Miguel Contreras, head of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, died Friday evening of an apparent heart attack. Contreras is credited by many for re-energizing the labor movement in Southern California. Under his leadership, the County Fed has established itself as a venerable force in local politics, and has helped successfully organize Latino immigrants throughout Los Angeles.
See "Leader Who Restored Labor's Clout in L.A. Dies", Matea Gold and Monte Morin, Los Angeles Times, May 8, 2005