Lost's Rodriguez Gives Respect, Expects the Same

NEW YORK – "Lost" actress Michelle Rodriguez says she treats people with respect — unless provoked.

"My family taught me about ethics and the importance of respecting everybody," Rodriguez tells People en Espanol magazine in its debut "New Hollywood" issue. "But, if someone is disrespectful to me, then we have a problem."

Rodriguez, 27, who plays Ana Lucia Cortez on the ABC castaway drama, is on one of four celebrity covers of the "New Hollywood" issue, on newsstands Feb. 6.

The other covers feature Wilmer Valderrama of "That '70s Show," actress Zoe Saldana ("Guess Who") and designer Eduardo Xol of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Rodriguez tells the magazine she's inspired by the peacefulness of Hawaii, where "Lost" is filmed.

"I always ask the universe for things if I feel I need to learn a lesson," she says. "The same applies when I am `partying' too much or am acting a little crazy. I ask for mental clarity, peace and I always receive it. There is so much I want to do and this is the moment."

Rodriguez pleaded not guilty last month in a Dec. 1 drunken driving arrest. She was also cited for speeding in Hawaii three times last year.

In 2004, she pleaded no contest in Los Angeles to three traffic violations, including drunken driving. She completed a three-month alcohol program and is serving a three-year probation term.