Business Wire - April 17, 2000

Cristina Saralegui Joins State to Announce Innovative Approach to AIDS Prevention

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WHAT: The California Department of Health Services (DHS) and Latina talk show host, Cristina Saralegui, will unveil the first AIDS prevention lowrider, which will travel up and down California to educate young Latino adults about HIV and AIDS. The state partnered with a lowrider car club to restore a 1953 Chevy Bel Air and transform it into a one-of-a-kind "moving billboard" with AIDS prevention messages painted on it. The lowrider, which will reach thousands of young people with lifesaving messages, is customized with hand-painted murals, hydraulics, chrome rims and specially made upholstery.

WHO:

-- Diana Bonta, R.N., Ph.D., California Director of Health

-- Cristina Saralegui, talk show host to 100 million viewers

-- Ricardo Gonzalez, Publisher of Lowrider Magazine

WHEN: Monday, April 17, 2000, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

WHERE: Plaza de la Raza, Latino Cultural Center for the Arts and Education 3540 N. Mission Road, Los Angeles (Nearest cross street is Main St., see Thomas Guide page 635, B2)

WHY: Nationally, AIDS is a leading cause of death among young adults, and HIV infections among Latinos continue to increase. In California, Latinos now account for nearly one in every three new AIDS cases. This campaign will capitalize on the strong cultural connection that many young Latinos have with lowriders and educate youth about HIV and AIDS in a memorable way.

Visuals:

-- Cristina Saralegui riding in the lowrider, with its hydraulics and sound system in full effect.

-- Specially designed AIDS prevention mural painted on the lowrider.

-- Photo opportunity with Diana Bonta, Cristina and Ricardo Gonzalez standing by the lowrider.

-- Aztec dance troop performing ceremonial dance to "bless" the lowrider.

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CONTACT: Rogers & Assoc. Barbara Hodgson/Dan Shaw, 310/552-6922 or DHS Norma Arceo, 916/657-3064

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