Slideshow of BREATHE LA Salon on Faith and the Environment

Emcee and Moderator – Ray Gonzales, BREATHE LA Board Member and KTLA Director of Community Affairs

Panel of Faith Leaders – Sister Marilyn Rudy of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Earth Harmony; Revered Peter H. Rood, Jr. of the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church; and Christopher Chapple, Navin & Pratima Doshi Professor of Indic & Comparative Thelogy at Loyola Marymount University

Panel of Responders – Jane Affonso of the South Coast Interfaith Council; Rev. Jim Conn of the United Methodist Church; and Dr. Shereen Sabet, California State University, Long Beach

“Sinful Behavior: Is Pollution the 8th Deadly Sin?”

WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

LA Press Club: “Muslim/Arab Coverage in News & Entertainment: What Effect Does It Have on Election 2008?”

Serving Southern California since 1913

ADVISORY

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact – Edward Headington, Publicist
(323) 669-8081 or Edward@LAPressClub.org

Hollywood, CA. The Los Angeles Press Club is hosting another great panel discussion this Thursday night at the Steve Allen Theater. Co-sponsored by PR Newswire, the Media Image Coalition, and the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, the theme is “Muslim/Arab Coverage in News & Entertainment: What Effect Does It Have on Election 2008?” In light of recent remarks condemned at campaign rallies and thoughtful comments made by former Secretary of State and retired General Colin Powell on this past Sunday’s Meet the Press, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

WHO – The Los Angeles Press Club Members and Supporters; MIC Members and Supporters; Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations Members and Supporters; Journalists; and Panelists:

Moderator: Jon Beaupre, Award-winning guest host on KPCC Radio’s “AirTalk” and “Talk of the City”

Panelists: Robert Greenwald, Filmmaker and political activist; Founder of Brave New Films (“Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers” and “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price”); Steve Padilla, Religion Editor, Los Angeles Times; Kamran Pasha, TV Producer, Director, Screenwriter (Bionic Woman; Sleeper Cell); Ahmed Ahmed, AFTRA member, Film and TV Actor and Comedian (The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour); Lena Khan, Award-winning filmmaker (A Land Called Paradise; The Sleeper Cell); Munira Syeda, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR); and Siamak Kalhor, KIRN/670AM; Radio Iran

WHAT – Panel Discussion on “Muslim/Arab Coverage in News & Entertainment: What Effect Does It Have on Election 2008?”

WHEN – Thursday, October 23, 208; Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Program begins at 7:15 p.m.

WHERE – The Steve Allen Theater at the LA Press Club; 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90027; Plenty of free parking behind the building (enter off of Berendo Street); Click here for a map; Metro: Red line, Sunset/Vermont station

WHY – Against the backdrop of the current presidential election, a diverse panel will give an overview of the portrayals, often negative, of Muslims and Arabs in mainstream media and what circumstances and issues help perpetuate those portrayals. They will further seek to shed light on current efforts to engage more realistic Muslim characters, storylines and news coverage, bring depth and balance to a faith and people frequently misunderstood in the media, and expose efforts meant to characterize political candidates in an “extremist” manner.

FYI: This event is free and open to everyone (bring a friend!). Refreshments and snacks will be provided. RSVP to rsvp@lapressclub.org.

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The Los Angeles Press Club stands as an organization devoted to improving the spirit of journalism and journalists, raising the industry’s standards, strengthening its integrity and improving its reputation all for the benefit of the community at large. For more information, go to http://www.lapressclub.org/ and/or www.myspace.com/lapressclub.

PR Newswire, co-sponsor for all Los Angeles Press Club events, is the global leader in news and information distribution services for professional communicators. For more information, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/.

The Media Image Coalition, established in 1989 by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, represents the first multiracial, multicultural, inter-religious media advocacy and education organization in the US. MIC promotes increased visibility, diversity and balanced imagery of all groups that it determines to be subjects of discrimination or unfair treatment in media and the arts. For more information, go to www.LAHumanRelations.org/programs/mic/mic.htm.

The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations is dedicated to promoting positive race and human relations in an increasingly complex and multicultural county by developing programs that proactively address racism, homophobia, religious prejudice, linguistic bias, anti-immigrant sentiment, and other divisive attitudes that can lead to inter-cultural tension, hate crimes and related violence. For more information, go to http://www.lahumanrelations.org/.

Headington Media Group is a full-service communications firm dedicated to promoting public affairs in Southern California, specializing in image management, branding and public relations. For more information, go to http://www.headingtonmedia.com/ and/or visit http://www.headingtonmediacenter.org/.

