The LASG team will be opening UCLA's PAC 12 Women's Gymnastics Meet with a rhythmic gymnastics group performance to promote the upcoming 2012 LA Lights Tournament of Champions, hosted by LASG.

Tanya Berenson, LASG's general manager, is scheduled to open this event. Berenson opened the 2011 gymnastics showcase at Pauley Pavilion alongside Coach John Wooden.

Tickets for the UCLA gymnastics meet are on sale now at the UCLA Central Ticket Office. In addition, season tickets are on sale for $30 and include admission to all five home meets. Single-meet general admission tickets are also on sale at the UCLA Central Ticket Office and at Ticketmaster for $7 for adults and $5 for youth (16 and under). UCLA students are free with ID.

About Los Angeles School of Gymnastics (LASG):

LASG, an Olympic-quality training center, is a nonprofit corporation, is considered among the top training facilities in the country, which has been training Los Angeles youth since 1975. Led by Alla Svirsky, LASG has provided thousands of young athletes with quality gymnastics instruction and has produced several Olympians and internationally-ranked athletes. Visit www.lagymnastics.com .

About 2012 L.A. Lights Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational:

LA Lights is one of the largest rhythmic gymnastics events in the nation. Sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) and USA Gymnastics Federation, the tournament hosts hundreds of the world's most diverse and competitive athletes in rhythmic gymnastics, including world champions from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, USA, and many more. Visit www.lalightsmeet.com for more information.

Copyright © 2012 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

The Holiday Toy Express will roll into the Downtown Burbank station (201 N. Front Street) at 5:00 p.m., where it will be welcomed by elves, strolling entertainers and thousands of cheering families on the platform. There will be free arts and crafts for kids, hot chocolate, holiday cookies, the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Wagon and more.

Attendees are invited to bring new, unwrapped toys and sporting equipment for the ABC 7 Spark of Love Toy Drive in cooperation with the Burbank Fire Department. All toys collected go to Burbank kids in need.

Don’t forget to have your picture taken with Lil’ Squirt and the heroes of Burbank Fire Department Engine and Truck 11!

Ample free parking is available in two adjacent parking lots. Holiday Toy Express is part of 12 Days of Holiday Cheer and is presented by Downtown Burbank Partnership, the City of Burbank, Burbank Town Center and the Burbank Community YMCA.

For further information the public is asked to please call 818.238.5180 or visit www.downtown-burbank.org .

Downtown Burbank encompasses 34-blocks of retail, office, residential and entertainment destinations with 200 shops and 80 restaurants including Macy’s, IKEA, PF Chang’s, Urban Outfitters, AMC-16 and Burbank Town Center. The area is bounded by Verdugo Avenue, Glenoaks, Burbank Boulevard and the I-5 in Burbank, Calif., and contains more than 9,000 parking spaces. Dubbed “one of Southern California’s most appealing urban centers” by Sunset Magazine, the district is managed by Downtown Burbank Partnership, a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation.

The tree will be decorated with 900 hand-crafted ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers. It will be illuminated by 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights.

The Governor will be joined by six-year-old Makayla Jones, of Visalia, who will assist him in lighting the Capitol Christmas tree.

Kitty O’Neal, of KFBK Radio, will emcee the ceremony, which will also feature performances by: California Army National Guard, 59th Army Band, The Brass Quintet, The Governor’s Own; Bel Tempo Ringers; Galena Street East; students from the Oakland Military Institute and Oakland School for the Arts; Woodland Opera House; St. Paul’s Baptist Church Choir and Kevin Wilson.

When: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: State Capitol, West Steps, Sacramento, California, 95814

**Note: This event is open to the public and credentialed media. Attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to benefit the California Emergency Foodlink. This event will be webcast on the Governor’s website: www.gov.ca.gov .

Advance discount tickets for this Bay Area New Year's Eve party may be purchased at www.PGuild.com .

"It's a New Year's Eve party for singles, but we find that couples enjoy this special New Year's Eve party, too," says Phil Seyer director of Professionals Guild. "Couples tell me: 'We love your Professionals Guild events because singles know how to party!'"

"Singles add a special energy that makes our party truly unique," Seyer added.

"The Marriott is offering a 'screaming-deal' on New Year's Eve," said Seyer, a deluxe room is $89; to get that rate, call 800-228-9290 and mention Professionals Guild."

