Meet Tony Mendoza
California Legislator Takes a Stand Against Illegal
Street Racing
California Assemblymember Tony Mendoza, born in South Central Los Angeles, is the second youngest of nine children. As a young man living in a single-parent home, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of working families and the opportunities a good education provides. Passionate about education, he was an elementary school teacher in East Los Angeles for more than 10 years and was involved with the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association. In addition to working diligently on education, health care and family issues, he is focused on making the roads a safer place through measures that oppose illegal street racing.
First elected to the California State Assembly in 2006, Mendoza represents the 56th California Assembly District, which includes the communities of Artesia, Buena Park, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Nietos, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier/unincorporated Whittier, portions of East Whittier and Lakewood. Last year, Assemblymember Mendoza joined forces with the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, which was founded in 2005 and is supported by SEMA. The caucus is designed as a non-partisan group of state legislators whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.
Working with state legislatures in recent years, SEMA has sought legislation to overhaul existing statutes and create brand-new programs to safeguard and expand the automotive hobby. These efforts have brought a series of significant legislative and regulatory accomplishments for the specialty-equipment industry on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration classifications to emissions-test policy and hobbyist rights. The State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus now numbers approximately 400 total members from all 50 states.
SEMA News recently spoke with Mendoza about his work in the legislature.
SEMA News: In addition to being a tenured elementary school teacher, you were the first Latino member of the Artesia City Council and, at 26, the youngest mayor in the history of Artesia. What attracted you to public service at such an early age?
Tony Mendoza: I wanted to make my community safer and strengthen local neighborhoods by providing options for families through the development of parks and recreation centers. I grew up in South Central Los Angeles, where the gang element was strong. I wanted children in my new home town of Artesia to be free of those problems and have alternatives to that lifestyle. Being involved and active as a teacher and serving on boards, I understand that positive change can happen through policy.
SN: SEMA has been fortunate to partner with legislators such as you many times in the past on key issues. SEMA promotes safe and legal alternatives to illegal street racing through its Racers Against Street Racing (RASR) program. How did you become aware of and concerned with illegal street racing in California and in your district?