The American Heart Association’s Go Red Por Tu Corazon and Chef Hamlet Garcia Raise Awareness Among Latinas About Heart Disease This National Wear Red Day, women across the nation can support the fight against their No. 1 killer

Heart disease continues to be the No. 1 killer of Latinas in the U.S. In fact, more women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, the killer isn’t as easy to see, and may be difficult to identify for Latinas and their families. This Friday, Feb. 3 2012, is National Wear Red Day, a day meant to motivate Hispanic women in our communities to make healthy life choices for themselves and the ones they love to help stop heart disease. This February, Go Red Por Tu Corazón will be joining forces with Chef Hamlet García, host on Vme Cocina to help spread awareness about heart disease and how to decrease risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. “Our heart health is really in our hands. As Latinos, sometimes we are used to eating large portions and cooking with fatty oils. One of the first steps we can take is to make small changes to the food we cook in our homes,” said Chef Hamlet, spokesperson for Go Red Por Tu Corazón. “This directly influences our heart health, and allows us to continue enjoying moments with our loved ones.” Currently, some eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat. In fact, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. Eva Gomez, 2011 Go Red Por Tu Corazón spokesperson, comments on her experience. “I could not believe it,” said Eva. “Now I am one of the many women who suffer from heart disease – the number one killer among Latinas”. “After my experience, I have made many changes in my life to maintain Heart health,” said Eva. “The first thing I had to change was my eating habits. I eliminated fried and greasy foods and substituted them for healthier foods.” The good news is that heart disease can be prevented. In fact, 80 percent of cardiac events in women are linked to poor choices, involving diet, physical activity and smoking. Women must make the right choices to change this statistic. That’s why Go Red Por Tu Corazón, the bilingual movement of the American Heart Association was developed to offer Hispanic women and their families the tools and resources necessary to be healthier using practical tips that are culturally relevant. Local Events Local Red Dress Dash and Go Red CONNECT events will be held across the country throughout the month of February. Latinas who share their stories about heart disease have the chance to become a spokesperson for the cause representing Go Red Por Tu Corazón in marketing materials, at events, and on GoRedForWomen.org and GoRedCorazon.org. Visit GoRedCorazon.org for more information about local Go Red CONNECT events and how to participate in National Wear Red Day. For more information on Go Red Por Tu Corazón and National Wear Red Day, please visit GoRedCorazon.org

Today, First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama joined Robert K. Ross, M.D., CEO of The California Endowment and other local leaders to celebrate the first tangible examples of progress facilitated by the California FreshWorks Fund, a $264 million public-private partnership loan fund led by The California Endowment and an all-star team of partners to bring affordable healthy food access to underserved communities around the state.

The event featured fresh and healthy foods that will soon be available at the abandoned Inglewood site that, with the help of California FreshWorks Fund financing, will soon become a Northgate Gonzalez Market.

Northgate Gonzalez Markets was once a small family-owned grocer and has grown to be a community staple in dozens of locations across California.  The California FreshWorks Fund committed in excess of $20 million in financing to Northgate Gonzalez Markets for their first three projects: a recently opened City Heights, San Diego location and two planned stores in Inglewood and South Los Angeles. In keeping with the Northgate brand, these new locations will prioritize healthy food retailing as they expand their company, create jobs, and help nourish communities that otherwise lack access to healthy AND affordable food.

“The FreshWorks Fund is helping Northgate transform the health of communities!,” said Gonzalez.  “We value being able to contribute to the health and well being of the neighborhoods we serve.  Stores #34 in City Heights and #35 in Inglewood may not have been possible without this help.”

Scott Sporte, Chief Lending Officer, NCB Capital Impact, one of the primary partners managing the FreshWorks Fund, said, “We value helping stores like Northgate Gonzalez Markets expand to areas with limited access to affordable, healthy foods – not just because they are fresh grocery experts, but because they are committed to the health and well being of the communities they serve.”

In addition to the First Lady, speakers include President and CEO of the California Endowment Robert K. Ross, M.D., Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Inglewood Mayor James Butts, Northgate Gonzalez Markets COO and Co-President Oscar Gonzalez, and community leaders from around Los Angeles. Speakers noted the visible progress being made in communities in the region, but also illustrated the need to do more. “Health Happens in our Neighborhoods,” said Robert K. Ross, CEO of The California Endowment, a lead partner for the FreshWorks Fund.  “We all have a shared interest in ensuring our neighborhoods, grocery stores and school cafeterias contribute positively to the health of our communities. Today’s announcement marks the beginning of what we hope will be a robust effort to expand access to nutritious food for all Californians!”

