It’s positively poetic in description.
So what exactly happens at this time of year? Technically, it’s when the sun crosses the celestial equator and moves southward in the northern hemisphere. That definition brought to you by timeanddate.com.
But for most of us in California– it’s a subtle shift. As a kid, growing up in Southern California, I loved autumn, because it meant I was going back to school. Still love the scent of a new book, the joy of searching out a new classroom and discovering new teachers… on some level, it’s a fresh opportunity to write new chapters.

This First day of Fall finds me embarking on new adventures, and it feels like the first day of school in many ways. It’s the first time in decades I’m not wandering around a newsroom, with call letters by my name. But I am learning a new facet of the television business. Going to meetings, studying and learning new concepts.
And so the Fall of 2011 will always be special to me. I thank so many of you for your messages of good wishes in my journey… They are greatly appreciated. As I write new chapters in my life, I will share from time to time. And I hope you will share too. I am dedicated to staying open and looking at life and my profession in a new way …

So, let’s stay connected ..and see what we harvest.. ” bring in” to our lives. Peace, love and prosperity.

Stay current with Laura Diaz on facebook and twitter.

Kevin Danni of South Pasadena

Tom Frost of Santa Margarita

Brad Burlingame of Los Angeles

These are just some of the names of Southern Californians bound together by one tragic day in American history. This day- 9-11.

September 11, 2001. A day seared in our memories. For many of us on the West Coast, we awakened to discover that hijackers had seized four commercial airplanes. They crashed and burned in New York, Washington, and in rural Pennsylvania. In a daring plan, terrorists had struck on American soil. The death toll was staggering. Nearly three thousand killed, more than 2300 injured. Collectively, it was a body blow to the psyche of the American people. But the individual stories of loss bring it home…even more.

Kevin Danni, a young Occidental grad, just his second day on the job in New York City. A young man full of promise. Danni came within minutes of losing his life. He survived the attack on the Twin Towers. And described to me in great detail the unflinching courage of firefighters, rushing up the stairs as he struggled down them, ultimately–to his safety. Now, a devoted husband and father, he calls his rescue a “second chance at life”.

Tom Frost of Santa Margarita, is a grieving father ten years later. His daughter Lisa was on the second plane that hit the Towers. A beautiful, brilliant student, she had everything to live for. One degree in communications; another in business hospitality. Tom has left the room of his 22 year-old daughter nearly the same, a memoriam. It seems almost frozen in time. But time has not stood still. Ten years later.. Osama Bin Laden is dead, hunted down and killed by American troops. Frost says it offers him some measure of closure…but does not return his adored daughter.

Brad Burlingame looked up to his brother his whole life. Big brother, Charles Frank Burlingame or ‘Chic,’ as he was known was a classic American Hero. Square-jawed, handsome a graduate of the U. S Naval Academy. Growing up in Orange County, he shared a love of baseball with his brother. Chic was the pilot of the ill-fated Flight 77 hijacked by terrorists and flown into the Pentagon. Brad tells us his brother, the former fighter pilot, fought to the finish. He will honor him today ..and all those who perished that day. He asks that Americans everywhere honor those who died in the crashes; and those who rushed to save them.

Please join us for a very special half hour tonight at 630pm on CBS 2. These personal stories are incredibly moving. I thank everyone affiliated with the project for their trust and honesty. Thank for your support. And may the victims of 9-11 rest in peace.

Like this conversation? Stay current with Laura Diaz on facebook and twitter.

I have always loved Sade’s music but had never seen her perform live. So when her “Soldier of Love” Tour …with super talented John Legend as the opening act came to town … I knew I had to be there. And what an extraordinary night it was! Sade performed some of her vintage hits of the last three decades. I especially enjoyed her performance of ‘Love is Stronger than Pride” and  ‘Sweetest Taboo”.  The Nigerian-born, British–raised pop vocalist does romance and heartbreak better than almost anyone I can think of in modern times. Her silky voice retraces every emotion. And often, this crowd was on its feet…singing and dancing with her. Her band tore it up too. Solos on the sax and guitar were haunting, and she was generous in sharing the stage.

But the sheer beauty of the live performance was an added draw. I had never experienced a concert quite like THIS . Each song performed much like a music video with a storyline. Rich sets almost like you would find in a movie and a beautifully lighted stage. There were several costume changes. At times I felt as though an elegant fashion magazine had come to life. But at the heart of the performance –the music; the show itself transported the concertgoer! Hard to imagine, but there was an intimate atmosphere inside the cavernous Staples Center. And Sade was as lovely as she’s ever been. I especially loved that she sang barefoot while performing in a full length gown! It lent kind of an earthy-elegant vibe to the vocals.

