Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Brings Even More Thrills to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort

January 17, 2020

Fifty menacing First Order Stormtroopers await guests as they arrive in the hangar bay of a Star Destroyer as part of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the groundbreaking new attraction now open at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance takes guests into a climactic battle between the Resistance and the First Order. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

ANAHEIM, Calif., Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The groundbreaking new Disney attraction Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is now open at Disneyland Park in California, adding to the immersive adventures available to guests inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

As the largest single-themed land expansion in Disney history, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is already proving wildly popular by inviting guests to live their own Star Wars adventures in a galaxy far, far away. They join a climactic battle between the Resistance and the First Order in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and take control of the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. And while exploring this expansive new 14-acre land, they can sample galactic food and drink, enter an intriguing collection of merchant shops and encounter some of their favorite Star Wars characters, including the resourceful and loyal astromech droid R2-D2.

“Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is epic, immersive storytelling on a massive scale—and our Imagineers have created an attraction that sets a new bar for theme park experiences,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance puts guests at the heart of their very own Star Wars adventure, and is the most advanced, action-packed attraction Disney has ever created.”

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which also appears at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, has been recognized by several prestigious organizations for excellence in design and execution:

Academy Award-winning® composer John Williams was nominated for a Grammy by The Recording Academy in the Best Instrumental Composition category for “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite.”
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was named to TIME’s list of World’s Greatest Places 2019, recognizing destinations that are breaking new ground and leading industry trends.
The land earned two Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge won Outstanding Achievement – New Park Land, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run won Outstanding Achievement – Attraction.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions honored the land with three Brass Rings during its annual awards gala in November. Savi’s Workshop won for Best Hard Good Item; Droid Depot won for Best Visual Merchandising; and the lovable Porg won for Best Plush Item.
The Toy Association nominated the buildable droids in Droid Depot for 2020 Creative Toy of the Year.

These accolades speak to an entirely new kind of Disney experience happening every day inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And now the next grand chapter in this story is about to unfold with the debut of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Welcome to the Edge of Wild Space: Black Spire Outpost on Batuu
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge builds off decades of collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm Ltd., a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production, including the Star Wars franchise. The work on Star Wars between these two creative powerhouses dates back to 1987, when the original Star Tours attraction opened at Disneyland.

They came together once again for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, transporting guests to the remote planet Batuu, a new location in a story that began in 1977 with the first Star Wars film. It is a far-flung destination along the galaxy’s Outer Rim, on the frontier of Wild Space – the uncharted region beyond all known star systems. The planet is home to Black Spire Outpost, an infamous port for smugglers, traders and adventurers wishing to avoid any unnecessary … entanglements with the First Order.

When guests arrive on Batuu, they come across aliens, droids and other inhabitants of this planet as they search for rare and unique goods, discover unusual food and drink, or join a crew seeking adventures. Along the way, guests may encounter some familiar faces, including Rey, Chewbacca or even Supreme Leader Kylo Ren and his Stormtroopers.

Star Wars Adventures Come to Life in Two Thrilling Attractions
For more than four decades, fans of Star Wars films have imagined what it would be like to race through the halls of a Star Destroyer or blast across the stars inside the Millennium Falcon. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge features two signature attractions that turn those dreams into reality.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance brings guests into the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance, including a faceoff with Kylo Ren. The journey takes guests aboard a full-size transport shuttle and then into a nearby Star Destroyer on a thrilling adventure that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. One of the most immersive, ambitious and technologically advanced experiences in Disney history, the attraction uses multiple ride systems working together to create a seamless story on a cinematic scale. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened Jan. 17, 2020, at Disneyland Park in California, and opened in December 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. A virtual queue* for the new attraction is available at Disneyland Park. Guests must be inside Disneyland Park with their tickets scanned to obtain a boarding group in the virtual queue. Guests can learn more about the virtual queue at Disneyland.com.

In Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, guests climb into the cockpit of “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” for their own Star Wars adventures. They take the controls of the Falcon in one of three unique and critical roles as the ship hurtles through space. Some are pilots, some gunners and some engineers, creating multiple ways for guests to engage with the attraction in an experience that responds in real time to the actions they take.

