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.

Mark Harmon from NCIS, Katey Sagal, Dr. Drew on Call among 17th Annual PRISM Awards ceremony Winners

Iconic “Married…With Children” co-stars Ed O’Neill (Modern Family) and Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy) honor accurate entertainment programming with on-stage reunion andPRISM Awards presentation.

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 25, 2013) – Feature films Silver Linings Playbook (The Weinstein Company) and Flight (Paramount) and television shows Go On (NBC), Elementary (CBS), Nurse Jackie (Showtime), Parenthood (NBC), American Horror Story: Asylum (FX), Homeland (Showtime),Rehab with Dr. Drew (VH1), and Days of Our Lives (NBC) were among those honored for their accuracy in portraying mental health and substance use issues at the 17th Annual PRISM Awards, presented by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) in partnership with the FX Network.

The 17th Annual PRISM Awards, held this evening at The Beverly Hills Hotel, hosted a crowd-pleasing Married…With Children reunion. Sixteen years after the series finale, Ed O’Neill (Modern Family) presented former co-star Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy) with the PRISM Award for Female Performance in a Drama Multi-Episode Storyline.

In the film categories, Flight (Paramount) received the award for Feature Film-Substance Use, while Silver Linings Playbook (The Weinstein Company) took home the PRISM for Feature Film- Mental Health. Linda Cardellini (Return) received the top honor in the Feature Film Performance category.

For Comedy Series, Nurse Jackie (Showtime) earned the award for Comedy Series Episode or Multi-Episode Storyline- Substance Use, and Go On (NBC) received the award in the Comedy Series Episode or Multi-Episode Storyline- Mental Health category.

In the Drama Series Episode categories, Chicago Fire (NBC) and Parenthood (NBC) earned awards in the Substance Use and Mental Health categories, respectively. Performance in a Drama Series Episode award went to Michael Cudlitz (Southland). The award was presented by his co-star Ben McKenzie.

Elementary (CBS) received the EIC President’s Award for its continuing, in-depth integration of substance use and recovery into its storyline and characters. This honor recognizes specific productions that incorporate these accurate health and social issues messages above and beyond single episodes or multi-episode story arcs.

In the area of Drama Multi-Episode Storylines, awards went to American Horror Story: Asylum (FX) and Homeland (Showtime) for Substance Use and Mental Health, respectively. Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy) received the award for Female Performance in a Drama Multi-Episode Storyline, and the award for Male Performance in a Drama Series Multi-Episode Storyline went to Mark Harmon (NCIS).

Of Two Minds (Lifetime) earned an award for TV Movie or Miniseries, and documentary by the same name was awarded for Feature Film Documentary. Days of Our Lives (NBC) received the award for Daytime Drama Storyline. The Teen or Children’s Program award went to Degrassi: The Next Generation (TeenNick).

For Unscripted Non-Fiction, Rehab with Dr. Drew: Season 6 (VH1) received the top honors. The Talk Show Episode award went to Dr. Drew on Call (HLN). In the Documentary, News Magazine, or Biographical Program, Court McGee: Dead Man Fighting (ESPN) and Demi Lovato: Stay Strong(MTV) won awards in the substance use and mental health categories respectively. Macklemore’s “Starting Over” won the Music Recording award.

Additional presenters at the PRISM Awards included Emmy nominees Jean Smart (Hawaii Five-0), Mariette Hartley (Law & Order: SVU) and Sharon Lawrence (Drop Dead Diva), Tony Nominee Michele Lee, George Eads (CSI), Caterina Scorsone (Private Practice), Katie Cassidy (Arrow), Silas Weir Mitchell (Grimm), Dee Wallace, Reno Wilson (Mike and Molly), Brett Gelman and Julie White (Go On), Alison Haislip (Battleground), Lisa Guerrero (Inside Edition), Kate Linder (The Young and the Restless), Carly Steel (TV Guide Network), Danielle Nicolette (Family Tools), Sam Witwer (Being Human), Anna Belknap (CSI: NY), Mackenzie Phillips, Dr. Drew Pinsky (Dr. Drew On Call), SAG-AFTRA Co-President Ken Howard, Mark Valley and Windell Middlebrooks (Body of Proof), Tamala Jones (Castle), Tim Kang (The Mentalist), Max Burkholder (Parenthood), Ernie Hudson (Last Resort), Nolan Gould (Modern Family), and the voice of the PRISM Awards, Shadoe Stevens.

