Ismael Cala decides to close a cycle at CNN en Español
MIAMI, June 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Communicator, author and international lecturer Ismael Cala announced this Tuesday that he is leaving CNN en Español after five and a half years hosting the successful prime time interview show CALA, and fifteen years of affiliation with the network.
After arriving to an amicable settlement with CNN en Español, Cala explained that he will now be focusing on his career as a lecturer and inspirational author and as president of his own company, Cala Enterprises. Which was founded to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of People through self-mastery, leadership, meditation, awareness of well-being and mindfulness.
Nonetheless, he mentioned that he is already working on other TV projects in the United States and Latin America. Projects that will be produced by his production company, and will be keyed to his mission of inspiring, awakening and transforming lives.
“A magnificent cycle is closing, one in which I have learned so much. I thank CNN en Español, Cynthia Hudson, Eduardo Suarez and all of the executives for the trust they placed in me this whole time. I will be eternally grateful to my great production team. I have enjoyed the journey and the growth of the program, but now it’s time to break paradigms, explore new horizons and reinvent myself. Special thanks to our viewers all over the Americas, for all the affection and kindness they have shown over time. We are working on new TV projects, and will continue with our embrace through my books, social networks and meditation challenges, as well as at events, lectures and special journeys we arrange throughout the year in various parts of the world,” Cala explained.
Ismael Cala arrived at CNN en Español in 2001 through an internship in Atlanta. He then worked as an employee from Toronto, where he covered the visit of Pope John Paul II. Subsequently, he returned to Atlanta and Miami, where he served as a substitute and weekend news anchor. In 2010, he made it to prime time with CALA, which received heads of State and government officials, celebrities in music, film and literature, athletes and scores of inspiring individuals.
ABOUT ISMAEL CALA
Ismael Cala is a communicator, author and international lecturer on issues of personal development and leadership. For more than five years he was host of the prime time show CALA on CNN en Español.
He is currently considered one of the leading communicators in the Americas, and his message of social entrepreneurship, mindfulness and well-being is a touchstone for millions of followers attuned to his books, seminars, workshops and lectures. Cala has traveled to more than 25 countries and impacted the lives of thousands of people with his message.
He is the author of the bestsellers El analfabeto emocional (‘The emotional illiterate’) (2016), Cala y Cruz: Las dos caras de la comunicación (‘Cala and Cruz: The two faces of communication’), (2016), El secreto del bambú (‘The secret of bamboo’) (2015), Un buen hijo de P (‘A real S.O.B.’) (2014), and El poder de escuchar (‘The power of listening’) (2013).
He writes a weekly column for more than 50 publications in Latin America and the United States.
Cala was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1969. He has a degree in Art History from Universidad de Oriente, and studied journalism and television production at York University in Toronto.
(Español) Pablo Soria de Lachica – Aprueba Las Pláticas De Tratado De Libre Comercio Entre Uruguay Y Chile
Honda Launches 2017 Accord Hybrid: America’s Most Sophisticated, Powerful and Fuel Efficient Midsize Hybrid Sedan
TORRANCE, California, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — America’s best-selling midsize sedan bolsters its resume for 2016 with the arrival of the restyled and reengineered 2017 Accord Hybrid, America’s most powerful and fuel-efficient midsize hybrid sedan, launching today at Honda dealerships nationwide. Featuring an advanced second-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain, the 2017 Accord Hybrid delivers a knock-out combination of power, fuel efficiency and standard high-tech feature content with peak total system output of 212 horsepower, best-in-class EPA fuel economy ratings of 49/47/48 mpg (city/highway/combined)1, and a starting MSRP of $29,605.
In addition to its more powerful and fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2017 Accord Hybrid benefits from the extensive upgrades made to the Accord lineup for 2016 including dynamic new styling, sportier driving performance and the latest in advanced technology.