A Diverse Menu of Food and Beverages Await
What does Blue Milk or Green Milk actually taste like? That question and more is answered when guests visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and experience the new land’s expansive array of food and beverages. Vendors offer various local favorites such as an Outpost Mix of flavored popped grains from Kat Saka’s Kettle, a unique popcorn snack with a combination of sweet, savory and spicy flavors.

At Oga’s Cantina,** even the blaster-bolt scorches on the walls tell a story. Here, guests gather to share their tales from around the galaxy as they enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels and listen to spirited musical entertainment provided by DJ R-3X, otherwise known as Rex, the former Starspeeder 3000 pilot droid from the original Star Tours. Rex re-invents himself as the cantina’s DJ, and he’s as quirky and talkative as ever.

A multi-purpose transport shuttle docked on top of a large hangar beckons guests into Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, a designated location for traveling food shuttles. Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs is in much demand for his culinary skills, so he moves from site to site in a modified Sienar-Chall Utilipede-Transport that becomes a mobile kitchen and restaurant. His travels across the galaxy allow him to fill his pantry with exotic ingredients he uses to make new and unusual dishes. He is proud to present Tuggs’ Grub, a “traveling diner for diners traveling,” inspired by dishes he created during his time working for Maz Kanata on Takodana.

Elsewhere, Ronto Roasters draws attention with its large podracing engine firing up a barbecue pit for mouth-watering Ronto Wraps. When hungry customers queue up to order, they encounter a former smelter droid, carefully turning the spit of meats. Guests can also choose from a variety of exotic non-alcoholic drinks like the Sour Sarlacc or Tatooine Sunset.

The Milk Stand offers two local favorites – Blue Milk and Green Milk. Blue Milk was first seen in “Star Wars: A New Hope” when Luke Skywalker sat down for a family meal. Green Milk was introduced in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” when Luke lived on the planet Ahch-To. Now, thirsty guests can order these colorful frozen drinks as they live their own Star Wars adventures.

Take a Piece of the Star Wars Galaxy Home
In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge guests encounter a robust collection of merchant shops and stalls filled with authentic Star Wars creations.

The Droid Depot** invites guests to construct their own astromech droids. Patrons pick pieces off a conveyor belt to build one of two core models (R-series or BB-series) and they can customize their droids with various parts and colors. These droids interact with elements throughout the land, enhancing guests’ adventures. Additional accessories can be added to further customize these new friends. The Droid Depot also offers pre-built droids, droid-inspired toys and apparel, and more.

At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers,*** guests have the opportunity to craft and customize their very own lightsabers. In this mystical experience, guests feel the Force as they build these elegant weapons from a more civilized age.

Inside Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, guests find a selection of rare and mysterious items for sale, representing different eras of the Star Wars galaxy including holocrons, ancient Jedi and Sith artifacts, lightsabers and more. As they explore the nooks and crannies of the shop, guests also see Dok-Ondar at his desk as the large Ithorian checks his inventory and barks the occasional order at his assistants.

In addition to these special experiences, the Black Spire Outpost marketplace features the Creature Stall dedicated to the plethora of rare and fascinating creatures that populate the galaxy, as well as Black Spire Outfitters, showcasing the latest in galactically trendy apparel and accessories. The Toydarian Toymaker stall is full of toys and games crafted by a Toydarian (the flying alien species first seen in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”). And all tourists visiting Batuu will want to make a stop at Jewels of Bith, offering “trinkets to treasure” and other accessories.

Guests can also demonstrate where their loyalties lie with the gear and accessories they purchase within the land. Resistance Supply is a “makeshift” location at the Resistance encampment, selling pins, badges, hats and other accessories to help guests feel like part of the cause. First Order Cargo, meanwhile, is a temporary First Order storage dock easily identified by a never-before-seen First Order TIE echelon ship. The cargo location offers guests a chance to pledge their loyalty by purchasing pins, caps, gear, model ships and more.

