Labor Enforcement Task Force Takes Action to Protect Southern California Workers

October 18, 2018

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — California’s Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) has discovered safety violations during targeted inspections that put workers in immediate danger of fatal and serious injuries, including amputation and lacerations. The task force issued orders shutting down dangerous machinery at seven high-risk work sites in Southern California, including four car wash and three manufacturing businesses.

“Workers in the underground economy are exposed to dangerous job conditions without the proper protections, and subjected to wage theft and other financial abuses,” said Dominic Forrest, LETF Chief. “Our work to target and uncover businesses operating in these conditions protects workers and encourages compliance with labor and safety laws.”

At the four car washes, task force inspectors discovered that industrial water extractors for towels did not have functioning interlock devices to stop the machines when the door is unlocked or open. Inspectors issued stop orders known as Orders Prohibiting Use to Pasadena Auto Wash, Baldwin Park Hand Car Wash and Star Auto Spa in El Monte, and Fair Oaks Car Wash in Altadena. Cal/OSHA removed the stop orders at Pasadena Auto Wash and Fair Oaks Car Wash after the machinery was adequately repaired. The other two businesses have not corrected the hazards.

Inspectors also cited Baldwin Park Hand Car Wash $6,000 for violation of child labor laws after finding minors working in dangerous occupations.

“LETF monitors not only for safety violations, but also for violations of wage, tax and licensing laws,” added LETF Chief Forrest. “We issue stop orders when we find hazards that require immediate action to prevent serious injury and we also offer information that helps employers understand and follow their responsibilities.”

Imminent safety hazards were also discovered when LETF inspected three manufacturing companies located in Santa Ana: Maximum Security Safes, Trinity Window Fashions and Pierre’s Fine Carpentry. Inspectors issued orders to shut down woodworking table saws that were not properly guarded. The orders were subsequently lifted after the hazards were corrected.

LETF inspectors also issued stop-work orders and cited Trinity Window Fashions $3,000 and Pierre’s Fine Carpentry $1,500 for failure to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. The orders were lifted after the companies provided proof of insurance.

LETF is a coalition of California state agencies formed in 2012 to combat the underground economy. The task force operates under the direction of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and conducts monthly inspections in high-risk industries. LETF member partners include DIR divisions Cal/OSHA and the Labor Commissioner’s Office, officially known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Contractors State License Board, the Employment Development Department, the California Department of Insurance, the Bureau of Automotive Repair, Alcoholic Beverage Control and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Leads on underground employers and reports of labor law violations can be submitted online through LETF’s Online Referral Form, by emailing the information to [email protected], or by calling LETF toll-free at 1-855-297-5322. LETF labor law publications for both workers and employers are also available for free online.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Peter Melton or Lucas Brown at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR
https://twitter.com/CA_DIR
http://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR
http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations; California Labor Enforcement Task Force

New HI-TAPO App Offers Unprecedented Support During Law Enforcement Stops

October 18, 2018

HI-TAPO, a new free mobile app, provides unprecedented support during interactions with law enforcement. HI-TAPO records video and audio of law enforcement stops and feeds it to a pre-programmed network of up to 10 friends and family so they can watch the interaction in real time. HI-TAPO provides geo-mapping so users' networks will know where they are. HI-TAPO is available for free download through Google Play. A subscription service provides 24/7 concierge support. Visit www.HI-TAPO.com.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The centuries-old criminal justice paradigm has just shifted. HI-TAPO, a new free mobile app for Android phones, which launches today as a pilot program, could change everyday interaction between residents and law enforcement for the better.

HI-TAPO (pronounced hi-toppo) is an innovative monitoring and social networking system designed to provide immediate support for individuals interacting with law enforcement; promote safety during stops; protect against potential rights violations; foster greater law enforcement accountability; and assist in community-building. Visit www.HI-TAPO.com.

HI-TAPO instantly documents user interactions with law enforcement via streaming video, social sharing, and text and e-mail notifications to a pre-programmed network of up to 10 family members, friends, loved ones and civic and community organizations.