Last July, Mrs. Obama celebrated nationwide commitments by the California FreshWorks Fund and major retailers to open or expand stores in areas with limited access to healthy food. The California FreshWorks Fund partners include grocers, major banks, health care entities, research experts and others. The fund is modeled after the successful Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative and was developed to align with the National Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI).

By driving economic development and encouraging innovation in healthy food retailing practices, the Fund not only creates jobs, but also helps Californians gain greater access to healthy food choices and lead healthier lives.

The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation, was established in 1996 to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians. Headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, The Endowment has regional offices in Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno and San Diego, with program staff working throughout the state. The Endowment challenges the conventional wisdom that medical settings and individual choices are solely responsible for people’s health. The Endowment believes that health happens in neighborhoods, schools, and with prevention. For more information, visit The California Endowment’s homepage at www.calendow.org 

California FreshWorks Fund partners include: The California Endowment, NCB Capital Impact, NCB, Unified Grocers, California Grocers Association, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health (formerly Catholic Healthcare West), Calvert Foundation, Social Compact, Emerging Markets, PolicyLink, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Community Health Councils, Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles and most recently Met Life, Citibank, Opportunity Finance Network, and Charles Schwab Bank.

Partnership contributes to Generation 1st Degree, an HSF initiative with the goal of adding more than 14 million new Hispanic college graduates by 2025

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) and Olive Garden announced today its partnership through the first-ever “Cocinando un Futuro” scholarship program. Ten talented students have been selected as scholarship recipients due to their exemplary passion for culinary arts and academic achievement. Together, the HSF and Olive Garden collaboration empowers Generation 1st Degree, the national movement to raise the Hispanic degree attainment rate to 60 percent by ensuring that every Latino household has at least one college graduate.

“The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is committed to raising awareness among America’s Latino families about the importance of a college education and help them secure the resources they need to earn a college degree,” stated Frank Alvarez, HSF president and CEO. “With the help of Olive Garden through the ‘Cocinando un Futuro’ scholarship program, we are able to bring this commitment to life.”

The HSF and Olive Garden “Cocinando un Futuro” scholarship program provides scholarships, up to $2,500 per student, to undergraduate minority students who are enrolled full-time at a U.S. accredited college or university during the 2011-2012 academic year. The students were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants interested in culinary arts, who met specific criteria that included attaining a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, demonstrating personal strengths and leadership and have an unmet financial need requiring support in their efforts to obtain a college degree.

“Olive Garden is proud to partner with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and we’re honored to help award the ‘Cocinando un Futuro’ scholarships to a talented group of students that share our passion for food and hospitality,” said Julio Suarez, director of diversity outreach for Darden Restaurants, Inc., the parent company of Olive Garden. “One of Darden’s priorities as a community partner is to support access to postsecondary education as a way to empower and enable youth to pave their own path to success. The ‘Cocinando un Futuro’ program is a perfect way for us to bring this support to the Hispanic community.”

Selected Scholarship Recipients

The HSF and Olive Garden are supporting the educational and professional goals of ten talented students with a passion for culinary arts.

• Michelle Alcantar, California State University-Sacramento, Culinary Arts and Interior Design
• Santiago Hernandez, St. Philips College, Culinary Arts
• Jose Martinez, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration
• Estefani Mata, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Business Administration and Culinary Arts
• Brenda Mendoza Ortega, Johnson & Wales University-Denver, Culinary Arts and Biochemistry
• Vennette Perez, Norwalk Community College, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration
• Diego Recinos, Johnson & Wales University-Florida Campus, Culinary Arts
• Paulina Sanchez, Arizona State University, Hospitality Administration and Foreign Languages/Culture
• Natalie Shepherd, Sullivan University, Culinary Arts
• Pablo Uruena, Texas Culinary Academy, Culinary Arts

For more information regarding “Cocinando un Futuro,” visit www.HSF.net.

About Hispanic Scholarship Fund:

Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund believes that the country prospers when all Americans have access to the opportunities a college education can afford. As the nation’s leading Hispanic higher education fund, HSF works to address the barriers that keep many Latinos from earning a college degree. HSF has awarded over $330 million in scholarships over the past 36 years and has supported a broad range of outreach and education programs to help students and their families navigate collegiate life, from gaining admission and securing financial aid to finding employment after graduation. HSF envisions a future where every Latino household will have at least one college graduate, creating an enduring impact on the college outlook of Latino families nationwide, and strengthening the American economy for generations to come. For more information about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund please visit: www.HSF.net.

After an extensive search, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) announces David Ferreira as the organizations Executive Director.

