LAPA San Diego

President’s Message

Greetings,

Welcome to the Latino American Political Association (LAPA) website.  I invite you to browse through it and become acquainted with this dynamic organization.  We have been an active voice in the local political arena since 1973.  Throughout the years, LAPA has continued to be committed to advocating for Latinos running for local elected positions.  I invite you to join us for a monthly meeting or one of our social events.  LAPA meets at 6:30pm, on the second Tuesday of each month, at El Fandango Restaurant located at 2734 Calhoun Street in Old Town San Diego.

I am honored to have the confidence shown by the members in electing me to lead the organization in achieving LAPA goals and objectives for 2010.  My thanks, and that of the new Board members, go to the Honorable Judge Peter Deddedh for officiating at our installation ceremony.  The new Board Members for 2010are:  Ed Cervantes, President; Lucy Pearson, 1^st Vice-President; Todd Garcia Van Boxtel, 2^nd Vice-President; Gloria E. Cazares, Secretary; Frank Peralta Jr., Treasurer; Mateo Camarillo, Parliamentarian; Elma Torres-Rodriguez, Historian and Al Ramirez, Director of Special Events.

It is an election year, our agenda is action packed.  First, the position of San Diego City Council seats, will  be on the 2010 ballot and several candidates will be seeking LAPA endorsement.  Second, pursuant to Proposition 11, new district boundary lines will be drawn for the State Assembly, State Senate and Board of Equalization.  Third, various other candidates will be campaigning early for other seats within the Local Cities Councils; and the political action list goes on.  Thus, the involvement and input of LAPA are vital.  It is imperative that we remain active within our communities.  As a nonpartisan association, we will endeavor to ensure that the Latino candidates, and issues of interest to Latinos, are represented at all levels of government.  LAPA’s purpose has always been to help and promote Latino participation in the political process.

In the social sphere, we will continue with our annual events such as our golf tournament which benefits the Wounded Warrior/Injured Marine Program. We will continue with our annual New Year’s Eve dinner/dance gala; which happens to be one of the best events in town.  New to our calendar is the Wine Tasting Trip to Temecula scheduled for September.  We are also partnering with other organizations pursuing similar goals and, we will revive our San Diego Blood Bank membership account.  At the same time, remaining committed to community issues relevant to Latinos.  Lastly, there will be membership drives throughout the year with dates and locations to be announced.  I ask for your continued support in 2010 so that we can jointly achieve the goals and objectives of this Association and so LAPA can continue to be a viable voice within the County of San Diego, for all our citizens.

Ed Cervantes

President, LAPA