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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

with Senator Kevin de León pg. 16

Find Us On

OVERVIEW OF

Mexico Energy Reform pg. 20

Public Policy And Government From A Non-Partisan Latino Perspective$10.00Founded in 1996

Vol 19 No 1

At The State Level in California, Nevada and

Colorado pg. 37

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BACKGROUND The Latino Journal, founded in 1996, presents a non-partisan perspective of government, policy and politics. It is produced in hard copy and digital formats and distributed to anyone interested in learning more about Latino perspectives on government policy formulation.

The opinions expressed in the Latino Journal do not necessarily express the opinions of the editorial advisory board members or the publisher and his team. No part of this publication may be reproduced or photocopied without express permission of the Latino Journal.

The Latino Journal is published up to four times per year.

Latino Journal 1017 L Street #306 Sacramento, CA 95814 www.latinojournal.net

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Latino JournalPublisher’s CORNER

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the relaunch of the hard copy of the Latino Journal!

After a few years of digital communication only, and in response to loyal readers and new thought leaders, we are combining the best of both mediums for distribution; in print copy and through our extensive digital network.

Latino Journal is committed to delivering compelling stories and vital information on public policy and government from a non-partisan, Latino perspective.

The number of Hispanics/Latinos in America today has increased from 35.3 million in 2000 to over 53 million according to U.S. Census reports. Hispanics in 2015 compose 18% of America’s total population and are now America’s largest minority group. This demographic change presents a powerful opportunity for the Latino voting bloc to change the outcome of elections and influence new policy directions in America.

In this issue we highlight achievements as well as opportunities for Latinos in California, Colorado, and Nevada to increase representation in elected positions. Western state Latinos are presenting new paradigms and shifts in policy at all levels of government. You have access to personal Latino Journal interviews with leaders in California and Colorado about how they are shaping the future of their states from a Latino perspective.

The Latino Journal’s next journey will be across America with an eye toward Washington D.C. to examine and report on Hispanic civic participation at the federal level - today, tomorrow and beyond.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of the Latino Journal and look forward to your feedback.

Warm regards to all,

José L. Pérez Publisher

José L. Pérez

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3 Publisher’s Corner5 Editorial Board5 Profile: Synthia Jaramillo6 Senator Jessie Ulibarri:

Elevating Colorado’s Latinos8 California Hispanic Chambers

Advocate for Members10 Ginny Velasquez, Team

Persona Staffing12 Exclusive Interview with Alex

Padilla, Secretary of State16 Interview: Senate President

pro Tempore, Kevin de LeÓn20 Mexico Energy Reform22 Assembly Member

Rocky Chávez

26 Esteban Almanza: Department of General Services

27 Silicon Valley Companies Urged to Include Hispanics

28 More Women Lead California Utilities Commission

29 What is the FCC?30 Math, Engineering and

Science Achievement (MESA)31 PG&E Power Pathway: Latina

Introduces VP Biden34 Hispanics In Energy37 Latino Elected Officials at

the State Level in California, Nevada and Colorado

CONTENTSTable of

2015 Editorial Advisory BoardNeptaly Aguilera CAFE De California

Silvia Aldana Pacific Gas & Electric

Robert Alaniz Milagro Strategy Group

Ruben Barrales Grow Elect

Victor Cabral, J.D. Walker, Martin & Hatch

Ben Durán, Ed.D. President Emeritus, Merced Community College

Diedra García Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Michael W. González Illinois Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

Synthia Jaramillo Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce

David C. Lizárraga TELACU Education Foundation

Dennis R. Luna Luna & Glushon

Monica Martinez Ruben Strategy Group

Alejandra Morán Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus

Roy M. Pérez RMP Strategies

Senator Richard R. Polanco (ret.)

Alexandra Gallardo Rooker Communications Workers of America

J. Michael Treviño Michael Treviño & Company

CC Yin APAPA, Inc.

Synthia Jaramillo is an experienced profession-al with extensive background and experience in Chamber of Commerce activities, programs and services. She currently serves as the Vice Presi-dent of the Barelas Economic Opportunity Center (BEOC) of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC). Since October of 2013 Synthia has increased program revenue in the BEOC by $400,000.

The BEOC is a dedicated and modern facility located within, and adjacent to, low-income areas most in need of support. These include Barelas, South Broadway, and San Jose neighborhoods, and the South Valley. The BEOC is ADA accessi-ble and easy to get to by public and private trans-portation. The BEOC is equipped with two state-of-the-art computer labs and several meeting and training rooms.

Synthia also serves as the primary staff member and point of contact for the AHCC Board of Direc-tors, Executive Committee and members regard-ing workforce training, development and econom-ic initiatives.

Most notably was the application submitted by Synthia that enabled AHCC to be awarded the Hispanic Chamber of the Year 2014-2015 by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Synthia’s experience includes leading high-pro-file events including, La Noche Encantada – AHCC’s Annual Gala with over 1,800 attendees, the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon which reached over 400 attendees and initiates the Hispanic Heri-tage Month, Education Excellence Awards Dinner including the Governor Of New Mexico as the keynote speaker, and the Golf Classic – the main fundraiser for scholarships.

Synthia has been awarded and recognized by many institutions, including named 2015 Woman

of Influence by Albuquerque Business First, the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Board Governance and Board Develop-ment Certificate, the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Corporate Spon-sorship and Grant Writing Certificate and the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management Career and Professional Develop-ment Certificate.

Her involvement in memberships reach across the nation. She is an active member of National Council of La Raza, United Way’s Hispanic Phil-anthropic Society Advisory Council, New Mexico Small Business Development Center’s Small Business Development Center Advisory Council New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange Stake-holder Advisory Committee, and the Albuquer-que Hispano Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.

In addition to her outstanding participation in the Latino community, Synthia is also a proud mother of two daughters. ◆ LJ

MEET Synthia Jaramillo

Latino Journal6

Interview:

Senator Jessie Ulibarri, one of Colorado’s 11 Latino legislators, is tackling some tough Latino issues in his home state.Like California, Colorado’s fastest growing population is the Latino community. The State's population is 20 percent Latino with just 11 percent represented in the Legislature. With term limits due, the Senator anticipates seeing more Latinos and Latinas running for public offices in the next election cycle.

Senator Ulibarri works closely with the Colorado Demo-cratic Latino and Latina Legislative Caucus, which was reestablished in 2013. The Caucus works to close the legislative representation gap, and provides jobs and opportunity for political involvement to young Latinos. According to Senator Ulibarri, though the Caucus is infor-mal and developing, the group has earned respect and support from external community groups.

Early on, the Caucus repealed a statewide, “Show Me Your Papers” law, with the help of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Colorado Latino Leadership Research Organization (CLLRO). A law allowing in-state tuition for undocumented students was passed and Colorado also became the 10th state to issue drivers' licenses to undocu-mented residents, a bill sponsored by Senator Ulibarri.

“One of the projects we took on in our first year was to establish the Capitol Fellowship Program, recognizing our very limited staff capacity inside the Capitol,” stated Senator Ulibarri. “The community saw this as a priority; they want to see more Latinos not just in elected office, but involved in policy or helping Spanish campaigns.”

For the first time in Colorado, undocumented individu-als supported under DACA were openly working in the state capital, speaking volumes about immigration reform. CLLRO, as project partner, housed the Fellowship. Senator Ulibarri said that it is because of community orga-nizations that, regardless of limited state internal resourc-es, the Caucus is able to increase the positive impact on Latinos in government.

Senator Ulibarri is also focusing on education, and recog-nizes the large and growing achievement gap. Unlike other states that have recovered from the recession, Colo-rado ranks 43 out of 51 in per-pupil spending. He claims there is a lack of a real conversation about educational equity, providing support for English language learners and for students living at or below poverty levels.

The Caucus also concentrates on exposing educational reali-ties, “It’s different whether you are in a rural or urban school district and it’s incredibly different if you’re a poor student or a middle class or wealthy student. So we want to level the playing field. It was our education that brought us into this work,” emphasized Senator Ulibarri. ◆ LJ

SENATOR

COLORADOUlibarri

Jessie

We look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of California families and consumers.

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Latino Journal8

There is no grass growing around the feet of the new president of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), Alice Pérez.

In her short tenure as leader, Pérez has initiated high profile engagements of both government and the private sector while nurturing the development of many local Hispanic chambers throughout California. All in the name of improving the growth and development of California Hispanic businesses.

The first woman ever appointed to lead the California Hispanic Chambers, Pérez jumped into this position after serving as president of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber, serving as an executive with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and being the national Hispanic liaison for U.S. Bank.

Her national exposure and knowledge of banking and government have served Pérez well. In her short term, she has lead three major initiatives.

Earlier in 2015, the chamber to organized a meet and greet between Hispanic chamber leaders and Governor Brown and some of his top officials in his Administration in Sacramento. Many were Hispanics. California contracts out billions every year with a goal set for small business participation many of which are owned by Hispanics.

In March the CHCC held an Economic Summit in California’s Inland Empire that drew formidable speakers from community, public and private sectors. The anchor guest was newly elected Congressman Pete Aguilar (D-CA).

