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Phoenix Tower International closes on 145 wireless communication tower sites and marketing rights to over 400 wireless communication tower sites from Viva in the Dominican Republic

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BOCA RATON, Fla., March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Phoenix Tower International (“PTI”) via its subsidiary Phoenix Tower Dominicana S.A.S. announces that it has closed its transaction with Trilogy Dominicana, S.A. (“Viva”) to acquire the ownership or management and marketing rights relating to over 400 wireless communication tower sites from Viva. Terms of the transaction remain confidential between the parties.

“PTI is thrilled to announce our latest acquisition of towers from Viva in the Dominican Republic.  We are excited to grow our investment in Dominican Republic wireless infrastructure and look forward to working with Viva to enhance their network in the Dominican Republic as well as the other operators as they further their network build-outs,” stated Dagan Kasavana, Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Tower International.  “Furthermore, this latest acquisition brings PTI and Phoenix Tower do Brasil’s (“PTB”)’s combined tower count to over 2,000 sites across the Americas – truly a major accomplishment.”

About Phoenix Tower International:

Phoenix Tower International (“PTI”) owns and operates towers and other wireless infrastructure and related sites throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States.  PTI was founded in 2013 with a mission to be a premier site provider to wireless operators across various high-growth markets internationally.  Phoenix Tower International and Phoenix Tower do Brasil currently own and operate wireless infrastructure in Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru, United States and Brazil.  PTI’s investors include funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities, as well as various members of the management team.  PTI is based in Boca Raton, Florida.  For more information about Phoenix Tower International, please visit www.phoenixintnl.com.

Honey: A Delicious “Bare Necessity” that Sweetens Family Life

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This is no ordinary popcorn. This Safari Honey-Butter-Cinnamon Popcorn is the ultimate movie-time (or anytime) snack! Courtesy: National Honey Board

FIRESTONE, Colorado, March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Inspired by Disney’s all-new live-action epic adventure The Jungle Book, in theaters April 15th, the National Honey Board (NHB) launches its “Golden Family Time” campaign to make family life in the kitchen deliciously easy and worry-free when done with one of Mother Nature’s simple “bare necessities”: pure, golden honey. For this springtime campaign, the NHB is joined by Laura Fuentes, author of the food and parenting blog LauraFuentes.com, founder & CEO of MOMables, cookbook author and media personality.  The NHB and Fuentes have created a fun and flavorful array of child-approved recipes, including movie snacks and meals, all made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and complemented with a touch of nature’s versatile sweetener to make them irresistible.

This is no ordinary popcorn. This Safari Honey-Butter-Cinnamon Popcorn is the ultimate movie-time (or anytime) snack! Courtesy: National Honey Board

“Family meals are a top priority for me,” shared Fuentes. “Making tasty, fresh food with wholesome ingredients, like pure honey, is important to me and my family. I’m excited to join the NHB in sharing some of my easy-to-make children’s recipes made with honey that are perfect to share at the table or during sweet family bonding moments, like family movie night at home. I hope families will be motivated to get in the kitchen and create these and other dishes using as many fresh and wholesome ingredients as possible.”

Considered an online authority on kids’ health and wellness, Fuentes is the author of three children’s cookbooks including The Best Homemade Kids Lunches on the Planet and The Best Homemade Snacks on the Planet and The Best Homemade Kids’ Grain-Free Meals on the Planet. As a mom of three, her creativity and palate-pleasing savviness are demonstrated in the six recipes created for the NHB. Ranging from a naturally sweetened and power-packed breakfast to-go to get kids going in the morning to fun-to-eat school lunchbox meals, and even subtly sweet homemade takeout favorites served in cool lettuce cups, Fuentes’s no-fuss meals will have children singing the praises of the kitchen’s delectable bare necessities of life, including the magic of honey. 

Among Fuentes’s playful yet simple recipes inspired by The Jungle Book for youngsters and the young-at-heart are:

Safari Honey-Butter-Cinnamon Popcorn
This is no ordinary popcorn. This is the ultimate movie-time (or anytime) snack!