“Additionally, HI-TAPO can provide a mechanism for collaborative, fair and equitable oversight of local police, state troopers, sheriffs, ICE agents, and others. It can be used as a new tool in community policing. With HI-TAPO, communities can actually map police stops,” said HI-TAPO CEO and app developer Martin Whitehead.

The HI-TAPO app is available for free download to Android mobile phones through Google Play. HI-TAPO is user-friendly with an easy swipe-and-click activation, and starting in November, audio activation.

Once the HI-TAPO app is activated, live streaming of audio and video immediately begin to record the user’s interaction and GPS tracking pinpoints the location. Alerts are sent to those in the user’s network allowing them to listen to and view the interaction in real time. If necessary, the audio/video can be used in a court of law.

After activating HI-TAPO, the user can hit an “all-clear” button once the interaction has concluded. However, if there is no all–clear signal given after a pre-determined amount of time, an SOS alert will automatically be sent to his/her network.

In addition, following the stop, HI-TAPO allows users to write a review of the interaction, including the officer’s name, badge number, the reason for the stop, use of force, if any, and a rating of the overall experience with a thumb’s up or down.

The HI-TAPO system will aggregate ratings and comments about interactions with law enforcement providing greater transparency, information sharing, an opportunity for community-building, as well as a vehicle for highlighting well-trained officers who engage the community in a fair and equitable way. Visit https://www.facebook.com/HI.TAPO/videos/1897634000368656/

Subscription service to provide live, 24-hour support.

HI-TAPO offers a subscription service which provides live, 24/7 on-demand concierge support. If users are arrested or detained, HI-TAPO activates automatically to help their networks find them more quickly and work on their behalf. The concierge service is $9.99 per month, or get a month free with an annual subscription of $109.99. Group discounts and grants are also available at [email protected].

HI-TAPO for iOS is scheduled for release in 2019.

Visit www.HI-TAPO.com. Follow HI-TAPO on Facebook and tweet @HI_TAPO.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/771694/HI_TAPO_App.jpg

SOURCE HI-TAPO

MundoHispanico.com Announces Launch of Somos Amigos, a Digital Portal for Immigrants Seeking Successful Transition to Life in the U.S.

October 18, 2018

Emmy Award Winning Journalist Jorge Ramos to

Participate in Inaugural Facebook Live Event

ATLANTA, Oct. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, MundoHispanico.com announced the creation of a comprehensive Spanish-language digital portal that will host hundreds of educational articles and dozens of original videos with in-demand answers to questions about citizenship, personal finance, taxes, finding employment, how to navigate the legal system, and more. Somos Amigos, which translates to “We’re Friends” in English, is an extension of the news, lifestyle and video coverage that MundoHispanico.com serves its 6.5+ million monthly users.

Emmy award-winning journalist Jorge Ramos will join MundoHispanico.com correspondent Mario Guevara in a special Facebook Live event Wednesday, October 17 at 4pm EDT to discuss immigrant life and the issues facing Hispanics, central themes in the global conversation surrounding the 2018 midterm elections.

“Somos Amigos is an information rich, digital safe-zone where immigrants can find clarity on the oftentimes confusing news that directly effects their lives,” said Rene Alegria, president and CEO of MundoHispanico.com. “Given a political climate that unfortunately marginalizes them, it is important that we provide real value to immigrants seeking basic life-skills for success, as well as ways they may contribute to American life in positive ways.”

MundoHispanico.com/Somos-Amigos includes categories such as “Credit, Money and Personal Finance,” “Work and Study,” “Visas and Migration,” and “Ask a Lawyer.” Future plans for the portal include a national directory of Hispanic-friendly businesses, forums where people can discuss topics and resources, as well as a varied slate of weekly live, social media-driven programming.

According to Pew Research Center, 19 million immigrants living in the U.S. speak Spanish at home and 65 percent of Americans believe immigrants strengthen the U.S. Somos Amigos is geared toward all immigrants of Latin American origin.

