2 Assemblymen to Discuss Race Relations

Following a summer marred by cries of race-baiting in a state Senate primary that strained relations between Jews and Latinos, two Assembly members with ties to both communities will meet Thursday to discuss relations between the groups.

The event, featuring Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles) and Bob Hertzberg (D-Sherman Oaks), is sponsored by the Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance.

Latino-Jewish relations were tested this year during a mudslinging Democratic primary battle in the East Valley between City Councilman Richard Alarcon, who is Mexican American, and former Assemblyman Richard Katz, who is Jewish. Alarcon won the June 2 race by 29 votes.

“Everybody sort of feels like it’s a good time to build bridges and that what happens in one particular race shouldn’t overshadow the larger issues,” said Hertzberg’s spokesman, Paul Hefner.

Hefner said Hertzberg believes the communities have much in common, including an interest in religious tolerance and legal immigration.

The “State of Latino-Jewish Relations” discussion will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus, 22622 Vanowen St. in West Hills. The $7 event will include a dessert buffet. For information and reservations, call (818) 464-3219.