Congratulations Letter from LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to Lizaso House of Barong and Style’s 5th Annual Kayamanan ng Bayan at CBS Studio Center

June 1, 2013
Dear Friends:
On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, it is my pleasure to welcome members and guests attending Lizaso House of Barong and Style’s 5th Annual Kayamanan ng Bayan “A Philippine Independence Day-Week of Celebration” 115th Anniversary.
The Lizaso House of Barong and Style is a model of dedication to building bridges between diverse communities and cultures. I commend their contribution to the Filipino-American community in pursuit of raising awareness in our great city. Your philanthropic and humanitarian contributions to not only the Filipino community, but also to the greater Los Angeles area are truly inspirational.
I would like to congratulate all of tonight’s honorees for their efforts in furthering the Lizaso House of Barong and Style’s mission of humanitarian services.
It is always a pleasure to recognize organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting diversity and spreading hope through their commitment to community outreach.
I extend my best wishes for a memorable celebration and future success.
Very truly yours,

ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA
Mayor

Editor’s Note: This letter was supposed to be printed on the event program but when arrive it was too late for printing. However we are happy to share it here with all our readers including the nominees and award recipients of Lizaso House of Barong and Style’s 5th Annual Kayamanan ng Bayan “A Philippine Independence Day-Week of Celebration” 115th Anniversary.

Erick Mose and Aleksandra Duliba Winners of 28th Annual ASICS LA Marathon 2013

On Sunday, March 17, 2013 the 2013 ASICS LA Marathon was held from Los Angeles Dodger Stadium to the Sea at Santa Monica, California.

Erick Mose from Kenya wins the Men’s race. Mose won in an unofficial time of 2:09:43. The marathon record stands in 2:08:24.

Aleksandra Duliba from Belarus wins the Women’s race at the 28th ASICS Los Angeles Marathon 2013 on Sunday which it was her marathon debut, and Kenyan Erick Mose won the Men’s race with a personal best.

Duliba led 21 of 26 miles, including the final 14, and finished in 2 hours, 26 minutes, 8 seconds, breaking the Belarusian national record by 15 seconds.

The women’s and men’s winners each receive $25,000. In addition to the $25,000 first prize, Duliba won a $50,000 bonus as the first elite runner to cross the finish line, 2:09 ahead of Mose, who won in 2:09:44. The women started 18:35 ahead of the men.

Keter finished second while Nicholas Chelimo, also of Kenya, was third in 2:10:41.

28th Annual ASICS LA Marathon 2013 results:

Male Leaderboard

Pos.	Name	City, State	Bib	Sex	Age	Pace	Diff	Time
1	Erick Mose (KEN)	Toluca	11	M	26	4:57	+0:00	2:09:43.01
2	Julius Keter (KEN)	Kapsabet	14	M	24	4:59	+0:47.45	2:10:30.46
3	Nicholas Chelimo (KEN)	Ngong Hills	2	M	30	4:59	+0:59.66	2:10:42.67
4	Weldon Kirui (KEN)	Kericho	6	M	24	4:59	+1:07.46	2:10:50.47
5	Vitaly Shafar (UKR)	Kiev	15	M	31	5:05	+3:46.58	2:13:29.59
6	Philemon Baaru (KEN)	Nairobi	4	M	31	5:08	+4:55.97	2:14:38.98
7	Nick Arciniaga (USA)	Flagstaff, AZ	12	M	29	5:14	+7:21.30	2:17:04.31
8	Chris Chavez (USA)	Menlo Park, CA	16	M	26	5:19	+9:37.21	2:19:20.22
9	Benard Onsare (CAN)	Calgary, Al	1134	M	30	5:31	+15:05.47	2:24:48.48
10	Jared Abuya (USA)	Colorado Springs, CO	1159	M	36	5:32	+15:33.18	2:25:16.19

Female Leaderboard

Pos.	Name	City, State	Bib	Sex	Age	Pace	Diff	Time
1	Aleksandra Duliba (BLR)	Minsk	F10	F	27	5:34	+0:00	2:26:07.45
2	Zemzem Ahmed (ETH)	Addis Ababa	F4	F	28	5:44	+4:23.82	2:30:31.27
3	Deena Kastor (USA)	Mammoth Lakes, CA	F1	F	40	5:49	+6:30.99	2:32:38.44
4	Aberash Nesga (ETH)	Addis Ababa	F6	F	27	6:00	+11:01.77	2:37:09.22
5	Colleen De Reuck (USA)	Boulder, CO	F3	F	48	6:09	+15:16.25	2:41:23.70
6	Joanna Zeiger (USA)	Boulder, CO	F9	F	42	6:17	+18:40.58	2:44:48.03
7	Ailsa MacDonald (CAN)	St Albert, Al	2412	F	32	6:25	+22:07.86	2:48:15.31
8	Julia Budniak (USA)	Los Angeles, CA	24353	F	32	6:28	+23:22.42	2:49:29.87
9	Natalie Stein (USA)	North Hollywood, CA	1224	F	30	6:47	+31:46.49	2:57:53.94
10	Kate Freeman (USA)	Los Angeles, CA	1211	F	31	6:48	+32:22.05	2:58:29.50

About The ASICS LA Marathon:
They inspire athletes and connect communities. With thousands of volunteers,tens of thousands of participants and hundreds ofthousands of spectators,the ASICS LA Marathon is one of the largest organized road races in the country. The Stadium to the Sea course, which starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes by the Santa Monica Pier, is considered one of the most scenic in the world. The race has been
named Best Big City Race by Runner’s World and Best Marathon in the West by Competitor Magazine. For more information visit http://www.lamarathon.com

Source: Los Angeles Marathon

Photos credit to: Photo by Alireza Kia/Alireza Kia Photography and Francois Palais/Francois Palais Photography for Diversity News Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to the winners! Our Executive Editor-In-Chief Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar contributed to this story.

Exclusive: Meet The Iron Man of Persian Community Shahbod Noori

“One Man With Courage Make A Majority” Shahbod Noori is the Publisher and President of Tehran International Weekly Magazine and the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Persian Relief Center.

Shahbod Noori was born on March 10, 1964, in Iran, Tehran. He became a driving instructor there at age 17. When the regime changed in Iran, he fled from his country through the mountains to Pakistan. There he continued to work as a driver, and also as a bodyguard for celebrities.

