Strict standards for protecting anonymous online commenters urged by Reporters Committee‏ for Freedom of the Press

Protecting the identity of someone posting an anonymous review on Yelp or any other website is crucial to protecting speakers’ First Amendment rights and the public good, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and several news organizations argued in a friend-of-the-court brief filed in the Virginia Court of Appeals.


The Reporters Committee brief in Hadeed v. Yelp calls for a heightened standard of judicial review before anonymous online commenters are identified, and urges the court to revisit a lower court’s order compelling the disclosure of an anonymous criticism of the services of Hadeed Carpet Cleaning posted on the online review site Yelp.

“By offering only a minimal discussion of First Amendment interests at state, the trial court failed to fully acknowledge the extent to which the First Amendment restricts compulsory identification of anonymous speakers on the Internet,” the brief to the Court of Appeals argued. “When faced with questions of compelled disclosure of anonymous online speakers, this Court must adopt a meaningful standard that requires a heightened showing of evidence of a valid claim and notice to the affected parties.

“This standard is essential to protect the interests in anonymous speech, which often serve the public good and contribute to a better understanding of public issues and controversies,” according to the brief, which was joined by the American Society of Newspaper Editors, Gannett Co. Inc., and The Washington Post.

“Courts around the country have established certain benchmarks that must be satisfied before compelling the disclosure of an anonymous commenter,” said Reporters Committee Executive Director Bruce D. Brown. “First, there ought to be tangible evidence that the comment was false and defamatory and, second, speakers should be notified that an action is pending. To do otherwise would be to inhibit robust debate.”

About the Reporters Committee:
Founded in 1970, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press offers free legal support to thousands of working journalists and media lawyers each year. It is a leader in the fight against persistent efforts by government officials to impede the release of public information, whether by withholding documents or threatening reporters with jail. In addition to its 24/7 Legal Defense Hotline, the Reporters Committee conducts cutting-edge legal research, publishes handbooks and guides on media law issues, files frequent friend-of-the-court legal briefs and offers challenging fellowships and internships for young lawyers and journalists. For more information, go to www.rcfp.org, or follow us on Twitter @rcfp.

Source: RCFP

FREE U.S. CITIZENSHIP Application Workshop by The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of LA on May 18th

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (FACC-LA) and the Filipino American Service Group, Inc (FASGI) presents

FREE U.S. CITIZENSHIP (N-400) APPLICATION WORKSHOP
WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

WHERE: St. Genevieve Church – Madonna Hall
14061 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City, CA 91402

FREE SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED:
• We will help you fill out Citizenship Application form N-400
• FREE consultation by Immigration Lawyer
• FREE application assistance
• FREE application review by a lawyer
• FREE citizenship study materials

FEE WAIVER is available, certain criteria must be met to be eligible.
Appointment is necessary.

For more details contact:
FACC-LA @ (888) 602-3280 or Jeanette @ (213) 483-9804 ext 205

www.FACC-SFV.org

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications from The Diversity News Publications Family of Companies are proud members and media partners of The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (FACC-LA).

This Post is Brought and in part sponsored by
The Baron Publishing House Corporation (Click logo to visit site)

Consumer Alert: Don’t be scammed by bogus charitable organizations

Board of Equalization Chairman, Jerome E. Horton, encourages potential charitable donors, interested in providing financial relief to the victims of the Boston Marathon and Texas fertilizer plant explosions, to beware of charity scams operating in the wake of these tragedies.

The fraudulent schemes involve a variety of tactics such as telephone solicitations as well as social media, email, and face–to–face requests for charitable donations. Individuals operating bogus charities operate by randomly contacting people by telephone to solicit money or financial information. Emails are also used to steer people to fraudulent websites to solicit funds, allegedly for the benefit of the affected victims. The fraudulent websites also mimic the sites or use names similar to legitimate charities.

Fraud also occurs when bogus organizations claim affiliation with legitimate charities to persuade members of the public to send money or provide personal financial information. Scammers are then able to use that information to steal the identities of the donors which is used to steal money that is intended for the victims.

