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Texas Homebuyers: Finding the Right Property is the Most Difficult Part of the Homebuying Process

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Texas Association of Realtors logo.

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Texas homebuyers say that finding the right property is the most difficult part of the homebuying process, according to the 2020 Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report released by Texas Realtors. The annual report provides in-depth insights into the demographics, motivations and opinions of Texas homebuyers and sellers who had a real estate transaction between July 2018 and June 2019. The report also outlines information related to Texas real estate consumers’ income, ethnicity, age and perceptions of the homebuying and selling process.

Texas Association of Realtors logo.

“This report provides critical insight for Texas Realtors in assessing the ever-changing needs and expectations of the consumers we serve,” said Cindi Bulla, 2020 chairman of Texas Realtors. “For example, despite access to a myriad of technology resources to search for homes, buyers continue to place a high value on local Realtor market knowledge when it comes to selecting the right home, negotiating the right price and guidance through the buying process.”

Buyers who purchased previously owned homes mentioned better prices, value and charm as the top motivating factors. Buyers of newly built homes cited avoiding renovations or plumbing and electrical problems as top reasons they purchased a new home.

The majority of Texas homebuyers (67%) were married couples, followed by single females (17%), single males (10%) and unmarried couples (5%). The median age of Texas homebuyers was 52, five years more than last year.

Bulla continued, “While Texas was slightly better than the national average of homebuyer diversity, we still have work to do. Across the state, we are still seeing white buyers make up the largest share of homebuyers, while those identifying as Hispanic or Black make up 14% and 5%, respectively. We as Texas Realtors must be laser-focused on strategies to ensure that homeownership is attainable and affordable for our entire population.”

In Texas, 78% of all buyers identified as white/Caucasian, 4% Asian/Pacific Islander, 5% Black/African-American and 14% Hispanic/Latino.

For Texans who sold their homes, the most popular reason for putting a home on the market was to move closer to friends or family, followed by job relocations and proximity to their work. Sellers spent a median of 12 years in their homes. The median sales price was $64,050 more than what sellers paid for their homes, and the median length the home spent on the market was four weeks.

About the Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report
Data from the 2020 edition of the Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report is derived from the 2019 Texas Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers by NAR, which analyzes survey data among Texans who bought or sold a home between July 2018 and June 2019. Texas REALTORS® distributes insights about the Texas housing market throughout the year, including quarterly market statistics, trends among homebuyers and sellers, luxury home sales, international trends and more. To view the Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report in its entirety, visit texasrealestate.com.

About Texas REALTORS®
With more than 135,000 members, Texas REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. In 2020, Texas REALTORS® is celebrating a century of shaping Texas by being the advocate for private property rights, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, and providing its members with the tools to achieve success. Visit texasrealestate.com to learn more.

Release Contact:
Morgan Moritz
Pierpont Communications
[email protected]

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SOURCE Texas REALTORS

Learn4Life: Now is the Worst Time to Hinder School Choice

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A Learn4Life student learns in on-site personalized instruction while maintaining physical distancing.

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — While legislation is being considered to aid public schools in dealing with the remote learning crisis, opponents of school choice have added clauses that reduce or eliminate funding to nonclassroom-based charters like Learn4Life. Instead of handicapping a successful method of teaching and engaging students in times of crisis, decision-makers should highlight and adapt traditional public schools to a proven flexible model as they transfer students in and out of on-site learning.   

A Learn4Life student learns in on-site personalized instruction while maintaining physical distancing.

Learn4Life, a network of nonprofit charter schools that serves at-risk students who have struggled in traditional high school and have dropped out or are so far behind, they won’t be able to graduate with their class. These schools offer a personalized learning model that has allowed them to easily adapt to remote learning.

“Once we got laptops and hotspots into the hands of our students in the first week, we resumed one-on-one teaching to keep our students engaged and motivated,” explained Dr. Caprice Young, national superintendent. “Educators need to shift their focus to personalized, high-intensity learning. They need to replace day-long, large-group video instruction with fewer hours each week of individual, one-on-one or small-group instruction.” 

Young points out that too many teens are bored and struggling with remote learning. Teachers are video lecturing to kids who are likely reading at different grade levels, with varying attention spans, special needs or English language challenges. Educators must identify strategies that will dramatically increase the effectiveness of remote learning during the pandemic. The traditional high school model, of five or six courses with 25-40 students in each class doesn’t work online.

