SACRAMENTO, CA - Mona Pasquil has been appointed acting lieutenant governor of California, ‘Philippine News’ has learned.

A longtime Democrat, Pasquil, 48, will serve as take over duties of erstwhile Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, the runaway winner for the 10th District congressional seat vacated by State Undersecretary Ellen Tauscher.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be the first woman but most importantly the first Filipina to be appointed to this seat,” Pasquil told Philippine News two hours after officially assuming her post. “I’m so honored for our community, especially for our pioneers who worked extremely hard for us (who came after) to go just a little bit further. This is great opportunity to help others in this ethnic mosaic that is our state.”

Pasquil will serve in an administrative capacity until confirmation of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appointee, which may take place in 90 days. Pasquil may sit on or appoint members of regulatory commissions and state agencies, but Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg will act as acting governor in the absence or incapacity of the chief of state based on the state’s line of succession.

“This is an extremely significant moment for our community and the state,” exclaimed Alice Bulos, an ally and admirer of Pasquil, when told of the appointment. “I have known and worked with Mona for many decades and many campaigns. She will be a great influence in empowering all minorities.”

Kansas-born Pasquil is the first woman and fifth acting lieutenant governor in the Golden State. California has had 46 lieutenant governors.
She accepted her first employer and mentor Garamendi’s invitation to replace his retiring Chief of Staff last year.

“I feel I’ve come full circle,” Pasquil said. “I began my political career in the capitol with (then-state) Senator Garamendi, whom I’ve known since I was a kid. He said he’d show me the ropes: Do I want to do press? He’d teach me how to do press. Did I want to do policy? He’d show me how. I did all those things and I’m very blessed to have moved on to other offices learning so much along the way.”
Pasquil is a member of the Democratic National Party Rules and Bylaws Committee. She was director of community outreach for Sen. John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign and political director of the two campaigns of Pres. Bill Clinton.

A third-generation Filipino American, she is the eldest of the five children of Cornelio and Connie Pasquil.
“Growing up we heard stories from our manongs about how hard life was for them, so whenever there was anyone in need, they were welcome to our house,” she shared family’s values she holds dear. “Our parents brought us up to help others.”
Acting Lt. Gov. Pasquil earned a degree in English Lit from Marymount College. She is happy to share her success with her partner Chris Rogers, regulatory manager for the rail service and a 20-year veteran with the U.S. Army.