Makes 6 cups

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons honey
½ cup corn kernels, popped to yield approx. six cups of popcorn
2 tablespoons low fat butter spread 
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt

Preparation:
Air pop or microwave the corn kernels and transfer to a large bowl. In a small microwave safe dish, add butter spread, honey, cinnamon and salt. Place in microwave for 20-30 seconds, until butter is melted. Using a fork, combine the honey-butter mixture. Pour over popcorn and toss until the mixture is distributed throughout.

Jungle Honey Lettuce Cups
Lettuce cups are fun to eat! It will get kids to eat more greens

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
½ tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 ½ pounds ground chicken or turkey
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup shredded purple cabbage
½ cup bean sprouts
1/3 cup honey roasted peanuts
Butter lettuce leaves, for serving

Preparation:
In a small bowl, whisk to combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil. Set aside. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, place olive oil and onions. Begin to sauté onions until they become golden and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute. To the soft onions, add in ground chicken and shredded carrots. Cook, stirring frequently and while breaking up the chicken pieces, until it’s cooked throughout, for about 5-7 minutes. Pour sauce over cooked chicken mixture and combine. Place the lid, reduce heat, and simmer for 3 minutes. Top with bean sprouts, chopped cabbage, and roasted peanuts and cover for an additional 3 minutes. Scoop mixture into lettuce cups and serve.

Find these and other tasty & kid-friendly honey recipes for family movie nights and meals any time of day visiting mielpura.org and momables.com, where you will also find some how-to videos, led by Laura Fuentes, which you can use as guides in the kitchen. Try a recipe out today with your kids; once they see how easy it is, preparing a honey meal will become a new bonding activity for the whole family!

About the National Honey Board
The National Honey Board is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that works to educate consumers about the benefits and uses for honey and honey products through research, marketing and promotional programs. For more information, visit honey.com

About The Jungle Book
Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong‘o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016. For more information, check out Disney.com/thejunglebook, like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyJungleBook, and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thejunglebook and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneythejunglebook/

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160329/349299

Labor Commissioner Cites San Jose Residential Care Company $443,460 for Shorting 22 Workers on Minimum Wage, Overtime

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SAN JOSE, California, March 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su has cited the operator of five adult care facilities in San Jose for multiple wage theft violations totaling $443,460. TJ Homes Corporation was ordered to pay $369,110 to 22 caregivers following an investigation that revealed the workers did not receive minimum wage or overtime as required by law.

“These caregivers, who were cheated of their wages by their employer, will now be paid their lost wages,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “TJ Homes Corporation also will pay liquidated damages and civil penalties for shortchanging their workers on minimum wage and overtime, making it clear that violating wage and hour laws is much more expensive than paying employees what they are owed.”

The Labor Commissioner’s Office opened its investigation after receiving a complaint last April. A review of TJ Homes’ records found that:

  • Workers were not paid overtime, despite working up to 12 hours a day.
  • Workers were required to cover night shifts at no pay.
  • Workers were paid less than San Jose’s minimum wage of $10.30 per hour.
  • Workers’ pay stubs were missing vital information such as hourly rate of pay, total regular hours worked and number of overtime hours worked. 
  • Workers who quit or were fired did not receive their final pay as required.

TJ Homes Corporation must pay the workers $192,050 in lost wages, $150,200 for liquidated damages, and $26,855 in interest and waiting time penalties. In addition, $74,355 in civil penalties is owed for failing to provide the workers itemized wage statements with their paychecks as well as minimum wage and overtime violations. The civil penalties collected will be transferred to the State’s General Fund as required by law.

The company owns and operates Evergreen Guest Home #1 on Haga Drive, Evergreen Guest Home #2 and #4 on McLaughlin Avenue, Evergreen Guest Home #3 on Bendmill Way and Lindstrom Arf on Lindstrom Court.