Next BREATHE LA Salon is this Thursday. RSVP Today!

ADVISORY

October 21, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Edward Headington
Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

WHO: BREATHE LA staff and supporters, residents, consumers, businesses, public policy professionals and others

Welcome – Honorable Gilbert Cedillo, state Senator, District 22

Emcee and Moderator – Ray Gonzales, BREATHE LA Board Member and KTLA Director of Community Affairs

Panel of Faith Leaders – Sister Marilyn Rudy of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Earth Harmony; Revered Peter H. Rood, Jr. of the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church; and Christopher Chapple, Navin & Pratima Doshi Professor of Indic & Comparative Thelogy at Loyola Marymount University

Panel of Responders – Jane Affonso of the South Coast Interfaith Council; Rev. Jim Conn of the United Methodist Church; and Dr. Shereen Sabet, California State University, Long Beach

WHAT: The BREATHE LA Pollution & Solutions Salon Series is a new and engaging discussion of clean air, the environment and healthy living--launched in June 2008

“Sinful Behavior: Is Pollution the 8th Deadly Sin?”

WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: The California Endowment, 1000 Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (There is plenty of free parking on the premises; Metrolink Exit – Union Station only 2 blocks away.)

WHY: Global warming and climate change have become part of the national lexicon and religion continues to look at the nexus between pollution, solutions and what could be construed by some as “sinful behavior.” Come hear several faith leaders offer their thoughts on the relationship between spirituality, humanity and the environment.

FYI: It is open to the public and there is no cost to attend the BREATHE LA salons. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served. For more information and to R.S.V.P., contact Edward Headington at Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com or (818) 720-7181. You may also visit us at http://www.breathela.org/ or www.myspace.com/BCLAC—and/or join our group pages on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the future of clean air and healthy lungs in Los Angeles County. BREATHE LA was established in 1903 and has over a century of accomplishments. First established to fight then-epidemic Tuberculosis, BREATHE LA has long been a leader in efforts to improve air quality and lung health in Los Angeles. Now part of BREATHE California, a statewide organization, BREATHE LA is dedicated to service in our local communities. For more information, visit http://www.breathela.org/.

10/22 PBI Panel on "Immigrants, Race Relations and the 2008 Elections"

ADVISORY

Monday, October 20, 2008
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

Los Angeles, CA. For almost three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) has focused on state and community issues—dedicated to the quest for social justice and equality of opportunity, enlightened civic engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for all Californians. This Wednesday night, less than two weeks before the national elections, the PBI hosts a panel discussion on "Immigrants, Race Relations and the 2008 Elections."

WHO: PBI supporters and staff; immigration experts; community leaders and others

Moderator: Jon Beaupre, California State University Los Angeles, KPCC 89.3 FM frequent guest host, and the Los Angeles Press Club

Panelists: Stewart Kwoh - Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California; Rev. Eric P. Lee - Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles; Angela Sanbrano - National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities; and Ira Mehlman - Federation for American Immigration Reform

WHAT: PBI Panel Discussion on "Immigrants, Race Relations and the 2008 Elections"

WHEN: Wednesday, October 22, 2008; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: City Club on Bunker Hill @ 333 S Grand Avenue, Suite 5450, Los Angeles, CA 90071; (Wells Fargo Center)

WHY: The panelists will consider the following: What roles do immigration and immigrant communities play in the larger arenas of race and ethnic relations in the U.S.? How do these roles affect local, regional and national politics/political processes? How can we situate debates on immigration within the larger framework of social, economic and political justice?

FYI: Hosted by Southern California Edison and the James Irvine Foundation. RSVP today @ www.patbrowninstitute.org/register/227/.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to www.PatBrownInstitute.org/.

Coro Centers Across America Celebrate 66 Years of “Training Tomorrow’s Leaders”

Coro Southern California – Center for Civic Leadership

RELEASE

October 13, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Edward Headington

WIGO (What Is Going On?) 2008

Los Angeles, CA – For over half a century, the Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership has been “Training Tomorrow’s Leaders” through its venerated Fellows Program in Public Affairs. However, Coro’s roots go back to San Francisco where in 1942, it was founded by W. Donald Fletcher, an attorney, and Van Duyn Dodge, an investment counselor. The Coro founders had met while working on the Wendell Willkie presidential campaign of 1940 and were worried about the state of civic affairs here at home and failing democracies abroad. In that spirit and “attitude of discovery,” they launched Coro on Columbus Day sixty-six years ago.