Chairman Jerome Horton offers the following tips to help taxpayers who wish to make charitable donations to victims of the recent tragedies in Boston and Texas:

• Donate to qualified charities. Use the Exempt Organizations Select Check tool at IRS.gov to find legitimately qualified charities. Only donations to qualified charitable organizations are tax–deductible. You can also find legitimate charities on the Federal Emergency Management Agency Web site at FEMA.gov.
• Be wary of charities with similar names. Some phony charities use names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations. They may use names or websites that sound or closely resemble those of legitimate organizations.
• Don’t give out personal financial information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card and bank account numbers and passwords to anyone who solicits a contribution. Scam artists use this information to steal your identity and your money.
• Don’t give or send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card or another way that provides documentation of the donation.
• Report suspected fraud. Taxpayers suspecting tax or charity–related fraud should visit IRS.gov and perform a search using the keywords “report phishing.” For more information about tax scams and schemes visit IRS.gov using the keywords “scams and schemes.”

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) furlough dates

Chairman Jerome Horton would also like to take this time to advise you that the IRS will close all of its public operations on five days through the end of August because of employee furloughs.

The IRS will be closed and almost all employees will be furloughed on May 24, June 14, July 5, July 22, and Aug. 30. As many as two additional furlough days may be imposed in August and September.

The closing will affect operations, including the IRS toll–free lines and taxpayer assistance centers. If you are conducting business with the IRS, please be advised of the aforementioned furlough dates to prevent any possible frustration.

Source: State Board of Equalizati​on

FREE Women and Girls Health Fair at APAIT Health Center May 10, 2013

APAIT Health Center Celebrates Mother’s Day with “Our Health, Our Power” or “Nuestra Salud, Nuestro Poder” A Free Health Fair for Women & Girls.

APAIT Health Center proudly kicks off “Our Health, Our Power” on Friday, May 10 to honor Mother’s Day.  Free health check-ups and education will be provided.  Participants will receive free blood pressure screenings as well as blood sugar, anemia and bone density evaluations.  Women will also be given referrals to mammography services and free consultations with a medical provider.  All participants will have the opportunity to schedule further follow-up care if needed. Free goodie  bags will be given out while supplies last.

“As caregivers, women often put the needs of their families before themselves,” said Organizer Mayon Yen, “but we want to spread the word that women need to remember to care for themselves as well.”

APAIT Health Center promotes the good health and well-being of all women and girls because healthy women supports a healthy community. “Our Health, Our Power” women’s health fair is a positive step in improving women’s access to vital and preventive health education and services.

Community partners participating in the fair include the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Central Health Center; the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Office of Women’s Health; the American Heart Association; St. Vincent Medical Center; California Hospital Medical Center; and the Pico-Union Neighborhood Council.

“Our Health, Our Power”  will happen on May 10, between 2-6pm at APAIT Health Center, 1730 W. Olympic Blvd.  Free parking is available on Burlington.  Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 213-553-1830.

About APAIT Health Center: APAIT Health Center has offered culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the community since 1987. APAIT Health Center provides its clients in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas with health education and risk reduction programs, housing assistance, mental health support, substance use services and primary medical care. For more information visit http://apaitonline.org/

This article is brought and sponsored in part by Diversity News Magazine Cares.

Esteban Escobar a.k.a Steven Escobar Nominated for 2013 EOTM Award for Outstanding Internet Radio

Esteban Escobar a.k.a. Steven Escobar from Diversity News Radio and Diversity News Magazine Has been Nominated for Two 2013 EOTM Awards for ‘Outstanding Internet Radio’ and ‘Outstanding Journalist.’

On Friday, April 26, 2013, Diversity News Productions producer of Diversity News Radio and part of Diversity News Publications publisher of Diversity News Magazine announced that Esteban Escobar A.K.A. Steven Escobar  (Journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality, accounts receivable specialist, humanitarian and philanthropist) has been nominated for two 2013 EOTM (Entrepreneurs on the Move) Awards on 4-25-2013 for Outstanding Internet Radio Show; Diversity News Radio, On Air with Steven Escobar and Diversity News Radio Top 10 Most Requested Songs with Steven Escobar. Previously he was also nominated on 2-22-2013 for Outstanding Journalist.

Hit Billboard songwriter and recording artist Fawn said, “Steven works harder than any other radio host and journalist I know. I am so happy he is being recognized for his excellence.”