Learn4Life serves more than 49,000 students, helping them get a diploma, job training and life skills – all for free. Most are minorities, socio-economically disadvantaged and have aged out of high school (Learn4Life can serve students up to age 22). Many are teen parents or have adult responsibilities like the need to work or take care of family members.

Putting students back into schools means putting money back into the economy. Instead of creating a lifelong drain on public resources, the hundreds of thousands of dropouts saved go on to become productive, contributing members of society. These graduates are on track to break the generational chain of poverty, as many are the first in their families to graduate with a high school diploma.

Every dropout who earns their diploma is six times more likely to vote; 67 percent less likely to be unemployed and eight times less likely to be incarcerated. Saving dropouts means billions saved in social services such as law enforcement and other social impacts, plus billions created in tax revenue from higher earning graduates

Read more about how this life-saving charter school is helping the most underserved student populations, before and during the pandemic.

About Learn4Life
Learn4Life is a network of nonprofit public schools that provides students personalized learning, career training and life skills. Each school is locally controlled, tuition free and gives students the flexibility and one-on-one attention they need to succeed. Serving more than 49,000 students – including full-time and intersession students – we help them prepare for a future beyond high school. For more information, please visit www.learn4life.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Ann Abajian, Learn4Life
(844) 515-8186
[email protected]

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SOURCE Learn4Life

The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center in Westwood to begin phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial in Los Angeles County

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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center in Westwood will soon begin recruiting volunteers for phase 3 trials of a new investigational COVID-19 vaccine with the first dose expected to be administered in early September.  

The vaccine, developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, is called AZD1222 and has already gone through early trials. This trial is designed to determine whether the vaccine can prevent symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses. The study aims to enroll 30,000 volunteers across the United States. It is important to note that this vaccine does not have a live virus and cannot give a person COVID-19. If the results from the trial are positive, the vaccine could be made available to the public to prevent disease. 

“We are excited to work with the National Institutes of Health on this study to identify an effective and safe vaccine for COVID-19, particularly for those communities most impacted by this pandemic,” said Dr. Eric Daar, Lead Researcher for the Lindquist Institute on this trial, Chief of HIV Medicine at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center and professor at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine “We are looking forward to engaging and talking with those who are interested in enrolling in the study—without the support from volunteers, identifying an effective vaccine won’t be possible. LA County has been hit hard by the virus; vaccines end pandemics, and it is our hope and goal that we can come together and help stop COVID-19 in LA and everywhere.” 

“This is a critical moment in time—we need a groundswell of turnout from those in the Los Angeles community to volunteer for this study,” said Dr. Raphael Landovitz, Lead Researcher for UCLA Medical Center in Westwood on this trial, and Co-Director at UCLA’s Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services.  “In vaccine trials, it is extremely important that we don’t only focus on one population; at the same time, it is critical to enroll those who are highest risk of getting exposed, and also getting sick if exposed. Help Stop COVID LA is an opportunity for us to come together, to be a part of the solution, and to move forward together.”

Lundquist Institute and UCLA Medical Center in Westwood are part of the COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN). The clinical research network, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of NIH, aims to enroll thousands of volunteers in large-scale clinical trials testing a variety of investigational vaccines and monoclonal antibodies intended to protect people from COVID-19.

Lundquist and UCLA Westwood are seeking to engage and recruit more than 750 volunteers who reside in Los Angeles County, primarily including individuals at high-risk for severe disease. This includes: 

  • Persons over 60 years of age; 
  • Persons with preexisting medical conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. 

The data on communities that have been most impacted by COVID-19 is clear—across Los Angeles County and nationally, Black and Latinx communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. These groups are highly represented in Los Angeles and will be given every opportunity to participate in this important vaccine study because it is critical to enroll those who are at highest risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19.

To be eligible, a volunteer cannot have tested positive for COVID-19. Volunteers will be assigned at random to receive a placebo (saline injection) or the investigational vaccine. The trial is blinded, meaning the participants and the investigators will not know who receives the vaccine. Of the volunteers enrolled, two-thirds will get the study vaccine and one-third will get a placebo or harmless injection. This allows researchers to compare outcomes in the vaccine group versus the placebo group. In the two years that follow, researchers will monitor all study volunteers for the development of symptomatic COVID-19.