After one year in Karachi, Pakistan, Shahbod Noori moved to Vienna, Austria. He worked for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) as a driver and security guard for the Jewish Synagogue. In 1986 he moved to New York and after six months, decided to head for the Golden State of California.

In Los Angeles, Shahbod Noori started his own driving school, Foojan Driving School. At the same time, for fun and because he loves Friday nights, he began creating and promoting Friday Night-only nightclubs at famous locations around the Los Angeles area. They included Rendezvous on Club Yes in West LA; Spanky on Paradise Night Club in Century City; Club Lido in Tarzana; and Club Rio in Encino.

Shahbod Noori is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Persian Relief Center, a non-profit organization founded in 2008 to assist low-income or no-income families. Shahbod Noori is an entrepreneur with many skills. When he is not working on his Tehran International Weekly Magazine, he is working at his Super California Deli & Market (located at 20050 Vanowen St #C in Canoga Park, C). Super California Deli & Market has been serving the San Fernando Valley Persian community since 2009. In 2011 he opened California Kabob Restaurant (located at 20050 Vanowen St #B in Canoga Park, CA).


Shahbod Noori has put together 11 successful charity concerts with more than 3000 people for the Persian Relief Center. He has raised money and helped several dozens of people to keep roofs over their heads, go to school, find jobs, and has even sheltered them in his home for many months. Shahbod Noori promoted nine Persian festivals, which drew from 8,000 to 12,000 people, at sites including Mehregan on Hollywood Park Casino, Woodley Park, and Pierce College. He produced six Persian New Year’s festivals with more than 25,000 people in attendance on Balboa Lake Park in San Fernando Valley area.

Shahbod Noori is also the Founder & Executive Director of Tehran International Weekly Magazine, one of the leading Persian-Language magazines in the United States and around the World since 1996. In 2003, Shahbod Noori Started his recording company, Tehran Records, and has produced and distributed the albums from the top Persian singers. 

During his entrepreneur and publishing careers, Shahbod Noori has met and worked with powerful politicians, newsmakers and shakers such as former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, LA District Attorney Gil Garcetti, Former Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan, City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Sheriff Lee Baca, and Zev Yaroslavsky from Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, among many others.

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He started his publishing company in 1989 with The Original Bazaar Weekly, the first free classified and advertising paper among Iranians residing in Southern California. Besides being a publisher, Shahbod Noori has always shown great concern for social issues within the Iranian community.

Both as a journalist and publisher, Shahbod Noori not only tries to be a true voice of Iranians in Southern California and around the globe, but also helps many in the community at times of despair and hardship. His passion for social justice and helping the most vulnerable women and children in society led him to found The Persian Relief Center.

For all his contributions for the betterment of society, in particular the Persian community, Shahbod Noori has received awards from the City of Los Angeles, and a Citizen award from the Los Angeles Police Department. Even the Persian community of which he is such a vital player has recognized his work and contribution by awarding him the Persian Media Award. Shahbod Noori is a recipient of the Charity Award and is Member of Who’s Who.

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Shahbod Noori travels all over the word and had visited many countries. Shahbod Noori has wide ranging interests, hobbies and activities. He is an accomplished photographer. Shahbod Noori is a professional Persian chef. Shahbod Noori is a licensed security guard. Shahbod Noori is also a licensed massage therapist: he has healing hands in meditation and pain management. Shahbod Noori is an Entertainment Sponsor and coach of many Persian models, actors and singers. Shahbod Noori loves to watch movies, viewing one movie per night before he goes to sleep.

Shahbod Noori is known as the Iron man, sometime working more than 12 hours a day. He is like a respected godfather of the Persian community because those who are in trouble or need assistance know they can go to him for advice and help.

About Tehran International Weekly Magazine: Tehran International Weekly Magazine is the leading Persian-Language weekly magazine in the United States and around the world.

Mr. Shahbod Noori is the Founder and Executive Director of the publishing company. In 1989 he published the first 24- page Original Bazaar Weekly.

The Original Bazaar Weekly was the first free classified and a display advertising paper published for the Iranian community in Southern California.

After eight years, the Original Bazaar Weekly was the most popular free classified advertising paper among Iranians residing in Southern California. However, this great success was just the beginning.

In 1996, Mr. Shahbod Noori published Tehran International Weekly Magazine, which covers world news, entertainment, art, sports, cultural & social events, politics, etc., by utilizing the talents of the most famous writers from within the Iranian community.

In 2000, Shahbod Noori, for the first time in the Iranian community, released 108 pages of Tehran Magazine online at www.tehranmagazine.com. The on-line version of the magazine is free for people to read or print in PDF format, and is updated weekly with a one-month lag-behind.

In 2013, after 17 years, Tehran International Weekly Magazine has become one of the most popular and powerful Iranian magazines in the United States and around the world. Although it mainly focuses on California, the magazine covers the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and Middle East, as well.

Photos credit to: Shahbod Noori private archive collections, Travis Jourdain/Five Minute Photos and Gisele Rebeiro/PartyBy5.com

Editor’s Note: We want to thank and congratulate Mr. Shahbod Noori for all his contributions to the community and accomplishments. We want to wish him the best and we need more strong people like him that helps and cares about the community. We are so proud and happy to featured him in our pages.

Noel S.V. Omega and Boy Lizaso honored at 1st Annual Fil-Am Image Awards 2013

On Friday, January 4, 2013 Mutch Carino from Maxx Promos and John James Sacramento from Kabayan Entertainment Presented the 1st Annual Fil-Am Image Awards 2013 Benefiting SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans) at Florentine Gardens located at 5951 Hollywood Blvd, in Hollywood, California 90028 from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am.

The Award categories were: Legends, Icons, Leaders, Luminary – Fashion and Beauty and Fabulous Filipinas.

Some of the awardees were: Boy Lizaso, Noel S.V. Omega, Bernardo Bernando, Jannelle So, Mary Lyn T. Sanga, Benny Uy, Lorian Fausto and many more.

Among the awardees were actress/model and Queen of the Universe 2013 pageant contestant Golsa Sarabi, Philippine CONSULATE GENERAL LA Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber-de la Vega and many more.

