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Monday, April 20, 2009

White House Nomimation - LAHD General Manager Mercedes Marquez

Repost from Mayor's Office Press Release

LOS ANGELES -- Mayor Villaraigosa today hailed the White House announcement that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has nominated City of Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) General Manager Mercedes Màrquez as their new Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development.

"Mercedes is energetic, passionate, and has a deep understanding of the challenges facing big cities," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "She will be a true partner for Los Angeles at the federal level. I look forward to working hand in hand with her to build more affordable housing, invest in communities, revitalize our urban core, and build the foundation for more housing options for our hard-working families."

Mercedes Márquez assumed her duties as the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) in January 2004.

Ms. Marquez returned to public service after serving as Vice-President of McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc., a national firm specializing in the development, consultation, and management of urban communities. Ms. Márquez oversaw developments throughout the Southwest and California, which included initiating new developments, coordinating the planning process, acting as liaison with joint venture partners, and interfacing with government officials and local community groups.

Prior to her time with McCormack Baron Salazer, Inc., she served as in the Clinton administration as the Senior Counsel to the Secretary and Deputy General Counsel for Civil Rights and Fair Housing for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Washington, D.C. She was principal advisor to former Secretary Andrew Cuomo on civil rights policy including, fair lending and fair housing enforcement, and led investigations and negotiations of housing discrimination cases resulting in landmark settlements. She also advised the Secretary on rural housing and economic development policy, supervised farm worker and Colonias Community Builder specialists in five states, and served as a U.S. delegate to international commissions.

From 1992 to 1997, Ms. Márquez was a partner at Litt & Márquez, where she specialized in complex public interest litigation including, slumlord, fair housing, public housing, sexual harassment, employment discrimination, and constitutional issues cases.

Ms. Márquez is an Advisory Board Member of The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers & Human Rights Project and the Center for Urban Redevelopment Excellence, a former Trustee of The McAuley Institute, and past national Vice-President of the YWCA of the USA.

Under her leadership, the Housing Department manages one of the most successful competitive Affordable Housing Trust Funds in the nation, launched the City’s first Permanent Supportive Housing Fund, established the New Generation Fund - a $100 million Acquisition Capital Fund, received the Innovations in American Government Award from Harvard University, and was instrumental in the design of Mayor Villaraigosa’s 5 Year Los Angeles Housing Plan - the first comprehensive housing plan in the city’s history.

Ms. Márquez has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern California and a J.D. and LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center. She and her partner of twenty-one years, Mirta Ocaña, were married last year.

City of Los Angeles

MEDIA ADVISORY
April 17, 2009

CONTACT:
Jared Irmas
(213) 978-074

LPN - Fiesta! Una Noche en Guadalajara

Repost for the Latino Professional Network

Latino Professional Network "Fiesta! Una Noche en Guadalajara" Networking Event and Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Bonaventure Brewing Company! Featuring Complimentary Tequila Tasting, Complimentary Margaritas and Mojitos, Live Performances by "Mariachi Monumental de America", Live Ballet Folkorico, Aztec Dancers, Complimentary "Cafes" by Cafe De Mexico, Mexican Art Exhibition, Complimentary Mexican Appetizers, Cigar Lounge in "The Patio", Live Salsa by "Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad", WILL-DOG ABERS OF OZOMATLI AND HIS BANDA, DJ, and More! Thursday, April 30, 2009, 6:30pm- 1:00am! RSVP REQUIRED!

(This event was featured by the LA Times in its article, "Pros of Networking!" Come discover what all the buzz is about.)

Join the LPN for Los Angeles' definitive Cinco De Mayo Networking Event and Celebration--the highlight of the entire LPN season!---RSVP REQUIRED.

RSVP now for the LPN's most popular event of the year as spaces will fill up fast! Network with over 1,400 Latino Professionals and Community Leaders while enjoying a colorful cultural celebration showcasing the music, dance, art, spirits, and sabor of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Featuring a Special Celebrity Musical Performance: WILL-DOG ABERS OF OZOMATLI will perform with his Banda Sinaloense after Johnny Polanco! A blend of banda & brass with a funky twist that is sure to rock the house!