Play Disney Parks Mobile App Deepens Guest Engagement with the Land^ϮStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the first land within a Disney park designed to integrate with the Play Disney Parks mobile app. The app debuted in 2018 and offers interactive adventures and experiences that bring surrounding environments to life at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

When guests choose to use the Play Disney Parks app in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, they will be able to transform it into their very own Star Wars: Datapad. Using the app provides new opportunities for guests to engage with the land, such as translating a galactic language or learning what’s hidden inside crates and containers.

In addition, guests can use the Play Disney Parks app to interact with elements in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including droids, blinking door panels and antenna arrays. Throughout the day, guests may participate in a multiplayer game throughout the land, “Outpost Control,” to support either the Resistance or the First Order.

Iconic Musical Score for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Music has been an integral part of Star Wars from the moment the iconic themes of Academy Award-winning® composer John Williams first introduced fans to this galaxy. The music for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge continues that tradition with a suite of all-new Williams-composed themes written especially for the land and its attractions. Along with a collection of original cantina songs created by composers and songwriters from around the globe, this new music will deepen guests’ connection to the land as Williams complements and builds upon the fanfares he created for the Star Wars films.

For more information about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, visit DisneylandNews.com, WDWNews.com, DisneyParksBlog.com and StarWars.com.

* Admission into Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is subject to capacity and joining the virtual queue does not guarantee entrance to the attraction. Visit Disneyland.com for more information.

** Reservations for Droid Depot can be made in advance at Disneyland.com or through the Disneyland mobile app. A valid accepted credit card number is required at the time of booking, and guests will need to check availability. Droid Depot may also accommodate walk-ins each day, subject to availability. Separate Disneyland Park admission is required.

*** Oga’s Cantina and Savi’s Workshop now offer advance reservations, which are highly recommended. Additional reservations will be made available each day at 7:00am PST for visits that day, subject to availability. Guests will need to check availability and make reservations online at Disneyland.com/Cantina or Disneyland.com/SavisWorkshop or through the Disneyland mobile app. Separate Disneyland Park admission is required.

^ϮMessage, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and device settings, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission. Some experiences require in-app purchases.

About the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” theme. For information on attractions and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort opened July 17, 1955. Open daily, year-round.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078347/Fifty_menacing_First_Order_Stormtroopers.jpg

SOURCE Disneyland Resort

Blue Shield of California Commits $20 Million to Support Gov. Newsom’s Initiative to Tackle Homelessness, Behavioral Health Services

January 17, 2020

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California today announced a $20 million contribution to the California Access to Housing and Services fund Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed in his 2020-2021 budget.

The governor announced the fund last week to help solve the state’s homelessness crisis together with reforms to Medi-Cal to better integrate physical and behavioral health.

Blue Shield is one of the first companies to respond to the governor’s call for donations from philanthropy and the private sector to support initiatives such as additional affordable housing units, rent subsidies and supportive services for Californians in need.

“Addressing homelessness is a key step in ensuring health and wellness for individuals and families,” said Paul Markovich, President & CEO, Blue Shield of California. “Our commitment to healthy families and healthy communities is at the core of our mission to transform our healthcare system into one that is worthy of our family and friends and sustainably affordable. We look forward to working with the governor to improve the quality of life for Californians and encourage others in the private sector to step up.”

“No one sector can solve the homelessness crisis alone. It’s our collective responsibility to meet this moment with bold action and intentional leadership – and that’s exactly what Blue Shield’s leadership is doing,” Gov. Newsom said. “Just days after I announced the creation of the California Access to Housing and Services fund, Blue Shield responded immediately by investing $20 million to help individuals experiencing homelessness across California gain access to housing and health services. I hope that Blue Shield’s generosity and compassion will serve as a model for others to follow.”

Today’s announcement is the latest example of Blue Shield’s efforts to support communities in California. The nonprofit health plan through the Blue Shield of California Foundation has contributed more than $100 million in the past three years to help end the cycle of domestic violence and make California the healthiest state in the nation. Last month, Blue Shield also announced the Blue Shield of California BlueSky initiative, a statewide, multi-year effort to support mental health and resiliency for California students.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a health care system worthy of our family and friends that is sustainably affordable. We are a tax paying, not for profit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

CONTACT:	Matthew Yi
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California

(Español) La CPSC advierte a los consumidores que dejen de usar la cuna mecedora SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper de Summer Infant (USA), Inc.