To find out more and sign up to volunteer please visit www.helpstopcovid.la  

About The Lundquist Institute:  
The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation is a 501(c)3 independent non-profit biomedical research organization that was founded in 1952. The Institute has over more than 120 principal investigators and 400 researchers in total — MD’s, MD/PhD’s, and PhD’s — working on over 1,000 research studies. We are academically affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and work in partnership with the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Our research is funded by many sources including: grants from the NIH and other government entities, Industry and teaching contracts and royalties, as well as private donors and other non-profit foundations. 

About UCLA Medical Center in Westwood Division of Infectious Diseases:
The Division of Infectious Disease at UCLA Medical Center in Westwood is comprised of a diverse faculty with the shared goal of excellence in patient care, research and education. The division specializes in the care of general medical and surgical patients, departing or returning travelers, transplant and other immuno-compromised patients, and people infected with HIV. Members of the faculty are also responsible for improving the health of the broader UCLA community through the Antibiotic Stewardship Program and Hospital Infection Control and Epidemiology. At each of the practice sites, faculty also perform a broad range of research activities – from hospital epidemiology to HIV prevention; from TB and HIV vaccine development to new treatment strategies for HIV; from studies of viral hepatitis to swine flu, just to name a few.

SOURCE The Lundquist Institute

The Home Depot Mobilizes to Support Communities Facing Hurricane Laura

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The Home Depot logo.

ATLANTA, Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As Hurricane Laura marches toward the Gulf Coast, The Home Depot® will activate its Hurricane Command Center to support communities preparing for the storm.

The Home Depot logo.

This year, the Hurricane Command Center will be virtual to prioritize safety and social distancing. More than 250 associates from the company’s merchandising, operations and supply chain teams are working around the clock to move truckloads of products to stores in Texas and Louisiana. So far more than 230 trucks have reached the area with products like generators, water, tarps, batteries and flashlights. 

There are more than 50 Home Depot stores in the areas that could see impacts from Hurricane Laura. Stores will remain open as long as it’s safe to do so.

“Our associates are vital to helping our communities brace for this approaching storm and we’re extremely grateful for their hard work,” said Hector Padilla, president of the Southern Division of The Home Depot. “We’ll continue to hope for minimal impact from this storm as we prioritize the safety of our associates and customers in this active hurricane season.”

The Home Depot Foundation is working with national nonprofit partners including Team Rubicon, Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, All Hands and Hearts and ToolBank Disaster Service. 

The Home Depot Foundation works with its nonprofit partners ahead of disaster season to pre-fortify warehouses with emergency supplies so they’re able to activate in impacted communities quickly. Operation Blessing has sent emergency water and storm clean-up supplies and will deploy more after the hurricane weakens. 

“Our thoughts are with the communities that may be impacted by this storm,” said Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “We’re working closely with our nonprofit partners to identify critical needs so we can provide immediate support. In addition to financial support, our Team Depot associate volunteers will work alongside our disaster relief partners to assist the people and areas impacted.”

The Homer Fund, Home Depot’s employee assistance program, is also ready to process grants for associates affected by the storm. In 2019, The Homer Fund gave more than $16 million to associates, including nearly $1 million to assist families affected by natural disasters.

About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,293 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2019, The Home Depot had sales of $110.2 billion and earnings of $11.2 billion. The Company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

About The Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $350 million in veteran causes and improved more than 47,000 veteran homes and facilities in 4,500 cities. The Foundation has pledged to invest half of a billion dollars in veteran causes by 2025. To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation visit HomeDepotFoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @HomeDepotFound and on Facebook + Instagram @HomeDepotFoundation. 

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SOURCE The Home Depot

2021 Mazda CX-5: More To Discover

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2021 MAZDA CX-5: MORE TO DISCOVER

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Mazda CX-5 stands out from other compact crossover SUVs with its modern design and energizing driving experience. The 2021 CX-5 will continue to exceed expectations with its largest-ever infotainment display, new i-Activsense safety features and a new stylish Carbon Edition. These enhancements complement the CX-5’s sophisticated design and available turbo engine to help further encourage owners to seek inspiring adventures. Mazda North American Operations today announces the 2021 Mazda CX-5 will arrive in dealerships next month.

