The plan also strategically directs additional money above base funding to children with the greatest need—low-income students, English learners and foster youth.

“We’re here because we want to see California prosper and we prosper by how we treat and invest in our kids,” said Governor Brown. “That’s why I’m asking the Legislature to pass this formula, untie the hands of the superintendents and the teachers and give some extra money where it’s needed.”

Under the plan, 80 cents of each state education dollar will be spent on base grants for all students, 16 cents on a supplemental grant for students from low-income families, English learners and foster youth and 4 cents on concentration grants for school districts with high numbers of these targeted students.

The Governor today toured Humphreys Avenue Elementary School in East Los Angeles. Humphreys, a preschool-5th grade school in the Los Angeles Unified School District, has over 800 enrolled students. In total, 73 percent of Humphreys’ students are English-learners, children in poverty or both.

“For us to succeed, all must succeed,” said former Senator Gil Cedillo. “We must create—structurally—the circumstances and conditions for young men and women to be successful even if they’re poor, even if they don’t speak English, even if they come from neighborhoods like this where my wife attended elementary school.”

“With the Governor’s Local Control Funding Formula, students with the greatest need would receive the greatest support,” said John Deasy, Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. “Now is our chance to make progress towards the promise of equal opportunity, which is why I fully support the Governor’s proposal.”

“Humphreys is honored by the Governor’s visit,” said Ricardo Tapanes, Principal of Humphreys Avenue Elementary School. “We are appreciative of the Governor’s ongoing dedication to fund our schools and admire his continuous efforts to empower our youth.”

The Governor has called for changes to how the state funds schools for more than a year and has met with education experts, educators, the Legislature and other stakeholders from throughout California. This year’s proposal, introduced with the 2013-14 Budget, builds on what was introduced in January 2012.

Governor Brown was joined today by former Senator Cedillo, Superintendent Deasy, Warren Fletcher, President of the United Teachers of Los Angeles, Principal Tapanes, Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way Greater Los Angeles, Gary Toebben, President of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Art Delgado, Superintendent of the Los Angeles County Office of Education and David Tokofsky of the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles.

The Governor’s plan is also supported by a diverse coalition of education, civil rights and business organizations, including Children Now, the Latino Community Foundation, the Asian Business Association and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.

For an overview of the Governor’s plan, click here: http://www.ebudget.ca.gov/2013-14/pdf/Revised/BudgetSummary/Kthru12Education.pdf (PDF).

State Farm, one of the nation's largest insurance companies is partnering with the Council for Economic Education (CEE) and CCEE, in supporting the America's Promise Alliance with its Grad Nation campaign goal to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce.

Virtual Economics 4.0 is the nation's most comprehensive educational resource for teachers of economics and personal finance. It includes 51 key economic concepts, a glossary with 500-plus terms and definitions, and over 1,200 activity-based lessons, each accompanied by a multi-media demonstration. All lessons are aligned with California's Common Core Standards in Mathematics, Reading, English/Language Arts and History/Social Science.

Samona Caldwell, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist describes the grant as part of "State Farm's mission of giving all children access to a first-rate education through accountability-based education that identifies goals, measures and promotes collaboration." Teachers' demand for CCEE's training opportunities increased dramatically in 2012 more than ever before. Through its wide network and superb teachers and students outreach, CCEE is able to reach a wider array of teachers to ensure that Economic Reasoning is being taught in California classrooms.

(*This workshop and the accompanying materials are made available to teachers through the generous support of State Farm and the Council for Economic Education.)

"Because of our continued work with Superintendents, Principals and District Administrators in California's low and moderate income communities, CCEE has had no problems filling up our training sessions and many are overcommitted," says Elle Charles, Director of Teacher Relations at CCEE.

About State Farm:

State Farm and its affiliates is the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, they serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com .

About California Council on Economic Education:

For nearly a half-century, California Council on Economic Education, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to advancing the economic reasoning and financial literacy of Californians. CCEE prepares students to participate in the global economy by providing educational programs and materials to K-12 teachers. Information about professional development for teachers, workshops, programs and student contests can be found at http://www.ccee.org/ .