The EOTM Awards takes place on Sunday, August 4, 2013 in West Hollywood at The Pacific Design Center 8687 Melrose Avenue, in West Hollywood, CA 90069.

About Steven Escobar:
Esteban A. Escobar (born in El Salvador, Central America on September 6th) is an award winning American (Journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality, accounts receivable specialist and philanthropist).

Steven Escobar is the Executive Editor-In-Chief of DiversityNews Magazine. Esteban “Steven” Escobar is also the Producer, Director of Diversity News TV, the host of Diversity News Radio, on Air with Steven Escobar, the President of Diversity News Publications and he owns E.E.Enterprises, an affiliate of The Diversity News Publications Family of Companies. For more information visit his IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4164655/

About the EOTM Awards:
The EOTM Awards is an accolade presented by the EOTM Radio & TV Network celebrating entrepreneurial achievements and performances in business, philanthropy and the arts (recordings, television, radio, and literature, film, directing and writing). The EOTM Awards Show will also present “Christopher Kennedy Lawford” to key individuals and organizations that promote human rights and social justice. For more information visit http://www.eotmawards.com to find out more about the show.


About Diversity News Radio On AIR with Steven Escobar and Diversity News Radio Top 10 Most Requested Songs with Steven Escobar: “Diversity News Radio, On AIR with Steven Escobar” is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that focuses on singers, business leaders, actresses, actors, recording artists, music composers, authors and writers and more of all genres and mediums. The show format features live music, interviews, breaking news, gossips, announcements, confessions, events, advertisements and much more. Host Steven Escobar explores the careers, advice, writing style and personality of each guest. Callers are encouraged to call (760) 888-5783 to listen or ask questions. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/diversitynewsradio. or http://www.diversitynewsradio.diversitynewspublications.com. The show is live every Saturdays and Sundays is the coutdown of songs with starts with #10 to #1 at 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

About Diversity News Magazine:
Diversity News Magazine purpose is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

MEDIA CONTACT FOR STEVEN ESCOBAR:
Alex Leon, Director of Marketing & PR
World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc.
TELS: (323) 465-3945 or (213) 321-9408
worldwidevitalpr.wordpress.com/
worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please post press release or mention event in your magazine, website, radio and television shows and if you would like more information contact Alex Leon via email at worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

This article post is brought to you and partial sponsored by Radio-TV Interview Report (Click logo to visit website)

AT&T Tops (HACR) Prestigious List Of Companies That Invest In Hispanic Talent

With a 95 rating – the highest obtained by any other participating company— leading Hispanic advocacy group HACR recognizes AT&T’s inclusion of Hispanics.

DALLAS, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — With nearly 50 million Hispanic consumers in the U.S., Fortune 100 companies are continually doing more to reflect the diverse communities they serve. Among those leading the way is AT&T, as recently recognized by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) in its 2012 Corporate Inclusion Index (CII) survey.

AT&T topped the list of 55 participating Fortune 100 companies and HACR corporate members with a 95 rating – the highest received in 2011 and 2012. This is the second year in a row that AT&T obtains a stellar rating in the areas of workforce, procurement, philanthropy and governance. In last year’s HACR CII report, AT&T was one of two companies to obtain a 95 rating score – receiving the highest rating for all telecommunication firms.

“We pride ourselves on being an innovation leader that hires, retains and develops talented individuals that reflect our diverse customer base. We have a personal and business responsibility to serve our diverse customers in their preferred language and invest in the communities where they live and work,” said Debbie Storey, AT&T senior vice president of Talent Development and chief diversity officer. “This recognition by HACR acknowledges our commitment, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

The HACR CII, a component of HACR’s Corporate Accountability Strategy, takes a comprehensive measurement of Hispanic inclusion at Fortune 100 companies and HACR corporate member companies by focusing on HACR’s four pillars of corporate social responsibility and market reciprocity: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance.

“On behalf of HACR’s Board of Directors, congratulations to AT&T for their commitment to Hispanic inclusion, which is reflected in their 95 rating,” HACR President & CEO Carlos F. Orta said.