Available in three well-equipped trims – Hybrid, Hybrid EX-L and Hybrid Touring – all Accord Hybrids boast increased levels of standard and available equipment including the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, offered as standard equipment on all models; and for EX-L and touring trims, Honda’s newest Display Audio touchscreen interface featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility.
“The Accord Hybrid is the ultimate Accord, offering exceptional dynamic qualities with the greatest technological sophistication and fuel efficiency in the Accord family,” said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Consumers have made Accord America’s top selling midsize sedan, recognizing its unique combination of performance, value, efficiency and refinement, and the 2017 Accord Hybrid ups the game in each of these traits.”
A 30-time recipient of Car and Driver magazine’s “10 Best” award, unprecedented for any vehicle, the Honda Accord has been America’s top retail selling car for three years running and is also the best-selling midsize car among under-35 year old car buyers. Through the end of April of 2016, Accord is the outright best-selling midsize car in America with sales up 13.2 percent versus year-ago results.
Additional new available features for the 2017 Accord Hybrid, depending on model and trim, include remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, heated rear seats and auto high-beam headlights. The Accord Hybrid will also feature new exterior colors and interior fabrics and décor. Hybrid-exclusive design features include a special aluminum hood and unique alloy wheel design, blue highlighted LED headlights and taillights and “Hybrid” exterior badging. A more compact hybrid battery pack increases trunk capacity to a class-leading 13.5 cu.-ft. in the midsize hybrid sedan segment.
Combining the next generation of Honda’s two-motor hybrid system with an ultra-efficient 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine, the 2017 Accord Hybrid powertrain achieves a peak combined output of 212 horsepower, the highest of any midsize hybrid sedan and up 16 horsepower over the 2015 Accord Hybrid. EPA fuel economy ratings of 49/47/48 (city/highway/combined)1 put the Accord Hybrid at the top of the class under a more stringent EPA ratings system for 2017 model year vehicles, making it the most powerful and fuel efficient midsize hybrid sedan in America.
The Accord Hybrid’s two-motor hybrid powertrain takes an elegant and innovative approach to hybrid power, eliminating the need for a conventional mechanical transmission. The Accord Hybrid’s powertrain seamlessly transitions between three modes of operation:
- EV Drive – using its electric propulsion motor and lithium ion battery pack to drive the front wheels for short distances under light loads (with the engine turned off)
- Hybrid Drive – the electric propulsion motor drives the front wheels while the gasoline engine powers a second motor/generator to supplement electrical current drawn from the battery pack
- Engine Drive – using a lock-up clutch mechanism to connect the engine and propulsion motor, the front wheels are driven by both the motor and gasoline engine
Honda Sensing™
All 2017 Accord Hybrids come standard with Honda Sensing™, among the most comprehensive suites of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies in the competitive class. The following technologies comprise Honda Sensing:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
All 2017 Accord Hybrids also feature a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines and Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. The Touring trim adds new auto high-beam headlights that enhance nighttime visibility and driving convenience.
Exterior and Interior Design
The Accord Hybrid gets a major facelift for 2017 that closely follows the changes made to the gasoline-only powered 2016 Accord models. In place of the previous wrap-around front bumper is a more sharply creased and intricately structured front fascia, the lower portion of which tucks into large intake-like meshed areas that house new standard LED fog lights. An Accord Hybrid exclusive, elegantly contoured aluminum hood meets up with a brighter, more pronounced front grille. The more expressive face of Accord is complemented by a sharply sculpted rear bumper fascia and new LED taillight design. Blue-accents on the front grill, headlights and taillights of the 2017 Accord Hybrid, along with special “Hybrid” badging, provide a subtly distinctive look and visual differentiation between from its gasoline-only powered stable mates.
All Accord Hybrid trims have unique 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and feature the expanded use of LED lighting – LED daytime running lights (DRLs), taillights and fog lights for all trims, and LED headlights for the Touring trim.
The Accord Hybrid also gets a revised exterior color palette with five new colors – out of the eight available – as well as new interior tricot seat fabric (base trim) and color schemes including a sophisticated new wood grain-style dashboard trim.
