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.