The portal’s name is a reference to MundoHispánico’s 40-year-history serving U.S. Hispanics, its familiarity with their challenges, and deep connection to the community of experts who serve them. Somos Amigos also pays homage to the vast networks of organizations and individuals who provide essential services and positive assistance.

About MundoHispanico.com

Mundo Hispano Digital Network’s flagship media property MundoHispanico.com is a leading digital destination for Hispanics in the U.S. From its start in Atlanta, Ga. in 1979, MundoHispánico has quickly grown from the most-read Spanish language weekly newspaper in the Southeast to one of the largest Spanish-language news, lifestyle and information websites in the United States.

MHDN is part of a collective effort to foster creative Hispanic entrepreneurs in the U.S. From its home base of Atlanta, MHDN offers a fresh and unique Hispanic perspective that adds a bright alternative to users and businesses wanting to connect with Latinos nationwide. Under the direction of Latino owners and executives, MHDN is composed of veterans with backgrounds rooted in media, politics and finance. The cultural insights and Latino leadership of MHDN run parallel with an overall shift in media production and consumption to be faster and to authentically represent an audience’s needs, interests and reality.

SOURCE Mundo Hispano Digital Network

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® And More Than 60 Leading Brands Come Together This Holiday Season For St. Jude Thanks and Giving® Campaign

October 18, 2018

St_Jude_Childrens_Research_Hospital_Logo

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Oct. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Now celebrating its 15^th year, the St. Jude Thanks and Giving^® campaign will once again transform the holiday season into a time of giving thanks and raising awareness for the life-saving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®. The campaign rallies consumers across the nation as they shop in-stores and online to donate funds to support the ongoing battle to end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

More than 60 leading brands support the campaign, representing a cross-section of premier brands in retail, dining, travel, hospitality and media. These companies help raise funds and awareness for St. Jude through in-store and e-commerce initiatives, specialty merchandise and social media engagement. What began as a holiday-focused fundraising effort by St. Jude has now grown into a longstanding annual holiday tradition.

“For 15 years, the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign has united voices across the country to raise awareness and funds for the St. Jude mission,” said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “All of us at St. Jude are so grateful for the support of our corporate partners, celebrity friends and the millions of shoppers who donate during the holiday season. It is because of their generosity and commitment to the children of St. Jude that we are able honor my father’s promise that no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude — not for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.”

Campaign partners represent a cross-section of brands including retail, restaurant, travel, hospitality, media and beyond. Top returning campaign partners include Best Buy, Domino’s, Kmart, HomeGoods, Kay^® Jewelers, LOFT and Ann Taylor, Williams Sonoma, Chili’s Grill & Bar, AutoZone, New York & Company, Christopher & Banks, Carnival Cruise Line, Dollar General, Brooks Brothers, Marshalls, DXL Men’s Apparel, Stage Stores, GNC and many more. This year Pier 1 joins the campaign as a new partner.

“Best Buy employees from all around the company continue to share that it’s an honor and a joy to support the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign,” said Paula Baker, Best Buy’s president of U.S. stores. “And since 2013 our customers have agreed with us, donating nearly $60 million in our stores and on our website. We are thrilled to welcome St. Jude back for yet another holiday season, and eager to do even more to help support the life-saving mission of St. Jude.”

The campaign’s family of corporate partners continue to find new ways to grow their efforts during St. Jude Thanks and Giving – from in-store fundraising to unique cross-promotions, events and online/mobile features.

Other partner highlights include:

