Rev. Samuel Rodriguez Releases ‘Be Light’ for Dark Political, Cultural Times

March 31, 2016

National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference logo.

SACRAMENTO, California, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In “Be Light: Shining God’s Beauty, Truth, and Hope into a Darkened World” (WaterBrook, ISBN: 987-1-60142-816-5), Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, lead pastor of New Season and President/CEO of one of the world’s largest evangelical organizations, acknowledges that today’s world is troubled and in many ways dark. Yet, in these times when religious liberties are being attacked and there is great pressure for political correctness instead of biblical truths, the Church needs to rise up in all of life’s arenas and become “the bright city on a hill.”

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“We cannot deny we live in dark times…sin, immorality, moral relativism, infanticide, racism, false prophets, watered-down preaching, religious extremism, terror, violence intolerance and disbelief,” said Rodriguez. “But, when light stands next to darkness, light always wins.”

In “Be Light,” readers will be inspired and given the blueprint to confront and overcome spiritual, emotional, relational, family and financial darkness and live as light. The book can be read as a 30-day journey, with each chapter portraying a spiritual analogy to light with real-life examples and testimonies, scripture and a reflection to lead the reader to action. The foreword to the book was written by Roma Downey, producer, celebrated actress and president and chief content officer at LightWorkers Media (a division of MGM Studios).

“Be Light” is a biblical mandate. The word “light” is mentioned more than 200 times in the Bible. Light is an important part of the Christian narrative beginning in Genesis, when God said, “Let there be light.” In this new book, Rodriguez offers clarity to this important Christian metaphor and how it relates to individuals of faith living in current times.

Rodriguez uses the laws of light – including reflection, refraction and the bending of light; destructive light and lightening; and celestial light – to challenge followers of Jesus to take up its responsibility to stand up and be something inherently different from society.

“Like a prism when light passes through it, we reveal the full color spectrum,” writes Rodriguez. “We are called to be the light of the world, but that does not mean that we, people of faith, are uniform, monochromatic or one dimensional. The light of God may appear to be single beam of white light, but when it passes through the prisms of His people, its full complexity and beauty are revealed.”

“Be Light” will release May 3, 2016 from WaterBrook, an imprint of Crown at Penguin Random House, LLC. The book has been endorsed by a number of leaders including: Dr. Ronnie Floyd, president, Southern Baptist Convention and senior pastor of Cross Church, Robert Morrison, founding senior pastor at Gateway Church, and James Robison, founder and president of LIFE Outreach International.

“Sammy Rodriguez is a dynamic leader,” said Dr. Alton Garrison, assistant general superintendent of the Assemblies of God USA, “His influence impacts other leaders, both spiritually and politically. Yet his compassion touches the hurting, the marginalized, and the underrepresented. His message is compelling. He does not just articulate problems; he also gives solutions. His book, ‘Be Light,’ is a must-read if you are tired of the darkness. Share it with your friends and help turn on the light.”

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez is president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization, which serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and another 500,000 congregations spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. He has been named by CNN and Fox News as “the leader of the Hispanic Evangelical movement” and Newsmax included him in the “Top 100 Christian Leaders in America.” For more information, visit http://pastorsam.com/.

April is National Car Care Month: Time to Make Auto Care a Top Priority

March 31, 2016

BETHESDA, Maryland, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Analytics are big these days in business, sports and politics. When it comes to auto care, the numbers tell a very revealing story as 80 percent of vehicles need service, a new part and/or repair, according to the non-profit Car Care Council.

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“With so many vehicles in need of service, National Car Care Month in April serves as an important reminder to take action today so you can depend on your vehicle down the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It’s easy to postpone vehicle maintenance when things get busy, but don’t put it off. Addressing minor service needs before they become major will help you avoid unexpected car trouble and unplanned costly repairs.”

The Car Care Council reports that vehicles inspected at community car care events held throughout the country in 2015 failed one or more aspects of the inspection process. Some areas posting the highest failure rates include: low fluid levels (washer fluid 26 percent, engine oil 23 percent and coolant 19 percent); clogged or dirty air filters 19 percent; illuminated check engine light 13 percent; worn belts 13 percent; and needed battery service and wiper blade replacement 13 and 12 percent, respectively.

