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Joel Diaz compared the jitters he felt leading up to Monday’s Latino-focused award ceremony to the feeling before a big fight. “It’s nerve racking for us,” said Diaz, who attended the event with his two younger brothers Antonio and Julio. “It feels the same as when you’re in the dressing room getting ready to walk into the ring. We’re not really prepared for it.” Like many of those big fights, the brothers, who were born in Mexico and spent years as professional boxers, walked out winners.

Joel Diaz compared the jitters he felt leading up to Monday’s Latino-focused award ceremony to the feeling before a big fight. “It’s nerve racking for us,” said Diaz, who attended the event with his two younger brothers Antonio and Julio. “It feels the same as when you’re in the dressing room getting ready to walk into the ring. We’re not really prepared for it.” Like many of those big fights, the brothers, who were born in Mexico and spent years as professional boxers, walked out winners.

When Martha Escutia was elected to the Assembly in 1992, she was one of seven Latinos in the 120-member California Legislature, part of the small but growing Latino Caucus that would eventually become a powerful force in the state Capitol.

When Martha Escutia was elected to the Assembly in 1992, she was one of seven Latinos in the 120-member California Legislature, part of the small but growing Latino Caucus that would eventually become a powerful force in the state Capitol.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In 1973, five Latino legislators formed the California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC) to address the social and economic issues affecting the Latino community.

“Members that are not just identifying as Mexican, but Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, so it’s wonderful to be able to lead a caucus of this diversity. And with a Latina majority for the first time in history with 21 Latina members,” Cervantes said.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In 1973, five Latino legislators formed the California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC) to address the social and economic issues affecting the Latino community.

“Members that are not just identifying as Mexican, but Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, so it’s wonderful to be able to lead a caucus of this diversity. And with a Latina majority for the first time in history with 21 Latina members,” Cervantes said.

"Fifty years ago, five Latinos came together to create the first ever Chicano Legislative Caucus. At the time, the lawmakers, all male and of Mexican descent, made up 4% of the Legislature. Though a small group, the establishment marked a turning point for California’s then-14% Latino population. Over the next five decades, the caucus grew, diversified and became an influential group in the Capitol. That progress coincided with the Latino community exploding to 40% of the state population."

As excerpted from La Opinión: 

"As part of the celebrations for its 50th anniversary, the Latino caucus of the state legislature presented 14 priority bills including supporting the undocumented with unemployment benefits, financial assistance for the elderly and allowing those who earn a little more to buy health insurance in the Covered California market.

"Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes represents California’s 58^th Assembly District, which includes much of the Inland Empire. She’s also Chair of the Latino legislative Caucus, which celebrates its 50^th anniversary. She spoke with KVCR’s Jessica Greenwell about the anniversary of the caucus, significant and extensive legislation that the caucus has spearheaded over the last five decades, as well as plans for a busy 2023 legislative session."

"Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes represents California’s 58^th Assembly District, which includes much of the Inland Empire. She’s also Chair of the Latino legislative Caucus, which celebrates its 50^th anniversary. The caucus has spearheaded significant and extensive legislation over the last five decades, and she told KVCR’s Jessica Greenwell about plans for a busy 2023 legislative session as well."