Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. Announces Pricing Of $310 Million Senior Secured Notes

MIAMI, Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (the «Company», «we», «us», or «SBS») announced today that it has priced an offering of $310 million in aggregate principal amount of its senior secured notes due 2026 (the «Notes»). The Notes will bear interest semi-annually at a rate of 9.75% per annum and were offered at par value.

The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by certain…

MIAMI, Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (the «Company», «we», «us», or «SBS») announced today that it has priced an offering of $310 million in aggregate principal amount of its senior secured notes due 2026 (the «Notes»). The Notes will bear interest semi-annually at a rate of 9.75% per annum and were offered at par value.

The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, and secured, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, on a first-priority basis by the Notes collateral. The closing of the offering is anticipated to take place February 17, 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this offering along with cash on hand (i) to repay its 12.5% senior secured notes due 2017, (ii) along with certain other consideration, to repurchase and/or redeem all of its outstanding 10 3/4% Series B cumulative exchangeable redeemable preferred stock, $0.01 par value (the «Series B Preferred Stock») and (iii) to pay related fees and expenses.

The Notes and the related guarantees are being offered in the United States to persons reasonably believed to be «qualified institutional buyers» pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the «Securities Act»), and to persons outside of the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes and the related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This press release does not constitute a redemption notice for the Series B Preferred Stock and is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Series B Preferred Stock.

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS) owns and operates radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Urbano format genres. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform of over 290 affiliated stations reaching 95% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a network television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, produces a nationwide roster of live concerts and events, and owns a stable of digital properties, including La Musica, a mobile app providing Latino-focused audio and video streaming content and HitzMaker, a new-talent destination for aspiring artists. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words «anticipate,» «believe,» «continue,» «could,» «estimate,» «expect,» «intend,» «may,» «might,» «objective,» «ongoing,» «plan,» «predict,» «project,» «potential,» «should,» «will,» or «would,» and/or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future. They appear in this press release and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations. These statements, by their nature, involve substantial risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, but not limited to, our substantial indebtedness and high leverage, our highly competitive industry, our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our dependency on revenue and operating income from a limited number of markets, unpredictability of sales in the advertising industry, our ability to attract listeners, viewers and advertisers to our broadcast radio and television operations, the popularity and appeal of our content, our ability to maintain and renew distribution agreements, impact from tax reform and any new tax legislation, our ability to respond to rapid changes in technology, content creation, services and standards, our ability to protect our business from cybersecurity risks, performance of key employees, on-air talent and program hosts, reputational damage to our brands and legal or governmental proceedings and regulatory and other legislative compliance, including compliance with the Federal Communications Commission. All forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and risk factors and there can be no assurance that the actual results, events or developments referenced herein will occur or be realized. We do not have any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Contacts:
Analysts and Investors
José I. Molina
Chief Financial Officer
(305) 441-6901

 

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Abelardo Pérez’s new book La Historia de un Emigrante Más, is a gripping memoir of the author’s toilful journey to the USA as an immigrant

HASKELL, N. J., Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book La Historia de un Emigrante Más was created by Abelardo Pérez. Abelardo is an author who was born in a town in Chiapas, south of Mexico City, in 1971. At eighteen years old he emigrated to the United States of America.

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HASKELL, N. J., Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book La Historia de un Emigrante Más was created by Abelardo Pérez. Abelardo is an author who was born in a town in Chiapas, south of Mexico City, in 1971. At eighteen years old he emigrated to the United States of America.

Pérez said this about his book: «The intention of writing this book is not just lines; it is just one more story of the dangers that we emigrants go through when crossing the border of the United States illegally. Perhaps some are no longer here to tell about it; only they know what they happened when crossing the Rio Grande, when they were lost in the desert of Phoenix, Arizona, or in those mountains of the state of Texas.

This is just a voice to raise awareness that we only seek a better future for our families. Some people will come up with bad thoughts, but most of us are just looking for a better life. I also want to remember that sometimes no matter how high the wall is or how long and arduous the journey is, you have to keep going because there will always be a light of hope at the end of the road.»

Published by Page Publishing, Abelardo Pérez’s new book La Historia de un Emigrante Más will enlighten the readers of the struggles of immigrants in a foreign country as they try to realize their hopes and dreams in life.