Key findings from the 2012 HACR CII include:

• The average Hispanic hiring rate remained steady from 2011 to 2012 at 11 percent
• The average attrition rate for Hispanics was 13 percent
• Fifteen percent of survey participants reported less than one percent procurement spend with Hispanic suppliers
• An average annual philanthropic investment of nine percent of total dollars distributed to Hispanic communities
• Twenty-eight companies reported having a Hispanic on their board of directors, with only one company reporting having two Hispanic board members

Our inclusive culture dates back more than 100 years
AT&T’s inclusive culture dates back more than a century. Throughout our history the telecom leader has welcomed individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds. “That’s what makes AT&T a desired business partner and telecommunications provider,” Storey said. In 2012, the AT&T retention rate for people of color was 88 percent.

AT&T also:

• Has a 13 percent representation of Hispanics in its workforce.  The total U.S. AT&T workforce is 38 percent female and 39 percent people of color.
• Sponsors an award-winning employee resource group , HACEMOS (the Hispanic/Latino Employee Association of AT&T).
• Is a top-rated global supplier diversity program that spent more than $12.8 billion with minority, women and disabled-veteran suppliers in 2012, representing 23.96 percent of the company’s procurement base. AT&T’s goal is to always achieve 21.5 percent of its procurement from diverse suppliers.
• Has a strong focus on the Hispanic Consumer Market , which includes converting 720 retail stores in high-density Hispanic markets including California, Florida, New York and Texas to a bilingual AT&T stores (Spanish/English) format; full AT&T’s Spanish-language website and social media presence in Spanish; a strong advertising investment in Hispanic media; and sponsorship of top-rated Hispanic music, television, sports and entertainment programs and events.
• Supports the Hispanic community by investing resources to advance education, strengthen communities and improve lives. In 2012, AT&T contributed more than $131 million to the diverse communities it serves through corporate, employee and AT&T Foundation giving programs.
• Has significant representation of Hispanics in its most senior ranks including Ralph de la Vega, president and Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Mobility; Jose Gutierrez, President-Wholesale Solutions of AT&T Business Solutions; Thaddeus Arroyo, Chief Information Officer of AT&T Services, Inc.; and Carmen Nava, Senior Vice President-Customer Experience of AT&T Services, Inc.

The HACR CII is open to all Fortune 100 companies and HACR corporate members. The 2012 HACR CII saw a record number of participants, and certain industrial classifications were better represented than others. AT&T has been a participant in the HACR CII since its release four years ago.

For employment opportunities visit www.att.jobs

About AT&T:
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world . Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. For more information visit http://www.att.com/aboutus on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR):
HACR’s mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with our economic contributions. HACR focuses on four areas of corporate responsibility and market reciprocity. They are: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance.

In pursuit of its mission, HACR offers Corporate America direct access to the Hispanic community – its talent, entrepreneurs, and leadership – creating a forum to ensure corporate responsibility and market reciprocity for the nation’s Hispanic population. For more information visit http://www.hacr.org/about/mission/

Sources: AT&T Inc. & HACR

Hit Recording Artist and Singer Fawn in Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians Book by Robert Safir

Hit Singer/Songwriter and Recording Artist Fawn is included in the Music Industry Book ‘Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians’ book by Robert Safir. today April 17, 2013.

On April 17, 2013, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations announced that hit singer-songwriter and recording artist Fawn, also known as ‘Songirl’, is in the music industry book, ‘Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians’ by Robert Safir.

The book addresses the issues and differences in today’s music industry compared to the industry of yesteryears, and gives the reader concrete advice on how to make a living at music through marketing and merchandising. It cover topics such as How To Keep Up With ‘The Change,’ Music Libraries, Latest Trends Towards Digital Music, Music Merchandising, Music Licensing, Developing Merchandise, Marketing Your Music The Traditional Way, Understanding Marketing, Knowing Your Audience, The Record Business and many more.

Fawn said, “I was very excited to be included in this book with other industry professionals, especially since it’s a book that helps people advance their careers.” She continued, “It can be rough out there in this music business, and I think Robert did a great job exploring the industry today and giving people some concrete tools to get their music and themselves out there.”

Robert Safir states, “The old way of ‘making it’ in the music business—get a recording contract, then relax and enjoy the ride while your record label does all the work—is gone forever. Succeeding as a musician today calls for new skills, new attitudes, and a new approach.” He explains, “Today, more than ever, how far you get in the business depends on you. The technology-driven, do-it-yourself ethos that revolutionized the way music is recorded and distributed has also transformed the way musicians and songwriters market themselves and their creations.”

