El Observador January 12th, 2024.

Page 1

VOLUME 45 ISSUE 02 | WWW.EL-OBSERVADOR.COM | JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

COVER: PACO ROJAS PHOTO CREDIT: DRAZEN ZIGIC / FREEPIK


2

OPINION

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

¿QUÉ FUTURO AGUARDA A LOS 365,000 NIÑOS MIGRANTES QUE LLEGARON A EEUU? 1042 West Hedding St. Suite 250 San Jose, CA 95126

PUBLISHER Angelica Rossi angelica@el-observador. com PUBLISHER EMERITUS Hilbert Morales hmorales@el-observador. com ADVERTISING & SALES DIRECTOR Angelica Rossi angelica@el-observador. com ADVERTISING SALES JOB & RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING Justin Rossi justin@el-observador.com MANAGING EDITOR Arturo Hilario arturo@el-observador.com spanish.editor@el-observador. com CONTRIBUTORS Justin Rossi Mario Jimenez Hector Curriel OP-ED Arturo Hilario Arturo@el-observador ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES AND LEGAL NOTICES Angelica Rossi frontdesk@el-observador. com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Francisco Rojas fcorojas@el-observador. com ABOUT US El Observador was founded in 1980 to serve the informational needs of the Hispanic community in the San Francisco Bay Area with special focus on San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced by any form or by any means, this includes photo copying, recording or by any informational storage and retrevial systems, electronic or mechanical without express written consent of the publishers. Opinions expressed in El Observador by persons submitting articles are not necessarily the opinions of the publishers.

ADVERTISING LEGAL NOTICES SUBSCRIPTIONS INQUIRIES

408-938-1700 WWW.EL-OBSERVADOR.COM

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

WHAT FUTURE AWAITS THE 365,000 MIGRANT CHILDREN WHO ARRIVED IN THE UNITED STATES?

ESPAÑOL

ENGLISH

José López Zamorano La Red Hispana

they are sent to shelters and, when possible, released to their parents if they are found in the United States, or an adult guardian, typically a family member.

U

n total de 365,000 niños migrantes no acompañados por sus padres han llegado a los Estados Unidos desde el inicio de la era Biden.

In fiscal year 2022, approximately 72% of all referred migrant children were over the age of 14 and 64% were boys. The countries of origin of the young people in this program were: Guatemala (47%); Honduras (29%); El Salvador (13%); and others (11%), according to official statistics.

Como padre de tres hijos, me cuesta trabajo entender las circunstancias en las que los padres de estos menores tomaron la difícil decisión de enviarlos o solicitarlos, conociendo el peligroso viaje desde los países del sur a través de territorio mexicano. Bajo el protocolo actual, esos menores de edad son entregados a la Oficina de Reasentamientos de Refugiados (ORR) del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHS), desde donde son enviados a refugios y, cuándo es posible, entregados a sus padres si se encuentran en los Estados Unidos, o un adulto guardián, típicamente a un familiar. En el año fiscal 2022, aproximadamente el 72 % de todos los niños migrantes remitidos tenían más de 14 años y el 64 % eran varones. Los países de origen de los jóvenes en este programa fueron: Guatemala (47%); Honduras (29%); El Salvador (13%); y otros (11%), de acuerdo con estadísticas oficiales. Una vez que los niños migrantes ingresan al cuidado de la ORR, se les pone en contacto con sus padres, tutores o familiares si los conocen, y comienza el proceso de encontrar un patrocinador adecuado, según el protocolo vigente del DHS.

Una instalación de procesamiento temporal en Yuma, Arizona, el 19 de abril de 2021, solía procesar a personas no ciudadanas, familias no ciudadanas y niños no ciudadanos no acompañados. Photo Credit: CBP Photo by Mani Albrecht / United States government work

reclamar si no pueden reunirse con uno o ambos padres. En pocas palabras, los quieren dejar desamparados o deportados.

José López Zamorano La Red Hispana

A

total of 365,000 migrant children unaccompanied by their Un reciente reporte elevó la preocupaparents have arrived in the ción ante grupos de migrantes luego United States since the start of the que trascendió que la Casa Blanca Biden era. habría cedido, como parte de las negociaciones para destrabar la ayuda a As a father of three children, it is difIsrael Ucrania, a reinstalar una variante ficult for me to understand the cirde la polémica Título 42, qué permitió cumstances in which the parents of la deportación de cientos de miles de these minors made the difficult decipersonas sin una audiencia migratoria sion to send them or request them, knowing the dangerous journey Es repugnante que se considere des- from the southern countries through mantelar las protecciones de la ley y Mexican territory. del debido proceso para los migrantes, pero especialmente para los menores Under the current protocol, these de edad y, peor aún, para los niños no minors are delivered to the Office acompañados. Sería una traición a los of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of principios fundacionales y los ideales the Department of Health and Hude una nación de migrantes. man Services (HHS), from where

La mayoría de los patrocinadores son padres o familiares cercanos que viven en los Estados Unidos y mientras los programas de la ORR buscan patrocinadores, los niños reciben atención y servicios integrales apropiados para su edad en una de las 296 instalaciones y programas en 27 estados financiados por la ORR.

Most sponsors are parents or close relatives living in the United States, and while ORR programs seek sponsors, children receive comprehensive, age-appropriate care and services at one of 296 facilities and programs in 27 states funded by ORR. As of last December, there were 10,536 unaccompanied children in HHS care, and the average time an unaccompanied child remained in ORR care was 28 days. ORR says it is working to further reduce the length of care in ways that do not jeopardize the safety or well-being of children. The issue of the situation of these migrant children is pertinent because one of the proposals pushed by Republicans to supposedly improve security on the border with Mexico is precisely to dismantle the current protections for migrant children. Inspired by the controversial HR2 bill, Republicans seek to make it more difficult for unaccompanied immigrant children to claim special immigrant juvenile status, a legal path that young people can claim if they cannot be reunited with one or both parents. In short, they want to leave them helpless or deported.

Hasta diciembre pasado había 10,536 niños no acompañados bajo el cuidado del HHS y el tiempo promedio que un niño no acompañado permaneció bajo el cuidado de la ORR fue de 28 días. La ORR dice estar trabajando para reducir aún más la duración del cuidado de manera que no pongan en peligro la seguridad o el bienestar de los niños.

A recent report raised concerns among migrant groups after it emerged that the White House had given in, as part of the negotiations to unblock aid to Israel Ukraine, by reinstating a variant of the controversial Title 42, which allowed the deportation of hundreds of thousands of people without an immigration hearing

El tema de la situación de estos niños migrantes es pertinente porque una de las propuestas empujadas por los republicanos para supuestamente mejorar la seguridad en la frontera con México, es precisamente desmantelar las protecciones actuales para los niños migrantes. Inspirados en la polémica iniciativa de Ley HR2, los republicanos buscan dificultar que los niños inmigrantes no acompañados reclamen un estatus especial de inmigrante juvenil, un camino legal que los jóvenes pueden

Once migrant children enter ORR care, they are contacted with their parents, guardians, or relatives if known, and the process of finding a suitable sponsor begins, according to current DHS protocol.

Find more OCURRIELCIAS at

WWW.EL-OBSERVADOR.COM

It is repugnant that dismantling the protections of the law and due process for migrants, but especially for minors and, worse, for unaccompanied children, is being considered. It would be a betrayal of the founding principles and ideals of a nation of migrants.


