Sydney Kamlager-Dove, president of the  Community College District Board and aide to state Sen. Holly Mitchell, today became the first candidate to announce for the state Assembly seat ailing Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Culver City/Crenshaw District) vacated last week.

Twice-victorious Mr. Ridley-Thomas, just 30 years old, merely said that ongoing health issues were driving him to the sidelines.

“I intend to promote an agenda centered on workforce development, providing career opportunities for men and women, and ensuring strong environmental protections,” said Ms. Kamlager-Dove.

She promised to “continue my goal to make public college education more affordable and to end criminal justice disparities.”

Sen. Mitchell said that her district director “has proven herself as a policy leader and a strong advocate for community college students and faculty.”

Rep. Karen Bass (D-Culver City/Crenshaw District) said she has “watched Sydney grow into a highly effective policymaker for the Community College District.”

Ms. Bass also cited the 45-year-old candidate’s advocacy for women and children. “Sydney has the right attitude, temperament and progressive mindset we need in Sacramento,” said Ms. Bass.

Electing Ms. Kamlager-Dove, she said, “is crucial in light of the policy challenges we face in California with an administration in the White House whose ultra-conservative policies pose a direct threat to health and human services that provide support to women, seniors and children.”

Assemblyperson Cristina Garcia (D-Bel Gardens), chair of the California Women’s Legislative Caucus, welcomed Ms. Kamlager-Dove’s candidacy. “She will be a strong voice for women and a diehard advocate for education and workforce development,” Ms. Garcia said.

“Sydney knows job training and workforce development will open doors to new careers for women and men.

“Based on her nonprofit sector work with Crystal Stairs, she knows education for our children must start early to provide our kids with the best opportunity to be successful when they enter kindergarten

Ms. Kamlager Dove has been a member of the Community  College board since March 2015.

Mr. MacFarlane may be contacted at fredmacfarlane@mac.com