Consumers who wish to view and understand the poignant circumstances of an immigrant can purchase La Historia de un Emigrante Más in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1437471/Abelardo_P_rez.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

José Manuel Hernández Gutiérrez’s new book Cuando las Manos Sudan en Exceso discusses the causes, symptoms, and effects of hyperhidrosis among patients that reveal their health status

MIAMI, Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Cuando las Manos Sudan en Exceso was created by José Manuel Hernández Gutiérrez. José is an author who was born in Havana, Cuba. He graduated as a general surgeon at the same hospital that made him a doctor. He began to work on his own merit at the National Center for Minimum Access, the highest-level Cuban Institute. He is currently developing as a house physician at Baptist Hospital of <span…

MIAMI, Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Cuando las Manos Sudan en Exceso was created by José Manuel Hernández Gutiérrez. José is an author who was born in Havana, Cuba. He graduated as a general surgeon at the same hospital that made him a doctor. He began to work on his own merit at the National Center for Minimum Access, the highest-level Cuban Institute. He is currently developing as a house physician at Baptist Hospital of Miami, Florida.

Gutiérrez said this about his book: «Why does primary hyperhidrosis remain so silent on the part of patients and underestimated by health systems when it is much more frequent than is believed and so limits those who suffer from it? Under the title Cuando las Manos Sudan en Exceso, the author wanted to answer this question, making public the experience gathered from sixteen years of professional work in this field. From the same side of the patient, understanding his limitations and the frustrations of not having the answers, this book is developed. Primary palmar hyperhidrosis is no less important than any other disease, just as it is no more. Like all the others, it requires its precise evaluation for each patient individually, as it happens with all other medical conditions.

Palmar hyperhidrosis is definitely a disease in itself, and not simply ‘a particular condition of excessive sweating in some people, probably as a result of stress’ as many think. The frustrations that patients suffer in their sociopersonal development and the variable degree of mental illness that can accompany them qualify the behavior of these patients with a tendency to hide the symptoms and not to seek help. All of the above and general recommendations at the end are developed throughout the work.»

Published by Page Publishing, José Manuel Hernández Gutiérrez’s new book Cuando las Manos Sudan en Exceso illuminates the impact of hyperhidrosis in patients that reveal the state of their physical welfare.

Consumers who wish to read and understand in-depth research on hyperhidrosis can purchase Cuando las Manos Sudan en Exceso online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1437493/Jos__Manuel_Hern_ndez_Guti_rrez.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Karol G Presents An Explosive Collaboration For Her New Single «Location» With Anuel AA & J Balvin

AVAILABLE NOW ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS! 

MIAMI, Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Karol G’s music has left an unparalleled footprint on Hispanic pop culture. Her empowering messages not only advocate for diversity and inclusion, but also break boundaries and overcome language barriers, claiming her spot as the #1 female artist in the Latin music industry. Today, the Latin GRAMMY® winning superstar invites her fans to celebrate the premiere of her new single…

AVAILABLE NOW ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS! 

MIAMI, Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Karol G’s music has left an unparalleled footprint on Hispanic pop culture. Her empowering messages not only advocate for diversity and inclusion, but also break boundaries and overcome language barriers, claiming her spot as the #1 female artist in the Latin music industry. Today, the Latin GRAMMY® winning superstar invites her fans to celebrate the premiere of her new single «Location,» a collaboration with two of the most prominent figures in Latin music, Anuel AA and J Balvin. The single is now available on all digital music platforms.

«I like to give my fans a unique experience with every single release, both musically and visually. ‘LOCATION’ is a very special song for me because I was able to collaborate with artists that I admire and we were able to fuse reggaeton/hip-hop/country influences into an amazing song and video filled with energy and rodeo vibes!!!» KAROL G

With lyrics in both English and Spanish, Karol G conveys her power with a message of celebration and appreciation for being. «LOCATION» was produced by renowned producer Ovy On The Drums, who presents novel sounds, fusing the rhythms of reggaeton and hip-hop with melodies influenced by country. The music video for the song was directed by Colin Tilley, who manages to impeccably recreate an incredible party full of energy and a rodeo-style atmosphere set in a desert.

