NATIVE AMERICAN CAUCUS

CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Native American Caucus

Meeting Minutes , Manhattan Beach Marriott, Manhattan Beach

January 27, 2006

When the Caucus members entered the room there was long line of candidates wanting to address the body. Chairwoman Doherty said she would delay opening the meeting 20 minutes to give people one minute to speak then would go through the meeting uninterrupted (she hoped).

Taking the one minute time allotment were Dr. Rita Dean, Candiate for 65th AD, Alex Padilla, candidate for Senate, Frank Quenterro, Candidate for 43rd Assembly, Daniel Arguella, Candidate for 49th AD, Judy Chu, Candidate for State Board of Equalization, Laura Nichols Candidate for 66th Ad, Warren Furtoni, 55th AD candidate, Russ Warner,26th CD, Jerome Horton, State Board of Equalization, Gloria McLeod, Caucus member and candidate for 32nd SD, Pat Lenzi, Native American running for DA of Yolo County.

At this time Helen called the meeting to order (7:55 pm).

Chairwoman Doherty called the meeting to order in honor of Jerome C. Andreas, a natural born caregiver, and a champion in his fight against mental illness.

Minutes were accepted as read.

Treasurer's report. Kyle Crandall reported that the Caucus had $7,913.71 on hand in its account.

Betty Mc Million, Co-Chair of Women's Issues Conference reported on March 11th event. Will be held at Pechanga, $30.00 for adults and 15.00 for teens and college kids. Federal panel, State Panel and six Breakout Sessions. Donna Masiel and Sharon Davis will be luncheon speakers. Hon. Jackie Goldberg, Hon. Gloria Negrete McLeod, Hon. Judy Chu and Hon Jackie Speier will host State Panel. Congresswomen Hon Hilda Solis and Hon Linda Sanchez will host Federal Panel.

Chairwoman Doherty asked Chad Gordon and Joely De La Torre to report on INDN Camp. Joely reported it was a hectic paced three days with lots of information presented. Chad reported that Howard Dean and Al Franklin had spoken at Camp. Helen said Native American Candidate Pat Lenzi attended and had just recently been endorsed by INDN'S List for her DA race.

Chad reported on Legislation:

Abramoff's double dealing behind Indian's back did not go un-noticed. He spoke about Bills 1439 and 1145. He reported that Cherokee Nation Vs Levitt was upheld buy Supreme Court in spite of Bush.Lost Vs. Oneida - they blamed the Indians for not filing sooner, but Supreme Court ruled there was no method available for them to file then. Will update us on Religious freedom, Restoration Act and Use of Peyote for Religious ceremonies next time.

Steve Bollinger gave his Judiciary report. Alito not friendly to us. Wants to push Indians off their lands. They are moving from taxing oil now, to also taxing gaming. We need to solicit the Governor to appoint judges who are Native American or who support Native American issues, and who will protect the laws that have already been passed that help our people.

Judy Jacobs reported on Scholarship and Creative Writing/ Illustration Competitions. We will offer a scholarship to an 06 graduate to a four year institution, ($1,000per semester), Trade School and Community College ($500) per semester. The body decided the money would be paid directly to the institutions for registration fees, books and materials. This way we know the students are enrolled and have qualified.

Ron Andrade and Kyle Crandall reported on their explorations as to which areas on tribal land do not have access to in person voting. These precincts are being earmarked as "Vote Absentee Only". Poppy De Marco said she would be on the committee with them. They will give a full report at the April Caucus meeting.

David Koenig spoke to the group about "pre-School For All' initiative.

Since there was another stack up of candidates Helen allowed one minute each for the next 20 minutes. No more than that so we could finish our agenda.

Jenny Orzepeda 55th SD, Paul Rosso, 64th AD, Anthony Willoughby 48th AD, Roxanna Folescu 74th AD, Hector De La Torre spoke about defeating Arnold, Abby Landon 42nd AD, Ted Wu, 53rd AD, Mark Westwood 63rd AD, Dr Ed Hernandez 57th AD, Jeeni Cresencio 49th CD, Jackie Speier for Lt Gov, Mike Eng for 49th AD, John Garamendi for Lt Gov, Van Tamaom for 60th AD, Lyn Shaw for 38th AD, Mike Feuer for 42nd AD.

Chair called for New Business

Ron Andrade thanked Gloria Negrete McLeod for stooping the misconceptions Assembly Member Merv Dymally had regarding building a casino in Compton. He also thanked Congresswoman Hilda Solis and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez for speaking out on behalf of Native American Issues from the House floor.

Ron brought up the "Kill Apaches" game and moved we send a team to talk with Rocky Del Gadillo to get it pulled off the market. Steve Bolinger seconded it. It passed unanimously without discussion.

A request was brought forth by a caucus member that we invest in a float for MLK parade in Los Angeles next year and car floats in San Bernardino and other areas where King is honored. Moved  and seconded by Ron Andrade.

Ron and Kyle discussed a tribute to Native Americans who have lost their lives in this war. Kyle moved and Ron seconded that we honor these people at the convention with some tribute. Candles, ribbons, eagle feathers all were discussed. Left to the discretion of the Chair.

Joely De La Torre closed the meeting with a tribute in memory of Vine DeLoria, jr. who wrote "Custer died for your sins. She sited he was one of the top ten influential thinkers of all time, supported sovereignty and was like a father to her.

Meeting adjourned at 8:58