In May, the CHCC held a legislative event to advocate for the business members in the State Capitol that included visits with key legislators in policy issues important to them.

This coming August 20-21 it is planning its annual convention in Sacramento.

California Hispanics represent 16.5% of all businesses in California and it is the fastest growing business sector according to recent reports by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

For more information visit the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce website. ◆ LJ

Alice Pérez, Frank Montes and Congressman Pete Aguilar, March 20, 2015, Ontario, CA

Ruben Barrales (far left) participating in a discussion on the uneven economic impact of California’s recovery with other distinguished members of the panel including Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia (far right).

CALIFORNIA

Hispanic Chambers Advocate for Members

Latino Journal10

An Inside Look: Ginny Velasquez, Owner of Team Persona Staffing

Ginny Velasquez is no stranger to starting at the ground floor and working smartly and tirelessly to reach extraor-dinary heights of success. As owner of Team

Persona, a national , multi-million dollar consulting business, Velasquez rose to this position by way of tenacity, innovation, and excellence.

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Velasquez, whose father is from Mexico, attended the University of California, San Diego, earning bachelor's degrees in both computer science and math, with a minor in business economics. Imme-diately following graduation, Velasquez was hired by Accenture, a prominent and highly selective consulting firm. Starting at entry level, she worked as a comput-er programmer and in five short years promoted to project manager overseeing $5-10 million projects and supervising up to 30 people.

At Accenture, Velasquez formed such close professional relationships with colleagues and clients, that some joined her in her new business creation venture. Those who looked to her for future employment opportunities did so because of her strong work ethic, fairness and passion for winning partnerships.

When the Y2K era hit, Velasquez filled the niche market assisting businesses in upgrading and modernizing their IT departments. Focusing on Y2K consulting until the dot-com era surfaced, she then moved into another world of opportunity

by providing cutting-edge internet and tech-savvy staff around the state.

Velasquez has encountered open doors and business opportunities abroad, and as far away as India. However, she values her citizenship as an American, and has decided to invest her future in growing jobs in the American economy. As a mother of five, she also values close prox-imity to her family and so maintains the firm and her presence in her home country.

During the company’s national expan-sion, Persona Computing rebranded and was renamed as Team Persona. Velasquez added many new lines of business includ-ing staffing services in administrative office personnel, legal and paralegal assis-tance, and accountancy. As she expanded business capabilities, new municipalities such as counties, cities, states and the federal government were also targeted clients. Prominent clients today include AT&T and Verizon, whose national accounts reach 15 states.

Velasquez says that Team Persona, like every other growing business, had its ups and downs including a legal battle that

was upheld in her company's favor. She has faced challenges from competing community groups, and fought for her rights and equitable treatment. Velasquez reflected on one of her toughest-ever polit-ical challenges in Alameda County, admit-ting, “It was tough, but it was one of our great accomplishments."

With nearly 300 consultants nation-wide, $12 million in revenue, presence in 15 states and providing a lion's share of staff-ing business in California, Team Persona is an inspiring success story.

“I’ve been in business for 20 years. My word of advice to any other business, especially small business, is just to hang in there and not give up because I really believe that having a positive attitude and a lot of persistence helps you get through the inevitable cycle in the economy. Constantly being ready to change and adapt is equally important. Always try to find new segments of business, find where the movements are, and make sure you value those long-term relationships so you can go back and look for opportunities through various partners in the industry.” ◆ LJ


CAFE de CaliforniaConcerned with the civil rights of Latinos in California State Government

Hispanics Strongly Urged to Consider Working for the State of California

California state government, composed of over 150 departments, agencies, boards and commissions with over 200,000 employees statewide, is now recruiting and hiring new employees as a result of a balanced state budget and a significant number of retirements.

In the last seven years, according to the California Public Employees Retirement System, CalPERS, approximately 40% of the California work force has retired. As a result, many state agencies are now recruiting to fill thousands of jobs across the state. The average annual salary is approximately $65,000 with excellent benefits.

The leaders of CAFE de California, a Chicano Latino State Employees' Association, created in 1975 to advocate for equal employment opportunities in state government, estimates that there are over 4,000 statewide vacancies today.

"Since Hispanics are seriously underrepresented in state government (22%) in proportion to their representation in the State's population (38%), CAFE is reaching out to the vast network of Hispanic leaders, organizations and community groups throughout California to help recruit Latino candidates for these state government jobs," said Neptaly "Taty" Aguilera, CAFE state president.

For more information regarding state jobs, please visit the CalHR website: https://jobs.ca.gov/

Latino Journal12

THE Latino VOTE

LJ: What do you hope to accomplish as Secretary of State in 2015/2016?AP: A number of things; one of them being what I perceive to be an attack on voting rights across America. In my view, many people have been adopting voter suppression laws, making it more difficult to register to vote and actually cast a ballot. I hope California continues policy leadership by showing a better way. We do it when it comes to environmental protection, renewable energy policy, and in so many other ways. Here’s an opportunity to do it from a voting rights and civic engagement point of view. So that’s one big-picture observation.

Sometimes we lose appreciation for momentous, historic occasions as time goes on. This year is the 50-year anniversary for the Voting Rights Act signed by President Johnson. I can assure you that the Latino community, politically, would not be where we are today if it wasn’t for the passing and deciding of the Voting Rights Act. So, yes, we ask ourselves on a regular basis: are there enough Latino elected officials, are we proportional to our population, how loud is our political voice, etc. All the gains that we have to date would not have been without the Voting Rights Act. As much progress as we’ve made, myself as the Secretary of State; Senator de Léon as the new president of the senate, and currently having more Latino members of Congress than at any other point in the nation’s history, we clearly have a lot more work to do.

That being said, what do we do about it? There are three important

steps to getting people to cast ballots. We have to get more people who are registered to vote to actually participate, but you can't vote if you’re not registered, so the question is, how do we get more people to register? A couple of data points; there are more than 6 million current registered voters who are not active voters. In addition, there are more than 6.5 million eligible to register voters who haven’t registered, 60 percent of them are Latino. So, the potential is there, but for a number of reasons there are millions of people who haven’t taken those necessary steps. Part of my plan in this office is to be more visible; visiting high schools and colleges and doing all the hands-on things that I can do to invite more people to register and to vote. However, I think the most profound impact we might have is making the systemic change that I proposed, what we call the “New Motor Voter”. It’s taking the “Motor Voter” law that’s already in place and sort of flipping it on its head, where anybody who is deemed eligible

SECRETARY OF STATE

Exclusive Interview

CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIAPadilla

Alex

CONTINUES ON PAGE 14 »

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Latino Journal14

to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles is given the opportunity to opt out of being added the voter rolls, but by default, unless somebody opts out, is to be automatically added to the voter roll in California. In the process we know we won’t be able to capture 100 percent of the eligible-but-unregistered but we hope to capture 90 percent. That’s about 6 million people; close to the population of the state of Georgia.

LJ: What does the Secretary of State’s Office plan to do with respect to voter education?

That answer is anything and everything. We know the stuff that’s required to be done; the sample ballots and voter information guides that are mailed out, but clearly, that’s not doing the trick if you review turn-out rates from the last several voter cycles. We’ll be using all sorts of media; newspaper, radio, TV, social media companies, outdoor advertising; any possible way we can help get the word out.

LJ: What about voter turnout? How do we get people excited either to fill out that absentee ballot or get to the polls?

AP: It’s a combination of things. The one exception to the low voter turnout that we’ve seen in the last decade was back in 2008, when a young, charismatic candidate named Barack Obama ran for president. We actually saw record turn-outs for many areas. If all elections had that level of excitement, the story would be different. From a systematic point of view, figuring out how to make it even more convenient for people to cast a ballot is what we're looking at, like voting by mail. Voting by mail is probably as easy as it gets, and it’s increasing in popularity, but we can do more to promote that. California is a big and diverse state, and most people choose to vote in person. If you want to vote in person, your options are very limited to that first Tuesday after that first Monday in November between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. at a location near your residence. That’s not convenient for everyone. I’ve taken the delegation from the Secretary of State’s Office to Denver where they’ve implemented an option to vote at dozens of locations throughout the city or county, which would allow us to accommodate people from all different districts. We need to take that step here in California. People should have the option to go to any county or city to vote. We should accommodate people in different congressional, legislative, districts, etc. I envision

expanding voting not just on that Tuesday, but perhaps to the weekend prior, as well.

LJ: Do you feel that the Secretary of State’s Office, with its resources, has the capacity to accomplish this vision?

AP: Yes, but certainly not acting alone. It will require partnerships with the election administration space with all fifty counties in California because, ultimately, elections are administered at the local level. That’s why for me, visiting all 50 counties was important during the campaign to discuss the vision and rely on communities from those counties to be partners in a transition. We’re going to need to partner with the legislature and the governor, both to make changes and to get a hold of financial resources for the next generation of voting equipment and technology to enable a better voter experience.

LJ: Is there a role for other stakeholders, for example businesses and community organizations?

AP: Absolutely. If you want to change the world, you cannot do it alone. All the sectors have to work together, whether it’s non-profit organizations, the public and private sectors, media organizations, political campaigns, labor unions, etc.