“Like Columbus in 1492 and Van Duyn Dodge and W. Donald Fletcher in 1942, we are explorers and researchers in every sense of the word,” said Coro Southern California President and CEO, Don Pierro. “Dodge and Fletcher’s ‘attitude of discovery’ is still with us and emboldens the work we do.”

Coro continues to offer a new way of looking at the public sector and redefining the relationship between the citizen and government—done largely through its focus on experiential learning and the “Coro Methodology.” A number of local and state leaders have gone through its training—including U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein, U.S. Congressman Jerry Lewis, state Senator Alex Padilla, former City Councilman David Cunningham, publishing powerhouse David Abel; public affairs expert Kerman Maddox, Governor Schwarzenegger aides Billie Greer and Lisa Kalustian, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Chief of Staff, Robin Kramer.

“There is a movement afoot in this nation to renew civic life and Coro will continue to be part of that push,” said Pierro. “We have been a part of every administration since President Eisenhower and are threads in the fabric of many communities across the nation. We pause on this historic day of exploration to praise the vision and leadership of our Founders and also remind ourselves of the work that still remains to be done.”

It should be noted that Coro was founded to carry out research and education in the field of government and politics. The organization and its mission have evolved over the decades to define its work as strengthening communities and the democratic process through all sectors of public affairs by preparing capable individuals and concerned citizens for effective and ethical leadership—hence the phrase “Training Tomorrow’s Leaders.” The word itself, “Coro,” is not an acronym but rather was invented by Dodge and Fletcher to describe the new organization’s unique mission and methodology.

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Coro Southern California and its affiliated centers nationwide shape civic leaders for effective roles in public affairs. Coro graduates are teachers, investment bankers, union leaders, corporate directors, activists, lawyers, journalists, and elected officials, among other professions. No matter where the more than 10,000 alumni work or what job titles they hold, they have learned how to challenge themselves and others to be more ethical and effective leaders. Coro runs programs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Cleveland; over a 1,000 participants go through Coro programs nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.corola.org/.

Next BREATHE LA Salon is October 23rd: “Sinful Behavior: Is Pollution the 8th Deadly Sin?”

ADVISORY

October 9, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Edward Headington
Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

“Sinful Behavior: Is Pollution the 8th Deadly Sin?”

WHO: BREATHE LA, residents, consumers, businesses, public policy professionals and others

Welcome – Honorable Gilbert Cedillo, state Senator, District 22

Moderator – Ray Gonzales, BREATHE LA Board Member and KTLA Director of Community Affairs

Panel of Faith Leaders – Sister Marilyn Rudy of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Earth Harmony; Revered Peter H. Hood, Jr. of the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church; and others TBA

Responders – Enrique Chiock, President & CEO of Breathe California of Los Angeles County and Jane Offonso of the South Coast Interfaith Council

WHAT: The BREATHE LA Pollution & Solutions Salon Series is a new and engaging discussion of clean air, the environment and healthy living--launched in June 2008

“Sinful Behavior: Is Pollution the 8th Deadly Sin?”

WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: The California Endowment, 1000 Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (There is plenty of free parking on the premises; Metrolink Exit – Union Station only 2 blocks away.)

WHY: Global warming and climate change have become part of the national lexicon and religion continues to look at the nexus between pollution, solutions and what could be construed by some as “sinful behavior.” Come hear several faith leaders offer their thoughts on the relationship between spirituality, humanity and the environment.

FYI: It is open to the public and there is no cost to attend the BREATHE LA salons. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served. For more information and to R.S.V.P., contact Edward Headington at Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com or (818) 720-7181. You may also visit us at http://www.breathela.org/ or www.myspace.com/BCLAC—and/or join our group pages on Facebook and LinkedIn.

###

BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the future of clean air and healthy lungs in Los Angeles County. BREATHE LA was established in 1903 and has over a century of accomplishments. First established to fight then-epidemic Tuberculosis, BREATHE LA has long been a leader in efforts to improve air quality and lung health in Los Angeles. Now part of BREATHE California, a statewide organization, BREATHE LA is dedicated to service in our local communities. For more information, visit http://www.breathela.org/.

2nd Annual Latinos, Faith, Culture & HIV Conference Tomorrow at the California Endowment

ADVISORY

Thursday, October 9, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Edward Headington
Email: Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com
Direct: 818-720-7181

Los Angeles, CA. The Wall Las Memorias Project convenes its “2nd Annual Latinos, Faith, Culture & HIV" Conference tomorrow at the California Endowment.” It is free and open to the public but you need to R.S.V.P. A number of great speakers have been confirmed and attendees will hear a number of critical issues get addressed. Click here to see a video of last Friday’s press conference announcing the conference.

