Reports of His Death Are Greatly Exaggerated? Nope**
We're hearing chatter that former Assemblyman Marco Firebaugh passed away, but we've also received reports to the contrary. Lets put it to bed one way or another here, if you have details post them - but please - only the truth okay dum dums?
Confirmed. Our prayers to his family. I wonder why people would send us emails that he DID NOT die. That's LA.
Confirmed. Our prayers to his family. I wonder why people would send us emails that he DID NOT die. That's LA.
Posted by Mayor Sam @ 3/21/2006 10:26:00 AM
30 Comments:
I've heard from people who were close to him that he died early this AM. As to who he was:
April 12th, 2005
Senator Escutia endorses Firebaugh FOR HER SENATE SEAT.
Sacramento, CA-State Senator Martha M. Escutia (D-Montebello) announced today her endorsement of former Assembly Majority Floor Leader Marco Antonio Firebaugh to succeed her in the State Senate (30th District).
In a letter sent to her colleagues and constituents, Senator Escutia stated “As someone fiercely committed to serving my constituents by working for rational and compassionate public policy, I am also committed to ensuring that my successor has the integrity and legislative skills to live up to that same commitment. That is why I have decided to lend my unequivocal support to Marco A. Firebaugh.”
“After nearly fourteen years in public service, Senator Escutia has established herself as a true champion for our most vulnerable Californians, our children, seniors and working families,” said Firebaugh. “I am humbled and honored to receive her endorsement and look forward to continuing her great work in the State Legislature.”
“I applaud Senator Escutia for endorsing Marco A. Firebaugh,” said Yolanda Garcia, a Whittier resident and owner of ‘Casita Del Pueblo’, a cultural arts, art gallery and bookstore in old town Whittier. “Firebaugh is passionate about improving public education and understands the importance of conserving the arts and culture for our youth. Our community deserves a leader like Firebaugh.”
“Senator Escutia is a tremendous advocate for community. As a parent and community leader, I am happy that she has endorsed Marco A, Firebaugh for her seat,” said Maria Parra, a South Gate resident and member of ‘Padres Unidos de South Gate’. “Firebaugh is a leader in our community. During his tenure in the Legislature he fought to build more schools in the Southeast Los Angeles County, created a free children’s dental clinic in Huntington Park and secured funding for air quality improvement projects for our community.”
February 10, 2006
Service Employees international union Endorses Marco Antonio Firebaugh for State Senate
Los Angeles, CA- The Service Employees International Union with over 600,000 members in California has voted to support former Assembly Majority Floor Leader Marco Antonio Firebaugh for the State Senate, District 30.
“It is imperative that we support candidates who will fight against budget proposals, legislation and initiatives that threaten working families and the quality of services upon which Californians rely,” said Sal Rosselli, SEIU State Council President. “Marco Antonio’s record in the State Assembly reveals an unwavering dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of working families.”
“I am proud to have earned the support of the working men and women of SEIU,” said Firebaugh. “Service employees are essential to our economic success and the future of our state. We must invest in California’s workforce by providing working families with decent wages, access to high quality, affordable health care, pensions that protect worker’s retirement, dignified working conditions and an opportunity for advancement.”
February 8th, 2006
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERVISOR GLORIA MOLINA ENDORSES MARCO ANTONIO FIREBAUGH FOR STATE SENATE.
Los Angeles, CA- Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina has announced her endorsement of former Assembly Majority Floor Leader Marco Antonio Firebaugh for the State Senate, District 30. “Marco is an intelligent and dynamic leader in our community. His distinguished record in the State Assembly, his steadfast resolve to fight for working families, and his unparalleled ability to build consensus amongst diverse interest groups sets him apart from his opponents,” said Molina. “In the State Senate, I am confident that Marco will continue to develop policies that improve the quality of life for the residents of Los Angeles County.”
“Supervisor Molina is among the most respected and admired public officials in California politics. Los Angeles County has benefited from her tenacity and her ability to successfully advocate for critical issues such as a quality education, a more efficient system of transportation, affordable and accessible healthcare, effective public safety and more park space, all of which are vital to her constituents,” said Firebaugh. “I am proud to have Supervisor Molina’s endorsement. Supervisor Molina is the first Latina elected to the State Assembly and the Los Angeles City Council. Today, she is the sole Latina to serve on the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors. Starting as a community activist in the 1970s, she has served since 1991 as a supervisor for the nation's most populous county. More than 10 million people live in the county; about 44.6 percent are Latino. On the board, Supervisor Molina ended the county's practice of pension spiking, saving taxpayers nearly $100 million. She has allocated more than $10 million to Parks & Recreation capital projects.