LJ: Is there one organization or group that you feel is a strong champion of trying to accomplish the vision you have?

AP: My personal involvement has been much more with National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) than with other organizations. They have been a great model and national leader in all areas of participation in our democracy; from citizenship and census, to redistricting and voting rights and voter registration. There has been a huge correlation between the work done with NALEO and what I want to accomplish as Secretary of State.

In conclusion, we have a big stake in this. Once upon a time, Latino issues were marginalized to immigration, bilingual education, and affordable housing, but as our share of the population grows, everything is a Latino issue. Latinos have a say in everything from energy policy to the financial world to health care. We’re not going to make progress as a state without Latinos doing their part. The same is true for civic engagement. It’s our responsibility. ◆ LJ

THE Latino VOTE (CONT.)

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Interview:

SENATOR

de León

16


LJ: Senator de León, thank you for taking time to talk with Latino Journal. Can you share with us what you would like to accomplish as Senate President pro Tempore to improve education, economic development and political empowerment for California’s Latinos?

KDL: First and foremost, it’s about creat-ing the optimal conditions for opportu-nity. In that space, when we’re talking about opportunity, we’re talking about economic opportunity, educational oppor-tunity, we’re talking about the opportuni-ty to breathe in clean air into your lungs, to drink clean water, to be in a position to receive career technical education for a job that will sustain you in the middle class, if you don’t go on to a UC or Cal State school or independent, non-profit private school.

I think with the changing demograph-ics with Latinos and Asian Americans

growing in numbers, it is absolutely criti-cal that we give all individuals, regardless of who they are or where they come from, or the color of their skin a real opportunity to succeed in the seventh largest economy in the world. Short of that, we run the real risk of an economic apartheid system because we have so many of a particular group that are shut out from economic opportunities that the state has to offer.

LJ: Some private sector industries such as technology in Silicon Valley, show almost no representation of Hispanics in their corporate boardroom or executive suites, for companies such as Apple, HP, Google, Cisco, Facebook, Yahoo, etc. Should our state senate be concerned about that? And if so, what types of activities should the state senate consider to help create solu-tions?

KDL: I think we should all be concerned. Not just the state senate; everyone from

the private sector as well as the public sector. The fact that there’s a dearth of color, not just Latinos, but African Amer-icans as well in Silicon Valley, which is one of the biggest economic drivers in our state, is very worrisome.

I think there is a cultural gulf that exists between Silicon Valley and the rest of California, especially given the fact that you have so many folks of color that are consumers of the products that are created in Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley is a phenomenal place where many of the world’s greatest technological ideas are born and I think it is critical that whether it is on the governance level, that many companies, whether they are a very established tech company or you are a start-up or mid-level company, that you do have representation of the great diversity of the state of California. CONTINUES »

Latino Journal18

Sadly, today that’s not the case, either as employees or, surely, on the governance level. There are many Latinos, African Americans and Asian Americans who serve on very good non-profit boards, such as local YMCA, Boys and Girls Club in neighborhoods with the highest needs, those non-profits, where you give so much of your time. But, on corporate boards and obviously on boards in Silicon Valley, they are very limited and sometimes non-exis-tent. That simply is not acceptable.

LJ: Should the Senate have any engage-ment with the leadership in Silicon Valley regarding that?

KDL: Sure. I think the Senate, as well as everyone, not just the Senate, should engage the key players in Silicon Valley and talk about the need to diversify, not just for diversity’s sake, but to understand key economic drivers and key econom-ic consumers in California. By doing so, it would be an accurate reflection of the amazing mosaic that is the state of Cali-fornia.

LJ: As a leader in California government that employs 200,000 workers in state government jobs, should the legislature

be concerned about the serious underrep-resentation of Latinos in those state jobs? KDL: Well, I think what you described falls squarely on the shoulders of the governor, given that these are state agen-cies that are under the executive branch, not the legislative branch. However, I will say that it is important that our agencies be reflective of the real diversity of current California. The reality is that America's future is California today and how we deal with California today will portend for what the future will look like in America.

LJ: In 2004 there were ten Latino members in the state senate, today there are six. What should the Latino community do to reverse that trend and get close to the 16 Latino members to mirror the state’s Latino population?

KDL: I think community members are going to have to go out and vote. They have to be part of this very important civic duty, at this very point, civic responsibility, irrespective of your income level or where you may live, it is incumbent on everyone to fulfill their obligation and to partici-pate in the electoral process, whether it is a presidential election, or a gubernato-rial election or special election, commu-

nity members need to vote in all cycles. I personally am a real stickler because of that. It has been a little frustrat-ing to see the patterns of voter participa-tion. Obvious-ly, one of the greatest voter pa r t i c ipa t ion exercises that

we have ever witnessed in the history of this country was the election of the first person of color to the White House and that was President Barack Obama. We saw historic numbers of folks who were never even registered to vote who stum-bled over themselves to get registered to vote and then eventually actually cast a vote. It was something that was so histor-ic. But, I think voting has to be normal-ized. I think it is important that we at the legislative branch as well as the executive branch, work together with local govern-ment to help facilitate voting especially with communities that are more chal-lenged economically so we can inculcate a culture of electoral participation.

LJ: Do you have a message for our readers that you would like to convey?

KDL: I am truly honored that I have had the opportunity to share a few words with the Latino Journal. I am honored to have the opportunity to be the first person of color, a Latino, since 1883. In spite of all the challenges we have in California, it continues to be the best state and the best country in the world, period. Because it is the only place where you could have had a young man protest against Proposition 187, lead one of the biggest marches in the history of California at that time, the largest march in the history of California and become the leader of the California State Senate. So, it speaks to who we are as a people in the greatest state on earth, whether you are Latino, whether you are Asian American, whether you are African American, Irish American, mixed race, or any other ethnicity from throughout the world, we are mainly Americans and Cali-fornians. I am honored to have this oppor-tunity to lead the Senate. ◆ LJ

Interview: SENATOR DE LEÓN (CONT.)

Senator de León accepting an award for "Outstanding Public Service"

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Latino Journal20

Overview of MEXICO ENERGY REFORM By Dennis R. Luna & Olman Valverde

Mexico has recently begun a sweeping and historic reform to its energy industry. In December 2013, President Enrique Pena Nieto launched the reform of Mexico’s energy sector through a constitutional amendment that opened the oil and gas industry, and the power generation sector, to private participation. The significance of the change can not be overstated because prior to that time the Mexican energy industry was for most purposes not open to foreign investment.

On August 12, 2014, Mexico adopted nine new “secondary laws” as well as amendments to existing laws which implement the December 2013 constitutional changes.

With respect to Mexico’s oil and gas industry, the changes are being made in order to increase Mexico’s diminishing production of hydrocarbons. Despite an increase in investment by Mexico in exploration and extraction, oil production in Mexico declined from 3.4 million barrels per day in 2004 to 2.5 million in 2012, with consequent negative effects on the Mexican economy.

By making these changes, Mexico hopes to kick-start its production of oil and gas by attracting significant outside investment for the first time since foreign oil companies were ousted in 1938.

Legal Structure Under the constitutional amendments, Mexico will retain direct dominion over the subsoil as well as the exclusive right of exploitation and development of petroleum and gas. The Constitution still prohibits the private ownership of hydrocarbons and reserves ownership of all solid, liquid, and gaseous hydrocarbons, to the Mexican state. Also, the Mexican federal government will keep ownership and control of Petróleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”).

However, for the first time, the production of hydrocarbons in Mexico will be carried out through allotments (asignaciones) granted to Pemex or other Productive State Entities (“PSE”) or through the execution of exploration and extraction contracts with the private sector.

Private oil companies will be able to book the contracts for exploration and extraction as their reserves and report the reserves with the understanding that the hydrocarbons in the subsoil are the property of the Mexican government.

Pemex will be able to execute joint ventures and partnerships with private sector companies, and also enter into contracts for exploration and extraction.

The Law on Public-Private Partnerships was amended to allow public-private partnerships in activities such as refining, natural gas processing, transportation, distribution and storage of hydrocarbons, liquefied petroleum gas, shale gas, and oil.

Private sector companies will be able to participate in downstream activities.