Best Buy has exciting plans to build upon the $20 million the company raised during last year’s campaign by once again inviting customers to donate at checkout, whether in-store or at BestBuy.com.
Kmart is kicking off its recently announced Care to Dream movement with a holiday campaign called Draw to Dream that celebrates artistic expression. St. Jude patient designs will be featured on wrapping paper that will be sold this holiday at Kmart and on kmart.com, with $2 from each sale being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
HomeGoods will once again sell limited edition snow globes to benefit St. Jude. Two collectibles from last year along with two new designs this year will be sold in-store with 50 percent of the purchase price benefitting St. Jude.
The annual plush campaign from Kay^® Jewelers benefiting St. Jude will feature Jack and Joey this year. Each plush retails for $13.99 with all proceeds benefiting St. Jude.
Beginning Oct. 22, Domino’s consumers can donate to St. Jude via in-store, telephone, online and mobile orders, as well as the purchase of a St. Jude Meal Deal during the campaign timeframe. For each Meal Deal purchased, Domino’s will donate $1 to St. Jude.
Several partners are offering merchandise during the holidays to benefit St. Jude including, Brooks Brothers, Hammermill, HomeGoods, HSN, Kmart, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, New York & Company, TUMI, west elm, Williams Sonoma, Ballard Designs, and others.

The campaign receives additional support from national theatre partners including Regal Entertainment Group, Cinemark USA, AMC, Malco Theatres and many others that showcase a star-studded St. Jude Thanks and Giving trailer. American Airlines provides backing via in-flight video promotion, inclusion in their in-flight magazine and on social media. In addition, AccentHealth, America’s leading waiting room media network, shows the St. Jude PSA in physician offices nationally.

“Over the years our partners have set the industry standard in making corporate social responsibility a priority by integrating St. Jude into their business strategies,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “St. Jude has helped push the childhood cancer survival rate from less than 20 percent when we opened to 80 percent today. With the support we receive from our family of partners through campaigns like St. Jude Thanks and Giving and the generous support of people particularly during the holiday season, St. Jude can say ‘we won’t stop until no child dies in the dawn of life.'”

To join the fight against childhood cancer this holiday season:

Donate at stjude.org and visit the site to learn more.
Shop with participating businesses and donate at the register. Visit stjude.org for a complete list of partners.
Follow @StJude on social media and find a photo (or snap a new one) of what you are thankful for. Then post the photo to Instagram, Twitter or Facebook tagging @StJude and #GiveThanks.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.^® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter and Instagram and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/613525/St_Jude_Childrens_Research_Hospital_Logo.jpg

SOURCE St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

If You Purchased a Computer with an Internal or External Disk Drive Between 2003-2008, a Class Action Settlement May Affect You

October 18, 2018

SEATTLE, Oct. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement is being issued by Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP regarding the In re Optical Disk Drive Products Antitrust Litigation.

Important Notice from the United States District Court for the Northern District of California about a class action settlement.

Para una notificación en Español, llamar 1-877-368-9020 o visitar https://www.dollarsfordiskdrives.com

Did you buy a computer with an internal or external disk drive between 2003-2008?

If YES, you can get up to $10/drive back from a $25 MILLION class action settlement. Simply fill out the form at www.dollarsfordiskdrives.com. The settlement is in addition to $180 MILLION already recovered on behalf of class members in settlements with other defendants.

Plaintiffs have reached a proposed settlement with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (“SEC”), Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba Corp.”), and Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Corporation (“TSST”) in a class action alleging that Optical Disk Drive (ODD) manufacturers conspired to stabilize pricing of ODDs during the period of April 2003 to December 2008. ODDs were popular in the 1990s and 2000s for storing data, music, and other multimedia files. They were sold both inside computers and also as standalone devices. For this settlement, the ODDs that are eligible for a payment are DVD-RW, DVD-ROM, and COMBO drives. In other words, all DVD drives are included, but solo CD drives are not eligible.

The sole purpose of this notice is to inform you of the class and proposed settlement so that you may decide what to do. If you already submitted a claim for one of the prior settlements in this case, you do not need to submit another one. You will receive an automatic payment.

If you have not yet filed a claim, to receive payment from this settlement, visit www.dollarsfordiskdrives.com and file your claim easily online. You may also choose to exclude yourself from the settlement, object to the settlement, or object to the payment of attorneys’ fees.

You are included in this settlement if:

You purchased a new computer with an ODD, or a standalone ODD designed to be used in a computer or attached to a computer.

You were a resident of one of the following states when you made the purchase: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.

You made the purchase between April 2003 and December 2008.