PRISM Awards honor accurate depictions of mental health issues as well as substance use, addiction, prevention, treatment and recovery in movies, television, music, DVD, and comic book entertainment. Winners for the PRISM Awards are selected by an 80‐person Nomination Review Committee of entertainment industry professionals and technical experts from the fields of medicine, mental health, and addiction.

The 17th Annual PRISM Showcase will debut on September 14, 2013, on flagship airing partner FX Network. A complete airing schedule for additional cable networks, local broadcast stations, video on demand, and online will be announced at PRISMawards.com.


About Entertainment Industries Council:
EIC is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 by leaders within the entertainment industry to bring their power and influence to bear on communication about health and social issues. The organization is considered to be the chief pioneer of entertainment and journalism outreach and a premiere success story in the field of entertainment education. This mission relies on providing resource information to the creative community and culminates in recognition of the industry through the national television special PRISM Awards Showcase which addresses accurate portrayals of substance use issues and mental health concerns. The organization also produces the S.E.T. Awards, honoring positive and non-stereotypical portrayals of science, engineering, and technology.

For a complete list of health and social issues addressed by EIC and local projects please visit First Draft and EIC’s website. EIC’s web site is www.eiconline.org. The PRISM Awards web site iswww.prismawards.com.

14th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards To Air On The Univision Network Will Heat Up Las Vegas Nov. 21

Latin Music’s Hottest Night to Broadcast Live on the Univision Network from Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Nomination for this Year’s Awards will be Announced from Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 2013.

MIAMI (April 22, 2013) — The 14th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards^® will take place inside Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, and will air live in the United States on the Univision Network  from 8–11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central). This marks the sixth time that Latin music’s most prestigious awards telecast will take place in Las Vegas. Nominations for the 14th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 25 at a live press conference in Los Angeles. For updates and breaking news, please visit The Latin Recording Academy^®‘s social networks on Twitter and Facebook.


“We are thrilled and excited to return to Las Vegas, a second home for us, and provide not only our viewers but our nominees, friends and guests an unforgettable musical experience,” said Gabriel Abaroa, Jr. President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Following the successes we have achieved we are proud to yet again work with the teams at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Mandalay Bay Events Center, our MGM Resorts partners, and Univision to showcase some of the most talented Latin musicians today and deliver another show-stopping Latin GRAMMY^® telecast.”

Since the annual Latin GRAMMY telecast debuted entirely in Spanish on Univision in 2005, the show has consistently earned significant ratings year after year in the United States and around the world. In fact, the Latin GRAMMYs have become one of Univision’s most watched and highest rated shows, as well as delivering strong social media results thanks to its high regard among Hispanics.

Additionally, the Road To The Latin GRAMMYs — a month-long series of cultural events culminating with the hottest night in Latin music — begins with the Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions and Latin GRAMMY Street Parties taking place in several cities across the United States and in Colombia and Mexico City, as well as the Special Awards Presentation, and the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year tribute gala.

The Latin Recording Academy is an International, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.latingrammy.com.

Source: The Latin Recording Academy

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

Anne Sweeney from Disney/ABC Television Group honored at 2013 HRC Los Angeles Gala Dinner hosted by Tom Bergeron

City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa makes his last appearance at 2013 HRC LA Gala. Make Equality Count and Prop. 8 and DOMA was one of the main topic discussed at the 2013 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner event.

On Saturday, March 23, 2013 The Human Rights Campaign held their number one fundraising event The 2013 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner at the JW Marriott L.A. Live Hotel 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Honoree Anne Sweeney is co-chair, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, which includes The Walt Disney Company’s global entertainment and news television properties, owned television stations group, as well as radio and publishing businesses. For more information visit The Walt Disney Company.

Make Equality Count and Prop. 8 and DOMA was one of the main topic issues at the event. As well to recognize Ally’s of Equality such as City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and to honor Disney/ABC Television Group with the Corporate Equality Award for the company’s support of equality for the LGBT community. The award was presented to the company’s president, Anne Sweeney.

Some of the event program celebrities, politicians and special guests included:
Kris Perry & Sandy Stier and Paul Katami & Jeff Zarrillo, Christine Gregoire, Mark Takano, Anne Sweeney, Rob Reiner, Tom Bergeron, Kerry Washington and Chad Griffin. The event dinner co-chairs were Ted Holmquist & Gwen Baba.

