Fil-Am attorney general issues alerts to protect undocumented immigrants
LOS ANGELES – California Attorney
General Rob Bonta has issued two consumer alerts to protect the state’s undocumented immigrants from scams and remind them about their immigration rights.
The alerts also serve as a reminder that state and local authorities are barred from assisting federal agencies, such as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with deportations and other enforcement.
“State and local law enforcement cannot ask for your immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes,” one of the alerts stated.
“California law expressly prohibits law enforcement from inquiring about a person’s immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes.”
The sanctuary state law – also known as the California Values Act – that took effect in 2018 limits cooperation by local
Fil-Am NFL star earns spot in 2025 Pro Bowl Games
GREEN Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has secured a spot in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games scheduled to take place next month.
The Filipino American NFL star has been voted to the 2025 Pro Bowl – for the third time in his NFL career and the first time representing the Packers.
A dynamo on the field and a game-changer for Green Bay’s offense, Jacobs is only the fourth Packers running back to achieve this feat in the last 25 years.
Jacobs’ teammates Rashan Gary and Xavier Mckinney will join him at the Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, Florida. To celebrate this achievement, Packers posted a congratulatory message on Instagram.
Josh Jacobs’ sensational launch
His 2025 Pro Bowl selection arrives amid a stellar debut season with the Packers. Despite their loss last week, the 25-year-old running back matched a franchise record with seven consecutive games showcasing a rushing touchdown.
Achieving the distinction of being the fifth player in franchise history to rush for over 1,200 yards in a season, Jacobs completed a total of 14 rushing touchdowns this year. Reflecting on this season, Jacobs told SI News, “Man, it’s weird. It’s like bittersweet for me. Obviously, it’s good – I’ve had a good year and things like that – but when I look back on myself and grade myself, there’s so much out there that still can be had for me and even for this team.”
Born to a Filipina mother, Lachelle Jacobs,
SWS: Self-rated poverty at 63%, highest since 2003
— Filipino families who consider themselves poor continued to increase in the fourth quarter of 2024, with half of them—the highest
AFP
assures ‘systems in place’
amid report of Chinese hacking on PH
by
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the public that “systems are in place” to detect and deter cyber attacks, following a report claiming that Chinese state-sponsored hackers breached the Office of the President. United States-based Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday morning, January 7 that three of its informants had revealed a new breach flagged last August, targeting
the Philippines’ executive branch and involving documents related to the West Philippine Sea dispute.
When asked by the media to comment during a briefing in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, the AFP neither confirmed nor denied the report.
Instead, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said, “Cyber attacks are a daily occurrence, and what is important is that we can detect and we can deter these attacks.”
Rice imports hit record high in
by Jasper emmanuel arcalas Philstar.com
MANILA — Total rice imports last year rose to a new all-time high of almost 4.7 million metric tons (MT) as the country turned to foreign supplies to plug its shortfall in domestic stocks and temper retail prices of the staple.
The country’s rice imports in 2024 reached 4.68 million MT, nearly 30 percent higher than the 3.61 million MT recorded in 2023, based on Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data.
Vietnam remained as the country’s top rice supplier, cornering three-fourths of the total import volume or about 3.56 million MT. It was followed by Thailand at 598,157 MT and Pakistan at 283,517 MT.
The country also imported rice stocks
u PAGE 2
2024
from the following countries: Myanmar, India, China, Japan, Cambodia, Taiwan, Italy and Spain.
Government officials earlier attributed the increase in rice imports to the need to beef up domestic supplies amid the extreme weather conditions faced by farms in the first half of last year.
The lowering of rice tariffs to 15 percent from 35 percent, as ordered by President Marcos through Executive Order 62, also contributed to the increase in import volume as it encouraged private entities to purchase more abroad.
The economic measure was meant to temper and prevent further spikes in retail rice prices that have been identified as one of the culprits behind faster inflation in the country last year.
by Mark ErnEst VillEza Philstar.com
announced the milestone on Jan. 5, attributing the success to strategic policies, expanded air connectivity and sustained efforts to promote the country’s unique destinations.
The figure was 9.04 percent higher than the record of inbound tourism earnings worth P697.46 billion in 2023, as well as up by 26.75 percent from P600.01 billion worth of income in 2019 or a year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the DOT was short of the 7.7 million foreign travelers that it targeted to achieve in 2024, based on projections stipulated in the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028.
Doctors issue warning due to rising HMPV cases in US and China
DOCTORS from the U.S. and other Western countries called on China to share more details regarding its rising HMPV cases.
The Daily Mail says Beijing is yet to comment on the viral footage of overcrowded waiting rooms and wards on social media.
Nevertheless, Dr. Jacqueline Stephens, a senior lecturer in public health at Flinders University in Australia allayed concerns of a potential global outbreak.
“I think we’re just more cautious of outbreaks now,” she said. “Everyone is hypervigilant, and you hear this term ‘human metapneumovirus’ and it sounds kind of scary.”
What do we know about the growing HMPV cases?
On December 27, 2024, Reuters reported that Chinese authorities are monitoring the country’s increasing human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases.
Health officials have assured the public that the outbreak is nothing unusual, and the risk of another COVID-19 pandemic remains low.
Unfortunately, China’s lack of transparency resembles the early moments before the 2019 global crisis, causing many to fear another from HMPV.
Worse, the Daily Mail reported that the United States has been experiencing more cases.
Its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1.84% of weekly tests returned HMPV positive as of December 28, 2024.
In response, CDC officials confirmed to USA Today that it closely monitors China’s HMPV outbreak:
“CDC is aware of reported increases of HMPV in China and is in regular contact with international partners and monitoring reports of increased disease.”
“These reports are not currently a cause for concern in the U.S.”
What is the human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
China’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the first HMPV cases were recorded in 2001.
Its main transmission method is via droplets or aerosols from
Jason sigalEs Inquirer.net
by Mary VillEgas Inquirer.net
u PAGE 4
Josh Jacobs is heading to the Pro Bowl Games for the third time in his NFL career. Photo from Instagram/@iam_joshjaco
by DalE arasa Inquirer.net
u PAGE 4
SWS: Self-rated poverty at 63%...
increase from the 48 percent recorded in both 2023 and 2022.
Meanwhile, the percentage of respondents identifying themselves as borderline (placing themselves between poor and not poor) fell to 11 percent in December 2024 from 13 percent in September and 12 percent in June.
The percentage of respondents who rated themselves as “hindi mahirap” or not poor decreased to 26 percent from 28 percent in September and the record-high 30 percent in June 2024.
High prices
The survey also measured self-rated food poverty, based on the type of food consumed by families.
According to the survey, 51 percent of families rated themselves as food-poor, a fivepoint increase from 46 percent in September and June 2024 and the highest level in more than 20 years, matching the 51 percent recorded in March 2004.
This brought the 2024 annual average food-poor families to 44 percent, a nine-point increase from the 35 percent in 2023. Meanwhile, 13 percent identified themselves as food borderline (placing themselves between food-poor and not food-poor) and 36 percent considered themselves not food-poor.
Compared to September 2024, the percentage of food
borderline families dropped by four points from 17 percent, while not food-poor families barely moved from 37 percent.
Inflation, which measures the rate of increases in the prices of food and other essential items, rose to 2.9 percent in December, faster than the 2.5 percent recorded in November and brought the average price growth for 2024 to 3.2 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Food prices last year were affected mainly by the drought brought by the El Niño weather phenomenon in the summer months and the series of typhoons that battered the country toward the end of 2024.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the El Niño phenomenon severely battered the Philippines and damaged P15.3 billion worth of livelihood in farming and fishing communities.
Worst in Mindanao
The four-point increase in the nationwide self-rated poverty between September and December 2024 was due to increases in the Visayas and Mindanao, combined with a steady percentage in Luzon outside Metro Manila and a slight decrease in Metro Manila.
According to the survey, self-rated poverty was highest in Mindanao at 76 percent, followed by the Visayas at 74 percent, Luzon outside Metro Manila at 55 percent, and Metro Manila at 51 percent.
Compared to September
2024, self-rated poverty rose by 12 points from 62 percent in the Visayas, and nine points from 67 percent in Mindanao.
However, it remained steady at 55 percent in Luzon outside Metro Manila, while it hardly moved from 52 percent in Metro Manila.
The percentage of borderline families decreased across all regions.
In the Visayas, the figure dropped by seven points, from 22 percent to 15 percent. In Metro Manila, Luzon outside Metro Manila, and Mindanao, the percentage saw minimal changes, with only a one-point decrease in each area.
‘Not poor’
The percentage of families who rated themselves as not poor also declined.
In Mindanao, it dropped by eight points, from 23 percent to 15 percent, while in the Visayas, it decreased by five points, from 16 percent to 11 percent.
In Metro Manila, it increased slightly to 40 percent from 38 percent, while in Luzon outside Metro Manila, it edged up to 34 percent from 33 percent.
