Assemblymember Juan Arambula (D-Fresno) has opened nominations for the 2006 Latino Heritage Awards in the 31st Assembly District. Nominations are being accepted for awards in nine categories:

• Non-Profit Employee
  
• Public Safety
  
• Small Business Owner
  
• Medical
  
• Legal/Justice
  
• Education
  
• Community Volunteer
  
• Youth (under 18)
  
• Special Tribute (several of the above, or perhaps none of the above)
  

The awards are designed to honor those who have a made an important difference in the lives of others in the community. Nominations are being accepted online at www.assembly.ca.gov/arambula. A printable nomination form and awards ceremony invitation is available at www.assembly.ca.gov/arambula/pdf/LatinoAwardsInviteNomForm.pdf or by calling (559) 445-5532. Nominations are due Friday, September 8th.

“September is Hispanic Heritage Month, and nominating outstanding individuals for these awards is an important part of the celebration,” said Assemblymember Arambula in opening the nominations. “Their work will be tomorrow’s history — and I am proud to honor them today.”

A ceremony to honor the winners will be held Thursday, September 14th, at downtown Fresno’s Arte Américas Museum. Further information about this event will be provided in a separate release as the date nears.