The 2013 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner featured special guests and celebrities arrivals, dinner, gift bag, award presentation. Also inspirational and supporting speeches on Marriage Equality to win Prop. 8 and DOMA in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is schedule to hear arguments on both the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Prop 8. Prop. 8 case, Hollingsworth v. Perry on Tuesday, March 26 and Defense of Marriage Act on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

Supporters and activists expect a ruling on this discriminatory law by next June. If the Supreme Court decides in favor of equality, more than a quarter of Americans will live in states where LGBT couples can marry legally. And if they rule DOMA unconstitutional, every single one of those couples will have the same federal rights and benefits of marriage as heterosexual couples.

About The Human Rights Campaign:
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. For more information visit http://www.hrc.org/

About The Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Steering Committee:
The Los Angeles Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign is a diverse volunteer group of individuals working each and every day to bring the mission of HRC to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender and straight-supportive people in this area. For more information visit http://hrcladinner.com/about_us.html

Source: HRC

Photos credit to: Alireza Kia/Alireza Kia Photography for Diversity News Magazine.

Editor’s Note: We want to thanks HRC for allowing Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News teams to cover the 2013 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner, a very well organized and important event.

Mayo Clinic Expert Says Early Screening for Colorectal Cancer is Key to Successfully Treating the Disease

ROCHESTER, Minn. — March 14, 2013, March is awareness month for colorectal cancer, the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanics. The disease shows alarming figures among the Hispanic community, being the second main cause of death by cancer in men and third in women. Approximately 5,900 and 4,800 Hispanic men and women — respectively — are diagnosed with the disease annually, and about 1,900 men and 1,600 women die as a result, says the American Cancer Society. The disease, however, can be completely cured when detected in time.

Early screening is the key to successfully treating and stopping the progression of colorectal cancer. Screening tests can determine the presence of cancer in people without symptoms of the disease. Maria Vazquez Roque, M.D., gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida, says, “Early screening is the key to identifying polyps or lesions in the colon in initial stages, before they reach an advanced stage.”

Recommendations include regular screening tests for people 50 and over, or earlier for those with a family history of the disease.

Several tests to screen for colorectal cancer are available, including colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, fecal occult blood, flexible sigmoidoscopy with barium enema, and the soon-to-come stool DNA test. Colonoscopy is currently the most frequently used test, and it enables the removal of polyps before they turn into cancer.

Under the lead of David Ahlquist, M.D., gastroenterologist, Mayo Clinic has developed, along with Exact Sciences Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin, a new screening test for colorectal cancer: the stool DNA test that does not involve any invasive procedure or bowel preparation. The test has proven to be very accurate for identifying precancerous polyps and early stage colorectal cancer. “Due to its benign characteristics, this highly accurate test can improve participation rates among patients,” says Dr. Ahlquist. “This is a non-invasive test that requires no bowel preparation, medication restrictions or diet changes. It can be done with mailed samples, sparing the need, expense and inconvenience of a physician visit. If positive results are obtained, the next step is a colonoscopy to remove the polyps and prevent the future development of cancer.” The stool DNA test is expected to be clinically available in the second half of 2013.


The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, but studies indicate that increased incidence of colorectal cancer is closely linked to lifestyle. A sedentary life and a low fiber or high-fat diet can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. “Lifestyle changes are important to prevent the development of colon polyps that can potentially turn into colorectal cancer. Not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet with fiber and exercising are all important,” adds Dr. Vazquez Roque.

Scientific research has also looked at patients who already have metastatic colorectal cancer. An international clinical trial showed that the drugregorafenib has stopped the growth of tumors and extended the life of these patients. Axel Grothey, M. D., oncologist at Mayo Clinic and the lead researcher in the U.S. says: “For years, patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have faced a devastating impasse when standard chemotherapies have failed to halt the growth of tumors and physicians have run out of effective drugs to offer them. This is the first novel agent in eight years to show improvement in overall survival of colon cancer patients who have run out of treatment options.”

About Mayo Clinic:
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit MayoClinic.com

Consumer Alert: Coldwater Canyon Ave to Close March 23 – April 25 for Water Trunk Line Replacement‏

LADWP to Replace 99-Year Old Pipe, Requiring Full Use of Street for Construction. Limited through Traffic Reduced to Evening, Overnight Hours and Sundays.

LOS ANGELES (March 4, 2013) – The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will be replacing a portion of the City Trunk Line, a 60-inch diameter pipeline that runs along Coldwater Canyon Avenue between Mulholland Drive and Ventura Boulevard, necessitating closure of the major Valley to Westside pass from March 23-April 25 to allow the full use of the street for construction equipment and crews.  The LADWP is replacing the 99-year old pipe in sections with new welded steel pipe as part of an ongoing citywide upgrade to major pipelines that cross the city to ensure reliable service and to comply with federal water quality regulations.