WHO: Supporters and Staff of the Wall Las Memorias Project; HIV advocates; Faith Leaders; Public Health workers; Consul General of Mexico, Juan Marcos Gutierrez and others

SPEAKERS: Rev. Kathy Cooper-Ledesma, Pastor of the Hollywood Church; Richard Zaldivar, President & Founder of The Wall Las Memorias Project; Dr. Shane P. Martin, Dean & Prof. of Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles; Maria Alvarez, Vice Chair, Hispanic Working Group Center for Disease Control; Mario Perez, Director of Office of AIDS Program and Policy, County of L.A.; Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frasier; Ambrose Rodriguez; Ricardo Moreno, Bread for the World; Jaime Regalado, Executive Director of the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs; Brandon Stevenson, PhRMA; Tim Young; Eddie Martinez, Wall Las Memorias Project; and Humberto Franco.

WHAT: 2nd Annual Latinos, Faith, Culture & HIV Conference

WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2008; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: The California Endowment @ 1000 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Ample parking available on the premises at no charge. Metrolink exit – Union Station

WHY: HIV is on the rise in the Latino community; the faith community can and do play a critical role; update from CDC experts and others

FYI: Breakfast and lunch will be provided. To R.S.V.P. and for more information, contact Ezequiel Guerra at 323.256.1056x22 or eguerra@thewalllasmemorias.org.

SPONSORS: PhRMA; Gilead Sciences; Wells Fargo; and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – Office of AIDS Programs and Policy

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The Wall Las Memorias Project has built support for its AIDS monument through innovative prevention programs, leadership training and grassroots community organizing. With strong community support for the project, local elected officials helped secure state and local public funding for the AIDS monument, making it the first publicly funded AIDS monument in the nation. The Wall Las Memorias Project continues to be at the forefront of the battle to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. The AIDS monument will bring awareness and remind us that the need for education remains vital to our community. For more information, go to www.TheWallLasMemorias.org/ or call (323) 257-1056.

Headington Media Group is a full-service communications firm that specializes in image management, branding and public relations. For more information, go to HMG and/or visit The Headington Cabal.

Press Club Panel Discussion: “Can a Free Press Exist in Putin’s Russia?

Thursday, October 9, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact – Edward Headington, Publicist
(323) 669-8081 or Edward@lapressclub.org

Hollywood, CA. The Los Angeles Press Club is hosting a group of visiting Russian journalists tonight at the Steve Allen Theater. This event is free and open to both Press Club members and the public at large.

WHO – The Los Angeles Press Club Members and Supporters, Journalists, and the panel:

Mariya Ramazanovna Abubakarova, chief editor of the Grozny City Newspaper
Kseniya Aleksandrovna Anufriyeva, editor and commentator for Mir TV
Tamara Konstantinovna Bessmertnaya, senior editor for Almazny Krai Television and Radio Broadcasting Company
Dmitriy Leonidovich Sokolov-Syromyatnikov, deputy chief editor for the editorial board of Ryazan News; and
Natalya Romanovna Volina, correspondent of Vostochno-Sibirskaya Pravda Newspaper.

WHEN – “Can a Free Press Exist in Putin’s Russia?” panel discussion with visiting Russian journalists

WHEN – Thursday, October 9, 208; 7 p.m.

WHERE – The Steve Allen Theater at the LA Press Club; 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90027; Plenty of free parking behind the building (enter off of Berendo Street); Click here for a map; Metro: Red line, Sunset/Vermont station

WHY – How was the crackdown in Georgia portrayed in the Russian media? How do they see Putin's role in Russia today? What do they think of how Russia is being portrayed in the American presidential race? FYI: This event is free and open to everyone (bring a friend!). You can also become a member at a discounted rate tonight. RSVP to rsvp@lapressclub.org.

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The Los Angeles Press Club stands as an organization devoted to improving the spirit of journalism and journalists, raising the industry’s standards, strengthening its integrity and improving its reputation all for the benefit of the community at large. For more information, go to http://www.lapressclub.org/ and/or www.myspace.com/lapressclub.

PR Newswire, co-sponsor for all Los Angeles Press Club events, is the global leader in news and information distribution services for professional communicators. For more information, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/.