Compensation to the private sector shall include (a) cash for service contracts; (b) a percentage of income for profit sharing contracts; (c) a percentage of the production obtained for production sharing contracts; (d) the transfer of hydrocarbons once they have been extracted from the subsoil for license agreements; or (e) any combination of the above.Bidding Process During a process known as Round Zero, announced on August 13, 2014, Pemex was provided with a portfolio of assets to exploit on its own or through joint ventures with international oil companies. The Ministry of Energy (“SENER”), with the technical assistance of the National Hydrocarbons Commission, was in charge of implementing Round Zero. In 2014 Mexico also launched the first round of bidding for oil and gas rights in which private companies can participate (“Round One”). The first phase features 14 shallow-water areas. Any Mexican, foreign or state productive company may participate in the bidding round either individually or in consortium. To qualify as an operator, a company must have served from 2010 to 2014 as operator for at least three exploration and production projects (“E&P”) or have total aggregate capital E&P investments of at least $1 billion. The company must also show experience as an operator in at least one offshore E&P project or as a partner in at least two such projects and must show experience in industrial safety and environmental protection within the last five years. Government Agencies There are many government agencies that will be responsible for overseeing the energy reform, including the following:• Ministry of Energy (Secretaria de Energia, SENER). SENER will continue to establish energy policy. It will also decide which fields will be open for exploration and production by private companies, determine technical and financial requirements for bidders, and determine which contract types will be awarded. • National Hydrocarbons Commission (Comision Nacional de Hidrocarburos, CNH). This commission focus on the upstream sector. It will oversee regulation; run public tenders according to the rules established by SENER and SHCP; oversee the bidding process; name the winning bidder of the each tender; and oversee seismic and geological studies. • Energy Regulatory Commission (Comision Reguladora de Energia, CRE). CRE will regulate the electricity, midstream, and downstream sectors. • Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Secretaria de Media Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, SEMARNAT). This agency is responsible for protecting, conserving, and restoring the natural resources, assets, and environmental services of Mexico.• National Agency for Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection (Agencia Nacional de Seguridad y Proteccion al Medio Ambiente


del Sector Hidrocarburos, ANSIPA). It will regulate and oversee environmental and safety issues, and operate under SEMARNAT.

• Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (Secretaria de Hacienda y Credito Publico, SHCP). SHCP will bear primary responsibility for deciding or negotiating fiscal terms for each contract type and designing the Mexican Petroleum Fund for Stabilization and Development (Fondo Mexicano del Petroleo para La Estabilizacion y el Desarrollo). This will be a sovereign wealth fund with primary responsibility for the national oil income.

• National Center for Natural Gas Control (Centro Nacional de Control de Gas Natural, CENEGAS). It will operate the state-owned natural gas pipelines and storage facilities.

• National Center for Energy Control (Centro Nacional de Control de Energia, CENACE). It will operate the state-owned electricity grid.

Secondary Laws The nine new secondary laws are as follows:

• Hydrocarbons Law. Grants the government the ability to contract the exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources to any state production company or private entity.

• Hydrocarbons Revenue Law. Enables the state to execute certain agreements with private enterprises for hydrocarbon exploration and extraction, namely: licensing agreements, profit sharing agreements. production sharing agreements, and service agreements.

• Pemex Law. Transforms Pemex into a State Productive Company and calls for merging the company’s exploration and production arm with its gas and petrochemicals business with the intent of creating a more competitive corporate structure. This law also grants Pemex the ability to partner with third parties. As a State Productive Company, Pemex is obligated to meet the requirements of various new government entities.

• Law of the Mexican Oil Stabilization and Development Fund. The Mexican oil fund will receive, manage, and distribute revenue derived from the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons resulting from agreements entered into by the state with third parties or by direct awards granted by Pemex.

• Power Industry Law. Repeals the Law of the Federal Public Service of Electric Energy which regulated the power industry since 1975. This law creates the possibility of trading electric power with third parties, although power transmission and distribution remain under the control of the national power grid.

• Federal Electricity Commission Law. Transforms the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) into a State Productive Company and establishes guidelines regulating acquisitions, leases, services and works, budget, and debt.

• Law of Coordinated Energy Regulatory Agencies. Grants the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH) and Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) their own legal standing as well as technical, procedural, and

budgetary autonomy. This law is intended to improve technical oversight of the energy industry.

• Geothermal Energy Law. Allows private parties to carry out the inspection, exploration, and exploitation of geothermal resources to generate power.

• Law of the National Agency of Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection of the Hydrocarbons Sector. Creates an agency under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) with technical and procedural autonomy. This agency is tasked with regulating and supervising industrial and operational safety as well as environmental protection.

Conclusion Mexico is just starting to implement a process by which it hopes to attract significant foreign capital for essentially all areas of its energy sector, including up stream oil and gas exploration and production, refineries, pipelines, electrical generation, supply chain and related activities.

The energy reform presents a valuable opportunity both for Mexico and for foreign investors as the process unfolds over the next several years and decades.

At this point in time, with decades of experience and investment in energy by the private sector the U.S., there is significant opportunity for U.S. companies to become involved.

About the authors: Dennis R. Luna, Esq., is the Managing Partner of the law firm of Luna & Glushon and Editor-in-Chief of the California Oil & Gas Report. With over thirty six years of legal experience, Mr. Luna is considered one of the top energy and real estate attorneys in California. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Southern California School of Petroleum Engineering, as well as a Master of Business Administration from USC. Mr. Luna is a licensed Professional Engineer and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Olman J. Valverde, Esq., is a Senior Oil & Gas Attorney at Luna & Glushon. Mr. Valverde has over fifteen years experience as a business transactional attorney, and advises energy companies in matters related to acquisitions and divestitures of mineral properties, land title issues, and regulatory and legislative affairs. Mr. Valverde’s experience includes purchase and sale of oil and gas leases, pipeline sale agreements, project finance transactions related to exploration and development projects, providing analysis regarding ownership of mineral rights, and litigation related to quiet title, breach of lease and production activities. ◆ LJ

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Latino Journal22

LJ: Can you tell us a little about why you chose to join the U.S. Senate 2016 race?

RC: Well, I want to help California get back on track. Right now, I’m in the San Joaquin Valley talking to the agriculture indus-try; in particular the Latino community. I just spoke to five young Latinos and Latinas who are involved in agriculture, and to them, it’s about water; water for their jobs and for their community. They told me about their increasing rates to get water in their house-holds, which is a huge issue to them. When I asked what other issues affected their community, they responded with education. They want to make sure they have the opportunity to go to school. Three of the five youths I spoke to were preparing for enrollment for community college. Their ages are 21-23, and some of them were born in Mexico; others were born in the United States, but returned to Mexico at a young age and then returned to the states in high school. They speak to the diversity of the California popu-lation. That's what has inspired me to run to represent California as a whole.

LJ: In terms of the water issue, what role can Congress play in what seems to be a natural cause of the draught?

RC: Actually, the droughts in California are a big part of the history in the state. We have an infrastructure system that’s designed for 20 million people, and we’re now at 39 million people. We need to increase our infrastructure, in particular retention, transmission and also to ground water storage. California is the breadbasket of the world. There is no more fertile land and climate than in this state. We’re providing food not only for Californians, but

also for the rest of the world. A farmer who produces something also supports many different industries, shipping, packing plants, trucking, processing and more. There’s a whole industry built around agriculture and we need to support that.

LJ: How do you see any potential competition in the Republican Party?

RC: I think a year from now, there will probably be 10-15 others in the race, but I’m pretty confident that I'm the only elected Repub-lican who has experience winning races and has represented state-wide as a secretary. I welcome all candidates, that’s part of the election process, but I’m pretty confident that I’ll be representing not only the Republican Party, but California as a whole. In the past, I’ve gotten a lot of democratic support. So I look forward to the race in California.

LJ: What do you think it’s going to take to win?

RC: We’re in the raising the money phase at the moment. For the primary, we’re looking at about $1-3 million and when we get to the general, it will be more like $50 million. It’s obviously going to be a very expensive race. California is so important to the nation that when we start getting into the race, there will be a lot of people scrutinizing.

LJ: What is your strategy to appeal to Democrats since Califor-nia’s such a blue state?

RC: We’re going to work on the things people care about. People care about education. Currently, I sit on education committees and from what I see, it takes six to 10 years to

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE forCALIFORNIA

ChavezRockyU.S. Senate of

Interview:

CONTINUESON PAGE 23 »

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Visit www.TWCMedia.com to light up your message.

Latino Journal24

get a degree, and when I was a kid, it was a four-year program.

We’re looking at early education, too. In Fresno, for example, 60

percent of kids grow up in single parent homes and their ability to

develop cognitively without access to preschools and educational

daycare centers affects them later on. So education, families and

educational transition is a focus of ours. This is not only a state-

wide effort, it’s national. As a marine colonel, and someone who

has served overseas many times, I think California needs someone

who understands not only what is going on at home, but interna-

tionally.

LJ: Do you have a position in terms of some of the important

issues that are being discussed in Washington, D.C. today that you

would like to elaborate on?

RC: Yes, on immigration reform. We literally have millions of

people in California who are undocumented and working under

the radar. My position is that they need to be recognized as resi-

dents, and should not be concerned with being policed. Citizen-

ship is something that needs to be earned and should be attained

through a fair process, which is already coming into play. What

we should not do is support a program that will separate a child

from their parents.

LJ: It was recently reported that Jeb Bush said that President

Obama really has never been interested in immigration reform

because he’s been using it as an offensive tactic on the Republi-

cans. What are your thoughts about that?

RC: I think President Obama is smart and is doing that. Republi-

cans in other states that are less invested in or affected by immi-

gration than Californians, have taken the bait and allowed him to

form the discussion. The reality is, as the chief executive officer

of the United States, he has not made it an issue about reform. I

think it has a lot to do with the unions. He was smart enough polit-

ically to blame the Republicans, but some members of the party

were smart enough not to take the bait.

LJ: Do you have any thoughts about the Democratic candidates

running for the US Senate?

RC: In all races I’ve run, I’ve always talked about what I’m doing

and let the public decide whether or not their viewpoints align

with mine. I know what my opponents have to offer and I know

what I have to offer and I’m comfortable with that.

