The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) is offering NALIP members a special discount to its 3 rd annual TV Producers’ Boot Camp.

The event is taking place July 28-29 at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood , with a take-no-prisoners lineup of sessions and pitching opportunities. That means over 20 hours of panels, workshops, chats and clinics – a day-and-a-half, double-time march including all the tactical training you’ll need:

• Report for a full day of seminars and workshops - Polish your pitch & aim it accurately, navigate the research obstacle course, acquire info on distribution & technology, and more!
• Enjoy MREs with captains of the industry including Fat Actress’ Brenda Hampton and American Dreams’ Jonathan Prince
• Register by June 17 for priority sign up time at the Pitch Pit -- your chance to pitch your ideas to development executives from broadcast, cable syndication and talent agencies – for your ‘ayes’ only!
• Network (and get in a little R&R) at Sunset over Sunset, with a mixer and some Speed Schmoozing

The NATPE Boot Camp gives you real access to real pros in real time.  Check out the full agenda online.  A special rate of $410.00 for NALIP members will reserve a spot at this exciting event - that's a savings of $270.00!

To receive your NALIP discount and Boot Camp registration form, contact Abel Salas at abel@natpe.org or 310-857-1653.

Film Independent [FIND]—Project Involve Deadline
Home of the Independent Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival

Project: Involve is a mentorship, training, screening, and job placement program designed to promote cultural diversity in the film industry.

APPLICATION DEADLINE for the Fall 2006 or Spring 2007 cycles is NOVEMBER 7, 2005 .  Interested applicants can get more information and download an application by visiting www.ifp.org.

ALSO

Film Independent [FIND] (formerly IFP/ Los Angeles ) invites you to attend our exciting Diversity Panel and 3rd Annual Diversity EXPO being held during the Los Angeles Film Festival (June 16-26).

Dear Members/Affiliates of our Participating Organizations:

Our Diversity Panel, "Marketing Outside the Box" will look at the latest trends in niche marketing and how these grassroots approaches can help diverse filmmakers get their films financed, sold, and SEEN. The creative marketing forces behind such films as Hustle and Flow, Crash, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Barbershop, and Rize will share their expertise.

Our 3rd annual Diversity EXPO provides an excellent opportunity for diverse filmmakers to network with industry professionals and other filmmakers, and learn about the resources and services that are available from over 40 film organizations. Last year, this event drew over 700
filmmakers of color. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will be served, and a live DJ will make for a festive evening of networking.

The Diversity Panel and the Expo will both be held on Friday, June 17, 2005 at the Director's Guild of America, located at 7920 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles , CA 90046 . Following is the schedule of events:

--Diversity Panel 4:30pm - 6:00pm DGA Theater 1
--Diversity EXPO 5:00pm - 9:00pm DGA Atrium
--Recognition of Filmmakers of Color - 7:00pm DGA Atrium

This year, we are introducing our exciting new networking tool - the FIND Diversity Directory.  This valuable resource will list diverse organizations and filmmakers and will be distributed at the Diversity EXPO and throughout the Festival.  To be included in the Diversity Directory, please complete the attached form. There is a $25.00 fee to be listed in the Diversity Directory. See you on June 17.

Tickets for the panel can be purchases at www.lafilmfest.com.

The 21st Annual IDA Awards Competition
Final Deadline extended to Friday, June 17, 2005.

The IDA Awards Competition is the foremost genre-specific event dedicated to the documentary film. Established in 1984, the Awards are made possible through the generous support of the Eastman Kodak Company. Winners will be honored at gala ceremonies in Los Angeles on December 9th, 2005 and screened December 10th, 2005 at IDA's annual DocuFest™.

Click her for IDA Awards Entry Form

Click here for IDA/David L. Wolper Student Award Entry Form

IDA Awards Categories include:
--Feature Documentary
--Short Documentary
--Limited Series
--Continuing Series
--IDA / Pare Lorentz Award
--IDA / ABCNEWS VideoSource Award
--IDA / David L. Wolper Student Documentary Achievement Award (see special Wolper Student entry form to enter)

Austin Film Festival Group Discounts

NALIP’sters,

We would like to invite all NALIP members to take advantage of a special discount to attend the 2005 Austin Film Festival Screenwriters' Conference. The 2005 Festival will mark our 12th anniversary of honoring screenwriters' contributions to the film and television industries.