Starting March 9th, no left turns will be allowed onto Ventura Blvd from Coldwater Canyon north and south bound as crews prepare for construction.

Closures begin Saturday, March 23, and are scheduled to continue through Thursday, April 25. The hours of closure are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  After 7 p.m. each night (6 p.m. on Saturdays), and all day Sunday, one lane in each direction will be open for traffic.

“This is a vitally important project to ensure the continued safety and reliability of our drinking water,” LA City Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. “I know how difficult it will be to drive through the area during this time, which is why I would urge all of us to find alternate routes during construction. While crews are working to repair this pipeline, my office will ensure that residents, businesses, schools and drivers are kept informed about this project and we will work with all city departments to ensure this is done as safely and efficiently as possible. I thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.”

“This is an important improvement, but it poses an impact and a challenge. LADWP needs to get this job done as quickly and safely as possible,” added LA City Councilmember Tom LaBonge.

“Coldwater Canyon Avenue is one of our key trans-mountain routes, and there’s no question its month-long daytime closure will be a hardship to residents and commuters. But the water trunk-line replacement work’s got to be done, and I’m confident that people will cooperate with patience and understanding, with a final result that we can all be proud of,” said LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

In 2009, the City Trunk Line ruptured at Coldwater Canyon and Ventura Boulevard, causing flooding of area residents and businesses. Cost of repairs was over $700,000 and claims totaled nearly $8 million. Water loss was estimated at four million gallons.

Details of the closure were discussed earlier today at a morning press conference near the site of the 2009 rupture with Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who represents the area, joined by Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

A representative from the City Department of Transportation also discussed traffic mitigation plans that include electronic signage, traffic control officers, new striping to guide motorists through the area.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area during the closure and take alternate routes, including: Laurel Canyon Blvd.; Beverly Glen Blvd., Sepulveda Blvd., Cahuenga Blvd./Highland Avenue and Interstate 405. During peak commuting hours, Coldwater Canyon carries approximately 1,300 vehicles per hour.

The LADWP has worked closely with Councilmember Krekorian and his staff, as well as community groups and others, to ensure that their concerns and issues are addressed to the extent possible.

Special access permits will be issued to area residents and schools, including Harvard-Westlake, and other facilities along Coldwater between Mulholland Drive and Ventura Boulevard.  The actual construction zone is from Dickens Street to Hacienda Drive, where most of the work will occur.

“This project poses particular challenges – on an engineering level and for how to mitigate impacts for those who live, work or travel through this area of the City,” said James B. McDaniel, Senior Assistant General Manager, Water System. “The quality and reliability of your water service is our priority at the LADWP, and we are going to work as quickly and safely as possible to get this job done. We appreciate your understanding and patience.”

For information about the closure, please visit www.ladwp.com.  To receive e-mail updates on construction progress during the closure, please visit LADWP’s online newsroom and sign-up to receive updates here.  Select “City Trunk Line – Coldwater Canyon Construction” from the dropdown menu, or follow @LADWP on Twitter.

Also to read more about the Coldwater Canyon Construction March 23 – April 25, 2013

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
*TRAFFIC ADVISORY*
Left Turn Restrictions Begin Saturday, March 9 at
Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Ventura Boulevard
NO Left Turns from Coldwater Canyon Avenue
Northbound and Southbound onto Ventura Boulevard

Left turn restrictions will go into effect as part of an ongoing water trunk line construction project on Coldwater Canyon Avenue in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.Beginning Saturday, March 9, 2013, no left turns from Coldwater Canyon Avenue northboundand southbound onto Ventura Boulevard will be allowed.These left turn restrictions will be in effect for two weeks, through March 23, 2013. At that time, the full closure of Coldwater Canyon Avenue between Ventura Boulevard and Mulholland Drive will commence and will be in effect through April 25, 2013. During this timeframe, the left turn restrictions will remain in effect during non-working hours and on Sundays. For more information on the full closure of Coldwater Canyon Avenue, click here. Left turn restrictions will continue after the closure through June 1, 2013. Drivers who may be affected by the left turn restrictions are encouraged to consider other routes, including Cahuenga Boulevard/Highland Avenue, Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Beverly Glen Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard and Interstate 405, or take Metro- visit www.metro.net for more information.