New Year's Eve Party tickets must be purchased separately. Advance discount tickets are $65 and $75 at the door. This party includes optional VIP reserved seating, a live band, the Floorshakers, DJ, Mike Westerman, Casino Gaming, two free drinks, free bar snacks, a big balloon drop at midnight and a champagne toast followed by continued mingling and dancing. Free casino gaming includes roulette, blackjack, and an easy-to-play big wheel spin. Hundreds of dollars in prizes will be awarded.

A professional photographer is available with an attractive backdrop and pictures can be printed immediately. A photo contest also adds to the fun. People can also take pictures with their cell phones or other cameras and upload them to www.ProGuildSocial.com — a free online social network. Members of ProGuildSocial.com then vote online. The winner is awarded a $50 gift card.

A diverse mix of adults of all ages attend this event. Most are 25 years old and up with many in their 30's, 40's and 50's, some younger, some older. The minimum age is 18. No underage drinking of alcohol will be permitted. This rule is strictly enforced. Dress code: semi-formal to formal. Men are encouraged to be a prince for the evening. Tux and suite and tie recommended but not required. Most ladies will be in beautiful cocktail dresses or evening gowns. No casual attire, please.

For more information, call the Professionals Guild at: 925-888-4392. For dinner and room reservations call the San Ramon Marriott at: 800-228-9290.

Professionals Guild is also sponsoring a contest for a free room and New Year's Eve party at the San Ramon Marriott. To enter the contest, one need only click the like button at www.Facebook.com/newyearseveparty and send an email to "professionalsguild -at- gmail .com."

Another Professionals Guild Event is coming soon after New Year's: an Un-valentines party for singles at Zio Fraedo's Italian Restaurant in Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Copyright © 2011 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

The calendar (*See NOTE) includes quotes from great statesman, authors and visionaries like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Ernest Hemingway, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., along with quotes from Dr. Ron Paul on current and timeless issues.

Twelve women from all across the country are featured; students, writers, artists, and businesswomen, every one an outspoken activist for peace and freedom!

The calendar's creator, Juliet Annerino, explains, "This is a pretty package for a powerful message. Peace + Freedom = Beautiful!"

20 percent of all proceeds go in support of Dr. Paul's run for the presidency in 2012.

The calendar was recently featured on The Colbert Report, Politico.com and the New York Daily News.

Juliet Annerino, along with several of the Los Angeles-based Calendar Girls are hosting a "Holiday Party with the Pin Ups for Ron Paul" free event in Hollywood, Wednesday, November 30, 7 p.m.- 11 p.m. at Cafe Entourage, 1600 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA 90028. They welcome the press for interviews and photos, in the upstairs VIP section.

For ordering info, pictures and video, see: www.PinUps4RonPaul.com .

(*NOTE: Independently produced and not affiliated with the official Ron Paul Campaign.)

Copyright © 2011 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

Completing the series of novels comprising Ventana's award-winning Post-Lux Trilogy (after the light), "Questing for Uberjoy" delivers breathtaking Action-Adventure in a powerful and unforgettable novel. At once exotic, romantic, captivating, and thrilling in its world-shattering dimensions, this monumental work of high-drama is a priceless gem of a novel and a luminous triumph of contemporary fiction. By exploring and, indeed, exposing existential aspects of our allegorical "Inner Dark," Ventana's novels might well carry an FDA-warning label: Caution! Literary Fiction!! Lasting side-effects are likely!!!

Set in the outlandish war-ravaged kingdoms of Nepal and Tibet, "Questing for Uberjoy" is an elevating and life-affirming Journey of Discovery for men and women alike. The Quest comes alive with high-spirited characters, heart-wrenching romance, awe-inspiring scenery, and breath-taking action in a masterful and compelling saga of human aspiration, international intrigue, and high-altitude drama played out upon the "Rooftop of the World" in a bold and daring Special Operations rescue mission.