The fourth quarter SWS survey used face-to-face interviews among 2,160 adults. It had sampling error margins of plusor-minus 2 percentage points for the national percentages, plus-or-minus 3 percentage points for Luzon outside Metro Manila and plus-or-minus 5 percentage points each for Metro Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao. (Inquirer.net)
Doctors issue warning due to rising HMPV...
coughing and sneezing. Also, close contact with infected people may cause transmission.
The U.S. Cleveland Clinic lists the following symptoms:
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Wheezing
• Fever
• Rash
The Daily Mail adds that more severe symptoms, such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, may occur. Moreover, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are more likely to
develop these serious complications. HMPV cases are usually mild, so its exact death rate is unknown.
In 2023, China’s CDC explained the fatality rate caused by the virus: “Children, immunocompromised populations, and the elderly are susceptible, and they are more likely to be co-infected with other respiratory viruses.”
“In susceptible individuals with underlying medical conditions, HMPV infection can lead to death.”
“Based on data from an article published in Lancet Global Health in 2021, one percent of acute lower respiratory infection-related deaths in children under age five can be attributed to HMPV.” n
DOT: Tourism industry achieves highest...
PAGE 1
South Korea remained the Philippines’ top source of foreign tourists, with 1.57 million arrivals in 2024, accounting for 26.46 percent of total market share.
The increase was driven by strategic marketing initiatives, enhanced cultural exchanges during the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Philippines’ growing reputation as a destination for incentive travel.
The United States ranked second with 1.08 million visitors, with nonstop flights from San Francisco and Seattle to Manila contributing to this growth.
Japan showed a significant 22.84 percent increase in arrivals, reaching 444,528 visitors.
Campaigns and partnerships with Japanese travel agencies heightened interest in the Philippines as a destination.
China, though still below prepandemic figures, registered signs of recovery with 313,856 visitors, up from 264,922 in 2023.
Increased direct flights and
the introduction of a cruise visa waiver program bolstered these numbers, the DOT said.
Australia (299,286) and Canada (269,300) rounded out the top five, with Taiwan (213,833) and Singapore (198,471) showing strong growth due to enhanced connectivity and markets like diving and English language learning.
The Middle East also posted notable gains, with the United Arab Emirates achieving a 668.34 percent recovery rate compared to 2019.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia showed significant rebounds, reflecting increased air connectivity and heightened interest in the Philippines as a leisure destination.
Other fully recovered markets post pandemic included Hong Kong (106.79 percent), Italy (143.02 percent), Spain (111.08 percent) and New Zealand (100.50 percent).
The DOT said 70 percent of tourists in 2024 were repeat
visitors. Tourists reportedly stayed an average of over 11 nights, compared to nine nights in 2019.
“It is clear that the Philippine tourism industry is not only bouncing back but also evolving and expanding, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic stability and growth,” Frasco said.
“This achievement is not just a statistic; it translates to thousands of jobs created for Filipinos, fostering economic resilience and enabling families to thrive. The tourism sector has become a crucial engine for economic development, providing livelihood opportunities for many, especially in our rural and underserved areas,” she said.
The agency has yet to reveal its target of international visitor arrivals for 2025.
Previously, Frasco declared the DOT has “graduated from measuring tourism merely on the number of people arriving but rather on the more important numbers.” (with Ghio Ong)
AFP assures ‘systems in place’...
PAGE 1
“We have intrusion detection systems in place and intrusion prevention systems that are in place,” she explained. Padilla added that the AFP has coordinated with various agencies and allies, integrating cybersecurity into military exercises.
“In terms of the AFP, we have been trying to tweak our organization to the contemporary new challenges which is very heavy na rin (also) on cyber,” Padilla said.
“As you have witnessed, in the past months, we have activated
our cyber command; kasama na din diyan (that is also) in tandem with our intelligence command,” the AFP spokesperson added. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved a six-year plan last April to strengthen the security and resilience of Philippine cyberspace. n
Biden administration bars medical debt from credit scores
THE federal Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau on Tuesday, January 7 issued new regulations barring medical debts from American credit reports, enacting a major new consumer protection just days before President Joe Biden is set to leave office. The rules ban credit agencies from including medical debts on consumers’ credit reports and prohibit lenders from considering medical information in assessing borrowers.
These rules, which the federal watchdog agency proposed in June, could be reversed after President-elect Donald Trump takes office Jan. 20. But by finalizing the regulations now, the CFPB effectively dared the incoming Trump administration and its Republican allies in Congress to undue rules that are broadly popular and could help millions of people who are burdened by medical debt.
“People who get sick shouldn’t have their financial future upended,” CFPB
Director Rohit Chopra said in announcing the new rules.
“The CFPB’s final rule will
close a special carveout that has allowed debt collectors to abuse the credit reporting system to coerce people into paying medical bills they may not even owe.”
The regulations fulfill a pledge by the Biden administration to address the scourge of health care debt, a problem that touches an estimated 100 million Americans, forcing many to make sacrifices such as limiting food, clothing, and other essentials.
Credit reporting, a threat that has been wielded by medical providers and debt collectors to get patients to pay their bills, is the most common collection tactic used by hospitals, a KFF Health News analysis found.
The impact can be devastating, especially for those with large health care debts.
There is growing evidence, for example, that credit scores depressed by medical debt can threaten people’s access to housing and drive homelessness. People with low credit scores can also have trouble getting a loan or can be forced to borrow at higher interest rates. That has prompted states
including Colorado, New York, and California to enact legislation prohibiting medical debt from being included on residents’ credit reports or factored into their credit scores. Still, many patients and consumer advocates have pushed for a national ban.
The CFPB has estimated that the new credit reporting rule will boost the credit scores of people with medical debt on their credit reports by an average of 20 points.
But the agency’s efforts to restrict medical debt collections have drawn fierce pushback from the collections industry. And the new rules will almost certainly be challenged in court.
Congressional Republicans have frequently criticized the watchdog agency. Last year, then-chair of the House Financial Services Committee Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) labeled the CFPB’s medical debt proposal “regulatory overreach.”
More recently, billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump has tapped to co-lead his initiative to shrink government, called for the elimination of the watchdog agency. “Delete CFPB,” Musk posted on the social platform X. n
Biden bans new offshore drilling along most US coasts, Trump vows to reverse action
LOS ANGELES – President Joe Biden Monday, Jan. 6 withdrew areas offshore, including those in the Pacific Ocean along the Southern California coast, from all future oil and natural gas leasing.
While the decision was celebrated by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, President-elect Donald Trump vowed to reverse the action.
“Hundreds of miles of California’s iconic coastline is now fully protected from expanded offshore drilling, thanks to today’s action by President Biden,” Newsom said in a statement reacting to Biden’s action.
“For decades, we have led the fight to protect the Pacific Coast and the millions of Californians who call these coastal communities home.
“We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for taking this bold action that will pay dividends for generations to come. New offshore drilling has no place in California, and the president’s action strengthens our work to
protect the coast.” U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said Monday’s action recognizes that the environmental and economic
risks and harms that would result from drilling in the areas outweigh any limited fossil fuel resource potential.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau headquarters in Washington.
J. David Ake/Getty Images Gov.
California Governor Gavin Newsom celebrates President Joe Biden decision to protect California’s iconic coastline from expanded offshore drilling. File photo
Fil-Am attorney general issues alerts...
PAGE 1
government agencies with federal immigration authorities.
“No matter who is in the White House, in California, we will continue to lead with California values,” Bonta said in a statement.
The Filipino American attorney general said the alerts are intended to help California immigrants better understand their rights and protections under the law and avoid
“California is the most diverse state in the nation, and immigrants are the backbone of our economy, history and culture. We will not be caught flat-footed if the President-elect follows through on his threats of mass deportation.”
immigration scams “by those seeking to take advantage of fear and uncertainty resulting from the President-elect’s inhumane threats of mass detention, arrests and deportation.”
“My office will continue to use the full force of the law and every tool at our disposal to protect the rights of California’s immigrants,” he added.
The alerts remind the immigrant community about their rights, including access to emergency medical care, securing housing without sharing their immigration status and a workplace free of harassment and discrimination.
Immigrants are advised to seek legal assistance only from lawyers, accredited representatives and recognized organizations who can represent them in immigration court.
Immigration scams may be reported to local district attorneys, the county department of consumer affairs or the Federal Trade Commission. n
Fil-Am NFL star earns spot in 2025...
and an African American father, Marty Jacobs, the NFL star has always embraced his diverse roots.
His identity and heritage have given him a distinct perspective and the drive to accomplish more and leave a mark on the league.
300 Afghans arrive in Philippines for US visa processing
Jacobs’ transfer to the Packers this season was driven by a few factors: a reunion with former Raiders special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, a lucrative deal and a chance to join a young growing team.
Bisaccia described him as someone with a “unique,
“For me, it’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed my time and I try to leave my mark and my legacy here. I’m going to continue to keep trying to do that,” Jacobs added.
dynamic personality.”
“He has a tremendous sense of empathy for someone else’s story, regardless of who they are or what their walk is in life. He’s always pleasant as a person,” Bisaccia said.
