The Wall Las Memorias Project

A television news series about HIV/AIDS in Tijuana has been honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:30:30 -0400

A television news series about HIV/AIDS in Tijuana has been honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, presented by the Radio-Television News Directors Association. It is indeed gratifying that the important issue of HIV/AIDS has been recognized with such an award.

Cal State Northridge Professor and students visited Casa Hogar Las Memorias. Lincoln Harrison, student Natalia Zelaya, and James Hill produced a three-part series for KCET, as well as a half-hour program for L.A. Channel 36.

They are now working on a Spanish version of the half-hour program, and hope to have DVDs available for the XVII International AIDS conference in Mexico City on August 3-8, 2008.

AIDS Awareness Night with Chivas USA

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:41:22 -0400

June 4, 2008

Media Contact: Eddie Martinez
323-257-1056 ext. 28/emartinez@thewalllasmemorias.org

The Wall Las Memorias and Chivas USA team up to fight AIDS

Free Chivas USA game tickets to be distributed at local soccer fields and churches to encourage HIV testing and promote the annual AIDS Awareness night.

The Wall Las Memorias to host annual World AIDS Day event at Lincoln Park

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:10:00 -0500

This year, more than fifty volunteers from local youth groups and high schools will help set up and light 3,000 luminarias through out Lincoln Park in honor of continued AIDS awareness and activism...

Faith Leaders Embrace Call to Action to Fight AIDS in Latino Community

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:40:00 -0400

First ever conference on AIDS and faith brings together
communities of faith and people affected by HIV

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26  A historic conference on Latinos, faith, culture and HIV came come to a conclusion yesterday with an unprecedented call to action...

Faith and Community Leaders Unveil Final AIDS Monument Mural

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 21:30:00 -0400

September 7, 2007

Faith and Community Leaders Unveil Final AIDS Monument Mural

Presidential Candidate Governor Richardson Attends Morning Ceremony in Los Angeles

Los Angeles , CA - Faith and community leaders celebrated the unveiling of the final art mural for The Wall Las Memorias AIDS Monument in the eastside Los Angeles community of Lincoln Heights. What started as a dream for project founder and executive director Richard Zaldivar in 1993 came to a conclusion today with an unveiling of the "Spirituality and AIDS" mural. Ceremony was attended by Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico; clergy members representing the Roman Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant communities and over 100 community members.

The AIDS monument was officially dedicated in 2004 but completion was delayed due to controversy surrounding the art mural "Spirituality and AIDS". Prior to the dedication of the monument, a few community members objected to one of the selected art mural depicting the image of a Madonna. Opposition viewed the piece as a violation of church and state since public funds were used to support the project. Monument organizers decided to not use the questioned mural and re-commissioned artist Alex Alferov to submit a new art piece reflecting the theme of spirituality and AIDS. The new art mural is called "I Once Knew a Child with AIDS" depicts an image of a child and butterflies.

Opening the official ceremony was Herbert Siguenza of comedy group Culture Clash who all attendees to the morning event. The opening prayer was provided by Rev. Kathy Cooper-Ledesma, board member for the Wall Las Memorias Project and Pastor of the Hollywood United Methodist Church. Richard Zaldivar provided the opening remarks and cited the lyrics of the theatrical song "The Impossible Dream". He felt lyrics of the song best depicted the passion and dedication of the project staff members in fighting AIDS in the community. Their commitment to providing education and grassroots organizing community at a grassroots level has built wide support for the project. According to Zaldivar, "AIDS is alive and recognition of project workers is important since they are the ones in the trenches fighting this pandemic". Zaldivar also thanked New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and California State Senator Cedillo for their support of the unveiling ceremony. Senator Cedillo was scheduled to appear but unfortunately was not able to attend ceremony due to last minute work commitments in the state capital. From Sacramento, Cedillo offered his gratitude to all individuals especially faith leaders for using spirituality as a vehicle for discussing HIV/AIDS at the dinner table. Senator Cedillo stated "By continuing to work together we can increase awareness and prevention in combating HIV/AIDS among future generations".