January 17, 2020

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Padre Tony’s New Book “Celibacy: Divine Wisdom Or Human Folly?” Is An Esoteric Account On The Prevailing Controversy Of Sexual Abuse Within The Roman Catholic Church

January 17, 2020

RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Padre Tony, a dedicated minister of God, a physical trainer, and a coach, has completed his new book “Celibacy: Divine Wisdom or Human Folly?”: a scholarly narrative that delves into the widespread topic of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church and unveils the truth on how and why such instances happen even in a holy institution.

Author Tony conveys heartfelt sentiments and profound analysis on the incitement of sexual sin even in the presence of sanctity: “We live in a world full of scandals within our beloved Roman Catholic Church. Many of us simply cannot understand the cause of so many abuses perpetrated by people vested with the authority to proclaim on behalf of Christ, love, respect, and disinterested help toward others. Sex abuses and more abuses against children and even adults! If you are interested in understanding the cause of all these horrible and painful scandals and how to avoid them, just read this book, and you will see the truth! That, I guarantee!”

Published by Page Publishing, Padre Tony’s arresting opus utilizes the Bible as a potent reference to condemning such acts of lasciviousness and illuminating the hidden agenda of men bound by oath to God as his stewards of grace and saintliness.

Readers who wish to experience this work can purchase “Celibacy: Divine Wisdom or Human Folly?” at bookstores everywhere or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 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/1077292/Padre_Tony.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Jorge Granados Loria’s New Book El Guardián Del Tesoro De La Isla Del Coco, An Alluring Book On The Undiscovered Legendary Treasure In Costa Rica

January 17, 2020

TAMPA, Florida, Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book El Guardián del Tesoro de la Isla del Coco was created by Jorge Granados Loria. Jorge Granados Loria is an author who dedicated himself to the Administration of Agricultural Companies. He ventured to the United States twenty years ago and resides in Tampa, Florida.

Jorge Granados Loria said this about his book: “According to the legend in 1820, the Ministry of Natural Resources authorized said company to look for that booty, but the agreement must be by the Office of the Attorney General and the Comptroller General of the Republic.

The treasure supposedly consists of tons of gold and silver bullion and sheets of gold that covered the domes of churches, ornaments, utensils, and images of Lima. That loot, estimated at eight hundred million dollars, was taken from that capital by the English pirate William Thompson, who transferred him to Cocos Island in Costa Rica. In 1869 Guillermo Fucker did the search but was unsuccessful. The following that I mention also attempted the search. In 1985, Augusto Gissler; in 1938, Milton Canham; in 1947, F. R. Johnston, president of the Archeological Society of Southern California; in 1948, Zuria Marina Quirós de González; in 1983, Mr. Klaus Heydorn, President of Germany; in 1989, Mr. Charles Baldwin.

All these characters tried the search, but all failed.

In this book, the reader can see how man, with his fantasy of being rich, conquers the world with riches, treasures, silver; travel, women; Here you will discover the answer.

PS. These files are found in the newspaper La Nación, Costa Rica.”

Published by Page Publishing, Jorge Granados Loria’s new book El Guardián del Tesoro de la Isla del Coco will fill readers with knowledge on the hidden wealth in the island of Cocos that became the quest of men for glory and honor.

Consumers who wish to partake of the rich history of Cocos Island and its overwhelming treasure trove waiting to be discovered can purchase El Guardián del Tesoro de la Isla del Coco 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 New York–based 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/1077289/Jorge_Granados_Loria.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

HPRA Los Angeles Announces New 2020 Board With Representatives From Politics, Entertainment And Corporate America

January 16, 2020

President of HPRA-LA is senior PR executive Stephen Chavez, CEO of ChavezPR.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Experiencing a resurgence in activity, the Hispanic Public Relations Association-Los Angeles Chapter (HPRA-LA) announced today its 2020 Board of Directors and executive leadership team with PR veteran Stephen Chavez remaining at the helm as president for a third consecutive year.