The International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Our mission is to increase respect, mutual understanding and cooperation between Los Angeles and the rest of the world. IVCLA works to accomplish this mission through the professional meetings and cultural activities we arrange for emerging international leaders who are individually selected by U.S. embassies throughout the world and sponsored by other public and private organizations. For more information, go to http://www.ivcla.org/.

Headington Media Group is a full-service communications firm that specializes in image management, branding and public relations. For more information, go to HMG and/or visit The Headington Cabal.

Slideshow of PBI's "Technology and the Future of Civic Engagement"

Wall Las Memorias Project "Call to Action" Press Conference

Footage from today's Wall Las Memorias Press Conference on Latinos, Faith, Culture & HIV

Call to Action Press Conference on Latinos, Faith, Culture & HIV Tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Thursday, October 2, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Edward Headington
Email: Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com
Direct: 818-720-7181

Los Angeles, CA. The Wall Las Memorias Project will convene a “call to action” press conference tomorrow morning to announce its upcoming conference, discuss HIV increases in the Latino community and call for more faith leaders to play a role. Several speakers have confirmed their attendance, including Fathers Will Wauters and Richard Estrada. Below are the details.

WHO: Supporters and Staff of the Wall Las Memorias Project; HIV advocates; Faith Leaders; Public Health workers; and others

SPEAKERS: Richard Zaldivar, Founder and President of The Wall Las Memorias Project; Father Will Wauters with the Epiphany Episcopal Church; Father Richard Estrada with Our Lady Queen of Angels—La Placita; and more

WHAT: “Call to Action” Press Conference to Announce Upcoming Wall Las Memorias Project Conference, Discuss HIV in the Latino community and Call for Faith Leaders to Play a Larger Role

WHEN: Friday, October 3, 2008; 10 a.m.

WHERE: La Placita Church at Olvera Street @ 535 N. Main Street, Los Angeles; 213.629.3101. There is limited street parking but ample paid parking in nearby lots.

WHY: HIV is on the rise in the Latino community; the faith community can play a critical role; media and others hear from both experts and faith leaders

FYI: Please confirm your attendance and/or coverage with Edward Headington at Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com or by calling the number above. Links and reports on HIV/AIDS numbers available upon request.

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The Wall Las Memorias Project has built support for its AIDS monument through innovative prevention programs, leadership training and grassroots community organizing. With strong community support for the project, local elected officials helped secure state and local public funding for the AIDS monument, making it the first publicly funded AIDS monument in the nation. The Wall Las Memorias Project continues to be at the forefront of the battle to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. The AIDS monument will bring awareness and remind us that the need for education remains vital to our community. For more information, go to www.TheWallLasMemorias.org/ or call (323) 257-1056.

Headington Media Group is a full-service communications firm that specializes in image management, branding and public relations. It is a strong supporter of public affairs, especially those working in the 4th Estate. For more information, go to HMG and/or visit The Headington Cabal.

Richard Zaldivar Testifies Today at Joint Legislative Hearing on the Impact of Proposition 8 (the Ban on Same-Sex Marriage)

Thursday, October 2, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Edward Headington
Email: Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com
Direct: 818-720-7181

Los Angeles, CA – Community activist and President and Founder of The Wall Las Memorias Project, Richard Zaldivar, will be testifying later this morning at the Assembly and Senate Committees on Judiciary. The subject is Proposition 8 (which proposes to amend the state constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry) and will take place in the auditorium at the Ronald Reagan building (300 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles) from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This hearing is free and open to the public. Here are links to the membership of the California State Assembly Committee and Senate Committee on Judiciary. Below is a copy of Mr. Zaldivar’s prepared remarks:

“Respective Chairs, Members of the Assembly and Senate, and assembled guests, my name is Richard Zaldivar and I am the Founder and President of The Wall Las Memorias Project. The Wall Las Memorias Project provides HIV/AIDS education-prevention services to men in Los Angeles County and capacity-building services to the Latino communities of faith in the Los Angeles community.

“Because of many of you here in this room and several other state legislators, Los Angeles now has the only publicly funded AIDS monument in the nation—just 15 minutes from here in the Lincoln Heights community. You supported the request of the Assembly Member of that time, Gilbert Cedillo, who is now a state Senator, and we deeply appreciate it.

“As a leader in my community for the past 40 years and a HIV prevention activist, I am here to talk to you about the impact of Proposition 8 in our community.