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“Thanks to all my friends, colleagues and supporters who came to witness the 1st Annual Filipino-American Image Awards at the Florentine Gardens in Hollywood last night! Receiving the Leadership Award in Community Service was a humbling yetgratifying experience – an affirmation of our passion in our various circles. Congratulations to my co-awardees: FASO Maestro Robert Shroder, Producer/Director Vic Perez, Photojournalists Benny Uyand Jess Espanola, Jewelry Designer/Entrepreneur Maryann Samadi, Fashion and Look Luminaries Cherry E. Ordonez and Manman Legaspi, Publisher Mildred Deang, Haute Couture Legend Boy Lizaso III, and Fabulous Filipina Beauties Erina Lightholderand Evien Obracevic. I had a blast!” said Noel S.V. Omega, Leader Image Award Recipient.

Noel S.V. Omega to received the Leader Award which is awarded to acclaimed forerunners in their profession, whether in business, community service or the arts. Their leadership is impeccable and their achievements are exceptional. They can be considered as the movers and shakers in the community.

About Noel S.V. Omega:
Noel S. V. Omega is the charter co-founder of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles and is the founder/principal consultant of Omega Quadrant. Noel studied Electronics and Computer Engineering at Cal State L.A. and later switched to Computer Systems and Programming at the ComputerLearningCenter in Los Angeles.

Noel worked as a software development manager at various Fortune 500 companies and taught computer programming in the 1980’s. In the 1990’s, Noel was awarded various U.S. Patents in software technology and design while working as a Software Engineering and Development Manager at Xerox Corporation.

Noel joined the San Fernando Valley Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce (SFVFACC) in 2003 as its P.R.O. When he was elected as the chamber president in 2005, he incorporated SFVFACC and established its charter beyond the San Fernando Valley. This culminated in its name change to the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (FACC-LA) in 2011. He currently serves as president emeritus and advisor for FACC-LA.

Noel serves in various boards including: Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement, Inc. and L.A. Brilliant Lions Club. He also served as a board member for the L.A. Mission College Foundation, Valley VOTE and various other community organizations. He advocates business ownership and works closely with various chambers and all levels of government to help develop viable economic alternatives through free enterprise.

Boy Lizaso received the Legend Award which is awarded to community leaders who have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavor for at least twenty (20) years and have continued to be successful in the same profession.

Their exemplary career accomplishments are legendary and it has made them an inspiration to many.

About Boy Lizaso: 
Boy Lizaso, that’s his stage name is an Actor, Producer, Fashion Designer and Owner of Lizaso Haute Couture.

 

About SIPA:
SIPA enriches and empowers generations of Pilipino Americans and others by providing health and human services, community economic development, and a place where all people of all backgrounds can come together to strengthen community. For more information visit http://www.sipa-online.org/organization

Photos credit to: Carlos Zeron, Bob Delgadillo from Bob Delgadillo Photography and Mollywood Hollywood from Mollywood Photo Productions.

For more photos visit: 1st Annual Filipino American Image Awards benefiting Search to Involve Pilipino Americans http://snapped4u.com/galleries/2934 and for more videos visit Diversity News TV at: http://blip.tv/diversity-news-tv

Note: Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News TV from Diversity News Publications were proud media partners of 1st Annual Fil-Am Image Awards.

This post is brought and sponsored to you by: Diversity News TV (Click logo to visit channel).

Lizaso Haute Couture Presented RED 12-12-12 Holiday Fashion and Awards Show Honoring L.A.’s Most Fascinating People 2012

Lizaso Haute Couture Presented RED 12-12-12 Holiday Fashion and Awards Show Honoring L.A.’s Most Fascinating People 2012.

While American broadcast journalist, author, and television personality Barbara Walters Presented “The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2012″ 12-12-12 on ABC, Boy Lizaso from Lizaso Haute Couture Presented 12-12-12 an Avant Garde Holiday Fashion and Award Show Presentation Honoring L.A.’s Most Fascinating People 2012.

The Holiday Fashion and Awards show was held at Celebrity Center International at 5930 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, CA 90028 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The price for tickets were a donation at the door to benefit L.A. Karilagan Lions Club District 4-L3, Eye Medical Mission to the Philippines and ABS CBN Foundation International Adopt-A-School.

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The event featured guest artist performance by Javier Di Francesco from Paraguay, Fashion Show, Appetizers, Red Carpet Arrivals and Awards presentation.

The awards and recognition presented were for Most Fascinating Lady in Red of the Year 2012, Most Fascinating Person of the Year 2012 and Most Fascinating Couple of the Year 2012.

Some of the people honored received a red rose and awards as Most Fascinating Lady in Red 12-12-12 and Most Fascinating Person of the Year 2012. The awards and roses were presented by Actor, Philanthropist, Producer and Fashion Designer Boy Lizaso and Philippine Consul General Maria Helen Barber De La Vega. The event was hosted by FACC-LA Noel S.V. Omega.

Among all the fans and guests were Published Book Author Lourdes Duque Baron from Scripted In Heaven and writer/reporter Fe P. Koons.

Photos credit to: Gisele Rebeiro from PartyBy5.com for Diversity News Magazine and Examiner.com

For more event videos, visit Diversity News TV on Blip TV at diversitynewstv.blip.tv

Editor’s Note: To find out who are all the honorees please watch the videos. Thank you.

This article is in part brought and sponsored by: The Baron Publishing House Corporation (Click logo to visit website).

Joe Mantegna from Criminal Minds and Grand Marshal with Santa Claus kick off 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots

Since 1928, the Hollywood Christmas Parade has been an American tradition for 81 years! There were three years during wartime when the parade wasn’t presented. Grand Marshals, Celebrities and VIPs who have appeared in The Hollywood Christmas Parade during the last 81 years include: Buzz Aldrin, Rosanne and Tom Arnold, Bob Barker, Michael Bolton, Beau Bridges, Kristin Chenoweth, David Copperfield, Tony Danza, Sammy Davis, Jr., Cecil B. DeMille, Peter Fonda, City of Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti, Louis Gossett, Jr., Johnny Grant, Kathy Griffin, David Hasselhoff, Charlton Heston, Bob and Delores Hope, Ron Howard, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Shirley Jones and Marty Ingels, Toby Keith, Larry King, Eartha Kitt, City of Los Angeles Councilmember Tom LaBonge, George Lopez, Susan Lucci, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Frankie Muniz, 98 Degrees, Edward James Olmos, Marie Osmond, Hayden Pantierre, Regis and Joy Philbin, Helen Reddy, Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans, Mickey and Jan Rooney, Antonio Sabato, Jr., Santa Claus, John Schneider, Arnold Schwarzenegger, William Shatner, Jimmy Stewart, The Simpsons, Ashley Tisdale, City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood and many others.

