August 17, 2001

KCET HONORS FIVE LOCAL HEROES FROM COMMUNITY FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

KCET will begin the month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Wednesday, September 5, when the station and Union Bank of California, N.A. (UBOC) sponsor its annual awards dinner to honor local heroes who have contributed to improving the quality of life in Southern California. The by-invitation-only event, held at KCET Studios in Hollywood, acknowledges the contribution and commitment of six Hispanic citizens making a difference in the areas of Southern California business, art, social service and community activism

Feted at this year's reception are: Jose and Carlos Alfaro, CEO and president of Alfaro & Alfaro; Natividad "Nati" Cano, musical director of Mariachi Los Camperos; Juana Hernandez, president and co-founder of Madres del Este de Los Angeles-Santa Isabel; Roland Palencia, executive director of Clínica Msr. Oscar A. Romero and Raul S. Vargas, executive director of the Office of Mexican American Programs at the University of Southern California. The honorees will also be acknowledged in a collection of short video profiles that will broadcast on KCET throughout the months of September and October. "This is the fourth year KCET and Union Bank of California have teamed to host the Hispanic Heritage Month Awards, honoring the accomplishments of people who have made living in Southern California something special," said Al Jerome, president and CEO of KCET. "It is KCET's mission to celebrate the diversity of our community, with both our program schedule and community outreach events."

"Through our partnership with KCET during Hispanic Heritage Month, we have a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of different backgrounds but who share one common vision: their commitment to improve the lives of those around them," said George Ramirez senior vice president and area executive with UBOC.