The ODD was a DVD-RW, DVD-ROM, or COMBO drive.

You did not make the purchase directly from an ODD manufacturer (a list of manufacturers may be found at https://www.dollarsfordiskdrives.com or by calling 1-877-368-9020). Panasonic-branded computers are also excluded.

This notice is a summary only. For a full description of the settlement, related court documents, deadlines and forms, please visit www.dollarsfordiskdrives.com. Claim forms are due June 28, 2019. Requests to exclude yourself from the settlement are due December 17, 2018. Plaintiffs’ counsel will file their motion for attorneys’ fees and post it to the website by December 3, 2018. Any objections to the settlement or attorneys fees are due December 17, 2018. To learn more information about how to exclude yourself or object, please go to the website.

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on February 4, 2019 unless otherwise ordered by the Court at the United States District Court, 450 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA, Courtroom 3 – 17th Floor, to consider whether to approve or deny the settlement with SEC, Toshiba Corp., and TSST and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 20 percent of the Settlement Funds plus costs and expenses. You may appear at the Final Approval Hearing either in person or through your own attorney.

The Hearing may be moved to a different date or time without additional notice, so please check https://www.dollarsfordiskdrives.com for any updates and additional information.

About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is a consumer-rights class-action law firm with 10 offices across the country. The firm’s tenacious drive for plaintiffs’ rights has earned it numerous national accolades, awards and titles of “Most Feared Plaintiff’s Firm,” and MVPs and Trailblazers of class-action law. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at https://www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

Mexico and its destinations prepare for the Day of the Dead

October 18, 2018

The country will offer endless colorful experiences to the millions of visitors expected for the celebrations of this millenary tradition as the festivities are set to begin in Mexico City on October 27 with the third edition of its spectacular Day of the Dead Parade.

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As Mexico prepares to celebrate the Day of the Dead, visitors from around the world are invited to experience this unique holiday. Every corner of the country, from the island of Janitzio in Michoacán, passing through the towns of Chiapas and the great Zócalo of Mexico City, will be dressed in color and tradition waiting for millions of visitors who seek to participate in one of the most spectacular celebrations that exist.

Named Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 by UNESCO, the Day of the Dead is an unforgettable experience for both visitors and locals alike. It is an ancestral legacy inherited from different pre-Hispanic cultures combined with the celebration of the Catholic All Saints’ Day and is observed from the end of October through the first week of November. Based on popular belief, the deceased return each year to visit their relatives and coexist with the living to enjoy their offerings such as favorite foods and drinks.

“It’s a tradition that has mixed with popular culture and has become a celebration that belongs to everyone. Nowhere else can visitors experience such a colorful, magical and surreal celebration,” said Hector Flores Santana, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB). “Our cultural offering is one of the reasons why Mexico has become the 6^th most visited country in the world. The celebration honors the past and our ancestors and is a standing invitation for everyone to visit and discover why Mexico is a world of its own.”

The Day of the Dead in Mexico is one of the most important celebrations in the world and it attracts more than 7.5 million international tourists each year who wish to experience its cultural and gastronomic traditions. According to figures from Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism (SECTUR), the celebrations of November 1 and 2 will result in a revenue of more than US$208 million for the tourism industry.

The set of practices and traditions that occur in the country for this holiday, both in cities and smaller towns, are mainly located in states such as Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Puebla, San Luis Potosi and Mexico City.

With more than one kilometer (0.6 miles) in length, and with the states of Aguascalientes, Oaxaca, Michoacán and San Luis Potosi as special guests, the traditional Day of the Dead Parade will be held in Mexico City for the third time on Saturday, October 27, 2018. Larger-than-life skulls, floats and catrinas will flow through the Paseo de la Reforma from the monument of La Estela de Luz to the capital’s Zocalo, which will become the scene of mega offerings for the deceased. There will be free concerts of rock, jazz, blues and traditional Mexican music to conclude a day full of colors and flavors.

Last year, the parade had more than one million attendees and more than 1,500 volunteers responsible for filling the streets of the city with energy and joy. Many volunteers came from different parts of Mexico and beyond. This year, nearly 2,000 organizers and volunteers are expected.