The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade was held in the heart of Hollywood, CA on Sunday, November 25, 2012 from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. It was kind of chilly, but the evening turn out to be a perfect night for celebrities and family to celebrate the most amazing and magical time of the year which are the Holidays.

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The event featured 200 celebrities and VIP’s on the red carpet, the parade, 21 Award-Winning Bands (including 14 from the state of California; seven from out of state – Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, and the United States Marine Corps Color Guard), 8 Equestrian Units, 6 Floats, 14 Balloons, 52 Specialty Characters/Novelties and live performances, including Kimberley Locke, Singer, “American Idol” Finalist singing “Silver Bells”

The parade route travels on a U-shaped 3.2 mile route throughout Hollywood, CA starting at Orange Street and Hollywood Boulevard, traveling East onto Hollywood Boulevard turning South onto Vine Street, and then traveling West onto Sunset Boulevard back to Orange Street. 5,000 plus people will participate in this year’s parade. 10,000 square feet of Red Carpet will blanket Hollywood Boulevard in front of the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (the official starting point for the parade) on a lavishly holiday adorned “live set” where Associated Television International will tape the parade for national televised broadcasts of the parade on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel to be aired during the holiday season.

About Joe Mantegna:
Joe Mantegna, Parade Grand Marshal; Film/Television/Stage Star, Tony Award and Emmy Award -Winning and Golden Globe Award -Nominated Actor (“Glengarry Glen Ross” – Broadway, “Bleacher Bums” – PBS, “Criminal Minds,” “The Rat Pack,” “The Godfather: Part III,” “The Simpsons Movie,” “Joan of Arcadia,” “The Starter Wife,” “The Last Don,” National Spokesperson for The U.S. Army Museum).

Sources: Steve Moyer Public Relations, Diversity News Magazine

Photos credit to: Bob Delgadillo from Bob Delgadillo Photography and Gisele Rebeiro from PartyBy5.com for Diversity News Magazine.

Editor’s Note: On behalf of the entire team at Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News TV, Diversity News Radio, Diversity News Productions from the Diversity News Publications Family of Companies we want to thank Steve Moyer and the producers, as well sponsors for allowing us to cover the event and being part of it for 3 years in a row. Also we want to wish you and your family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2013.

All major professional sports leagues to ‘go purple’ for Spirit Day with GLAAD in a historic show of support for LGBT youth on October 19

MLB, MLS Cares, NBA, WNBA, NFL, NASCAR Diversity, NHL, USA Track & Field, WWE join millions to speak out against bullying
Ricky Martin, Country music icon Reba McEntire, Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi, Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley, Country Music Television (CMT), CNBC, MTV, VH1, Logo, BET, NBCUniversal, Paris Hilton, ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ Sign, New York Stock Exchange, Hosts of Good Morning America, The Talk, Days of Our Lives cast, Dianna Agron, Chaz Bono, Fran Drescher, Joel McHale, Sir Ian McKellen, Maria Menounos, Bernadette Peters and more pledge to wear purple in stand against bullying.

NEW YORK, NY, October 18, 2012 - In an unprecedented show of support, GLAAD today announced that the six most prominent American major sports leagues – The National Basketball Association (NBA) / Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Football League (NFL), the National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS) and NASCAR’s diversity program – will all ‘go purple’ for Spirit Day on Friday, October 19, in a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. The six leagues will send messages on Spirit Day to bullied LGBT youth via Twitter and Facebook. The leagues join athletes like Shaquille O’Neal and Terrell Owens who have already pledged to ‘go purple,’ and sports organizations, including the GLAAD Amplifier Award-winning “You Can Play” project, GLAAD partner Athlete Ally, GO! Athletes, and UK Rugby champion Ben Cohen’s StandUp Foundation. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), like the NBA, will be taking part in Spirit Day for the second consecutive year. USA Track & Field will also participate by providing support through social media.

For a full list of participants, an anti-bullying resource kit for students and parents as well as Spirit Day digital apps visit glaad.org/spiritday and follow #SpiritDay

“From sports leagues to faith institutions to national monuments, schools and celebrities, millions of Americans will unite this week in an extraordinary show of support for LGBT youth and in a stand against bullying,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “At a time when 8 out of 10 LGBT youth report being harassed at school, it’s now more important than ever that we let every young person know that it’s okay to be who you are.”

Country music icon Reba McEntire and Country Music Television (CMT) will join MTV, VH1, Logo and BET, as well as Latin music icon Ricky Martin, pop sensation Fun., 80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper, Grammy Award-winning R&B recording artist Brandy Norwood, teen music star Aaron Carter, country music star Chely Wright, Broadway legend Bernadette Peters and EGOT Rita Moreno in ‘going purple’ for Spirit Day on October 19. More than one hundred celebrity participants are listed below or here: www.glaad.org/spiritday/entertainment

Viacom’s brands will be participating on-air, online, through social media and employee engagement efforts. MTV, VH1, Logo, TV Land and TeenNick will turn on-air logos purple on Spirit Day; MTV, VH1 and Logo will turn online logos purple as well and support through social media, VH1.com, LogoTV.com and NewNowNext.com, which will be posting feature stories and never-before-seen “It Gets Better” clips. MTV will turn its 44 ? high-definition screen in Times Square purple for the day. The cast of TeenNick’s ‘Degrassi’ and ‘Victorious’ star Avan Jogia will be wearing purple and Viacom, BET, CMT and Paramount Pictures will also support the day through social media. MTV stars, including ‘Jersey Shore’ cast members DJ Pauly D, Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley, Sammi Giancola and Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi will also participate.

