Message from Visit California + new sourcing + jobs
There’s been a lot of conversation around how to address media amid the wildfire devastation in Los Angeles. Viewpoints differ on what’s most appropriate, and that’s OK. The main thing is general kindness, sensitivity, and generally being authentic and human in your communication
Also important to the region: Keeping business going, as I wrote about earlier this week. (Keep events in Los Angeles!) To that end, I wanted to share excerpts from the official messaging Visit California came out (attributed to Visit California president and CEO Caroline Beteta on January 22):
“Los Angeles has always been a beacon to the world — a place where dreams are born and stories unfold from the silver screen to iconic landmarks. Now this resilient city needs your help in its recovery story. One of the best ways to support the comeback of Los Angeles is to plan a trip.
Impacted communities and businesses need the tourism economy to keep doors open and to support the many residents whose lives and livelihoods have been affected.
Fortunately, more than 98 percent of Los Angeles County was not in a burn area.
Los Angeles is the beating heart of California tourism. The city, along with its iconic sites and experiences – the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Santa Monica Pier, Getty and Getty Villa, Griffith Observatory and many more — remain intact and accessible to visitors from around the world.
Los Angeles depends on its normally thriving tourism economy. Plan a trip and help the local businesses and residents that need tourism now more than ever.”
I’ll add: The same goes for events, meetings — and yes, even regional press trips — too.
New sourcing request and LA-based job below.
PS: Wow, I might have struck a nerve! Thank you for the huge response to my paid post earlier this week. Read it here if you missed it: The worst kind of follow-up email is still flooding my inbox
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Open press opportunities
For The Points Guy, I’m working on a series of stories that will require me to fact-check hotel information — specifically the starting price point and starting number of points required for booking. Next up, I’m going to be updating this story about the best Marriott hotels in the world. Looking for the right agency and/or in-house contacts to help me source information. Thank you!
Tools of the trade
You already know my own press opportunities are in this very Substack! I’m also a media member of Press Hook, where publicists can create and manage press kits and brand profiles on behalf of clients and use the AI-driven platform to connect with journalists in a streamlined way. If you’re not using Press Hook yet, you should definitely give it a try: It’s designed as a platform to connect journalists looking for story sources with brands who want to showcase their products and experts, and it’s all really built on trust and meaningful connections (it’s not spammy). It also offers a suite of helpful workflow tools. Journalists can search by product and category, and participating brands get exposure and affiliate opportunities — so it’s designed as a win-win for everyone (in the same vein as this Substack, I like to think). Give it a try — and let me know what you think.
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Open jobs
Job posts in this newsletter are now a free perk for paying subscribers. Do you have an open opportunity you want me to promote? First, upgrade here if you need to. Then email me at info@alicedubin.com.
Modern Currency PR is hiring a highly skilled, scrappy, and strategic public relations account supervisor with 3-4 years of public relations agency experience within the hospitality, culinary, travel, tourism, restaurant and/or consumer lifestyle arenas. MCPR offers generous benefits, including a work-from-anywhere program, 401k matching, comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision, life), generous PTO, summer Fridays, annual holiday office closures, PR travel perks, incredible mentorship, training, and more. “Those who enjoy a small-company feel and who are drawn to a service-based and hospitality-driven culture should apply. While this is a remote position, candidates must be based in Los Angeles to ensure on-site presence at select meetings, client venues, and events as needed. Interested candidates can drop us a line with resume at contact@moderncurrencypr.com.”
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How to help
Donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Save the Children.
Donate to the Anti-Defamation League to support the fight against hate.
Donate to Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety.
Donate to Planned Parenthood.
Donate to Pasadena Humane Society
Thinking of you and your family, Alice. Have a great weekend!