In ‘Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians,’ veteran composer, producer, and engineer Robert Safir gives the reader ‘nuts-and-bolts’ type of information needed to craft a promotional strategy that will draw attention and get results.  The book teaches it’s audience to learn how to understand markets and target them with precision, grow a fan base, make CDs and websites, sell music online, leverage social media as a promotional tool, create T-shirts, hats, and other merchandise, keep up with the rapid changes in the industry, and more. Robert continues, “There are great opportunities in today’s music business, but achieving success is as tough as it’s ever been, maybe tougher. And there’s a lot to learn. This book will give you every possible advantage. It’s up to you to get your music career on the fast track.”

You can find ‘Marketing and Merchandising for Musicians’ on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and all the major outlets.

Robert Safir:
http://www.robertsafir.com/

Fawn:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2779641/

MEDIA CONTACT FOR RECORDING ARTIST FAWN:
Alex Leon, Director of Marketing & PR
World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc.
TELS: (323) 465-3945 or (213) 321-9408
worldwidevitalpr.wordpress.com/
worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please post press release or mention event in your magazine, website, radio and television shows and if you would like more information contact Alex Leon via email at worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

Spring cleaning is time to dust off your resume and ramp up your new job search

TORONTO, April 11, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ – Spring is the season best known for cleaning, and for job searchers, it’s an ideal time to “usherout the old and bring in the new.” Randstad Canada has a few tips that could make an impact on your job search and help you ramp up for landing the perfect career opportunity.

Your resume should tell your story: Employers have heard bland, generic statements such as: I’m a hard worker, I learn quickly or I’m results-oriented, many times. If your resume sticks with these clichés, how will it make hiring managers remember you? Instead, tell them interesting stories! More and more, employers conduct accomplishment-driven interviews, and look for richness and diversity in your experience. Start by reviewing your resume and craft meaningful examples of challenges you met and solutions you have found to overcome them, without omitting the results.

Manage your own personal brand: Your online image does matter. Social media monitoring service Reppler surveyed more than 300 hiring professionals on their recruitment habits, and found that 91% of employers use social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to screen job applicants. Google your name to see what comes up. Build a strong, employer-friendly presence online, by carefully selecting which content you want to post publicly. Another recent survey revealed that Linkedin is the most popular tool amongst staffing professionals, so be sure to have a comprehensive profile, one that is error-free  and attractive. Position yourself with a catchy subject line, describe your accomplishments in a clear and impactful way, and add your skills and expertise. Incidentally, employers are interested not just in “hard” professional skills but also in “soft” human skills, abilities and characteristics.  Ask for recommendations, share interesting articles in your field and take part in groups!


Get mobile job search apps: Utilizing the best apps, setting up job alerts, and organizing contacts on your mobile device are all excellent ways to find jobs and network with your mobile device.

Create a master job application: Save time and be ready whenever an opportunity comes up. Create a form with all of your up-to-date information,ensuringyou have checked it for accuracy, grammar and spelling. Make sure to include correct addresses, job titles, employers, termination dates , contact names and phone numbers. This will be your source document for all applications.

Meet new people: Everybody uses social media to find a job or new talent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from personal interactions. Reach out to your contacts and go to networking events and conferences in your field. Put together a short and compelling description of who you are and what you do. Listen and ask questions, hand out business cards and build new relationships! Word of mouth and personal referrals are still methods that work in today’s job market.

About Randstad Canada: Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work. Visit randstad.ca

Source: Randstad Canada

Actor and LGBT advocate Omar Sharif Jr. joins GLAAD staff

NEW YORK, April 12, 2013 - GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, today announced that actor and LGBT advocate Omar Sharif Jr. will join GLAAD’s staff as National Spokesperson and Strategic Giving Officer. Complementing the work of National Spokesperson Wilson Cruz, Sharif Jr. will be an essential part of GLAAD’s Development team, helping to build relationships with donors and raise vital funds to support GLAAD’s work to lead the conversation for LGBT equality.