“We recruited major players in the local PR industry to help the Los Angeles chapter continue to grow and resurge as a leading marketing professional association,” said Chavez. “LA is a unique place to do public relations because of its diversity. Our 2020 leadership team will be focused on creating networking and educational programs that connects culture with the work we do as PR professionals.”

HPRA represents forward-thinking public relations professionals with an interest in the Hispanic market by:

Advancing the practice of Hispanic public relations as a marketing discipline
Serving as the voice for professionals working in the Hispanic communications field nationwide
Empowering its members through support, resources and education
Offering scholarship opportunities to students pursuing careers in the field, awarding nearly $500,000 in scholarships over the last 30+ years

The 2020 HPRA-LA Board of Directors include:

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
President – Stephen Chavez, ChavezPR
Vice President/President Elect – Cynthia Zavala, mitú
Treasurer – Elia Verduzco, LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS
Secretary –Emily Reza, Beverly Hills Sports Council

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT-LARGE:
Kareem Cervantes, Rogers & Cowan/PMK
Maricela Cueva, VPE Tradigital Communications
Hilda M. Delgado, State Senator Lena Gonzalez
Maxine Enciso, Ketchum
Richard Garcia, Portillo Sinclair, LLC.
Marco Gonzalez, LBI Media/EstrellaTV
Brenda Herrera, The Herrera Agency
Jennifer Jimenez, Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Rachel Matos, Blue Lotus Collective
Denisse Montalvan, Zeno Group
Mashi Nyssen, Blue Shield California
Paula Ramirez, Andalon and Associates, Los Angeles
Lourdes Rodriguez, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
Jaime Rojas Jr., Rojas Communications Group
Rudy Rubio, Latinx Network
Camila Seta, Rogers & Cowan/PMK

For more information about HPRA/Los Angeles or if you’d like to volunteer on one of the committees, please join the conversation at https://www.facebook.com/HPRALosAngeles/

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078228/Stephen_Chavez.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/823314/HPRA_Los_Angeles_New_Chapter_Logo.jpg

SOURCE HPRA-LA

The Home Depot Foundation Commits $250,000 to Puerto Rico Earthquake Relief

January 16, 2020

ATLANTA, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, The Home Depot Foundation announced a commitment of up to $250,000 in response to the continued earthquake activity rattling Puerto Rico.

The Home Depot Foundation is working alongside its national nonprofit partners including American Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, Team Rubicon and All Hands and Hearts to assess need, distribute emergency supplies and meals and provide individual care. Emergency supplies include water, tarps, mosquito nets, first aid kits, generators and more.

“Our hearts go out to our associates, customers and communities affected by the ongoing earthquake activity in Puerto Rico,” said Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “We have been engaged in long-term recovery efforts in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria in 2017 and will continue to work closely with our nonprofit partners to provide relief for communities impacted by the earthquakes.”

The Homer Fund, Home Depot’s employee assistance program, has been actively processing grants for affected associates in Puerto Rico. In 2019, The Homer Fund granted more than $1 million to associates in need following a disaster.

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 $330 million in veteran causes and improved more than 46,000 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.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/768110/Home_Depot_Foundation_Logo.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot Foundation

Los Angeles Public Health Advocates Demand City Leaders Take Action to Protect Communities from Alcohol Related Harms

January 16, 2020

Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Policy Alliance logo

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Policy Alliance (L.A.DAPA) will hold an important press event to call attention to a life-saving policy concerning alcohol outlet over-concentration in Los Angeles.

WHAT: News conference to announce City Council Planning and Land Use Management Committee Chair Harris-Dawson’s denial to take action on an alcohol protection motion, potentially causing more harms to communities.

WHEN: Friday, January 17, 2020, 10AM

WHERE: L.A. City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

WHO: Members of L.A. Drug and Alcohol and Policy Alliance (L.A.DAPA)

WHY: New research shows all 15 Los Angeles City Council Districts are extremely oversaturated with alcohol related businesses, leading to higher crime rates. A potential solution is in danger of dying in Planning and Land Use Management Committee on Jan. 31.