Excerpt from the Back Cover:

They called her "Uberjoy," but her real name was Joycelyn Eberhard. She was a finalist in the Miss Teen Idaho beauty pageant, but now she's gone missing — in China, no less. Her fiance, Orion, worried when she signed up for the Peace Corps, but he never expected something like this. Her disappearance is shattering to him, so he has no choice but to head overseas and search for the woman he loves. His search takes him to the remote Himalayan Mountains in Nepal and Tibet, where getting help from local authorities is not as easy as he would have hoped. He is forced to seek assistance elsewhere, from intrepid special operations mercenaries and unorthodox mountaineering guides. "Questing for Uberjoy" is a quest for love. It is also a quest for meaning, as Eastern culture surrounds heroic Orion and teaches him more about himself than any experience in America. One moment philosophical and the next filled with extreme danger, it is a story that could change your life and send you on your own heroic quest.

Konrad Ventana's "Questing for Uberjoy" is a dazzling jewel of a novel — a personal treasure to have and to give. Now available as Hardcover, Softcover, and eBook versions from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or your preferred bookseller: 978-1-4620-2953-2 (HC ISBN); 978-1-4620-2952-5 (SC ISBN).

About the Author

Konrad Ventana (literally, Bold Counsel through a Window) is an American Author, Professor, Scientist, and Visionary who looks boldly behind the scenes at our modern times and examines the potential for future development. He currently lives in California. Website: www.konradventana.com .

Copyright © 2011 CaliforniaNewswire® and Neotrope®. California Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a U.S. reg. TM of Neotrope.

This year’s tree is a 40-foot tall white fir tree donated by the U.S. Forest Service’s Institute of Forest Genetics in Camino, El Dorado County. It will be placed on the west lawn of the Capitol.

The tree will be decorated with 900 hand-crafted ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers. It will be illuminated by 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights.

When: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 4:45 p.m.
Where: State Capitol, West Steps, Sacramento, California, 95814

**Note: This event is open to the public and credentialed media. Attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to benefit the California Emergency Foodlink.

This event will be webcast on the Governor’s website: www.gov.ca.gov.

“I applaud Governor Brown for signing SB 550. With this new law we are defending California’s entertainment industry,” said Senator Padilla (D-Pacoima). “The crime of illegal mass reproduction of music and movies is a serious and growing problem. Last year, more than 820,000 illegal discs were seized by law enforcement in California,” said Senator Padilla.

“This new law is about protecting California jobs. Those who illegally replicate CDs and DVDs undermine our economy and California’s role as a global leader in music and film. Illegal replication of CDs and DVDs steals revenue from everyone in the entertainment industry, from blue collar workers to those who walk the red carpet,” added Senator Padilla.

The law takes effect January 1, 2012, and allows inspections of CD and DVD replication plants to ensure compliance with anti-piracy laws and identify the CD and DVD plants responsible for pressing fraudulent discs. In addition, the law allows only those authorities whose primary responsibilities include the investigation of high technology or intellectual property piracy to inspect CD and DVD plants to confirm that the discs include source identification information, a sort of digital fingerprint, as already required by existing law. The law allows the state to impose steep fines when violations are discovered.

Those who illegally market pirated discs are increasingly turning to large-scale disc replicators to reproduce high quality, illegal copies. These discs are then sold to unsuspecting merchants who believe they are purchasing authentic products.

Illegal discs flood the market and compete unfairly with genuine products and undercut legitimate businesses. Disc piracy results in diminished tax revenue and job loss in California. The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation estimates that the economic losses in Los Angeles County exceed $3 billion annually and deprives state and local governments of nearly half a billion dollars in tax revenue each year.

Senator Alex Padilla represents the 850,000 residents of the 20th State Senate District which includes most of the San Fernando Valley in the City of Los Angeles.

This is Himalayan Action and Adventure at its awe-inspiring, breath-taking, heart-pounding best!!!

They called her “Uberjoy,” but her real name was Joycelyn Eberhard. She was a finalist in the Miss Teen Idaho beauty pageant, but now she’s gone missing-in China, no less. Her fiance, Orion, worried when she signed up for the Peace Corps, but he never expected something like this. Her disappearance is shattering to him, so he has no choice but to head overseas and search for the woman he loves. His search takes him to the remote Himalayan Mountains in Nepal and Tibet, where getting help from local authorities is not as easy as he would have hoped. He is forced to seek assistance elsewhere, from intrepid special operations mercenaries and unorthodox mountaineering guides.