Body and Chassis Upgrades
The 2017 Accord Hybrid’s sportier design is matched by its improved dynamic performance. High body rigidity is complemented by new high performance dampers and a retuned electric power steering system that delivers even more linear and precise response. All Accord Hybrid models are fitted with Amplitude Reactive Dampers with newly-tuned internals for a more supple, yet controlled ride, and new Straight Driving Assist technology that helps reduce the driver’s workload when driving on a crowned or canted road surface.
Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The 2017 Accord Hybrid audio and digital experience is also significantly upgraded with the application of a new 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface (EX-L and above trims) featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as newly available HondaLink Assist (e911) and HD Radio®. Smartphone pairing is now simplified with a single USB cable connection, no longer requiring an HDMI cable connection. The new Display Audio system serves as the interface for new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a multitude of new functions and features, including smartphone-linked navigation (Apple Maps or Google Maps), audio streaming, voice-controlled SMS text messaging and more.
The lower 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen is paired with an upper 7.7-inch display screen and steering-wheel controls. The upper screen can display audio settings, turn-by-turn directions (from embedded navigation, when so equipped, or from Android Auto or Apple CarPlay navi apps), time and trip information (e.g. range, trip distance), LaneWatch and Rearview Camera displays, incoming calls, SMS text messages, and parking sensor alerts.
2017 Accord Hybrid Major Engineering Changes and Feature Upgrades
Body and Chassis
- Increased body rigidity courtesy of multiple new stiffeners, a thicker front shock tower bar and sturdier rear bulkhead
- Retuned electric power steering
- Amplitude Reactive Dampers
Exterior
- New, more dynamic front and rear styling
- Restyled aluminum hood
- Rear deck spoiler
- Expanded application of LED lighting
- New exterior color options and interior decoration
- Rain-sensing wipers (Touring)
- Front and rear parking sensors (Touring)
- Side sill garnish (Touring)
Interior
- Remote engine start
- HondaLink Assist
- 7-inch touch screen Display Audio system (EX-L)
- Expanded application of SiriusXM Radio (added to EX-L) Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (EX-L and Touring) New HD Radio (EX-L and Touring)
- 7-inch touch screen Display Audio+ with Navi system (Touring)
- Heated rear seats (Touring)
Safety and Driver Assistive
- Honda Sensing (EX-L and Touring)
- Auto High-Beam headlights (Touring)
- Front and rear parking sensors (Touring)
Powertrain
The 2017 Accord Hybrid features a significantly reengineered second-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain. The new hybrid powertrain benefits from numerous changes that reduce the physical size and weight of components while increasing efficiency, performance and cargo capacity. Total combined horsepower is up 16 horsepower to 212 HP and EPA fuel economy ratings are 49/47/48 mpg (city/highway/combined)1. These EPA fuel economy ratings are based on the new more stringent ratings requirements enacted by the U.S. EPA for the 2017 model year and cannot be directly compared to the figures for earlier model Accords or competing vehicles. Nevertheless, when compared using the same criteria, the 2017 Accord Hybrid bests the 2014/2015 model in all ratings.
Advanced Safety Performance
In keeping with Honda’s commitment to safety, the 2017 Accord Hybrid is the first Honda vehicle to have as standard equipment the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Honda Sensing is designed to expand the driver’s situational awareness while sensing and responding to potential road hazards, including other vehicles, road obstacles and even pedestrians, even to the point of mitigating the possibility or severity of a collision.
The 2017 Accord Hybrid is expected to receive the highest safety ratings – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in all crash modes.
The Accord Hybrid incorporates Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, designed to more efficiently absorb and disperse the energy from a frontal collision, along with new ultra-high-strength door rings designed to help better protect occupants.
