A Message From UCLA Latino Alumni Association President Janette Palacios '98, M.U.R.P. '01
Welcome to our latest newsletter, our third this school year, all of which we hope have kept you apprised of our latest news and events.
Let me take a moment to acknowledge our ULAA board. They’ve stayed busy during the pandemic planning events to ensure that our students and alumni are engaged. Last month alone, we welcomed new students with a virtual send-off, entertained alumni and friends with two movie nights and hosted an open house to introduce the new board and recruit new members and volunteers. This fall, students will be matched with mentors through the OrgullOSO Mentorship Program in late October and, on Nov. 17, we will host another career panel.
I want to also take a moment to thank each of you for volunteering, mentoring and donating to our scholarship fund. It’s through our partnerships that we do such amazing things for our students, alumni and Latinx community.
Go Bruins!
Janette Palacios '98, M.U.R.P. '01
2020-2022 President
UCLA Latino Alumni Association
Top Stories
Vote! Vote! Vote!
If you aren't registered to vote on Election Day, you can still participate in same-day voter registration in California! Head to your nearest vote center to register and cast your ballot at the same time. This is called conditional voter registration and you will be voting on a provisional ballot as a conditional voter.
Vote by mail — Drop your ballot in any USPS mailbox, no postage necessary. California voters do not have to request to vote by mail. You will automatically be mailed a ballot prior to the general election, and many of us have already received them. California vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office no later than 17 days after Election Day. We recommend you mail it ASAP. Check out other election deadlines by state.
If you are voting by mail, do not forget to sign your ballot. If your ballot is not signed, it will not be counted.
Drop off your ballot — You can drop your ballot in one of your county's ballot drop boxes no later than the close of polls at 8 p.m. on Election Day, or you can bring your ballot to any voting location in California between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day. Select LA County vote centers will be available beginning Saturday, Oct. 24. All vote centers will be available beginning Friday, Oct. 30.
Vote in person — LA County Vote Centers will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the early voting period. On Election Day, vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. See the vote centers in Orange County.
Please wear a face covering. Vote centers will be adhering to physical distancing and disinfecting public health guidelines. Your face covering will further protect you and fellow citizens. In Orange County, check live wait times for vote centers and choose a location that works for you.
Track your ballot — Ballottrax is a mail ballot tracker that California and other states are implementing. Sign up and see if your state/county is using it.
Not old enough to vote, but over 16 years old? Sign up to be a student election worker, if available in your area.
Note for Orange County voters. If you tested positive for COVID-19, are self-quarantining and live in Orange County, you can request a vote-by-mail ballot to be delivered electronically. To request this option, you can: complete the postcard with the pre-paid postage located on the back of your Voter Information Guide; visit ocvote.com/myballot; call the Registrar of Voters at 714-567-7600; or email myballot@rov.ocgov.com.
Latina Equal Pay Day
To highlight Latina Equal Pay Day on Oct. 29, we have pulled some information below that gives a clear picture of the pay gap. Visualizing this is important and impactful. Does it make you feel uncomfortable? Let’s be informed, get motivated and make some changes!
COVID-Safe Halloween Events in Los Angeles and Surrounding Area
In the midst of all the uncertainty, we can’t forget that those moments of joy spent with family and friends are most important to our survival. We hope that our Bruin family can have a little fun while staying safe this Halloween. Please take the necessary precautions and enjoy some of these drive-through options!
Below you will find a list of ideas for how you can celebrate Halloween in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas (including Las Vegas).
Planning alternate ways to participate in Halloween is the best way to help decrease the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or influenza. Check out our safety tips for this Halloween tradition.
UCLA Football Returns and Bruins in the NFL
While we may not be able to gather at the Rose Bowl this year, we are excited for the return of our Bruins in the upcoming football season.
Check out what our Bruins are doing in the NFL each week with this active player roster.
Upcoming Events
November Blood Drive
The UCLA Latino Alumni Association is having a “virtual” blood drive this November. With COVID-19, the ability for schools and companies to host blood drives has been diminished. Let’s help.
Make an appointment at the UCLA Blood & Platelet Center or American Red Cross. Take a photo of your blood donation, post and tag us via Instagram @latinobruins or email to nickibeltranena@alumni.ucla.edu. We will document the Latinx Bruin commitment to public health and get people inspired!
UCLA Latino Alumni Career Panel: "How Did You Get to Where You Are Today?"
During this panel, UCLA Latinx alumni will share their own stories, provide successful insights on "the next move" and highlight ways you can be resilient during your career journey.
UCLA ONE
Looking for ways to virtually volunteer? We can use your skill sets to guide the next generation of professionals! You can join our UCLA ONE Latino Alumni group here.
To indicate you’d like to mentor or network, please click on your profile picture -> Edit Profile -> Click boxes that apply under “Offer/Seek Help” section.
THE BRUIN PROMISE is a commitment from UCLA Alumni Affairs and UCLA Extension to provide access to lifelong learning to Bruins — and all who seek knowledge — through thousands of affordable courses and more than 100 certificate and specialization programs. Winter quarter enrollment begins Nov. 2.
In response to current challenges, a broad selection of virtual professional development and personal enrichment seminars are being offered at no cost. Search the list and take your future further with these educational resources and tools.