Jacobs’ 2025 Pro Bowl selection further solidifies his place among the NFL elites and sets him up for even greater success in the future. n
Rice imports hit record high...
The country’s annual average inflation last year slowed down to 3.2 percent from six percent in 2023 caused by lower increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Rice inflation alone has been on a downward trend since it peaked at 24.4 percent in March last year.
The country’s rice inflation in December 2024 settled at 0.8 percent, the slowest rate in three years, based on PSA data.
However, the average annual rice inflation last year was estimated at 15.8 percent, faster than the 8.1 percent recorded in 2023.
In a related development, nationwide rice inventory as of Dec. 1 last year expanded by more than a third on an annual basis to a two-year high of over 2.5 million MT,
according to the PSA.
In its latest report, the PSA said the country’s rice stocks reached 2.55 million MT, about 34.5 percent higher than the 1.89 million MT recorded in December 2022.
The latest rice inventory was the highest in two years or since the 2.65 million MT recorded in November 2022.
“Month-on-month, the volume of rice stocks inventory recorded an increment of 3.6 percent from the previous month’s inventory of 2.46 million metric tons,” the PSA said Tuesday, Jan. 7.
The higher nationwide rice stocks were driven by higher supplies recorded in the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses and commercial entities.
More than half of the recorded inventory or about 59.1 percent came from commercial sector while 35.2 percent came from households and 5.6 percent were from
NFA warehouses, according to the PSA.
Rice stocks in commercial entities expanded by 77.1 percent year-on-year to 1.51 million MT from 851,880 MT on the back of higher import volume.
Meanwhile, rice inventory in NFA warehouses more than doubled to 144,050 MT from 57,130 MT driven by better palay procurement performance.
Household rice stocks, however, fell by nine percent year-on-year to 897,920 MT from 986,780 MT, based on PSA data.
“In comparison to the November 2024 rice stocks levels, increments were noted from the commercial sector by 6.3 percent and in the NFA depositories by 1.7 percent,” the PSA said.
“Meanwhile, rice stocks inventory from the households decreased by 0.4 percent,” it added. n
MANILA — Three hundred Afghan nationals arrived on Monday, January 6 in the Philippines to await the processing within 59 days of their Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) to the United States.
The Afghans, mostly former employees at U.S. facilities and their families, arrived on a chartered flight from Kabul.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the arrival of the Afghan nationals and the start of the processing of their visas by the U.S. embassy.
“All applicants completed extensive security vetting by Philippines national security agencies. They also underwent full medical screening prior to their arrival in the Philippines,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement.
Office of American Affairs
Assistant DFA Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, U.S. embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Ewing, Philippine Bureau of Quarantine official Dr. Gerry Camba and U.S. State Department linguist Mohammad Yama Behnaam greeted the Afghan nationals and their families upon their arrival.
The Philippines and the U.S. signed on July 29, 2024 an agreement allowing the Afghans’ temporary stay in the Philippines while their special U.S. visas are being processed. The Americans left Afghanistan in 2021 after 20
years of defending its regime from the Taliban, which thereafter took over the country.
“These are people we know, these are people we trust. Some fought with us on the battlefield, but many worked with us day in and day out at our embassy and facilities around the country. They took the chance to come and work for us,” a State Department official said As part of its agreement with the Philippines, the U.S. government is supporting all necessary services for the Afghan SIV applicants while they are in the Philippines, including food, housing, medical care, security and transportation.
“The U.S. embassy has also assured us that the program will not impact the normal processing of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for Filipinos,” Daza said.
During their meeting in Washington in May, U.S. President Joe Biden made an arrangement with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the temporary stay of a limited number of Afghans in the Philippines seeking special U.S. visas.
“The Biden administration remains committed to the thousands of brave Afghans who stood side-by-side with the United States over the course of the past two decades.” (Philstar. com)
Biden bans new offshore drilling...
“President Biden’s actions today are part of our work across this administration to make bold and enduring changes that recognize the impact of oil and gas drilling on our nation’s coastlines,” Haaland said in a statement Monday, Dec. 30.
“Friday, Jan. 3, the president is taking action that reflects what states, tribes and local communities have shared with us — a strong and overwhelming need to support resilient oceans and coastlines by protecting them from unnecessary oil and gas development.”
The memoranda issued by Biden withdraw significant portions of the Outer Continental Shelf from future oil and natural gas leasing, including the entire U.S. Pacific and Eastern Atlantic coasts, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the remainder of the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area offshore Alaska.
The withdrawal areas encompass more than 625 million acres — and represent the largest withdrawal in U.S. history.
The withdrawals are expected to help protect coastal PAGE 3
communities, marine ecosystems, and local economies — including fishing, recreation and tourism — from oil spills and other impacts of offshore drilling.
“My decision reflects what coastal communities, businesses, and beachgoers have known for a long time: that drilling off these coasts could cause irreversible damage to places we hold dear and is unnecessary to meet our nation’s energy needs,” Biden said in a statement.
“It is not worth the risks. As the climate crisis continues to threaten communities across the country and we are transitioning to a clean energy economy, now is the time to protect these coasts for our children and grandchildren.”
In an interview Monday morning with conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt, President-elect Donald Trump — who has vowed to expand domestic oil drilling — quickly condemned the move and said he would reverse Biden’s action when he takes office.
“I see it just came over that Biden has banned all oil and gas drilling across 625 million acres of U.S. coastal territory,” Trump said.
“It’s ridiculous. I’ll unban it immediately. I have the right to unban it immediately. What’s he doing? Why is he doing it? … We have oil and gas at a level that nobody else has. And we’re going to take advantage of it. And when I see somebody saying he’s going to ban 625 million acres, he doesn’t know what that is. He doesn’t even know what 625 million acres would look like. And we can’t let that happen to our country. It’s really our greatest economic asset and we’re not going to let that happen to our country.”
According to the Department of the Interior, oil production in 2024 is at an all-time high on federal lands and waters.
The Outer Continental Shelf produced about 675 million barrels of oil and 796 billion cubic feet of gas in the fiscal year 2023. It accounted for nearly 14% of all oil production and 2% of natural has production in the United States. The Western and Central Gulf of Mexico areas are responsible for nearly all of oil and gas production. (CNS)
Handout photo from the U.S. embassy shows Afghans arriving at the NAIA for the processing of their U.S. Special Immigrant Visas. Up to 300 Afghans arrived on temporary stays while being processed for U.S. resettlement. Philstar.com file photo
‘TRASH-LACION’. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority personnel collect the trash left by devotees who attended the Misa Mayor for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The EcoWaste Coalition said the “unsightly trail of trash” stretched 5.8 km., culminating at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
California Attorney General Rob Bonta Sunita Sohrabji photo
Dateline PhiliPPines
PH sports mourns death of SEA Games gold medalist Mervin Guarte
nestor corrales Inquirer.net
Two-time Olympian and pole vault star EJ Obiena also paid a tribute to his “friend” Guarte, who won two gold medals in obstacle course racing at the Southeast Asian Games.
“I just learned the devastating news of the shocking death of my friend and National Teammate Kuya Mervin Guarte,” Obiena said. “May his soul rest in peace, and I am sending my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. What a tragedy. Only 33 years old.”
“This is another poignant reminder to us all, that we must embrace every day as a gift; as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Blessed to have shared the track with you. Rest well my friend.”
The 33-year-old Guarte also won SEA Games medals as a middle-distance runner before trying his hand and achieving more success as an obstacle course racer in 2019.
“Rest in peace kuya idol,” said Kaizen dela Serna, Guarte’s fellow SEA Games gold medalist in obstacle course racing, on an Instagram story. n
AFP vows loyalty to flag after Marcos revamp of NSC
by mark GionGco Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday, January 4 reiterated its pledge of loyalty to flag and country amid speculations of a rift within its ranks following a presidential order removing Vice President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council (NSC).
The military “remains a united and professional organization, loyal to the flag, the Constitution, and the Filipino people,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
“It strictly adheres to the chain of command and is committed to serving impartially, in full compliance with the law and democratic processes,” Padilla told the Inquirer in a Viber message. Her remarks were in response to statements from opposition figures identified with the Makayaban bloc that Mr. Marcos’ move “may signal fears of a possible rift within the military.”
Duterte mum President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 81 s. 2024 on Dec. 30, 2024, removing the vice president and former presidents from
the NSC, which advises the president on national security matters. The order was made public only on Friday, January 5.
The vice president has so far remained mum over the issue.
On Saturday, the Office of the vice president issued a brief statement when asked for Duterte’s comment: “The vice president is already aware of the said matter. We’ll keep you posted.”
Aside from the vice president, former presidents, including her father Rodrigo Duterte, and her family’s ally Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, were among those removed from the NSC. The Inquirer had reached out to Arroyo’s camp for comment but has yet to hear back as of writing.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año earlier said reconstituting the NSC was a necessary move to enhance the formulation of policies affecting national security.
He also noted that previous chief executives, including the president’s father, as well as Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, and even Arroyo herself, have reorganized the NSC composition.
