Ed. Note: Please support one of California’s rising stars! Long Beach Councilmember Suja Lowenthal, the first Asian American to serve in California’s sixth-largest city, is being considered for the powerful California Coastal Commission. Here’s our letter of support (below).
Please call California Senate leader Darrell Steinberg at 916.651.4006 and ask him to appoint her to the Coastal Commission. But hurry! Sen. Steinberg is expected to make a decision by next Thursday (Dec. 3).
The Honorable Darrell Steinberg
President Pro Tempore
California Senate
Dear Senator Steinberg:
The Asian American Action Fund strongly recommends Long Beach Councilmember Suja Lowenthal for South Coast Representative of the California Coastal Commission.
AAA-Fund, a national Democratic political group, empowers Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) by supporting outstanding political candidates and encouraging AAPIs to get more involved in the political process. Our distinguished Honorary Board includes Controller John Chiang, US Rep. Judy Chu, and US Rep. Mike Honda (our Honorary President). Last year, we donated nearly $50,000 to 38 candidates — and over two-thirds of them won. Last month, we sponsored a California Attorney General candidate forum that garnered significant media coverage.
Ms. Lowenthal brings impeccable credentials to the Coastal Commission, which she currently serves as an Alternate. One of our state’s rising stars, she has blazed a remarkable trail of leadership and innovation. As a newly elected Councilmember, she did not hesitate to tackle two of the most contentious issues facing the city: water conservation and coastal pollution. Thanks to her tireless efforts, Californians now enjoy beaches with cleaner waters.
We, however, were not surprised by Ms. Lowenthal’s success. We have had the pleasure of working with her on Instant Runoff Voting, a valuable reform that will save taxpayer dollars while strengthening our democracy. She displays the rare ability to forge consensus on the thorniest of issues. Equally important, she actually knows whereof she speaks. A recognized expert on water management, she teaches at Cal State Long Beach and sits on the boards of Metropolitan Water District (Southern California) and Heal The Bay.
An immigrant who became her city’s first Asian American Councilmember, Ms. Lowenthal quite literally represents California’s future. By appointing her to the Coastal Commission, you will recognize the contribution of Asian Americans and all communities of color in our Golden State.
Please feel free to call me with any questions. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Gautam Dutta, Esq.
Executive Director
Asian American Action Fund
