California leader prepares for expensive swearing-in ceremony
Two thousand guests have been invited to help celebrate Wednesday’s swearing-in of the first Latino to head the California Senate in more than a century.
Democratic Sen. Kevin de Leon of Los Angeles is breaking with tradition to hold his ceremony at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.
The invitation lists the event as the “Inauguration of Kevin de Leon,” using language usually reserved for presidents and governors.
The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation, which receives donations from special interests seeking influence in the Legislature, is picking up the estimated $50,000 tab.
Latino caucus spokesman Roger Salazar disputed the perception that the event is too elaborate.