2021 MAZDA CX-5: MORE TO DISCOVER

Many premium features come standard on the 2021 CX-5 Sport. Most notably the new 10.25-inch large center display with the latest Mazda Connect infotainment interface has standard Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM capabilities. It also adds a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services capability, providing the ability to monitor and control the state of the CX-5 remotely by logging into the MyMazda app and in-car Wi-Fi hotspot[2] with three-months or 2GB trial, whichever comes first. Matching this intuitive technology is a responsive driving experience with the naturally aspirated four-cylinder Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine, able to deliver 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque on either regular (87 octane) or premium (93 octane) fuel and is equipped with a quick-shifting, six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and sport modes. While G-Vectoring Control and front-wheel drive are standard, Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive with off-road traction assist is available on all trim levels. For peace of mind, the CX-5 comes standard with the brand’s suite of i-Activsense safety features including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Other standard features include, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, High Beam Control, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio pairing, two front USB inputs, push button start, electronic parking brake, remote keyless entry, rearview camera, cloth seats, automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

CX-5 Touring adds subtle refinements by way of heated driver and front passenger seats, leatherette seats with Lux Suede inserts and dual-zone automatic climate control. Occupants in the rear can enjoy the additions of air conditioning vents, center armrest and two USB charging ports. Other upgrades include Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, rear privacy glass, six-speaker sound system and auto-leveling function added to the LED headlights.

The all-new available Touring Preferred SV Package will elevate the features on the CX-5 Touring. This package upgrades to the Bose® 10-speaker audio, leather seats, power liftgate, power moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, six-way power passenger seat and eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory positioning.

Another all-new addition to the 2021 CX-5 lineup is the Carbon Edition. Sharing similar features to the CX-5 Touring with Touring Preferred SV Package, the Carbon Edition offers exclusive styling with Polymetal Gray exterior paint, gloss black door mirrors and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels. The interior has red leather seats and black honeycomb interior trimming on the dash and door panels. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add red stitching to help bring the color scheme together. This unique model is offered with two powertrain options. The naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine is standard, while the CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo is available with the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium (93 octane) fuel or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular (87 octane) fuel. The CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo will also feature a new badge to help identify the powertrain.

The CX-5 Grand Touring moves up from the Touring trim level with updates inside and out. Interior enhancements include a Bose® 10-speaker audio system, leather seats, power moonroof, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, seven-inch TFT reconfigurable digital gauge display, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and SiriusXM® satellite radio with three-month trial subscription. The exterior adds a power liftgate, LED taillights, fog and daytime running lights, Adaptive Front-lighting System, dual heated door mirrors and 19-inch brilliant silver aluminum alloy wheels. The CX-5 Grand Touring is only equipped with the naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine.

Stepping into a new class, CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve is equipped with the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine with new turbo badge and i-Activ all-wheel drive as standard. The driver’s experience is enriched with the windshield-projected Active Driving Display. Traffic Sign Recognition is available with the optional Mazda Navigation System accessory installed. Other exceptional upgrades include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, automatic folding door mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer.

The top-tier CX-5 Signature offers the most in terms of advanced technology and sophisticated design. New i-Activsense safety features Smart City Brake Support Reverse and Driver Attention Alert join the 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors now updated with high-definition digital clarity. Equipped with Mazda Navigation System, CX-5 Signature includes Traffic Sign Recognition. SiriusXM® three-year traffic and travel link subscription is also provided. Modern styling is emphasized with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine layered wood trimming, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, ambient LED interior lighting, 19-inch dark silver aluminum alloy wheels, black headliner and Signature trim badge.

MSRP[3] FOR THE 2021 MAZDA CX-5 IS AS FOLLOWS:

Front-Wheel Drive

i-Activ All-Wheel Drive

CX-5 Sport

$25,270

$26,670

CX-5 Touring

$27,010

$28,410

·  Touring Preferred SV Package

$1,445

$1,445

CX-5 Carbon Edition

$28,855

$30,255

CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo

$30,660

$32,060

CX-5 Grand Touring

$30,460

$31,860

·  GT Premium Package

$1,625

$1,625

CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve

–

$35,285

CX-5 Signature

–

$37,405

PREMIUM PAINT COLORS:

Soul Red Crystal Metallic

$595

Machine Gray Metallic

$495

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

$395

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

[1] MSRP does not include $1,100 for destination and handling ($1,145 in Alaska), taxes, title or additional fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.

[2] Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T is available during 3-month/2GB trial period (whichever comes first); monthly subscription. Fall 2020 availability.