“Many maintenance needs are quick and inexpensive to resolve, so it’s easy to make auto care a priority during National Car Care Month,” continued White. “To help you ‘be car care aware,’ the Car Care Council has many free tools available at www.carcare.org, including the popular Car Care Guide and a customized service schedule with email remainders that makes it simple to follow a routine maintenance program.”

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.

CDC estimates 1 in 68 school-aged children have autism; no change from previous estimate

March 31, 2016

CDC (PRNewsFoto/Centers for Disease Control)

ATLANTA, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — An estimated 1 in 68 (14.6 per 1,000) school-aged children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a CDC report published today in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Surveillance Summary. This report shows essentially no change in ASD prevalence, the proportion of school aged-children with ASD, from the previous report released in 2014. However, it is too soon to know whether ASD prevalence in the United States might be starting to stabilize. CDC will continue tracking ASD prevalence to better understand changes over time.

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The data come from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network – a tracking system that provides estimates of the prevalence and characteristics of ASD among 8-year-old children in 11 communities within Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, and Wisconsin. The data in the latest report are for 2012 while the data in the previous 2014 report were from 2010.

Although the average ASD prevalence of the 11 ADDM Network sites combined did not change between 2010 and 2012, ASD prevalence still varied widely between the 11 communities. Differences were seen by geographic region and between sites with different access to data resources.

“What we know for sure is that there are many children living with autism who need services and support, now and as they grow into adolescence and adulthood,” said Stuart K. Shapira, MD, PhD, chief medical officer for CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

The new report also underscores where efforts and resources can be directed to better support children and families with ASD. Black and Hispanic children continue to be less likely to be identified with ASD than white children. In addition, black and Hispanic children receive developmental evaluations later than white children.

“Targeted strategies are needed to identify and address barriers in order to lower the age at which black and Hispanic children are evaluated, diagnosed, and connected to the services they need,” said Daisy Christensen, PhD, a CDC epidemiologist and lead author of the ADDM Network report.

The report also shows that, overall, less than half (43%) of children identified with ASD receive developmental evaluations by age 3. This suggests that many children may not be getting identified as early as they could be. Progress needs to be made to reach the Healthy People 2020 goal of increasing to 47% the proportion of children with ASD having a first evaluation by age 3.

“The most powerful tool we have right now to make a difference in the lives of children with ASD is early identification,” said Dr. Shapira. “Parents, childcare professionals and doctors can monitor each child’s development and act right away on any developmental concerns. It’s important to remember that children can be connected to services even before an official diagnosis is made.”

CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program provides parents, childcare professionals, and healthcare providers free resources, in English and Spanish, for monitoring children’s development. The program offers parent-friendly, research-based milestone checklists for children as young as 2 months of age. The program also offers information about what to do if there is a developmental concern and whom to contact for assistance.

For more information about “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” visit www.cdc.gov/ActEarly. For more information about CDC’s autism activities, visit www.cdc.gov/Autism.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

CDC works 24/7 saving lives, protecting people from health threats, and saving money through prevention. Whether these threats are global or domestic, chronic or acute, curable or preventable, natural disaster or deliberate attack, CDC is the nation’s health protection agency.

#PortadaLat Announces Major Speaker Roster including Avon, MeliaHoteles, Best Western, Brown Forman and Nestlé

March 31, 2016

PortadaLat, the two-day annual gathering of key brand marketing, advertising, media and digital leaders from all over the Americas taking place on June 8-9 in Miami, is announcing an amazing speaker roster. PortadaLat comprehends the Latin American Advertising and Media Summit, The Data Marketing Forum, the Travel Marketing Forum and the Online Video Forum. Early bird tickets are going fast register now! (http://www.portada-online.com/events/portadalat/)

MIAMI, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — PortadaLat, the two-day annual gathering of key brand marketing, advertising, media and digital leaders from all over the Americas taking place on June 8-9 in Miami, is announcing an amazing speaker roster. PortadaLat comprehends the Latin American Advertising and Media Summit, The Data Marketing Forum, the Travel Marketing Forum and the Online Video Forum.
Early bird tickets are going fast register now! (http://www.portada-online.com/events/portadalat/#Register)

