Headington Media Center

11/17 with Josh Tickell, Taffany Lim & Dan Witzling

2011-11-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes Radio Show featured filmmaker Josh Tickell, the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs’ (PBI) Taffany Lim and BREATHE LA’s Dan Witzling. The broad-ranging conversation included a discussion of the new documentary on the Gulf Oil Spill, “The Big Fix,” an update on recent and upcoming programming at the PBI like their December eHealth Summit, and a recap of BREATHE LA programs, events and focus areas. Here is the show link. This radio show is offered as a community benefit by BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

11/10 with Michael Collins & Michael Kalish on the Environment, COPD, Art & Public Health Campaigns

2011-11-10T15:26:00.000-08:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes featured award-winning investigative journalist Michael Collins of EnviroReporter and Drive4COPD Ambassador and artist/sculptor Michael Kalish. The conversation ranged from the hyperlocal of environmental clean-up at the Rocketdyne facility to broader themes of art in public places and the COPD awareness campaign. BREATHE LA Board Member James Okasaki was also part of the hosting team. This radio show is offered as a community benefit by BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

11/10 featuring Michael Collins & Michael Kalish on the Environment, COPD, Art & Public Health Campaigns

2011-11-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes Radio Show has another great line-up tomorrow @ 1 p.m. with award-winning investigative journalist Michael Collins of EnviroReporter and Drive4COPD Ambassador and artist Michael Kalish. We’ll be talking about environmental issues, COPD, art and a whole lot more. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

Here is a link to last week’s show with Katy Grimes, Lynne Plambeck and Wayde Hunter. This is offered as a community benefit by BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

Get Out the Vote, Get in a Cab

2011-11-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, November 7, 2011
For Immediate Release

Contact: Marco Soto
msoto@layellowcab.com
(323) 972-9528

Get Out the Vote, Get in a Cab

Local Taxicab Companies Offering Free Rides to CD 15 Polling Places on 11/8 Election Day

SAN PEDRO, CA – The Yellow Cab Co. and United Checker Cab Co-Op are again offering free rides to voters as their part of give-back to the community and supporting the City of Los Angeles. Tomorrow’s special election to fill the Council District 15 seat is not expected to generate a high turnout so these two companies have stepped up so transportation will not be an issue for Angelenos wanting to go vote.

“With times as tough as they are, it is important to give back to the community and help them get to the polls, said Marco Soto, Director of Public Affairs for the two taxi fleets. “We encourage all Angelenos to take advantage of this free service we offer every Election Day.”

WHO – Yellow Cab Co. & United Checker Co-Op

WHAT – Free Cab Rides to Polling Places

WHEN – Tuesday, November 8^th from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE – City of Los Angeles, Council District 15

HOW – Voters interested in a ride to their polling place can call a cab at (800) 808-7293. Callers must state their polling location and provide the dispatcher with the code “LA Vote” when booking their cab.

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Los Angeles Yellow Cab offers efficient, reliable LA taxi service to meet the transportation needs of residents, visitors and our corporate clients. Areas include Pacific Palisades, San Fernando, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, West Hollywood, Westwood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Calabasas, Century City, Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Marina Del Rey. For more information, visit www.LAYellowCab.com.

United Checker Cab Co-Op offers efficient curb to curb service from the oldest, largest and most efficient taxicab company in the South Bay area—including Hawthorne, San Pedro, Harbor City, Gardena, Carson, Torrance, Wilmington and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.UnitedCheckerCab.com.

11/3 BreathTakes with Katy Grimes, Lynne Plambeck & Wayde Hunter

2011-11-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

BreathTakes featured Cal Watchdog reporter Katy Grimes, Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment's (SCOPE) Lynne Plambeck and North Valley Coalition President and Sunshine Canyon Landfill-Citizens Advisory Committee Vice Chair Wayde Hunter for a lively discussion of green jobs, high speed rail, traffic impacts, air pollution, development projects and landfills. Click here for the link. Neil Richman was in studio for the high caliber conversations. This radio show is offered as a community benefit by BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

11/3 featuring Katy Grimes, Lynne Plambeck and Wayde Hunter

2011-11-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes Radio Show has another great line-up today @ 1 p.m. on L.A. Talk Radio with Cal Watchdog reporter Katy Grimes,Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment's Lynne Plambeck and North Valley Coalition and Sunshine Canyon Landfill-Citizens Advisory Committee's Wayde Hunter. We'll be talking about green jobs, development projects and landfills. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

