Latino group names man, woman of year

GLENDALE — More than 100 members and supporters of the Glendale Latino Assn. gathered for its annual awards ceremony on Friday in what was a sign of the group's steady growth and influence, organizers said.

The awards ceremony, held at Sabor Restaurant on Brand Boulevard, was as much of a show of the group's growing strength as it was to honor its man and woman of the year, association President Martha Rivera said.

"This organization is just so important and it keeps growing," she said.

The association honored Alberto Alvarado, director for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Los Angeles District, as the man of the year and Maria Rochart, director of Glendale's New Horizons Family Center, as woman of the year.

Alvarado said he was humbled by the recognition and highlighted the association's impact on the community.

"It's very important what the [Glendale Latino Assn.] is doing," he said. "They're helping create business here, which helps create jobs."

Alvarado's Glendale-based office oversees the largest Small Business Administration district in the country and in the past three fiscal years has funneled nearly $2.4 billion in loans to small businesses throughout Los Angeles County, according to the administration.

"We feel that he's done a great job and want to make sure he's recognized," said Luis Pezzini, past president of the association.

Rochart, meanwhile, has been busy helping families through her nonprofit New Horizons Family Center, which provides child development and after-school programs in Glendale.

"She's an amazing woman," Pezzini said. "Who we are today is based on the energy she's exerted."

Rochart served as the association's president in 2005 and is treasurer this year. She was also appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last year to serve on the state's Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency.

She beamed as she recalled how much the association has grown over the past 15 years, from 20 to 300 members.

"We really benefit from all the businesses coming together for the greater benefit," she said.

The business-oriented association doled out more than $5,000 in scholarships to Glendale youth last year and has plans to increase that amount this year, Pezzini said.

"We think it's vital to have representation," he said. "It's important for [the Latino community] to know they have a place to come to."

The association also named El Pescador Restaurant as business of the year and featured a keynote address from Audre Levy, president and superintendent of Glendale Community College.

The convergence of so many Latino business owners and community leaders was a big draw for local representatives. Rep. Adam Schiff, Assemblyman Paul Kerkorian, Glendale Mayor Dave Weaver, Glendale Unified School District Supt. Michael Escalante and several other government officials attended the event.