Travel Marketing Forum (June 9) Speakers Include:

Montserrat Santaella, International Promotion Manager, Grupo Posadas
Christopher Arjona, Director de Mercadotecnia Digital Americas, MeliaHoteles
Dorothy Dowling, CMO, Best Western
Ricardo Rivera, CMO, Volaris
Rolando Aedo, Chief Marketing Officer, Greater Miami Tourism and Convention Bureau
Ismalis Mendoza, Senior Manager of Marketing and E-Commerce, Marriott International
Lara Migliassi, VP, Global Brands – Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Residence Club & Hyatt
Carlos Orta, VP Corporate Affairs, Carnival Corporation

Data Marketing Forum (June 8) Speakers Include:

Mebrulin Francisco, Partner, Director Marketing Analytics Multicultural, GroupM
Francisco Morillo, Digital Marketing Manager, Xoom
Jose Luis Valderrama, CEO and Founder, Hispanic Group
Ana Crandell, Group Account Director, OMD Multicultural
Oscar Padilla, ‎Senior VP of Marketing, Digital Media & Insights, ‎Pulpo Media

Latin American Advertising & Media Summit (June 8-9):

Carlos Leal, Gerente Senior de Marketing de Consumo, Nestlé
Juan Guillermo Restrepo, Gerente de Marketing Digital, Falabella
Adam Singolda, CEO, Taboola
Dorothy Dowling, CMO, Best Western
Jeremy Gilbert, Director Strategic Initiatives, The Washington Post
Carlos Espíndola, e-Hub, Manager Latin America, 3M
Rebeca Ricoy, Digital Strategies, Sr. Manager Nola, Avon
Maria Carrasquillo, Senior Marketing Manager- Latin America, Jarden Consumer/Sunbeam-Oster
Marta Martinez, SVP Sales Advertising, AOL
Michael Schott, Director of Online Marketing, Open English
Wayne St. Armand, CMO, Brand Networks
Andres Franklin, Director Latin America, Sojern
Cynthia Evans, Director Insights and Analytics, Group M, Latin America
Adriana Grineberg, Head of Operations Miami, Facebook

Online Video Forum (June 9) Speakers Include:

Juan Davila,SVP Managing Director, LiquidThread
Borja Beneyto, Digital Director Regional América Latina, Starcom Media Vest
Luiz Schmidt, Head of Marketing, Latin America & Caribbean, Brown Forman

Plus more major speakers to be announced soon!

MAJOR 2016 ADDITIONS TO #PORTADALAT:

Data Marketing Forum: Using Data Driven Marketing to reach Latino Consumers
#PortadaLat will provide a unique setting for marketers targeting Latin consumers in the U.S. and Latin America to delve into how Big Data can revolutionize marketing efficiency.

Travel Marketing Forum
Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market are a key inbound and outbound destination for global Travel and Luxury marketing companies. Hear how major brands are approaching the region and their innovations in digital marketing.

More Sessions exploring the Marketing Technology Revolution
From Content Marketing Technologies and Practices, to Digital Targeting to Crowdsourcing, leading experts will provide actionable insights to major leading practitioners about major innovations.
Expanded Speaker Roster of Brand Marketing and Media Stars.

Expect the #PortadaLat Speaker roster to be filled with dozens of key brand marketers, major media agency players, key social influencers and media stars.

Online Video Forum
A unique hub for excitement and idea sharing on the OTT Revolution throughout the Latin world. Monetization, Viewability, YouTube, Facebook and beyond.

Already Confirmed Sponsors of PortadaLat

Leader Sponsor Plus:
Taboola (http://www.taboola.com/)
Brand Networks (http://bn.co/)

Leader Sponsor: Sojern (http://www.sojern.com/)

Distinguished Sponsor: Hola (http://us.hola.com/)

Attendee Bag Sponsor: Latcom (http://www.latcom.com/)

Attendee Badge Sponsor: Multimedia Inc. (http://www.multimediausa.com/)

Official Wire Partner: Marketwired (http://www.marketwired.com/)

Contact Information:

To align your brand with the eight annual edition of PortadaLat (http://www.portada-online.com/events/portadalat) the main conference for Brand Marketers, Digital Innovators, Media Properties and Influencers targeting the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets, please contact Portada’s Sales and Marketing Director Kelley Eberhardt at [email protected].

