Bay Area Soccer Academy (BASA) and Pittsburg Pitbull’s Soccer Club representatives an alumni attended Latino Issues Forum (LIF) on October 1, 2008, for their 20th Anniversary celebration of their work at The City Club of San Francisco. 

This event featured their Keynote address President Michael Peevey, California Public Utilities Commission and honoree, Assemblyman Mark Leno. 

As we participated in LIF’s 20th Anniversary, we honored their founders, Former Board Members, past Executive Directors, Staff and the Founders who had the vision to invest in the future of California. 

In particular, they recognize one of their founders, Former Chair of the Board and current Board Member Ms. Ortensia Lopez, for her vision and leadership with the Latino Issues Forum 2008 Outstanding Leader Award. 

During the last two decades, Latino Issues Forum (LIF) has identified unique policy initiatives and has advocated towards securing the basic necessities of every day life, such as quality healthcare, higher education, home energy and water services and telecommunication and information services. 

As a consumer advocate, LIF has demonstrated its ability to advocate for and provide leadership on cutting-edge issues that effect the state's Latino population. 

LIF has been a pioneer in the environmental movement by identifying and proposing policy initiatives that will have an impact on our quality of life. From energy efficiency, air pollution, access to affordable and safe drinking water to public transportation services, 

LIF has led the efforts in advancing environmental policies that protect public health and promote a sustainable California. LIF researches and frames key issues as they impact the Latino community. Propose innovative solutions that promote the well being of all Californians. LIF’s commitment to serve and advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable in our state continues to be their driving force. 

In 1980, there were 4.5 million Latinos living in California. Today, there are over 12 million Latinos living throughout the state. With Latinos comprising the fastest growing population in the state and projected to become the majority by 2030, LIF’s ability to advocate and provide leadership on essential issues is vital to maintaining an equitable and sustainable society.

“I had a great time. It was great seeing so many educated Latino leaders helping our Latino community. Assemblyman Mark Leno told me that the key to success was education, sports and participation. I will always remember that.”

-- Eliza Vasquez 

Our children learned from and spoke with Assemblyman Mark Leno, Jose Cisneros, Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco. and everyone else there

involved in providing leadership on cutting edge issues that affect the state's Latino population. 

Moving forward public policy solutions that address the Latino community's needs is threefold: to research and frame key issues as they impact Latinos, develop fair and equitable public policies and practices, and advocate for policies that promote the well-being of all Latinos in California.