February 1, 2006
los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca Endorses
Marco Antonio Firebaugh for State Senate
Los Angeles, CA- Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca has announced his endorsement of former Assembly Majority Floor Leader Marco Antonio Firebaugh for the State Senate, District 30.
“Marco Firebaugh has a proven track record of authoring and promoting legislation that supports law enforcement and keeps our neighborhoods safe,” said Lee Baca, L.A. County Sheriff. “We need tough legislators like Marco in the State Senate to work with law enforcement leaders to protect the residents of Los Angeles County.”
“Sheriff Baca’s pro-active and progressive leadership has resulted in many successful programs that address community problems such as drug addiction, domestic violence, homelessness and gang violence. His work has truly improved the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Firebaugh. “I am honored to have the support of a public safety leader like Sheriff Baca and look forward to our continued collaboration to make our communities safe for children and families.”
January 26, 2006
California Federation of Teachers EndorsesMarco Antonio Firebaugh For State Senate
Sacramento, CA-The California Federation Of Teachers (CFT) has endorsed former Assembly Majority Floor Leader Marco Antonio Firebaugh for the State Senate, District 30. The 120,000 faculty and support staff of CFT join incumbent Senator Martha M. Escutia (D-Norwalk) and the California Nurses Association in endorsing Firebaugh. “During his tenure in the State Assembly, Mr. Firebaugh distinguished himself as a strong advocate and policy leader in the area of higher education,” said Mary Bergan, President, California Federation of Teachers. “We look forward to working with him in the State Senate.” “Education is the great equalizer in our society, and investing resources in our students, faculty, staff, and institutions of higher education ultimately helps strengthen our communities, work force and economy,” said Firebaugh. “I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the California Federation of Teachers.” The California Federation of Teachers (CFT) is the California affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The CFT is composed of 135 local unions chartered by the AFT. Each local is also affiliated with its regional Central Labor Council and the California Labor Federation. The CFT represents over 120,000 educational employees working at every level of the education system in California, from Head Start to the University of California.
January 18, 2006
California Nurses Association Endorse
Marco Antonio Firebaugh for State Senate
Oakland - CA The California Nurses Association (CNA) annouced their endorsement this week of Marco Antonio Firebaugh for the State Senate, District 30 seat being vacated by Senator Martha M. Escutia 9D-Norwalk). "Mr. Firebaugh's record in the State Assembly shows an unparalled committment to improving health care standards in California", said Deborah Burger, President of the California Nurses Association. "We know he will be a great ally to organizations like ours in the State Senate. "I am honored to obtain the CNA endorsement," said Firebaugh. CNA was instrumental in stopping Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's blatant attack on labor, his bullying antics and politics of blame. I look forward to working with CNA in the State Senate to develop a patient advocacy agenda that promotes the interests of patients, direct care nurses, and RN professionals." Founded in 1903, the California Nurses Association today represents over 65,000 members in 165 facilities throughout California, and thousands more across the country through the National Nurses Organizing Committee, which was founded by the CNA. CNA is the largest and fastest growing organization of direct care Registered Nurses in the country and are dedicated to providing a voice for nurses and a vision for healthcare.
September 12, 2005
30th District State Senate Candidate Receives Highest Honors
Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School opens in Lynwood to resounding praise from community leaders and elected officials.
Lynwood, CA- On Saturday, September 10, 2005, Lynwood Unified School District officially opened the doors of the newly constructed Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School with a well-attended community celebration.
Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School, named for the former Assembly Floor Leader and Chairman of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, will support an enrollment of approximately 1,800 students. The school boasts approximately 162,000 square feet of classroom, gymnasium, administrative and related support space including a library, a multi-purpose activity center and athletic fields.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell attended the opening celebration, which featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, community arts demonstrations and several distinguished speakers. Assembly member Hector De La Torre, Lynwood Unified School District Officials and the new school’s staff members also attended.
Lynwood Unified School District Superintendent, Dhyan Lal, credited the school construction to the leadership and dedication of Marco Antonio Firebaugh. “In the State Assembly, Marco Firebaugh championed new school construction. The openings of this school and several others in the district are the direct result of his dedication to expanding educational opportunities for all students. I am awed by the dedication of each parent and community member who worked so hard to build this school and very humbled to have been honored in this way," Firebaugh said after the event. "I take this honor very seriously."
FROM LA OBSERVED:
Marco Firebaugh, a Democratic candidate for the state Senate in the 30th district of southeast Los Angeles County, died this morning or last night of liver failure. He was termed out of the state Assembly, where he had chaired the Latino caucus.