SPEAKERS:

Brenda Villanueva, Co-Chair, L.A.DAPA
Veronica Cruz (Manos Unidas de Koreatown)
Vanessa Hernandez (Manos Unidas De Koreatown)
Yancy Mauricio (CD 8 constituent)
Mayra Jimenez, Advocacy Manager, Alcohol Justice

Contacts:	Cynthia Nickerson
	323 675-8785
	[email protected]

	Brenda Villanueva
	818 307-6105
	[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/872986/Los_Angeles_Drug_and_Alcohol_Policy_Alliance_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Policy Alliance

Northgate González Market Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary Becoming California’s Premier Latino-Themed Grocery Store

January 16, 2020

Owners of Northgate Gonzalez Market with store associates. Today the grocery chain has 41 stores and nearly 6,000 associates throughout Southern California.

ANAHEIM, California, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — From humble beginnings of converting a small liquor store into a grocery market in 1980, a Mexican immigrant family turned their dream into an American success story. Forty years later, Northgate González Market marks a major anniversary milestone this month with 41 stores and becoming the leading Latino-themed grocery chain in Southern California.

FAMILY HISTORY

It all began when Don Miguel González first emigrated from Jalostotitlán, Jalisco Mexico to the United States in the early 1960s seeking the American Dream. His small shoe making shop burned down and he realized he had to make a move to the United States to keep supporting his large family. He would return home every year and finally brought his whole family to the U.S. in 1976. In the United States, Don Miguel and his children spent years working for others: welding iron, seamstress work, washing dishes and driving trucks.

Finally, Don Miguel took out a loan and Miguel Jr. sold his home to buy a liquor store called Northgate in the city of Anaheim, which opened on January 2, 1980. From day one, Don Miguel and his 13 children worked in the store dedicating countless hours to make the store successful. They hired their first associate a year and a half later.

The matriarch of the family who was fondly known as their CEO (Chief Emotional Officer), Doña Teresa Reynoso de Gonzalez, didn’t work inside the stores, nevertheless she was highly instrumental in keeping the family business together. Today, more than 36 of third generation Gonzalez’ work for the company.

The González family did not have the money in 1980 to change the store’s original signage. When they raised the needed capital, they decided to keep the name when they realized “Northgate” reflected an even greater significance: ‘La puerta del norte’ alluding to their own family’s journey up north to make a better life for themselves.

NORTHGATE GONZALEZ MARKET TODAY

Northgate González Market has grown to nearly 6,000 associates serving hundreds of thousands of customers each week and has stores in Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties, and recently ventured into the Inland Empire by opening a store in Riverside, Calif. this past November.

“Through the years, we have continuously been blessed with the opportunity to live the American dream courtesy of our loyal customers, associates and our family members,” said Miguel González, co-president of Northgate González Market. “We are constantly excited at the community’s overwhelming response and welcome each time we open a new store. Our business goal has always been to expand our grocery brand into key markets and provide opportunities to offer local consumers a fresh, new, exciting and authentic shopping experience with a beautiful and innovative format with customer service that exceeds everyone’s expectations.”

The company plans to celebrate its 40^th Anniversary with several exciting programs for their customers and communities where the markets are located, including the owners surprising loyal customers throughout the entire year by offering to pay their groceries.

“Forty years ago, the Gonzalez family, including mother, father and 13 children after leaving their mother country Mexico opened a small grocery store in Anaheim to pursue the Great American Dream,” said Ruben Smith, Board Chair of the Latino Food Industry Association (LFIA). “Today with 41 Supermarkets they are the Titans in the Latino grocery store industry and are the catalyst in assisting many others to achieve the American Dream. LFIA is proud to honor your family and your success and can only dream about what the Northgate Family will achieve in another 40 years.”

Education is paramount to the owners. When the youngest brother, Oscar Gonzalez, earned his Master’s in Business Administration it was a game changer for the family-owned business. In 2000, the González Reynoso family founded the “Familia González-Reynoso Foundation” awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships every year to deserving students.

