UPDATE/VIDEO Added: L.A. County Democratic Party Endorses Al Austin Over Lillian Kawasaki in LB's 8th Council District

(Mar. 13, 2012, 11:15 p.m., updated text with video Mar.14, 2:05 p.m.) -- LBReport.com has learned that earlier this evening (Tues. Mar. 13), the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (through its voting representatives) endorsed Al Austin over Lillian Kawasaki by a roughly 3 to 1 margin (70-25 vote).

UPDATE: YouTube.com video below uploaded by an anonymous third party ("NorthLongBeach90805") as L.A. Democratic Party Chair Eric Bauman presides over the endorsement vote:

The endorsement decision, which took place at UTLA HQ in the mid-Wilshire district of Los Angeles, was marked by high drama as Ms. Kasasaki entered the meeting with the endorsement of representatives from the 55th Assembly (area covers parts of LB's 8th and 9th Council districts). However, a motion that the L.A. County Democratic Party support that recommendation failed passage.

Both candidates were present and spoke along with several of their supporters. Those supporting Mr. Austin included former Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga and current LB Democratic Club President Rex Richardson [title for identification].

The LB Democratic Club didn't make an endorsement, lacking a quorum at a previous meeting). Ms. Kawasaki has been endorsed by the LB Group of the Sierra Club, state Senator Alan Lowenthal, former LB Mayor Beverly O'Neill...and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (PAC).

The outcome of tonight's vote means Mr. Austin will be able to state on his campaign materials that he is the 8th district candidate officially endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and the Democratic Party of the state of California.

"I'm honored to have received the official endorsement of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party tonight," Mr. Austin swiftly transmitted on his Facebook tonight.

Earlier today (Mar. 13), the Austin campaign announced it has the endorsements of North Long Beach community leader Laurie Angel and former 8th dist. Council candidate Mike Kowal. (Separate coverage on this development, click here).

Vote by mail ballots are now circulating in the election that will choose a successor to term-limited Councilwoman Rae Gabelich -- who's endorsed Mr. Austin -- in the 8th Council district, which extends from Los Cerritos-Bixby Knolls into the southern portion of North Long Beach.

The candidate who prevails will have a vote for the next four years on City Hall spending priorities, city policies and development projects citywide.