Fundacion Azteca America, Mexican American Legal and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Census 2010 Present 'State of Latinos: Census 2010' Forum on March 4 at Azteca America Los Angeles 54 Studios in Glendale, CA

Fundacion Azteca America, Mexican American Legal and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Census 2010 Present 'State of Latinos: Census 2010' Forum on March 4 at Azteca America Los Angeles 54 Studios in Glendale, CA

Nancy Agosto, National Director of the Census for MALDEF, to moderate town hall format

Findings to be presented this summer by University of Denver in a white paper

LOS ANGELES, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Fundacion Azteca America, MALDEF and the Mayor's Office of Census 2010 are pleased to present "The State of Latinos: Census 2010" forum the latest of a series of events to encourage Latino participation in the 2010 Census.

The discussion and educational event is designed to eliminate any misconceptions about the 2010 Census and emphasize the importance of the process for the political and economic well-being of the Latino community in the United States.

The State of Latinos: Census 2010 will be held at Azteca America's flagship station, Azteca America, Los Angeles 54 in Glendale and taped live to air.

The forum includes the participation of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Father Richard Estrada, University of Denver Professor Debora Ortega and the U.S. Census Bureau California Assistant Regional Director Celeste Jimenez. The forum will also have remote participation of Latino leaders such as Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, labor activist Dolores Huerta, MALDEF President Thomas A. Saenz, NALEO Executive Director Arturo Vargas and Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Fundacion Azteca America and Azteca America Network.

The forum is part of a multipronged, multimedia effort by Fundacion Azteca America to encourage Latino participation in the Census process. The 2010 Census is a crucial step for the Latino community to ensure that it is proportionally represented in federal, state and local budgets, as well as in representative districts of the political process. Unfortunately, fear of authorities by the Latino community can lead to limited participation in the census process.

"The Census calls on every resident of Los Angeles to participate and make their voices heard," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "Working with our community and media partners we will ensure a complete and accurate count of all Angelenos, critical to securing full political representation and our fair share of the federal and state resources our City needs."

"Our goal is to educate our audience so that there is no fear surrounding the Census process. We're committed to do everything within our reach to meet this goal," said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Azteca America Network and Fundacion Azteca America. "A strong participation in this year's Census is one of the most important actions for our community this year, as it is crucial for fair budget allocations and political representation."

"Obtaining a complete count in the Census is critical to the future of the Latino community," said Thomas Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). "Our strength and determination will be recognized through our strong Census participation."

"Every one of us needs to be counted in the 2010 Census. Our numbers will bring resources that we desperately need in our communities and a strong voice to the political arena," said labor activist Dolores Huerta. "Si se puede!"

About Fundacion Azteca America

Fundacion Azteca America is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for members of the Hispanic community currently in the U.S. Fundacion Azteca America, Fundacion Azteca, Azteca America and TV Azteca are companies of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas For more information, visit www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org.

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. As the fastest- growing Spanish-language network, Azteca America operates in 69 markets nationwide. Azteca America can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.

About Grupo Salinas

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to building the middle class of the countries where it operates, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies TV Azteca (www.irtvazteca.com), Azteca America (www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx), and Grupo Iusacell (www.iusacell.com). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

Media Contact:

Daniel McCosh
011 52 55 1720 0059
dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

Source: Grupo Salinas, Azteca America, Fundacion Azteca America, MALDEF, Los
Angeles Mayor's Office of Census 2010

CONTACT: Daniel McCosh, Grupo Salinas, +011-52-55-1720-0059,
dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

Web site: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/

-------
Profile: intent