100,000 Get the Beat at Latino Music Fest

Latino music lovers from all over Southern California flocked to the Hansen Dam Sports Complex in Lake View Terrace on Sunday for the seventh annual Sin Fronteras Latino Music Festival.

“It’s a way for us to celebrate our Latino heritage with good Mexican music,” said Canoga Park resident Erick Padilla, while slurping a cup of shaved ice to keep cool under the afternoon sun.

A crowd of 100,000 attended the festival, double last year’s attendance, said Richard Heftel. Heftel is president and general manager of KLVE-FM (107.5) and KTNQ-AM (1020) and station manager of “La Nueva” KSCA-FM (101.9), which sponsored the event with the Los Angeles Police Department and Sears, Roebuck & Co. stores.

“This turnout is better than I could have possibly imagined,” Heftel said.

Proceeds from the event go to support the LAPD’s Jeopardy “Balancing the Odds” Program, which aims to deter at-risk youths from engaging in gang activities.

Officer Armando Acero, co-leader of the Jeopardy program with Officer Richard Stocks, said the event should raise about $100,000.

“That should give us enough funds to run the program for about three to four months,” Acero said.

The six-hour music festival featured 13 acts, consisting of mostly Mexican folk dance groups and mariachi bands. Two Norteno groups--Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Los Tiranos del Norte--also performed.

Early in the festivities, 9-year-old singing sensation Tatiana Bolanos brought a standing ovation from the audience for her 20-minute set.

In addition to music and dance performances, the day’s activities included free carnival rides for children and police dog and SWAT team exhibits.

“It’s an enjoyable day of music, food and family entertainment while providing funds for the Jeopardy program,” Heftel said. “It’s a way for us to give back to the community we operate in.”