2005 Conference dates are October 20-23 (Festival dates continue through to the 27th), and we have a fantastic line-up of screenwriters and filmmakers coming in to share their experiences and advice with our registrants.  Judd Apatow, Jessica Bendinger, Howard Gordon, Paul Haggis, Terry George, Anne Rapp, Frank Pierson, Robin Swicord, and Ted Tally are already on board and - very exciting - we've just confirmed *Harold Ramis* to be the recipient of this year's Distinguished Screenwriter Award!

We'll, of course, also have many established production companies and agencies represented (Lightstorm Entertainment, Winkler Films, Metropolitan Talent Agency to name just a few).  I've attached our thus far list of confirmed panelists and you should also check out our website at www.austinfilmfestival.com for Competition information and updates.  The access registrants will have to these industry insiders is truly unparalleled and priceless.  “You cannot attend this Conference and not meet industry insiders!”

You can register on-line (www.austinfilmfestival.com), or call 800.310.3378 and ask for me or for our Conference Director, Maya Perez.

They will receive the following discounts if they mention your group:

*Regular Conference Badge* includes Panels, Exhibit Hall, Meet & Greets, WGAE Lunch, and Closing Wrap Party October 20-23. Also includes Festival Films October 20-27.

--Regularly: $375/  Writers Group Discount: $325 (before September 16th)

*Producer's Badge* our all-access pass which includes the above AND the Opening Night Premiere, The Filmmaker’s Happy Hour, The Closing Night Premiere and More.

--Regularly: $650/ Writers Group Discount: $550 (before September 16th)
*Weekend Badge* gets you into Saturday & Sunday panels only plus all films and Conference Wrap Party.

--Regularly: $225/ Writers Group Discount: $200

Any questions?  Please don't hesitate to call me at 800.310.3378.  I hope you'll join us this October!  We offer substantial hotel discounts through our office at the aforementioned number.

www.austinfilmfestival.com

VIP Party Press Release

Latin Heat Entertainment Presents:
Young Latino Hollywood VIP Reception in association with Nosotros

Hollywood, CA. June 1, 2005 - Latin Heat Entertainment presents: "Young Latino Hollywood VIP Reception" in association with Nosotros.  Latin Heat Entertainment, the only English-language entertainment industry trade magazine focusing on Latinos in the U.S., has partnered with Nosotros, the non-profit organization founded by living legend Ricardo Montalban to host a VIP reception at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre, 1615 N. Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90028, June 18th, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

During this spectacular evening Latin Heat Entertainment will turn the spotlight on Young Latino Hollywood to recognize emerging talent.  The special focus on these young talented actors coincides with Latin Heat's latest edition New Generation Latinos which features a look at Young Latino Hollywood, who are taking Hollywood by storm.  Sponsors, media, entertainment industry professionals and special celebrity guests will be invited to attend this private VIP Reception to enjoy music and food as we recap the day's events**, network and make special announcements.

Special invited guest include the young Latinos actors featured in pages of Latin Heat which include:  Aimee Garcia (Greetings from Tucson ), Michael Pena (Crash, The Shield), America Ferrera (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Real Women Have Curves) and Victor Rasuk (Lords of Dogtown, Raising Victor Vargas). Other rising stars invited are Tyler Garcia Posey (Maid In Manhattan, Collateral Damage), Pablo Santos (Greetings from Tuscon), among others.

As another example of their commitment and at the heals of last year's successful Nosotros American Latino Film Festival producers Henry K. Priest and Shawna Baca, will announce the call for entries to the second annual film festival. Also in development is Nosotros' Golden Eagle Awards, where the organization spotlights and recognizes the outstanding work of Latinos/Hispanics both in front and behind the camera who, through their work, impact the community and encourage the positive portrayal and image of Latinos in the entertainment industry. Previous winners include Eva Longoria, Antonio Banderas, Hector Elizondo, to name a few. These announcements are sure to electrify the crowd as they are also given a sneak preview at the VIP Reception.

The VIP Reception will be held following the Future Estrellas: Young Latino Performers Conference** held at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre earlier in the day with generous support from the Walt Disney Company.

For information on registration call (310)464-5290; sponsorship and volunteer opportunities and production questions, contact event producer Henry K. Priest (213)739-3385.  For media and interviews contact Rafael O. Calderon (323)842-0403 or log onto www.latinheat.com or www.Nosotros.org.

SPECIAL INVITATION:
Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF)
Proudly Hosts: SeventhArtEntertainment & VideoFeedback Productions

HOLLYWOOD UNSCRITED (A Chaos Theory)
Monday, June 13th, 2005
7:30PM
Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood , CA

Immediately followed by a celebration under the stars featuring complimentary food, drinks, and entertainment. Special performances by Imogene Adrianne.

RSVP to dan@unscriptedhollywood.com

Visit www.hollywoodunscripted.com

L.A. THEATER PROJECT PRESENTS—“WRITING FROM THE HEIGHTS”

A stage reading of new writings from an 18 week class taught by playwright Ricardo Bracho at CASA 0101 Theatre.

FEATURING NEW WORKS BY:
Oscar Basalto, Adi Bautista, Ricardo Bracho, Monica Canizares, Leilani Chan, Maria Elena Fernandez, Cristina Frias, Jen Fuentes, Gabriela Lopez, Claude Martinez, Maria G. Martinez, Sylvia Mendoza, Augie Robles, Raquel Salinas, Monica Sanchez, Michael Sarabia, and Isabel Saucedo.

WHEN: Sat. June 11 /  4 - 6pm / $5 donation
WHERE: CASA 0101 Theatre, 2009 E. 1st St. , LA 90033

Reservations recommended
Call 323.263.7684 or info@latheaterproject.org

2005 INSIGHT AWARDS COMPETITION
CALL FOR ENTRIES-DEADLINE JULY 15, 2005

SUBMIT YOUR INSIGHT AWARDS ENTRIES TODAY!

To enter NAFDMA's 2005 INSIGHT AWARDS competition:
(1) Visit our website @ WWW.INSIGHTAWARDS.COM
(2) Download an application
(3) Mail in your entry with the application and entry fee. (Pieces may be
entered in multiple categories.)

WWW.INSIGHTAWARDS.COM

WHO ENTERS THE INSIGHT AWARDS?

Producers·Directors·Editors·Actors·Students·Production Companies·Advertising
Agencies·Television Stations·Cable Stations and Networks· Website
Developers·Public Relations Firms·Public Broadcasting Agencies·Animation
Companies· Motion Picture Studios

ACKNOWLEDGE MEMBERS OF YOUR TEAM FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE QUALITY OF YOUR PROJECT.

The National Association of Film and Digital Media Artists present the
INSIGHT Awards annually to individuals, businesses, and organizations in the
film and/or digital society whose work is not only exemplary but also has
increased public awareness or social consciousness.

The INSIGHT AWARDS honor local, regional, and international individuals and
organizations in film and digital media.

email: info@nafdma.org
phone 310·581·2502 fax 310·452·6272
web: http://WWW.INSIGHTAWARDS.COM

WANTED: Chicano and Latino Writers

From the Author and Publisher of the Underground Bestselling Novel: Forever My Lady

"The Doors Are Finally Open for Latino Writers"

Wanted: URBAN FICTION with Chicano or Latino main characters written in English or Spanglish. Dramas, comedies, erotica, action, gay/lesbian, science fiction, true life stories and graphic novels, etc. are all welcome if they have an urban Chicano or Latino theme. Emotional roller coasters are a major plus. *However, short stories, and poetry are not welcome.

Books published will receive national distribution by one of the most successful urban book distributors, royalties and national publicity. All ages are welcome but those under 18, if accepted, must have parental or legal guardian consent. It is not necessary to be of Latino or Chicano heritage in order to submit. However, Latino and Chicano main characters are a prerequisite.

We are looking for reliable writers who are easy to work with and are willing to rewrite their entire book from scratch 10,000 times if necessary, without kicking and screaming, in order to make the book more marketable.

Writers who are paranoid about people stealing their stories are not welcome.

If you have a great story that is not in an urban setting or does not have Chicano or Latino characters then be open to changing it in order to be considered.

Screenwriters and Playwrights consider adapting your stories as novels.

Submit a 1 page synopsis of book and 1 sample chapter of the book. If it is a screenplay or play submit a 1 page synopsis and the first 10 pages of the script to: Jeff Rivera, Urbano Publishing
P.O. Box 371641 Miami , Florida 33137

You do not need an agent in order to submit, however represented writers are welcome as well. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL THE SYNOPSIS OR SAMPLE CHAPTER, INSTEAD SEND THEM VIA REGULAR U.S. MAIL.

Serious inquiries only. Remember to include your email address and phone number. We will contact you if interested.

Read the unedited version of Forever My Lady in order to see the type of books we are looking for: http://www.JeffRivera.com/BOOK.pdf

Spread the word...

PBS Program Reminder— Don't forget to watch:
Border Bandits
Tuesday, June 07, 2005 , 7:00 PM
KMBH (Channel 60)

Can't watch at this time?  Find other broadcast times during the next two weeks for Border Bandits at http://www.pbs.org/whatson/

Reynaldo's Mexican Food Company Inc. to Team up with Legendary Actor Ricardo Montalban
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 02 Jun 2005 5:00 AM PDT
Reynaldo's Mexican Food Company Inc. announced today that Reynaldo's will be teaming up with legendary actor Ricardo Montalban to support increased visibility of Latino actors.

Latin Heat Gives Readers Broader Array of Online Resources with Re-launch of www.latinheat.com, a Partner Web Site of
HispanicBusiness.com Wed, 01 Jun 2005 12:34 PM PDT
Monrovia, CA--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--May 31, 2005--Latin Heat Entertainment, the only entertainment trade publication focused on Latinos announced today that it has re-launched http://www.latineheat.com, an attractive and powerful site to better serve its readers and advertisers.

EW review: Hooray for 'Dogtown'
CNN.com Fri, 03 Jun 2005 7:51 AM PDT
When the sullen and fearless blond teenage boys in "Lords of Dogtown" ride their skateboards, never pausing to think about anything that isn't directly in front of them, the movie joins them right on the pavement, racing forward with grungy velocity, showing us what the skaters are seeing and feeling as they ride along back alleys, dilapidated asphalt playgrounds, and any other available surface:

Robert Rodriguez's family affair Get set for `The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl'
Bangkok Post Sun, 05 Jun 2005 11:20 AM PDT
Put the family in the car and get ready to put on your 3-D glasses. The guy who brought us Spy Kids (2001) is at it again with The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl in 3-D and, as the title suggests, you'll need those paper-and-plastic spectacles to see it in its full three-dimensional glory.

Rodriguez Gets Lost For Real
Sci-fi.com Sun, 05 Jun 2005 10:45 PM PDT
Michelle Rodriguez will join the regular cast of ABC's hit SF series Lost in its upcoming second season, playing Ana-Lucia Cortez, another passenger on the doomed Oceanic Airlines flight 815, Variety reported.

ITVS SEEKING ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR/ASSISTANT
COMPANY: Independent Television Services, Inc. (www.itvs.org)

REPORTS TO: Vice President, CFO
SALARY/STATUS: $40,000 to $50,000, DOE--Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 
This position is responsible for duties assisting the Vice President/CFO in the human resources, administration, and operations of Independent Television Service, Inc., a media arts, nonprofit organization located in San Francisco .  This person should have excellent problem solving skills,
be self-motivated, resourceful, organized, and able to multi-task. Excellent communication skills required orally and in writing. Independent Television Service, Inc. is a national organization that dedicates itself to funding diverse programs made by independent producers for public television.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Assists with human resource efforts to include employee benefits and orientation.
· Coordinates the flow of information institutionally and with outside partners.
· Writes narrative and other business documentation including reports.
· Helps to organize administrative and program information for the Business Department.
· Performs clerical duties as necessary.
· Plans and coordinates meetings and special events.
· Assists with research and data gathering for special projects.
· Negotiates with outside vendors.
· Works in the area of development and special projects.
· Other duties as assigned.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS;
· Bachelors Degree and/or 4 to 6 years of experience in a fast-paced office setting.
· Experience in human resources desirable.
· Strong writing and oral communication skills.
· Ability to work independently.
· Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
· Computer proficiency, preferably PC, in use of Word, Excel.
· A minimum of two years of continuous full-time employment in a clerical setting.

Send/fax resume and cover letter by June 17, 2005 to:
Aimee Bruederle, Office Coordinator
Independent Television Service, Inc.
501 York Street
San Francisco , CA   94110
Fax # : 415-356-8391

No phone calls or emails, please.

DP Wanted for Short Film

I'm looking for a DP/cameraman for a short film I'm producing and directing. DP with 24p package is a plus. There's pay.

Contact cenariofilms@sbcglobal.net and mention you heard it from Jeff Gund/The Info List.

Thank you,
Ludy Mattos

ITVS Interactive Seeking Producer

Position: Producer, ITVS Interactive (http://www.itvs.org)
Reports to: Senior Producer, ITVS Interactive
Salary: $50,000 plus benefits

Job Summary:

The ITVS Interactive producer works closely with the senior producer, Web team and ITVS staff to oversee the creation and development of companion websites for the Independent Lens series [http://www.pbs.org/independentlens] as well as the development and maintenance of the ITVS institutional website and ITVS-produced sites residing at pbs.org. The producer serves as liaison
cross-departmentally to provide interactive services and performs hands-on technical duties as needed.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Oversees the production of companion websites for PBS.org
- Coordinates efforts of the ITVS Web team (writer, designer, developer) keeping projects on schedule and maintaining high standards in journalistic integrity, design, functionality & usability.
- Manages and maintains the Independent Lens production calendar and project checklists.
- Works with editor at PBS Interactive (PBS.org) to meet deadlines and fulfill criteria regarding content, design, technical standards and best practices.
- Serves as liaison with all ITVS departments and sub-departments to provide interactive services and enhancements as needed.
- Updates and maintains content and technical aspects of ITVS Interactive projects.
- Digitizes, edits and uploads video for use on the Web.
- Posts press room releases and photos, including the preparation of images for the Web.
- Works with senior producer to develop and implement new interactive projects as needed.
- Gathers monthly Web statistics and quarterly metrics.
- Works with the senior producer and systems administrator to determine technical needs, business solutions and upgrades as needed.
- Maintains all email list communications such as e-newsletters, program e-postcards and others.
- Other duties as indicated by supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS
(Candidate must be a detail-oriented, flexible self-starter. Other assets needed to excel in the job include the ability to work well under tight deadlines, good time management skills, excellent communication skills and an awareness of diversity issues. ITVS seeks a creative, open-minded,
adaptable, team player with great ideas, strategic input and a good sense of humor.)

- Bachelor's Degree
- Minimum three years Web experience
- Experience in website content production and knowledge of technical skills
- Strong communication/writing: background in journalism, public relations or communications
- Ability to project manage while keeping on schedule and meeting tight deadlines
- Detail-oriented and adaptable to new and changing responsibilities
- Team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage freelancers
- Creative problem solver and a sense of humor
- Experience or interest in public media and/or independent film

SKILLS
- Writing and copyediting experience
- Must have Macintosh computer skills and a working knowledge of the following: HTML; BBEdit; Photoshop; Filemaker; Fetch; Quark; Acrobat; Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Photoshop and video editing/compression skills a plus (using Final Cut Pro Express and Media Cleaner applications.) CSS and XML also a plus.

TO APPLY:
Send your resume and cover letter to [mailto:itvs@itvs.org] with Interactive in the subject line. Deadline for applications is June 17, 2005 .

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Please indicate where you saw this posting in your application.

Seeking: Director of Photography

We are looking for a Director of Photography who is willing to commit themselves on weekend shoots for 6 weeks. Pay will be a flat fee. Must have own camera and equipment. Must be committed and responsible.

"RAPTO" written and directed by José Miguel Vazquez is the story of Irma a single mother living in Los Angeles . She has to struggle day by day to provide for her self and her child Tonito. This makes her a perfect target to those working in the black market of selling illegal organs and human body parts along with the illegal adoptions of children, that continues to multiply on a daily basis. Both of them find themselves victims of these perpetrators. Destroying Irma's live and taking away her and her child's opportunity of making their dreams a reality.

Film: “RAPTO"
Dir: José Miguel Vazquez
Global Productions
Feature film: non union "RAPTO"
Schedule: Late August - September 2005
Send reel to: Global Productions
P.O. Box 1473 Alhambra Ca. 91802-1473

Questions: kirriro@hotmail.com

Jacqueline Calderon-Guido
www.geocities.com/Jacquelinecalderonguido
http://www.geocities.com/globalprodutionsrapto/

CASTING LATINOS!

”WALKOUT” (revised 11/19/04 draft)
HBO Movie for Television
Draft: 11/19/04

Producer: Moctesuma Esparza / Robert Katz
Director: Edward James Olmos
Writer: Ernie Contreras
Current Revision by: Tim Sexton
Casting Director: Rick Montgomery
Casting Associate: Chadwick Struck
Start Date: July 15, 2005
Location: Los Angeles

SUBMIT HARDCOPY TO:
RICK MONTGOMERY
”WALKOUT”
10820 W. WASHINGTON BLVD.
CULVER CITY, CA 90232

STORY:
In a predominantly Chicano East L.A. high school in 1968, a charismatic, inspiring teacher, SAL CASTRO, galvanizes his students, particularly the bright, college-bound PAULA CHRISOSTOMO, to orchestrate a widely-publicized, five-school walkout when the students' demands for a better education are summarily dismissed by their principals and the School
Board...

To download the script, go to www.screenplayonline.com and use script key code: 504walk04

SAL CASTRO: CAST

PAULA CHRISOSTOMO: CAST

--[BOBBY VERDUGO] 18 , Chicano, a stocky, good-natured boy, he's a senior at East L.A. 's Lincoln High School . The boyfriend of Paula's friend Yoli, he's bright, an average student with potential, and not too serious. Like the others who go to Sal Castro's Chicano Leadership Camp, Bobby is galvanized by the experience and becomes a vital part of the Chicano students' 5-school walkout. Initially uninterested in attempting to get accepted to college because he feels, "what's the point," by the end of his empowering experience with the walkouts, he's realized his own potential and been accepted to UCLA...LEAD (3)
--[YOLI]18, Chicana, a high school senior, with an easy spirit and a great body, Yoli attracts guys like flies, but she's loyal to her longtime boyfriend Bobby. Paula's best friend, pretty, outgoing and bright, Yoli's not as driven as Paula, and has pretty much ruled out attempting to get into college. Yoli courageously joins Paula on the 5-school walkout, and winds up
proudly displaying her acceptance to Mt. St. Mary's college to Sal Castro...LEAD (2)
--[FRANCIS CHRISOSTOMO] 35 to 40, Chicana, Paula's mother, she's a bright, compassionate woman who knows she has an exceptional daughter and is not afraid to stand up to her volatile husband, Panfilo, to make sure Paula gets the advantages offered her. Aware that her husband hasn't changed in the twenty years of her marriage, though she herself has, Francis urges Paula to make sure she can live with the decisions that she makes. Francis joins Paula in the walkout, proud and determined as her daughter...LEAD (10)
--[PANFILO CHRISOSTOMO] 40 to 45, A hard working Filipino janitor with many kids, Panfilo is Paula's father. A complex man, angry but aware that he's got an exceptional daughter, he's torn between wanting the best for Paula and maintaining an age-old status quo. He gets so enraged at her involvement with the walkout that at one point he locks the door of the house against her. However, he has a surprising rapprochement with his daughter when she comes to beg his forgiveness for disobeying him...LEAD
--[MOCTEZUMA "MOCTE" ESPARZA] 20, Chicano, serious with a smile, a natural leader, he's a former student of Sal's, now at UCLA. He's a seasoned activist and one of the counselors at the Chicano Leadership Camp weekend. Intelligent, personable and levelheaded, he's very knowledgeable and supportive of the high school students' attempts at grass-roots activism, feeding them encouragement and information without being too incendiary. A constant in the Chicano students' struggle to better their education, he is fearless and dependable in the cause...LEAD (19)
--[VICKIE CASTRO] (No relation to Sal Castro) 22, Chicana, Vickie is good-natured, down-to-earth, slightly more "hippie" than the other counselors are at the Chicano Leadership Camp weekend. A bright, engaging, compassionate young woman with a sense of humor, she takes Paula under her wing and becomes a good friend, who takes Paula in when Panfilo kicks Paula out of the house. Vicki's a constant source of support and encouragement as she, too, participates in organization of the walkouts...LEAD (14)
--[ROBERT AVILA] 18, Chicano, a high school student at East L.A.'s Wilson High, good-looking, smart, with a bit of James Dean in him, he hits it off with Paula immediately at the Chicano Leadership Camp weekend. A core member of the group of disgruntled Chicano students trying to make a difference, he's in charge of staging the walkout at his high school. Though he seems like a committed activist, Robert is in fact an undercover police officer, working as a mole to send information back to the LAPD and a city government interested in keeping the Chicano population complacent...LEAD (16)
--[DAVID SANCHEZ] 20, Chicano, he's part of a "Community Service Organization working to improve conditions in the barrio" who meets Paula and Yoli at the Chicano Leadership Camp weekend. A sophisticated, committed and knowledgeable activist, he becomes involved with the Chicano students' planned walkout early on, and proves to be less hot-headed but just as committed as his colleague, Carlos Montez...LEAD (20)
--[CARLOS MONTEZ] 22, Chicano, a serious looking young man in sunglasses and brown beret, he's a member of David Sanchez's "Young Citizens for Community Action" who meets Paula and Yoli at the Chicano Leadership Camp weekend. An activist with a real fire in his belly but no patience for diplomacy or planning, he's more hot-headed than either David or Mocte, and chafes under any restraint, but he's dedicated and fearless..LEAD (19)
--[LLOYD HURLEY] 35 to 45, Caucasian, the crew-cut civics teacher at Lincoln High, he wants to be liked in his heart of hearts, but he's driven to following the rules--most of which are designed to keep the Hispanic kids down--and in his interactions with the kids he seems unreasonable and vaguely contemptuous. He doesn't share Sal's conviction that every kid deserves the chance to go to college if they can2..LEAD (6)
--[HARRY GAMBOA] 16, Chicano high school student from Garfield High, he joins the others in their struggle to improve their education. He's an intelligent, aware, committed activist with his fellow students. Later, Harry bursts into Lincoln High's senior prom with the news that Sal Castro's been arrested...LEAD 18 lines, 9 scenes (40)
--[RICHARD "MANGAS" VIGIL] 23, This young Chicano man works with David Sanchez with their community action group, and he meets Paula and Yoli (whom he immediately has his eye on) at the Chicano Leadership Camp. He's a committed activist who joins the high school students in planning their walkouts, but he has a rowdy, sexual sense of humor that occasionally annoys everyone, particularly the girls. After the walkouts, Mangas is arrested, along with David Sanchez...16 lines, 8 scenes (20)
--[MITA CUARON] 16, Chicano, this high school student is one of the kids at the Chicano Leadership Camp weekend. A stalwart activist and a student at East L.A.'s Garfield High, Mita is an intelligent, energetic walkout instigator there...17 lines, 8 scenes (27)
--[FERNIE FLORES] 18, Chicano, a high school senior, he's a hot-headed but bright young man who resists Sal's invitation to come to the Chicano Leadership camp weekend and is basically kidnapped by Sal and taken there. A volatile, engaging guy, Fernie's a natural troublemaker, but he's got moxie and self-confidence. When he gets detention and is forced to do janitorial chores by Mr. Hurley, he becomes enraged and walks off the campus, thus ending his high school education...1 speech & 15 lines, 9 scenes (3)
--[ORTIZ] 17, Chicano, an East L.A. high school student, he's one of the kids at the Chicano Leadership camp weekend who later becomes involved in the walkout. Brave and committed, he's one of the more impatient, hot-headed activists who doesn't want to wait for the School Board to get back to them, and who eagerly signs up for another walkout even after the violence of the first...7 lines, 6 scenes (26)
--[TANYA MOUNT] 17, Chicana, a high school student at the Chicano Leadership Camp weekend, she becomes one of the principal activists in the walkout. A student at East L.A.'s Roosevelt High, Tanya is undismayed by the violence and pledges her school to another walkout...11 lines, 58 scenes (40)
--[MICKEY FERNANDEZ] 17, Chicano, a student at East L.A.' Belmont High School, he becomes one of the high school activists determined to improve their education. Mickey is a stalwart activist, from the first student survey through the violence of the walkouts...6 lines, 5 scenes (40)
--[PRINCIPAL FRANK INGALS] 40 to 50, a tall and commanding, balding Caucasian man, he's the principal of Lincoln High School, who reads Paula's survey results and doesn't get that she's part of a mounting movement; he thinks she's crazy for rocking the boat she's done so well on. A man out of touch with (and probably disinterested in) the concerns of his students, Ingals later puts pressure on Paula to cease her demands or he will "pull her diploma"...6 speeches & 11 lines, 4 scenes (55)
--[MR. PECK] 30 to 40, Caucasian, Lincoln High's gym teacher, he urges Paula to get her college applications in order, clearly impressed by her smarts and gumption. Mr. Peck is unfazed by Sal's zeal to get more Hispanic kids into college, protesting that he (and his colleagues) bend over backwards getting the talented ones in college, and the rest of them are getting "the education they need." Later, Mr. Peck joins Principal Ingals in pressuring Paula to drop the activism or lose her diploma...5 speeches & 14 lines, 3 scenes (33)
--[CHANGO] 18, Chicano. This free-spirited, dark, bucktooth kid in Sal Castro's class speaks freely in Mr. Castro's American History class, and later gets paddled in front of English class by teacher Mr. Davis for speaking Spanish. Later, he gets in trouble with Mr. Hurley for relieving himself in the bushes outside the school during lunch--when the school
restrooms are locked up...12 lines, 3 scenes (6)
--[DR. JULIAN NAVA] 35 to 45. The first Mexican-American ever elected to the School Board and a rising star in Chicano politics, he's a distinguished, educated man who clearly has sympathy for the Chicano students' cause when they come to be heard at the Board. However, he's fundamentally a political animal who doesn't want to make waves his first few months in office, and who can do nothing to make the uninterested Board take the kids seriously...1 speech & 11 lines, 2 scenes (62)

Mis queridisimos Compadres y Comadritas, All Points Bulletin, APB, APB:

Sound the ALL CLEAR, Sound the ALL CLEAR, no mas Moros-en-la-Costa!

I'm here in my first session of work after my brain procedure last Wednesday, June 1st, and I'm happy to report that I'm in fast recovery from it, that everything went well and as planned (el Matasanos Uruguayo truly resulted to be the best), and that they didn't find nothing else wrong (or as a cousin said "No, primito, they found nothing, period!").

I am in deep debt with soooo many of you, that thanks to your prayers (if you are a believer), good vibes (if you believe that) or words of encouragement (if you are just an agnostic cynic), have helped me and my family through what has been very difficult, but, in retrospect, very positive three months, that started March 15, the day a Doctor said to me "Oh, oh, Alex, I don't like this bump..."

And you may ask, what is the positive side about it? Well, pa empezar, we have learned not to give just lip service to the concept of "live today as if it were your last day," as we so easy did before. Now we know exactly what the pinche frasecita means.

And starting from that, pretty much everything follows: Proper priorities (starting with family as paramount one), don't hold grudges (for more than few minutes anyway),  be grateful for the gifts offered to you (besides the spiritual ones, don't mind all those chocolates, gummy bears and flowers), enjoy the love of your friends (specially when you find out HOW MANY of them you have), have the siesta (dreaming is done better when you are asleep), smell the flowers (to hell with the allergies), feel empowered by the sun rising (is renewal after the anxious darkness), enthrall yourself with the sunset (satisfied of having lived one more day), and sing along at night with the zensontle (mockingbird) (your heart will follow the rhythm), ... oh, and don't stop on one tequila when you can have two (why?).

So now, that the only negative leftover result of this experience is that I will need to endure some small headaches for the next few weeks, I praise the Lord (again, if you are a believer), the Good Karma received (if you believe that) or my just plain pinche buena suerte (for the satisfaction of those cynic unbelievers) for having not only showed me the problems on time to correct them, but for all those ancillary, most important, benefits I'm drawing out of it.

To all of you, again, mis mas profundas gracias, mis sooo much appreciated compinches.

De vuelta, a hacer travesuras!

Alex