http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_249085544.html

Sep 6, 2006 5:54 am US/Pacific

National Latino Congress Begins Today In L.A.
(CBS) LOS ANGELES Over 1,600 Latino activists and leaders will meet in Los Angeles on Wednesday for the National Latino Congress, which will last until Sunday.

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles described the event as "the most significant gathering of Latino leaders from across America since the civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s."

According to spokesperson Lauri Schag, Congress members will gather at the downtown Sheraton and attend workshops on a variety of topics, including civil rights, immigration, health care and gay rights. They also will vote on resolutions, including calls for immigration and environmental legislation.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Rev. Al Sharpton and local Spanish-language radio DJ Renan Almendarez will speak during the five-day gathering.

The event will end Sunday afternoon with a rally and immigrant-rights march at the Los Angeles State Historic Park.

Several national organizations helped organize the conference, including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Earth Day Network, the League of United Latin American Citizens and the William C. Velasquez Institute.