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

3

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

La Familia Orozco de San José

Llame a su doctor para hacer una cita

sccphd.org/Protejalos


4

FOOD

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

QUICK, EASY RECIPES TO ADD TO YOUR DINNER ROTATION

RECETAS RÁPIDAS Y FÁCILES PARA TU PLAN SEMANAL DE COMIDAS

Simple, nutritious meals to make more time for family

Comidas sencillas y nutritivas para dedicar más tiempo a la familia

ESPAÑOL

Family Features

M

aking time for meals together can have a positive impact on the well-being of families, including children and adolescents. In fact, regular meals at home can help reduce stress and boost self-esteem, according to research published in "Canadian Family Physician." Mealtime conversations are also a perfect opportunity to connect with your loved ones. A study published in "New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development" showed these conversations help improve children's vocabularies more than being read aloud to. Making time for meals together shouldn't require spending all night in the kitchen, however. A simpleto-prepare ingredient like eggs can help you spend less time cooking and more time with family. For example, these heart-healthy recipes for Poached Egg Tostadas with Avocado-Tomatillo Salsa, Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs and Poblano Frittata from the Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland's Best, are ready in 15 minutes or less. They include a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and healthy protein sources, which are recommended by the American Heart Association to help prevent heart disease and stroke. To find more tips for family mealtimes and recipe inspiration, visit heart.org/eatsmart. Poached Egg Tostadas with Avocado-Tomatillo Salsa Servings: 4 (1 egg and 1/2 cup salsa per serving) N/A 4 4 1 4

Nonstick cooking spray corn tortillas (6 inches each) cups water tablespoon white vinegar large eggs

Salsa: 1 1

medium avocado, diced medium Anaheim or poblano pepper, seeds and ribs discarded, diced 1 medium tomatillo, papery husk discarded, washed and diced 1/2 medium tomato, diced 1/4 cup diced red onion 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 medium garlic clove, minced 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly

spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange tortillas in single layer on foil. Lightly spray tortillas with nonstick cooking spray. Using fork, pierce tortillas to prevent from filling with air. Bake 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to serving plates. In large skillet over high heat, bring water and vinegar to boil. Once water is boiling, reduce heat and simmer. Break egg into cup then carefully slip egg into simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs, avoiding eggs touching in water. Simmer 3-5 minutes, or until egg whites are completely set and yolks are beginning to set but aren't hard. Using slotted spoon, drain eggs. Place each egg on tostada. To make salsa: In medium bowl, gently stir together avocado, pepper, tomatillo, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and salt. Serve with tostadas. Nutritional information per serving: 185 calories; 11 g total fat; 2.5 g saturated fat; 3 g polyunsaturated fat; 5 g monounsaturated fat; 186 mg cholesterol; 169 mg sodium; 15 g carbohydrates; 3 g fiber; 2 g total sugars; 9 g protein. Poblano Frittata Servings: 4 (2 wedges per serving) 4 large eggs 1/4 cup fat-free milk 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 medium poblano peppers, seeds and ribs discarded, chopped 2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed 2 medium green onions, chopped 1/4 cup finely shredded Cotija cheese or crumbled queso fresco 1 medium tomato, chopped 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream

In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk and cilantro. In medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom of skillet. Cook poblano peppers 3 minutes, or until browning on edges, stirring frequently. Stir in corn and green onion. Reduce heat to medium-low and carefully pour in egg mixture. Cook, covered, 10 minutes, or until mixture is just set on edges and still soft in center. Avoid overcooking. Remove from heat.

Photo Credit: American Heart Association / Family Features

ESPAÑOL Sprinkle with cheese. Cut into eight wedges. Place two wedges on each plate. Top with tomatoes and sour cream. Nutritional information per serving: 244 calories; 8.5 g total fat; 2.5 g saturated fat; 1.5 g polyunsaturated fat; 3 g monounsaturated fat; 192 mg cholesterol; 177 mg sodium; 27 g carbohydrates; 4 g fiber; 8 g total sugars; 13 g protein. Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs Servings: 4 (1 cup per serving) 2 1/2 4 1/2 2/3 2 2 1 1/2 1/2 1/8 4 N/A

teaspoons canola or corn oil medium onion, chopped medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes medium red or green bell pepper, chopped cup fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth teaspoons minced garlic teaspoons smoked paprika teaspoon ground cumin teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled teaspoon coarsely ground pepper teaspoon salt large eggs hot pepper sauce (optional)

In pressure cooker set on sauté, heat oil. Cook onion 3 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently. Turn off pressure cooker. Stir in potatoes, bell pepper, broth, garlic, paprika, cumin, thyme, pepper and salt. Secure lid. Cook on high pressure 3 minutes. Quickly release pressure. Turn off pressure cooker. Remove pressure cooker lid. Crack one egg into small bowl. Using back of spoon, make small well in potatoes. Slip egg into well. Repeat with remaining eggs, making separate well for each egg. Secure lid with pressure vent open. Sauté 2 minutes. Let stand on "keep warm" setting 2 minutes, or until eggs are cooked to desired consistency. Serve hash sprinkled with dash of hot pepper sauce, if desired. Nutritional information per serving: 258 calories; 7.5 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 1.5 g polyunsaturated fat; 3 g monounsaturated fat; 186 mg cholesterol; 244 mg sodium; 39 g carbohydrates; 6 g fiber; 9 g total sugars; 10 g protein.

Photo Credit: American Heart Association / Family Features

Family Features

D

edicar tiempo a comer juntos puede tener un impacto positivo en el bienestar de las familias, incluidos los niños y adolescentes. De hecho, las comidas regulares en casa pueden ayudar a reducir el estrés y aumentar la autoestima, según una investigación publicada en "Canadian Family Physician". Las conversaciones a la hora de comer también son una oportunidad perfecta para conectarse con sus seres queridos. Un estudio publicado en "New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development" demostró que estas conversaciones ayudan a mejorar el vocabulario de los niños más que leerles en voz alta. Sin embargo, hacer tiempo para comer juntos no debería requerir pasar toda la noche en la cocina. Un ingrediente fácil de preparar como los huevos puede ayudarle a pasar menos tiempo cocinando y más tiempo con la familia. Por ejemplo, estas recetas saludables para el corazón de tostadas de huevo escalfado con salsa de aguacate y tomate, picadillo de camote con huevos y frittata poblana de la iniciativa Healthy for Good Eat Smart, respaldada a nivel nacional por Eggland's Best, están listas en 15 minutos o menos. Incluyen una amplia variedad de verduras, frutas, cereales integrales y fuentes de proteínas saludables, recomendadas por la American Heart Association para ayudar a prevenir enfermedades cardíacas y accidentes cerebrovasculares. Para encontrar más consejos para las comidas familiares e inspiración para recetas, visite heart.org/eatsmart. Tostadas de huevo escalfado con salsa de aguacate y tomatillo Porciones: 4 (1 huevo y 1/2 taza de salsa por porción) N/A 4 4 1

4 Salsa:

aceite antiadherente en aerosol tortillas de maíz (6 pulgadas cada una) tazas de agua cucharada de vinagre de vino blanco huevos grandes

1

aguacate mediano, cortado en cubitos 1 Chile Anaheim o poblano mediano, sin semillas ni venas, cortado en cubitos 1 tomatillo mediano, sin la cáscara, lavado y cortado en cubos 1/2 tomate mediano, cortado en cubitos 1/4 taza de cebolla morada, en cubos 1/4 taza de cilantro fresco picado 2 cucharadas de jugo de lima fresco 1 diente de ajo mediano, picado 1/8 cucharadita de sal Precaliente el horno a 400 F. Cubra una bandeja para hornear con papel de aluminio. Rocíe ligeramente el papel de aluminio con aceite en aerosol antiadherente.

Coloque las tortillas en una sola capa sobre papel de aluminio. Rocíe ligeramente las tortillas con aceite en aerosol antiadherente. Con un tenedor, pinche las tortillas para evitar que se llenen de aire. Hornee de 5 a 6 minutos por cada lado o hasta que estén doradas. Transfiera a platos para servir.