Day of the Dead beyond Mexico
As part of the promotional actions carried out by the MTB and SECTUR this year, the Day of the Dead traveled beyond the country with its “Heart of Mexico” activation that brought the festivity to various cities in North America and Europe in order to inform and create excitement for this thousand-year-old celebration. Unique personalities such as El Charro, Frida and Diego visited iconic landmarks and monuments around the world, including Central Park in New York City, the CN Tower in Toronto, the Victory Column in Berlin and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. “Heart of Mexico” is an invitation for the residents of these cities to travel to Mexico and experience first-hand what the tradition of Day of the Dead has to offer.

New York City will also have a local taste of the celebration at the American Museum of Natural History on November 2^nd and 3^rd. Together with the state of Oaxaca and MTB, the museum will house altars dedicated to extinct animal species, as well as a handcraft market, dances, music, and artisanal demonstrations as visitors learn about Oaxaca and how the Day of the Dead is celebrated in this iconic New York cultural institution.

More about the Day of the Dead
In Mexico, death is considered part of the cycle of life and has been celebrated since pre-Columbian times. For example, in Aztec mythology, the deceased embarked on a long journey before reaching Mictlán, the region of the dead.

The various elements and rituals associated with the celebration make the Day of the Dead unlike any other holiday in the world. Families create altars in their homes and offer the favorite foods and objects of sentimental values and memories to the souls of their loved ones. Typical objects at the altar include the characteristic cempasuchil flower and the delicious Pan de Muertos.

Traditions vary in all regions and some are unique to Mexico’s states and cities.

Year after year, Aguascalientes performs the Calaveras Festival that pays tribute to the artist José Guadalupe Posada, creator of the famous “Catrina,” a symbol of the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Guanajuato hosts the famous Catrinas Parade, which takes place every November 1, in which people dress like these characters from a theme that changes in each edition.
One of the biggest festivities in Veracruz is the Mictlán Festival, which welcomes musical performances and artists.
In Oaxaca, the residents build the Plaza de la Muerte, where tourists can get lost among the products that are handmade by artisans specifically for these dates. For this, traditional comparsas (groups of singers) play music for more than 20 hours for the celebration of the traditional “Muerteadas.”
In San Luis Potosí, the Xantolo is the most important celebration in the area. On November 1, there is a vigil with prayers. On November 2, in the indigenous communities, it is customary to take the offerings to the pantheons and to adorn the tombs with flowers for the souls that, according to the belief of the region, remain on the earth all month.
The island of Janitzio in Michoacan honors the “angelitos” – those who passed away as children – on a nocturnal procession. It takes place on November 1 where canoes are adorned with countless candles, carrying delicious dishes and drinks, and accompanied by music to welcome those who return from death.
In Mexico City, millions of visitors come together in the San Andrés Mixquic pantheon to receive the souls of the dead at sunset; and in Xochimilco, the staging of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman, a legend that attracts locals and strangers year after year.

Mexico the sixth most visited country in the world

Celebrations such as the Day of the Dead have placed Mexico as one of the favorite destinations of international tourism. The country registered an arrival of 39.3 million international visitors during 2017, making it the sixth most visited country in the world according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Last year, Mexico airports received 637,700 domestic and international flights that transported 68 million people. This figure represented an increase of 2.2% in flights and an increase of 9.3% in passengers compared to the previous year.

For more information about the Day of the Dead, visit https://www.visitmexico.com/day-of-the-dead.

Follow the official Visit Mexico accounts on their social channels and join the celebration of the Day of the Dead.