Governor Richardson was given the opportunity to say a few words to audience. Richardson stated, "It is an honor to be here for the unveiling of the art mural at The Wall Las Memorias AIDS monument. "HIV/AIDS continues to devastate our families, loved ones and communities. I applaud the work of this organization in bringing together church leaders, parents, community based organizations, and the community. Together, they are creating a greater awareness and discussion about this devastating pandemic."

The event program also consisted of testimonials by Laura Heffron, Director of Community Relations for Macy's and Lupe Valdez Director of Public Policy and Community Affairs from Union Pacific Railroad.

Fr. Richard Estrada of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic church stated in his prayer that "God is watching and listening to the supporters of the monument The Wall Las Memorias. For without him and his help, we would not be here today among this magnificent crowd"

The audience was electrified with the performance of 18-year-old Karla Carillo, as she sang a cappella to Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful". Following the song, the crowd moved over to the art panel where Governor Richardson and founder Richard Zaldivar unveiled the art mural. The audience was moved as Karla Carillo sang "Amor Eterno (Eternal Love)". Doves were also released from the monument adding an emotional finale to the long hard campaign for the construction of the monument.

Other participants included Rev. Roberto Colon, Chairman of the Council, Synod of Southern & Hawaii, Presbyterian Church; Johnny Polanco, band leader, Conjunto Amistad; and Fr. Ruben Restrepo of St.Vincent De Paul Catholic Church.

There are sixty-five million people diagnosed with AIDS through out the world and in Los Angeles County over 45% of people living with AIDS are Latinos.

Founded in 1993, the mission of The Wall Las Memorias is to preserve the AIDS monument as an inspirational tool to educate the community about HIV/AIDS, cultural denial and to promote activism and a healthy living. The organization provides HIV prevention services to the high risk population in Los Angeles. The organization also provides services reaching out to the faith community and families.

For more information about The Wall Las Memorias Project please call (323) 257-1056 or visit www.thewalllasmemorias.org

AIDS Activist Richard Zaldivar Meets with Spanish AIDS Officials

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 21:00:00 -0500

NEWS RELEASE - January 15, 2007

AIDS Activist Richard Zaldivar Meets with Spanish AIDS Officials

From left to right: Marisa Garcia Tunon, subdirector of general of international relaltions; Richard Zaldivar, Executive Director, The Wall Las Memorias Project; María Val DÍEZ, PHD, Secretary of the National Plan on AIDS for Spain. To the right: Jose Onorbe de Torre, Subdirector de information, setudiosicoordination de programmas de prevencion y asistencia and Monica Suarez Cardona.

Los Angeles AIDS activist and founder of The Wall Las Memorias Project recently met with María Val DÍEZ, Secretary of the National Plan on AIDS for the Ministry of Health & Consumer Affairs for the government of Spain. Richard Zaldivar took time our from his vacation schedule to meet with the National AIDS director. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the climate of drug use and HIV in the Latino community in Spain and the United States.

Spain is doing an incredible job in the area of HIV prevention and care, Zaldivar stated. Our communities are oceans apart; while there are some cultural differences, there are also many similarities on issues that contribute to HIV/AIDS. We will be sharing some information about crystal methamphetamine use and other pertinent data in the near future, Zaldivar further stated.

The entire country reported an estimate of 140,000 people living with HIV/AIDS as of the end of the year 2005.In Spain a high rate of the contraction of AIDS is through IV drug use, whereas the majority of cases of AIDS in the United States are through sexual contact.

While in Spain, Zaldivar also had an opportunity to meet with Alberto Martin Perez, of the Colectivo de Lesbianas and Gays de Madrid, which oversees the HIV Prevention and treatments services for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in Madrid.