Comcast and NBCUniversal will participate including NBC owned stations, Telemundo network and owned stations. Hosts of “Access Hollywood,” CNBC, “Chelsea Lately,” and E! News, among others, will wear purple.

The Sundance Channel will also participate by turning its on-air and web logos purple for Spirit Day on October 19. Additionally, the network will go purple on its social media pages and share photos of Sundance staff in their Spirit Day purple.

The ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign’ will be turned purple and several hotels on the Las Vegas strip will light their marquees purple with an anti-bullying message, GLAAD previously announced with R&R Partners Foundation. In addition, the Duke Energy Tower in Charlotte, NC will join the New York Stock Exchange, Thomson Reuters’ Times Square screen, the LAX Pylon Lights and JFK traffic tower in lighting up purple for Spirit Day on October 19.

Hosts of ‘Good Morning America’ will wear purple on the October 19 show. ‘Watch What Happens Live’ host Andy Cohen will also wear purple for Spirit Day on the October 18 program. Hosts of “Access Hollywood,” CNBC, “Chelsea Lately,” “E! News,” “Extra,” “The Talk,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “The Wendy Williams Show” will also wear purple on the air for Spirit Day. Host of ‘Extra,’ Maria Menounos, will join previously announced celebrity participants including Dianna Agron, Perez Hilton, Avan Jogia, Shay Mitchell, Shaquille O’Neal, George Takei and Wendy Williams as a Spirit Day Ambassador.

American Apparel, the vertically integrated clothing manufacturer based in downtown Los Angeles, launched a Spirit Day store featuring the company’s purple clothing items. Spirit Day supporters will receive a special 10% discount on the purple items by using the promo code ‘SPIRIT’ at check out. American Apparel will also donate 10% of all ‘purple proceeds’ to GLAAD.

Each year GLAAD coordinates hundreds of national and local organizations, schools, celebrities, media, sports leagues, corporations, parishes, faith groups and landmarks. GLAAD is also working with gay teen Katy Butler who is calling for President Obama and Governor Romney to wear purple on Friday. Her Change.org petition has garnered thousands of signatures: glaad.org/purple2012. Earlier this year, Katy launched a Change.org petition to call on the MPAA to change the rating of the documentary BULLY.

Additionally, celebrities including Chad Allen, Juliette Angelo, Louis Van Amstel, Bryan Batt, Kristin Bauer van Straten,  Chaz Bono, Brandy, Bailey Buntain, Keenan Cahill, Kristin Cavallari, ‘Quan T. Chanteur, Crystal Chappell, Preston Charles, Christian Chavez, Derek Chavez, Margaret Cho, Mario Cimarro, Andy Cohen, Ron Corning, Andres Cuervo, Bianca and Chiara D’Ambrosio, the cast of Days of Our Lives, the cast of Degrassi, Heather Doerksen, Fran Drescher, Elvis Duran, Carmen Electra, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Craig Ferguson, Ray Ford, Fun., Stephen Fry, Rose Garcia, Teresa Giudice, Tony Goldwyn, Greer Grammer, Renee Graziano,  Kathy Griffin, Melanie Griffith, Damien Haas,  Randy Harrison, Paris Hilton, Perez Hilton, Lisa Hochstein, Cheyenne Jackson, LaToya Jackson, Peter Marc Jacobson, Avan Jogia, Kaya Jones, Tamala Jones, Jarod Joseph, Keahu Kahuaui, Josh Kilmer-Purcell, Jennifer Knapp, C.J. Koegel, Kara Laricks, Laura Leon, Bubba Lewis, Judith Light, Mario Lopez, Katie Lowes, Jessica Lu, Lilia Luciano, Desi Lydic, Sean Maher, Marlee Matlin, Edith Marquez, Katlin Mastandrea, Lucia Mendez, Dean McDermott, Reba McEntire, Joel McHale, Sir Ian McKellan, Maria Menounous, Paula Meronek, Windell Middlebrooks, Andy Mientus, Justin Mikita, Cesar Milan, Dannii Minogue,  Alicia Minshew, D.W. Moffett, Rita Moreno, Sarah Mitchell,  Shay Mitchell, Sonja Morgan, Jessica Morris, Mary Murphy, Brandon Nelson, Matt Nordgren, Tyler Oakley, Shaquille O’Neal, JD Ordonez, Terrell Owens, AJ Pagan, Ian Patrick, Marysol Patton, Zack Pearlman, Bernadette Peters, Melissa Peterman, Pauly D, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Joey Pollari, Marisa del Portillo, Stephanie Pratt, Cierra Ramirez, Emilie de Ravin, Jasmine Reynaud, Jillian Rose Reed, Shonda Rhimes, Ashley Rickards, Brent Ridge, RoBA, Chef Jason Roberts, Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Sara Rue, Thomas Sadoski, SallyAnn Salsano, Erin Sanders, Helenna Santos-Levy, Kenny Santucci, Robb Schreiber, Diego Schoening, Benji Schwimmer, Ryan Serhant, William Shatner, Lindsey Shaw, Christina Sicoli, Gail Simmons, Freddie Smith, Evan Starkman, KaDee Strickland, George Takei, Molly Tarlov, Lea Thompson, Shannon Tweed-Simmons, Kirsten Vangsness, Vanessa Villela, Michelle Visage, Bruce Vilanch, Kathy Wakile, Stephen Wallem, Kerry Washington, Trey Weatherholtz, Jill and Nikki Weiss-Goldstein, Wendy Williams, Henry Winkler, Marissa Winokur and Kyra Zagorsky will also participate by going purple on October 19.  For a full list please visit: www.glaad.org/spiritday/entertainment

Celebrity participants and Spirit Day Ambassadors are also encouraging fans and supporters to donate to GLAAD, GLSEN and The Trevor Project by texting ‘PURPLE’ to 80888 to make a $5 contribution. AT&T is the exclusive underwriter of the Spirit Day Text Purple campaign.

In addition to the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Treasure Island, The Tropicana Las Vegas and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will also turn their resort marquees purple along the Las Vegas Strip 11 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. and then again 10 p.m. 10:15 p.m. The Fremont Street Experience will also go purple for Spirit Day at 10 p.m. and again at 11 p.m., lighting its famed Viva Vision canopy, which consists of more than 12 million LED lights and spans four city blocks. Organized by The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center), a meet-up for teens and young adults will take place that evening at the Fremont Street Experience. Marquee Nightclub, located in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, will host a Spirit Day after-party with special celebrity host NHL star Sean Avery.