«LOCATION» is Karol G’s first collaboration following the release of her hits «Ay DiOs Mío!» and «Bichota» – songs that reached the top of the charts worldwide. Recently, «Bichota» was crowned #1 on YouTube’s «Top Global Songs and Videos» list, #1 on Billboard’s «Latin Airplay» chart and #2 on Spotify’s «Global Top 200.» The song reached more than 1.6 billion combined streams across digital platforms and more than 540 million views on its music video within six months of its release. Additionally, it has received 8x Platinum certification by the RIAA.

Karol G is currently the #1 female Latin artist in the world. Amassing more than 80 million followers on social networks, Karol G, has conquered the world with her music, surpassing 21.5 billion streams on digital platforms. In the same way, the singer is in the Top 50 of Spotify’s most listened to artists in the world, with more than 33.7 million monthly listeners, putting her among the most influential female artists.

Click to watch the music video for «LOCATION»

«LOCATION» available now on all digital music platforms

For more information about KAROL G visit

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/karol-g-presents-an-explosive-collaboration-for-her-new-single-location-with-anuel-aa–j-balvin-301227415.html

SOURCE Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Family Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Lancaster Police, City, County In Police Shooting of Ricardo Muñoz

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Seeking justice for her son and hoping to hold local officials accountable in order to prevent future tragedies, Miguelina Peña filed suit in federal court on Monday, naming the police officer who shot her son, as well as the former police chief, city and county as defendants.

Ms. Peña’s son, Ricardo Muñoz, 27, was fatally shot after his family contacted police for their help during a mental health episode last year. Mr. Muñoz, who…

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Seeking justice for her son and hoping to hold local officials accountable in order to prevent future tragedies, Miguelina Peña filed suit in federal court on Monday, naming the police officer who shot her son, as well as the former police chief, city and county as defendants.

Ms. Peña’s son, Ricardo Muñoz, 27, was fatally shot after his family contacted police for their help during a mental health episode last year. Mr. Muñoz, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in his early 20s, was well-known to the local police department, whom his family had turned to repeatedly for help in similar situations.

On Sept. 13, Mr. Muñoz’s family had again called the crisis intervention hotline when Ricardo became agitated and was experiencing a psychotic episode. Following instructions from the crisis intervention operator, they then called the local non-emergency police number for assistance as well as 911.

Local police dispatched Officer Karson Arnold to the Muñoz family residence. Within minutes of the Officer Arnold’s arrival, Ricardo Muñoz was dead: shot multiple times by the officer in front of his home as his mother, Ms. Peña, watched in horror.

Attorneys Steven Levin, Daisy Ayllon and Julie Murphy from Levin & Perconti in Chicago are representing the Muñoz family, along with attorneys Michael Perna and Ryan Borchik of Perna & Abracht in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

The suit, which comes in the wake of local officials’ decision not to file charges against Officer Arnold in the matter, notes that the city and county had no proper procedures in place to deal with people in mental health crises and that the officer failed to make any attempt to de-escalate the situation or use less-lethal means to bring Mr. Muñoz to safety.

«Ricardo’s death was, at best, the predictable result of ill-advised and clumsy police work—and heart-breakingly preventable.  At worst, it was the direct result of a cynical and callous disregard for the well-being of one of society’s less fortunate sons,» said attorney Michael Perna.

Citing the city’s deficient policies concerning officer supervision and training, attorney Daisy Ayllon  added, «Ultimately, Ricardo’s lawsuit is about mental health reform, about police accountability when dealing with mentally-disturbed individuals who have committed no crime, and about the prevention of similar tragedies as a direct result of untrained and heavy-handed police intervention.»

«Sometimes a community must look beyond itself for justice, and that’s what the federal courts are for. We are looking to shine a light upon the system failures in responding to this call for help,» said attorney Julie Murphy

In December, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced two bills calling for reform in how police nationwide respond to people with mental health issues and other disabilities. Casey referenced the Muñoz case, along with two other police shootings of mentally ill men in Pennsylvania, as he announced the legislative initiative. In Philadelphia, days of demonstrations, including some protests that escalated into violence, had followed the October police shooting of Walter Wallace, who, like Muñoz, suffered from mental illness.

«To their astonishing credit, rather than venting anger while in the grip of anguish, Ricardo’s family actively discouraged violence in the immediate aftermath of his killing, which spared the city of Lancaster yet more tragedy,» said attorney Ryan Borchik.