25 Years after AIDS was first identified, Family, Friends remember loved ones.

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 21:00:00 -0500

NEWS RELEASE - December 01, 2006

25 Years after AIDS was first identified, Family, Friends remember loved ones.

Los Angeles, CA - Twenty five after AIDS was first identified, hundreds of individuals who have a lost a friend or family member to AIDS gathered to honor their loved ones at the 13th annual Noche de las Memorias/World AIDS Day (Evening of Memories) at the Eastside AIDS Monument in Lincoln Park. Names that have been submitted since last year and recently etched on the monuments granite panels were unveiled.

As part of the evenings ceremony, a gong was rung 25 times to represent every year since AIDS was first identified and acknowledge the loss and sacrifices made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The gong was rung by Dennis Leoni, creator and executive producer of the HBO series Resurrection Blvd., who lost his brother Anthony to AIDS. Anthonys name was placed on the AIDS Monument.
After 25 years, it is all too easy to think of people lost to AIDS as a number and statistic, said Mr. Leoni. Tonight, here and throughout the world, we remember them as brothers, sisters, friends, uncles and parents. We honor their lives and, in doing so, give dimension to the truth and tragedy of AIDS.

Approximately 375 names of individuals lost to AIDS are now part of the monument, including recent submissions. A suggested donation of $50 is requested to process a name and etch it on a panel. The two panels will eventually hold approximately 8,000 names.

On World AIDS Day, we come together to remember the loved ones we have lost to AIDS, said Richard Zaldivar, executive director and founder of The Wall-Las Memorias Project. We call it Noche de las Memorias or an evening of memories because memories are very powerful, and can guide us in healing or motivate us to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Singer and actress Apollonia was honored for her service and commitment to fighting AIDS. CBS 2 news anchor Laura Diaz, who served as the evenings mistress of ceremonies for the third year in a row, was also honored for her support of Noche de las Memorias.

State Senator Gloria Romero spoke at the World AIDS Day event at Lincoln Park holding up a candle up in solidarity with World AIDS Day observers. Senator Romero detailed how the disease disproportionately impacts the Latino community in the United States.

Event supporters included Blue Cross of California, State Farm, CBS 2/KCAL 9 and ALL Student Loan. Honorary Committee hosts include Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Supervisors Gloria Molina, Yvonne B. Burke, and Don Knabe, Assembly Member-elect Richard Alarcon, Senators Jack Scott and Gil Cedillo, Senators-elect Ron Calderon and Mark Ridley-Thomas, Council Members Ed P. Reyes, Wendy Greuel and Janice Hahn, among many others.

The mission of The Wall-Las Memorias Project (www.thewalllasmemorias.org) is to educate the Latino community about HIV/AIDS and the ways that shame, denial and fear contribute to the spread of HIV. The AIDS monument is not only a memorial to those who have died of AIDS, but a place for family members and friends to visit and seek solace, and an educational tool in the fight against HIV. It uniquely blends art, architecture, landscape and public participation to create a unique public health message for Latinos and Southern California residents.

Act Now Against Meth presents 10,000 petition signatures

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 20:50:00 -0400

NEWS RELEASE - September 19, 2006

Act Now Against Meth presents 10,000 petition signatures and is victorious at Board of Supervisors meeting.

Richard Zaldivar, Founder and Executive Director of The Wall Las Memorias Project speaks on behalf of the Act Now Against Meth in a morning press conference.

Board passes motion instructing the Alcohol and Drugs, AIDS and Mental Health directors to respond in 90 days.

Los Angeles, CA After 12 months of community mobilizing and meeting with elected officials, The Act Now Against Meth coalition was victorious in getting the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors to respond to the methamphetamine abuse epidemic. Recommended by Supervisors Yaroslavsky and Burke, the Board of Supervisors passed a motion instructing the Director of Public Health's Alcohol and Drug Program Administration and Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, and the Director of Mental Health to report back to the Board within 90 days on a comprehensive strategy for (meth) use prevention and intervention, including an overview of meth use in Los Angeles. The strategy should identify specific goals, objectives and outcome measures for dealing with the epidemic.

