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Local Hero of the Year Award Winners, Sonia Marie De Leon de Vega, Eddie "Piolín por la Mañana" Sotelo, Pedro M. Muñiz, Dora Jacildo and José Daniel Ocampo.

KCET is busy off-camera every day with outreach activities that reflect and serve our distinctive region. KCET community outreach --- whether at a specific local site, on-line, or at the KCET studios, has a direct impact on the lives of Southern and Central Californians.

We bring hundreds of childcare providers to our studios each year for training on how to use PBS educational children’s programs in their daily routines. Connecting "Sesame Street" or "Dragontales" to books, games, activities and insightful discussion helps childcare providers better prepare young children for school. The station’s newest initiative, KCEd, goes even further to reach and teach the important individuals who provide care for preschool children.

We celebrate our rich diversity, through celebratory station events that bring together viewers and members throughout our region. Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month and other community events are celebrated on air, with profiles of unrecognized local heroes.

KCET provides resource information in print and on-line directly to viewers who watch our informative programs and need more information. "The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s," "On Our Own Terms, Moyers on Dying;" "And Thou Shalt Honor," about caregiving; and a "Frontline" episode on child advocacy services, are just four of hundreds of examples of programs that inspire people to explore new approaches to life's challenges.

KCET and Union Bank of California presented the 9th consecutive Hispanic Heritage Month "Local Hero of the Year" awards at beautiful gala event at KCET's Hollywood studios. The event, attended by more than 300 guests, celebrated one honoree in each of five categories: arts, business, community activism, education and social services.

Al Jerome, KCET president and CEO, and George Ramirez, Union Bank market president, hosted the ceremony and Mr. Ramirez presented the awards. This year's honorees are Sonia Marie De Leon de Vega, Dora Jacildo, Pedro Muñiz, José Daniel Ocampo and Eddie Sotelo.

These individuals continually demonstrate courage, determination and civic responsibility to improve the quality of life for all. Their selfless efforts are an inspiration to others and prove that the power of one can positively change the lives of many:

Sonia Marie De Leon de Vega, orchestra conductress for Santa Cecilia Orchestra, will be honored for her work in the arts. De Leon de Vega has spearheaded an effort to establish a music program in 16 schools in Los Angeles. As a musician, she was the first woman in history to receive a Vatican invitation to conduct a symphony orchestra at a Papal Mass.

Dora Jacildo is executive director of Children Today, a non-profit child development center for homeless children in Long Beach, a city with one of the largest homeless child populations in the country. Jacildo, being honored for her work in education, has a wealth of experience and commitment to serving young children and families and has played an instrumental role in the opening of hundreds of childcare centers in the Los Angeles area.

Pedro M. Muñiz, a public relations specialist with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), will be honored for his work in the social services area. Muñiz has been instrumental in bridging the disconnect between the LAPD and the Spanish-speaking community of Los Angeles through various public awareness campaigns. Through his efforts, several suspects of violent crimes and fugitives have been captured.

José Daniel Ocampo, owner of Tires R Us, will receive the award for his accomplishments as a business owner. Despite being a victim of the L.A. riots and numerous robberies, Ocampo has led various initiatives and crime-prevention programs to improve the South Los Angeles community.

Eddie "Piolín por la Mañana" Sotelo, a DJ with KSCA La Nueva 101.9 FM, will be recognized for his efforts as a community activist. Piolín was instrumental in mobilizing the Latino community nationwide during the recent immigration-reform marches. Through his morning show, Piolín provides a venue for listeners to get help with financial problems, illness, social services issues, and legal and immigration matters.

The celebration continues throughout Hispanic Heritage Month as KCET presents short video profiles of each honoree and special programs showcasing Latino history and culture.