The Muñoz family’s lawsuit seeks damages for Ricardo’s pain and suffering – including the denial of medical attention after he was shot – and his wrongful death as well as the emotional distress inflicted upon his mother as she witnessed his killing and the physical injury she suffered when, following her son’s fatal shooting, she was tackled against a police vehicle.

«Ricardo’s family first looked to a local crisis center for help with his well-documented mental health condition, but instead the police arrived and within a few short minutes had shot and killed their son and brother. Next the family looked to local law enforcement for transparency and accountability, but instead they encountered a most condescending response from the District Attorney and no transparency. Now they look to the federal court for justice,» said Steven Levin.

Levin & Perconti is a nationally renowned law firm concentrating in all types of personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation. The lawyers at Levin & Perconti are committed to protecting and vindicating the rights of people who are injured by the negligence of others. Please contact the firm at (312) 332-2872 or visit www.levinperconti.com for more information.

Contact:
Debra Pickett
Page 2 Communications
deb@page2comm.com
773.368.7064

SOURCE Levin & Perconti

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Community Health Centers Team Up to Address Barriers to COVID Vaccine Access

BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts («Blue Cross»)…

BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts («Blue Cross») today announced a new effort with the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers («the League») to help provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross will contribute $1 million to fund free rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination sites across the state to support community health centers, underserved communities, and vulnerable populations. The new initiative was announced during a press conference today with Governor Charlie Baker at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.

«The goal now is to get people vaccinated, and access to those appointments is critical,» said Andrew Dreyfus, Blue Cross’ president and CEO. «We know lack of access to transportation is a significant barrier in communities hard hit by COVID-19. The Community Health Centers’ deep experience will help connect more of our neighbors with vaccines that can save lives and help end the pandemic.»

Blue Cross’ contribution will support tens of thousands of free rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination sites. The goal is to launch the program in the next few weeks in coordination with the League, which will assist in identifying participating community health centers.

«I’ve always said those closest to the disease need to be closest to the vaccine. Members of the communities we serve have disproportionately contracted, suffered, and died from this terrible virus,» said Michael Curry, president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and a member of the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group. «We are proud to partner with Blue Cross to help bring our patients better access to these life-saving vaccines.»

«Since the pandemic started, we have been on the frontlines, providing COVID-19 testing and treatment throughout the local community,» said Manny Lopes, president and CEO of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. «Now, we are on the frontlines of the vaccination effort too. We welcome this new initiative, which will make it easier for our most vulnerable patients to get the vaccinations they desperately need.»

Blue Cross and the League will work together toward their mutual goal of addressing disparities in access to COVID-19 vaccinations in underserved communities throughout Massachusetts. The organizations are looking at a variety of options which may include grants to community health centers, partnering with a ride share program, and other potential transportation solutions.

Today’s contribution comes on top of the $11 million Blue Cross and its Foundation has invested in the community during the COVID-19 crisis.

For more information on how Blue Cross is supporting its members during the COVID-19 public health emergency, visit the company’s Coronavirus Resource Center.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation’s best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.BlueLinks for Employers

About the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (the League) is a 501 (c)(3) membership organization supporting and representing the Commonwealths 52 community health centers, which offer primary and preventive care to more than one million residents. The League serves as an information resource on community-based primary care to policymakers, opinion leaders, and the media. It provides a wide range of technical assistance to its health center members, including advocacy on health policy issues, support for workforce development, clinical care and technology initiatives, and guidance to state leaders and community-based organizations seeking to open health centers.   

About the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) has been a vital part of the community for 50 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all who live and work in East Boston and the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, Winthrop, and, most recently, the South End. EBNHC is the largest community health center in Massachusetts and one of the largest in the nation, now serving nearly 120,000 patients and employing more than 1,300 staff members. We’re proud to be a 2020 Forbes Best-in-State Employer and a six-time awardee of the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/177637/blue_cross_blue_shield_of_massachusetts_logo.jpg  

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

ECHO Becomes the Exclusive Partner of NALP’s Latino Landscape Network

FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Association of Landscape Professionals is pleased to announce that <a target="_blank"…

FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Association of Landscape Professionals is pleased to announce that ECHO Incorporated has become the exclusive partner of the Latino Landscape Network.