When workers are paid less than minimum wage they are entitled to liquidated damages which equal the amount of underpaid wages plus interest. Waiting time penalties are imposed when the employer fails to provide workers their final paycheck after separation. This penalty is calculated by taking the employee’s daily rate of pay and multiplying it by the number of days the employee was not paid, up to a maximum of 30 days. 

The Wage Theft is a Crime public awareness campaign, launched in 2014 by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Labor Commissioner’s Office, has helped inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities. The campaign includes multilingual print and outdoor advertising as well as radio commercials in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hmong and Tagalog.

DIR 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’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), also known as the Labor Commissioner’s Office, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses and educates the public on labor laws.

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 Paola Laverde or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

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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 Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

Somos Next Launches “Pinguinitos”

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Pinguinitos

MIAMI, March 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Somos Next, a company focused on the development and the commercialization of audiovisual content in the Spanish OTT (“Over the Top”) market launched its brand “Pinguinitos”, which consists of a catalog of selected/branded animation in Spanish for children from 0-5 years of age. “Pinguinitos'” content is free of violence, in neutral Spanish, targeting Latino toddlers and preschoolers. The service’s goal is to help parents in preserving Latino cultural traditions and language through entertaining and educational programming. This content is available through direct distribution to the audience (YouTube, websites and an application) and also companies interested in this specific demographic.

Pinguinitos

Somos Next expects that Internet consumption habits in Latino children ages 0-5 will attract a significant audience for “Pinguinitos”. Luis Guillermo Villanueva, Somos Next COO, said: “with ‘Pinguinitos’ we strive to create a fun and friendly place to ensure parents that their children are receiving entertaining but at the same time educational programming in their mother language”. Somos Next, complements its online and “Over the Top” offering with its brand “FlixLatino”, launched to meet Latinos’ demand for quality films in Spanish.

You can access “Pinguinitos” through www.pinguinitos.com, and enjoy animation such as: “Chloe’s Closet”, “Dive Olly Dive”, “Bali“, “Monkey See, Monkey Do” and other prestigious content in Spanish. Each animated series is full of adventure and important life lessons that will help children’s sense of family, friendship and values. The website offers a wide range of educational videos, interactive games and other fun activities.

Pinguinitos.com offers the fastest growing, alternative, wholesome and educational way to keep the little ones entertained anywhere, anytime though your mobile devices.

Pinguinitos belongs to SOMOS Next, LLC, a subsidiary of SOMOSTV LLC, focused on the commercialization and distribution of paid audiovisual content primarily in Spanish in the online environment, either linearly, on demand or any other current or future form. SOMOS Next offers online content audience under their brands Pinguinitos and FlixLatino (movies, series and other fiction formats).

Media Contact: Emma McGregor, (786) 220-0428, [email protected]

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160328/349087

Main Street Bondholders Applauds Growing Support in Puerto Rico for Protection of Constitutional Bondholders

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WASHINGTON, March 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Main Street Bondholders applauds the ongoing support from leading Puerto Rican elected officials in support of a consensual solution to Puerto Rico’s debt crisis despite actions by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) to adopt a Super Chapter 9 approach to debt restructuring, and undermining the progress towards a consensual deal and the Puerto Rican Constitution.

Unlike Bishop’s Super Chapter 9 legislation put forth in the U.S. House of Representatives, a consensual solution would assure continued interest payments on Puerto Rico’s obligations consistent with the priority of bonds established by the Commonwealth’s Constitution, and would promote voluntary negotiations between the island and its bondholders.

Without local leadership in Puerto Rico, it will be impossible to secure a consensual deal that balances the legal rights of bondholders with respect for the Puerto Rican Constitution. Efforts in Congress to impose the Obama Administration’s Super Chapter 9 plan, by any name, are a severe hindrance to this ongoing effort and undermine the Puerto Rican Constitution.

Here is what members of Main Street Bondholders have said about these leaders:

“I was pleased to see gubernatorial candidate and Popular Democratic Party leader, Dr. David Bernier, produce a thoughtful and comprehensive proposal to address the Puerto Rico fiscal crisis – one which respects the Puerto Rican Constitution and supports a path forward for bondholders and the government to secure a consensual agreement,” said Main Street Bondholders member, Teresa Garcia. “It gives me hope that some of our political leaders understand the gravity of this situation for the island’s future financial integrity and for our people.”