[3] MSRP does not include $1,100 for destination and handling ($1,145 in Alaska), taxes, title or additional fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. (PRNewsFoto/Mazda North American Operations)

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

The Creators Of got milk? And California Dairy Farmers Partner To Help Provide 1 Million Meals And 1 Million Servings Of Milk To Families Facing Hunger Through #FoodForThought Initiative

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SAN CLEMENTE, California, Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Committed to helping California families facing hunger, the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), creators of got milk? and toma leche, and the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), representing California dairy farm families, today announced a partnership with Feeding America® to help provide 1 million meals1 and 1 million servings of milk2 through the launch of #FoodForThought, a campaign highlighting acts of kindness while inspiring and encouraging people’s desire to give back to their community.

To view additional photos, click here: https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/the-creators-of-got-milk-and-california-dairy-farm.

More than 4.2 million people in California face hunger and that number is rising. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased need for food assistance in communities across the country. #FoodForThought is dedicated to recognizing the myriad acts of kindness displayed by individuals and groups committed to serving communities – from preparing meals for families to surprising and delighting friends with milk and cookie drops and much more. Starting this week, with a donation of 1 million servings of milk from California dairy farm families, each #FoodForThought mission of kindness post shared and engaged with on Instagram that mentions @gotmilk through September 30th will help contribute meals towards the accompanying 1 million meals goal.  

“This initiative naturally leans into who we are, what we do and what makes milk special – wholesome, nutritious, comforting – while giving people a reason to share positivity by joining a good cause that helps mitigate the uncertainty some families feel when it comes to their next meal,” said Steve James, Executive Director of the California Milk Processor Board and visionary leader of ‘got milk?’. “Our state has a population in need, with many who can give.  So, whether you can give a lot, give a little, give kindness, give love – as neighbors, we know there’s strength in coming together. As got milk? and toma leche, we know strength starts with nourishment. Milk has a role to nourish families in California and encourage people to spread acts of kindness in their communities. #FoodForThought is just the start of the amazing things we can do together and provides the opportunity of spreading social good and positivity to California families in need.”

To launch the campaign with the first #FoodForThought act of kindness at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, ‘got milk?’ enlisted the help of actor, producer, director and father of three, Matt Bomer, and Brazilian-Mexican actor, television personality and father of two, Jaime Camil.  Matt and Jaime joined got milk?/toma leche and California dairy farmers to shadow veteran volunteers for a behind-the-scenes look at the impactful and profound work happening at Feeding America member food banks. During the visit they honored volunteers with a meal and special care package and presented a $300,000 donation to Feeding America from California dairy farmers to fund over 1 million servings of milk in California communities.

“California dairy farmers put their heart and soul into providing a wholesome product and ensuring it is accessible to all communities. It pains farmers to see so many children and families struggling with hunger and they are grateful to do something to help,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. “Each small act of kindness – from volunteering time at a food bank to providing a meal or a smile to a neighbor – feeds positivity and hope in communities. We hope this initiative also fuels ongoing support for organizations like Feeding America in their service to help families in need.”

Feeding America, the  largest domestic hunger-relief and food rescue organization in the country, reports in its Map the Meal Gap study that 1 in 9 people – or over 4 million – Californians are struggling with hunger, including more than 1.3 million children.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, every community was home to families struggling with hunger. Sadly, that shows no sign of stopping and food banks are experiencing a rise in demand,” said Blake Thompson, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Feeding America. “#FoodForThought will bring relief to our neighbors in California who are worried about where their next meal will come from. We thank the California Milk Processor Board and California dairy families for their generous support.”

The #FoodForThought donations will be coordinated by Feeding America to 17 of its member food banks and their network of feeding programs in California. You can learn more about #FoodForThought and ways to donate/help by visiting gotmilk.com, tomaleche.com and realcaliforniamilk.com, or following @gotmilk @tomaleche @realcalifmilk or #FoodForThought on Instagram. Direct donations can be made through milklife.com/give.

1Every dollar donated to Feeding America® secures the equivalent of at least 10 meals on behalf of their network of local member feeding programs, including nutritious foods like milk. From August 24, 2020 through September 30, 2020 each engagement received on a #FoodForThought post, generates a $1 Feeding America donation from the California Milk Processor Board, with a guaranteed minimum commitment of $25,000 and a maximum commitment of $100,000 for a goal of 1 million meals.

2Feeding America considers the value of a gallon of milk to be $4. A $300,000 donation by California dairy families will secure 75k gallons of milk. With 16, 1-cup servings of milk per gallon, that will equal 1.2 million servings of milk.