En una sartén grande a fuego alto, hierva el agua y el vinagre. Una vez que el agua esté hirviendo, reduzca el fuego y cocine a fuego lento. Rompa el huevo en una taza y luego deslícelo con cuidado al agua hirviendo. Repita con los huevos restantes, evitando que los huevos se toquen en el agua. Cocine a fuego lento de 3 a 5 minutos, o hasta que las claras de huevo estén completamente cuajadas y las yemas comiencen a cuajar pero no estén duras. Con una espumadera, escurra los huevos. Coloque cada huevo sobre una tostada. Para hacer la salsa: En un tazón mediano, mezcle suavemente el aguacate, el pimiento, el tomatillo, el tomate, la cebolla morada, el cilantro, el jugo de limón, el ajo y la sal. Servir con las tostadas. Información nutricional por porción: 185 calorías; 11 g de grasa total; 2.5 g de grasa saturada; 3 g de grasa poliinsaturada; 5 g de grasa monoinsaturada; 186 mg de colesterol; 169 mg de sodio; 15 g de carbohidratos; 3 g de fibra; 2 g de azúcares totales; 9 g de proteína.

244 calorías; 8.5 g de grasa total; 2.5 g de grasa saturada; 1.5 g de grasa poliinsaturada; 3 g de grasa monoinsaturada; 192 mg de colesterol; 177 mg de sodio; 27 g de carbohidratos; 4 g de fibra; 8 g de azúcares totales; 13 g de proteína. Picadillo de camote con huevos Porciones: 4 (1 taza por porción) 2 1/2 4 1/2 2/3 2 2 1 1/2

Frittata Poblana

1/2

Porciones: 4 (2 porciones por ración)

1/8 4 N/A

4 1/4 2

huevos grandes taza de leche descremada cucharadas de cilantro fresco picado 1 cucharadita de aceite de oliva 2 chiles poblanos medianos, sin semillas y venas, picados 2 tazas de maíz entero congelado, descongelado 2 cebollas verdes medianas, picadas 1/4 taza de queso Cotija finamente rallado o queso fresco desmenuzado 1 tomate mediano, picado 1/4 taza de crema agria sin grasa En un tazón mediano, bata los huevos, la leche y el cilantro.

En una sartén mediana a fuego medio, caliente el aceite, revolviendo para cubrir el fondo de la sartén. Cocine los chiles poblanos durante 3 minutos o hasta que se doren en los bordes, revolviendo con frecuencia. Agregue el maíz y la cebolla verde. Reduzca el fuego a medio-bajo y vierta con cuidado la mezcla de huevo. Cocine, tapado, durante 10 minutos o hasta que la mezcla esté firme en los bordes y aún blanda en el centro. Evite cocinarlo demasiado. Retire del fuego. Espolvoree con queso. Cortar en ocho porciones. Coloque dos porciones en cada plato. Cubra con tomates y crema agria. Información nutricional por porción:

cucharaditas de aceite de canola o maíz cebolla mediana, picada camotes medianos, pelados y cortados en cubos de 1/2 pulgada pimiento morrón rojo o verde mediano, picado taza de caldo de verduras sin grasa y bajo en sodio cucharadita de ajo picado cucharadita de pimentón ahumado cucharadita de comino molido cucharadita de tomillo seco, desmenuzado cucharadita de pimienta molida gruesa cucharadita de sal huevos grandes salsa de pimiento picante (opcional)

En una olla a presión puesta para saltear, caliente el aceite. Cocine la cebolla durante 3 minutos o hasta que esté suave, revolviendo con frecuencia. Apague la olla a presión. Agregue los camotes, el pimiento morrón, el caldo, el ajo, el pimentón, el comino, el tomillo, la pimienta y la sal. Cierre la tapa. Cocine a alta presión durante 3 minutos. Libere rápidamente la presión. Apague la olla a presión. Retire la tapa de la olla a presión. Rompa un huevo en un tazón pequeño. Con el dorso de una cuchara, haga pequeños huecos en los camotes. Deslice el huevo en el hueco. Repita la acción con los huevos restantes, haciendo un hueco para cada huevo. Cierre la tapa con la ventilación de presión abierta. Saltee 2 minutos. Deje reposar en "mantener caliente" durante 2 minutos, o hasta que los huevos estén cocidos con la consistencia deseada. Si lo desea, puede servir el hash rociado con un chorrito de salsa picante. Información nutricional por porción: 258 calorías; 7.5 g de grasa total; 2 g de grasa saturada; 1.5 g de grasa poliinsaturada; 3 g de grasa monoinsaturada; 186 mg de colesterol; 244 mg de sodio; 39 g de carbohidratos; 6 g de fibra; 9 g de azúcares totales; 10 g de proteína.

Photo Credit: American Heart Association / Family Features


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

AYUDA LEGAL PARA TU CASO DE INMIGRACIÓN CON TAN SOLO UN CLIC.

Una labor conjunta entre la Oficina del Rector de los Colegios Comunitarios de California, la Fundación para los Colegios Comunitarios de California, la Universidad estatal de California (CSU), y el Proyecto de Servicios legales en la Educación superior del Departamento de Servicios Sociales (CDSS) de California está conectando a estudiantes inmigrantes de los colegios comunitarios de Californa y las CSUs con proveedores de servicios legales de inmigración de confianza para ayudarles a orientarse por el proceso migratorio y a continuar hacia el éxito en su educación sin tener que preocuparse de los costosos honorarios de abogados. Para atender a los aproximadamente 35,000 estudiantes indocumentados matriculados en el sistema de colegios comunitarios de California – con diferencia, el mayor número de estudiantes indocumentados del país – este proyecto se ha concebido para prestar servicios inestimables a estudiantes, profesorado y personal en cualquiera de los 116 colegios comunitarios en todo el estado. La elegibilidad también se extiende a estudiantes que toman cursos sin crédito, cursos de educación para adultos, o que tienen una inscripción doble.

Un extra de ahorro: El alumnado que accede a las ayudas a través de los proveedores de servicios legales migratorios en esta red tiene derecho a ayudas con las cuotas de presentación para DACA, naturalización y permiso de viaje (Advance Parole). Para programar cómodamente tu primera cita y obtener más información acerca de este programa, ¡visita findyourally.com hoy!

5


6

HEALTH

WEATHERING A NATIONWIDE TRIPLEDEMIC

A surging “tripledemic” of COVID-19, flu and RSV threatens to overburden an already burdened U.S. healthcare system.

CÓMO ESQUIVAR UNA TRIPLEDEMIA A NIVEL NACIONAL

Una creciente “tripledemia” de COVID-19, gripe y VRS amenaza con sobrecargar un sistema de salud estadounidense que ya está sobrecargado.

ENGLISH

A

ESPAÑOL

Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

U

A tripledemic overview There are over 100 different viruses that cause upper respiratory infections — which include COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), said Dr. Jose Perez, Chief Medical Officer at South Central Family Health Center. Common to all three are not only these upper respiratory symptoms evident in the nose, the throat and eyes — alongside overall “constitutional symptoms such as fever and muscle aches” — but also lower respiratory symptoms, including “infections of the bronchial tree and lungs, which can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia.” Transmission, too, is similar: “All three viruses invade the human body by coming in contact with body fluids from an infected, coughing or sneezing individual who leaves mucus particles in the air and on surfaces. All occur more frequently during winter, when people are more indoors due to inclement weather and holiday celebrations,” Perez explained. “It is very difficult to tell which virus is affecting the patient based on symptoms alone,” he continued, as many overlap: “cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, tiredness, muscle aches, shortness of breath … more often with COVID there’s the loss of sense of taste or smell, while more often with RSV there’s wheezing and an increase in respiratory rate, especially in children.” All three viruses are now on the rise nationwide. The CDC reported over 29,000 Covid hospitalizations in the week ending December 23, while the new JN.1 subvariant accounts for nearly half of new COVID infections. Estimates for this year’s flu season, furthermore, are as high as 19 million cases with 19,000 deaths, according to the CDC. With all this in mind, said Perez, “take care to wash your hands, cover your nose and mouth with a mask in high-density spaces, keep a six-foot distance from anyone coughing or sneezing, stay home if you feel sick, and get vaccinated.” Although COVID vaccines are no longer free under the federal government, many private and federal healthcare plans — including Medi-Cal — cover them alongside flu and RSV shots. The new JN.1 strain of COVID “Until now we’ve vaccinated against three different strains of COVID, and we have driven all of those to extinction through a combination of vaccination and herd immunity,” said Dr. Benjamin Neuman, Chief Virologist of the Global Health Research Complex at Texas A&M University. JN. 1, however, presents “the first time that one of those older strains” — B.A.2.86., an Omicron variant — “has mutated, grown and returned to cause additional problems.” Now that the most prevalent COVID strain has forked into different variants, with JN.1 comprising half of all cases, “one vaccine does not protect against both at the moment very well, so JN.1 is able to get in despite pre-existing immunity, especially given that the neutralizing antibodies that actually shield you stop the virus from getting in are low to gone after a year,” he explained.

Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

na creciente “tripledemia” de COVID-19, gripe y VRS amenaza con sobrecargar un sistema de salud estadounidense que ya está sobrecargado.

surging “tripledemic” of COVID-19, flu and RSV threatens to overburden an already burdened U.S. healthcare system.

At a Friday, January 5 briefing co-hosted by Ethnic Media Services and Blue Shield of California Foundation, medical experts discussed tripledemic predictions; the newest JN.1 strain of COVID; symptoms, prevention and treatment for all three infections; and why vaccines and masks remain crucial.

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

Photo Credit: Pvproductions / Freepik While it’s not all doom and gloom — JN.1 is not particularly faster-growing than other viruses, and “COVID has slipped to number seven overall on the CDC’s most-updated list of causes of death nationwide” — long COVID may worsen some of the higher categories in the form of “heart disease and cardiovascular problems, long-term breathing complications, and brain fog or brain shrinkage,” said Neuman. “This is not something that is completely settled, and may not be something that we can ever know for certain,” he added, “but we do know that JN.1 comes from very much the same virus as all the ones that came before; it’s just better at evading immune defenses … It’s been a long four years, and we can still do our best to help ourselves through vaccination and prevention.” RSV in infants, older adults Prevention is also the best course for RSV, a common illness without a cure, said Dr. Manisha Newaskar, pediatric pulmonologist at Stanford Children’s Health. “Although nearly all children are infected with RSV before their second birthday, it typically presents like a regular cold in older children and young adults … but the younger or older you are, the greater the risk to your immune status.” In fact, RSV is a leading cause of bronchitis among children under age five, annually resulting in 2.1 million outpatient visits; 58,000 to 80,000 hospital admissions; and 100 to 300 deaths. Among these children, Newaskar continued, “we see the highest morbidity in those below six months and premature infants, where it presents as severe trouble breathing, low oxygen levels, wheezing, pneumonia.” Also more at-risk of these respiratory tract infections are older adults with underlying conditions like diabetes, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The good news for adults aged 60 and over is that two kinds of single-dose RSV vaccines have been FDA-approved as of May 2023. Although antiviral medications and in-hospital IV, oxygen and ventilation treatment can be used for severe cases of RSV, there are no vaccines for children. However, injectable antibody Synagis has been given to high-risk infants for over 45 years, while in July 2023 the FDA approved Nersevimab, the first drug to prevent RSV lower respiratory infections in babies and toddlers. As treatments develop, Newaskar said “the best tripledemic treatment is prevention, which includes getting vaccines where they’re available.” With RSV as with COVID, “it won’t really matter which variant of the virus you have when you’re already lying in a hospital bed,” added Neuman. As RSV, flu and COVID are on the rise, “what matters is prevention … The lessons we learned during the pandemic are still critical to keeping ourselves safe in this tripledemic.”

En una sesión informativa del viernes 5 de enero organizada conjuntamente por Ethnic Media Services y la Fundación Blue Shield of California, expertos médicos discutieron las predicciones de la tripledemia; la cepa JN.1 más nueva de COVID; síntomas, prevención y tratamiento de las tres infecciones; y por qué las vacunas y las mascarillas siguen siendo cruciales. Una visión general de la tripledemia Hay más de 100 virus diferentes que causan infecciones de las vías respiratorias superiores, que incluyen el COVID-19, la influenza y el virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS), dijo el Dr. José Pérez, director médico de South Central Family Health Center. Los tres tienen en común no solo estos síntomas de las vías respiratorias superiores evidentes en la nariz, la garganta y los ojos, junto con "síntomas constitucionales generales como fiebre y dolores musculares" — pero también síntomas de las vías respiratorias inferiores, incluidas “infecciones del árbol bronquial y de los pulmones, que pueden provocar bronquitis y neumonía”. La transmisión también es similar: “Los tres virus invaden el cuerpo humano al entrar en contacto con los fluidos corporales de una persona infectada, que tose o estornuda y deja partículas de moco en el aire y en las superficies. Todo ocurre con más frecuencia durante el invierno, cuando la gente está más en el interior debido a las inclemencias del tiempo y las celebraciones navideñas”, explicó Pérez. Es muy difícil saber qué virus está afectando al paciente basándose únicamente en los síntomas", continuó, ya que muchos se superponen: " tos, dolor de garganta, secreción nasal, fiebre, cansancio, dolores musculares, dificultad para respirar... con más frecuencia con COVID hay una pérdida del sentido del gusto o del olfato, mientras que con más frecuencia con RSV hay sibilancias y un aumento de la frecuencia respiratoria, especialmente en niños”. Los tres virus ahora están aumentando en todo el país. Los CDC informaron más de 29.000 hospitalizaciones por COVID en la semana que finalizó el 23 de diciembre, mientras que la nueva subvariante JN.1 representa casi la mitad de las nuevas infecciones por COVID. Además, las estimaciones para la temporada de gripe de este año llegan a 19 millones de casos con 19.000 muertes, según los CDC. Con todo esto en mente, dijo Pérez, “lávese las manos, cúbrase la nariz y la boca con una mascarilla en espacios de alta densidad, mantenga una distancia de seis pies de cualquier persona que tosa o estornude, quédese en casa si se siente enfermo y vacúnese”. Aunque las vacunas COVID ya no son gratuitas bajo el gobierno federal, muchos planes de atención médica federales y privados, incluido MediCal, las cubren junto con las vacunas contra la gripe y el VRS. La nueva cepa JN.1 de COVID "Hasta ahora hemos vacunado contra tres cepas diferentes de COVID y las hemos llevado a todas a la extinción mediante una combinación de vacunación e inmunidad colectiva", dijo el Dr. Benjamin Neuman, virólogo jefe del Complejo de Investigación de Salud Global de Texas A&M. Universidad. JN. 1, sin embargo, presenta "la primera vez que una de esas cepas más antiguas" (B.A.2.86., una variante de Omicron) "ha mutado, crecido y vuelto a causar problemas adicionales".