Presidential prerogative
for the below named Public Works project. The solicitation, including plans and specifications, may be obtained from the City’s website at: https://www. sandiego.gov/cip/bidopps Contractors intending to submit a Bid must be prequalified. Please refer to the solicitation for
the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts. Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minorityowned, disabled, veteranowned, and women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these
and time noted above at: City of San Diego’s Electronic Biding Site PlanetBids at: https://www.planetbids. com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=17950 Claudia C. Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department
January 09,
The post-POGO road map
IF 2024 spelled doom for the once bustling industry known as Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), 2025 looks poised to hammer the final nail in its coffin.
Or so the government hopes.
That is, of course, if our law enforcers were to do a proper job of cracking down on the weaselly characters who continue to run illicit operations nationwide despite the POGO ban declared by President Marcos during his third State of the Nation Address last year.
Editorial
Which is why it’s comforting — though not entirely reassuring — to hear government officials discuss the road map for the postPOGO Philippines that we were promised following the lapse of the Dec. 31 deadline for the cessation of offshore gaming activities.
On New Year’s Day last week, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra spoke of his office’s tasks ahead, including the revocation of all birth certificates fraudulently obtained by foreigners and the seizure of assets they might have acquired illegally in the country.
“The first order of the day is to take possession of and control over [their properties],” the official said, while admitting that: “At this time we have no definite figures on the aggregate value of these assets.”
True scale of POGO scourge
Guevarra’s declaration is certainly a welcome step in the effort to rid the country of this years-old plague. Unfortunately, the second part of his statement inspires little confidence that such a process would be systematic and thorough, as it appears that the government
OVER the holidays, I took a short break from the cold weather in Washington, D.C. with time to play golf in West Palm Beach, Florida where the weather was exceptionally wonderful. I played at the exclusive Trump International Golf Club where obviously, one needs to be invited to play, even more so to become a member.
Next to the Trump International Golf Club is Palm Beach where one of President Trump’s homes, Mar-a-Lago, is located. Today, it can very well be considered as the center of power and wealth in the United States. Mar-a-Lago was once owned by wealthy socialite and heiress to the Post Cereals fortune, Marjorie Post. Palm Beach, a barrier island, is also where the Kennedys had a home. JFK actually spent some time there before and during his short presidency.
After my golf game, I was extremely pleased to have a conversation with President Trump. I congratulated him for his decisive win, and told
ERNEST Hemingway
memorably wrote in one of his novels: “How did you go bankrupt? Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” One can say the same thing about political bankruptcy. Or, to be more accurate, political purge. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kicked off the year with a bang. In Executive Order No. 81, originally issued on Dec. 30, 2024 but made public only recently, the Armed Forces’ commander in chief effectively purged the country’s most notorious political dynasty from the country’s most sensitive decision-making body. The move was justified based on the “need to further guarantee” that the National
has not even begun to grasp the true scale of the POGO scourge. Congressional investigations have shown that thousands of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese, obtained false Philippine birth certificates to acquire official documents which enabled them to engage in activities restricted to Filipinos, such as purchasing land, starting businesses, or even running for public office — like dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who is now widely suspected of being a Chinese citizen. Such transgressions spawned the web of criminal activities associated with POGOs, from scamming, money laundering, and human trafficking to kidnapping, extortion, and violence.
Online gaming operations had existed in the country since 2003, but it was only during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration that the government pursued them as revenue sources in earnest, prompting the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to issue operational guidelines for POGOs in September 2016.
Billions in revenue for Pagcor
At its height, the industry employed 118,239 people and generated P8.02 billion for Pagcor. But this came at a tremendous cost.
Based on data from the Philippine National Police, the peak of POGO activities in 2019 coincided with a rise in crimes associated with their operations. “As of May 2024,
him I was looking forward to working once again with his administration.
I presented my credentials in November 2017 to President Trump right after he came from Manila for the 31st ASEAN Summit, where I had the chance to first meet him.
During the congratulatory phone call that we arranged for President Marcos, the U.S. president-elect inquired about PBBM’s mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, whom President Trump met in New York many times in the past. Undoubtedly, the call was a great opportunity for PBBM to re-establish personal connections with the incoming U.S. president.
Building on past relationships we have developed with those who were in office during the first Trump administration will surely put us on the right track in continuing our strong alliance with the United States.
Talking to some of the people around President Trump, it is clear the 47th president is very keen on making sure America will be on top of the game when it comes to AI technology. Many of the tech billionaires have already met with the
POGO-related crimes have victimized 2,320 Filipinos (40 percent of the total victims) and 1,945 Chinese nationals (34 percent),” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said at a forum organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute in December.
From a high of 298 licensed POGOs in 2019, the number had dwindled to 17 by Dec. 10, all of which were expected to cease operations at the end of 2024, according to Pagcor chair Alejandro Tengco. It can’t be denied that
Building on past relationships
incoming president, among them Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and OpenAI’s Sam Altman – and not the least a close adviser and friend of the president, Elon Musk. President Trump also appointed Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (under the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) to work alongside “AI and crypto czar” David Sacks, posting on X that the focus will be on “ensuring continued American leadership in AI and help shape and coordinate AI policy across government…”
An article published in cio.com says Krishnan’s approach “aligns with Trump’s second-term emphasis on reinvigorating U.S. dominance in emerging technologies. The policy Krishnan helps craft could significantly impact enterprises – particularly those in tech, media and manufacturing – as they navigate AI integration into their operations.”
The U.S. leads in AI technology, outperforming every other country by “significant margins” and “leads in virtually every pillar,”
producing the highest quality AI research and building the most notable machine learning models in 2023, according to Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence.
In San Francisco, driverless taxis also known as “robotaxis” are becoming prevalent while in New York, preparations are underway for commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft or air taxis that would make people travel from one end to another without the hassle of traffic.
The Downtown Manhattan Heliport will also be getting a major facelift to become a hub for eVTOL operations, giving a peek of the future with urban air transport.
The United States is also ahead when it comes to the use of drones in the military, with several American companies leading the pack such as AeroVironment, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies, among several others. Unlike their commercial counterparts that are primarily used for aerial photography, delivery and recreation, military drones can perform a wide
range of tasks like intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and aerial surveillance, operating with maximum efficiency and at high speeds.
In 2017, President Trump created the Drone Integration Pilot Program under the Department of Transportation that allowed private companies to work with local government agencies to safely test new technologies and accelerate drone integration into the National Airspace System. As then-Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao explained it, the DIPP supports President Trump’s commitment to “foster technological innovation that will be a catalyst for ideas that have the potential to change our day-to-day lives.” It was also during the first term of President Trump that the U.S. Space Force was established as part of the Department of the Air Force. Led by the Chief of Space Operations, the mission of Space Force is to secure America’s interests “in, from and to space,” and its core function is to maintain space superiority and defend against space and counterspace threats.
some progress has been made in the effort to rid the country of POGOs. For one, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission executive director Gilbert Cruz noted a remarkable decline in one of
President Trump’s establishment of the U.S. Space Force dovetails with the vision of President Ronald Reagan, who spoke of space being the next frontier during his State of the Union address in 1984, saying, “America has always been greatest when we dared to be great. We can reach for greatness again. We can follow our dreams to distant stars, living and working in space for peaceful, economic and scientific gain.”
Clearly, the future of our planet in keeping peace on earth will be decided in space. There is no doubt President Donald Trump is heading in that direction in projecting the power and might of the United States. Evidently, the decision of President Marcos to continue strengthening our relationship with the United States is not only correct – but also puts us on the right side of history. (Philstar.com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
Dutertes: The great ‘destabilizers’?
Security Council (NSC) “remains a resilient national security institution, capable of adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities, both domestically and internationally.” Moreover, Malacañang added that streamlining the country’s highest national security decision-making body is based on the imperative to “ensure that its council members uphold and protect national security and sovereignty, thereby fostering an environment conducive to effective governance and stability.”
In November, Vice President Sara Duterte had the temerity to demand, in a letter to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, an explanation on why she was never invited to any core NSC meeting shortly after she openly threatened the lives of the president, the
first lady, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
At that time, Rodrigo Duterte himself was agitating elements in the security services to make interventions to “protect the Constitution” amid the emergence of an alleged “fractured” government. The former president forgot to mention that the “fractured” part was largely of his own doing, starting with his parallel diplomatic flirtation with Beijing in defiance of the Marcos administration’s policies and, worse, open attacks on the president in early 2024.
On multiple occasions, the former president and his factotums came just short of calling for a coup d’état, while clownishly weaponizing the EDSA people power legacy by organizing pathetically sparse and poorly attended rallies. Just as troubling, of course,
is the Dutertes’ suspected sympathies for Zhongnanhai, a reference to China’s central government and its leadership.
Not too long ago, Sara was the head of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict; the officer in charge whenever Mr. Marcos was on foreign trips; the head of the most well-resourced department in the Cabinet, and, according to EO 81, part of the NSC’s executive committee. Meanwhile, her father, Rodrigo, was considered an elder statesman, a foreign policy confidant, and, crucially, part of the broader “big picture” NSC meetings, when the administration sought the wisdom and influence of former presidents. All of a sudden, the Dutertes have found themselves outside all the relevant circles of power and sensitive national security discussions. Meanwhile,
the newly constituted NSC is packed with Romualdez’s allies, underscoring the solidity of the speaker’s position in the pecking order.