Standard safety and driver-assistive features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control; an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
General Specifications
|
Specification |
|
|
Engine Type |
i-VTEC, in-Line 4-Cyl., Atkinson Cycle |
|
Displacement |
1,993 cc |
|
Horsepower (SAE net) |
143 @ 6,200 rpm |
|
Torque (SAE net) |
129 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
|
Hybrid Electric Motors |
AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet |
|
Horsepower (SAE net) |
181 @ 5,000-6,000 rpm |
|
Torque (SAE net) |
232 lb-ft @ 0-2,000 rpm |
|
Total System Horsepower |
212 @ 6,200 rpm |
|
Transmission |
Electronic Continuously Variable |
|
Front Suspension |
MacPherson Strut |
|
Rear Suspension |
Multi-Link |
|
Steering |
Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and- |
|
Brakes |
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front |
|
Tires |
All Season, 225/50 R17 94V |
|
Wheelbase |
109.3 in |
|
Length |
194.1 in |
|
Height |
57.5 in |
|
Width |
72.8 in |
|
Track (front/rear) |
62.4 in / 62.7 in |
|
Curb Weight (base) |
3483 lbs |
|
Cargo Volume |
13.5 cu ft |
|
Passenger Volume |
103.2 |
|
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings (City/Highway/Combined) |
49 / 47 / 48 |
|
Fuel Capacity |
15.8 gal |
2017 Accord Hybrid Press Kit
Detailed information plus high resolution photo and video assets are available online at:
www.hondanews.com/channels/accord
About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic and Accord passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the soon-to-be-launched Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.
Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 33 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2015, more than 99 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Honda Commitment to the Environment
Based on its vision of “Blue Skies for our Children,” Honda is working to advance technologies that address society’s environmental and energy concerns. Honda is targeting a 50 percent reduction in its total company CO2 emissions on a global basis by 2050, compared to 2000 levels.
Honda will introduce the Clarity series of advanced electrified vehicles, beginning with the new, hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell later in 2016, followed by the new Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid in 2017, as the company strives to realize significant growth in sales of electrified vehicles.
Honda is also demonstrating its vision for zero-carbon mobility and living though initiatives like its Honda Smart Home U.S., in Davis, California, which is designed to operate with half the energy use and CO2 emissions of a typical home in that region.
1 Based on 2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition and other factors.
Orlando Latino Churches Gather to Offer Faith, Hope & Love Following Local Massacre
ORLANDO, Fla., June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) and the Fraternity of Councils and Evangelical Entities of Florida (FRACEEV) will host a prayer service at Iglesia de Dios M.I. in Orlando on Wednesday, June 15 at 7 p.m. EDT to provide hope, faith and love for individuals in the community affected by Sunday’s deadly massacre at a gay nightclub.
“Whether Latino, black, white, straight or gay, one thing unites us and that is we are all made in the image of God,” said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of NHCLC. “The answer to radical hatred is none other than radical love; love for God and for each other. Every life deserves to be loved, cherished and respected.
“We mourn with the families of the victims and pray for those injured in Orlando,” Rodriguez continued. “In addition, we call upon all Americans to come together for the purpose of building a firewall of love, grace, truth and respect against intolerance, hatred, bigotry and violence.”
The shooting in Orlando targeted the LGBT community and left 49 dead and 53 wounded. The nightclub, which calls itself “Orlando’s Latin Hotspot,” was holding its weekly “Upscale Latin Saturdays” when the rampage occurred.
“The impact of this act of terrorism in Orlando has been a very hurtful experience for our communities in central Florida,” said Bishop Angel Marcial, director of the NHCLC Florida Chapter and president of the Church of God’s South Spanish district. “We mourn, stand with and are prepared to fulfill our pastoral duties, in the love of Christ, in order to bless the families that are suffering due to this unspeakable tragedy. We denounce anyone who would use this attack to convey any type of fear theology with the human suffering taking place. Any such individuals do not speak in the name of the Hispanic churches in Florida.”
Wednesday evening’s service is open to the public and will unite local residents to “respond to the hurt” of this terrorist attack. Iglesia de Dios M.I. is located at 3325 S Goldenrod Road in Orlando.