Other Las Vegas-area participants include Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA); Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN); Golden Rainbow; Hilton Garden Inn; Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce; Las Vegas Pride; Nevada State Senator David Parks; QVegas; and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

GLAAD and Toyota Financial Services last week announced the release of the “Go Purple for #SpiritDay powered by Toyota Financial Services” apps for iPhone and Android. The app provides users with anti-bullying resources, calls to action, and a tool that can turn photos purple and share to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The free app is now available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. To download, visit: glaad.org/spiritday/app

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second largest school district with more than 640,000 students in over 900 schools, will participate by sharing information about Spirit Day with students on its website and through its social media channels.

Corporations including AMC Entertainment, American Airlines, American Apparel, AT&T, atelier-lb, Caesars Foundation, Carat, Citi, Comcast, CreagerCole Communications, Delta Air Lines, Draftfcb, Digitas, Ernst & Young LLP, Facebook, Hewlett-Packard Company, Hyatt, Johnnye’s East Texas Soul, LBNY, Leo Burnett Business, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Marquee Las Vegas, MediaVest, MetLife, MSL New York, Mobli, NBCUniversal, Nielsen, Omnicom Group, PepsiCo, Publicis Groupe, Publicis Kaplan Thaler, PwC, Saatchi & Saatchi, Seventeen Magazine, Southern California Edison, StumbleUpon, Thomson Reuters, Toyota Financial Services, tumblr, Viacom, Warner Bros., Wells Fargo, Yahoo! and Zenith Optimedia will also participate in Spirit Day. Participating companies will distribute information to employees about wearing purple and/or turn their logo purple on October 19.

Local and national groups and organizations including All Out; The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth; American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Athlete Ally; Bienestar; bklyn boihood; Broadway Impact; The Brown Boi Project; Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization; the BULLY Project; Campus Pride; CenterLink; Circle of Voices; Courage Campaign; Empire State Pride Agenda; Equality California; Equality Florida; Equality Illinois; Equality Maryland; Equality Matters; Equality Michigan; the Equality Network; Equality North Carolina; Equality Ohio; Equality Texas; Equality Utah; Fair Wisconsin; FALGBT; Familia es Familia; Fierce; Forty to None Project; Forum for Equality; Freedom to Marry; FriendFactor; Forum for Equality; Garden State Equality; Georgia Equality; Gay Asian and Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY); Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD); the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN); Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD); Give a Damn Campaign; GMHC; GSA Network; Hetrick-Martin Institute; Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC); Human Rights Campaign (HRC); Immigration Equality; Indiana Equality; It Gets Better Project; Latino Equality Alliance; Latino GLBT History; LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent; Log Cabin Republicans; the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); Mass Equality; Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC); MOVILH; National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC); the National Bullying Prevention Center by PACER; the National Council of La Raza (NCLR); National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR); National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE); National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP); the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC); One Colorado; One Iowa; OutFront Minnesota; Out & Equal; OutServe; Palm Beach County Human Rights Council; Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG); Point Foundation; promo; Progress Florida; Reaching Out MBA; Safe Schools of South Florida; SAGE; Save Dade; Sean’s Last Wish;  Service Members Legal Defense Network (SLDN); Straight But Not Narrow; Sun Serve; Sylvia Rivera Law Project; The Task Force; Tennessee Equality Project; Transgender Law Center; Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF); Trans People of Color Coalition (TPCC);Tennessee Equality Project; Trans Ohio; Trans People of Color Coalition; Trans Youth Support Network (TYSN); The Trevor Project; True Colors Fund; Truth Wins Out; The Village Family Services; We Are Family; WikiQueer; and Youth Empowered to Act (YETA) will all participate by wearing purple on October 19, turning their social media channels purple, and encouraging members to participate.

Additional media partners include 495 Productions, The Advocate, AutoStraddle.com, Boy Culture, Diversity News Magazine, Edge Media Network, Frontiers in L.A. Magazine, Gay.com, Gay.net, Here TV, HIV Plus Magazine, HollyScoop.com, HollywoodLife.com, HuffPost Gay Voices, Hulu, Instinct Magazine, JoeMyGod.com, MicahJesse.com, Mombian.com, Next Magazine, OUT, OUT Traveler, Queerty.com, RumorFix.com, Seventeen, The Seattle Lesbian, SheWired.com, Think Progress and The Washington Blade.

This year, more than 50 faith organizations, congregations and synagogues are going purple for Spirit Day. Notable faith leaders like Bishop Gene Robinson, Christian music artist Jennifer Knapp, and YouTube theologian, Matthew Vines have all encouraged their followers to go purple for Spirit Day. Faith-based organizations include the United Church of Christ, the Unitarian Universalist Association, Metropolitan Community Churches, Believe Out Loud, Sojourners, Muslims for Progressive Values, Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, Dignity USA, Fortunate Families, the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Holy Angels Catholic Community, Archdiocese of Los Angeles Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Catholics, Catholic Association for Lesbian and Gay Ministry, Catholic Association of Students for Equality, New Ways Ministry, Keshet, the Institute for Judaism, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Nehirim: GLBT Jewish Culture and Spirituality, Star of Davida, Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, Beth Chayim Chadashim, He’bro, The Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard, Eden Theological Seminary Common Grounds, Auburn Seminary, Affirmation United Methodists, Reconciling Ministries Network, Druid Hills United Methodist Church, Travis Park United Methodist Church, Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry, Pacific School of Religion, Coalition of Welcoming Congregations in the Bay Area, Covenant Network of Presbyterians, More Light Presbyterians, Presbyterian Welcome, Religious Institute: Faithful Voices on Sexuality and Religion, Human Rights Campaign Religion & Faith Program, ReconcilingWorks, St. James Lutheran Church, Journey Fellowship, BJUnity, Canyonwalker Connections, Groundswell, Inside, Owldolatrous, The Evangelical Network, The Marin Foundation, The Naming Project, and LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent. Congregations and faith organizations are encouraged to visit the faith page of the Spirit Day web site (www.glaad.org/spiritday/faith) to participate in Spirit Day.