This is particularly crucial, since only weeks ago, there were seemingly credible reports about a potential ceasefire between the House of Duterte and the House of Marcos at the expense of the president’s right-hand man in the legislature.
Having said that, Mr. Marcos still has a long way to go in cleaning up the house. To begin with, he lacks a competent consigliere in ways Christopher “Bong” Go was to Duterte and Ronald Liamas was to Benigno Aquino III. It also doesn’t help that the commander in chief himself lacks spontaneous communication skills and has yet to launch a proper “fireside chat” initiative to directly reach out to the Filipino people. Even
worse, he has been dismissed as either a “weak leader,” “boring,” and a “party boy” by critics from across the political spectrum, underscoring the lack of fear factor, which is extremely crucial when dealing with mafioso-like opponents. Despite the months-long quad committee hearing exposing the anomalies of the Duterte dynasty’s governance practices, the prospect of International Criminal Court warrants of arrest against the former president, and Sara’s collapsing popularity, the reality is that the Philippine political landscape remains incredibly indeterminate because there is no center of gravity. If anything, numerous figures in the liberalprogressive opposition seem to be singularly focused on real and alleged anomalies in
BaBe Romualdez
Solons seek ‘more time’ to endorse impeachment complaint vs VP Sara
by DoMiniquE FlorEs Philstar.com
MANILA — House lawmakers asked for “more time” to evaluate their potential endorsement of an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said.
“Well, those are the House members who requested that I'll give them some more time to either endorse one of the three complaints filed earlier, or endorse another complaint, and that will constitute the fourth impeachment complaint,” he said in an interview with ANC Headstart on Tuesday, January 7.
Velasco also suggested the delay in endorsements may be due to lawmakers weighing the potential impact their support could have on the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
So far, three impeachment complaints have been lodged against Duterte, all citing betrayal of public trust as one of the grounds and alleging her office's misuse of confidential funds.
The first complaint, endorsed by Rep. Perci Cedaña (Akbayan Party-list), was filed on Dec. 2, 2024, followed by a second on December 4, backed by Makabayan lawmakers.
The third complaint, endorsed by Reps. Gabriel Bordado (AAMBIS-OWA Partylist) and Lex Colada (Camarines Sur, 3rd District), was filed on December 19, a day after Congress adjourned.
Meanwhile, Velasco earlier said the anticipated fourth impeachment complaint was based on information he received from members of the House majority.
Asked why the three existing complaints have not been referred to the House speaker, Velasco explained that he is waiting for the fourth complaint to ensure all cases are reviewed together, avoiding a focus solely on the current submissions.
“The House members are interested that whatever complaints they will file or they will endorse will be referred to the speaker at the same time, you know, one package,” he said, emphasizing the need to give incoming complainants a
fair chance.
Fast-tracking the impeachment process In the meantime, Velasco said the three existing complaints could still be consolidated into one if the endorsers reach an agreement before they are transmitted to the House speaker.
Makabayan lawmakers said on Monday, January 6, they invited other endorsers to a meeting on Wednesday, January 8, to align efforts urging the House leadership and Marcos administration to advance the impeachment process.
Should they reach an agreement, Velasco said the fourth impeachment complaint would be considered the second impeachment complaint.
He also mentioned that lawmakers who endorsed the three complaints have been gathering signatures from members of the lower chamber to expedite the process.
Impeachment process
This would prevent delays in deliberations, which require the Committee on Justice to submit its report and recommendations to the plenary within 60 session days.
Following that, a vote is held at the plenary, and one-third or 103 of all House members must approve the resolution for it to proceed to trial in the Senate.
However, Velasco said there
are only 15 session days left before the 19th Congress makes its final adjournment in June.
“So for 15 session days, it will be very difficult to process… That whole process, if it will take place, that will need more than 18 session days,” he said.
This explains the signature drive led by Makabayan lawmakers. Velasco said that if 103 House members endorse a complaint, it will bypass the Committee on Justice and other processes in the lower chamber.
“Well, under our House rules, any of the complaints will be able to garner one-third of the House members, which means 103 House members. Then, that we may call it the express, you know, the pass-struck fruit,” he said.
How many session days left
The House Secretary General has 10 session days from receiving the impeachment complaints to include them in the Order of Business for referral to the Committee on Justice.
Velasco told Philstar.com that four session days have passed since the first complaint was filed. One session day may be equivalent to multiple days, he clarified in a message.
When the House resumes its session on January 13, it will mark the fifth day, and Velasco will have five session days left to refer the complaints. n
AFP vows loyalty to flag after Marcos...
structure of the Office of the President which the agency is a part of.
Two administration senators, meanwhile, backed the order saying it is the president’s discretion.
“It’s up to the president who he wants to include in the advisory body and who he wants to listen to regarding national security (matters),”
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said in an interview with radio dwIZ.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also believed it was the president’s prerogative but acknowledged that it might have been an offshoot of the falling out between the Marcoses and the Dutertes.
“As the second highest elected official of the government, the vice president’s views are important and the president should also consider them,” Gatchalian said in a separate radio interview.
“But we know the real situation in our country. We know what happened in 2024. I think that’s one of the reasons why the president decided to reorganize the NSC,” he added, referring to the vice president’s online news conference in November last year where she claimed to have talked to someone to kill Marcos if she was
assassinated. She later said she was misinterpreted.
Family feud Gatchalian also said it would have been better if former presidents were still allowed to sit in the council because their experience and knowledge would be vital in providing Mr. Marcos with informed opinions on national security issues.
Opposition figures identified with the Makabayan bloc said the development reflects the deepening rift between the Marcos and Duterte families.
In separate statements, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Bayan President Renato Reyes and former lawmaker and lawyer Neri Colmenares said EO 81 demonstrated the “ugly face of elite politics and served no real purpose apart from gaining an upper hand on each other.”
“Sara’s removal, as well as her father (former President Rodrigo Duterte) from the NSC only shows that as the year is just beginning, so too is the struggle between the most prominent political dynasties in our country,” Castro said.
‘Political survival’
“This is not just about national security, this is about political survival,” echoed Colmenares. “These kinds of moves show … how far warring political dynasties would go for power while the
The post-Pogo road map...
the social ills that flourished with POGOs — digital fraud:
“Last year, the number of victims who reported scams reached over 100,000. Now, it’s almost none.”
Foreigners unaccounted for
ordinary Filipino suffer from poverty.”
They warned that the NSC reorganization might signal deeper problems with the administration. Reyes said the sudden reorganization “may signal fears of a possible rift within the military establishment,” a claim that the military has dismissed.
Nevertheless, Colmenares said, wavering allegiances within the military “could have serious implications for the country’s stability.”
Ultimately, Reyes said, it does not matter who sits in the body as “the Filipino people cannot expect any real change as the body is sworn to defend the rotten status quo against the interests of the Filipino people.”
“Things are not going to change whichever politician sits on the council. The country’s security framework will remain aligned with imperialist interests. Human rights violations will also continue. What is interesting to us is how the dynamics of these contradictions expose the bankruptcy of the politics of the ruling elite,” Reyes said.
He urged Filipinos to “take it upon themselves to struggle for genuine political change that is not beholden to any of these political factions.”
(With
For its part, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has commenced the tedious job of tracking down tens of thousands of foreign POGO workers and deporting them. Last week, bureau spokesperson Dana Sandoval reported that of the 33,000 foreigners who worked for legitimate POGOs, some 22,000 had departed the country voluntarily. In December, another BI official disclosed that of the 11,000 awaiting deportation, “less than a thousand” remain unaccounted for. Left unsaid was the fact that many POGOs were never legitimate in the first place. Fly-by-night POGOs are now camouflaged as restaurants, resorts, or hotels in various parts of the country, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. One can only imagine how this is possible without the protection of local power brokers, criminal syndicates, or worst, public officials. (Inquirer.net)
Dutertes: The great ‘destabilizers’?...
the Marcos administration’s new budget rather than the far more insidious threat posed by the now-exposed Dutertes. For all the incumbent’s foibles, and all the undeniable crimes
of the Marcos dictatorship, one should not lose sight of the greatest threat to our constitutional order and territorial integrity. (Inquirer. net)
reports from Kathleen De Villa, Marlon Ramos and Krixia Subingsubing)
Vice President Sara Duterte Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial
LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9024479
Happy Little Feet Childcare located at 852 49th St, San Diego, CA 92102.
granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/05/2025 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: DEC 19, 2024 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1588 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, 01/10, and 01/17/2025. ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME
of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1588
Registrant: Rubicelia Leander, 852 49th St, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/21/2024.
Signature: Rubicelia Leander. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/12/2024. AJ 1578 12/20/2024, 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, and 01/10/2025. AJSD 1578
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9024292
Perez Landscaping located at 1537 Q Ave Apt 6, National City, CA 91950.