“The clarion call of the NHCLC is to ‘be light’ in a dark world,” said NHCLC Vice President Rev. Tony Suarez, who will attend Wednesday’s service in Orlando. “In the midst of the pain, hurt, confusion and fear, we are here to shine the light of Christ. My prayer is that this service can be just one step in bringing peace and healing to Orlando and our nation.”
FRACEEV is an organization based in Florida that has more than 2,000 participating Hispanic churches as members.
NHCLC/CONEL is the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization. It serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and hundreds of thousands of additional congregations spread worldwide throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.
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Pew Applauds New Caribbean Shark Sanctuaries
MAHO, St. Maarten, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sharks are safer across the Caribbean Sea, with the announcement of four new shark sanctuaries in the region. Prime Minister William Marlin of St. Maarten and Wayne Panton, minister of financial services, commerce, and environment for the Cayman Islands today announced that their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) are completely closed to commercial shark fishing. Additionally, Curacao and Grenada announced that they will establish legislation this year that will protect sharks in their waters.
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Government leaders were joined by ocean advocate Sir Richard Branson, as well as by global shark experts and representatives from The Pew Charitable Trusts and other nongovernmental organizations, at a press conference in St. Maarten to champion the new protected areas.
“People from all over the world come to our island to dive and snorkel with our marine wildlife, including sharks and rays,” said Irania Arrindell, St. Maarten’s minister of tourism, economic affairs, transport, and telecommunications. “St. Maarten’s shark sanctuary will help to ensure that our local shark populations exist for future generations and continue to benefit St. Maarten’s marine ecosystem and ecotourism.”
Together, the two new sanctuaries cover a total of 46,190 square miles (119,631 square kilometers), raising the total number of Caribbean sanctuaries to seven.
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Unite founder, said: “We applaud the steps taken by Caribbean island governments to conserve sharks in their waters. To these governments, sharks are worth far more alive than dead. We are delighted and encouraged to see this bold action being taken to protect Caribbean ecosystems and bolster ecotourism industries.”
“St. Maarten and the Cayman Islands have joined a progressive group of leaders in global shark conservation by choosing to fully protect the diverse but vulnerable shark and ray species found in their waters,” said Luke Warwick, director of Pew’s global shark conservation campaign. “We look forward to continued expansion of shark conservation in the Caribbean to secure the region as a safe haven for threatened shark species.”
The announcement came during a three-day shark conservation symposium co-hosted by the government of St. Maarten, the St. Maarten Nature Foundation, the Bahamas National Trust, and The Pew Charitable Trusts. At the symposium, Caribbean leaders had the opportunity to learn from global shark experts, such as Boris Worm, professor in marine conservation biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and discuss shark conservation and shark-related tourism in their jurisdictions.
Since 2009, Pew has worked with governments around the world to establish shark sanctuaries in their territorial waters. The creation of these sanctuaries in the Caribbean brings the total number of sanctuaries worldwide to 14, covering 6 million square miles (15.5 million square kilometers), an area bigger than Canada.
Worldwide, at least 100 million sharks are killed each year in commercial fisheries; nearly 30 percent of all known shark species assessed by scientists are threatened with extinction. Sharks play an important role in maintaining the health of the entire ocean, but they grow and reproduce slowly, which makes them particularly vulnerable to overfishing. Officials in many coastal and island nations recognize sharks’ high value to the dive tourism industry.
“Establishing sanctuaries to protect all sharks makes clear that these top predators warrant the same status as other vulnerable marine wildlife that help attract ecotourism, such as turtles and whales,” Warwick added.
The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Learn more at www.pewtrusts.org.