About the California Milk Processor Board
Since 1993, the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), creator of the famous got milk? campaign, has been committed to increasing milk consumption throughout California. One recent initiative, “Bones Love Milk,” is dedicated to educating youth on the real benefits of milk as “nature’s energy drink” in an unconventional way, showcasing how milk is a true nutrient powerhouse, delivering strong bones, energy, hydration and muscle recovery. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The got milk? trademark is a federally registered trademark and service mark. For more information, visit www.gotmilk.com.

About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. The CMAB’s purpose is to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk. The organization promotes California dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

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SOURCE California Milk Processor Board

Latin Biz Today’s Virtual Lounge and Social Media Superstars Team Up on Using Social Media to Grow Your Business

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NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Latin Business Today, LLC (Latin Biz Today) and BrandFire announce the appearance of Adam and Tank on The Latin Biz Today Virtual Lounge, Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6pm ET.  The event, sponsored by “Corona Premier” will showcase their track record of success. They’ve grown a sizeable following on Instagram exceeding 770K and 2.1M respectively in a relatively short period of time. Tina Trevino Latin Biz Today partner, Director of Community Relations will host and moderate this this panel of fun and engaging experts.

As co-founder of NYC based marketing firm BrandFire, Adam has an array of experience working on projects for Coca-Cola, Pfizer, Spanx and Budweiser. Adam and his company were most recently featured on an episode of the CNBC reality show “Back in the Game” with Alex Rodriguez and Evander Holyfield.

In our new world of conducting business virtually and digitally, we’ll talk about how to communicate successfully in an on-line digital environment. We’ll also have a lot of fun with these two high energy personalities whose alter egos on Instagram have created incredible memes you’ll recognize that have gone viral.

Adam and Tank will cover these keys to success in the lighthearted and fun tradition of the Latin Biz Today Virtual Lounge around the theme Using Social Media to Grow Your Business, during COVID (and beyond), Communicating Successfully via Digital Channels and Growing Your Business On-Line.

Wrap up your day, grab your favorite beverage and join us for the fun! For a quick and easy, no fee registration through Eventbrite click here before 6pm ET on Aug. 27.

About BrandFire
We turn companies into brands. That starts with a conversation with your CEO. Because the vision comes from the top. We talk to your key stakeholders. We listen. We debate. We execute. And soon (say 3-6 months) what was once simply a company is now a brand. For more about BrandFire or reach Adam Padilla (@adam.the.creator) and George Resch (@tank.sinatra).

About Latin Business Today
Latin Business Today, LLC is a national multi-platform drives growth and success by blending a focus on work-life-culture lifestyle with high level expertise rooted in the trusted advisor legacy of mentorship and success of Dr. Les “Coach” Fernandez. Latin Business Today serves as a resource for the Latinx business community which seeks to address actual challenges with real solutions. Currently over 150 of the “best and brightest” team of experts and exemplary mentors-contributors along with a nationally recognized advisory board identify solutions for today’s rapidly changing market with a Latinx nuance. Sign up for our newsletter. For more information reach Tina Trevino or Michelle Martinez Reyes or Visit: Latin Biz Today, Latin Biz Hoy, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter @latinBizToday and Instagram

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1243579/Latin_Biz_Today_Logo.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1243578/BrandFire_logo.jpg

SOURCE Latin Business Today, LLC

National Alliance Releases Report on How Charter Schools Serve Students During COVID-19 School Closures

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools released a report conducted by Public Impact, Learning in Real Time: How Charter Schools Serve Students During COVID-19 Closures, that compares how charter schools and district schools served students during COVID-19 closures. While a lot has been written about the response of larger charter school networks, this report takes a closer look at how the typical single site school or small charter network responded to COVID-19.

The research showed that on average, when compared to districts, charter schools had stronger expectations for teachers to provide direct instruction, provide real-time instruction, and to check in with students and families. They also monitored student attendance more closely than their district counterparts. Charter schools were equally as likely to require the distribution of devices for online learning, however they appeared less likely to provide home or community internet hotspots.

“As we rethink basic functions in our lives right now – like how we shop for groceries, work, and socialize – the best way to educate our students is the greatest challenge of all. Within the K-12 community, there are a handful of examples that stand out for their outstanding performance and adaptability during the pandemic: charter schools are one of them,” said Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “This report confirms what we have said all along. Charter schools are innovative public schools that are student-centered, and their autonomous and flexible model empowers them to meet the unique needs of their students. We hope today’s report is a critical reminder to Congress, and to everyone else, that we need more charter schools, more equitable funding for all public schools, and more federal relief for K-12 education so that all students can be equipped for distance learning.”