Customers have come to love Northgate González Market foods that made them famous – scratch-made bolillo rolls, freshly made carnitas, fire-roasted split chicken and freshly made corn tortillas – made in house from masa that is still made from stone-ground corn every day.

The company offers its customers a full-service supermarket with a large meat department, bakery, tortilleria, fresh produce, and prepared foods in addition to a sizeable section of domestic and imported Latin American grocery goods to provide a Mexican homeland experience. Northgate González Market is best known for many of its 40-year old signature items like marinated carne asada, chorizo, and their famous carnitas.

About Northgate Markets:
Northgate González Market is a premier Southern California supermarket chain headquartered in Anaheim, Calif. Northgate Market operates 41 high-volume stores in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside counties, providing the highest quality merchandise, fresh and prepared foods and personal service. Learn more at www.northgatemarket.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephen Chavez
(310) 486-4104
[email protected]

Northgate Gonzalez Market opened its first store January 2, 1980 in the City of Anaheim.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078193/Northgate_Gonzalez_Market_Associates_and_Owners.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078194/Northgate_Gonzalez_Market_Original_store_in_1980.jpg

SOURCE Northgate González Market

CVS Health Assisting Customers Affected by Earthquakes in Puerto Rico

January 16, 2020

WOONSOCKET, Rhode Island, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is committed to filling prescriptions, providing pharmacy services and providing other assistance in Puerto Rico following the trio of catastrophic earthquakes recorded this past week. The company is providing pharmacy services to members of La Administración de Seguros de Salud de Puerto Rico (ASES) to ensure the residents of Puerto Rico have expanded access to their medications during this time of need.

“As we continue to see the aftereffects of the earthquakes that continue to ravage Puerto Rico and surrounding islands, CVS Health is committed to providing critical care and services to its residents,” said Brian Bosnic, Division Vice President, CVS Health. “CVS Pharmacy has been proactively reaching out to pharmacy patients via text message and email to alert them to our offerings during this time and as the situation unfolds.”

CVS Pharmacy and CVS Caremark, CVS Health’s pharmacy benefit management business, have activated a process that allows pharmacists in any of the 25 stores on the island to provide one-time emergency refills of a 10-day supply of medication for plan members. Patients taking specialty medications who are impacted in the areas affected by the earthquakes will be offered alternate delivery arrangements, including the use of courier services. On-site storage and refrigeration of specialty medications is also being offered to members without power to prevent spoilage.

In addition, CVS Health has partnered with the Hispanic Federation and donated $100,000 in product to residents and first responders, including personal care items such as diapers, baby wipes, sunscreen, toothbrushes and bug repellent, as well as clean-up products such as gloves, trash bags, face masks. Further, the CVS Pharmacy located in Ponce, the closest CVS location to most damaged area, will be distributing 42 pallets of free bottled water this Saturday, January 18, 2020, beginning at 10:00 AM ET. Residents can receive one case of water on a first-come-first-serve basis. Water will be distributed at the CVS Pharmacy located at 2511 Ponce Bypass, Ponce, Puerto Rico from 10:00 AM ET until 5:00 PM ET or while supplies last.

“We’re deeply grateful to CVS for their generosity and the speed in which they moved to help us provide food, care and comfort to our people in Puerto Rico, said Frankie Miranda, President of Hispanic Federation. “Thanks to their commitment and caring, we have provided help and hope to those in greatest need.

To find a CVS Pharmacy near you, visit the store locator at http://www.cvs.com/.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is the nation’s premier health innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Whether in one of its pharmacies or through its health services and plans, CVS Health is pioneering a bold new approach to total health by making quality care more affordable, accessible, simple and seamless. CVS Health is community-based and locally focused, engaging consumers with the care they need when and where they need it. The Company has approximately 9,900 retail locations, approximately 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 102 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year and expanding specialty pharmacy services. CVS Health also serves an estimated 38 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including rapidly expanding Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company believes its innovative health care model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Press Contact
Stephanie Cunha
CVS Pharmacy
P: 401-209-0755
E: [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/142305/cvs_health_logo.jpg

SOURCE CVS Health

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