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(Español) Guía del paciente: Tratar un tobillo roto

March 31, 2016

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Hiring Plans Steady As Business Owners Sour On U.S. Economy

March 31, 2016

PITTSBURGH, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Small and mid-sized business owners are cautious about the next six months amid greater pessimism about the economy given the stock market volatility and presidential election rhetoric, according to the latest PNC Economic Outlook Survey findings.

The spring findings of PNC’s biannual telephone survey, which began in 2003, reveal that 43 percent are pessimistic about the U.S. economy, the most since 2012, and up from 33 percent in the fall. Meanwhile, 30 percent are pessimistic about their local economy, which is the highest since 2013.

Yet one in four (24 percent) plan to hire additional employees during the next six months, similar to the 26 percent last fall and 22 percent a year ago. The bright spot is that 43 percent of manufacturing firms plan to hire, which is up from 26 percent six months ago.

PNC’s survey findings show a positive trend over the past five years among small and mid-sized business owners when it comes to making money. Nearly half (45 percent) expect profits to increase during the next six months while 41 percent expect the bottom line to remain the same. Only 12 percent expect a decrease, the lowest since 2006. In terms of sales, 51 percent expect an increase compared to 52 percent in the fall.

“Business owners’ mood may have been impacted by the stock market volatility and presidential campaign rhetoric since the start of the year,” said PNC’s Chief Economist Stuart Hoffman. “But their cautious optimism about sales, profits and hiring represents solid fundamentals for the economy. These findings are far from a warning sign of recession from small business owners.”

Hoffman estimates the probability of a U.S. recession in 2016 is only about 20 percent. He added that the overall survey results reinforce the fundamentals are solid for the U.S. economy and supports PNC’s forecast for real GDP growth of 2.0 percent this year, slightly slower from the 2015 pace.

Financing Needs Remain Limited

Although expectations for business prospects are promising, loan and credit demand continue on a slow path upward. Eight out of 10 owners (83 percent) say they will not pursue new loans or lines of credit in the next six months while 14 percent will. Asked if the prospect of rising interest rates would impact pursuit of a loan, 76 percent said it wouldn’t.

Other key findings include:

Presidential Matters: More than half (53 percent) said they were not satisfied the potential presidential candidates were addressing the key issues for business owners.
Fewer Pay Raises on the Way: 34 percent expect to increase employees’ pay compared to 42 percent in the fall, which was the most since 2007.
Shortage of Skilled Workers: Three in 10 say it is harder to find qualified employees compared to 6-12 months ago. The biggest hiring challenge is that candidates don’t have the technical skills specific to the business, i.e., computer applications, tools or machinery.
Further Decline in Pricing Pressure: Nearly three in 10 (29 percent) plan to charge higher prices, on par with (28 percent) in the fall. For prices charged by suppliers, 44 percent expect price hikes compared to 50 percent six months ago. Seventy-seven percent expect consumer prices to rise this year, partly reflecting the sharp drop in energy prices.
Healthcare Cost Impact: Asked about the Affordable Care Act, 78 percent say it had no effect on their 2015 hiring and a similar number (82 percent) don’t expect impact this year. Most (56 percent) said insurance premiums increased in 2015 – and nearly half said they went up 10 percent or more. Looking ahead to 2016, 40 percent expect costs to increase, down from 49 percent in the fall.
Housing Prices Continue to Rise: Most (57 percent) expect prices to rise in their local market in the next 6-12 months, on par with 58 percent in the fall.

An online media kit containing national and regional survey results is available on PNC’s website at www.pnc.com/pncpresskits.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

Methodology

The PNC Economic Outlook survey was conducted between January 21 to March 8, 2016, by telephone within the United States among 1,867 owners or senior decision-makers of small and mid-sized businesses with annual revenues of $100,000 to $250 million. The results given in this release are based on interviews with 502 businesses nationally, while the remaining interviews were conducted among businesses within the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania plus Washington, D.C. Sampling error for the national results is +/- 4.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The survey was conducted by Artemis Strategy Group (www.ArtemisSG.com), a communications strategy research firm specializing in brand positioning and policy issues. The firm, headquartered in Washington D.C., provides communications research and consulting to a range of public and private sector clients.