With over 15 years of experience in Washington, D.C., David Ferreira is no stranger to government formation, political advocacy and Hispanic based issues. Prior to NHCSL, he was a partner at Hispanic Strategy Group, a boutique government relations firm, preceding his four year tenure as Vice President of Government Relations for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC).

“We will continue a proud legacy of successful advocacy for the Hispanic community while further strengthening our capabilities, improve member satisfaction and place a renewed focus on the needs of the fast growing number of Latino legislators throughout nation,” said David Ferreira, NHCSL Executive Director. “I am proud to be part of this organization whose critical mission is to help Hispanic legislators be more effective in their advocacy, both nationally and locally.”

Representative Minnie Gonzalez (CT), NHCSL President, said Ferreira’s broad range of skills, multiple facets of government relations and extensive fundraising experience can help lead the organization to greater heights.

“David Ferreira has a successful history of leadership and development in government relations that will serve NHCSL well,” said Representative Gonzalez (CT), NHCSL President.  “David is a valuable addition to the NHCSL executive team. Among many talented individuals, we chose David for his wide ranging experience along with his deep commitment to Hispanic political empowerment making David an exceptional asset for the NHCSL. We look forward to an exciting period with a focus on empowering our members under his leadership.”

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country.  NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 340 Hispanic legislators.  For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

Swearing in of Judge Raquel Marquez, by Judge Helios J. Hernandez

Gov. Jerry Brown announced the appointment of Raquel A. Marquez to the bench back in December 2011. On January 27, 2012  former Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Raquel Marquez became Riverside County Superior Court’s first Latina judge.  She was sworn in by Judge Helios J. Hernandez. Ms. Marquez earned her law degree from UCLA and her undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University.

Hispanic Lifestyle will broadcast our interview with Judge Marquez, stay tuned.

Here are additional pictures.

Sergio Mendes

Oscar nomination for his song “Real In Rio,” in the animated film RIO

One of the most internationally successful Brazilian artists of all time, Sergio Mendes has recorded more than 35 albums, several of which went gold or platinum, and is a three-time GRAMMY Award winner. From the mid 1960s to the late 70s, Mendes established his legendary status by taking numerous albums and singles to the top of the charts, including “The Look of Love,” “Mas Que Nada” and “Brasil 66,” which marked the first time that a song sung entirely in Portuguese reached the top five on the Billboard magazine pop chart in the US.

Mendes’ innovation and versatility has enabled him to collaborate with a wide a range of artists ranging from Frank Sinatra (with whom he did two tours in ’67 and ’80) and Fred Astaire in the 60s and 70s to recent recordings with Justin Timberlake and will.i.am. He has also played twice at the White House, in 1971 and 1982.

In 1992, Mendes was awarded his first GRAMMY in the category of Best World Music for his album Brasileiro, and since then Mendes has gone on to be honored with two Latin GRAMMY Awards for Best Brazilian Record, Timeless (2006) and Bom Tempo (2010), which is also nominated for a GRAMMY Award this year (the ceremony will be held on February 13, 2011).

As a producer, composer, keyboardist and vocalist, Mendes’ influence on the music industry has spanned five decades and continues to evolve through new collaborations and mediums.

BUILDING ON THREE-YEARS OF IMPORTANT PROGRESS, WHITE HOUSE CONTINUES TO ENGAGE HISPANIC COMMUNITIES

 Obama Administration to Hold More Than a Dozen Hispanic Community Action Summits This Year Beginning in Arizona, Florida, Ohio and Texas

The White House

Continuing to build on a series of meetings held since the Obama Administration came to office, the White House will host more than a dozen summits with Hispanic communities across the country following President Obama’s State of the Union address to Congress. The Administration will hold Hispanic community action summits in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Tampa, Florida; Elyria, Ohio; and San Antonio, Texas in the coming weeks.

UPCOMING WHITE HOUSE

HISPANIC COMMUNITY ACTION SUMMITS

**NOTE: Members of the public must register in advance to participate in each event by emailing WhiteHouseforHispanicEducation@ed.gov. 

Congrats to mexican-american actress Tina D’Marco who is 1 of 2 female actresses lucky enough to be in the film RED TAILS.  According to Ms. D’Marco she was “fortunate enough to be directed by George Lucas himself”. “Tho my background goes back quite a few years, this is by far an exciting time for me as I auditioned against many, many real italian women, and my italian is school learned” said D’Marco.

Character actress and voiceover artist Tina D’Marco is a native Californian, born in National City, a community south of San Diego. Her father, a 1940s orchestra leader, played in the bands of Xavier Cugat and Desi Arnaz. Her mother was “an original Rosie the Riveter,” one of the young women recruited to make airplanes during World War II.