Copyright © 2013 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

WHEREAS, California is home to over 450,000 Korean-Americans, many of whom are among our most prominent and accomplished citizens; and

WHEREAS, among the fifty states California is the Republic of Korea’s foremost trading partner, and Korea is California’s fifth largest export market; and

WHEREAS, the Republic of Korea and California exchange billions of dollars in goods and services each year, including nearly one billion dollars spent by Korean visitors to the Golden State; and

WHEREAS, the Republic of Korea and California share great strengths in technological innovation and strong ties among our research institutions and high-tech firms; and

WHEREAS, the Republic of Korea and California share a creative and entrepreneurial spirit reflected in our world-renowned motion picture and animation industries; and

WHEREAS, Korean language, food, arts and customs have secured a distinct and permanent place in California’s rich tapestry of cultures; and

WHEREAS, the bonds of cooperation and loyalty between our peoples grow each day, and with them the promise of a more dynamic and sustainable future;

NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2013, as “Korea-California Friendship Day.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8th day of May 2013.

EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California

ATTEST:

DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State

The prenatal portraits of the winged celebrity fetuses titled "Special K and Little Grape," depicts the unborn babies of the expecting parents of Hollywood Super couple Kim Kardashian and Kanye West and British Royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton. Baby Kimye (Special K) is depicted as a chubby-cheeked-cherub with angelic curls, and 'Ks' shaved in the hair.

The royal baby (Little Grape), who resembles Prince William as an infant, sucks its thumb and wears the crown Queen Elizabeth wore as a princess for King George VI's coronation. The slumbering pair floats in harmony, appearing as womb-mates.

"I drew upon the artistic influences of Hans Holbein, King's Painter to King Henry VIII and contemporary baby photographer Anne Geddes," said Daniel Edwards, "but the current ultrasound technology helped me to create the portraits of these babies while they are still in the womb."

In preparation of the statue for the celebrity babies, the artist made pilgrimages to the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. to study Hans Holbein's Portrait of Edward VI as a Child from 1538, and to New Zealand to meet with Anne Geddes.

"The media frenzy and the public's fascination with celebrity babies has hit a fever pitch with Britney Spears, then Suri Cruise, Octomom, and Angelina Jolie's twins, to which, Daniel has created all into works of art," said Cory Allen. "And it is no wonder we see a spike in teen pregnancies when sensational headlines about celebrity pregnancies occur."

"Special K and Little Grape" will soon debut later this summer at select locations in Los Angeles, California, to be announced June 2013. For more info, contact Cory Allen at 323-393-3115 or visit http://www.cacanet.com/ .

* Photo Caption: "Special K and Little Grape (The Prenatal Portraits of Baby Kimye and The Heir To The Throne)" by Daniel Edwards.

No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied.

Copyright © 2013 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

The partnership also expands the talent and model roster for AC Talent by leveraging the deep international model roster and special events talent of Next with AC Talent’s corporate clients.

AC Talent Agency, was founded by Mrs. Chudoba Womack in 2006 primarily as a modeling agency and has rapidly expanded its divisions over the last few years to include commercial, theatrical and hosting. AC Talent is known in the industry for transitioning model clients to the talent side so it is viewed as a natural fit for the two firms.

About AC Talent Agency:

Beverly Hills modeling and talent agency formed in 2006 by former commercial/print model and star of NBC’s “Average Joe,” Anna Chudoba, representing clients primarily in Los Angeles and Las Vegas markets.

About Next Model Management:

Next Management is a top global modeling agency that connects top talent in fashion and entertainment with leading international brands. Established in New York in 1989, the agency quickly expanded into key markets, including London, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles and Miami.

For more information, visit: http://www.actalentagency.com/ .

AC Talent Agency, LLC; 8447 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211.