The National Association of Landscape Professional's National Latino Landscape Network is Now Powered by Echo

The Latino Landscape Network (formerly the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance) connects and empowers the community of 500,000 Latino landscape professionals in the United States.

The Network, powered by ECHO, supports Latino landscape professionals by working with NALP to help develop training materials and resources and provide networking and mentoring opportunities that help advance Latino businesses and employees.

«It’s an honor to partner with NALP on this important initiative. The professional landscaping industry is comprised of a huge Latino population – from business owners to pros working across all segments of the industry. We’re excited to lend our expertise to help learn and grow the skills and businesses of this crucial landscaping community,» said Wayne Thomsen, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, ECHO Inc.

NALP also advocates for the industry and amplifies the voice of Latino landscapers with legislators at the State, Local, and Federal levels.

«Latino landscape professionals are critical to the success of our industry,» said Britt Wood, NALP CEO. «We applaud ECHO for their commitment to the Latino landscape community, and we look forward to working together to provide new resources to help people advance their careers and grow their businesses.»

The Network is open to all Latino landscape professionals. Visit www.landscapeprofessionals.org/Latinolandscapenetwork to learn more. Connect with Network members in the Facebook Group, or sign up to receive news and updates.

About ECHO
ECHO Incorporated is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, high performance outdoor power equipment for commercial and homeowner use.  Based in Lake Zurich, IL, the corporation markets its products under the brand names ECHO and Shindaiwa. For more information, visit http://www.ECHO-USA.com.

About NALP
The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry of approximately 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation, and tree care professionals. Through national advocacy campaigns, the association is growing the industry and its workforce. NALP offers its members professional development through education, networking, and training, certification, and accreditation programs. For more information about NALP, visit landscapeprofessionals.org or visit landscapeindustrycareers.org for information on industry careers.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1424839/National_Association_Of_Landscape_Professionals_Echo_Logo.jpg

SOURCE National Association of Landscape Professionals

More than 18,500 Individuals Unlawfully Detained by L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Over ICE Holds to Receive Compensation from $14 Million Settlement

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Individuals who were held in L.A. County jail based on ICE holds in the period from October 2010 to June 2014 may be eligible to participate in a financial settlement to compensate them for rights violations committed by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). More than 18,500 people are entitled to receive restitution from the $14 million USD

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Individuals who were held in L.A. County jail based on ICE holds in the period from October 2010 to June 2014 may be eligible to participate in a financial settlement to compensate them for rights violations committed by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). More than 18,500 people are entitled to receive restitution from the $14 million USD settlement. Class members are eligible to receive from $250 to $25,000 based on the time they were held and other details. In order to receive compensation, individuals must submit a claim — which does not require them to disclose their immigration status — no later than October 10, 2021. All information submitted by claimants will be kept confidential.

The class action suit Roy v. County of Los Angeles was brought by immigrants unlawfully detained by the LASD — sometimes for months —  due to «ICE hold» requests (also known as immigration detainers). A federal court ruled that LASD violated the constitution by jailing people solely on the basis of these holds. Lee Baca was L.A. Sheriff for most of the period in which violations took place; Baca is currently serving a three-year prison term for obstructing a federal investigation.

«As immigrants, we come from different countries, and law enforcement bodies act like basic protections don’t apply to us,» said Antonia C., who was detained after being wrongfully accused of car theft. She was denied bail because of an ICE hold and kept in jail for 70 days in 2012. «They broke my family and home. When they lock you up, they break you. They hurt my physical and mental health. All of us who were affected by this arrangement between ICE and the Sheriff’s Department, we need to put our voices together. While no amount of money will ever be enough to mend our scars, this compensation fund is so important. We need to take what we’re owed and show them that what they did to us — to our families — matters.»

Antonia’s daughter, who prefers to remain anonymous, said: «These actions don’t only affect people who were jailed — think about their families. I was only 11 years old when my mom was torn away. They broke us apart. I was filled with confusion and sadness. Without my mom by my side, I felt like I didn’t have a place in this world. We lost everything. Every day that your family member isn’t there is painful. Think of everything you miss — we will never get that time back. My mom is my own personal superhero — she’s strong and kind-hearted. I’m so proud of her for bringing this case and playing an important role in establishing this compensation fund. Injustice often goes without consequence — you don’t usually get anything. But this feels different. It’s like my mom and I, and countless other families, might finally get closure and justice.»