In 2010, teenager Brittany McMillan called on her friends to wear purple as a way to memorialize those who lost their lives to bullying. With GLAAD’s help, Spirit Day has since garnered widespread support from celebrities, TV news and entertainment programs, corporations, organizations, schools, local communities, and even national landmarks. Spirit Day coincides with GLSEN’s Ally Week, as well as National Bullying Prevention Month.

“Showing support for your friends, family and teachers can make all the difference in the world to young LGBT people, whether they are going through a tough time or not,” said 17-year-old McMillan. “This year, Spirit Day is going to be bigger and better than ever, and I’m so thrilled to be going purple alongside some of my favorite celebrities, as well as millions of others in a united stand against bullying.” For more information visit glaad.org/spiritday

About GLAAD: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News Publications and Steven Escobar are proud to be media partners with GLAAD for Spirit Day! (wear purple on Friday, October 19th) http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/media

28th Annual AIDS Walk LA 2012 raises $2,912,209 for AIDS Project LA and 29 other L.A. County AIDS Organizations

On a hot and sunny day and on October 14, 2012 over 30,000 participates came out to raise funds for APLA (AIDS Project Los Angeles). The first fundraiser walk was in 1985, and every year thousands of people collect donations to support APLA and 29 other L.A. County AIDS Organizations. All the efforts paid off this year, AIDS Walk LA raised for APLA $2,912,209 to fight HIV/AIDS. The event was held at the West Hollywood Park located 647 N San Vicente Blvd in West Hollywood, CA 90069 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

“The 30,000 participants who took to the streets today can take pride in the incredible $2,912,209 raised to fight AIDS and lift up the lives those affected by HIV,” said Craig R. Miller, Founder and Producer of the event.  “Thanks to the thousands of dedicated people who walk and fundraise each year, we have made tremendous progress and we are facing a better day in the fight against AIDS,” Miller says. “But we have to remain strong in our response. We have to remain vigilant. And most of all we have to remain visible.”

APLA (AIDS Project Los Angeles) provides care and HIV prevention services throughout Los Angeles. APLA extends to all areas in Los Angeles and has nine food pantries, two dental clinics, and mobile dental van and much more.  Also, prevention education programs are an important part of communities they serve.  They also provide bilingual direct care to those in need.  For more information you can search on their website for details http://apla.org

“As we mark the 31^styear of the epidemic in the United States, AIDS Walk Los Angeles remains a critical – and, in fact, the single largest – source of private support for those who rely on APLA’s services,” said Craig E. Thompson, Executive Director of AIDS Project Los Angeles. “With their incredible fundraising, AIDS Walk Los Angeles participants are changing lives, powering prevention efforts, and supporting advocacy work to defend the civil rights of all who live with this still-deadly disease.”

After participates register, they are asked to fundraise to collect donations from family, co-workers and friends.  They set a goal, and get recognized for as much they collect.  When you collect certain amount of funds, you can receive great prices such as an AIDS Walk t-shirt, cap, ear buds or even a hoodie sweatshirt.  When a participant raises $1,000, he/she will receive the entire bundle of gifts. Dedicate supporter such as Cynthia Park, Tom Whitman, and Actress, Pauley Perrette had collected more than $23,000 in contributions. They deserve a hand and appreciation for working so hard in collecting for a great cause.

Schedule of events were organized to make this AIDS Walk possible.  Before the walk, Aerobic warm up got the walkers pumped up to begin their day.  Opening Ceremony followed which celebrities and AIDS walk activists address the crowd to give them encouragement and appreciation for them coming out to support this great organization.

The elected officials and special guests in attendance included:United States Representatives Howard Berman, Adam Schiff, and Maxine Waters; California State Senators Curren D. Price and Rod Wright; California State Assemblymembers Betsy Butler,Isadore Hall,and Ricardo Lara; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul Koretz, Paul Krekorian, Jan Perry, and Dennis P. Zine; Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich; Los Angeles City AIDS Coordinator Ricky Rosales; Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy; and West Hollywood City Councilmembers John J. Duran, John Heilman, John D’Amico and West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Abbe Land.

Awesome celebrities such as Christa B. Allen (“Revenge”), Leslie Bibb (“GCB,” “Popular”), Sophia Bush (“Partners”), Drew Carey (“The Price is Right” Host), Barrett Foa (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Daisy Fuentes (Television Host), Christopher Gorham (“Covert Affairs,” “Popular”), Dot Marie Jones (“Glee”), Pauley Perrette (“NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigation Service”), Andrew Rannells (”The New Normal,” “Girls”), Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”), Michael Urie (“Partners”), BeBe Wood (“The New Normal”), the cast of MTV’s “Awkward” including Jillian Rose Reed, Nikki Deloach, Jessica Lu, Molly Tarlov, Bryce Johnson, Tamara Mello, Carly Pope, and Norm Lewis (“Scandal”) joined forces to make this event interesting. (Please click on the photos to view regular size).

APLA emphasis without the support it would not be possible to provide services needed.  After the speeches and saying thank you to all who contributed the walkers set out at 10:00 a.m. Thousands walked holding signs with their company name or group name on it. School children bundle in groups to support. Dad, moms and their children walked hand in hand. Supporters who lost a love one to AIDS, or knows someone who has AIDS started their walk for encouragement.

Advertising is very important to educate and notify people about AIDS Walk LA.  For many years, AIDS Walk Los Angeles purchased paid advertisement on Big Blue Bus (operated by the City of Santa Monica).  This year Big Blue Bus refuses to promote charity advertisements.  AIDS Walk LA feels this is unfair, and hurts their promotion in getting the word out about the walk.  LA Mayor, Antonio R. Villaraigosa announced he will put advertisements on Los Angeles buses next year.

Providing best wishes to APLA, corporate sponsors contribute with love. This year’s Presenting Sponsor was AHF Pharmacy.  The Grand Sponsors included ABC7, The David Geffen Foundation, Paramount Pictures, Paul Hastings, Time Warner Cable, and Toyota.  Principal Sponsors included Albertsons, Delta Air Lines, Macy’s, Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Vons/Pavilions. Every penny counts, so APLA thanks all supporters and contributors.