Here is a link to last week’s show with water expert Ron Gastelum and Warner Bros. Director of Sustainability Mike Slavich. Special thanks to the sponsor BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

10/27 BreathTakes on Water & Sustainability with Ron Gastelum & Mike Slavich

2011-10-27T15:12:00.001-07:00

BreathTakes featured former MWD of Southern CA CEO and current Special Counsel for Water & Energy at the Cordoba Corporation, Ron Gastelum, and Warner Bros. Director of Sustainability, Mike Slavich. The conversation ranged from California’s water needs and challenges to how the entertainment industry is making strides in the double bottom line of making money and greening their productions. You can play/download on LA Talk Radio or iTunes. Neil Richman was in studio to debrief this morning’s BREATHE LA Green Salon on "Decreasing Diesel Emissions” as well as offer his take on the new “smoking ad” by presidential contender Herman Cain. Special thanks to the sponsor BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

10/20 BreathTakes Radio: LACCD's Mona Field & Santa Susana Historic Park's John Luker

2011-10-20T09:54:00.001-07:00

BREATHE LA BreathTakes Radio Show has another great line-up today @ 1 p.m. on L.A. Talk Radio with Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees Member Mona Field and Vice President of the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association John Luker. Ms. Field will speak on greening projects throughout LACCD as well as other sustainability and energy saving measures. Named "Chatsworth Citizen of the Year" earlier this year, Luker was featured in a Daily News story last Saturday on the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park. BreathTakes will also be discussing next week's BREATHE LA Green Salon on "Decreasing Diesel Emissions: New Technologies, New Policies."

Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

Here is a link to last week’s show with the Hon. Monica Garcia and LA Weekly's Jill Stewart. Special thanks to the sponsor BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

Coro CrossTalk on Prop. 13

2011-10-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

The Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership held a panel discussion at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) on the issue of Proposition 13. Tom Hogen-esch of the CSUN Political Science Department moderated.

SOLID Support for Law Enforcement

2011-09-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

It is important to remind ourselves of those who put their lives on the line to safeguard our lives and property. Special thanks to groups like S.O.L.I.D. who support law enforcement. Be sure to attend their pasta dinner next month in Northridge on the 14th. Great cause and great people. The photo below is from this past Saturday's Open House at LAPD's Devonshire Division station.

BreathTakes featuring David Abel and Assm. Betsy Butler

2011-09-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

B reathTakes featured VerdeXchange's David Abel for an interesting conversation around green issues around the globe and here in California, especially on the clean tech industry and business-to-business interaction. Then we spoke with California state Assemblymember Betsy Butler for a legislative update on bills she has authored (AB 475 – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and AB 1319 – BPA’s) and legislation she has supported. Part of the BREATHE LA hosting team included Rob Gard and Neil Richman—who also gave listeners an update on the BREATHE LA Green Salon held that morning. Click here is the link to the show. Special thanks to our sponsor BREATHE California of Los Angeles County.

Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air.

OTP September 15th Advisory - Rick Orlov & Howard Fine

2011-09-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

Off the Presses (OTP) will feature the Daily News' Rick Orlove and the Los Angeles Business Journal's Howard Fine tomorrow at 11 a.m. Special thanks to our sponsor PacFed Benefit Administrators, Inc. and our media partner, The City Maven. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the “Listen 1 Live” button on the right-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every OTP show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email us a question to ask on-air. Here is the link to our conversation last week with KCAL-9 reporter Dave Bryan.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

SPONSORED BY

9/15 BreathTakes to feature Chris Cannon, Wally George and Hon. Paul Koretz

2011-09-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

BreathTakes will feature the Port of Los Angeles' Chris Cannon, Jobs First Alliance's Wally Baker and Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz Thursday at 1 p.m. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the "Listen 1 Live button on the left-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email a question to ask on-air. Here is the link to our conversation last week with the Hon. Jan Perry and Ed Begley, Jr.

Coro to Hold Public Debate on Prop. 13 @ CSUN

2011-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

Contact: Edward Headington

EHeadington@Coro.org

818.720.7181

Coro’s popular public speaker series, CrossTalk, returns tomorrow night at 7 p.m. with a panel discussion on the popular yet controversial property tax initiative

LOS ANGELES (September 6, 2011). The Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership’s popular public speaker series, Coro CrossTalk, returns this week with a special panel discussion on Prop. 13., the 1978 "People's Initiative to Limit Property Taxation." Popularly referred to as the "Jarvis-Gann Amendment," it changed California in fundamental ways. As reported in the Sacramento Bee and more recently by Rick Orlov in the Daily News, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for its overhaul. This moderated conversation is free and open to the public, sponsored by Health Net, Inc. and facilitated by Headington Media Group.