“Questing for Uberjoy” is a quest for love. It is also a quest for meaning, as Eastern culture surrounds heroic Orion and teaches him more about himself than any experience in America. One moment philosophical and the next filled with extreme danger, it is a story that could change your life and send you on your own heroic quest.

Winner of 2011 “Editor’s Choice” and “Rising Star” distinctions, and praise from Book Reviewers:

“I’ve just finished reading Konrad Ventana’s ‘Questing for Uberjoy’ and I must say it is masterfully done. The adventure storyline is terrific, the philosophy intellectually and emotionally meaningful, and the attention to writer’s craft apparent. The novel features many unforgettable scenes and outstanding, beautifully painted imagery that will stick with readers long after they’ve put the book aside.”

“The disappearance of a beautiful Peace Corps volunteer makes for a great adventure story. Orion’s character-arc begins with a crushingly powerful one-dimensional outlook and philosophy. However, Orion’s one-dimensional outlook is his flaw, and this is a masterful stroke by the author, since Orion’s character does indeed arc and change into flesh and blood with increasing tenderness and passion throughout.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to review the fascinating work you have done to bring ‘Questing for Uberjoy’ to fruition. As someone who successfully completed Peace Corps training (for Colombia before the drug lords took over) only to be drafted, I took a special interest in the plot of this book…. Well done! This book is engaging, interesting, and exciting, all at the same time. Readers will devour the story and tell their friends about it!”

“Questing for Uberjoy is, among other things, a great and adventurous journey that will engage readers, getting their hearts racing so they can’t wait to turn the page and find out what happens next. The novel has a terrific cast of characters that readers will unabashedly root for (even in their less than ‘perfect’ moments) as they move forward in their quests against evil and for undying love.”

“Questing for Uberjoy was a pleasure to read and review. The plot and characters are incredibly engaging, and the deeply detailed world brings the terrain and the quest to life, to say the least. More, the high-minded style and use of language serves to heighten the reader’s experience and truly convey the allegory and dramatization of the main scenes, the overarching philosophy, and the emotional drive behind the book. Behind the pseudonym Konrad Ventana is a skillful storyteller; his narrative voice is clear, confident, and distinctive, and the pacing is excellent. It is clear that he has honed his craft through years of writing.”

Konrad Ventana’s award-winning “Questing for Uberjoy” is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble; author’s website www.konradventana.com.

The Other Door is at 10437 Burbank Blvd. in North Hollywood.

“I’m looking to create a unique party each week with artists and bands of all genres,” states Metal, the event promoter and host on LA Talk Radio. “In addition to having industry audiences at these events, we will also be featuring some surprise celebrity guests,” notes Metal. “Everyone I know in the business is getting an invite to this show,” she adds.

Sheena Metal Productions will be inviting a virtual who’s who of Hollywood, including:
* A&R Representatives
* Booking Agents
* Club and Festival Promoters
* Entertainment Attorneys
* Film Casting Representatives, Directors and Producers
* Music Journalists and Columnists
* Artist Managers
* Music Licensing Representatives
* Music Magazine Editors and Writers
* Music Producers and Publishers
* Radio Hosts, Producers, Programmers, & Station Managers/Owners
* Television Casting Representatives, Directors and Producers.

Host of four programs on LA Talk Radio, Metal is also inviting all of her radio listeners. “A total of nearly 175,000 people will receive the e-mail to this night at The Other Door and I expect these shows to fill to capacity. Plus, the artist or band who brings the largest draw of the night will receive a radio interview on LA Talk Radio on my syndicated Music Highway show.”

About Sheena Metal:
Sheena Metal helmed five successful shows in her seven years on KLSX 97.1 FM Talk, then known as “the Howard Stern affiliate station.” She has been written up in the Los Angeles Times Sunday Calendar, LA Weekly, The Daily News, Music Connection and dozens of other periodicals. Metal has appeared as a comedic commentator on “National Inquirer TV,” and was the annual host of the All Access Music Awards. She hosts four shows at LA Talk Radio: the daily afternoon “The Sheena Metal Experience” and three weekly shows, “Haunted Playground,” “Music Highway,” and “Two Chicks Talkin’ Politics” with co-host Susan Olsen (from “The Brady Bunch”).

More information online: latalkradio.com/Sheena.php .

Media contact:
John Scott G
jsg@gmanmarketing.com
Phone: 818-223-8486.