Today, Equality California announced the endorsement of three strong pro-equality candidates for the California State Assembly.

“As we continue to forge a California and world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people, it is critical that we elect strong allies with a proven track record of supporting LGBTQ equality, women’s rights, and social justice,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “We are pleased to announce the endorsement of three candidates for State Assembly who will lead the way in advancing these goals in their capacity as elected officials.”

The candidates endorsed by Equality California are as follows:

Assembly District 45

Equality California endorses Tricia Robbins Kasson in the special election for Assembly District 45, which will be held on April 3. Assembly District 45 includes Calabasas, Encino, Hidden Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, and most the western San Fernando Valley. Kasson is currently the Economic Development Director for LA City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and has promised to provide focused leadership in Sacramento to advance LGBTQ civil rights, advocate for communities in the San Fernando Valley, and fight bullying and harassment in the workplace and schools.

“As a proud daughter of the San Fernando Valley, Tricia Robbins Kasson understands the unique needs of her community, and will fight to advance LGBTQ equality and increase economic opportunity for our community, ” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “As the Economic Development Director for L.A. City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and a professional planner, Kasson has worked to spur job growth, provide affordable housing, and tackle homelessness. She is committed to supporting legislation that would require LGBTQ cultural competency training for teachers, law enforcement, and healthcare workers. We are confident that as a member of the State Assembly she will be a strong champion of LGBTQ equality and social justice.”

Assembly District 54

Equality California endorses Sydney Kamlager in the special election for Assembly District 54, which will be held on April 3. Assembly District 54 encompasses parts of the Westside of Los Angeles, including Baldwin Hills, Culver City, Century City, Crenshaw, Mid-City, West Los Angeles, and Westwood. Kamlager is the District Director for California State Senator Holly J. Mitchell and current president of the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees. In her role as Community College Trustee, Kamlager has supported numerous initiatives to fight LGBTQ discrimination and help LGBTQ students prosper in a safe and welcoming environment, including by establishing and implementing a Transgender Sensitivity Curriculum to guide sensitivity training for employees, staff, and stakeholders at all nine colleges within the district, and by supporting the development of curriculum for students.

“Sydney Kamlager has a demonstrated record of advancing LGBTQ equality and social justice, and supporting efforts to assure that LGBTQ students can thrive in safe, welcoming environments,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “As a member of the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees, Kamlager has fought to provide additional tools and protections for LGBTQ students. In partnership with TransCanWork, she authored a resolution which established a Transgender Sensitivity Curriculum for employees, staff, and stakeholders at all nine colleges in the district and is working with the Academic Senate to shape effective curriculum for students. If elected to the Assembly, she has pledged to sponsor and support legislation and initiatives that strengthen LGBTQ equality, provide affordable healthcare, and expand access to HIV/AIDS care and prevention programs.”

Assembly District 72

Equality California endorses Josh Lowenthal for Assembly District 72, which includes parts of Huntington Beach and northwest Orange County. Lowenthal is a business owner, entrepreneur, community advocate, and son of current Congressman Alan Lowenthal. Throughout his life, he has been a staunch proponent of LGBTQ equality and an ally to our community, having sponsored LGBTQ events, and supported numerous progressive organizations and LGBTQ candidates.

“Josh Lowenthal has been a tremendous advocate for LGBTQ civil rights and social justice in his community,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “As a business owner and entrepreneur he has prioritized increasing LGBTQ representation in the workplace and working with LGBTQ-owned businesses. As a community advocate and ally, he has a history of supporting progressive organizations and LGBTQ candidates. We look forward to working with him in the Assembly to advance LGBTQ equality and increase opportunity for members of our community.”

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