WHO – Welcome: John Greenwood, Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership

Moderator: Tom Hogen-Esch, CSUN Political Science Professor;
Panelists:

Roberto Barragan, President of the Valley Economic Development Center

Harvey Englander, Partner of Englander, Knabe & Allen and First Ex. Dir. of the CA Tax Reduction Movement (the forerunner of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association)
Joe Mathews, Author of California CrackUp: How Reform Broke the Golden State & How We Can Fix It

WHAT – Panel Discussion on Prop. 13

WHEN – Wednesday, September 7^th @ 7 p.m.

WHERE – California State University, Northridge @ 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330 in the Thousand Oaks Room in the USU

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Coro Southern California and its six affiliated centers nationwide shape emerging civic leaders for effective roles in public affairs. The Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs has a Master’s Degree level partnership with USC. Coro graduates are teachers, investment bankers, union leaders, corporate directors, activists, lawyers, journalists, and elected officials, and serve in many other professions. No matter where they 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. For more information, go to www.CoroLA.org.

Invite - Coro CrossTalk on Prop. 13

2011-09-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Coro CrossTalk on Prop. 13

The Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership's popular speaker series, CrossTalk, returns this week with a special panel discussion on Prop. 13., the 1978 "People's Initiative to Limit Property Taxation." Popularly referred to as the "Jarvis-Gann Amendment," it changed California in fundamental ways that are still being felt. As reported in the Sacramento Bee last month and more recently by Rick Orlov in the Daily News, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for its overhaul. This moderated conversation is free and open to the public.

Welcome – John Greenwood, Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership

Moderator – Tom Hogen-esch, CSUN Political Science Professor

When – Wednesday, September 7^th @ 7 p.m.

Panelists:

Roberto Barragan, President of the Valley Economic Development Center
Harvey Englander, Partner of Englander, Knabe & Allen and First Ex. Dir. of the CA Tax Reduction Movement (the forerunner of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association)
Joe Mathews, Author of California CrackUp: How Reform Broke the Golden State & How We Can Fix It

Location – California State University, Northridge @ 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330 in the Thousand Oaks Room in the USU.

Sponsored by Health Net, Inc. and facilitated by Headington Media Group.

You and any guests are encouraged to use public transit. Parking will be $6 on campus. Light refreshments will be served at no cost. Please note that all Coro CrossTalks are recorded and footage, photos and podcasts are made available to the public--at no charge--within 72 hours of the event. For more information, contact Edward Headington at EHeadington@coro.org or (818) 720-7181.

Register Now!

Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership
1000 N. Alameda St., Ste. 240, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 346-3218 or www.CoroLA.org

OTP August 25th Advisory - Mariel Garza & Sherman Ellison

2011-08-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

Off the Presses (OTP) will feature Daily News editorial writer Mariel Garza and attorney Sherman Ellison today at 11 a.m. Special thanks to our sponsor PacFed Benefit Administrators, Inc. and our media partner, The City Maven. Catch the live stream on LA Talk Radio (just click on the “Listen 2 Live” button on the right-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every OTP show and/or go to iTunes.

Please feel free to tweet or email us a question to ask on-air. Here is the link to our conversation last week with Joel Kotkin and Jon Regardie.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

SPONSORED BY

Greenwood on Coro & the Los Angeles Civic Scene

2011-06-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

This Washington Post column made us at Coro think of another institution that moved to Los Angeles at the same time as the Dodgers, Coro, or the Coro Foundation as it was then called. We started our first Los Angeles Fellows class in 1958. I wasn't involved with Coro at the time, so I am not sure if the founders, Don Fletcher and Van Dyne Dodge, or Bill Whiteside made any comparisons. In 1958 or almost anytime thereafter, no one would bet that Coro would survive and grow and the Dodgers would declare bankruptcy, We have had slim times financially over the years, but our "fans" have always been willing to help us get through. Thanks to all of you who have supported Coro and helping us become the agile organization we have had to be to survive financially and programmatically for more than 53 years.