“I’m thrilled to be joining GLAAD in their culture-changing work” said Sharif Jr. “Having lived and worked in over half a dozen countries, I know the influence and impact that American media has globally – particularly in the broader Middle East, where it is widely syndicated and consumed. Working with GLAAD, I know that that I’ll be helping to effectuate change back home and around the world.

“Omar’s story is one of tremendous courage and one that also reflects the journey travelled by countless Americans who’ve come to support equality after a friend, family member or colleague comes out as LGBT,” said GLAAD’s Dave Montez. “As an outspoken advocate for equality, Omar brings not only extraordinary skill and expertise to GLAAD, but also an incredible passion for building a better tomorrow for LGBT people everywhere.”

Sharif Jr. comes to GLAAD from a Canadian non-profit advocacy organization, where he served as the Director of Outreach and garnered several years’ experience in the areas of fundraising, government affairs, legislation, non-profit development, and advocacy.

Last year, Sharif Jr. published a letter in The Advocate, in which he came out as gay and half-Jewish and questioned the new Egyptian government’s commitment to basic human rights and diversity.  He then faced a barrage of condemnation, criticism and threats of violence.  In his words, “Most of this negativity was spurred on by the Arabic media’s demonization of my gay identity. Having lived through this experience and others, I feel that I am perfectly positioned to embody GLAAD’s mandate to donors as I can speak from the heart and cite personal experience in an effort to highlight the importance of promoting understanding and acceptance and advancing equality through the media.  Last year, when I came out, I did not simply find my voice; I found my purpose.  With that purpose came a sense of urgency and a responsibility to advocate on behalf of those still silenced by fear or repression.”

Sharif Jr. holds an advanced Master’s degree with merit from The London School of Economics.  His first day at GLAAD will be May 1, 2013.

About GLAAD: 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

Tax Help Available For Those Facing Financial Hardship by State of CA Franchise Tax Board

Sacramento –4-3-2013, With the April 15 tax deadline looming, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today advised taxpayers who face financial hardship to contact FTB for assistance. FTB has many options to help taxpayers handle their tax bills.

FTB assists those with financial hardships by establishing payment plans and sometimes delaying collection activities. The number of taxpayers seeking relief through payment plans has remained the same as last year but has increased by 126 percent over the last five years.

File Your Tax Return 
First and foremost, taxpayers should file their state tax return on time and pay what they can. This can reduce the penalties and interest down the road. FTB will send a Statement of Tax Due when a tax return is submitted without full payment. Once taxpayers receive that statement, they can begin to look at other assistance from FTB.

Payment Plans
FTB generally approves monthly payment plan requests if the balance owed is less than $25,000 and can be paid within 60 months. Liens are not typically filed on taxpayers paying their state tax through payment plans. Taxpayers can request payment plans online atftb.ca.gov by selecting “installment arrangement” under Online Services or by calling our automated phone line at 800.689.4776. Service is available in both English and Spanish.

Offer in Compromise
The Offer in Compromise (OIC) Program is for taxpayers who do not have, and will not have in the foreseeable future, the income, assets, or means to pay their tax liability. An OIC is an agreement between a taxpayer and FTB that settles the taxpayer’s tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. FTB looks at the taxpayer;s income and assets to make a determination regarding the taxpayer’s ability to pay. Absent special circumstances, FTB will not accept an offer if FTB believes the liability can be paid in full as a lump sum or through an installment agreement. For more information go to ftb.ca.gov and search for “Offer in Compromise.”

Help with State Tax Liens
If you have a state tax lien and are trying to sell or refinance your home, FTB can help. State tax liens must typically be paid before real estate can be sold or refinanced. If a taxpayer suffering a financial hardship is selling or refinancing a home for less than the loan balance, FTB can remove the tax lien to allow the homeowner to complete the sale. This can generally occur within two weeks of the taxpayer submitting the required documents. However, the tax lien remains in effect on any other property the taxpayer currently holds or later acquires. For more information go to ftb.ca.gov and search for “Lien.”

About State of CA Franchise Tax Board:
They are responsible for administering two of California’s major tax programs: Personal Income Tax and the Corporation Tax. They also have responsibility for administering other nontax programs and delinquent debt collection functions, including delinquent vehicle registration debt collections on behalf of the Department of Motor Vehicles, and court–ordered debt. For more information visit https://www.ftb.ca.gov

Source: FTB Newsroom

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