KFWB mentioned that several people have called in asking if the rumors were true. robin from their newsroom is calling to confirm. If true this is a very sad tragedy.
This is the race Marco leaves altered by his untimely passing:
3-way battle in 30th District
Candidates claim their campaign issues
By Mike Sprague Staff Writer
Whittier Daily News
NORWALK - As a deadline came and went Friday for candidates intent on running in primary races in June, no big surprises surfaced in the 30th Senate District.
As expected, state Assemblymen Rudy Bermudez and Ron Calderon and former Assemblyman Marco Firebaugh all filed to run for the district seat in the June 6 Democratic primary.
The seat is being vacated by a termed-out state Sen. Martha Escutia, D-Norwalk.
The filing of nomination papers by Bermudez, D-Norwalk, and Calderon, D-Montebello, also means that the deadline for candidates interested in filing for their two assembly districts was automatically extended until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Already, several candidates in the two assembly districts have either been issued nomination papers or filed them Friday.
Bermudez and Firebaugh filed their nomination papers earlier this week. Calderon submitted his forms Friday.
The race figures to be a hot one, with all three candidates expected to spend more than $500,000.
"It's going to be a spirited campaign," predicted John Smith, past president of the Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club. "They all have some money to spend and all have some name recognition."
The three candidates, in interviews on Friday, said they already have started to carve out their special issues.
For Bermudez, that issue is crime.
"I'm the only Democrat in the Assembly who has fought against leniency for child pornographers," he said. "I'm also the only Democrat supporting Jessica's Law that would protect our community by moving these violent sexual predators away from our homes."
Calderon said he plans to focus his campaign on education and on pressuring Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to fully fund it.
"Californians want somebody in Sacramento who is going to hold the governor accountable to fully fund education and pay back the money \ has borrowed from schools," he said.
"I want to make sure that children have sufficient classroom sizes and we have qualified teachers who are fully credentialed, especially in low-income areas."
Firebaugh said his important issues are education, health care and open space.
"These are the principle issues people want to talk about," he said. "These are quality-of-life issues. With me, you're going to see someone dedicated and focused like a laser beam on education, health care and the environment."
http://www.pinedaconsulting.com/index.php/2006/03/21/marco-antonio-firebaugh-1966-2006/
Former assemblyman Marco Firebaugh dies in Los Angeles
By LAURA KURTZMAN, Associated Press Writer
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
(03-21) 11:28 PST SACRAMENTO, (AP) --
Former Democratic state Assemblyman Marco Antonio Firebaugh died Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez said.
Firebaugh, 39, died from complications due to liver disease, state Sen. Gloria Romero's office said. Nunez's office said it confirmed the death through Firebaugh's family.
"This is a moment of profound sadness and grief for all of us who liked and respected Marco Firebaugh, cared for his life work, cherished his charm and charisma, enjoyed his love of life and admired his leadership in the Legislature," Nunez, D-Los Angeles, said in a statement.
Firebaugh died at the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center. A UCLA spokeswoman said the family had requested the university not release information.
A family member reached at Firebaugh's home in Whittier referred calls to Firebaugh's political aide, Ricardo Lara, who did not immediately return phone calls.
Firebaugh served in the Assembly from 1998 to 2004, representing a district in southeast Los Angeles County, and was majority floor leader during the last two years of his term. He also led the California Latino Legislative Caucus.
Among his most significant accomplishments was writing a 2002 law that allowed some illegal immigrants to attend California universities while paying in-state tuition.
That law was challenged last December by a group of out-of-state college students who filed a class-action lawsuit claiming it was discriminatory. The lower in-state fees can save students thousands of dollars a year.
He also wrote legislation to provide money for low-income communities most affected by air pollution.
"Marco never backed down from a tough fight for what was right," Romero, D-Los Angeles, said in a statement. "He stood up for immigrants and working families, and courageously took the lead on social justice issues when many others remained silent."
This year, Firebaugh was running for the Democratic nomination in the 30th Senate District, which covers part of southeastern Los Angeles County. Also on the June 6 ballot are Assemblymen Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, and Rudy Bermudez, D-Norwalk.
The incumbent, Sen. Martha Escutia, D-Norwalk, is termed out.
Firebaugh was born Oct. 13, 1966, in Baja California, Mexico. He attended the University of California, Berkeley and then UCLA law school. He is survived by two children, Ariana and Nicolas.
Firebaugh was president of MAF Strategic Consulting Inc., a public affairs firm in Los Angeles. He also was a visiting professor and a fellow at the UCLA School of Medicine, Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture.
