First Latina on state Supreme Court is needed progress

In case you missed this, a daughter of Mexican immigrants who worked in the fields of the Imperial Valley made history on March 25 when she was sworn in as a California Supreme Court Associate Justice.

“They came to this country knowing that it would not be easy for them,” said Patricia Guerrero after she was sworn in by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye. “But like so many others, they came here with hope — hope of a brighter future for their children, the pursuit … of the American dream.”

Gov. Newsom, who nominated Guerrero, made clear this was an easy pick.

“Justice Guerrero’s extraordinary ascent to serve as the first Latina justice on our state’s highest court is not only an incredible personal achievement, it is an inspiring example of California’s enduring promise that any dream is possible, no matter who you are or where you come from,” said Newsom.

The governor stressed the appointment was “not just about first, this is about best.”

Guerrero – who fills the spot vacated by Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar – became the first Latina to serve in that position.

“I hope that my journey encourages the next generation of leaders to pursue their dreams,” said Guerrero.

Let me repeat. The first Latina!

That’s awesome news. But, this is a bit disheartening when you realize it’s 2022 and there are plenty of firsts waiting out there for Latinos/Latinas.

Helen Torres, who was among those who witnessed the swearing-in ceremony, realizes the significance of having a Latina on the state Supreme Court.

As CEO of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), Torres has been working to prepare Latinas to take their rightful place in leading a state where Latinos are the plurality.

“Having someone that understands our community, understands our perspective as a female is critical,” said Torres during a chat by telephone. “She has had to break a lot of barriers.”

The fact that Guerrero is from a farmworker family adds a new dimension to her skills and ability on the court.

“We’re seeing progress. We’re seeing more Latinos being appointed to representation in all three branches,” said Torres. But “the judiciary has been one of those areas where there hasn’t been as much progress.”

Guerrero’s appointment came at about the same time President Joe Biden chose Fresno County Superior Court Judge Ana de Alba for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, de Alba – who grew up in a poor, farmworker family from Dos Palos and slept on the floor until she was 15 – would be the first Latina or Latino in that position.

Torres is aware that more needs to be done.

“We’ve got to start the conversation of how do we continuously build this pipeline to ensure that progression continues beyond the first, and that our young Latinos that are up and coming see that there is a place for them at these tables,” she said.

“We should not be satisfied with one.”

That’s an area the HOPE Leadership Institute has been working on for three decades. So far, the institute has graduated more than 600, and 10% of them have successfully run for elected office.

“The main goal is about being strong advocates for your community,” said Torres. “These are women that are stepping up, representing our communities and ensuring that our communities are not forgotten.”

The 600, said Torres, “is just a start.”

That’s good news.

Esta historia fue publicada originalmente el 15 de abril de 2022, 1:30 p. m..