LJ: Is there a message you would like to leave with our readers?

RC: Yes, it’s a time for change. We’ve been talking about change

since six years ago, when the conversation was started by Obama.

The reality is, we haven’t changed much in foreign affairs, we

haven’t changed in our water production in the state of Califor-

nia, we have not improved education and though the economy is

somewhat stable, it’s limping along. We need to understand what

government's role is, and also value private entrepreneurship; like

small business owners and set up people for success. That’s what

we need to do. ◆ LJ

Latino Journal26

Esteban Almanza, Chief Deputy Director of the California State Department of General Services (DGS), manages 3,800 state employees. DGS,

the back-office operation for the State of California, oversees about a dozen divisions, including public school construction and small and minority business procurement.

Almanza, who started with the department as chief deputy in May of 2011, became the interim director in December 2014. During his four years of service with the agency, he has made significant progress, especially in the area of public school construction. In 2011, the department was backlogged with 16,000 school building projects not yet initi-ated. Almanza has since reduced that number by 40%.

The DGS achieved this reduction through the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC). As staff to the State Allocation Board, OPSC implements and administers a $35 billion voter-approved school facilities construction program.

“For a few years, we were providing at least $1 billion a year to school districts for

public school construction,” said Almanza. “Currently, we’re looking for more funding to continue that growth.”

Almanza says there is still much to be done. Another area of concern is the lack of invest-ment for the maintenance of state buildings, but said that the priority for funding is shifted toward aiding the current draught.

“For the last couple years, a lot of folks have been trying to get the biggest bang with the limited dollars we have toward improving our buildings,” said Almanza. “We want to improve the quality of the environment that our state employees work in.”

Billions of dollars a year are set aside for Cali-fornia small/minority business procurement through the DGS. Almanza indicated that he and his team have been striving to improve DGS’s outreach to underserved communities who could benefit from securing a contract with the State. He shared that an obstacle for small businesses is their lack of awareness of state purchasing and procurement programs. Almanza assured that recent efforts have been focused on statewide outreach to small/minority business owners.

“We want to ensure that we’re reaching all communities and all types of business. Diversity is important. We are a govern-ment that spends $8 billion dollars a year in

services, and growing. We want to do a better

job of collaborating and organizing events

and expos throughout the State to match-

make, improve our relationships and gain

contracts within every community. “

There is a government goal of 25% for small

business contract participation and 3% to

disabled veteran businesses. According to

Almanza, the DGS has met those goals,

both within the agency and statewide. He

says, however, they could do better. The goal

of the DGS is to increase participation of

small businesses on state purchasing, and to

increase diversity in those partnerships.

“It’s up to us to reach out and educate the

community in how to do business with the

state,” said Almanza.

Aside from supervising the allocation of

billions of dollars in toward education,

procurement and many other services,

Almanza says the most exciting part of his

job is his involvement with the community.

“What’s most enjoyable is to see that we are

making a difference in people’s lives out in

the communities,” said Almanza. “When I

get the opportunity to participate in ribbon

cuttings for schools that we helped fund I

call it my community fix.” ◆ LJ

Esteban The Man Behind the Department of General ServicesAlmanza

PROFILE:


The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), based in Washington D.C., led a delegation of its board of directors and advisory council, including Hispanic members of Congress, for a Tech Community Summit in Silicon Valley, hosted by Google, on Friday, June 5, 2015.

In addition to the Summit, the CHCI delegation held high level meetings with tech companies including Google, Apple, Cisco, eBay and several venture capital firms. Last year, after mounting pressure from diversity advocates, leading technology companies made public their gender and race employment statistics, reveal-ing a startling diversity gap, with Latinos being one of the most underrepresented minorities. The numbers revealed on average that top technology companies had less than 4 percent of Latinos in their workforce.

Silicon Valley is situated near San Jose, CA, the third largest city in California behind Los Angeles and San Diego. Hispanics make up 33% of San Jose’s population and almost 40% of California’s population. It is home to the world’s most innovative technolo-gy development and home to technology titans like Apple Inc., Adobe Systems, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Agilent Tech-nologies, Applied Materials, Cisco Systems, eBay, Google, Hewl-ett-Packard, Intel, Intuit, Juniper Networks, LSI Logic, National Semiconductor, NetApp and Nvidia.

In spite of this large Hispanic population in the Silicon Valley and State of California, few Hispanics work or are in governance of these giant companies. There are some efforts by some compa-nies to invest back into the people of California, but, our research shows much more can be accomplished by these technology companies.

Former California Assembly Member Manny Diaz, who is an electrical engineer from San Jose, says the Silicon Valley is 40% Latino but only 2% Latino working in the technology companies. “We are talking about tens of thousands of jobs. Many Latinos are not really ready for those jobs. I don’t think they discriminate against Latinos, they just look for people who are qualified to do what they need. The Latino community needs to examine itself to figure out what it needs to do to prepare for these great paying jobs. We have to build the pipeline to create the pool of capable people. The industry does not do enough to invest financially in workforce preparation of California youth,” Diaz said.

“We need each other and need to work together to address these very low numbers,” said Rep. Linda T. Sánchez, CHCI Chair. “I applaud the companies who have shared their employment figures – what gets measured gets results. We know that the tech sector is fueling job growth.

David Lizárraga, co-founder and long-time leader of the TELACU Education Foundation, a highly successful organiza-

tion that provides support for Latino academic success from K-12, pre-graduate and graduate students, says, “Silicon Valley compa-nies have done some investments at the university level, prob-ably funding some areas of education, probably funding some buildings that hold their event name or their logos in the build-ings with the major universities, but it hasn’t reached really where the rubber meets the road. And that is empowering our growing minority population here in California, in particular the Latino community, empowering them and assisting them to be able to take advantage of the tremendous employment opportunities and investment opportunities that are created here within California.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be approxi-mately one million newly created STEM jobs in the next 10 years. That corresponds with an increase of 16 million Latinos in the same period. Latino talent can fuel these employment ranks.”

The Tech Community Summit included Latino representatives of Silicon Valley technology companies, start-ups, non-profits and associations, joining CHCI’s board and advisory council for roundtable discussions to address how best to develop a pipeline of Latino talent in the tech sector.

The conversation continued with high level discussions at several of Silicon Valley’s top companies to advance Latino diversity and address how technology companies can work towards better outcomes.

“We advocated for a comprehensive approach and critical invest-ments so talented young Latinos can gain access to this critical job sector,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President & CEO. “Silicon Valley does not need to look very far to recruit more Latinos and CHCI hopes to partner with them to ensure they are providing jobs not only for coders and engineers, but in marketing, law, human resources, and the many other areas of work they employ.”

CHCI has invited the technology companies to continue the conversation at its Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., this October 6-7.

For more information on the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute please visit www.chci.org ◆ LJ

Silicon Valley Companies Urged to Include Hispanics

Latino Journal28

With Governor Brown’s recent appointment of Ms. Lian M. Randolph, the California

Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is now led in majority by women, and all women of color.

Commissioners Catherine J.K. Sandoval, a noted Rhode Scholar, became the first Hispanic appointed in the Commission’s 100 year history. She also was the first Latina to win a Rhodes Scholarship from Oxford University in England. Sandoval was appointed in January 2011 for a six year term and is a noted expert in telecommunications policy.

Commissioner Carla J. Peterman was appointed in December 2012. Peterman was the first African American female appointed to the Commission as well as to the California Energy Commission. Peterman is also a Rhodes Scholar and is a noted expert in energy policy and financing.

Commissioner Randolph was appointed in December 2014 and has been a long-time attorney working in various state government assignments

including the California Fair Political Practices Commission from 2003

to 2007. She also worked for the law firm of Pillsbury

Winthrop Shaw Pittman.The three women,

Commissioners Sandoval, Peterman and Randolph, were appointed by

Governor Jerry Brown.The CPUC regulates privately

owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad,

rail transit, and passer transportation companies, in addition to authorizing video

franchises. The five commissions are appointed by the Governor, as is the president of the commission. The current president of the CPUC is Michael Picker. ◆ LJ

Commissioner Carla J. Peterman (center left) and Commissioner Catherine J.K. Sandoval (center right), listen to public comments as they consider important issues before the California Public Utilities Commission.