- John Greenwood

President, Coro Southern California

6/30/11 OTP Advisory - Bob Stern & Stuart Waldman

2011-06-30T07:28:00.001-07:00

Off the Presses (OTP) will feature the Center for Governmental Studies’ Bob Stern and VICA’s Stuart Waldman. We’ll be talking reform, redistricting and politics. Catch the live stream at 11 a.m. on LA Talk Radio (just click on the “Listen 2 Live” button on the right-hand side of the screen). You can also play/download every OTP show and/or go to iTunes. Please feel free to tweet or email us a question to ask on-air. Here is the link to our conversation last week with Los Angeles Business Journal Editor Charles Crumpley.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

SPONSORED BY

Coro W.I.G.O. Interviews with Jack Fine, Melinda Cordero-Barzaga & Tim Smith

2011-06-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here are three recent interviews I did with graduates of Coro leadership programs: Jack D. Fine, Melinda Cordero-Barzaga and Tim Smith. Wonderful people and leaders in their own right.

Footage, Photos & Podcasts of Coro's 36th Annual Crystal Eagle Gala Awards

2011-05-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

3/18/11 SHPE-Los Angeles Chapter Business Luncheon

2011-03-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

Contact: Robert Guzman
(323) 707-2535 or agconsul@pacbell.net

The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Inc. (SHPE-LA) is holding its chapter business luncheon on Friday, March 18, 2011 featuring many distinguished speakers. It is a ticketed event but members of the media are welcome. Footage, photos and podcasts will be made available after the event.

WHO - Remarks by Rep. Judy Chu (CA - 32nd Congressional District), Supervisor Don Knabe (Los Angeles County - District 4), the Hon. Richard Martinez (Superintendent of the Pomona Unified School District), Vanir Group of Companies President Dorene Dominguez, and The Oaxaca Group Chair, Honorable Jaime Oaxaca.

WHAT - SHPE-LA Chapter Business Luncheon

WHEN - Friday, March 18, 2011 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE - La Costa Restaurant @ 854 N. Garfield Avenue, Montebello, CA 90640

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SHPE-LA Board of Directors 2010-2011

Robert C. Guzman, President
Javier Del Valle, Vice President
Jose Fernando Nunez, Secretary
Elias Cortez, Treasurer
Emanuelle Galvan, Student Representative

"SHPE is the Source for Quality Hispanic Engineers and Technical Talent."

Statement of Values: We are brought together by heritage, social responsibility and desire to improve the equality of all people through the use of science and technology. We value excellence in education, professional pursuits and leadership. We obtain excellence through integrity, empowerment, achievement, diversity and continuous improvement.

Vision: SHPE is the leading social-technical organization whose primary function is to enhance and achieve the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math and science.

Strategic Focus Areas: We will fulfill our mission by increasing educational opportunities, promoting professional and personal growth, carry out our social responsibility to be involved in education, business and government issues and enhancing pride within our organization and reinforcing our reputation as a vital Hispanic organization.

For more information, go to www.ShpeLosAngeles.org.

Councilmember Huizar Introduces Motion to Keep Street Service Workers Working Year Round to Fill Potholes and Pave Streets Using Special Funds

2011-01-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

MOTION
January 7, 2010

Recent rains in Los Angeles left significant numbers of potholes, fallen trees and other severe road damage in their wake, causing inconvenience to millions of Angelenos in addition to flat tires, damaged vehicles and blocked traffic lanes. The City’s road repair crews should be operating at full strength so they can fix our streets as quickly as possible and help taxpayers avoid damage to their cars.

Certain job functions within the Bureau of Street Services, not all of which correspond exactly to worker classifications, are completely funded by special funds such as federal stimulus dollars. One such example is pothole repair, which is a key service in any year but certainly a priority following the worst storm in memory. Other functions are nearly entirely paid for by special funds or could easily be.

The Bureau of Street Services has been extremely responsible in its efforts to help with the City’s budget situation. With just 2.9% of the City’s workforce they have produced 9.3% of the overall savings this year from furloughing employees, according to a report issued recently by the Controller. Exempting positions that are special funded from furloughs will not negatively impact the City budget.

I THEREFORE MOVE that the City Administrative Office be instructed to report to Council on options for exempting from furloughs certain classifications within the Bureau of Street Services that are fully paid for by special funds. This report should also explain the process by which determinations about which staff are and are not furloughed are made, including which formulas staff is utilizing.