President Obama’s Blueprint to Support California Manufacturing Jobs,

Discourage Outsourcing, and Encourage Insourcing

The Los Angeles District of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of classes for business owners in their Training Room, located at 330 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 1200, Glendale, CA 91203.  View the Los Angeles SBA online calendar at:  http://web.sba.gov/calendar/public/index.cfm?rc=0914

Registration for all our classes is required.   To register, please go to the registration site: http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1756202965 unless otherwise indicated.

January 2012:

Identity Theft & Fraud Workshop

1/26      9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Presented by: Merchant University

Identity theft and fraud, how real is this problem…..can it happen to you? What you need to know.

What is it, how does it affect you, what is your obligation as a merchant, prevention, ongoing monitoring and best practices.

Financial Strategies for Business Success

1/27    9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presented by Kelly Rolfe Financial Services

Finances are the number one reason the majority of businesses fail and yet most small business owners still neglect them. By simply implementing a financial strategy that guides the business through a plan of action to reach the target income level, the business outcome will dramatically improve. Come learn 5 key financial strategies to reach your income goals in 2012.

February 2012:

GSA Getting on the GSA Schedule

2/15   9:00AM – 12:00PM

Presented by U.S. GSA & L.A. County PTAC

This course reviews the fundamentals of the GSA Acquisition process; how to identify schedules & item numbers; analysis of the application process; use of GSA website & schedules for marketing to GSA, DoD and other federal agencies. To register e-mail: osb@isd.lacounty.gov or call: 855-230-6430

Women Owned Small Business Certification (WOSB)

2/16        9:00AM -11:00AM

Presented by VEDC- Women’s Business Center

Want to become a Certified Woman-Owned Business? Learn how to become certified and develop specific strategies to maximize the opportunities made available through the U.S. SBA’s Woman-Owned Small Business Program. Discover how to promote your company to major corporations that are actively seeking to conduct business with a Woman-Owned Business. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Certification validates that the business is 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women.

To register e-mail Lorena at: lflores@vedc.org or call: 818-907-9922

Understanding Business Financials

2/16   1:00PM – 3:00PM

Presented by Kelly Rolfe Financial Services

If you own a business or are starting a business you need to understand your financial responsibilities in running your business.  Come join us to learn the important financials relating to business, including how to read financial statements, tax responsibilities, budget & bookkeeping responsibilities.

Federal and State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar

2/21      9:00AM – 3:00PM

Presented by the IRS and the California EDD Tax office

You will learn about California payroll reporting requirements, including forms, employer obligations, reporting, payment requirements, independent contractor reporting requirements, electronic filing and payment requirements and options.  Additionally, Federal payroll reporting requirements, including Forms 940, 941, 1099, W-2, W-4, W-9, and alternative filing will be discussed. To register visit: http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Tax_Seminars/

March 2012:

Business Start-Up Boot Camp

3/13      9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Presented by Kelly Rolfe Financial Services

Want to start a business but not sure what to do to get started. Get started in a flash, from inception to launch.  Learn what it takes to start a business, what to the forms to file, financial responsibilities and much, much more!

Federal and State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar

3/14      9:00 AM – 3:00PM

Presented by the IRS and the California EDD Tax office

You will learn about California payroll reporting requirements, including forms, employer obligations, reporting, payment requirements, independent contractor reporting requirements, electronic filing and payment requirements and options.  Additionally, Federal payroll reporting requirements, including Forms 940, 941, 1099, W-2, W-4, W-9, and alternative filing will be discussed.

To register visit:  http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Tax_Seminars/

8(a) Workshop

3/15          9:00AM – 11:00AM

Presented by SBA

This workshop will address initial criteria for entrance into the 8(a) Business Development Program, tips on how to complete the electronic application and how to market in the federal contracting arena.

The 8(a) workshop is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Pre-registration is required; this is a secured building.  To register, please contact Ms. Beatriz Devis at (818) 552-3257 or email beatriz.devis@sba.gov to secure a spot.

April 2012:

Financial Strategies for Business Success

4/3    9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presented by Kelly Rolfe Financial Services

Finances are the number one reason the majority of businesses fail and yet most small business owners still neglect them. By simply implementing a financial strategy that guides the business through a plan of action to reach the target income level, the business outcome will dramatically improve. Come learn 5 key financial strategies to reach your income goals in 2012.

Fundamentals of Exporting

4/4      9:00AM – 4:00PM

Fundamentals of Exporting: This is a must-take opportunity for new exporters to gain an understanding of the export process. Topics: INCO Terms and other technical terms used in international trade, setting up your business, logistics and insurance.  Instructor: Michael Baker, J.D.