I saw Sade last weekend at the Staples Center. But if I may make a recommendation – try to go! You can still catch her in Anaheim next week. Labor Day Weekend in Ontario. This Soldier of Love would certainly sign up for a second tour of duty — if the budget would allow.

Here are a couple of short short video clips — I chose to experience the concert rather than filming it!

Like the conversation? Stay current with Laura Diaz on facebook and twitter.

In a city where image is everything - - we took home an “Imagen” award! (Imagen means image in Spanish.) The recognition was received for the first show ever produced and aired for the CBS “Eye On Our Community” series. The big news was announced on Friday night at the 26th Annual Imagen Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  It was a night to mix and mingle with powerful Latinos in one place, at one time. And to celebrate the positive portrayal of Latinos in television and film.

It was an absolute honor to be among such a diverse group of people who have quite literally transformed the way Latinos are viewed in popular culture. As a young child, my mother would gather me and my sister around the television when a Latino or Latina emerged on the small screen. That’s how rare it was to see a person with dark skin on television. Thankfully, those most difficult days are behind us. Today, there are more Latinos in front and behind the camera.  Some are in prominent positions. Together, we continue to tell great stories, motivate the Latino youth and break boundaries for “our people.”  When the winner for the category of “Best Local Informational Program” was announced – the KCBS table jumped for joy!  We were happy to receive the honor as a group. Not just because this meant a new trophy would be added to the shelf…but because it meant our “Race Relations” program was recognized as impacting and informational. Our collective work had  made a difference in the Los Angeles community. It helped to illuminate the sometimes strained relationship that has existed between Latinos and African-Americans in Southern California. We felt the program was impactful because it analyzed the complex relations between two minority communities. In the end, we concluded fences had been mended, relationships strengthened. And that means our neighborhoods are safer…our differences embraced. Kids of all colors…hanging out together. And enjoying their differences, while finding common ground.

This award would have never been possible without the Imagen Foundation’s mission to honor the Latino community in entertainment. A special thank you to “Big Boy” of Power 106-FM who co-hosted the “Race Relations” program with me.  Thank you Pete Wilgoren (Executive Producer), Velia La Garda (Producer), Gustavo Sampaio (Editor), Troy McLaurin (Photographer), Robert Pearson (Photographer), Angela Moriconi (Photographer), Jeff Chayette (Graphics), Megan Telles (Production Intern) and Steve and Scott (GM & News Director) for launching the show.

Some closing thoughts, I’m an LA Girl…born and raised in So. Cal. I will ALWAYS believe this is best place in the world to call “home.” And I will always believe our diversity is one of our most compelling qualities…we are a fascinating mix of culture, language and history. Here’s to celebrating that positive portrayal and image.

Until next year…enjoy the photos!

Like the conversation?  Stay current with Laura Diaz on facebook and twitter.

Over the weekend I had the honor of being MC for the 2011 Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) Scholarship Luncheon. This event was part of the annual ALPFA National Convention in Anaheim. And the second I stepped onto the premises - I was thrilled to see so many successful Latinos in one place at one time! There are 15,000 ALPFA members across the country…39 professional chapters and 83 student chapters.

ALPFA was erected in 1972 and has remained a pipeline for Latinos interested in business for over three decades. It has allowed our future business leaders to explore career, internship and scholarship opportunities. This year, the organization was pleased to see a significant increase in the number of scholarship applications with over 1,300 students applying. To be a student scholar means getting the financial support in compensation for doing well in school and having the desire to seek a higher education. The ALPFA Annual Scholarship Program awards 60 of the most talented students on average. Award amounts range from $1,500 to $2,500.

Before the scholars were announced, I shared my journey with the audience. I wanted the students to know that I didn’t get to where I am today, on my own. Through perseverance and financial support from scholarships and a network of mentors, I graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. My education has allowed me to do what I love, every singe day. Being the MC for this event was a chance for me to pay it forward. On my way home (after stopping at In-N-Out, of course) I thought to myself - I hope I was able to inspire those students as much as they have inspired me.

Congratulations to the 2011 ALPFA scholarship recipients! May you follow your dreams and never forget to pay it forward.

The 2011 ALPFA Convention continues now through Wednesday. Check out the website to learn more: http://www.alpfa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&pageid=1

Like this conversation?  You can stay current with Laura Diaz on facebook and twitter.