“In doing so, I share with you that we currently work with many Roman Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical communities to help build bridges to address the AIDS epidemic in our community. We provide educational training to the faith community. It is not as a difficult task as we sometimes imagine. Because the institutions of faith are essential core elements of the Latino culture, we work hard to build a trusting and respectful relationship with them. To be sure, there are people in my faith community who may not want—or cannot support—the state Supreme Court decision that supports same sex marriage because of sincere doctrine or beliefs. I understand and I respect those differences but this issue is really not about religious beliefs or values; rather, this is about understanding and embracing the principles of our democracy where systems are in place to balance how laws are interpreted and applied. I submit to you that this is not about gay marriage; this proposed measure, Proposition 8, will clearly articulate a system that promotes inequality and injustice.

“When contacted to speak before you, I was asked how could proposition 8 could impact the Latino community—particularly youth. It was then that I turned to read excerpts from the Supreme Court decision. A revealing document—and what really stood out was the section that led the court to their conclusion:

‘because of the widespread disparagement that gay individuals historically have faced, it is all the more probable that excluding same sex-couples from the legal institution of marriage is likely to be viewed as reflecting an official view that their committed relationships are of lesser statue than comparable relationships of opposite sex couples. Finally, retaining the designation of marriage exclusively for opposite-sex couples and providing only a separate and distinct designation for same sex couples may well have the effect of perpetuating a more general premise-now emphatically rejected by this state-that gay individuals and same sex couples are in some respects “second class citizens” who may under the law, be treated differently, and less favorable than, heterosexual individuals or opposite-sex couples.’

“The system that promotes a second class citizenry has had a devastating impact in our community and it has impacted roughly over 85,000 Californians who died from AIDS—30,000 of which were from Los Angeles County. Now, not every single person who died from AIDS was a gay man. However, it was the stigma, the fear, the rejection of gay men that contributed to HIV/AIDS and we should never forget it.

“We know from substantial documentation that the isolation, the loneliness, the despair, the ‘less-than,’ contributes to unsafe sex practices. What is more, it not only contributes to the HIV/AIDS but also it plays a huge role in substance abuse in our community. The Wall Las Memorias Project, together with APAIT, Being Alive and a few other small non-profit organizations, led the way to collect over 10,000 signatures and present them to the Board of Supervisors—asking that they address the explosion of crystal meth use among women, youth and gay men. Here’s a startling statistic: In Los Angeles County in 2007, two of every three new cases of AIDS among gay men was attributed to meth use. Substance abuse is killing our community and we use it to numb our spirit. I know. I know it all too well. It was my idea to construct an AIDS monument to people who have died; not to glorify AIDS but to create a safe place where we could restore a sense of dignity to people whose spirits were taken from them from the homophobia and stigma.

“Let me go on record by stating that if the state of California passed legislation to mandate that each and every measure that was placed on the ballot had to provide an environmental impact report, we would be able to articulate the effects in the environment which is just not what air you breathe, but how measures like proposition 8 clearly contribute to the welfare of the people, the cost of the state and the impact it has on its services. We do know that a creation of a second class is deadly. I am very concerned about the long lasting impact caused by the Proposition 8 campaign rhetoric across the state. The fear it induces will drive young people back into their closets, increase unsafe sexual behavior—both of which leads to increases in HIV and unreported hate crimes in every neighborhood throughout this state.

“There will be an end to the debate one day. Our society will not ever be perfect one but there will always be fear, stigma and discrimination in one sense or another. But I believe our people will be a little more enlightened by learning from society’s earlier lessons. As the ruling of the California Supreme Court was announced on this issue, I heard many taking credit for not giving up and for their own leadership in the struggle for equality. What I have not heard, however, is the thank you to the people who created the struggle for us to inherit today. And those are the thousands of gay men who died from AIDS. It was the tremendous loss of so many men that elevated the word “Gay”. To those brave warriors, I say thank you and urge the people here today to honor their memory and remember that words, actions and ballot measures have long and lasting impacts.”

###

The Wall Las Memorias Project has built support for its AIDS monument through innovative prevention programs, leadership training and grassroots community organizing. With strong community support for the project, local elected officials helped secure state and local public funding for the AIDS monument, making it the first publicly funded AIDS monument in the nation. The Wall Las Memorias Project continues to be at the forefront of the battle to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. The AIDS monument will bring awareness and remind us that the need for education remains vital to our community. For more information, go to www.TheWallLasMemorias.org/ or call (323) 257-1056.

Headington Media Group is a full-service communications firm that specializes in image management, branding and public relations. It is a strong supporter of public affairs, especially those working in the 4th Estate. For more information, go to HMG and/or visit The Headington Cabal.