Facebook: /VisitMexico
Twitter: @WeVisitMexico
Instagram: /VisitMexico

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/771197/Mexico_Tourism_Board_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Mexico Tourism Board

(Español) Flushmate® retira del mercado sistemas de descarga a presión para inodoros Flushmate II 501-B debido a riesgos de impacto y laceración

October 18, 2018

US_Consumer_Product_Safety_Commission_Logo

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

2018 Kia Rio Receives Top Safety Pick Plus Rating From Insurance Institute For Highway Safety

October 17, 2018

IRVINE, California, Oct. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its best rating possible, Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), to the 2018 Kia Rio sedan when equipped with optional Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and LED headlights on vehicles built after June 2018¹. Thanks to the “Superior” rating given to the AEB system², and the “Good” rating given to the optional LED headlights, the 2018 Rio becomes the first vehicle in the IIHS minicar segment to achieve the TSP+ designation.

2018 Kia Rio receives Top Safety Pick Plus rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

“The Rio may have a small footprint, but it’s a big performer in all other areas, including driving dynamics, style, features, and now safety accolades,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director, Car Product and Telematics, Kia Motors America (KMA). “Being the first automaker to establish a TSP+ in the minicar segment is further proof that Kia is dedicated to improving the quality and integrity of our world-class model line.”

The TSP+ rating for Rio increases the total number of Kia vehicles with 2018 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus ratings to 10.

“We are honored to receive the Top Safety Pick+ award for the Kia Rio, the only vehicle in IIHS’s minicar segment to earn such an accolade,” said Wook Jin, Director of the Vehicle Safety Engineering Group at Namyang R&D Center. “The Kia Rio joins several other Kia vehicles in achieving this feat, and this continues to show our commitment to safety across different vehicle segments and sizes.”

To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require a vehicle earn “Good” ratings in six crashworthiness tests – driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint – as well as a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in the passenger side small overlap front test, an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention, and a “Good” rating in headlight testing.

Completely redesigned for the 2018 model year, the Rio stands apart from others in the subcompact segment with its combination of eye-catching design, available technology, fun-to-drive character, and excellent safety ratings. Available in three trims – LX, S and EX – the 2018 Rio is powered by an enhanced Gamma 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Output is a spirited 130 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque.

On the tech front, the Rio is available with desirable features including Bluetooth®³ hands-free functionality⁴, a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio and a rear-view camera system⁵. Available only on the top-tier EX trim is a seven-inch floating touchscreen⁴ interface, UVO eServices⁶ voice recognition infotainment system and smartphone integration through Android Auto^TM[7] and Apple CarPlay^TM7.

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 and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (S, EX, SX and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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¹ LED headlights are available on the Rio S trim with Tech Package. Autonomous Emergency Braking is standard on the Rio EX trim.
² Autonomous Emergency Braking is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
^³ The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of such marks by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth® enabled device is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.
^⁴ Warning: Driving while distracted can result in a loss of vehicle control that may lead to an accident, severe personal injury and death. Always drive safely and use caution.
^⁵ Rear-Camera Display is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not display all objects behind vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
^⁶ Purchase/lease of a new 2018 Kia Rio vehicle with UVO eServices includes a complimentary 10 year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After expiration of such period, you will no longer be able to access or use UVO eServices. For applicable full terms, see the UVO Privacy Policy (available at https://www.myuvo.com/legal/privacy-policy.shtml) and Terms of Service (available at https://www.myuvo.com/legal/terms-of-service.shtml).
^⁷ Android Auto™ is a registered trademark of Google Inc. Apple CarPlay™ is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ require a compatible device sold separately and apps may use your smartphone cellular data service. Normal cellular service rates apply.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/769459/2018_Kia_Rio_TSP_plus_rating.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/536166/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

Kia Motors America logo (PRNewsfoto/Kia Motors America)

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Steinberg Museum of Art at LIU presents ‘DIGNITY: Tribes in Transition’ by internationally acclaimed photographer Dana Gluckstein

October 17, 2018

Photographer Dana Gluckstein poses with three generations of San women. [Photo credit: Tai Power Seeff]

BROOKVILLE, New York, Oct. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Award-winning artist Dana Gluckstein will be on campus for the Oct. 18^th premiere of her powerful exhibition titled “DIGNITY: Tribes in Transition.” Her remarkable exhibit chronicles her decades spent photographing Indigenous Peoples as they struggle to maintain their identity in a changing world. The exhibition highlights the Long Island University’s new Steinberg Museum of Art, which recently underwent a $1.2 million renovation.