A special thank you goes out to AIDS Walk LA management and staff for gathering thousands of people to Los Angeles to announce the importance of this organization, and why they work so hard to help those infected with AIDS. Awareness to all, that anyone can be infected with AIDS, but there is hope. Every year contributions make it possible to educate and provided services. It doesn’t stop here you can always donate by going to http://aidswalk.net/losangeles.  You can make a difference.

About AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA):  AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest nonprofit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education, and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation.  With nearly 30 years of service, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national, and global reach.  For more information, visit apla.org.

About AIDS Walk Los Angeles:  Since 1985, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has raised more than $75 million for HIV programs and services throughout Los Angeles County, and has grown into one of the largest AIDS fundraising events in the country.  In 2011 alone, 30,000 participants, many of whom were members of 1,600 corporate and community teams, raised $3 million for AIDS Project Los Angeles and 24 other L.A. County AIDS service organizations.  For more information, visit aidswalk.net.

About MZA Events: AIDS Walk Los Angeles was founded in 1985 by Craig R. Miller and his organization of activists, MZA Events.  Miller is the AIDS Walk originator and has produced hundreds of public service campaigns and fundraising events, generating more than $368 million for major AIDS organizations throughout the country.  For more information, please visit mzaevents.com.

Sources: AIDS Project Los Angeles, AIDS Walk Los Angeles, MZA Events

Photos credit to: Donna F. Aceto for MZA Events/AIDS Walk Los Angeles and Stella Gomez, Disco Stella’s Pics for Diversity News Magazine. 

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications, is an Official Media Partner for the second year in a row for the 28th Annual AIDS Walk LA 2012.

AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2012 Event Guide and Day-of-Event Information

Check out the AIDS Walk Los Angeles Event Guide

Or go go: http://issuu.com/aidswalkla/docs/laguide

Day-of-Event Information (Click on pictures to view regular size).

Date: Sunday, October 14, 2012

Time: 

8:30 a.m. Sign-In
9:15 a.m. Opening Ceremony Begins
10 a.m. AIDS Walk Los Angeles  Begins

Location: AIDS Walk Los Angeles will start and end in West Hollywood. Enter at Melrose Avenue and San Vicente Avenue.
647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Length: 10 kilometers/6.2 miles

Venue Map

Route Map

Parking:

Free parking is limited, carpool with friends and arrive early!

Special thanks to the following locations for generously donating their parking structures:

The Beverly Connection: 100 N La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048
Enter from La Cienega Boulevard.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers: 8631 & 8635 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048
Enter off 3rd Street from Gracie Allen Way or George Burns Road.There will be a shuttle service available every 30 minutes before and after the event.

Street parking is also available surrounding the AIDS Walk Los Angeles venue. Please note that all parking restrictions will be enforced.

The Beverly Center (8500 Beverly Blvd) is available for AIDS Walk Los Angeles participants from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enter on either La Cienega, Beverly Blvd or San Vicente Blvd.Participants must show their Certificates of Completion to waive the parking fee. Certificates are distributed as walkers cross the finish line on San Vicente between Melrose and Santa Monica.

For $15, park at the Pacific Design Center at 8687 Melrose Ave, just east of San Vicente Blvd.
Enter on Melrose Ave, approach driving Westbound on Melrose from La Cienega Blvd.
Please note that this parking structure is only accessible before 8 a.m. Cars parked at the Pacific Design Center will not be able to exit until after 12 p.m. Wheelchair accessible parking will be at the Pacific Design Center.

Street Closures

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications, is an Official Media Partner for the second year in a row for the 28th Annual AIDS Walk LA 2012.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal statue unveiled in Carson, CA at Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement and Appreciation Gala Night

Notes from a Diary of a Round Brown Girl: Special Guest Writer Actress Thushari Jayasekera.

I go to a variety of events around town and this weekend I was invited to attend a formal appreciation Gala event. On Saturday September 29^th, 2012 I walked into the elegant lobby of the LAX Westin located 5400 W. Century Blvd., L.A., CA 90045.

Organizers were underway with guest check-in for the inauguration of the Dr. Jose Rizal Monument Gala Appreciation Dinner. Just that morning, the unveiling of the monument had taken place at 9:00am in the Carson International Sculpture Garden located at 701 East Carson St., City of Carson, CA 90749 by the Filipino American Community in Southern California. The statue unveiling was free and open to the public and the gala night tickets were sold for $60.00. (Please click on the photos to view them regular size).

I entered the banquet hall to see beautifully decorated tables, a band set up and rows of chairs for the dignitaries. The ladies were dressed beautifully and most of the gentleman wore the traditional barong. Though I’v seen that type of shirt, I only learned the name this stylish piece of clothing as the barong that morning. The event was emceed by Lydia Solis & Noel Omega. The opening of the Gala consisted of Parade of Colors, The American National Anthem sung by Sara Mislang, the anthem of the Philippines sung by Sam Santiago, Invocation by Rev. Robert Victoria, the Welcome address by Mon’Chito’ G. Mandap, Chairman, JPRMM and brief remarks by Hon. Jim Dear, Mayor of City of Carson.

I love learning about other cultures and I was delighted to learn about Dr. Jose P. Rizal and the Monument Movement at the “In Spirit of Unity and Patriotism”

I met some community members that I had met before. I enjoyed the delicious food and the entertainment. The band Bits n Pieces provided dancing music for the evening. I had fun talking to the other guests at the table where I was seated and even learned a few words of Tagalog.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal is the national hero of the Philippines. He was a primary proponent of peaceful reforms during the Spanish Colonization in the 1800s. Dr. Rizal was a scholar, prolific writer, an anthropologist and traveled to many countries in Asia and Europe.
Monuments of Rizal stand in many other parts of the world and he continues to be recognized globally for his leadership to bring freedom, liberation, and justice through peaceful means to all people. This is the first Rizal monument in the State of California. The Rizal Monument is a gift from the people of the Philippines to the people of Carson, CA. The Unveiling of the Rizal Monument is a Joint Project of Various Filipino-American Organizations with the Support of the City of Carson, California and of the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to the JPRMM for the invite and specially to Ms. Lydia Solis. Also thank you to Ms. Mary Ann Omega from the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA for the additional gala tickets.

Source: Diversity News Magazine

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