Also, featuring Complimentary Tequila Tasting (after an entire year, the LPN's signature event concept returns!) Over 21 premium brands will be showcased at eleven (yes, eleven stations)! Also savor Complimentary Margaritas and fruit-infused Mojitos! Also, LA ACADEMIA MEXICANA DEL TEQUILA USA WILL HOST A BOTH WHERE YOU CAN BE EDUCATED ON THE NUANCES OF TEQUILA!!!

Enjoy spectacular views of the Downtown LA skyline! Performances by Mariachi Monumental de America- LA's hottest mariachi ensemble! Live Ballet Folklorico "Las Campanitas"! Aztec Dancers! Mexican and Latin Art Exhbition! Live Salsa by LA Salsa Legend, Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad! Live Banda DJ to follow..

"Guadalajara, Jalisco-the birthplace of Mariachi, Tequila, 'Tortas Ahogadas', 'El Rey de las Rancheras', Vicente Fernandez, International Actor, Gael Garcia Bernal, 'Los Bellos Ojos Tapatios', and of course, Las Chivas!"

Inspired by the beauty, tradition, and culture of Guadalajara and its glorious festivals, the Latino Professional Network ("LPN") and its President, Alejandro Menchaca, Esq., extend a personal invitation to you and your guests to attend "Una Noche en Guadalajara" Networking Event, Complimentary Tequila Tasting, and Celebration! Thursday, April 30, 2009, 6:30pm- 1:00am. Invite friends and colleagues to this landmark gathering at Downtown LA's most beautiful venue!

This event is traditionally the LPN's most popular event with record-setting attendance!

Nestled high above the energetic bustle of Downtown LA, the LPN transforms LA's most beautiful, garden-style venue, the Bonaventure Brewing Company, with the sights and sounds of Guadalajara! Set against the backdrop of Downtown LA's skyscrapers and cityscape, the LPN presents a radiant and vivid cultural mosaic showcasing the music of LA's most popular mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Monumental de America, the elegant and smooth taste of over 21 brands of Complimentary Tequila, refreshing Complimentary Margaritas, Complimentary Fruit-Infused Mojitos, the colorful pageantry and grace of a Ballet Folklorico, the rhythm and power of traditional Aztec Dancers, a Mexican Art Exhibition, Complimentary Mexican Appetizers, live Salsa ensemble "Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad", and more!

"Una Noche en Guadalajara" is consistent with the LPN's core mission of building bridges amongst the communities that make up LA and showcasing the culture and beauty of these communities. In that sense, the LPN has become a true "Network of Los Angeles".

Most importantly, NETWORK, SOCIALIZE, and CELEBRATE with Latino professionals from such diverse fields and professional backgrounds as law, medicine, business, engineering, finance and investments, education, entertainment, accounting, public relations, social work, technology, real estate, architecture, the non-profit sector, government, public health, marketing, insurance, the fine arts, politics, and more! In this economy, its critical that you get out & Network. Bring plenty of business cards. Don't be shy. Introduce yourself to others and seek out new career opportunities, customers/ clients, and referral networks!

"Una Noche en Guadalajara" is the hands down favorite among LPN Events. It promises to continue the LPN's established tradition and reputation of uniting thousands of professionals in creatively-themed settings. Previous events also include " Nuestro LA" (Bonaventure), "A Night in Rio" (The Kress), and "Havana Nights" (J Lounge).

CONNECT WITH THE MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS IN LA!
There is no better forum to network with the Leaders of the Latino Community, seek out new career opportunities, expand one's clientele and customer base, make business deals, connect with old friends, make new ones, and have a great time in the process!