WHAT: Left-turn restrictions from Coldwater Canyon Ave. northbound and southbound onto Ventura Blvd. WHEN: March 9, 2013 through March 23, 2013 – around the clockMarch 23, 2013 through April 25, 2013 – overnight hours and SundaysApril 25, 2013 through June 1, 2013 – around the clock WHERE: Intersection of Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Ventura Boulevard Studio City, CA 91604Map of the intersection

Source: LADWP

Madonna to present Anderson Cooper with Vito Russo Award at 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City

NEW YORK, NY, March 2, 2013 - GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, today announced that Madonna will present journalist, author and talk show host Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the New York ceremony on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the New York Marriot Marquis, presented locally by Delta Air Lines. The GLAAD Media Awards are presented nationally by Ketel One and Wells Fargo.

Cooper and Madonna are longtime friends who have both used their careers to raise support for LGBT people around the globe.

For tickets, table purchases and additional information about the GLAAD Media Awards visit http://glaad.org/mediaawards.

“Madonna has been a passionate spokesperson and long time supporter of gay rights. She has embraced  LGBT people around the world on many occasions,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “From speaking out against bullying to raising support for marriage equality, Madonna has always been one of our community’s strongest allies. We are honored to have her stand with GLAAD and Anderson Cooper.”

The Vito Russo Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality. The Award is named for Vito Russo, a founder of GLAAD and celebrated activist with ACT UP, who chronicled the early images of LGBT people in film and in his book The Celluloid Closet.  Previous Vito Russo honorees include Ricky Martin, Rosie O’Donnell, Alan Cumming, Cynthia Nixon, Nathan Lane, Cherry Jones, Elton John, k.d. lang, Brian Graden, and Tom Ford.

“By sharing his own experiences as a gay man, Anderson has reminded millions of Americans that LGBT people are part of their everyday lives and an integral part of our cultural fabric,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “He continues to raise the bar and set a new standard for journalists everywhere, and I’m proud to call him a friend.”

The anchors of Good Morning America, Lara Spencer, Josh Elliott and Sam Champion are hosting the evening. Special guests include NFL players Brendon Ayanbadejo and Chris Kluwe, director Brett Ratner, Ellen Barkin, MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry and Thomas Roberts, and John Leguizamo.  Additional honorees and guests for the New York event will be announced.

For more than 20 years, Anderson Cooper has been an instrumental figure in American journalism.  Enticing audiences with his compassionate and fearless coverage, Cooper has won multiple awards for his work, including several Emmy Awards, National Headliner Awards, and Peabody Awards.  In 2010, Haiti awarded Cooper the National Order of Honour and Merit, the highest honor the country offers, for his coverage of the earthquake that devastated that country.

In addition to reporting for CNN on Anderson Cooper 360°, Cooper is also a contributor to CBS’ 60 Minutes, where he has interviewed cultural icons and newsmakers.  In 2011, he became the host of his own nationally syndicated talk show, Anderson Live.  Dispatches from the Edge, Cooper’s memoirs about covering the South Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and other news events, topped The New York Times Bestsellers List and other bestseller charts.

Never one to shy away from tough topics, Cooper has tackled multiple issues relevant to the LGBT community, including bullying of LGBT youth, families supporting their transgender children, the dangers of so-called “ex-gay conversion therapy,” and soldiers forced to serve under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

For his coverage of issues relevant to the LGBT community, Anderson Cooper has received eight GLAAD Media Award nominations, and has been awarded the trophy three times.

Nominees for the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were announced in January and are available here:http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/nominees.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. They also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality.  Each year, the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco bring together more than 5,000 advocates and allies to raise critical funds for the organization’s work.

The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in New York on March 16, 2013 at the New York Marriott Marquis; in Los Angeles on April 20 at the JW Marriott; and in San Francisco on May 11 at the Hilton San Francisco – Union Square.  Additional Special Honorees for each city will be announced in coming weeks.

The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are executive produced by Marc Honaker, Director of Creative Development at GLAAD, and by Josh Wood, founder and president of Josh Wood Productions.  “I am very proud that my company is producing the GLAAD Media Awards this year alongside such great collaborators.  I have always been a fan of the organization and the important work GLAAD is doing to make the world a better place for the LGBT community.  The fight is not over in the United States, or globally, and I admire GLAAD for inspiring and changing opinions through media,” said Wood.

Emmy Award winning production designer James Connelly will design this year’s set across the three cities. Acclaimed producer and editor Brett Henrichsen will also contribute to this year’s GLAAD Media Awards.

To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

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

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