Registrant: Francisco Perez Badillo, 1537 Q Ave Apt 6, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/13/2012.
Signature: Francisco Perez Badillo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/10/2024. AJ 1587 12/20/2024, 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, and 01/10/2025. AJSD 1587
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9024443
Castor Bernadeau Mylvia Family Child Care LLC located at 3121 Sweetwater Springs Blvd 76, Spring Valley, CA 91978. Registrant:Castor Bernadeau Mylvia Family Child Care LLC, 3121 Sweetwater Springs Blvd 76, Spring Valley, CA 91978. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/16/2024. Signature: Mylvia Castor Bernadeau. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/12/2024. AJ 1592 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, 01/10/2025, and 01/17/2025. AJSD 1592
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000090
BF MACHINING located at 4166 43rd Street, San Diego, CA 92105.
Registrant: a. Thuy Thi Tran, 5036 Sterling Court, San Diego, CA 92105. b. Leon Ly, 4166 43rd Street, San Diego, CA 92105
This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Partnership.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/02/2025.
Signature: Leon Ly. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/03/2025. AJ 1596 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1596
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9022621
Centennial Realty Financial Services located at 9026 Penticton Way, San Diego, CA 92126.
Registrant: Ed M. Bermudez, 9026 Penticton Way, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/09/2020. Signature: Ed M. Bermudez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/13/2024. AJ 1579 12/20/2024, 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, and 01/10/2025. AJSD 1579
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9024948
Postal Connections San Diego located at 4231 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92117.
Registrant: Papouz Global LLC, 10461 Guindo Place, San Diego, 92124. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/19/2024.
Signature: John Georges. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/19/2024. AJ 1589 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, 01/10/2025, and 01/17/2025. AJSD 1589
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9023675
Loraine Lashes LLC located at 2720 E. Plaza Blvd Suite L, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Loraine Lashes LLC, 3633 Peach Blossom St, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/02/2020. Signature: Loraine G. Reduque. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/02/2024. AJ 1593 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, 01/10/2025, and 01/17/2025. AJSD 1593
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000192
ASAP located at 2466 B Van Ness Ave, National City, CA 91950.
Registrant: Miguel Angel Lugo, 2466 B Van Ness Ave, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/06/2025. Signature: Miguel A Lugo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/06/2025. AJ 1597 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1597
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9023925
Ava Massage & Beauty Spa located at 2856 Main St, San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant: Ava Luxurious Beauty LLC, 4815 Ebony Ridge RD, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/04/2024. Signature: Christina Xueman Xu. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/04/2024. AJ 1580 12/20/2024, 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, and 01/10/2025. AJSD 1580
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9024883
a. Custom Glass Specialties INC located at 821 E 2nd St, National City, CA 91950.
b. Commercial Glass & Hardware located at 821 E 2nd St, National City, CA 91950.
Registrant: Custom Glass Specialties INC, 821 E 2nd St, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2024.
Signature: Leticia Arias. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/19/2024. AJ 1590 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, 01/10/2025, and 01/17/2025. AJSD 1590
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9023450 COURT ‘N JO’S SOUND ROOM located at 923 E St, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant: NO REQUESTS EXPERIENCE LLC, 625 Broadway Apt 715, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/04/2024. Signature: Jolene Ho. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/25/2024. AJ 1594 01/03, 01/10, 01/17, and 01/24/2025. AJSD 1594
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000270
Linda’s Cleaning Services located at 4019 Via del Brado, San Ysidro, CA 92173. Registrant: Hermelinda Cortez M, 4019 Via del Brado, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/07/2025. Signature: Hermelinda Cortez M. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/07/2025. AJ 1598 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1598
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9023385
Health Quest Community Care located at 8090 Parkway Drive Ste 100, La Mesa, CA 91942. Registrant: H Squared Health INC, 8090 Parkway Drive Ste 100, La Mesa, CA 919421070 56th St, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Huy Thanh Ho. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/25/2024. AJ 1585 12/20/2024, 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, and 01/10/2025. AJSD 1585
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9024966
Abide Home Health located at 9474 Kearny Villa Road, Ste. 101, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Abide Home Health Care INC, 9474 Kearny Villa Road, Ste. 101, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by A Corporation.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT
BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/09/2024.
Signature: Camilo Gallego. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/19/2024. AJ 1591 12/27/2024, 01/03/2025, 01/10/2025, and 01/17/2025. AJSD 1591
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9025555
CDM Marketplace located at 600 E. 8th St Ste 7, National City, CA 91960. Registrant: Chan Dong Inc., 600 E. 8th St Ste 7, National City, CA 91960. This business is conducted by A Corporation.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/31/2024. Signature: Linh Du. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 13/31/2024. AJ 1595 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1595
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000300
L & M Residential located at 2840 Via Del Allazon, Bonita, CA 91902. Registrant: Oscar Lara, 2840 Via Del Allazon, Bonita, CA 91902. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/1999.
Signature: Oscar Lara. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/07/2025. AJ 1599 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1599
Jodi Sta. Maria to focus on master’s degree in psychology, family in 2025
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
JODI Sta. Maria will be taking up her master’s degree in psychology, and is set to take a short break from acting after taking on the lead role in the high-intensity drama
“Lavender Fields.”
Sta. Maria said she will take a “short break” from acting, as she disclosed some of her plans for the year during a media junket for the revenge drama
“Lavender Fields,” when asked about the milestones she wanted to achieve for herself.
“This year is a [time] for me to learn and grow. I’m starting my master’s degree in psychology and I want to focus more on family and marriage therapy. I want to make mental health accessible for all,” she told reporters. But this doesn’t mean that she is closing her doors on
acting anytime soon. She said that she has always been grateful for the opportunities she received throughout her career, noting that she wants to make a “legacy” in the industry.
“Gusto ko lang naman magperform and mag-inspire. At first, I just wanted to work because I needed exposure when I was younger. Ngayon, since medyo nakatagal na sa industriya [at] marami nang nagawa, iniisip ko na lang is I want to leave a legacy and to take good characters,” she said.
( I just want to perform and inspire. At first, I just wanted to work because I needed exposure when I was younger. Now that I’ve been here in the industry for quite some time and I’ve done a lot of things, I just think about leaving a legacy and taking good characters. )
The 42-year-old actress then
reflected that focusing on the blessings she received from her career might be a result of her maturity, as it changed her perspective on what she wanted to achieve.
“Nag-iiba na siguro once you age, and I’m happy and thankful na at my age, kinakaya pa niya ang demand ng isang actress ( I guess things change once you get older. I’m happy and thankful that I can still handle the demand of being an actress despite my age ),” she said.
“Lavender Fields” is down to its final weeks on air, and it also stars Jericho Rosales, Janine Gutierrez, and Jolina Magdangal.
Also part of the cast are Albert Martinez, Edu Manzano, Maricel Soriano, Jana Agoncillo, Krystal Mejes, Victor Neri, Bernard Palanca, Miguel Vergara, and Marc Santiago.
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
ABS-CBN expressed its gratitude to Albay Representative Joey Salceda for his efforts in filing a franchise renewal bill for the media giant, more than four years after its shutdown in May 2020. Salceda filed a House bill calling for the renewal of the media giant’s legislative franchise to “construct, install, operate, and maintain television and radio broadcasting stations” across the country on Tuesday, January 7. The Albay representative’s bill marks the fifth attempt to seek the media giant’s franchise renewal through a House bill after Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr. (Camarines Sur’s 3rd District), Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd District), Makabayan bloc lawmakers Raoul Manuel, Arlene Manuel, and France Castro, and Rep. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur’s 2nd District). On the same day, ABSCBN thanked Salceda for his efforts to bat for the media giant’s franchise renewal in a statement. It also expressed its gratitude to the lawmakers who filed for similar franchise renewal bills before the House. “While we were not aware of Rep. Joey Salceda’s filing of a bill to grant a broadcast franchise to ABS-CBN today, we are deeply grateful for
the renewal of its franchise, which took place under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Since then, ABS-CBN’s head of TV production Laurenti Dyogi said in March 2023 that the media giant has been operating as a “content creator,” and is set on bringing its content to various platforms including former network rival GMA.
Enrique Gil open to do reunion project with Kathryn Bernardo
by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
MANILA — Enrique Gil is open to do a reunion project with Kathryn Bernardo.
In an interview with the media during the red carpet of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival awards night last December 27, Enrique said there are no offers yet but he is willing to reunite with his “Princess and I” co-star.
Kathryn and Enrique were the young stars who were launched in the 2012 romance-fantasy show about a fictional kingdom that has been searching for its longlost princess who was found in the Philippines.
“I’m not sure about that. I haven’t heard about that. But I’m always open to anything,
of course,” he said.
Enrique became a fullfledged film producer this year with his own production company Immerse Entertainment. He said that he is still open to do a love team projects.
“I’m not naman saying goodbye. I’m not saying I’m closing my doors. In the meantime, as of now, because I’ve been doing it all my life, I think there’s a time and place for everything,” he said.