This report has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended as specific advice or recommendations. Information has been gathered from third party sources and has not been independently verified or accepted by The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. PNC makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, assumptions, analyses or conclusions presented in the report. PNC cannot be held responsible for any errors or misrepresentations contained in the report or in the information gathered from third party sources. Any reliance upon the information provided in the report is solely and exclusively at your own risk.

CONTACT:

Alan Aldinger
(412) 768-3711
[email protected]

From The Director And Producers Of Velvet And Gran Hotel, Comes The First Netflix Original Series Shot And Produced In Spain

March 31, 2016

DIRECTOR CARLOS SEDES AND PRODUCERS RAMÓN CAMPOS AND TERESA FERNÁNDEZ VALDÉS REUNITE FOR NETFLIX

AMSTERDAM, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Netflix, the world’s leading Internet television network, announced today that its first original series filmed entirely in Spain, will start production in Madrid in 2016 and debut exclusively on Netflix around the globe in 2017.

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The drama is centered upon four women from different backgrounds, hired to be switchboard operators for the country’s only telephone company in 1920s Spain. These women have come from all over Spain to work at the forefront of a communication revolution in the middle of Madrid – a place which represents progress and modernity, where jealousy, envy and betrayal get mixed up with a hunger for success, with friendship and love, but, above all, with dreams.

The series is produced by Madrid-based Bambú Producciones, led by Ramón Campos and Teresa Fernández Valdés, producers of the acclaimed Spanish series Gran Hotel and Velvet, and co-created by Gema Neira. The 16 episode first season will begin shooting later this year. Episodes will run 50 minutes.

“It is incredibly exciting to have Netflix in Spain. We are enthusiastic fans of its original series and it is a real honor for us to now be part of this project,” said Ramón Campos, co-creator and executive producer of the show. “It is a joy to work with Netflix’s extremely talented team, who is revolutionizing the television industry worldwide,” added Teresa Fernández Valdés, executive producer of the series.

“We’re delighted to be working with Bambú Producciones, director Carlos Sedes and co-creator Gema Neira on our first original series filmed in Spain. We’re huge fans of their work on Gran Hotel and Velvet, epic romances that have been embraced by our members around the world,” said Erik Barmack, vice president of international original series at Netflix. “We’re certain that our members will love this unique and engaging drama created by some of the best storytellers in Spain.”

About Bambú Producciones

Bambú Producciones is a production company created in 2007 by Ramón Campos and Teresa Fernández Valdés to develop and produce fiction projects for television. After only eight, it has positioned itself in the international market as a European producer of reference thanks to titles like Grand Hotel, Velvet or The Refugees. The quality of its creative department and its productions grant a unique style without sacrificing large audiences.

About Netflix

Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 75 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

(Español) Pablo Soria De Lachica – Se Espera Que Sudamérica Se Convierta En Potencia Económica Global

March 30, 2016

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSnMKWtnM6la+1c8+MKW20151117

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

L.A. Business Journal Names New American Funding’s Patty Arvielo a Most Influential Lender

March 30, 2016

TUSTIN, California, March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New American Funding, a national mortgage banker, today announces that the Los Angeles Business Journal named their President, Patty Arvielo, as an Influential Lender. The Los Angeles Business Journal compiles this annual list recognizing lenders in Los Angeles based on their professional achievements in the finance industry during the last twelve to eighteen months.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160330/349493

Arvielo’s accomplishments include:

Involvement in the Diversity and Inclusion committee for the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Increasing the activity of her own Latino Focus Committee, and last year hosted two events which addressed how to serve and reach Hispanic millennials.
Serving on a number of multicultural lending committees, like the Freddie Mac Community Lender Advisory Board and Fannie Mae Affordable Housing Advisory Council.
Political involvement in the current and future states of mortgage banking and frequently visiting Washington, D.C. to lobby on behalf of the mortgage industry and homeowners.
Community involvement including serving on the Executive Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Orange County.
Managing operations and sales for New American Funding’s headquarters, branches, and 2000+ employees, while continuing to originate home loans each month on her own.