Former assemblyman Marco Firebaugh dies in Los Angeles
LAURA KURTZMAN Associated Press
SACRAMENTO - Former Democratic state Assemblyman Marco Antonio Firebaugh died Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez said.
Firebaugh, 39, died from complications due to liver disease, state Sen. Gloria Romero's office said. Nunez's office said it confirmed the death through Firebaugh's family.
"This is a moment of profound sadness and grief for all of us who liked and respected Marco Firebaugh, cared for his life work, cherished his charm and charisma, enjoyed his love of life and admired his leadership in the Legislature," Nunez, D-Los Angeles, said in a statement.
Firebaugh died at the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center. A UCLA spokeswoman said the family had requested the university not release information.
A family member reached at Firebaugh's home in Whittier referred calls to Firebaugh's political aide, Ricardo Lara, who did not immediately return phone calls.
Firebaugh served in the Assembly from 1998 to 2004, representing a district in southeast Los Angeles County, and was majority floor leader during the last two years of his term. He also led the California Latino Legislative Caucus.
Among his most significant accomplishments was writing a 2002 law that allowed some illegal immigrants to attend California universities while paying in-state tuition.
That law was challenged last December by a group of out-of-state college students who filed a class-action lawsuit claiming it was discriminatory. The lower in-state fees can save students thousands of dollars a year.
He also wrote legislation to provide money for low-income communities most affected by air pollution.
"Marco never backed down from a tough fight for what was right," Romero, D-Los Angeles, said in a statement. "He stood up for immigrants and working families, and courageously took the lead on social justice issues when many others remained silent."
This year, Firebaugh was running for the Democratic nomination in the 30th Senate District, which covers part of southeastern Los Angeles County. Also on the June 6 ballot are Assemblymen Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, and Rudy Bermudez, D-Norwalk.
The incumbent, Sen. Martha Escutia, D-Norwalk, is termed out.
Firebaugh was born Oct. 13, 1966, in Baja California, Mexico. He attended the University of California, Berkeley and then UCLA law school. He is survived by two children, Ariana and Nicolas.
Firebaugh was president of MAF Strategic Consulting Inc., a public affairs
As to whether Marco has Died or not, I say that men like Marco will never die. Their memory and legacy live on for others to see and learn from. His stay here in this earth was for the good of all people; to see that men like him will fight for the underdog, for under privalaged and for the kindness of all. May god have him in his glory.
12:34
If his memory is to last forever, then the real reason that he passed away should be mentioned. Marco died of AIDS. This has long been known in the Latino community. His passing can really open up some minds in the Latino community which is being hit hard by the AIDS epidemic.
This is extremely bad news. Marco was a straight shooter unlike many elected officials. You knew where you stood with Marco and he produced.
He is the antithesis of a teflon politician and he will be missed.
It's my hope that some of the Latino electeds in LA can learn from Marco and do what's right when it comes to civil rights and immigration.
Marco was a Polanco protege. And you want other Latino electeds to look up to him? Perhaps we should take a look at his mentor. Marco will not be missed.
Our condolences to the Firebaugh family. We will remember Marco for his many contributions to southeast Los Angeles and the State of California. He was a great leader with a compassionate heart who will be greatly missed.
2:00pm -- Thanks for the clarification. For those of us outside of the "latino" realm of politics it seemed strange that a politician, so young in his career and with a minimal legislative record would have earned the honor of having a school named for him. The honor, it would seem then, was given to him for having the courage to be a latino man with AIDS. If this is the case, I hope his family (political and otherwise) continues to honor him by publicizing the truth.
There is no evidence that he had AIDS/SIDA or any other disease for that matter.
So, what don't you knuckleheads remain silent and let his family tell us what he had. Thanks.
3:01 -- Man, you are the reason why Mexicans are so ass-backwards -- "don't ask, don't tell"; protect a man's machismo at any cost; better to deny a sick dick and die rather than seek treatment and have to acknowledge it? Is that what you're suggesting?? Crawl out from underneath those tortillas, Papi, and save a life!
My point is that we shouldn't put bad information out there.
Marco had a serious liver infection that hospitalized him late in his legislative term. It darkened his skin and weakened him. I doubt seriously that it was AIDS, as I have known many with AIDS and he did not reflect those symptoms. It was more likely a viral hepatitis.
Marco was convinced that he was recovered or recovering his strength and would never have run if he knew he had AIDS, so whoever has printed this without knowledge should be ashamed of himself or herself.
Marco was a stand up guy and a fine legislator, and he would have been in the leadership of the Senate.