Barbara Cvrkel, +1 202-510-5670
[email protected]
Joint Statement From NHCLC President Rev. Samuel Rodriguez And William Jessup University President Dr. John Jackson On The Detestable Comments About The Orlando Terrorist Attack By Sacramento Pastor
SACRAMENTO, California, June 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) and senior pastor of New Season Church in Sacramento, California, and Dr. John Jackson, president of William Jessup University, released the following joint statement condemning bigoted comments in regards to the June 12 terrorist attack on the LGBT community in Orlando made by Pastor Roger Jimenez:
“We stand resolved in our condemnation of the heinous attack that occurred in Orlando. We also condemn the detestable statements made by a pastor in Sacramento.
“The pastor’s statements do not reflect genuine Christian faith, and as followers of Christ we disavow his bigotry.
“Also, as followers of Jesus Christ we stand in unity with our nation in offering love, prayer and a helping hand to the gay community. Everyone in America deserves to live their lives free from fear.
“It is the heart of Jesus to save, heal and deliver. Christian leaders lead people to the love, grace, truth and healing hope of Jesus, not to insensitive judgment.
“We pray for the gay community to experience the love and grace of Jesus and His people, both in Orlando and across the United States. We pray for safety for their community and for all Americans during this violent and unsettled time.
“As leaders in ministry, we are united in our grief and in prayer for those who have lost loved ones and those—even now—fighting for their lives.
“May God’s truth, love and effective grace reach into our collective pain and suffering to bring beauty from the ashes of man’s depravity, for the glory of God’s name alone.”
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California Senate GO Committee Passes AB 1554 to Ban Powdered Alcohol
SACRAMENTO, California, June 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Alcohol Justice and the California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA) are reporting that the Senate Governmental Organization Committee unanimously passed AB 1554 today. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), coauthored by Senator Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar), had previously passed unopposed through the Assembly. It will prohibit the possession, purchase, sale, offer for sale, distribution, manufacture, or use of powdered alcohol in California and would make the violation of those provisions punishable with a fine.
“According to the 2011-2013 Healthy Kids Survey, more than 10% of 11th graders say their typical level of intoxication is to get drunk, and more than 20% said they had binged in the past month,” stated Dr. Nancy Williams, Public Health Officer for El Dorado County. “Even 5% of 7th graders had binged in the past month! Considering all of the existing issues with alcohol, why would we want to add yet another potential source to the mix?”
“Powdered alcohol is a dangerous product, designed and marketed as a way to make super-charged cocktails on the go. Alcohol related deaths are already a huge problem in California and adding powdered alcohol to the mix is a recipe for disaster,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “Today’s vote reflects the overwhelming, bi-partisan support behind the powdered alcohol ban and I applaud my Senate colleagues for taking decisive action to protect public health.”
“We applaud Assemblymember Irwin, Senator Hall, and all the other GO Committee members for their continued support of a ban on this youth-attractive, alcoholic substance,” stated Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO of Alcohol Justice. “Alcohol Justice is honored to be a co-sponsor of AB 1554.
“As soon as this bill is passed by the entire legislature and signed by Governor Brown, California will join 32 other states which have already banned the product to protect the health and safety of our young people,” stated Richard Zaldivar, Co-Chair of California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA).
SB 819, a companion measure in the Senate authored by Senator Huff, passed earlier through the Senate and the Assembly GO Committee. SB 819 and AB 1554 are supported by an impressive group of public health and safety advocates from across the state including:
- Alcohol Justice
- Association of California Healthcare Districts
- California Academy of Family Physicians
- California Alcohol Policy Alliance(CAPA)
- California Association of Driving Under the Influence Treatment Programs
- California Beer and Beverage Distributors
- California Craft Brewers Association
- California College and University Police Chiefs Association
- California Council on Alcohol Problems
- California District Attorneys Association
- California Friday Night Live Partnership
- California State Sheriffs’ Association
- California Teamsters
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
- City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors
- City of El Cajon
- City of Hayward
- Consumer Federation of California
- Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
- County Behavioral Health Directors Association
- County Health Executives Association of California
- County of El Dorado Board of Supervisors
- Dolores Huerte Foundation
- Eden Youth and Family Center
- Health Officers Association of California
- Institute of Public Strategies
- Janus of Santa Cruz
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
- Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Policy Alliance(LADAPA)
- Lutheran Office of Public Policy California
- Marin County Board of Supervisors
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
- San Fernando Valley Partnership for a Positive Pomona
- Placer County Board of Supervisors
- Pueblo y Salud
- San Francisco Prevention Coalition
- San Francisco Health Improvement Partnerships
- Saving Lives Coalition
- SHIELDS for FamiliesSocial Model Recovery Systems, Inc.
- Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
- The Wall Las Memorias Project
- Ventura County Board of Supervisors
- Youth Leadership Institute
Last March, Alcohol Justice requested emergency legislative action nationwide in response to news that the U.S. Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) approved labels for the powdered alcohol product Palcohol. The TTB approval gave a green light to begin marketing it wherever legal. Since then, 32 states have permanently or temporarily banned powdered alcohol, while just three states regulate it under existing alcohol statutes.
“We know that every year over 500 underage alcohol-related deaths occur in California, while underage drinking costs the public $3.5 billion,” said Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO of Alcohol Justice. “Today’s unanimous committee vote sends a strong message that California will not allow this dangerous product to add more harm.”
For more information: http://alcoholpolicyalliance.org/ — To TAKE ACTION: http://bit.ly/1GY8ISU
Contact: Michael Scippa 415 548-0492
Jorge Castillo, 213 840-3336
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Le Mans 1991: Mazda Motorsports Looks Back as It Races into the Future
IRVINE, California, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — While Mazda Motorsports racers are always looking forward to the next win, they also respect the path that led them to their current success. For Mazda and scores of fans, there is no more significant win than the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans with the iconic rotary powered orange, green and blue Mazda 787B race car. Mazda is the first and only Asian auto manufacturer to score an overall win at the world’s most famous endurance race.
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“As a kid, I remember seeing pictures and models of the Mazda 787B,” said Jonathan Bomarito, driver of the No. 55 Mazda Prototype in the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The No. 55 is in honor of the race-winning car from 1991. “There was no other car in the world that looked like it, or sounded like it. It showed that Mazda was a unique car company, approaching things in their own way. It’s an honor to race the No. 55 Mazda Prototype, and I have the privilege and responsibility to help Mazda achieve more victories now and in the future.”
The 1991 Le Mans win came after 17 attempts to conquer the twice-around-the-clock auto race, and it gave birth to the Mazda creed of “Never Stop Challenging.” Now, 25 years later, Mazda dominates grassroots road racing in America and is rapidly challenging for overall race wins in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
The year 2016 is also a special year for Mazda as the automaker passed the 1 million mark for cumulative MX-5 Miata sales and launched the first season of the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires.
“That day in 1991 cemented what defined Mazda, and that spirit and passion of the company is seen and felt every day in each element of our brand,” said John Doonan, motorsports director, Mazda North American Operations. “Today, the win we want most is the next one, but we appreciate that our current and future success has a rich history that sets us apart from all our competitors. We continue to try to write the next chapter of our history each and every weekend where Mazdas compete.”
About Mazda Motorsports
Mazda Motorsports boasts the most comprehensive auto racing development ladder system of any auto manufacturer in the world. The Mazda Road to 24 program offers a number of scholarships to advance drivers up the sports car racing ladder, beginning with the Global MX-5 Cup series and culminating with the Mazda Prototype team. The Mazda Road to Indy is a similar program that includes Mazda-powered categories of USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights. In grassroots road racing, more Mazdas race on any given weekend in North America than any other manufacturer. Mazda is also the title sponsor of the renowned Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. Follow all of the latest news at MazdaMotorsports.com, @MazdaRacing on Twitter, and MazdaMotorsports on Instagram and Facebook.