Before the motion was passed, coalition leaders presented the Act Now Against Meth petition signed by 10,000 concerned community members. The petition demanded that the Board declare a public health emergency, including five other action items.

The five other demands are:

1. Create and expand state and federal programs to educate health care professionals to identify, educate and treat methamphetamine addiction.
2. Coordinate and integrate meth prevention, educational and treatment strategies among local, state and federal HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted disease, substance abuse, and mental health programs.
3. Fully fund awareness, educational, prevention and treatment efforts.
4. Fund message/intervention research and development of effective social marketing campaigns to reach at-risk populations.
5. Require large-scale social events, such as circuit parties and community events, to provide methamphetamine education or prevention.

The Act Now Against Meth Coalition began the signature-gathering effort last fall. In addition to gathering petitions throughout Los Angeles at events and various venues, the coalition has held candlelight vigils and built relationships with other organizations and individuals across the county to raise awareness about crystal meth and its effect on communities and families. "This coalition is about speaking on behalf of those affected by the meth epidemic and those who have a meth addiction and absolutely have no where to go", says Tim Young, Associate Director- Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team.

Crystal meth is a community issue, and it requires a community response, said Eddie Martinez, associate director of The Wall-Las Memorias Project and a member of the Act Now Against Meth Coalition. But we cant do it alone. Thats why were took our demands to the Board of Supervisors. We must work together. And we must act quickly.

In addition to the 90 day response, the board also instructed the County's Legislative Advocates in Sacramento to identify and support legislation that will fund and expand the County's research and prevention and treatment efforts on meth addiction; and instruct the Director of Public Health to expand the membership of the Methamphetamine Work Group to include additional advocates against crystal meth use including community service agencies serving at-risk populations.

Coalition leaders will continue to seek a declaration of a public state of health emergency for the county of Los Angeles as they wait for the department directors to respond in 90 days with their plan of action.

Coalition members include Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team, Being Alive, BiLatinMen.com, Casa de las Amigas, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Choices, El Centro del Pueblo, El Proyecto del Barrio, Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council, Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles, Midtowne Spa, About Time Productions, The Wall-Las Memorias Project, The Tweakers Project, Van Ness Recovery House.

In attendance was Jury Candelario, Executive Director of Asian Pacific AIDS intervention Team, Rafael Cosio, Executive Director, Being Alive, Rev. Will Wauters, and Epiphany Episcopal Church, Lincoln Heights; Pastor Randy Carrillo, Highland Park Ministry Fellowship; Najee Ali, Project Islamic H.O.P.E.

Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist Clergy Lead World AIDS Day Observance at AIDS Monument

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 20:40:00 -0500

December 2, 2005

For Immediate release
Contact: Eddie Martinez, 323-257-1056 Ext 28

Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist Clergy Lead World AIDS Day Observance at AIDS Monument

"Hope & Faith" theme reflects the spiritual and religious dimension often absent in the fight against AIDS.

CBS 2 News anchorwoman Laura Diaz, serving as mistress of ceremonies, joined 19 members of the clergy, who represent four major faith traditions, for the 12th annual Noche de las Memorias / World AIDS Day observance in Lincoln Park, just east of downtown Los Angeles. Several hundred people, including parents, family and friends who have lost loved ones to AIDS, attended.

The evening began with a symbolic candlelight walk around the lake at Lincoln Park led by Danza Azteca Ketzalitzli and ended at the monument site. The program that followed included the reading of names etched on the monument panels and reflections offered by the clergy. Several attendees brought mementos (ie, photos) of their loved ones to place on makeshift altar at the monument site.

Richard Zaldivar, executive director and founder of The Wall-Las Memorias Project, paid special tribute to the late Congressman Ed Roybal for early leadership in the fight against AIDS. Zaldivar also honored several individuals for their support of the monument, including Starline Nursery, Allen Ross, ARTCO.