Copyright © 2013 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

In collaboration with IDEO, a global design and innovation firm, the RR/CC is entering the design phase of the project on April 16. The process consists of feasible voting system design concepts focused on how voters interact with the voting process. The models are expected to be completed this summer. After a period of review and refinement, the next step will be to select a preferred model and move into creation of prototypes that can then be field tested.

“Our approach to voting system modernization is an example of out-of-the box thinking and participatory government,” RR/CC Dean Logan said. “Since the voting system issues of 2000 and 2004, this is one of the first attempts to focus on system development and implementation with voters in mind and the public’s trust as a core value.”

RR/CC, which launched VSAP in 2009 to modernize the County’s 30-year-old voting system, revolutionizes the way voting systems are developed and implemented for the nearly five million registered voters in Los Angeles County. The new system aims to bring an innovative and user-friendly approach to casting a ballot.

The RR/CC is taking an approach that ensures greater citizen input from the academic community, public interest organizations and policy makers — an effort to increase voter confidence that is two years in the making.

The mission of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is to serve Los Angeles County by providing essential records management and election services in a fair, accessible and transparent manner. For more information, visit www.lavote.net.

QUOTABLE:

“Our approach to voting system modernization is an example of out-of-the box thinking and participatory government,” RR/CC Dean Logan said. “Since the voting system issues of 2000 and 2004, this is one of the first attempts to focus on system development and implementation with voters in mind and the public’s trust as a core value.”

As a senior account manager at EPIC, Kyle's responsibilities will include providing clients with benefits planning and program design support. She will also focus on ensuring the quality, timeliness and accuracy of all deliverables, developing employee benefit communication programs, and coordinating client service team resources.

"Kelly's expertise in plan design and benefits communications programs makes her a valuable addition to our Los Angeles team," said EPIC co-founder, Dan Francis. "We are very pleased to have another professional of Kelly's caliber serving and supporting our EPIC clients in Southern California."

Kyle's professional experience includes three years with VCA Antech, Inc., as a benefits manager. Prior to VCA Antech, Inc., Kyle spent nine years with ABD Insurance and Financial Services and Wells Fargo Insurance Services as an account manager.

Kyle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Human Resources Administration from National University in La Jolla, Calif. She also holds her California Life Insurance Agent's license and is pursuing the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) professional designation.

"The EPIC culture fosters personal ownership and creativity," said Kyle. Team members are encouraged to develop innovative solutions in order to deliver a superior level of client care. It's a refreshing approach and a principle reason I chose to join the EPIC team."

Kelly Kyle can be reached at:
EPIC
601 South Figueroa Street, Suite 3950
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.629.8927 Direct
310.892.7796 Cell
Email: kkyle[at]edgewoodins.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kelly-kyle/1/896/aa8 .

Connect with the EPIC team: https://www.facebook.com/EPICInsuranceBrokersAndConsultants .

About EPIC:

EPIC is an innovative California-based retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. The company provides a unique equity ownership opportunity and has created a values-based culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

The fastest growing brokerage in the state, EPIC now has more than 300 team members operating from nine offices across California (Los Angeles, Irvine, Ontario, Fresno, Folsom, San Francisco, San Mateo, Petaluma and San Ramon).

With more than $60 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 50 retail insurance brokers in the United States and is the 5th largest privately-held broker in California. For more information, please visit www.edgewoodins.com.

Copyright © 2013 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

And with skyrocketing healthcare costs, more and more people are seeking expert assistance. A report recently released by the Alzheimer's Association says that 45 percent of people, age 85 plus, have Alzheimer's disease, and that total payments for health care, long-term care and hospice for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are projected to increase from $203 billion in 2013 to $1.2 trillion in 2050.

And, while many individuals think that they are well prepared for retirement, what happens if a crisis hits and a parent or loved one needs extended home or even nursing home care.

Kim says that there are many misconceptions out there when it comes to crisis retirement planning, so it's important to work with someone who knows the ins and outs of not only the financial side of things, but also has a comprehensive understanding of caregiver options, Medi-Cal application and recovery procedures, proper titling of assets, as well as bank and brokerage company requirements relative to powers-of-attorney.