In a recent poll by Morning Consult, 54 percent of respondents said public education is a top tier issue. Unfortunately, it is not getting the attention it deserves. Eighty-one percent of respondents believed a student’s neighborhood and family income impacts the likelihood of their success – a challenge charter schools, which are zone-free, tuition-free public schools, can address.

The report examined a nationally representative sample of 356 charter schools. The analysis focused on eight indicators that allowed national comparisons between charter schools and district schools: feedback on student work, formal grading, teacher check-in, operator delegated distance learning, attendance tracking, instructional minutes recommended, device distribution, and hotspot access.

In addition to the data analysis, the report profiles charter schools that shifted operations to maintain student-school connections and center on student support. The five trends across all the schools were: prioritizing relationships and outreach, expanding the role of the school, continuing academic learning, adapting how learning happens, and implementing a feedback loop. The report profiles a geographically and racially diverse group of schools, including stories from communities in New York and Washington state that were at the epicenter of the COVID-19 infection, as well as schools in other communities across the country.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

Introducing Vince Camuto TERRA EXTREME A New Eau De Parfum For Men

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Vince Camuto TERRA EXTREME

NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Leading lifestyle brand, Vince Camuto announces the launch of TERRA EXTREME, an Eau de Parfum for men, which debuts in August 2020.  A bold addition to the Vince Camuto men’s fragrance portfolio, TERRA EXTREME was created for the man who demands excellence and performance in everything he does and wears.  His fragrance is no exception.

Vince Camuto TERRA EXTREME

The TERRA EXTREME man is an enigma. He can charm you with his roguish appeal, sexy 5 o’clock shadow, and his insatiable passion for adventure. He radiates cool confidence, and commands attention whenever he walks into a room. This man is fearless, his intensity for life unmatched. Constantly seeking the extreme, he can be found riding the surf, cycling mountainous trails or traveling to remote destinations. His possibilities are limitless and so is the fragrance he wears. The rich, warm fragrance is as addictive and magnetic – it leaves those around the TERRA EXTREME man wanting more.

Inspired by the original, TERRA, this fragrance takes it to the next level with a rich intensity and a long-lasting formula,which surpasses expectations.  The intoxicating aroma of luscious Tonka beans is amplified — enhancing the creamy vanilla note, while the unexpected addition of an exclusive aged, brown rum accord makes this daring scent, not only sought-after but extraordinary.  Diverting from a traditional Eau de Toilette, the Eau de Parfum delivers on its promise to transition seamlessly from day to night — ideal for the uncompromising man.

The TERRA EXTREME bottle is tailored with a distressed, dark brown leather. Exuding style and power, the center of the bottle features the timeless Vince Camuto signature Crest medallion in a rich gold tone. Rooted in a deep family heritage with a commitment to innovation and excellence, TERRA EXTREME was created for the man with a robust appetite for life.

Fragrance notes:

  • Top: Sicilian Bergamot, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Cinnamon
  • Heart: Geranium, Orange Flower, Aged Brown Rum
  • Base: Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla Elixir, Benzoin, Ambrox

The Collection
Eau de Parfum, 3.4 fl oz. / 100mL – $90 USD 

Available: at fine department stores

ABOUT PARLUX FRAGRANCES, LTD.
Parlux LTD, a leading global beauty company, designs, manufactures, markets and distributes prestige fragrances and related products since 1987. It is ranked among the Top 100 Cosmetic and Fragrance companies globally and holds the licenses for notable fragrance brands including: Tommy Bahama, Vince Camuto, Pierre Cardin, Kenneth Cole, Paris Hilton, Sofia Vergara and Jason Wu, among others.

Parlux LTD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Perfumania Holdings Inc., an independent national, vertically integrated wholesale distributor and specialty retailer of fragrances and related products.

About Vince Camuto
Vince Camuto is an aspirational lifestyle brand known for its signature craftsmanship and stand-out style. Bold and youthful, the acclaimed designer brand blends European styling with on-trend details and an element of sophistication. Vince Camuto offers a broad range of products for men, women and kids including footwear, apparel, accessories and home decor. The brand can be found in department stores and specialty stores across North America, as well as on VinceCamuto.com.

About Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is a brand development, marketing, and entertainment company, which owns a portfolio of global entertainment and lifestyle brands. Headquartered in New York City, ABG manages, elevates, and builds the long-term value of more than 50 consumer brands and properties by partnering with best-in-class manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Its brands have a global retail footprint in more than 100,000 points of sale across the luxury, specialty, department store, mid-tier, mass, and e-commerce channels and more than 4,900 branded freestanding stores and shop-in-shops around the world. ABG is committed to transforming brands by delivering compelling product, content, business, and immersive brand experiences. It creates and activates original marketing strategies to drive the success of its brands across all consumer touchpoints, platforms, and emerging media. ABG’s portfolio of iconic and world-renowned brands includes Marilyn Monroe®, Mini Marilyn®, Elvis Presley®, Muhammad Ali®, Shaquille O’Neal®, Dr. J®, Greg Norman®, Neil Lane®, Thalia®, Michael Jackson® (managed brand), Nautica®, Aéropostale®, Juicy Couture®, Vince Camuto®, Herve Leger®, Judith Leiber®, Frederick’s of Hollywood®, Nine West®, Frye®, Jones New York®, Louise et Cie®, Sole Society®, Enzo Angiolini®, CC Corso Como®, Hickey Freeman®, Hart Schaffner Marx®, Adrienne Vittadini®, Taryn Rose®, Bandolino®, Misook®, 1.STATE®, CeCe®, Chaus®, Spyder®, Tretorn®, Tapout®, Prince®, Volcom®, Airwalk®, Vision Street Wear®, Above The Rim®, Hind®, Thomasville®, Drexel®, and Henredon®. For more information, please visit authenticbrandsgroup.com.

TERRA EXTREME LOGO

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1232920/Parlux_Fragrances___TERRA_EXTREME_Ad.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1232954/Vince_Camuto___TERRA_EXTREME_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Parlux Fragrances, Inc.

COVID-19 Alcohol Deregulation Should Not Become the New Normal

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Alcohol_Justice

COVID-19 Alcohol Deregulation Should Not Become the New Normal

Public Health Not Public Drinking Press Briefing

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Health and community advocates from around the country are holding a virtual press event Wednesday, August 26, 2020, to send strong messages to the nation’s Governors that #COVID19 alcohol deregulations are dangerous, place alcohol industry profits above public health and safety, and must not become the new normal.

What: Virtual Press Event with 2nd channel simultaneous Spanish translation
When: Wednesday August 26, 2020, 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (PT)
Where: Zoom Call – media only, pre-registration required   
             Streaming live to the general public on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter 
Who:

Why: As the Coronavirus continues to rage across the United States, alcohol-related health problems are also on the rise. Alcohol consumption has increased dramatically under COVID as deregulation has made it easier than ever to purchase. This indicates a serious failure by many state Governors and top state agencies to acknowledge and address public health and safety concerns by often declaring alcohol sales “essential” during the pandemic. The catastrophic annual alcohol-related harms that already plague the country have for the most part been dismissed along with the rise in those harms being experienced now that alcohol was deemed essential.

In many states, public health and safety have taken a back seat to “economic recovery”, and the drivers of this dangerous alcohol deregulation are GUI – Government Under the Influence. Since the beginning of the pandemic shutdown, under the dubious guise of economic relief,  states have deregulated and relaxed enforcement to help alcohol licensed establishments continue to operate. These dangerous, revenue-driven policy changes have promoted increased alcohol sales and consumption during the stay-at-home orders. They include allowing home deliveries with ineffective age verification, cocktails-to-go, expanding sales into public spaces, and the normalization of drinking during a public health emergency of massive proportions.

The participants in this virtual press briefing will discuss the negative impacts of COVID-19 alcohol deregulation in their states and some of the harms associated with increased alcohol consumption: impaired judgement, financial difficulties, increasing domestic violence, increasing vulnerability to Coronavirus by weakening the immune system, and the general negative effects on mental health.

This event launches a national CALL to ACTION to give constituents of all states a channel to send messages to their Governors asking them to closely re-examine their state’s relationship with alcohol, acknowledge that excessive alcohol use is No. 3 on the list of preventable causes of death, and insure that alcohol deregulation is not the new normal by ending COVID-19 regulatory rollbacks for economic relief as soon as possible. It’s time to make public health essential, not public drinking.

Please submit questions for speakers ahead of time to  [email protected]

CONTACT: Michael Scippa 415 548-0492     
Jorge Castillo 213 840-3336

Alcohol Justice logo.

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SOURCE Alcohol Justice

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