Ahora que la cepa de COVID más prevalente se ha bifurcado en diferentes variantes, y la JN.1 representa la mitad de todos los casos, “una vacuna no protege muy bien contra ambas por el momento, por lo que JN.1 puede entrar a pesar de la inmunidad preexistente, especialmente teniendo en cuenta que los anticuerpos neutralizantes que en realidad protegen al virus de la entrada son escasos o desaparecen después de un año”, explicó. Si bien no todo es pesimismo - el JN.1 no crece particularmente más rápido que otros virus y “el COVID ha caído al número siete en general en la lista de causas de muerte más actualizada de los CDC en todo el país” — El COVID prolongado puede empeorar algunas de las categorías superiores en forma de “enfermedades cardíacas y problemas cardiovasculares, complicaciones respiratorias a largo plazo y confusión mental o contracción cerebral”, dijo Neuman. “Esto no es algo que esté completamente resuelto y puede que nunca podamos saberlo con certeza”, añadió, “pero sí sabemos que JN.1 proviene prácticamente del mismo virus que todos los anteriores; simplemente es mejor para evadir las defensas inmunes... Han pasado cuatro largos años y todavía podemos hacer todo lo posible para ayudarnos a nosotros mismos mediante la vacunación y la prevención”. RSV en bebés y adultos mayores La prevención también es el mejor camino para el VSR, una enfermedad común que no tiene cura, dijo la Dra. Manisha Newaskar, neumóloga pediátrica de Stanford Children's Health. "Aunque casi todos los niños se infectan con el VRS antes de cumplir dos años, normalmente se presenta como un resfriado común en niños mayores y adultos jóvenes... pero cuanto más joven o mayor sea una persona, mayor será el riesgo para su estado inmunológico". De hecho, el VRS es una de las principales causas de bronquitis entre niños menores de cinco años, lo que genera anualmente 2,1 millones de visitas ambulatorias; 58.000 a 80.000 ingresos hospitalarios; y de 100 a 300 muertes. Entre estos niños, continuó Newaskar, "vemos la mayor morbilidad en los menores de seis meses y en los bebés prematuros, donde se presenta como dificultad grave para respirar, niveles bajos de oxígeno, sibilancias y neumonía". También corren mayor riesgo de sufrir estas infecciones del tracto respiratorio los adultos mayores con afecciones subyacentes como diabetes, asma y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). La buena noticia para los adultos de 60 años o más es que la FDA aprobó dos tipos de vacunas contra el VSR de dosis única en mayo de 2023. Aunque se pueden utilizar medicamentos antivirales y tratamientos intrahospitalarios, oxígeno y ventilación para los casos graves de VRS, no existen vacunas para niños. Sin embargo, el anticuerpo inyectable Synagis se ha administrado a bebés de alto riesgo durante más de 45 años, mientras que en julio de 2023 la FDA aprobó Nersevimab, el primer fármaco para prevenir las infecciones de las vías respiratorias inferiores por VRS en bebés y niños pequeños. A medida que se desarrollan los tratamientos, Newaskar dijo que “el mejor tratamiento tripledémico es la prevención, que incluye recibir vacunas donde estén disponibles”. Tanto con el VSR como con el COVID, “realmente no importa qué variante del virus tengas cuando ya estás acostado en una cama de hospital”, añadió Neuman. A medida que el VRS, la gripe y el COVID van en aumento, “lo que importa es la prevención... Las lecciones que aprendimos durante la pandemia siguen siendo fundamentales para mantenernos seguros en esta tripledemia”.


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

2024 CHILDREN’S REPORT CARD SHOWS CA BEHIND IN MANY AREAS

HEALTH

Reduce tu velocidad. Una tragedia ocurre en un instante.

Advocates say programs that help children should be protected during the upcoming negotiations over the state budget. Photo Credit: Weedezign / Adobestock

ENGLISH

C

Suzanne Potter California News Service

alifornia's children are doing well - the vast majority have health insurance and access to transitional kindergarten - but the state is far behind in many other metrics.

youths. The state also earned a D-minus in prevention of substance abuse - as efforts to curb abuse are seen as too reactive, primarily helping kids once they've become addicted rather than intervening early on.

The nonprofit Children Now analyzed the data, and gave the Golden State a C-minus or below in 15 out of 33 categories. Kelly Hardy is senior managing director at Children Now.

California ranks 49th for its large class sizes, but Kelly noted that the state earns a B plus for its plan to give all four-year-olds access to free transitional kindergarten in public schools by the 2025-26 school year.

"There's a lot of low grades that we're seeing in the report card," said Hardy, "and they highlight where the state has allowed racial and economic disparities to stagnate and in many cases to grow."

"This is one of the places where California is leading," said Hardy. "And it's really important that in places where the state is making investments, we see that those investments and that attention to the issue has resulted in success."

The report gave California a D-minus because too few of its supports for people experiencing homelessness are tailored for unaccompanied

The state faces a projected budget deficit this coming year - and advocates are hoping that children's programs are spared any cuts.

Un coche a toda velocidad tarda muchos metros en detenerse. Si atropellas a alguien mientras aceleras, ¡hay un 90% de posibilidades de que lo mates!

EL BOLETÍN DE CALIFICACIONES INFANTILES DE 2024 MUESTRA QUE CA SE QUEDÓ ATRÁS EN MUCHAS ÁREAS ESPAÑOL

A

Suzanne Potter California News Service

los niños de California les está yendo bien - la gran mayoría tiene seguro médico y acceso a un kindergarten de transición - pero el estado está muy atrasado en muchas otras métricas. La organización sin fines de lucro Children Now analizó los datos y le dio al Golden State una C-menos o menos en 15 de 33 categorías. Kelly Hardy es directora general senior de Children Now. "Estamos viendo muchas calificaciones bajas en el boletín de calificaciones", dijo Hardy, "y resaltan dónde el estado ha permitido que las disparidades raciales y económicas se estanquen y, en muchos casos, crezcan". El informe le dio a California una D-menos porque muy pocos de sus apoyos para personas sin hogar están diseñados para jóvenes no acompañados. El estado también obtuvo una D-menos en prevención del abuso de sustancias, ya que los esfuerzos para frenar el abuso se consideran demasiado reactivos, principalmente ayudan a los niños una vez que se han vuelto adictos en lugar de intervenir desde el principio. California ocupa el puesto 49 por el tamaño

¡Mantengámonos seguros! 1. Respeta el límite de velocidad. Los defensores dicen que los programas que ayudan a los niños deberían ser protegidos durante las próximas negociaciones sobre el presupuesto estatal. Photo Credit: Rawpixel

de sus clases, pero Kelly señaló que el estado obtiene una B plus por su plan para brindar a todos los niños de cuatro años acceso a un kindergarten de transición gratuito en las escuelas públicas para el año escolar 2025-26. "Este es uno de los lugares donde California está a la cabeza", dijo Hardy. " Y es realmente importante que en los lugares donde el Estado está haciendo inversiones, veamos que esas inversiones y esa atención al tema han tenido éxito". El estado enfrenta un déficit presupuestario proyectado para el próximo año, y sus defensores esperan que los programas para niños no sufran recortes.

2. Estate atento a los ciclistas en los cruces. 3. Detente ante los peatones y permíteles cruzar.

Más información en

vta.org/VisionZero

7


8

COMMUNITY

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

FRIENDLIER PRISON GUARDS? WHY GAVIN NEWSOM’S ADVISERS WANT THEM AT SAN QUENTIN

California correctional officers train like ‘they are going to war’ to work in state prisons. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to transform San Quentin could require a kinder approach.

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

¿CARCELEROS MÁS AMIGABLES? POR QUÉ LOS ASESORES DE GAVIN NEWSOM LOS QUIEREN EN LA PRISIÓN DE SAN QUENTIN Los funcionarios penitenciarios de California se entrenan como si 'van a la guerra' para trabajar en las prisiones estatales. El plan del gobernador Gavin Newsom para transformar San Quentin podría requerir un enfoque más amigable.

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Nigel Duara CalMatters

20% en la actualidad, cuando comenzó a permitir a los prisioneros más libertad y centró sus prisiones en la rehabilitación.

onverting a state prison into a rehabilitative center, as the Newsom administration seeks to do with San Quentin, means changing how guards do their jobs.

En esas prisiones, los encarcelados pueden usar su propia ropa, cocinar sus propios alimentos y tener relativa libertad de movimiento dentro de los muros de la prisión. Ese modelo se ha arraigado en estados tan dispares como Connecticut, de tendencia demócrata, y Dakota del Norte, de tendencia republicana.