This is a loss for the People of California and of the district which he would have represented.
He was my friend, and I shall miss him and his wisdom.
Boy Phil, you don't have much of a thirst for "wisdom." Why do you think his first wife left him? Anyone who had the "privilege" of seeing Marco at one of his Democratic convention parties in those expensive suites knows what I am talking about. Marco got busted for drunk driving after his first election victory. He got busted going home after one of these parties. Fabian Nunez was at all these parties, and he partook of the "festivities", just like Marco. Marco, afterall, earned his stripes by doubling as Polanco's pimp. Get the picture? Remember SactoNighties? These Latino politicians were whores to begin with, at night they just played the part to a T.
9:23 - Not only no class, on the very day the man passed away, but no soul. A sad and lonely old age awaits you, buddy.
Donde esta la cultura cuando uno de nosotros muere.
What is accomplished by maligning Marco Antonio. Or if you really believe what you say, why not sign your commentary?
At least Marco Antonio was never a ghost writer.
Candidates running for office seeking endorsements can be sometimes quite demanding. For the scheduler of these events, it is a very stressful process. I received a call that Mr. Firebaugh's appointment was screwed up. I called him immediately. He was very patient and understanding. I fixed the problem and apologized for the inconvenience. He took the time to call my employer, said the problem was taken care of and that I was "awsome". Whatever he was to whomever, he was nice and considerate to me. May God rest his soul and comfort his family.
I know that Marco loved to party and that he loved to drink. His liver problem most certainly may have been alcohol induced, even cirrosis, but that is a far cry from AIDS.
His effectiveness as a legislator is unrelated to either. He carried many successful bills, brokered many others. His leadership was recognized by his peers, making him not only Chair of the Latino Caucus, but also Majority Floor Leader of the Assembly.
To denigrate his name on the day he died is typical of the bitter group that participates in this blog.
You folks need to get a life, and honor those who deliver, instead of trying to prop up the losers like Pacheco, Torres, etc.
Marco Antonio Firebaugh, a good man gone.
Rest in Peace, friend.
People should remember to be human and sensitive. A life has been lost, something can never be regained. No matter where we come from or what our orientation is, a family's grief and pain over a love ones death is the same no matter who you are. Stop and take a moment to pray of the family and the one who has just left us.
It is truly sad that he was only 39 yrs. Sadly, because he is a politican his life will become an open book with everyone speculating why he died so young. They should instead focus on his accomplishments as a young Latino and all he did for immigrants.
Typical of Latino culture though is to kick your own people when their down. This is the reason we will never get ahead and always make ourselves look like we have no class.
Phil,
What do Torres and Pacheco have to do with this. If I recall correctly, members of Pacheco's team worked on Marco's first campaign in 1998. While working Checchi's campaign, they set up a campaign office at Marco's HQ in Cudahy. The only AD that Checchi won was the one that Marco was running in. It's typical of you to talk out of your ass. But then again, blame everything on Nick, and it wil lbe fine. Marco had a lot of enemies out there, Pacheco wasn't one of them.
Boy Phil, why all the anger towards Torres and Pacheco. Did you get your subpoena yet? I'm sure you are one of those political consultants in line. I'm sure you know this too.
Ok children...enough is enough... just because Mr. Marco was "active" socially doesn't mean he was gay or that he had AIDS. There are a number of other diseases that produce the symptoms Marco had during his illness; for instance, Addison's disease. By his own admission he was careless about his health. We should take his death as a reminder to ourselves to keep our mind and bodies in balance. Let’s move on, shall we?
what ever the case may be of his death, he fought for those that had no voice in this state. He fought for those that laboured in the fields and provided a strong economy for the state. We, as humans with some sort of soul should look unto the future with the example that marco provided in dealing with legislation. If you want to criticize him for his partying, your comparing bowling balls and oranges. Lets look at his accomplishment for helping people that are taken advantage of in our economy, like me I too am an undocumented worker in this state.
I wonder how many of these comments were posted by that spineless shreck of a man, Jose Sigala. I've heard around town that he's working Firebaugh's endorsements already. Get a life Sigala! You are such a dirtbag!
The moral of the story is this, if you suport gay rights and die young people will asume the worst.... period. So the legacy is not his but those you jump to, let us all reflect and wonder, how will we be remembered? Stop pointing out there somewhere to someone that you do not even know, speculating and accusing, the man is dead... now you want his blood? Hypocrites, you accuse and yet you are more to blame, greater sins have you done, Thank God above you where not called away from the temperal.... and pray you wake in the morning. Oh and this was published by R Ruiz
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