The theme of this years Noche de las Memorias is Hope and Faith, and the large and diverse assembly of clergy reflects this years emphasis on the spiritual and religious dimensions of AIDS.

Many of us gather tonight as people who have faith in a creator who watches over us and who wants his people to heal and be whole, said Father Will Wauters of Epiphany Episcopal Church in Lincoln Heights. His faith in us is that we will respond as a community with compassion, generosity and justicenot only here in Lincoln Heights and Los Angeles, but worldwide.

Sadly, many people believe they cannot turn to their church to seek shelter from the storm of this disease, said Richard Zaldivar, founder and executive director of The Wall-Las Memorias Project, the organizer of the event. Tonight, we bring together clergy to show our community and the world that every faith tradition is compassionate and welcoming to people affected by AIDS.

Major sponsors of Noche de las Memorias include Adelphia, Blue Cross of California, CBS 2 / KCAL 9, Midtowne Spa and Coca Cola.

The mission of The Wall-Las Memorias Project (www.thewalllasmemorias.org) is to educate the Latino community about HIV/AIDS and the ways that shame, denial and fear contribute to the spread of HIV. The organization led the construction of the AIDS monument which is not only a memorial to those who have died of AIDS, but a place for family members and friends to visit and seek solace, and, most important, an educational tool in the fight against HIV.

Most recently, the organization has taken a lead role in addressing the growing crystal meth/methamphetamine epidemic. Many public health and AIDS leaders consider crystal meth to be one of the key factors in driving the recent surge in HIV infections.
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AIDS Prevention Leader Richard Zaldivar Granted a Three-Month Sabbatical by The California Wellness Foundation

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 20:40:00 -0500

November 3, 2005

For Immediate Release

Contact: Eddie Martinez, 323 257-1056 Ext 28

AIDS Prevention Leader Richard Zaldivar Granted a Three-Month Sabbatical by The California Wellness Foundation

Richard Zaldivar, Executive Director of The Wall Las Memorias Project

Los Angeles, CA - Richard Zaldivar, the executive director and founder of The Wall Las Memorias Project, a non-profit noted for its innovative AIDS prevention and education programs and its construction of an AIDS monument in Lincoln Park, was awarded a three-month sabbatical by The California Wellness Foundation. The award was announced at an executive luncheon on November 1. Zaldivar was one of eight awardees who represented non-profit health care executives.

The leadership support program, now in its third year, provides eight California-based organizations funds to cover their leaders salaries and expenses during a sabbatical. The sabbaticals last a minimum of three months.

A health non-profit can suffer from a loss in productivity ad efficiency when its executive director experiences stress, fatigue and burnout, said Gary L. Yates, TCWF president and CEO. The foundation recognizes these eight individuals, who work tirelessly on behalf of their organizations health missions, with the 2005 TCWF Sabbatical Awards.

I am deeply honored to receive this award, said Richard Zaldivar. After many years of working on behalf of the community, I know it is time to take some time off and enjoy myself.

Eddie Martinez, the associate director for The Wall-Las Memorias Project said, I am very happy that my boss and mentor is finally able to take some time off. After all he has done for the community over the years, he deserves it.

Zaldivar plans on traveling to Mexico during sabbatical and hopes to visit orphanages and communities impacted by AIDS.

Ida Tagliente, board chair said This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him. Every board member is excited for him and knows that he deserving of a rest.

Richard Zaldivar was recently honored as a Local Hero by Union Bank of California and KCET during Hispanic Heritage Month. He is noted for being a visionary and creator of the nations first publicly funded AIDS monument in the nation. As the founder and executive director of the project for 11 years, Zaldivar has stood by his dream and vision for his community. Under his leadership, cultural specific HIV/AIDS education programs have been implemented targeting Latino faith-based institutions in Los Angeles County.

Richard Zaldivar is a life long resident of the Northeast Los Angeles community. He was a deputy to Los Angeles City Councilman Art Snyder for fourteen years. He played a key role in saving Cathedral High School from the sale and demolition.