“It’s my sincere wish that DIGNITY will serve as a call-to-action in support of all Indigenous Peoples,” said Gluckstein, shown here with three generations of San women. Her DIGNITY advocacy campaign in association with Amnesty International created a tipping point for President Barack Obama to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2010. For more information about Dana Gluckstein, go to www.danagluckstein.com.

“We’re thrilled to present compelling photographs by Dana Gluckstein as we introduce our newly renovated Steinberg Museum of Art,” said Barbara Applegate, museum director. “We invite Long Islanders to be inspired by our unique visible storage suite that makes viewing our collection of 5,000 objects feel limitless.”

“DIGNITY: Tribes in Transition” opens October 18, 2018 and runs until March 8, 2019. Dana Gluckstein will speak on opening night and sign copies of her book. There will be a preview for members of the media at 11 a.m. and a VIP preview reception with the artist at 5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 7 p.m. The Steinberg Museum of Art is on the ground floor of the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/770838/LIU_San_women_Dana_Gluckstein.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/452391/Long_Island_University_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Long Island University

HITN Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With Exclusive Theme Song

October 16, 2018

BROOKLYN, New York, Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HITN, the leading Spanish-language network that offers educational and entertainment content to families in more than 44 million households across the United States, announced today the inclusion in its programming of “Es Todos Unidos” a song composed and performed by Latin Grammy-winning artist Fernando Osorio and his daughter, Maye. The song aired on HITN as part of the network’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“HITN is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with ‘Es Todos Unidos,‘ an uplifting theme song that acknowledges Hispanic contributions to US culture and society,” commented Guillermo Sierra, Head of Digital Services at HITN. “The lyrics are bilingual (in Spanish and English) in order to connect with the new generation of young people with Latin roots, who communicate mostly in English.”

Acclaimed Colombian-born singer-songwriter Fernando Osorio and his daughter, Maye, worked together on the production. “We are very pleased to be part of the great team at HITN, which is airing the video of our song, ‘Es Todos Unidos,’ to underscore the value of the US Hispanic community, because, as the song says, the way to move forward is together (todos unidos).”

Fernando Osorio is the composer of the hit songs “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” and “Ríe y Llora,” immortalized by Celia Cruz; “Viviendo” and “De Qué Depende,” for Marc Anthony; “Lloraré” and “Sé Mi Aire,” for Cristian Castro, and several popular songs made famous by Ricardo Montaner: “Solo con un Beso” and “Vamos a Dejarlo.” Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi, Alejandra Guzmán, Sergio Dalma, Jerry Rivera, Gloria Trevi, Menudo, Malú and Alejandro Fernández are among the other artists who have performed his songs. During his long artistic career, Osorio has shared the stage with Shakira, Juanes, Franco de Vita and other stars. His achievements have been recognized by ASCAP and BMI awards and a Latin Grammy.

Osorio’s daughter, Maye, is an up and coming artist clearly influenced by her father’s work. She began her career as a soloist, performing on the acoustic guitar with Mr. Pauer at venues around the world and in a live broadcast on KCRW. Her Latin roots and South Florida childhood have inspired her to write music that spans a wide range of genres, from R&B to bossa nova. Her self-produced album on the Warner Chapell label will be available soon in the US market.

HITN also produced a promotional video for ‘Es Todo Unidos’ featuring scenes of Latinos around the United States. The song will air during HITN programming as well as on the network’s webpage, app and social media.

HITN-TV is a leading Spanish-language media company that offers educational and cultural programming for the whole family. It reaches more than 44 million viewers in the US and Puerto Rico via DIRECTV, DIRECTV NOW, DISH Network, AT&T U-verse TV, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast, Charter Spectrum, Mediacom, CenturyLink Prism and Altice. For more information, please visit www.hitn.org.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/770058/HITN_HISPANIC_HERITAGE_Song.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/613816/HITN_Logo.jpg

SOURCE HITN

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