“This time, I really want to focus on different genres I’ve never done before. Para masasabi ko , when I get old, at least I was able to do everything. So for now, i’m just really enjoying and playing around with different concepts and characters. I’m just having fun,” he added.
Enrique said that he wanted to produce different genres of movies.
Wala pa , this is just the beginning. I was able to produce ‘I am Not Big Bird,’ which is a comedy. I’ve always wanted to do comedy, slapstick comedy,” he shared. “And then now, I was able to produce meta-style horror. I still want to produce traditional-style horror movie in the future, and I have a concept as well for an action horror,” he said.
“More concepts and more comedies and, of course, I want some dramas as well in the future,” he added. “ Hindi kasi ako magaling mag-isip ng drama May mga ilang concepts na . I have a team naman Ang hilig ko kasi comedy and horror eh. And some action of course in the future,” he added.
ABS-CBN’s headquarters in Quezon City.
Inquirer.net file photo
Kathryn Bernardo (left) and Enrique Gil (right)
Philstar.com file photos
Jodi Sta. Maria Inquirer.net photo
My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
Rogelio constantino Medina
FOR Pres. Joe Biden’s remaining days, how I wish to have been given the opportunity to tour the White House in Washington, D C. My dream is to cover White House events as a journalist.
To President Biden, many thanks for serving the American people for four years with selfless dedication, determination and integrity.
* * *
As a journalist and columnist for the Asian Journal’s LA Edition (my columns are reprinted in the Asian Journal New York and New Jersey, Northern California, San Francisco, Las Vegas and San Diego editions), my legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
I also write for Balikbayan Magazine, Police Files Tonite and Daily Tribune newspaper.
I was a correspondent for the defunct Far Eastern Economic Review in Hongkong (I interviewed Asia’s first astronaut, Dr. Mamoru Mohri), The Japan Times newspaper and The Japan Times Weekly in Tokyo, Japan, and the Gulf News and the Emirates In-flight Magazine in UAE.
I topped the 2024 Science Journalism Forum’s leader
I wish to cover the White House
board and this year it will be held in UAE. I have been active in doing charitable works as a journalist, helping the marginalized sector of our society. I also received the 2024 Amerika Prestige Award for Inclusive Media Excellence Award in excelling in inclusive reporting and advocacy, particularly focusing on issues, stories, and triumphs of persons with disabilities. I embody the spirit of quiet heroism — a life dedicated not only to uncovering truths but also to giving voice to the voiceless. As a correspondent, I have tackled some most pressing issues. I have broken down complex socio-economic topics with insight and empathy, shining a light on the triumphs and struggles of the people. Every article I write is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard. Journalism is not just about reporting; it’s about standing up for the truth.
* * * I miss my former boss Dr. Luis Calingo, the late president of Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga. He was president of Woodbury University in Burbank, California and executive vice president and chief academic officer of Dominican University of California in San Rafael, California.
I was lucky that I was under his direct supervision. Whenever he
told me to report to his office, I was amazed by the brilliance and innovativeness of his mind. He taught me lots of things in life as an educator and leader. He was an internationally tested, visionary leader who was grounded in deep ethical beliefs and drove transformative organizational quality with nearly flawless execution.
*
* * Welcome to year 2025! I randomly asked four persons to answer two questions: (1) What are your plans/projects in 2025?; and (2) Any insights/ learnings on the past year?
Here are their replies: Arienne Calingo, a beauty queen, communications strategist, artist and writer: (1) “I’m kicking off 2025 with a work trip to Kenya, followed by a week in Paris, France for self-care and quality time with my mother. I feel incredibly blessed that my work allows me to integrate my passions for writing, design, and education while engaging with communities
California envisions a zero-emission, fully connected rail network by 2050
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday, January 7 announced the release of the State Rail Plan, a long-range vision of statewide investments that will create up to 900,000 jobs and a zeroemission, fully interconnected rail and transit network by 2050. The release of the plan comes after the governor joined local leaders and workers on Monday, January 6 to mark the beginning of the track-laying phase for California high-speed rail, which will serve as the backbone of the state’s rail network.
The plan calls for providing mobility to every region of the state by creating a worldclass, fully integrated, zeroemission rail network that connects seamlessly with other transportation modes. The network includes intercity, regional, and local transit systems to make traveling by train a more attractive option compared to car or air travel –giving Californians options when it comes to traveling around the state.
The State Rail Plan is a key part of the governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating thousands of jobs across the state. Find projects building your community at build.ca.gov.
“California is building a clean transportation system for the
future. Our vision is simple: by 2050, every Californian should be able to choose rail as a way to get to their destination, near or far. Our rail plan is ambitious, but as the world’s fifth largest economy bursting with talent and innovation, we’re ready to take on this challenge,” Gov. Newsom said in a release sent out by his office.
abroad. As someone with a genuine interest in traveling and exploring other cultures, I’m also hoping to visit Dublin in Ireland, the Philippines, London in England, and Japan later in the year. Outside of work, I’m excited to continue nurturing my love for art. In 2024, my artwork was exhibited for the first time at the South Bend Museum of Art (Indiana) and in Chicago. I look forward to creating pieces that are inspired by social justice and human rights issues and submitting my pieces to more exhibits across the United States. I am also writing a personal article about my faith journey, which I plan to submit for publication this year. Lastly, I’d like to focus on reaching my fitness goals and further exploring my musical abilities. This year, I hope to produce music or collaborate with musicians to expand my creative endeavors.” (2) “I’ve come to understand the profound power of letting go. It takes courage and strength to let go of people, imagined
potentials, and opportunities that were never truly meant for us. If someone chooses to walk out of your life, hold the door open with grace and let them go. If an opportunity you poured your heart into ends in rejection or failure, embrace the lesson it offers and trust that something better lies ahead. Have faith in what’s meant to be. You will be redirected to what is truly right for you.”
Milaflor Mahinan, a retired teacher in science at Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School in Manila: (1) “I intend to travel throughout the Philippines to discover its abundant beauty and rich resources and to visit my relatives in the U.S.” (2) “Despite an injury, I was able to join the convention for retired teachers, the Philippines Alliance of Retired Educators, which is organized nationwide for GSIS teacher-retirees. One of the objectives of PARE is to increase the pension of all retired educators and additional benefits similar to those in the active services.”
Bam Aquino, a Maurice R. Greenberg world fellow at Yale University’s Jackson School
of Global Affairs and former Philippine senator: (1) “Godwilling, I hope to see a return to public service this 2025!” (2)
“Last year taught me: to have no fear and only faith! To make that leap with a full heart and hope. To always fight the good fight, even if against the odds, as long as it’s for the right reasons.” Frederick Francisco, a sportscaster, basketball coach and founder of Nxt Level Basketball Academy: (1) “Being a dad for over a year, my main goal is to be able to provide better for my family and to spend more time with my kid. I also plan on focusing more on my basketball academy and my sportswear business.” (2)
“Last year, I took a huge step in my sportscasting career. This year, I hope I can maintain this momentum into bigger things.” Watch for the second batch next week.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. * * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
City of San Diego unveils ‘I Am San Diego’ community voices project
Conversations recorded in collaboration with Storycorps Studios will be archived in the Library of Congress
SAN DIEGO – As part of the I Am San Diego project, the City of San Diego has collaborated with nonprofit StoryCorps Studios to produce conversations between San Diegans, capturing their unique and diverse experiences as they live and work in the nation’s 8th largest city. These honest and heartwarming conversations are now being shared publicly and will be archived in the Library of Congress.
Over the course of a week this past summer at the San Diego Central Library in Downtown, StoryCorps Studios recorded the stories of people who call San Diego home. Participants were invited to chat with a friend, relative or colleague. The conversations capture a moment in time and represent a cross-section of the city with participants from every City Council district.
San Diegans are also invited to record their own stories, by visiting the website and recording an interview themselves with a friend or loved one.
“By preserving these conversations, we’re honoring the experiences of our residents and creating a lasting legacy for future generations to understand and appreciate what it means to be a San Diegan,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “I know that as people explore these stories, they’ll consider adding their own.
The more stories we capture, the more this website will reflect the rich diversity of our city.”
“Under Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership, the State’s long-range Rail Plan released today outlines how CalSTA’s plan to strategically leverage rail and transit to enhance quality of life for every Californian,” said Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “Critically, this plan pushes beyond the status quo, improving multimodal options, clean air and equitable access to jobs and other opportunities all vital components of a thriving community.”
This vision will also benefit communities historically underserved by transportation infrastructure by increasing access to affordable and frequent rail services. The state envisions passenger rail and transit, which combined currently serve only 2% of miles traveled in California, to increase to 20% of all miles traveled by 2050 on a zero-emission fleet. This would
SAN DIEGO – With a dangerous combination of dry and windy conditions in the forecast — and wildfires currently burning in Los Angeles and neighboring counties — the City of San Diego is reminding residents to have an emergency plan in place.
“We’ve seen firsthand how wildfires can devastate our communities, which is why preparation is critical,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “I
To ensure these stories are saved for future generations, the recorded conversations will be archived in the Library of Congress and more San Diegans are invited to share their own stories as part of the online audio time capsule.