FEATURING THE HOTTEST CINCO DE MAYO MUSICAL LINE UP EVER

MARIACHI MONUMENTAL DE AMERICA (6:30pm- 8:00pm)
LA's most popular mariachi ensemble, MARIACHI MONUMENTAL DE AMERICA! MARIACHI MONUMENTAL IS THE HOUSE BAND FOR THE NEW LA FONDA- LA's Favorite for Mexican Food and Mariachi Entertainment. HEAR WHAT ALL THE BUZZ IS ABOUT! Performances from 6:30pm to 8:00pm! Learn about them http://lafondala.com.
COMPLIMENTARY TEQUILA TASTING! (6:30pm- 8:30pm) ENJOY ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTION OF TEQUILAS EVER SHOWCASED IN LA!

The rousing and joyous sounds of Mariachi Monumental de America will create the perfect musical backdrop as you enjoy a COMPLIMENTARY TEQUILA TASTING from 6:30pm to 8:30pm! Yes, the wait is over!! After nearly a year, the LPN reprises the event concept which it popularized nearly eight years ago at such venues as El Cholo and El Portal! From sparkling silvers to amber reposados, to golden-hued anejos, enjoy one of the largest and most diverse selections of the finest premium tequilas ever showcased in Southern California!

From 6:30pm to 8:30pm, over 23 Participating Tequila Brands will be poured at twelve colorfully decorated stations along the Bonaventure's spacious lush lawns and heated garden courtyard. Savor and sample various tequilas from handcrafted jarritos while being educated on the finer points of Mexico's national drink, including its history, its subtle flavor nuances, and the cultivation of the agave plant. Enjoy such Complimentary Tequilas as:

Siete Leguas, Cava, Don Anastacio, Caballito Cerrero, Muchote, JLP, El Rey, El Don, Mezcal Scorpion, Pura Casta, Caramba, Querido Viejo, Capaz, Puerto Vallarta, Cabresto, Don Fulano, Caramba, Casco Viejo, 4 Copas, Herencia Mexicana, Tonala, Hacienda Vieja, Stallion, Zapopan, Dos Manos, and many more!! Newly-Added: Pasion!

COMPLIMENTARY MARGARITAS (6:30pm- 8:30pm)

COMPLIMENTARY FRUIT-INFUSED MOJITOS (6:30pm- 8:30pm)

BALLET FOLKLORICO "LAS CAMPANITAS"- 8pm

The evening will be further punctuated with the spectacle and grace of Ballet Folklorico! Enjoy dance performances by the adorable "Las Campanitas", who will show off their syncopated rhythms, fancy footwork, and kaleidoscopic color! Ballet Folklorico at 8:00pm.

AZTEC DANCE PERFORMANCES BY "DANZA HUITZILOPOCHTIL"

MEXICAN AND LATIN ART EXHIBITION
And for all art connoisseurs in attendance, the Bonaventure's heated, circular courtyard, expansive lawns, and indoor restaurant will be transformed into a spectacular Art Gallery showcasing the works of local, Mexcian and Latin artists!

Complimentary Appetizers will also be available from 6:30pm to 8:30pm featuring such delectable Mexican specialties as taquitos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and guacomole! No-host food stations will also be available.

Additionally, a live Cigar Roller will hand-roll cigars in the Bonaventure's newly-unveiled "The Patio". Premium Cigars from Ceniza Cigar Lounge will be available for purchase!

SALSA UNDER THE STARS! LIVE SALSA BY "JOHNNY POLANCO y SU CONJUNTO AMISTAD" (8:30pm- 10:00pm)
From 8:30pm- 10:00pm, LA's Most Legendary Salsa Act, "Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad" and his live twelve-piece ensemble will perform a blistering set of its popular brand of salsa, merengue, cumbias, and more! "Chino Espinoza" is a true crowd favorite, and has performed at "Nuestro LA' and a "Night in Rio" Dance the night away on a massive dance floor set up along the lawn. So, bring your dance shoes as well as your business cards.