C

Instead of shying away from “overfamiliarity” with incarcerated people, prison guards should ask them about their families or favorite NFL teams. Instead of only reporting offenses, guards should note positive change in inmates. Instead of adopting a militarized footing against prisoners, guards should meet them in a common area to eat or watch movies. Those are some of the recommendations from an advisory panel overseeing the conversion of San Quentin into what Gov. Gavin Newsom called a “model rehabilitation center.” A 156-page report released today by the San Quentin Transformation Advisory Council also calls for an end to double-person cells, and better housing for guards who stay on the prison campus in Marin County to avoid long commutes. The report’s recommendations are not required to be adopted by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. One of the biggest changes recommended would be retraining prison guards as “community correctional officers.” In their new role, prison guards hired for this job would be retrained to understand the traumatic life experiences common to incarcerated people, substance abuse disorders, mental illness and anger management. Guards with welding, plumbing or carpentry experience would be able to do vocational training in those subjects. Eventually, the community correctional officers would become part of an inmate’s rehabilitation team. The report quoted an unnamed correction department official as saying: “We train staff like they are going to war. We’re not going to war. We have to change the training.” San Quentin houses about 3,300 of California’s more than 90,000 inmates. In March, Newsom pledged to transform the prison into a rehabilitation hub. He has marked four other state prisons for closure since he took office in 2019, a trend enabled by California’s falling population of state prison inmates. Newsom looks to Norway on prison policy The plan for San Quentin is modeled on prisons in Scandinavian countries, including Norway, which significantly decreased its rate of prisoners being convicted of crimes after release from 60%-70% in the 1980s to about 20% today when it began to allow prisoners more freedom and focused its prisons on rehabilitation. In those prisons, incarcerated people can wear their own clothes, cook their own food and have relative freedom of movement within the prison walls. That model has taken root in states as disparate as deep-blue Connecticut and deep-red North Dakota. California prison officials took a tour of Norwegian facilities in 2019 and said they came away impressed. The group included leaders from the union that represents state prison guards, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

The entry gate at San Quentin State Prison on July 26, 2023. Photo Credit: Semantha Norris / CalMatters

Un recluso en la prisión estatal de San Quentin el 17 de marzo de 2023. Photo Credit: Martin do Nascimento / CalMatters

Newsom estimated it would cost $380 million to remodel the prison as a rehabilitation campus. The new report from his advisory committee urges the administration to look for ways to reduce that expense.

Nigel Duara CalMatters

Though California lawmakers have mentioned the prison programs in Norway and North Dakota as successful systems to replicate, it’s unclear exactly what California’s model will look like. That’s something the Legislative Analyst’s Office pointed out in a report last year, shortly after Newsom announced the conversion plan for San Quentin. “While the administration has articulated some broad approaches to pursuing the goals of the California Model, such as ‘becoming a trauma informed organization,’ it has not identified any clear changes to policy, practice, or prison environments it deems necessary to achieve the goals,” the report’s author, Caitlin O’Neil, wrote in May. San Quentin already home to rehab programs San Quentin, California’s oldest prison, has a lengthy list of maintenance needs that totaled more than $1.6 billion in 2021. But it also has an award-winning prison newspaper, the inmatehosted podcast Ear Hustle and a program in which inmates can earn an associate’s degree in general studies after completing 20 classes. Keith Brown, who served time at California State Prison, Corcoran and is still incarcerated at San Quentin, told CalMatters in July that the experience in San Quentin was notably better. Corcoran “didn’t have any programs, really, and it (got) real hot there,” Brown said. “Here it’s a little bit better. Asked the principal to take (a) class, and he got me right in.” The advisory report notes that San Quentin is a desirable location for inmates, with a waiting list that sometimes stretches for years, so the prison should take as many inmates as it can. But San Quentin also has major renovation needs, and the cost just to bring it up to code is prohibitive. The only way to do that, according to the report, is to reduce the number of inmates at San Quentin. The complications go further still — California elected officials have shown a distaste for more prison spending while the prison population drops and would prefer to spend that money on community-oriented solutions, but cutting money to the prisons means fewer programs and worse living conditions. “There is no magic wand that can resolve all of these tensions,” the advisory group wrote in the report. “Policymakers will be grappling with these tradeoffs.” CalMatters investigative reporter Byrhonda Lyons contributed to this story.

C

onvertir una prisión estatal en un centro de rehabilitación, como la administración Newsom busca hacer con San Quentin, significa cambiar la forma en que los guardias hacen su trabajo. En lugar de evitar la “familiaridad excesiva” con las personas encarceladas, los guardias penitenciarios deberían preguntarles sobre sus familias o sus equipos favoritos de la NFL. En lugar de limitarse a denunciar las infracciones, los guardias deberían notar los cambios positivos en los reclusos. En lugar de adoptar una postura militarizada contra los prisioneros, los guardias deberían reunirse con ellos en un área común para comer o ver películas. Esas son algunas de las recomendaciones de un panel asesor que supervisa la conversión de San Quentin en lo que el gobernador Gavin Newsom llamó un “centro de rehabilitación modelo”. Un informe de 156 páginas publicado hoy por el Consejo Asesor de Transformación de San Quentin también pide el fin de las celdas para dos personas y mejores viviendas para los guardias que permanecen en el campus de la prisión en el condado de Marin para evitar largos desplazamientos. No es necesario que el Departamento de Correcciones y Rehabilitación de California adopte las recomendaciones del informe. Uno de los mayores cambios recomendados sería volver a capacitar a los guardias penitenciarios como “funcionarios penitenciarios comunitarios”. En su nuevo rol, los guardias de prisión contratados para este trabajo recibirían capacitación para comprender las experiencias traumáticas de la vida comunes a las personas encarceladas, los trastornos por abuso de sustancias, las enfermedades mentales y el manejo de la ira. Los guardias con experiencia en soldadura, plomería o carpintería podrían realizar formación profesional en esas materias. Con el tiempo, los funcionarios penitenciarios de la comunidad pasarían a formar parte del equipo de rehabilitación de un recluso. El informe citó a un funcionario anónimo del departamento penitenciario diciendo: “Entrenamos al personal como si fueran a la guerra. No vamos a la guerra. Tenemos que cambiar la formación”. San Quentin alberga a unos 3,300 de los más de 90,000 reclusos de California. En marzo, Newsom se comprometió a transformar la prisión en un centro de rehabilitación. Ha marcado el cierre de otras cuatro prisiones estatales desde que asumió el cargo en 2019, una tendencia facilitada por la disminución de la población de reclusos en prisiones estatales de California. Newsom mira a Noruega sobre la política penitenciaria El plan para San Quentin se inspira en las cárceles de los países escandinavos, incluida Noruega, que redujo significativamente su tasa de prisioneros condenados por delitos después de su liberación del 60%-70% en la década de 1980 a alrededor del