Expectations of Fathers’ Roles Expands from Emphasis on Provider to Equal Partners, Nurturers
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This Sunday, June 19th, as we celebrate fathers across the nation, new research finds that contemporary norms of fatherhood emphasize men’s involvement with their children in addition to the traditional role of financial provider. Further, the number of hours that fathers work is not strongly related to fathers’ involvement with their children. Rather, “new fathers” appear to be cutting back on, or incorporating their children into, their leisure time.1
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7858651-ad-council-nrfc-makeamoment-fatherhood-psa
“Over the past two decades, fathers have become more involved in all aspects of their children’s lives,” says Kenneth Braswell, National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) Director. “Fathers continue to feel strongly about providing for their children while taking a more active role in other key activities such as meal preparation, bathing, and bedtime routines.”
Further, the Pew Research Center notes that six-in-ten Americans (58 percent) say it is “extremely important” for a father to provide values and morals to his children and roughly half say it is extremely important for a dad to provide emotional support (52 percent).2
“Research shows that children do better when their fathers are present in their lives,” said Mark Greenberg, Acting Assistant Secretary at the Administration for Children and Families. “We’re supporting local efforts around the country that are actively working with fathers to help them get jobs, become better parents, and strengthen family relationships.”
It’s important to note that these attitudes extend to all fathers regardless of marital status, age, or occupation. Researchers found that fathers seek to reduce their leisure time or incorporate their children into leisure time activities to ensure their involvement is not diminished.
NRFC supports fathers and family service organizations throughout the year by providing key resources and webinars, and helping fathers connect to community resources. The NRFC website, fatherhood.gov, makes the latest parenting information available to fathers across the country and the NRFC toll-free hotline provides guidance one-on-one.
New PSAs Encourage Dads to Make a Moment
Working closely with The Ad Council, NRFC is launching a new campaign encouraging dads to “take a moment to make a moment” with their kids. The new TV, radio, print, and digital public service advertising (PSA), created by Campbell Ewald, illustrates how simple it can be to make an impact on a child at any moment. The TV spots feature user-generated content from real fathers making moments with their kids in unexpected ways. All PSAs direct audiences to share their own moments via the hashtag #MakeAMoment and to visit www.fatherhood.gov or call 1-877-4DAD411 for parenting tips, fatherhood programs, and other resources. WWE Superstars Roman Reigns, Titus O’Neil, and Alberto Del Rio are once again joining the campaign to help show how they “take time to be a dad.” The PSAs are an extension of the Ad Council’s award-winning Fatherhood Involvement campaign, which launched in 2008. The ads will air and run in time and space entirely donated by the media.
1 “Navigating New Norms of Involved Fatherhood: Employment, Fathering Attitudes, and Father Involvement,” Brittany S. McGill, Journal of Family Issues, 2014, Vol. 35(8) 1089-1106.
2 “The New American Father,” Pew Research Center, June 14, 2013, http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/06/14/the-new-american-father/
HHS
HHS supports responsible fatherhood in diverse ways. Because engaged fathers strengthen families and contribute to healthy outcomes for children, many HHS programs integrate support for fathers. These include Head Start, child support programs, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. HHS also supports programs that focus on responsible fatherhood, such as the Promoting Responsible Fatherhood grant program administered by the Office of Family Assistance (OFA).
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) is funded by the Administration for Children and Families’ OFA to assist policymakers, practitioners, and fathers to promote and support responsible fatherhood. NRFC provides evidence-informed materials, resources, and tools including timely information on fatherhood issues, and access to print and electronic publications.
The Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has affected, and continues to affect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or view our PSAs on YouTube.
Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a U.S.-based full service, fully integrated advertising and marketing communications agency. The agency provides both traditional and specialized capabilities including advertising; insights and strategic planning; integrated content strategy and development; digital; social, DM/CRM, retail and experiential marketing; and media planning and buying. With offices in Detroit, Los Angeles and New York, Campbell Ewald has been recognized by the Warc 100 as one of the 2016 top 10 agencies in North America, and its work on behalf of clients has been honored by, among others, the Cannes International Advertising Festival, the Effies, the One Show, the AAF Mosaic Awards, the ECHO Awards and ADWEEK.