In collaboration with the ACLU of Southern California and the law firm of McLane, Bednarski & Litt, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc. (CDM) is conducting media and public outreach to identify class members and encourage them to come forward with claims. CDM, a binational migrant workers’ rights organization has successfully identified class members and assisted in settlement distribution in high-profile immigration and migrant worker lawsuits. In this case, the organization will focus its efforts on reaching Spanish-speaking class members in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and California.

«This case embodies a pervasive practice: local law enforcement agencies bowing to ICE and undermining immigrants’ rights. This unconstitutional deference to ICE policies has brutal consequences for individuals, families and communities across borders,» said Evy Peña, CDM’s Communications and Development Director. «We have reason to believe that people may have been deported as a result of the L.A. Sheriff’s actions. While locating class members may pose a challenge, given the geographic range of our search, we see this as an opportunity. Every qualified class member who was treated unlawfully will be able to receive compensation, regardless of where they are.»

«Let this settlement be a wake-up call to all those law enforcement agencies around the country that today continue to jail people unlawfully at ICE’s warrantless requests,» said Jennie Pasquarella, co-counsel on the case, ACLU SoCal director of immigrants’ rights and senior staff attorney. «They should stop or be held liable in damages to all the people they’ve unlawfully detained.»

«For years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the largest law enforcement agency in the United States, callously denied immigrants constitutional protections that universally apply to all other jail detainees — unjustifiably holding them without cause as prisoners,» said Lindsay Battles, co-counsel on the case, and an attorney with McLane, Bednarski & Litt. «This settlement holds the sheriff’s department accountable for thousands of unlawful incarcerations and provides a measure of compensation to every person injured by their unconstitutional policies.»

Individuals who believe they may be victims are encouraged to visit www.ICEHoldCaseLA.com  or call 1-833-537-1192 to learn more about how to file a claim.

The answers to frequently asked questions can be found below.

Who is affected?

More than 18,500 people are entitled to compensation from the settlement covering ICE detainers issued from October 2010 to June 2014. There are 3 categories of people affected:

  1. 4th Amendment Class: Immigrants who were detained beyond the time they were due to be released from criminal custody solely based on an ICE hold (October 2010June 2014).
  2. Equal Protection Class: Immigrants whose bail was less than $25,000 who would not have been booked into jail if there was no ICE hold (October 2010June 2014).
  3. No-Bail Class: Immigrants who were denied bail because of an ICE hold (October 2010October 2012).

How much money can class members get?

Class members are eligible to receive from $250 up to $25,000, based on how long they were held and other circumstances:

  1. Class members who were not permitted to post bail will receive $250 if they qualify and file the proper sworn statement.
  2. Class members could receive up to $1,000 for each day they were detained solely on an immigration detainer, up to a maximum of $25,000.

It is anticipated that many class members who were detained solely on an immigration detainer will receive several thousand dollars. 

Surplus funds, if any after class members are paid, will go to programs that provide legal representation to persons facing immigration consequences because of an arrest or conviction.

How to get money from the settlement?

To receive money, you must make a claim no later than October 10, 2021. You can file a claim online, by email or by mail. Go to www.ICEHoldCaseLA.com to learn more about how to file a claim form.

What are my other options?

Exclude Yourself: If you want to remove yourself from the lawsuit entirely, or if you want to be able to file your own lawsuit, or be part of a different lawsuit, then you must take steps to exclude yourself. You must mail your Exclusion Request, postmarked no later than October 10, 2021.

Object: You can remain a class member and object to any part of the settlement by October 10, 2021.

Do nothing: If you do not file a claim, you will not get money from the settlement, but you will still be bound by the terms of the Settlement.

Visit the website www.ICEHoldCaseLA.com for more detailed information.

How do I know my information will be kept confidential?

The parties in this case agree to keep confidential all information you submit in connection with the settlement. We will not tell ICE that you submitted a claim. Your contact information and family members’ contact information will not be disclosed to anyone other than attorneys for the plaintiffs and the case administrator.