PRESENTED BY: _________________________

JOSE HUIZAR, Councilmember, 14^th District

SECONDED BY: __________________________

ERIC GARCETTI, Councilmember, 13^th District

Former Pro MMA Fighter Develops MMA Workout Kettlebell DVD

2010-12-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark de Grasse
800.659.5691 or mark@mymadmethods.com

Joey Alvarado, former professional MMA fighter and competitive grappler, has just announced his first MMA workout kettlebell DVD to be released in December 2010. The new MMA workout kettlebell DVD features unique kettlebell and Jiu Jitsu exercise variations created specifically to enhance MMA fighters’ performance.

Highland Park, CA (December 20, 2010) – Joey Alvarado, former professional MMA fighter and competitive grappler, has announced his first MMA workout kettlebell dvd to be released this month. The new MMA workout kettlebell DVD features unique kettlebell and Jiu Jitsu exercise variations created specifically to enhance MMA fighters’ performance.

“When I first started training with kettlebells, I realized how applicable they are to MMA fighting,” said Joey Alvarado, former professional MMA fighter and the developer of Combat Kettlebell Systems. “I’ve simply combined kettlebells with Jiu Jitsu exercises to create a highly effective method which allows MMA fighters to increase their strength, explosiveness, and stamina.”

The Combat Kettlebell Systems DVD is the first follow-along MMA workout kettlebell DVD to teach and incorporate several new kettlebell exercise variations into high intensity workouts geared for competitive MMA fighting. These new kettlebell exercises include the Rocking Chair Get Up, Fighter’s Figure 8, Fighter Swing, Kettlebell Upa, and more.

Joey Alvarado’s MMA workout kettlebell DVD includes over 15 step-by-step exercise instruction and demonstration clips along with three follow-along workouts designed to simulate competitive MMA fight sessions. The first workout contains three, three minute rounds, the second is four, four minute rounds, and the final is five, five minute rounds. Each workout incorporates different bodyweight, Jiu Jitsu, standard kettlebell, and newly-developed kettlebell exercise variations to give viewers an intense, hardcore workout.

Alvarado has over 30 years of Martial Arts experience, including a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Kuk Sool Won, along with a Machado Purple Belt and extensive Muy Thai training under Frank Cucci and Ajarn Chai Sirisute. During his fighting career, he was a Cage of Fire Lightweight Champ, Grapplers Quest Gold Medalist, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu US National Silver Medalist. He is currently the owner and head trainer of Socal MMA Fitness based in East Los Angeles, California.

The Combat Kettlebell Systems DVD is currently being offered for pre-sale pricing at www.MyMadMethods.com/store through December 2010, at which point the DVDs will be shipped out.

Albert Rios is a professional MMA fighter that has trained with Joey Alvarado and the Combat Kettlebell System technique and had this to say about his training: "The Combat Kettlebell Systems technique is the perfect training system for MMA fighters. All the movements are the same movements used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai. Joey Alvarado's method does not only help you improve those movements, but also helps you develop awesome cardio, strength, and explosive power. It would be a great addition to
anyone's MMA training."

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The Combat Kettlebell System DVD is the first DVD produced by My Mad Methods Productions, a segment of the My Mad Methods company. My Mad Methods also produces the My Mad Methods Magazine, a publication dedicated to unconventional training methods like kettlebells, and MyMadMethods.com, an online fitness community and exercise and workout database. My Mad Methods is owned and managed by Mark de Grasse, a kettlebell specialist out of Orange County, California.

SoCal Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness is located in the Highland Park community of Los Angeles, CA providing the best in mixed martial arts disciplines. Training styles offered include: Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Female Kickboxing and various Self Defense techniques. SoCal MMA offers multiple weekday classes and private sessions to its members. For more information, go to www.socalmmafitness.com.

Click here for an interview of Joey Alvarado playing at MyMadMethods.

LOS ANGELES HISTORIC LANDMARK GETTING A FACE LIFT

2010-12-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Rick Coca, rick.coca@lacity.org

East LA Community Corporation and Councilmember José Huizar kick off $24.6 million restoration of The Boyle Hotel -Cummings Block

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 19, 2010) — More than 100 guests enjoyed mariachis music as Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar and Maria Cabildo, President of the East LA Community Corporation (ELACC), kicked off the $24.6 million restoration of the historic Boyle Hotel-Cummings Block, one of Los Angeles oldest buildings.