INCO Terms: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the purpose, use and application of the new INCO Terms 2010.  Instructor: Michael Baker, J.D.

Promoting Products and Services Overseas: Learn how to market and sell your products to clients overseas by identifying po­tential export markets and how to choose the appropriate export and marketing strategy for your business. Instructor: Lynn Stewart, MBA

Export Plan Development: Understand the essentials of an international business plan, the additional costs associated with exporting, product pricing and marketing for international markets, and the importance of receptive markets.  Instructor: Lynn Stewart, MBA

To register e-mail: citd@lbcc.edu

State Payroll Tax Workshop

4/11      9:00 AM – 1:00PM

Presented by the California EDD Tax office

Who would benefit:

•               Those seeking hands-on experience in calculating taxes and completing payroll tax forms.

•               Anyone who has attended a previous Federal/State or State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar.

•               Those familiar with State payroll tax reporting who would like additional practice.

To register visit:  http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Tax_Seminars/

GSA Getting on the GSA Schedule

4/12   9:00AM – 12:00PM

Presented by U.S. GSA & L.A. County PTAC

This course reviews the fundamentals of the GSA Acquisition process; how to identify schedules & item numbers; analysis of the application process; use of GSA website & schedules for marketing to GSA, DoD and other federal agencies. To register e-mail: osb@isd.lacounty.gov or call: 855-230-6430

May 2012:

Understanding Business Financials

5/1    9:00AM – 11:00AM

Presented by Kelly Rolfe Financial Services

If you own a business or are starting a business you need to understand your financial responsibilities in running your business.  Come join us to learn the important financials relating to business, including how to read financial statements, tax responsibilities, budget & bookkeeping responsibilities

Federal and State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar

5/9      9:00 AM – 3:00PM

Presented by the IRS and the California EDD Tax office

You will learn about California payroll reporting requirements, including forms, employer obligations, reporting, payment requirements, independent contractor reporting requirements, electronic filing and payment requirements and options.  Additionally, Federal payroll reporting requirements, including Forms 940, 941, 1099, W-2, W-4, W-9, and alternative filing will be discussed.

To register visit:  http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Tax_Seminars/

8(a) Workshop

5/17 9:00AM – 11:00AM

Presented by SBA

This workshop will address initial criteria for entrance into the 8(a) Business Development Program, tips on how to complete the electronic application and how to market in the federal contracting arena.

The 8(a) workshop is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Pre-registration is required; this is a secured building.  To register, please contact Ms. Beatriz Devis at (818) 552-3257 or email beatriz.devis@sba.gov to secure a spot.

June 2012:

Business Start-Up Boot Camp

6 /5      9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Presented by Kelly Rolfe Financial Services

Want to start a business but not sure what to do to get started. Get started in a flash, from inception to launch.  Learn what it takes to start a business, what forms to file, financial responsibilities and much, much more!

GSA Getting on the GSA Schedule

6/7   9:00AM – 12:00PM

Presented by U.S. GSA & L.A. County PTAC

This course reviews the fundamentals of the GSA Acquisition process; how to identify schedules & item numbers; analysis of the application process; use of GSA website & schedules for marketing to GSA, DoD and other federal agencies. To register e-mail: osb@isd.lacounty.gov or call: 855-230-6430

Employee or Independent Contractor Tax Seminar

6/13      9:00 AM – 12:00PM

Presented by the IRS and the California EDD Tax office

You will learn:

•               How to distinguish between an employee and an independent contractor.

•               The basics of statutory employment.

•               About independent contractor reporting requirements.

•               Ways to get assistance.

To register visit:  http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Tax_Seminars/

8(a) Workshop

6/14 9:00AM – 11:00AM

Presented by: SBA

This workshop will address initial criteria for entrance into the 8(a) Business Development Program, tips on how to complete the electronic application and how to market in the federal contracting arena.

The 8(a) workshop is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Pre-registration is required; this is a secured building.  To register, please contact Ms. Beatriz Devis at (818) 552-3257 or email beatriz.devis@sba.gov to secure a spot.

Green.SBA.gov helps small businesses find green contracts, grants, and partnerships throughout the federal government.  It promotes sustainable, environmentally friendly procurement practices and lets small businesses share information related to green contracting.

Free Small Business Counseling by Appointment…..Call or Click 

LA SCORE @ 818 552-3206 or www.score.org

LA Small Business Development Center @ 562-938-5020 or www.smallbizla.org

The SBA training program is made possible by the generous support of our volunteer teachers and presenters.  We appreciate their time and expertise; however, these presentations do not represent an endorsement of their views, opinions, products, or services by SBA.  All SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance.