President's Message     

By: Rafael G. Nendel-Flores, HBA President   

Happy May to everyone!  Summer is just right around the corner.  I am happy to report that our annual Cinco De Mayo Event was a big success.  We had great attendance and a number of distinguished judges attended.  Fortunately, the weather cooperated with our rooftop event.
 
I am also looking forward to our MCLE Seminar which will take the OCHBA to Nicaragua from May 21 through May 25.  I will be personally presenting a three hour MCLE on California employment law.  I'll do my best not to put folks to sleep :)
 
I also wanted to take a moment to commend American Apparel for its recent initiative to raise money for immigrants eligible for DACA and DAPA.  American Apparel recently unveiled a limited edition Immigration Integration t-shirt and has committed 20% of the proceeds from sales to local non-profits serving immigrants eligible for DACA and DAPA.  Not only is this the "right" thing to do, but it also demonstrates that supporting immigrants' rights makes good business and economic sense.  This is one of the few issues where folks, regardless of their political persuasion, should be able to come together in support of immigrants who want nothing more than the opportunity to work hard and achieve the American dream.
 
Finally, although the President election is still 17 months away, it is already clear that Hispanics will play a critical role in the presidential campaign.  On the Republican side, there are two declared Hispanic Candidates (Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio).  On the Democratic side, Amanda Renteria, a California native, is National Political Director for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign and Emmy Ruiz will be in charge of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in Nevada.  Of course, Hispanic voters will play a critical role in swing states like Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Florida.
 
Thanks!