How long will this process take?

The court has scheduled a hearing for November 19, 2021 to decide whether to approve the settlement. The motion for attorney’s fees and cost will be posted on the website after they are filed. You may attend the hearing at your own cost, but you do not have to. After final court approval, it will take at least two to three months or longer, to process claims, calculate the amount due to each class member, and begin payments.

This is only a summary. For more details, go to the website www.ICEHoldCaseLA.com or call 1-833-537-1192. The website has links to all settlement documents in this case, as well as the motion for attorneys’ fees. 

SOURCE CLU of Southern California, the law firm of McLane, Bednarski & Litt, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, and the National Immigrant Justice Center

Cultural Comfort, Siloes And Stress Impacts Gen Z Trust Circles

FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to a study by the Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing (CMC), despite a multicultural majority among the under-18 age segment, most non-Hispanic white (NHW) teens do not experience the MC majority reality in their daily lives—from their schools and neighborhoods to their friendships online and in real life. Regardless of race or background, teen stress levels are high, trust circles are tight and…

FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to a study by the Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing (CMC), despite a multicultural majority among the under-18 age segment, most non-Hispanic white (NHW) teens do not experience the MC majority reality in their daily lives—from their schools and neighborhoods to their friendships online and in real life. Regardless of race or background, teen stress levels are high, trust circles are tight and vary among kids and parents, depending on culture, age, and experience with organizations and institutions.

AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing is rebranding as Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing, which will continue to elevate the quality and effectiveness of U.S. marketing by harnessing the power of cultural expertise and impact to drive business results.

«Trust circles, cultural comfort or discomfort, and stress are all nuances that marketers must understand, as they impact brand relationships and purchase decisions,» said CMC Research Chair Nancy Tellet, founder, brand & consumer navigator at PureClarity LLC. «Trust, plays a huge role not only in the political arena and friendships, but also where we live, how we raise our kids, and in the brands we choose to buy.»

Today, two-thirds of multicultural Gen Zers grow up in families that attempt to retain most of their historical cultural values. They also take cues from modern American society, choosing which values to keep, reject and add.

A Multicultural Majority in Numbers but Not in Daily Life

Racial and ethnic segments tend to self-silo across schools, neighborhoods and friendships, both on social media and in real life. This is mostly prevalent among NHW teens and tweens ages 8-17. While non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) and Hispanics silo less, the majority of their in real life friends are either their own segment or other persons of color (POC). When it comes to social media, however, friends are slightly more diverse for NHW & NHB but virtually same for Hispanics.

The Majority of Gen Zers and Parents Are Comfortable with All Types of People

Sixty percent of Gen Zers and parents say, «I am truly comfortable with all people.» Among the 40 percent—a sizable minority—who are uncomfortable, all segments regardless of race or ethnicity report most discomfort with «rich people» and «evangelical Christians.» Blacks and Hispanics also say they are most uncomfortable among NHWs, NHWs and Blacks share a discomfort of LGBTQ+ people, and, surprisingly, Hispanics say they are most uncomfortable around «other Hispanics.» In addition, one in five (22 percent) NHWs are uncomfortable hearing Spanish spoken in public.

The Stress is Real for Gen Zers

Across all segments, teens report «being smart and well educated» as a core value for success; however, this ambition and often, fear of failure leaves them feeling stressed and isolated. Stress among Hispanic teens is higher than other groups. The shrinking middle class has added to teen stress for all groups especially NHW teens who feel they need to «protect» their turf. Black and Hispanic teens expressed more resilience with an attitude of «Life is tough, but I am tougher,» since life was never that easy to begin with. Hispanic teen stress actually decreased during COVID, as the negative spotlight shifted from them to the pandemic and other social and political issues.

The Cultural Closet: What’s Kept, What’s Tossed and What’s Being Added

More than two-thirds of POC want to keep most of their historical cultural values. Among Hispanics and NHB, family culture «keeps you safe, sane and happy.» For Hispanics, it’s about sharing knowledge and traditions while instilling a sense of interdependence (we vs me). For NHBs, family connections not only protect and support but also serve to share knowledge and pass down tradition. Hispanics and NHBs ages 13 to 49 keep values of resilience and the importance of their communities in their cultural closet, as it is important to succeed in spite of adversity.