More Women LeadCalifornia Utilities Commission

The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the commission is the United States’ primary authority for communications law, regulation and technological innovation. In its work facing economic opportunities and challenges associated with rapidly evolving advances in global communications, the agency capitalizes on its competencies in:• Promoting competition, innovation and

investment in broadband services and facilities• Supporting the nation’s economy by ensuring

an appropriate competitive framework for the unfolding of the communications revolution

• Encouraging the highest and best use of spectrum domestically and internationally

• Revising media regulations so that new technologies flourish alongside diversity and localism

• Providing leadership in strengthening the defense of the nation’s communications infrastructure

LeadershipThe agency is directed by five commissioners who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The president also selects one of the commissioners to serve as chairman. Only three commissioners can be of the same political party at any given time and none can have a financial interest in any commission-related business. All commissioners, including the chairman, have five-year terms, except when filling an unexpired term.OrganizationThe commission is organized into bureaus and offices, based on function (see also Organizational Charts of

the FCC). Bureau and office staff members regularly share expertise to cooperatively fulfill responsibilities such as:• Developing and implementing regulatory

programs• Processing applications for licenses and other

filings• Encouraging the development of innovative

services• Conducting investigations and analyzing

complaints• Public safety and homeland security• Consumer information and educationRules and RulemakingsThe FCC’s rules and regulations are in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which are published and maintained by the Government Printing Office. Title 47 Rules & Regulations are also available on the web in a searchable format.Most FCC rules are adopted by a process known as “notice and comment” rulemaking. Under that process, the FCC gives the public notice that it is considering adopting or modifying rules on a particular subject and seeks the public’s comment. The Commission considers the comments received in developing final rules. For more information, check out our online summary of the Rulemaking Process at the FCC.Advisory CommitteesIn 1972 Congress passed the Federal Advisory Committee Act to ensure that advice by advisory committees is objective and accessible to the public. The Act put in place a process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these committees that provide valuable input from consumer groups, industry stakeholders, public safety officials and other interested parties. ◆ LJ

WHAT IS THE

Federal Communications Commission?

29Volume 19, Number 1

Latino Journal30

San Francisco State University student Jose Estrada signed up for MESA’s Cisco Shadow and Mentor Program to add just one more line to his resume, as many college students do. He did not realize that signing up for the program would, in his own words, forever change his life.

This is music to Mae Torlakson’s ears. She serves as the Corporate Partnership Liaison for the program ---Math, Engi-neering, Science Achievement (MESA). Jose and Mae symbolically, and literally, represent the shift to Silicon Valley and the new economy that is urgently needed in education today. That is, the move towards STEM skills and education in the academic fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In today’s world, the MESA program has been a model for the nation. It has been replicated in 12 other states and serves 28,000 educationally disadvantaged students in California alone. This program is needed now more than ever. Innovation and technology are the cornerstone of the global economy.

In 2014, job search website CareerCast.com named “mathematician” the best occupation of the year. Statisticians, actuaries, and computer system analysts

careers were also at the top of the list.

Currently, the United States’ students and workforce are not ready to respond to the needs of the new economy. We’ve seen the statistics. Students in the United States recently finished 27th in math and 20th in science in a ranking of 34 countries by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The World Economic Forum ranks the U.S. 48th in the quality of math and science education. In 2018, we are projected to be short 3 million high-skilled workers.

The numbers only get worse when focused on minorities in the STEM fields. In 2004, the Latino student dropout rate was 24% -- too high. In California, Latinos, African Americans and American Indians comprise 43.7% of the population, yet

received only 13% of all STEM degrees, the worst gap among all 50 states.

The light that has been illuminating the way forward? MESA. The program gives students the tools needed to become the engineers, scientists, and other math-based professionals urgently needed by the global economy. The program is successful due to its unique combination of enrichment activities, competitions, academic support, as well as exciting industry and business partnerships.

MESA has served middle school, high school, community college, and university level students throughout California since 1970. Most MESA students are low-in-come, attend low-performing schools with few resources, and are often the first in their families to

MATH ENGINEERING & SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT (MESA)

Develops California Youth

CONTINUES ON PAGE 32 »


Vice President Joe Biden visited Oakland, California on April 10th of this year to demonstrate an outstanding example of workforce development. Through PG&E’s

Power Pathway™ program, military veterans are given the oppor-tunity to create professional connections and develop employ-ment skills.

Launched in 2008, PG&E’s Power Pathway™ program works in partnership with local educational systems, the civic workforce investment, and industry employers to promote career pathways in the energy industry.

Liz Torres, just one of 300 veteran graduates through Power Pathway™, had the honor of introducing VP Biden to 15 other students studying gas pipeline safety, who were nervous moments prior to meeting the vice president. Biden was on a two day trip to San Francisco and made time to visit these graduating students, who studied gas pipeline safety.

“It almost felt like a dream; I was waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up,” Torres said about meeting Biden. He visited their classroom in Oakland. Torres recalled feeling under-dressed for the occasion, as she and her classmates were suited in construction work wear. Upon arriving, Biden mentioned he felt overdressed and changed attire to level with the students.

“He was very down to earth and was actually interested in who I am,” Torres said. “It’s rare for people, especially minorities to meet someone with that type of power.”

All 15 students were able to speak with the vice president, who offered warm advice and appreciation for their service and for pursuing training and education in the energy industry.

Torres, who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at a

California State University, San Francisco, is grateful for PG&E’s Power Pathway™ program, as it has aided her and many others in paying for training and certification. She wants to continue her education and is interested in studying law.

“I want to be a role model for kids; especially for the young Latinos and Latinas in the community,” said Torres. “Just to give them a little push and tell them not to give up.”

PG&E’s Power Pathway™ has graduated over 800 students, civilians and veterans alike, and helped them attain training and jobs in a growing industry. eighty percent of them are currently employed with PG&E.

“Persistence is key,” Torres said. “Success is possible even for those that grew up in less than ideal settings. I just want all the young people to know that. “

President Obama appointed Biden to head the “Ready to Work” initiative that develops America’s workforce training. The aim is to train the next generation of workers and secure job placement for positions that need to be filled. Biden, during his visit, complimented the veteran trainees and said that he not only wants to put their skills to work, but also wants to shine a light on veterans and their service. ◆ LJ

POWER PathwayPG&E

Laura Butler, VP of Inclusion & Diversity, Pacific Gas & Electric

Latina Introduces Vice President

Latino Journal32

attend college. Latino Americans make up 56% percent of MESA students.

Almost twice as many MESA high school seniors go to college (76%), compared to all California high school graduates (41%). Fifty-three percent of MESA pre-college students go to college in STEM majors. And, an astonishing 97% of MESA community college students transfer to four-year institutions in STEM majors.

MESA’s Newest Success

Part of MESA’s formula for success is its partnerships with business and industry in the STEM fields. Its most recent example of this is the Cisco Shadow and Mentor Program, Torlakson’s brainchild.

The program is a partnership between MESA and Cisco that provides shad-owing and mentoring opportunities for MESA higher education students interest-ed in pursuing careers in technology. In 2013 the first cohort of 30 pairs launched the effort, followed by 33 pairs in 2014-2015, and 51 pairs participating in today’s cohort. Of the Year 3 Cohort, 40% are Latino, 30% are Asian, 8% are Black, and 8% are Multi-Ethnic.

To kick off their experience, students spend

a half-day at Cisco learning more about the company’s technologies and solutions, meeting their individual mentors, shadow-ing their jobs, and then reflecting on the experience. Over the next year, the MESA student and Cisco mentor meet monthly for discussions on a range of topics.

“The program benefits MESA students by providing them with a first-hand look into actual careers in technology,” stated Torlakson. “Cisco, in turn, also benefits by having direct access to a uniquely diverse talent pool with high success potential and by getting to know prospective employ-ees in a far more intimate manner than through the traditional hiring practice. It’s a win-win for California’s students, the STEM industry, and our economy.”

Since its inception just two years ago, the program has already seen great success. Following the conclusion of the first two cohorts, six students – including Jose Estrada – have been hired by Cisco.

Torlakson, along with fellow MESA and Cisco colleagues, make up the team that leads the shadow and mentor program. They are encouraged by the results they have seen so far. “Estrada and the other five students who were hired by Cisco represent perfectly the purpose behind

MESA – that is, developing STEM professionals who will be dedicated to and successful in these fields,” observes Oscar Porter, MESA Executive Director. He further emphasized that developing STEM professionals is a critical mission in today’s world.

Closing the STEM Gap

Today’s world is looking to STEM in a new way; one that was not even imagined just one generation ago. Along with the changes in technology and innovation, we are also seeing an unprecedented shift in the demographics of our nation and Cali-fornia.

It is partnerships like the MESA and Cisco joint effort that are the answer to what many have called ‘the STEM crisis.’ “There are major needs for STEM-trained professionals, and an enormous need to bring diversity to the fields MESA is focusing on.” stated Torlakson.

“The MESA partnership with Cisco is working because we are focusing on STEM academics while introducing diverse students to these fields.”

José Estrada and his fellow five Cisco hires represent real progress. The inno-vative techniques that MESA uses are a game changer. ◆ LJ

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32


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Allstate is proud to support the Latino Journal.

Latino Journal34

In November 2012, four enthusiastic individuals – two men and two women - launched Hispanics In Energy (HIE) with a mission to seek and create the means and ways to diversify America’s $1.4 trillion energy industry. Integration of this thriv-ing sector means that Hispanic representa-tion will burgeon.

America’s energy is regulated at the state level by utility commissions with each state appointing or electing an average of

five utility commissioners. With approx-imately 220 commissioners for all states combined, very few of them are Hispanic. Former Commissioner, Monica Martinez of the Michigan Public Service Commis-sion, in 2010 asked the question, why do we not have Hispanics in Energy? That question led to the creation of HIE, a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation.

Hispanics compose about 18% of the nation’s population, are nearly 54 million

strong, and are the largest minority group in America. Still, very few hold executive roles in government agencies that oversee and regulate energy, or in the C-suite or middle management of leading industry corporations and firms.