The Los Angeles Business Journal published the Most Influential Lenders list in their March 28^th supplemental edition. Arvielo was recognized alongside other influential lenders in the L.A. area.

About New American Funding

New American Funding is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae Direct Seller/Servicer, FHA Direct Endorsement and VA Automatic mortgage lender. The company is licensed in multiple states across the nation, has over 100 branch locations and offers a variety of purchase home loan and refinance loan options, including: Conventional, FHA, Cash Out, Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages, VA, HARP 2.0, Jumbo, and Reverse Mortgages.

Acclaimed Chefs and Got Milk? Spice up the Taco Scene

March 30, 2016

The Blazing Pork Belly Blossom created by chef Michael Ruffner of My Urban Eats in San Diego.

SAN CLEMENTE, California, March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Eating trends are born in California. When California moves towards a healthier and spicier diet, the rest of the nation follows. In recognition of the spicy food trend and California’s love affair with tacos, the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), creator of the iconic got milk? campaign, has launched a new statewide campaign titled, “Spicy Loves Milk,” which joins together Californians’ love of tacos and America’s fascination with spicy foods while highlighting milk’s essential role in spicy food pairing. Got milk? embarked on a journey to bring you the hottest tacos that are setting trends across the state. Seven popular chefs across California have each created a taco recipe that is true to their city’s culture, personality and taste, while showcasing milk’s versatility and unique ability to complement exciting spicy flavors and tone down the heat.

With a wide range of culinary backgrounds, these California chefs created milk and taco pairings that include the Crispy Lechón al Tomatillo from Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo of San Francisco’s Señor Sisig; a Citrus Pork Taco with Quemada Sauce from Palm Springs’ Las Casuelas Terraza; and the Blazing Pork Belly Blossom from Michael Ruffner of San Diego’s My Urban Eats, to name a few. Each and every chef selected brings something unique, bold and exciting to the table. Chefs Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo have redefined contemporary street food with their Filipino fusion dishes and have been voted SF Weekly’s Best Food Truck four years in a row. Chef Michael Ruffner prepares his dishes from a gourmet mobile kitchen that carries equipment only found in major, upscale restaurants and only uses local ingredients. Las Casuelas Terraza continues to appetize Palm Springs locals after more than 35 years in business by offering the best Mexican dishes in the Coachella Valley. Whether it’s with their unusual ingredients, unique cooking techniques, or alluring spices, they have all succeeded in taking the hottest food trends and integrated them into the taco.

“With milk’s inherent properties and quick ability to cool the tongue after eating spicy food, this food pairing couldn’t have been more perfect,” said Steve James executive director of the CMPB. The “Spicy Loves Milk” campaign will combine California Cuisine with our state’s freshest ingredients, exotic spices, and showcase diverse food offerings found only in California. “We are excited for taco lovers to try the varying flavor combinations which will be further enhanced by a milk pairing,” said Steve James.

The new generation of consumers in California and the rest of the nation seek flavor innovations and a growing desire for spicy foods. We are experiencing what is called, “The Sriracha Effect” as explained by Technomic¹. Technomic discovered that Sriracha can add an instant ethnic taste to something that may not be ethnic otherwise, for example a sandwich. Due to this effect, chefs are searching far and wide to find other assertive flavorings and spices that can be enjoyed the same way as Sriracha. Spicy foods not only arouse our taste buds but they offer health benefits as well². Spicy peppers contain capsaicinoids which have been found to help prevent chronic diseases and they also have high concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants. Among the health benefits linked to eating spicy foods is weight loss, and heart health to name a few.

For all of the spicy taco recipes created exclusively for got milk?, visit: www.gotmilk.com and follow got milk? via social media on Facebook/ Twitter @gotmilk and Instagram @officialgotmilk.

About the CMPB
The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of got milk? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. Got milk? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, in order to better align the English and Spanish language work. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

¹https://www.technomic.com/Pressroom/Releases/dynRelease_Detail.php?rUID=402
²http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/07/27/spicy-food-benefits.aspx

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