Los funcionarios penitenciarios de California hicieron un recorrido por las instalaciones noruegas en 2019 y dijeron que quedaron impresionados. El grupo incluía líderes del sindicato que representa a los guardias penitenciarios estatales, la Asociación de Oficiales de Paz Correccionales de California. Newsom estimó que costaría 380 millones de dólares remodelar la prisión como campus de rehabilitación. El nuevo informe de su comité asesor insta a la administración a buscar formas de reducir ese gasto. Aunque los legisladores de California han mencionado los programas penitenciarios de Noruega y Dakota del Norte como sistemas exitosos que se pueden replicar, no está claro exactamente cómo será el modelo de California. Eso es algo que la Oficina del Analista Legislativo señaló en un informe el año pasado, poco después de que Newsom anunciara el plan de conversión para San Quentin. “Si bien la administración ha articulado algunos enfoques amplios para lograr los objetivos del Modelo de California, como ‘convertirse en una organización informada sobre el trauma’, no ha identificado ningún cambio claro en las políticas, las prácticas o los entornos penitenciarios que considere necesarios para lograr los objetivos. ”, escribió en mayo la autora del informe, Caitlin O’Neil. San Quentin ya alberga programas de rehabilitación San Quentin, la prisión más antigua de California, tiene una larga lista de necesidades de mantenimiento que ascendieron a más de 1.600 millones de dólares en 2021. Pero también tiene un periódico carcelario galardonado, el podcast Ear Hustle presentado por los reclusos y un programa en el que los reclusos pueden obtener un título de asociado en estudios generales después de completar 20 clases. Keith Brown, quien cumplió condena en la prisión estatal de California, Corcoran y todavía está encarcelado en San Quentin, dijo a CalMatters en julio que la experiencia en San Quentin fue notablemente mejor. Corcoran “realmente no tenía ningún programa, y se puso muy caliente allí”, dijo Brown. “Aquí es un poquito mejor. Le pedí al director que tomara una clase y me aceptó de inmediato”. El informe de asesoramiento señala que San Quentin es un lugar deseable para los reclusos, con una lista de espera que a veces se extiende durante años, por lo que la prisión debería aceptar tantos reclusos como pueda. Pero San Quentin también tiene importantes necesidades de renovación, y el costo de simplemente adaptarlo al código es prohibitivo. La única forma de hacerlo, según el informe, es reducir el número de reclusos en San Quentin. Las complicaciones van aún más allá: los funcionarios electos de California han mostrado disgusto por un mayor gasto carcelario mientras la población carcelaria disminuye y preferirían gastar ese dinero en soluciones orientadas a la comunidad, pero recortar dinero a las prisiones significa menos programas y peores condiciones de vida. “No existe una varita mágica que pueda resolver todas estas tensiones”, escribió el grupo asesor en el informe. “Los formuladores de políticas tendrán que lidiar con estas compensaciones”. La reportera de investigación de CalMatters, Byrhonda Lyons, contribuyó a esta historia.


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

COMMUNITY

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

9

AARP CA HONORS ADVOCATE FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

AARP CA HONRA DEFENSORES DE LAS PERSONAS SIN HOGAR

Betty Kwan Chinn is this year's California recipient of the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, which comes with a $1,000 grant for her foundation, dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness. Photo Credit: Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation

Betty Kwan Chinn recibió este año en California el premio AARP Andrus al servicio comunitario, que viene con una subvención de $1,000 para su fundación, dedicada a ayudar a las personas sin hogar. Photo Credit: Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation

ENGLISH

T

Suzanne Potter California News Service

his week AARP honored a California woman whose journey to the U.S. inspired her to open a shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Betty Kwan Chinn escaped persecution and homelessness in China decades ago and fled to Hong Kong and then the U.S. Chinn said many people welcomed her with open arms, so she decided to find a way to give back. "I tell myself somehow, sometimes, I will do something good for this country," Chinn explained. "Because people are so kind to me." Chinn settled in Eureka and started feeding people experiencing homelessness out of her own pocket after noticing her son's classmate was always hungry. Her nonprofit, the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation, now feeds 500 people per day. She oversees five shelters, including a small housing village made from old shipping containers, plus a day center with a commercial kitchen and wraparound services. Chinn's shelters employ 22 people and all but two are former clients, giving them a chance to pay it forward. "I really like to volunteer," Chinn noted. "I encourage anybody and get yourself the chance to do something for other people. You never know how you affect other people. Just look at me and give me a smile that affects my life." The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service honors people who exemplify the spirit of service of AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.

ESPAÑOL

ATENCIÓN DESARROLLADORES/ PROVEDORES (ATTENTION OWNERS/DEVELOPERS)

INVITACION PARA PROPUESTAS (INVITATION FOR PROPOSALS) PROJECT BASED VOUCHERS VASH EXISTENTES (EXISTING PROJECT BASED VOUCHERS VASH) El Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa (HACCC), en asociacion con el Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), invita a propietarios y promotores de propiedades de alquiler dentro del Condado de Contra Costa (no incluido la cuidad de Pittsburg) a presenter propuestas de participacion en el Project Based Voucher Program (PBV). El objetivo principal de esta asignacion es otorgar asistencia del PBV asistencia a propiedades que tienen unidades reservadas para alquilar a Veteranos referidos por el VAMC bajo el programa de Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH). Los premios se limitaran a no mas de 10 PBVs por proyecto, sujetos a limites de HUD por los proyectos de assistencia de PBV. Sin embargo, si se presentan menos propuestas, la cantidad de unidades otorgadas puede variar. Todos los proyectos deben estar buscando retener asequibilidada por un largo-plazo para este Proyecto. La oferta de asistencia se le esta ofreciendo a propiedades que necesitan poca o que no se ocupa ninguna rehabilitacion o menos de $3000 por unidad incluyendo los unidads que parte del trabajo esta prorrateada a completar en areas o sistemas communes. Basicamente, las unidades deben estar listos para alquilar immediatamente. La asistencia para la ayuda de alquiler esta disponisble para un total hasta 45 unidades. Atencion: Participacion en el Programa PBV require la conformidad de los Requisitos de Vivienda Justa e Igualdad de Oportunidades (Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Requirements) y los Niveles Laborales Federal (Federal Labor Standards) pueden ser aplicables a los proyectos elegibles. La solicitud de propuestas se pueden conseguir en: Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa 3133 Estudillo Street Martinez, CA 94553 Persona de contacto: Tony Ucciferri: (925) 957-8055 tucciferri@contracostahousing.org Todas las propuestas deben dirigirse a HACCC en la misma direccion indicada anteriormente. Solo se aceptaran para consideracion propuestas en respuesta a esta invitaction. Los propietarios/desarrolladores seran notificados por una carta de la aceptacion o rechazo de su propuesta. Los criterios de seleccion estaran disponibles en el sitio web de HACCC en www.contracostahousing.org. Todas las propuestas TIENEN QUE recibirse a mas tardar al as 2:00 p.m. el Jueves 22 de Febrero de 2024.

E

Suzanne Potter California News Service

sta semana, AARP honró a una mujer de California cuyo viaje a los EE. UU. la inspiró a abrir un refugio para personas sin hogar. Hace décadas, Betty Kwan Chinn escapo de la persecución y la falta de vivienda en China, y huyo a Hong Kong y luego a Estados Unidos. Chinn dice que muchas personas la recibieron con los brazos abiertos, por lo que decidió encontrar una manera de retribuir. "Me digo a mí misma, que algún día hare algo bueno por este país, porque la gente es muy amable conmigo," insistió la entrevistada. Chinn se instaló en Eureka y comenzó a alimentar de su propio bolsillo a personas sin hogar después de notar que el compañero de clase de su hijo siempre tenía hambre. Su organización sin fines de lucro, Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation, ahora alimenta a 500 personas por día. Ella supervisa cinco refugios, incluido un pequeño complejo de viviendas construido con viejos contenedores de transporte, además de un centro diurno con una cocina comercial y servicios integrales. Los refugios de Chinn emplean a 22 personas, y todos menos dos son antiguos clientes, lo que les da la oportunidad de retribuir. "Me gusta mucho ser voluntaria. Animo a cualquiera a serlo. Tengo la oportunidad de hacer algo por otras personas. Nunca se sabe cómo influyes en otros. Solo mírame y dame una sonrisa que cambie mi vida," enfatizo Chinn. El Premio AARP Andrus al Servicio Comunitario honra a las personas que ejemplifican el espíritu de servicio de la fundadora de AARP, la Dra. Ethel Percy Andrus.


10

COMMUNITY

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

ENGLISH

SUPREME COURT CASE ABOUT IMPACT FEES COULD HAVE HUGE CONSEQUENCES FOR HOUSING IN CALIFORNIA

The highest court in the land will soon decide how much leeway cities and counties have in offsetting new construction with fees to pay for infrastructure.

