Institutional knowledge is a wonderful thing. The Orange County Register ran an article this week calling out 10 women who “paved the way” in OC Politics. The article discusses those “past and present” who’ve made a difference and the story tries to be as bi-partisan as possible.
Those identified are: Farrah Khan, Tara Campbell, Kate Sanchez, Doris Allen, Janet Nguyen, the late Carol Kawamani, the late Marian Bergeson, Michelle Steel, Young Kim, and Dora Hill. Michelle Steele and Young Kim? Paving the way? Nope.
I know 1996 seems like a long time ago, but does the name Loretta Sanchez ring a bell? First Latina elected to Congress from OC beating a white Conservative male? Historic?
How about Linda Sanchez? First sisters to serve in Congress together. Loretta beating B-1 Bob Dornan not once but twice? How about Ada Briceno? A Latina immigrant leading a major political party that has move to majority blue from solid red? And by leading, a party where leadership is almost always in “herding cats” mode
Until she ran for US Senate, Loretta’s endorsement was among the most coveted in Orange County Democratic politics. In fact. when it comes to “paving the way,” omitting her is an oversight when you consider how conservative and how Republican this county was for decades. Young Kim or Michelle Steele haven’t paved a thing and their votes in Congress reflect just that. Kim is the beneficiary of a Congressional district with an 11% Republican registration difference and Steele would be nothing without her husbands sway over her political career.
Perhaps the Register could re-visit this next year and give us 10 Republican women and 10 Democratic women; consider Valerie Amezcua, the first woman mayor of Santa Ana ever, Ashleigh Aitken in Anaheim, Tiffany Ackley in Aliso Viejo, Letitia Clark in Tustin (who gave birth while holding the title of Mayor), Stephanie Oddo from Laguna, or Cynthia Vasquez breaking up the old boys club on the Mission Viejo city council?
Loretta paved the way; Ada’s taken the baton. And the vast majority of elected women in this county have a D next to their party affiliation. And do let me know when Steele or Kim do any paving.
Don’t forget Donna Asceveda Nelson. She has co n tributed SO MUCH to society. Plus she is married to avante garde troubadour and self described hero (I think Vern’s super hero name should be “LECHEROUS”.
Think of all the wonderful things she has done….just ask Audrie or Jenna Beck. Her fostering friendship with the DEAD RACIST William Fitzgerald (hopefully rotting in Hell with Yogi). She is just a model citizen!
I interned for Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez while an undergad at CSUF. She was a big part of why I went into local government. She also helped our family when my father, the late Dr. Donald Castro passed away in Mexico City while on a trip for CSUF. It is sad that the Register missed someone who paved the way in Orange County.
Exactly. Loretta showed that a Democrat could win in Orange County. Her election to Congress broke barriers for many.
Vern hijacked this story.
Someone should ask these women what they think of Vern’s track record ON THE RECORD.
I KNOW Foley, Silva, Khan and Ada are well aware of his antics, Ada has dismissed Nelson as a drunk “jerk” (profanity redacted).
Does Vern Nelson think his past is eclipsed by a shitty article???
I got a nice text from Loretta on the story; the Register editors ought to be embarrassed for not including Sanchez in the story. She clearly paved the way for so many electeds here in OC.