and managing or co-managing political campaigns such as those of Assemblymember Richard Bloom and L.A. City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell.  I also served as the the Political Director of the L.A. County Democratic Party, the largest county party in the country, during 2017-18 when we helped to elect many Democratic members of Congress to formerly red seats, not just in L.A. County but also in adjacent and other California counties.  I directed voter registration endeavors registering new citizens as Democrats.  I'm married with a daughter, am a past co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, have co-founded a couple of neighborhood watch programs, help oversee the annual Silver Lake National Night Out event, iniitiated and run the annual "Howl-O-Ween Doggie Costume Pageant" held for twelve years now at the dog park, and am currently an alternate on the County Central Committee, and a state delegate.  I also belong to various Democratic clubs and am a co-founder and current vice president of East Area Progressive Democrats, the largest club in the county.  Additionally, I am a small business owner with rather unique business, being a co-founder and partner of the much acclaimed Original Cannabis Cafe, located in West Hollywood and the first such legal cannabis consumtion cafe in the country (you don't have to consume cannabis -- I don't -- and there is delicious food there).  Everyone 21 and over is weclome!.  

My politics are progressive and practical, determined and respectful.  I believe that success isn't achieved just by being on the morally correct side of things, though values are incredibly important -- we also have to be able to listen to others, to work with each other, to inspire and be inspired, and to work hard and not give up.  Our Democratic party politics need to be inclusive, inviting and fair, so that everyone who wants to volunteer will feel welcome and not feel like an outsider who is being snubbed by a clique.  In other words, I want politics and govenrment to be accessible, empowering and effective.  

This also means we need to be efficient, principled and sensible in getting things done, which is what I'm known for in my volunteer and professioal career pursuits.  I also am very much a community person, and whatever I am doing and wherever I go, I truly believe in the voice of the community being heard and taken seriously, and keeping our elected officials fully accountable.

When I see anyone being wronged, poorly served or ignored, I speak up.

I'm proud to have worked for many diverse causes and communities, and will continue to do so, with diversity and promoting the rights and opportunities of all people being crucial to my activities and goals.  One of the great pleasures of politics, though a pleasure not everyone readily seeks, is bringing people, neighborhoods, groups and communities together to increase both political clout and mutual understanding.  

We face a great many challenges, in this age of Trump and ever worsening climate change, and we have to practice enlighted and engaging progressive politics, and that is what I am all about, of course in the company of so many other people, some of whom are great at what they do, and others who may be new to the cause but eager to make a difference for the better.  

As an advocate for social and environmental justice, it is my goal to ensure all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect, and that all communities are given a voice.  

I will continue to represent my communities at the county level and cast my vote towards progressive policies and candidates who will fight for our most vulnerable communities and causes.

What exactly am I running for? The LACDP is the official governing body of the Democratic Party in the County of Los Angeles. The LACDP works in cooperation with the State and National Democratic Committees. LACDP is the largest local Democratic Party entity in the United States, representing over 2.7 million registered Democrats and a population larger than 42 other states in the 88 cities and the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County

Luke is a Metro Board Deputy to Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, where he advances the Mayor’s objectives for Metro-related items. He works closely with Metro staff in support of improved transit service, active transportation projects, and budget matters.
 
Luke has worked over a decade in local, state, and federal policy on a range of topics, from transportation and land use, to health care, to student loans. Currently, he serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Los Angeles Walks, an LA-based nonprofit advocating for safer streets. He also volunteers with Abundant Housing LA, where as Education Director he develops and facilitates trainings on housing issues. He is a co-founder and co-producer of A Little New Music, bringing new musical theatre to LA. He's also past President of the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council, where he increased outreach and community engagement. He’s also a member of the Stonewall Democratic Club, Miracle Mile Democratic Club, Democrats for Neighborhood Action, and East Area Progressive Democrats.
 
Luke is grateful to be a graduate of two great public schools: the University of Michigan, where he got his B.A. in Music, and the University of California-Berkeley, where he earned his Masters in Public Policy.

Luke lives with his husband and their two pups in Los Feliz.

I began my career in activism back in 1992 with Amnesty International and I’m still involved as a Trainer of Trainers. My political activism started in 2005 when I joined with four other bloggers to create what would become the Netroots Nation convention. I became involved locally in 2008 when I joined my first Dem Club, Valley Grassroots for Democracy. Now I’m  halfway through my second term as Chair of the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley, (DPSFV). I have been a member of LACDP for over a decade and currently serve as a Co-Chair of the Sexual Harassment Task Force. As a delegate to the state party, (CDP), I’m also a Co-Chair of the Platform Committee and a member of the Executive Board. A movie fan, I spend my free time as an organizer of a movie screening/discussion group and a longtime volunteer for the AFI Film Festival.

What’s important to me:

I believe in gender pay equity, voting rights, reproductive rights, and that affordable health care should be a given. I believe that no one should go to bed hungry and everyone should have a home to go to. I think there should be an easier and quicker path toward legal immigration and those crossing our borders to escape human rights violations in their own country shouldn’t be treated as criminals in ours. I believe that higher education in whatever form it takes shouldn’t require a lifetime of debt. I believe guns have no place in a civil society. I believe our planet is in danger because of our own selfishness and if we don’t take serious steps now our grandchildren may be the last generation to live on it. I believe in respect, dignity and following through on my promises.

-Intermediate Spanish fluency

Bernie Sanders for President 2016 & 2020.  National Convention Delegate Candidate. Canvassed and phone banked in Los Angeles. Multiple Bernie Brigade bus trips from LA to NV. Monitored NV caucus.

Laura Friedman for CA State Assembly. Canvassed. Phone banked. Worked with campaign manager on social media outreach.

California for Progress. Volunteer staff for Bernie Sanders/Medicare for All Event.

Los Angeles County Democratic Party. “Super Volunteer”. Consistently volunteer at monthly meetings and various events.

California Democratic Party. Ran for ADEM and received alternate slot/proxy. Volunteer at ADEM elections and various party events.

Hollywood United Neighborhood Council (HUNC). Renters and Housing Committee Member.

Lauren Meister for West Hollywood City Council. Phone banked and canvassed.  

Katie Hill for Congress. Phone banked.

Miguel Santiago for CA State Assembly. Phonebanked.

Maria Elena Durazo for CA State Senate. Phonebanked.

U.S. Senate: Office of Senator Hillary Clinton, Washington, D.C. Full-time fall semester Press Intern. Issued press releases. Law, policy, and media research. Responded to constituent requests.