Hispanic and Black teens place a high level of importance on the practice of «respect» including respect for their elders and stronger parental authority, including discipline within the parent/child relationship. Among NHBs, respect is straightforward, stressing the importance of respect for oneself and receiving it from others.  Among Hispanics, «respeto» is complex and more formal than what is typically expected in the U.S—with an emphasis on courtesy,  including helping above and beyond when you are a guest in someone’s house or how you behave with authority figures, such as your doctor or an elder.

More than half of Hispanic and NHB teens agree that traditional gender roles have to go. In addition, six out of 10 Hispanics ages 13 to 49 would like to get rid of socio-economic and racial colorism hierarchies.

Methodology  & Funders:

  • This study builds on more than 20,500 consumer touchpoints to date, the CMC released the third part of a comprehensive study on Gen Z (ages 13 to 17), IT’S TIME: Ready (or Not) for the Multicultural Majority, analyzing social media consumption, streaming video habits and the escalating power of culture in content.
  • The study received financial or operational support from Kantar, ThinkNow, ViacomCBS and Univision.
  • Quantitative research came from 2,418 13-17s (Gen Z) and 25-49 parents of kids 8-12 (65% Millennials/ 35% Xers) with equal sample representation of Hispanics (HISP), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) & non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) from January 2020 to February 2020.
  • Qualitative interviews with 54 respondents (36T/18P), in-home pairs (HISP/NHB/NHW) and two Gen Z multicultural workshops (HISP/NHB/NHW/Asian-American/Other)

For more information, visit culturemarketingcouncil.org and follow the CMC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @cmchispanic.

About CMC: Founded in 1996 as the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies, the Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing is the national trade organization of all marketing, communications, and media firms with trusted Hispanic expertise.

«In our landmark study, IT’S TIME: Ready (or Not) for the Multicultural Majority, we learned that Gen Z teens and parents feel a sense of unity with other minority segments and understands that hate and racism are the biggest issues they face together,» said CMC Research Chair Nancy Tellet, founder, brand & consumer navigator at PureClarity LLC. «With more than half of people ages 13 to 49 having quit a culturally illiterate brand, it’s all about what role culture plays in what stays in and what gets thrown out of trust circles.»

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SOURCE Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing

All-New Kia K5 Receives 2021 Motorweek Drivers’ Choice Award

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kia K5 has earned a 2021 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award, taking the win in the Best Family Sedan category. MotorWeek, television’s longest running automotive magazine show, annually judges the best new cars and trucks of the year. Editors evaluate vehicles based on a variety of factors, taking into account trends and innovations, value, and reliability, among others.

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IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kia K5 has earned a 2021 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award, taking the win in the Best Family Sedan category. MotorWeek, television’s longest running automotive magazine show, annually judges the best new cars and trucks of the year. Editors evaluate vehicles based on a variety of factors, taking into account trends and innovations, value, and reliability, among others.

All-new Kia K5 receives 2021 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award

«We built the all-new 2021 K5 with the goal of it being the best in its class, which is why we introduced it with segment exclusives like the available wet dual-clutch transmission,» said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors America, Kia Motors North America. «It’s incredibly satisfying to know that the respected auto experts at MotorWeek enjoy the K5 – it tells us we’re on the right track and motivates us to continue to exceed expectations.»

All new for the 2021 model year, the K5 is the brand’s most powerful mid-size sedan ever with standard turbocharged engines across the board, available all-wheel drive, and a technology-packed premium interior that’s not far off from what you’d find inside a much higher priced luxury vehicle.

«MotorWeek selected the K5 as our Best Family Sedan for 2021 because Kia took the heritage of their already excellent midsize family sedan, the Optima, which has long been one of our staff favorites for daily driving, and elevated it to a new level of total performance for its class,» said John Davis, MotorWeek creator and host. «To us, the K5 is not just a redesign of a middleweight car, but a rethink of the affordable sedan segment as it now includes a full slate of the latest personal and safety technology, modern powertrains that are both energetic and efficient, as well as an all-wheel drive option, all wrapped in great exterior and interior styling that transcends its price class.»

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the «Official Automotive Partner» of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Kia Motors America Logo

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SOURCE Kia Motors America