"Therefore, it's important to plan today for tomorrow," Kim says.

As a retirement crisis planner, Kim is a sought-after expert. Most recently, he was interviewed by "Kiplinger's Personal Finance" for an article about Alzheimer's titled, "Get Your Finances in Order," that appeared in the April issue. He shared financial planning recommendations, including "It's best to start planning right away, even if your long-term care policy or savings will pay for the first few years of care."

Kim's 25 plus years experience in crisis planning allows him to advise families at any stage in a retirement crisis – from initial diagnosis through possible nursing home placement.

Additionally, Kim is also the author of "Don't Go Broke Paying the Nursing Home." He addresses how people can qualify for Medi-Cal without going broke. The book makes clear the differences between countable, unavailable and exempt assets. For example, a home, no matter the value, does not count toward Medi-Cal eligibility. And, assets that do not count toward eligibility may be subject to recovery.

Additionally, Kim is also the author of "Don't Go Broke Paying the Nursing Home" (ISBN: 978-0988902619) available on Amazon at: http://amzn.com/0988902613 .

A free report, "7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid in a Long-term Care Crisis," and more information is available at: http://karlkimco.com/ .

About Karl Kim:

Karl Kim, CFP, CLTC is the founder of Retirement Planning Advisors, California's first firm dedicated to retirement crisis planning and pre-planning.

Copyright © 2013 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

The forum included a dedicated discussion for each race, with candidates addressing questions about the topics that matter most for the future of Los Angeles: the environment, transportation and the economy. The event was filled to capacity, with a lively Q&A session following each discussion.

Additionally, candidates provided in-depth, written responses to a series of questions about specific policy issues that they will confront if elected.

The complete questionnaire and candidates’ responses are available for download at (PDF): http://climateresolve.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Candidate_Forum_web.pdf .

Example of questions:

City-wide Questions
Energy and Climate: UCLA’s Vision 2021 recommends that by 2021, LA should get out of coal completely, increase renewables to 40%, and energy efficiency to 15%. What do you think is the ideal electricity mix for LA by 2021? How do you think we can get there?

Participants:

Participants included City Attorney candidates Mike Feuer and Carmen Trutanich; City Controller candidates Ron Galperin and Dennis Zine; City Council District 1 candidates Gilbert Cedillo and Jose Gardea; City Council District 9 candidate Ana Cubas and Andrew Lachman, representing Curren Price; City Council District 13 candidates John Choi and Mitch O’Farrell; and City Council District 6 (special election) candidates. Other speakers include City Councilmember Paul Koretz and Councilmember-elect Mike Bonin; Tom Eisenhauer, President of the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters; and Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director of Climate Resolve.

“This forum is truly unprecedented in the history of Los Angeles electoral politics, and its success speaks volumes about how important environmental issues have become to voters,” said Parfrey, one of the event’s organizers. “The candidates know they need the support of the environmental community in order to win, and they brought their A-game.”

The forum was a unique opportunity to understand each candidate’s position on critical, far-reaching issues. Discussion topics included public transit, renewable energy, water resources, green jobs, green building standards, climate change preparedness, open space, waste and recycling programs, and air quality.

About Climate Resolve:
Climate Resolve is dedicated to creating solutions to meet the challenge of climate change and, in the process, making Los Angeles a more livable place.

"That information isn't easy to find," says retirement crisis planner Karl Kim, CFP, CLTC. "Every year I speak with hundreds of adult children and their parents who have gotten bad advice, or who don't know where to turn for answers. That's the reason I wrote 'Don't Go Broke Paying the Nursing Home.' Now every Californian can understand what needs to be done to protect their home, cash and retirement accounts."