Main Street Bondholders member Joaquin Garcia de la Noceda said of gubernatorial candidate for the New Progressive Party Ricardo Rosselló, Ricky Rosselló’s commitment to respecting the priority and protections afforded to bondholders by our Constitution is an example for all Puerto Ricans to follow. He and Representative Jenniffer González Colón have made clear the necessity to respect and uphold the Puerto Rican Constitution.”

Main Street Bondholders member Maria Milagros Rodriguez said of Resident Commissioner, gubernatorial candidate and president of the New Progressive Party Pedro Pierluisi, “I’m encouraged that Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi has committed to prioritizing the Constitution and applaud his call for the Government to continue working with bondholders to reach a consensual solution to this crisis.” 

House Speaker Jaime Perello and Representative Rafeal ‘Tatito’ Hernandez have been strong in their support for the rule of law and for continuing negotiations with bondholders like ourselves within the existing legal framework,” said Main Street Bondholders member Milagros Rodriguez. “I am very pleased that they have acknowledged our eagerness to remain at the table.”

“It is encouraging that Angel Rosa and Hector Ferrer, candidates for the offices of resident commissioner, understand the importance of following through on Puerto Rico’s constitutional obligations,” said Main Street Bondholders member Carlos Alberto Ponce de Leon. “A clear pathway to a consensual deal has already been established, and Congress should not make it more difficult by passing legislation that tramples our constitutional rights.”

Main Street Bondholders Coalition is a project of the 60 Plus Association, and is comprised of small bondholders from across America who are committed to a policy process that returns Puerto Rico to sound financial management, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of their retirement savings.

Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs Bring Professional Soccer Team To San Francisco

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A group of entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and Brazil announced today a new professional soccer team will be coming to San Francisco. The new team is named the San Francisco Deltas and will begin play in February 2017.

SF Deltas To Begin Play in 2017

SAN FRANCISCO, March 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A group of entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and Brazil announced today a new professional soccer team will be coming to San Francisco. The new team, named the San Francisco Deltas, the city’s only professional club, will begin play in February 2017.

Video – http://youtu.be/27BH7yCf9rQ
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160325/348173
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160325/348172LOGO

The San Francisco soccer startup is led by Colombian-born entrepreneur, Brian Andrés Helmick.

“Today is a great day for Bay Area soccer and sports fans alike,” said Brian Andrés Helmick, SF Deltas CEO. “This game — soccer, fútbol, football — is one that unites us all, crossing all boundaries whether geographical, religious or socio-economic. Now fans of the world’s largest sport will have an opportunity to experience it played at the highest level right here in the heart of the City.”

The team is funded by a diverse group of investors who have helped build companies like Apple, Facebook, Google, PayPal, Twitter and Yahoo. The investor group also includes individuals from venture capital firms including Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Felicis and Precursor. Finally, the investor group counts on entrepreneurs from Brazil who bring their expertise from the country with the most World Cup wins and the birthplace of some of the greatest players of all time.

“Timing is everything and current awareness of global soccer teams and players by Americans is at its peak,” said Emily Melton, Deltas investor and Partner at venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson. “The trend of average stadium attendance for pro soccer is not only outpacing, but in some cases surpassing that of the NBA and NHL.”

Given its tech savvy fan-base, the startup plans on leveraging technology to enhance fan and player experiences, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ticketing and Virtual Reality.

“This opportunity is at the intersection of the technology capital of the world and the biggest sport in the world,” said Charles Hudson, Deltas investor and Managing Partner at Precursor Ventures. “Whether it’s VR, AI Ticketing, or wearables, Deltas fans will experience a well-integrated level of participatory engagement that will bring them into the action.”

The name ‘Deltas’ captures the spirit of the franchise squarely rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area that is known for change and innovation. The logo is a triangle and symbol for delta which means change. The logo incorporates the “S” and “F” of “San Francisco“.