“I Am San Diego is a way for residents to share their individual experiences and for others to learn from them,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “This project captures many of the voices, perspectives and stories of the people who call San Diego home. By listening and adding to this diverse collection, we can gain a better understanding of what makes San Diego such a unique city.”
“StoryCorps’ mission is to help us believe in each other by illuminating the humanity and possibility in us all — one story at a time,” said Caitlin Moses
The collection is now available for anyone to listen on the city’s I Am San Diego website. Featured conversations include educators from Perkins Elementary School in Barrio Logan, neighbors who survived the 2003 Cedar Fire, a married couple who immigrated to San Diego from India, sisters who are passionate about preserving their heritage, a park ranger who spent 25 years working in Balboa Park and an animated video highlighting a conversation between San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan and his friend Capt. Jason Shanley. More than 35 people participated in the project. Additional recordings are available for listeners to enjoy on the City of Diego’s StoryCorps archive page.
Setting up emergency plans, signing up for alerts and following social media feeds are key to preparation
Frederick Francisco with his wife Hersh David Francisco and son Luka and their pets BearBear, Shush and Jaxx.
Journalist Rogelio Medina (extreme right) at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden
Left photo: Dr. Luis Calingo; Right photo: (from left) Dr. Luis Calingo, Rogelio Medina, and Gemeline Braga-Calingo at Holy Angel University in January 2019. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
Bam Aquino (right) with Oggie Medina Miraflor Mahinan with her cat, Koda.
Rogelio Medina’s different Press IDs
Keep your pets safe in disasters
SAN Diego County Animal Services reminds residents to be prepared to evacuate with their pets or livestock animals in the event of a disaster such as the Pacific Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles.
During Santa Ana wind conditions fire danger increases. And County Animal Services have been preparing by outfitting animal control officers who work in the field with protective fire gear. Earlier this year, the department offered comprehensive trainings to a group of dedicated volunteers and participated in emergency response and preparedness fairs to offer guidance and resources for pet disaster preparedness to the general public.
If you must evacuate your home during an emergency, do not leave your pets. You may not be able to return to your home or animal enclosure for an extended period. The animals are not safer at home since fire or winds could damage your home or animal enclosure and allow your pet to escape or to permit other animals, or the natural elements, to enter and hurt your pet.
Do not wait for an official evacuation notice; evacuate if you feel unsafe. Do not wait until the last minute because smoke or winds could lessen visibility on the roads or road conditions could be poor due to damage or congestion. Take these five actions to keep your pets and animals safe in a disaster:
1. Create or update a pet emergency evacuation kit that includes essential items such as pet food, water and medications, if any. It is also recommended that you include a collar with
an identification tag, leash, carrier and a first aid kit as well as a folder with their vaccination records and microchip information. A complete list of items for the kit is available by visiting https://www.sddac.com/content/sdc/das/adopt/ care/pet_disaster_plan.html.
2. Know multiple evacuation routes from your home in case one is closed; have the pet carrier ready and stay up to date on pet-friendly pet shelters.
3. Stay informed on local disasters that may affect your community, especially those in high-risk areas. This will allow you to evacuate immediately.
4. Wildfire smoke is harmful for pets, just like it is for people, especially if they have respiratory issues. If this is a concern, limit their times outdoors and keep them indoors with clean air as much as possible. Close windows, doors and vents to prevent smoke from entering the house.
5. If your pet is not microchipped, you should do it before a disaster strikes. It will allow you to reunite with your pet if they somehow escape or cannot be found while evacuating.
Before a wildfire or other disaster, Animal Services also recommends people start a buddy system with neighbors to check on each other’s animals in case someone is not home during an emergency.
To learn more about livestock considerations, visit Animal Services disaster page. Download the free County AlertSanDiego app and register for emergency notifications.
(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office)
Identity Theft Awareness Week 2025
ARE you interested in learning more about how to protect yourself from identity theft?
Check out Identity Theft Awareness Week. During the week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and its partners will host free webinars and other events to talk about how to spot, avoid, report, and recover from identity theft. Mark your calendars. Identity Theft Awareness Week starts Monday, January 27!
Identity theft can happen to anyone and can take many forms. Someone could open a credit card or utility account in your name, or use your information to get a loan, a job, or medical care. They might even file taxes in your name to get your refund.
Identity Theft Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity to learn and talk about identity theft to help protect yourself, your family, and your friends. Here are some ways you can participate in and support your community during Identity Theft Awareness Week:
• Visit the Identity Theft Awareness Week
is coming!
2025 website to find out about scheduled events you can participate in.
• Get information in multiple languages about how to spot, avoid, and report identity theft at ftc. gov/languages and share it in your community.
• Watch and share videos on social media in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.
• Share images before and during Identity Theft Awareness Week on your social media to help gather support and attention.
• Order publications, including bookmarks and one-page flyers, and share them with people you know or place them at places of worship and libraries where people can find them.
Keep an eye out for updates on the Identity Theft Awareness Week events at ftc.gov/
IDTheftWeek! Whether you’re chatting with friends and family, posting on social media, or speaking at a community group meeting, talking about identity theft can help protect you and your community.
(Eunice Kim/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)
California envisions a zero-emission...
shift nearly 200 million daily passenger miles from highways to the statewide rail and transit network, significantly reducing road congestion and carbon pollution.
This plan will ensure goods movement needs are met while pursuing opportunities to shift freight to rail. The effort to build this zero-emission train network throughout California has already begun.
Electrified high-speed rail systems currently under construction will form the backbone of the state’s passenger rail network, which will anchor longer distance trips. The plan identifies priority projects to complete high-speed systems and connect them with intercity and regional rail to expand the reach and impact of the investments.
“This plan builds off California’s commitment to progressing inter-city passenger rail service and advancing mobility,
economic and environmental benefits,” said California HighSpeed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri. “As a foundational part of the state’s integrated rail network, California’s clean, electrified high-speed rail project will connect the Bay Area to Los Angeles through the Central Valley, extending to local and regional networks throughout the state.”
In June 2024, the first self-powered, zero emission passenger train in North America arrived in San Bernardino County and is scheduled to enter service later this year. In August, Caltrain launched California’s first electric rail system on the San Francisco Peninsula, and full electric service along the San Francisco-San Jose corridor began in September. Both regional projects exemplify California’s commitment to developing an environmentally friendly, fast, safe and reliable rail network outlined in the Rail Plan.
Check out County Library’s top ten lists for 2024
AS 2025 gets underway, catch up on your reading by seeing what was big on checkout lists for San Diegans in 2024. The San Diego County Library released its top ten lists for books, downloadable audio books, movies and more.
The library grows in popularity every year. Last year, there were 11,610,909 checkouts, a 9% increase from 2023. And for the first time, physical and digital checkouts are split nearly 50/50.
Library cards are free and you can get one by visiting one of the library’s 33 branch locations or applying for a digital card online.
• Adult Books (e-book and physical book checkouts combined)
The Women: A Novel by Kristin
Hannah
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
None of This is True: A Novel by Lisa Jewell
Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchett
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
The Covenant of Water: A Novel by Abraham Verghese
First Lie Wins: A Novel by Ashley Elston.
• Downloadable Audiobooks
The Women: A Novel by Kristin
Hannah
Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchett
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus
First Lie Wins: A Novel by Ashely Elston
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
Happy Place: A Novel by Emily
Henry
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas.
• Movies Oppenheimer
Barbie
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny
Dune Part Two
Mission: Impossible, Dead Reckoning Part 1
The Marvels Sound of Freedom Avatar, the Way of Water Ghostbusters, Frozen Empire
• Teen Fiction (print/physical checkouts only)
Studios to highlight the city’s dedication to cultural and social progress through the stories from inspiring community members. We hope that this collection deepens community connections and sparks meaningful dialogue.”
The plan also aligns with the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI), and the California Transportation Plan 2050 (PDF). Along with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Rail Plan outlines measures to protect rail infrastructure from climate risks such as sea-level rise, wildfires and flooding to ensure long-term resilience.
The plan envisions a direct capital investment of $310 billion from local, state, federal, and private funding, with an estimated economic return of over $540 billion by 2050. This investment is also expected to create 900,000 full time jobs for construction, maintenance, and operation industries, representing a significant boost to California’s economy. A fully integrated statewide rail network will also improve access to opportunity for Californians without the costs of car-ownership. (CA Governor’s Office Release)
wildfire risk. To see a map of impacted communities, visit sdge.com/ready. (City of San Diego Release)
I Am San Diego, first announced in January 2022, is an ongoing effort to build empathy and understanding around how embracing diversity is an essential part of sustaining inclusive communities. StoryCorps Studios, the brand studio of StoryCorps, offers an award-winning approach to storytelling centered on the belief that everyone has a story to tell. StoryCorps Studios facilitates personal conversations between people who care about each other to create authentic content that resonates. The StoryCorps model is built on 20 years of public trust with over half a million participants. (City of San Diego Release)