HIE’s network includes almost 4,000 individuals representing utilities, utility commissions, community-based organiza-tions, trade associations, business groups, educational institutions and Hispanic chambers of commerce from throughout the country. An array of talented energy experts from these groups have joined to move the HIE agenda forward; coming from management, regulatory affairs, human resources, policy, science, tech-nology, engineering and science, from research and development, and other related fields.

HIE’s short term priorities include increasing energy literacy in the Latino community, especially in public policy, promoting diversity and inclusion in jobs in energy, and promoting supplier diversity for Hispanic businesses. We are grateful to the trade organizations such as Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and Amer-

National Non-Profit Organization Advancing the Integration of Latinos into the Energy Framework of America

Former Secretary of Interior and former U.S. Senator Ken Salazar, Congressman Tony Cárdenas and President of the Puerto Rico Senate Eduardo Bhatia met with HIE leadership in Washington

DC to discuss ways to increase diversity and inclusion in the energy industry.


ican Petroleum Institute (API) for their willingness to examine this industry and assess opportunities for greater diversity and inclusion in jobs and business.

In 2013, HIE held its first energy policy summit in Sacramento, California, followed by one in Washington DC. Both focused on energy literacy and in response

to the burgeoning call for education and resources in this area, HIE is planning its next policy summit with America’s energy leaders in Washington DC this fall.

In 2014, along with the jobs in energy initiative, HIE testified before the Arizona Corporation Commission, on the high-cost impact the Net Metering policy has on that

state’s large Latino population, increasing the cost to those least able to afford it. HIE was the sole Latino representative and speaker raising this issue, while hundreds of others spoke out in favor of more bene-fits for roof top solar owners.

HIE supports renewable energy develop-ment and has encouraged

◀ Left: Commissioner Catherine J.K. Sando-val, California Public Utilities Commission (left) with Nancy Zarenda (right), Vice President, Hispanics In Energy.

▶ Right: Dennis Arriola, President & CEO, Southern California Gas, the first Hispanic to lead an energy utility in California, addressed

the HIE attendees with a robust message promoting inclusion and diversity.

HIE President Monica Martinez (left) and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (right), Chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus, at the

American Association of Blacks in Energy policy summit in Washington DC. USHCC holds an energy panel at their legislative meeting in Washington D.C.

Former CEO Anne Shen Smith next to new CEO Dennis Arriola, Southern

California Gas

Geisha J. Williams, Executive VP, Electric Operations, PG&E (left)

also recognizes her team for supplier diversity.

Jesus Soto, SVP Engineering, Construction and Operations, PG&E (left) recognizes team members

for supplier diversity achievement.

CONTINUES »

Latino Journal36

Key energy trade association leaders discuss the importance of inclusion and diversity in the energy industry at the AABE summit, with HIE as a supporting organization in Washington DC. (Left to right) Jack Gerard, American Petroleum Institute; Rhone Resch, Solar Energy Industries Association; Donald Santa, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America; Tom Kiernan, American Wind Energy Association; Richard J. Myers, Nuclear Energy Institute; Thomas R. Kuhn, Edison Electric Institute; Mike Duncan, American Coalition for Clean Coal

Latino businesses to look at the renewable energy side to create business opportuni-ties. Few have taken up the challenge and some formidable opportunities have been hindered by the lack of access to capital to build their projects.

“We cannot get a PPA to provide the collat-eral a bank needs to finance our project” a former Admiral in the U.S. Navy shared with us. PPA, or Power Purchasing Agree-ments, are a contract to buy energy.

Another first took place in 2014 when both HIE and American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) collaborat-ed to promote diversity in energy jobs, launching a national conversation with diverse communities in eight cities across America including Chicago, Bakers-field, Philadelphia, Las Cruces, Canton, Denver, Charlotte and Detroit. This effort included strategic relationships with the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the U.S. Department of Energy Minorities in Energy Initiative.

Reports produced by the accredited

consulting company IHS for the API, demonstrate how the energy sector will create an overwhelming number of well-paying union jobs caused by the growth of non-traditional drilling, or fracking, in several key areas around the country. These include New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Texas. California’s Monterey Shale is in a pause mode due to unmet technology thus preventing access to the immense deposit of oil.

In 2015, HIE signed a historic Memoran-dum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Energy to collabo-rate on key issues including workforce preparation with a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math); educating the population about energy in general and minimizing the carbon footprint on climate change.

And, Mexico is opening up an estimat-ed $13 trillion dollar energy opportunity by recomposing its energy governance and regulation permitting outside invest-ment in its country's energy. This includes

building eight new refineries, 8,000 new

gas stations, and upgrading its national

pipeline and drilling in land and water,

which will help Mexico catapult itself to

one of the most robust economies of the

world.

Earlier this year, HIE testified before the

House Energy and Commerce Committee,

in Washington DC, on proposed jobs in

energy legislation by Congressman Bobby

Rush (D-Il) from Chicago. The legisla-

tion is a first-ever effort for government

and key national stakeholders to create a

workforce specifically designed for the

energy sector.

The upcoming HIE national energy

summit in Washington DC will gather

key influencers and review the State of

Energy for Latinos in America. Stay tuned

for more information by visiting the HIE

website and you are invited to join. ◆ LJ

HISPANICS IN ENERGY (CONT.)

Volume 19, Number 1 37

AT THE STATE LEVEL IN

CALIFORNIA, COLORADO & NEVADALatino Elected Leadership

How well are Hispanics positioned to participate in the U.S. political process? Despite dramatic growth through-out America, Latinos are still out of reach of their proportional representation in both houses of state legislatures. The Latino Journal embarked on an examination of these numbers and reveals results for the three states fea-tured in this issue.According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates for 2014, California, Nevada and Colorado are states with a high percentage of Hispanics. As seen below, a wide gap exists in equitable representation, and a numerical increase in Latino legislators is suggested in order to close that gap.

California is home to 14.9 million Hispanics, the greatest number of any state in the nation. The Latino voters, however, make up about 24% of the total California vote and lags behind its 39% of the total population. It is difficult to believe that only two Latinos have been elected to statewide office in the last 130 years. California is a solid Democratic state. It wasn’t until 2014 that a Latino was elected as Senate President pro Tempore, Kevin de León, since 1883. To date, California has not yet elected a Latino to the U.S. Senate. Equitable representation in the political process will be achieved when Hispanics increase their legislative numbers and elect more Hispanic women and more Republicans. Now is the time for California to elect the second Latino governor and the first Latino U.S. Senator.Nevada may elect its first Hispanic U.S. Senator in 2016. Possible contender include Democrat former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto. Hispanics are quickly becoming the go-to group for both Republicans and Democrats, and are the key to the electoral success of both parties. In the Legislature, Hispanics must more than double to reach proportional representation of the fast-growing Hispanic population of Nevada.Colorado, home to prominent Hispanic political leaders, including former U.S. Senator Ken Salazar and former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, shows much promise for Latino civic engagement. Read more about State Senator Jesse Ulibarri and State Representative Joe Salazar, who lead the Latino Legislative Caucus. Colorado is challenged to more than double their Latino numbers in the legislature to mirror the State’s Latino population.

StateLatinos as a Percentage of Population

Total Legislators

Total Latino Legislators Percent

Suggested Numerical Increase

California 38.4% 120 24 20.8% 24

Nevada 27.5% 63 6 9.5% 11

Colorado 21.0% 100 10 10.0% 11

Latino Journal38

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla (D)Secretary of State Alex Padilla, elected in 2014, is the second Hispanic elected to a statewide office California in modern times. He is committed to modernizing the office, increasing voter registration and participation, and strengthening voting rights.

Padilla previously served in the California State Senate and chaired the Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications. He championed legislation to combat climate change and create a greener, more sustainable economy and raised the energy consciousness of Californians.

Padilla's parents emigrated from Mexico and raised their family in the working class community of Pacoima, California.Padilla attended local public schools and went on to graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Padilla has served in many governance positions and more recently chaired the National Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).

Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D)The first Latino elected President pro Tempore of the California State Senate in more than 130 years, Senator Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) aims to make an impact on public education, climate change, and energy efficiency.

Senator de León authored legislation that created a first-in-the-nation retirement savings program for over 6.3 million workers in California’s private sector.

The senator, who serves with vigor and determination, has built a record of life-long dedication to public service. As a former educator who taught U.S. citizenship courses to immigrant communities, he took a stand in 1994 against Proposition 187, a voter-approved statewide initiative that denied government service to undocumented immigrant. In response to this initiative, he organized the largest civil rights march in California history.

