Los Angeles—Equality California today announced the endorsement of four openly LGBT candidates running in local races in San Francisco, Oakland, and Alameda County.
“There continues to be an impressive number of exceptional openly-LGBT candidates running for election and reelection in the Bay Area” said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. “We are proud to endorse these four candidates for local office to advance our goal of building a bench of LGBT elected officials who have a strong record of support for LGBT civil rights, social justice, and progressive causes.”
The candidates are as follows:
Kimberly Alvarenga (San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 11) – The daughter of working class immigrants, Kimberly Alvarenga has a history of advocating for progressive causes, including the rights of LGBT people, workers and immigrants, as well as increasing the minimum wage and providing affordable housing. As district director for former Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, she played a critical role in the passage of AB 1266, which protects the right of transgender students to use school facilities and participate in programs consistent with their gender identity, and AB 9, which strengthens anti-bullying policies in California schools. As an LGBT Latina who grew up in District 11, Kimberly is deeply aware of and committed to addressing the challenges its diverse community members face, including rising living costs, discrimination, and lack of social support.
Rebecca Saltzman (BART Board, District 3) – Rebecca Saltzman is running for reelection to BART Board, District 3, where she has served since 2013. Rebecca is committed to increasing the accessibility and environmental sustainability of BART, while ensuring it continues to serve the expanding Bay Area. While on the board, she has worked on a number of LGBT-focused initiatives, including creating a BART Police policy to improve interactions with transgender riders, partnering with the East Bay Stonewall Democrats to expand service during San Francisco Pride, and making BART restrooms gender neutral. If reelected, she is committed to continuing measures to provide better services to the LGBT community and everyone.
Oakland City Council – With two candidates demonstrating extraordinary leadership and a strong record of support for LGBT civil rights and social justice, Equality California has endorsed both Oakland City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan and Peggy Moore, senior advisor to Oakland’s mayor, for election to the at-large seat on the Oakland City Council.
Rebecca Kaplan (Oakland City Council, at-large member) – Kaplan is running for reelection to Oakland City Council. She was the first out lesbian ever elected to office in Oakland and has served on its city council for the last eight years. She has a long history of fighting for LGBT civil rights, campaigning against both of California’s anti-marriage equality ballot initiatives, Proposition 22 in 2000 and Proposition 8 in 2008. She also has fought for funding for LGBT youth, worked with grassroots organizations to launch Oakland Pride, and encouraged the development of LGBT-owned businesses in downtown Oakland. She is the first openly LGBT person to be appointed as chairperson of the Alameda County Transportation Commission and is a representative on the board of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
Peggy Moore (Oakland City Council, at-large member) – Moore is dedicated to enhancing the visibility and civil rights of Oakland’s LGBT community and communities of color, as well as creating a vibrant and livable city for all Oakland residents. Her career of political activism, organizing, and fighting for social and economic equality spans more than 25 years. Moore was East Bay Field Director of the No on 22 Campaign in 2000, as well as former president of the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club and founder of the “Sistah’s Steppin’ in Pride” lesbian march, for 10 years Oakland’s largest women’s event. For five years, she was statewide political director for Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee focused on supporting President Barack Obama’s policy agenda and re-election, and served as deputy field director for Northern California during the 2008 general election. She is currently senior advisor to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.
The Equality California PAC endorses outstanding LGBT candidates at the local level.