LIVE BANDA LED BY WILL- DOG ABERS OF OZOMATLI WILL ROCK THE HOUSE AT 10PM INSIDE THE BONAVENTURE BREWING COMPANY RESTAURANT! NEW ADDITION TO THE EVENT!

A DJ playing the best in salsa, merengue, cumbias, hip-hop, reggaeton, hip-hop, disco, and more will close out the evening playing until 1:00am!

Over the past nine year, LPN Networking Events have created and strengthened networking and business relationships, as well as long-lasting friendships among Latino professionals. Guided by the philosophy that networking opportunities abound in open and enjoyable settings, the LPN has become extremely popular among various segments of the professional community. These events directly served to engender dialogue, collaboration, friendship, and unity among the Leaders of the Latino community.

The events are well attended by young professionals, established professionals, as well as students seeking to connect with soon-to-be colleagues. LPN Networking Events are unique in the fact that they bring together professionals from a diverse array of fields. If you enjoyed the LPN's past events "A Night in Rio", "A Night in Buenos Aires", "Havana Nights", and "A Summer Night in Sevilla", join us for another valuable evening of countless opportunities.
As always, it is encouraged that you ARRIVE EARLY in order to take full advantage of the evening's networking opportunities and festivities.

Important Notice--RSVP REQUIRED! Guests are required to RSVP at (http://www.lpnonline.com/rsvp/form.cgi?email=latinopronet@hotmail.com&RSVP=). Please specify the numbers of guests who will attend. Once you have submitted your RSVP, consider you and your guests confirmed. It is encouraged that you RSVP early. You may also call (213) 792-0877 to RSVP and for further information.
Important Parking Notice: It is strongly recommended that guests park at the Union Bank building (low flat rate and structure is open 24 hours) located across the street from the Bonaventure adjacent to Cuidad restaurant.
Take the escalator from the parking garage to the Union Bank Lobby Level. Cross the pedestrian bridge to the Hotel and Bonaventure Brewing Co. Beer Garden. It is not recommended that guests park at the Bonaventure Hotel.


Details:


Thursday, April 30, 2009, 6:30pm- 1:00am

Admission: $20 per person. Admission includes complete event package including Complimentary Tequila Tasting, Complimentary Margaritas, Complimentary Mojitos, Mariachi Monumental de America, Ballet Folklorico, Aztec Dancers, Live Banda Led by Will-Dog Abers of Ozomatli, Art Exhibition, Discounted Cigars, Complimentary Appetizers, Live Salsa Band "Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad", DJ, and more. Admission to be paid at the door.

Attire: Professional/ Cocktail Attire is Strongly Recommended. It is encouraged that gentlemen wear coat and/ or suit and tie. It is encouraged that ladies wear cocktail and/ or professional attire.

4th Floor of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, adjacent to Swimming Pool.

Bonaventure Brewing Co
404 South Figueroa Street, #418A
Los Angeles, CA 90071

See Yahoo Map

RSVP REQUIRED!

For further information (213) 792-0877

Previous LPN Events include "A Night in Rio" at The Kress, "Noche Tropical" at J Lounge, and "A Night in San Juan" at Villa Sorriso.

(Due to the complimentary tequila tasting, all attendees must be of legal drinking age, and identification is required.)

Parking: Located in the Union Bank garage directly across from the Hotel on Figueroa. Take the escalator from the parking garage to the Union Bank Lobby Level. Cross the pedestrian bridge to the Hotel and Bonaventure Brewing Co. Beer Garden. It is not recommended that guests park at the Bonaventure.



See you there!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

LACECA Election Meeting

The Los Angeles City Employees Chicano Association will conduct a “Special Election Meeting” to fill the position of President due to the resignation of Miguel Rangel. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at the Personnel Department, 700 E. Temple St., 2nd Floor Conference Room, Los Angeles, CA 90012. LACECA members are encouraged to attend this special election meeting.

Disclaimer:

Points of view or opinions in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of LACECA or its members.

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