First constructed in 1889 by George Cummings, work is set to begin on a complete rehabilitation of the building by ELACC, replacing all major systems and restoring the historic façade and turret. The resulting building will be a mixed-use development featuring 32 units of affordable housing for mariachis and other low income residents.

The transformed building will serve, along with Mariachi Plaza, as a true gateway to the Eastside.

“This housing development is the first for this historic intersection,” said Maria Cabildo, ELACC President. “It is a shining example of what is possible when the community, developers and elected officials work together on a vision for the future of our neighborhood. This project will provide much-needed quality affordable housing for local residents while supporting and uplifting the strong Mariachi culture of Boyle Heights.”

The Boyle Hotel-Cummings Block has great historical and cultural value to the City of Los Angeles and the Boyle Heights neighborhood. Through the years, the building became occupied mainly by Mariachis looking to secure work across the street at Mariachi Plaza, long known as a location where people come from all over to hire mariachis for weddings, quinceañeras and birthday parties.

Councilmember Huizar helped facilitate nearly $8 million in City and Metro funding for the project, as well as assisting with community outreach and the permit and entitlement process.

“Boyle Heights, one of the City’s oldest and most storied suburbs, is experiencing a period of unprecedented investment,” said Councilmember José Huizar. “From the Metro Gold Line, to a new police station, four new schools, improvements to parks, libraries and pools, we’ve seen well over $1.4 billion in public improvements in this neighborhood. Today, with this renovation of the Boyle Hotel, we are creating new history for this already historic neighborhood. I applaud ELACC for pushing this essential community project forward in support of our local residents and mariachis.”

In December of 2006, when ELACC acquired the property the tide began to turn for this building. Repairs were made to bring it up to code. Tenants were engaged in the planning for the development and provided relocation for the upcoming construction period. All of the tenants have the first right of return and were provided workshops for returning to the building.

Juana Gonzalez, who lived in the building, shared her enthusiasm for the project.

“I am excited to see work start on the building and ready to come back once it is completed,” she said.

The Boyle Hotel-Cummings Block development is part of a new gateway project for Boyle Heights and the greater East Los Angeles area. The development includes a completely new building west of the hotel and a total of 51 quality affordable housing units. There will be 4,100 square feet of commercial space, rehearsal space for Mariachis and a Mariachi center. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2012.

Just last week, Councilmember Huizar joined Metro CEO Art Leahy and local Boyle Heights’ artists and residents to announce the $12 million portion of the $30 million Measure R Eastside Access Project. The Gold Line related project will bring $12 million of pedestrian/bicycle improvements along First Street, including streetscape, sidewalk, art, lighting and signage improvements to the area surrounding the Gold Line, which is home to a burgeoning Arts District.

The $24 million Boyle Hotel-Cummings Block development is the first of four planned developments surrounding the Metro Mariachi Plaza Gold Line station.

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MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA APPLAUDS MTA APPROVAL OF FREE TRANSIT FOR SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS

2010-12-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Arielle Goren, (213) 280-8750

New Policy Will Let Students on School-Organized Trips Ride for Free on MTA Trains and Buses during the Day

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 9, 2010) — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today praised the unanimous approval by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of a new policy that allows students on school-organized trips ride for free on MTA trains and buses during the day.

“By offering our students free transit during field trips, we allow them to take advantage of museums, programs and a variety of learning experiences that take place outside the classroom,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “In these tough economic times, it is important that we continue giving students many opportunities to learn especially for those students who do not have the resources for alternative transportation.”

MTA will not suffer an increase in operating costs because service is already running, and no revenue loss because students would not otherwise be riding transit during school hours without this policy.

"Student field trips are a vital part of any good education, showing children all that the world outside their own communities has to offer," said Councilmember and Metro Director Jose Huizar. "Metro's role in ensuring student field trips can continue through this cost-neutrel plan cannot be underestimated. I am proud to lend my support and I applaud Mayor Villaraigosa for recognizing in a tough economy, it is imperative that we work together and engage in innovative, multi-agency planning to keep vital services operating."

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students, many of whom come from low-income families and otherwise might not be able to explore all the learning activities that our city has to offer,” said Partnership for Los Angeles Schools CEO Marshall Tuck.

“Because MTA buses and trains have unused capacity during school hours, making free transit available for students is a ‘win-win’ policy for MTA,” added Mayor Villaraigosa.

Following approval by the MTA Board, MTA management will be required to develop specific procedures for administering the policy and implement the system by the end of January 2011.

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