STATEWIDE ELECTED LEADERSHIPCalifornia


Senate President pro Tempore Chair, Senate Rules Committee

State Capitol, Room 205 Sacramento, CA 95814

Tel: (916) 651-4024 Fax: (916) 651-4924

Chair, Senate Health Committee


Tel: (916)651-4022 Fax: (916) 651-4922

Vice Chair, California Latino Legislative Caucus

Chair, Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Commit-tee


Tel: (916) 651-4040 Fax: (916) 651-4940

Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee


Tel: (916) 651-4033

Senator Kevin de León (SD-24) Senator Ed Hernández (SD-22)

Senator Ben Hueso (SD-40) Senator Ricardo Lara (SD-33)

Chair, Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee


Tel: (916) 651-4052 Fax: (916) 651-4932

Senator Tony Mendoza (SD-32)

STATE SENATECalifornia

Subscribe to the Latino Journal Magazine

by visiting:

www.LatinoJournal.net

Latino Journal40

STATE ASSEMBLYCalifornia

Chair, Assembly Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee

State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0030

Tel: (916) 319-2030 Fax: (916) 319-2130

Member, Assembly Rules Committee


Tel: (916) 319-2027 Fax: (916) 319-2127

Chair, Assembly Democratic Caucus


Tel: (916) 319-2013 Fax: (916) 319-2113

Chair, Assembly Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy Committee


Tel: (916) 319-2058 Fax: (916) 319-2158

Chair, Assembly Arts, Entertain-ment, Sports, Tourism & Internet Media Committee


Tel: (916) 319-2057 Fax: (916) 319-2157

Vice Chair, Assembly Education Committee; Member of Veterans Affairs Committee

State Capitol, Room 2170 P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0057

Tel: (916) 319-2076

Assistant Majority Floor Leader of the California State Assembly


Tel: (916) 319-2058 Fax: (916) 319-2158

Chair, Assembly Appropriations Committee


Tel: (916) 319-2051 Fax: (916) 319-2151

Assembly Member Luis Alejo (AD-30) Chair of the Democratic Latino Legislative Caucus

Assembly Member Nora Campos (AD-27)

Assembly Member Susan Talamantes Eggman (AD-13)

Assembly Member Eduardo García (AD-56)

Assembly Member Ian Calderón (AD-57)

Assembly Member Rocky Chávez (AD-76) R

Assembly Member Christina García (AD-58)

Assembly Member Jimmy Gómez (AD-51)


Vice Chair, Assembly Local Government Committee State Capitol

P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0051

Tel: (916) 319-2051 Fax: (916) 319-2151

Vice Chair, Assembly Governmental Organization Committee


Tel: (916) 319-2060 Fax: (916) 319-2160

Chair, Assembly Higher Education Committee


Tel: (916) 319-2061 Fax: (916) 319-2161

Chair, Assembly Utilities & Commerce Committee State Capitol


Tel: (916) 319-2063 Fax: (916) 319-2163

Chair, Assembly Labor & Employment Committee State Capitol


Tel: (916) 319-2048 Fax: (916) 319-2148

Member, Assembly Rules Committee (Alternate)


Tel: (916) 319-2039 Fax: (916) 319-2139

Chair, Assembly Agriculture Committee


Tel: (916) 319-2031 Fax: (916) 319-2131

Chair, Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management


Tel: (916) 319-2052 Fax: (916) 319-2152

Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez (AD-80)

Assembly Member Eric Linder (AD-60) R

Assembly Member José Medina (AD-61)

Assembly Member Anthony Rendon (AD-63)

Assembly Member Roger Hernández (AD-40)

Assembly Member Patty López (AD-39)

Assembly Member Henry T. Perea (AD-31)

Assembly Member Freddie Rodríguez (AD-52)

Latino Journal42

Chair, Assembly Accountability & Administrative Review Committee


Tel: (916) 319-2052 Fax: (916) 319-2132

Chair, Assembly Budget Committee No. 1, Health and Human Services


Tel: (916) 319-2015

Majority Whip, California State Assembly

State Capitol, P.O. BOX 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0053

Tel: (916) 319-2053

Assembly Member Rudy Salas (AD-32)

Assembly Member Tony Thurmond (AD-15)

Assembly Member Miguel Santiago (AD-53)

STATE ASSEMBLY (CONT.)California


STATEWIDE ELECTED LEADERSHIP

LATINO SENATORS

Nevada

Nevada

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval (R)Governor Brian Sandoval is the first Hispanic to hold statewide office in Nevada and the youngest chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission. He was born in Redding, California.

Sandoval was elected as Nevada Attorney General in November 2002. At the recommendation of U.S. Senator Reid to then President George W. Bush, Sandoval was appointed as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Nevada.

Sandoval resigned in 2009 to successfully run for governor of the State of Nevada. In 2014, the moderate Sandoval was re-elected Governor with a resounding 71% of the vote.

Sandoval is widely supported and remains very popular throughout Nevada. He recently declined to run for U.S. Senate, a race many say he would easily win.

Past Chairperson

3204 Osage Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89101-1838

Tel: 702-657-6857

[email protected]

P.O. Box 427 Las Vegas, NV 89125-0427

Tel: 702-274-1707

[email protected]

Senator Mo Denis (SD-2) Senator Ruben Kihuen (SD-10)

Latino Journal44

STATE ASSEMBLYNevada

401 South Carson Street Room 3156 Carson City, NV 89701-4747Tel: [email protected], Latino Legislative Caucus

401 South Carson Street Room 3124 Carson City, NV 89701-4747

Tel: 775-684-8583

[email protected]

401 South Carson Street Rm 3105 Carson City, NV 89701-4747

Tel: 775-684-8845

Teresa.BenítezThompson@asm. state.nv.us


Tel: 775-684-8801

[email protected]


Tel: 775-684-8599

[email protected]


Tel: 775-684-8553

[email protected]

Assembly Member Irene Bustamante Adams (D-42)

Assembly Member Edgar Flores (D-28)

Assembly Member Teresa Benitez-Thompson (D-27)

Assembly Member Richard Carrillo (D-18)

Assembly Member Nelson Araujo (D-3)

Assembly Member Olivia Díaz (D-11)


ELECTED LEADERSHIPColorado

LATINO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUSColorado

Colorado Lt. Governor Joseph A. García (D)Joseph A. García was selected by Governor John Hickenlooper as his running mate in 2010. They won the election making GarcíaColorado’s 48thLt. Governor.

Garcia was born in 1957 in Lafayette, Indiana. He attended Colorado schools and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1983. Throughout his career, he has excelled in practicing law and dedicated himself to public service.

Former Governor Ritter appointed García to the Western Interstate Commission in Higher Education. García later served as president of Pikes Peak Community College and then, as president of Colorado State University-Pueblo.

Today, Governor García also serves as the executive director of Higher Education in Colorado.

Minority Caucus Chair Co-Chair, Latino Legislative Caucus

200 East Colfax Denver, CO 80203

Capitol Phone: 303-866-4857

[email protected]

SD = Senate District

RD = Representative District

Co-Chair, Latino Legislative Caucus



[email protected]

Senator Jesse Ulibarri (SD-21) Rep. Joseph Salazar (RD-31)

Latino Journal46

STATE SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVESColorado



[email protected]



[email protected]

Majority Leader



[email protected]



[email protected]



[email protected]

200 E. Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80203


[email protected] [email protected]

Assistant Majority Leader



[email protected]

Speaker Pro Tempore



[email protected]

Senator Irene Aguilar (SD-32)

Sen. Beth Martínez Humenik (SD-24)

Rep. Crisanta Durán (D-5)

Rep. Clarice Navarro (D-47)

Senator Lucía Guzmán (SD-34)

Senator Leroy García (SD-3)

Rep. Dominick Moreno (D-32)

Rep. Dan Pabon (D-4)

TELACUCongratulates

and Thanks TheLatino Journal for

19 Years of OutstandingService to LatinoCommunities!

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California suffers from the worst air quality in the nation, particularly in the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley air districts (Long Beach to Fresno). Poor air quality creates specific health impacts in these areas and frequently it is the most vulnerable who are at risk. Studies show that California has a wide health disparity problem that cuts along economic, ethnic and racial divides. This disparity adversely affects those living in communities near freeways, ports and rail depots. While the transportation sector is California’s biggest emissions challenge, it also offers the greatest opportunity to improve air quality and quality of life. All cost-effective solutions should be considered. California can accelerate the development of even cleaner, affordable technologies that help drive down the cost of new heavy-duty engines using natural gas technologies. SoCalGas® believes we can and should take actions to clean the air we all breathe. That’s why we’re working with legislators in Sacramento to help shape sensible policies, focused on meeting our environmental goals.

THE ENERGY OF » CLEAN AIR

© 2015 Southern California Gas Company. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. N15J0044A 0415

socalgas.com

California suffers from the worst air quality in the nation, particularly in the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley air districts (Long Beach to Fresno). Poor air quality creates specific health impacts in these areas and frequently it is the most vulnerable who are at risk. Studies show that California has a wide health disparity problem that cuts along economic, ethnic and racial divides. This disparity adversely affects those living in communities near freeways, ports and rail depots. While the transportation sector is California’s biggest emissions challenge, it also offers the greatest opportunity to improve air quality and quality of life. All cost-effective solutions should be considered. California can accelerate the development of even cleaner, affordable technologies that help drive down the cost of new heavy-duty engines using natural gas technologies. SoCalGas® believes we can and should take actions to clean the air we all breathe. That’s why we’re working with legislators in Sacramento to help shape sensible policies, focused on meeting our environmental goals.

THE ENERGY OF » CLEAN AIR

© 2015 Southern California Gas Company. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. N15J0044A 0415

socalgas.com

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