Karl Kim's book is an easy-to-read quick reference guide. It provides answers in simple language to common questions such as:

* What information do you need to provide to Medi-Cal?
* Do you need an attorney to submit the application?
* What is the maximum amount a person or couple can have to qualify for Medi-Cal?
* What is the difference between Medicare, Medicaid and Medi-Cal?
* Which assets count and which don't?
* What is the maximum amount of income a person can have and still qualify?
* When does someone apply?
* How long does the application process take?
* Do you have to be broke to qualify for Medi-Cal?

"Don't Go Broke Paying the Nursing Home" (ISBN: 978-0988902619) explains Medi-Cal Recovery procedures.

"Most people don't realize Medi-Cal is effectively a loan from the State of California," explains Kim. "If proper steps aren't taken, the state will place a claim against the home and other assets."

California's regulations covering the aging population can be difficult to keep up with. That becomes apparent in a care crisis – when what a family has "done wrong" can come back to bite them – financially and logistically.

The book is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon: http://amzn.com/0988902613 .

About Author Karl Kim:

Karl Kim, CFP, CLTC, is the founder of Retirement Planning Advisors, California's first firm "dedicated to retirement crisis planning and pre-planning." Info: http://www.KarlKimCo.com/ .

Copyright © 2013 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

"Forty-four percent of Latinos voted for President George W. Bush in the 2004 general election – we need to re-energize and exceed that engagement that so our patriotic values are represented," said Dr. Valdez. "Civic engagement and participation is vital for all of us who love this country and the State of California."

The importance of Latinos becoming involved in policy and civics comes from perspective of deep-rooted empathy for the issues Latinos face as a community. "It is personal for me because my parents' family – all U.S. Citizens born here – was deprived of their home and business in the forced 'Repatriation' of the Great Depression," Dr. Valdez said. His father and family were part of the more than 500,000 Mexican-Americans that were gathered and forced to go to Mexico despite the fact they were citizens. The tragedy ripped the Valdez family apart along with the death of his younger brother – due to starvation – and who was forced to work at age eight and never again given the opportunity to attend school. "By becoming involved, we assure an equitable future for our families while honoring those who sacrificed so that we could succeed."

Dr. Valdez, who is the President and CEO of Right Way HealthCare Consulting, was also the highest ranking Latino in a 42,000+ company as the Senior Vice President of Health Care Management for WellPoint from 2003-2007 and was appointed by President George W. Bush as a Regional Director for DHHS, 2001-2003. He co-authored "Strategies for Improving Latino Health Care in America" which included budget-neutral recommendations for expanding access. Most recently Dr. Valdez was in the news as the Chair of Health Care Insurance Industry Group to advise the Romney for President Campaign.

"One of the things I am excited about with GROW Elect is the leadership; I'm so very proud to join my good friend Ruben Barrales and other vibrant Latino leaders in the worthy mission to involve more Latinos in our democracy," added Dr. Valdez, referring to the recent announcement that GROW Elect hired Ruben Barrales former, a former White House Deputy, as its President and Chief Executive Officer. "This exemplifies the momentum we have in engaging Latinos and our values in building a better tomorrow."

Dr. Valdez plans on being an integral part of that momentum, both as a GROW Elect Board Member and as a future candidate for publicly elected office, of which he is exploring the options.

More About Dr. Valdez:

Dr. Valdez serves as a commissioner at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for eliminating racial disparities in health care and is a board member for the Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity. He has held past appointments as a member of the White House Council on Aging, Chairman of the U.S. Latino Health Task Force, and gubernatorial appointee of the California Health Policy and Data Commission. Dr. Valdez has been recognized as one of the 15 most influential Hispanics in the United States by The Latino Coalition and one of the 10 most influential Latinos in the healthcare sector by Hispanic Business. He is married to Elizabeth and has three children, Gabriel, Noah and Jacob.

About Grow Elect:

GROW Elect is a 527 political action committee that recruits, endorses, trains and funds Latino Republican candidates for public office in California. Since 2011, GROW Elect has helped 30 Latino Republicans to succeed in being elected to local offices across California. To find out more about GROW Elect, visit: http://www.GrowElect.com/ .

Copyright © 2013 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.