The team intends to join the North American Soccer League (NASL), an alternate league to Major League Soccer (MLS), and will compete in the U.S. Open Cup and will host friendly matches, including a pre-season match against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Home matches will be played at Kezar Stadium, formerly home of the San Francisco 49ers, when they were in their startup phase. The greatest soccer player of all time Pelé even played in the stadium located in Golden Gate Park.

Deltas fans can now reserve their inaugural season tickets at sfdeltas.com and become Founding Season Ticket Members for an initial deposit of $50 per person. The stadium only has capacity for approximately 10,000 fans, so the inaugural season is expected to be sold out. Accessibility is a priority for the Deltas, so 3,000 Discounted Tickets for $20 or less will be available, subject to first come, first serve. The team is currently running a season ticket referral program offering fans an opportunity to win up to a lifetime of season tickets.

“We are fans who feel blessed to be in a position to be running a soccer team and wanted to do something special,” said Brian Andrés Helmick, SF Deltas CEO. “The person who refers the most people to buy season tickets will win lifetime season tickets and will be assigned Founding Season Ticket Holder #1. In short, we are searching for our #1 fan.” People can also win 5-year and 1-year season tickets.

For more information, visit www.sfdeltas.com.

Video: https://youtu.be/27BH7yCf9rQ

About the SF Deltas
The SF Deltas is an American professional soccer team based in San Francisco, California. The club was founded in 2015 by a diverse group of entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and Brazil, and the team will begin play in February 2017. Home matches will be played at Kezar Stadium, formerly home of the San Francisco 49ers. To learn more, visit www.sfdeltas.com. Follow the Deltas on Twitter and Instagram at @sfdeltas and Facebook at www.facebook.com/sfdeltas.

New Spanish Campaign and Portal for Fire Prevention Information

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WASHINGTON, March 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As summer approaches, wildfires increase. The USDA Forest Service and Hispanic Communications Network-La Red Hispana (HCN) are joining forces to launch a series of Spanish-language radio programs with information and recommendations on how to protect our forests and green open spaces.

The radio programs direct listeners to the USDA Forest Service website www.Bosque.gov/HCN, which gives the Spanish-speaking public general resources on the importance of getting involved in protecting our forests, and how to prevent wildfires.

Wildfires can threaten entire communities. They endanger our natural, economic and cultural resources.

Every year in the United States, an average of 62,000 human caused wildfires burn approximately 2.4 million acres. Most of these begin as unattended or abandoned campfires.

“Our Hispanic communities have a natural inclination to care about the environment, but sometimes don’t know how to make an actual difference. We want to inform and create action toward forest protection and wildfire prevention,” said Alison Rodden, CEO of Hispanic Communications Network.

In dry areas, such as Arizona and New Mexico, summer temperatures can cause an environment more frequently susceptible to wildfires.

The campaign informs the public that seemingly simple actions can cause major fires in forests:

  • Lit cigarettes thrown from a vehicle or thrown to the ground
  • Campfires and barbecues not completely doused
  • Leftover charcoal and dry wood used to light a grill
  • Equipment-caused accidental fires

Preventive measures must be kept in mind at all times. Dry, windy day conditions can cause a fire to spread quickly.

To learn more about how to protect our forests and help prevent forest fires, please visit www.Bosque.gov/HCN. Remember that environmental protection is our responsibility.

About Hispanic Communications Network (HCN) – La Red Hispana

Hispanic Communications Network (HCN)-La Red Hispana is a mission-driven media marketing organization based in Washington, DC. HCN serves as the largest producer of media content with an educational focus to improve quality of life for Spanish-speaking consumers in the United States. HCN’s primary mission since 1982 has been the production of daily radio programming on issues relevant to Hispanic public education and outreach campaigns. The company’s digital affiliate network launched in the fall of 2015. For more information visit hcnmedia.com and laredhispana.org.

Contact: Mercy Padilla
(202) 360-4112
[email protected]