A

Ben Christopher CalMatters

home in California was more than quadruple what it was in other states, according to a survey. While such fees were found in a “minority” of jurisdictions outside of California, they were “virtually universal” here.

dispute between a 72-year-old retiree in Placerville and El Dorado County over a $23,420 building fee got its day before the country’s highest court this morning in a case with potentially seismic consequences for local government budgets and housing markets across California and the country.

In a 2018 study from UC Berkeley’s Terner Center, impact fees in a survey of California cities ranged from between 6% to 18% of the local median home price. It’s not especially surprising that California cities and counties have come to rely so heavily upon this particular form of financing.

At issue is just how far cities and counties have to go to justify “impact fees”: fees slapped on new construction projects in order to offset the toll new developments take on local infrastructure.

During the high-growth decades of the 1950s and ’60s, local governments could easily assume that new development would pay for its own added toll on publicly funded roads and pipes through increased property tax revenue. That changed in 1978, when voters passed Proposition 13, capping local property taxes and muzzling the ability of local governments to borrow or raise new taxes.

The stakes are especially high in California, where impact fees can tack on hundreds of thousands of dollars to new housing projects that are already among the most expensive to build in the nation. The plaintiff in this case wants to put new guardrails on those fees. But that would come at a sharp cost: Local governments, restricted by California law from raising property taxes and borrowing funds, disproportionately rely on impact fees to pay for infrastructure like roads and sewer lines. The justices waded deep into the legal weeds of the case during oral arguments today and seemed alternately frustrated and bemused as they grappled with whether El Dorado County’s fee should be treated like the government were seizing a homeowner’s property, a simple tax or something in between. The legal saga began in 2016 when George Sheetz, a retired engineering consultant, built a small manufactured home on a vacant tract in the Sierra foothill city of Placerville. The county stuck Sheetz with the fivefigure “impact fee” to fund local roads, highways and bridges. Sheetz paid up, but then sued. With the backing of a conservative legal nonprofit, the Pacific Legal Foundation, he argued that, contrary to a four-decade old Supreme Court precedent, the county had failed to prove that the fee accurately reflected the wear and tear his small project would likely leave on local roads. “Everyone loves good roads and schools and public infrastructure, so the government certainly has many tools at its disposal, including taxes to pay for those,” said Paul Beard, Sheetz’s attorney, in presenting his case before the court today. “What we’re saying is that the government can’t select a few…property owners who happen to need a permit at any given time — to select them to bear the burdens of paying for that public infrastructure.”

That’s led to some frustration from El Dorado County and its defenders. If impact fees are intolerable, some have asked, what are the alternatives? New housing construction in the Crocker Village neighborhood in Sacramento on Feb. 10, 2022. Increasing the supply is one solution to rising California home prices. Photo Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr. / CalMatters

City and county government groups, along with the governments of both the state of California and the United States, have come to El Dorado County’s defense.

“It seems kind of like a nightmare to figure out where the line should be drawn,” Justice Amy Coney Barrett said.

Many court watchers expect the court’s conservative majority to side with the burdened property owner and require the cities and counties to work a bit harder to justify the fees they impose on new home construction. It remains unclear for now just how far such a ruling could go and whether it might place fresh limits on other widely used housing and revenue-raising policies.

Though today’s debate took place in the ethereal clouds of abstract constitutional consideration, for California developers, the issue at hand is plenty concrete. As a group, they’ve spent a generation griping about impact fees.

A uniquely California case

As of 2015, the average impact fee on a single family

Obtenga el cuidado de salud que necesita con Medi-Cal, independientemente de su estado migratorio.

As the city of Oakland noted in a recent report, its typical fee on large apartment projects comes out to $39,264 per unit. The neighboring city of Berkeley, sets the tab at $66,594. Across the Bay in San Francisco, the fee is $74,597. At the more extreme end, the 2018 Terner Center study found that the city of Fremont imposed a singlefamily home impact fee of $157,000. “You look at places like Fremont and they have these immaculate parks that are funded very significantly by impact fees,” said David Garcia, the center’s policy director. “There’s a question whether it’s reasonable to want to have top notch services and infrastructure, but for that to come on the backs of new residents.” The origins of this particular debate date back to another legal dispute brought by Californians trying to build a new house.

Requiring cities and counties to enact fees only after they’ve done a thorough, property-specific analysis of the impact a proposed development would have on local roads, for example, “would disrupt if not destroy their ability to fund capital intensive infrastructure necessary to serve new development, bringing such development to a grinding halt,” said Aileen Marie McGrath, the attorney for El Dorado.

Solicite Medi-Cal hoy:

With so much potentially at stake, the case has drawn the attention of a wide array of competing interests. Building industry groups, conservative property right defenders and Yes In My Backyard advocates have all filed briefs pleading with the court to force local governments to clear a higher bar before charging for the right to build.

A partir del 1º de enero de 2024, los adultos de 26 a 49 años pueden inscribirse en Medi-Cal completo, independientemente de su estado migratorio. Eso significa que las personas de todas las edades pueden ser elegibles para Medi-Cal completo si cumplen con todos los demás requisitos de elegibilidad.

A decision against Sheetz would only encourage “unconstrained exactions on new development, further adding to the crushing costs of housing in California and other jurisdictions that refuse to require governments to show any proportionality between the amount of fees demanded and the alleged impacts of new development,” the California Building Industry Association wrote in its brief from June.

¿Qué cubre Medi-Cal completo?

¿Cómo puedo solicitar Medi-Cal?

• Cuidado médico, dental, de la vista, de salud mental y planificación familiar • Recetas médicas y más

Hay organizaciones comunitarias cercanas que pueden ayudarle a solicitar. Encuentre una en HealthyAC.org hoy.

-MARK NEUBURGER, LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE, CALIFORNIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES

Sheetz and his supporters contend that these fees aren’t justified solely on meeting specific, related infrastructure costs and point to the wide variability in fees from one city to the next — even between neighboring jurisdictions.

A fee or “out-and-out” extortion

The lawyer representing the county countered that officials had done the legally required due diligence to justify the fee. But even if they hadn’t, they added, fees passed by local elected bodies that apply equally to all applicants — as opposed to one-off exactions levied on a specific development — don’t warrant such close judicial scrutiny.

“Unless you want a dirt road and like, you know, bandits out there because we don’t have a sheriff, we need to have some level of an assessment done.”

“Unless you want a dirt road and like, you know, bandits out there because we don’t have a sheriff, we need to have some level of an assessment done,” said Mark Neuburger, a legislative advocate for the California State Association of Counties. “It’s unfortunate when it’s a noticeable size of your project, but we live in a modern society and this is just part of the expense of paying for it.”

HealthyAC.org

In the early 1980s, James and Marilyn Nollan, a Ventura County couple, decided to convert their coastal bungalow into a two-story home. The California Coastal Commission, which regulates land use along the state’s coastline, issued a construction permit, but only on the condition that the couple give up a slice of their property to allow for a public walkway to the beach. In 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Coastal Commission had overstepped. If the government wants to take someone’s private property in exchange for granting them a land-use permit, there has to be some obvious connection between the property being seized (in this case, a slice of land for a walking path) and the government’s purpose in restricting development in the first place (capping a building for the preservation of ocean views), the court held. Because there was no “essential nexus” between the two in this case, Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in his majority opinion, taking the Nollans’ property was “not a valid regulation of land use,” but amounted to “an out-andout plan of extortion.” “Why is a fee attached to a development any different from any other kind of tax? No one has a good explanation for that.” -CHRIS ELMENDORF, LAW PROFESSOR, UC DAVIS In subsequent rulings, the Supreme Court laid out further limits on this kind of public-sector “extortion.” In the 1990s, the court found that the cost of getting a permit also has to be roughly proportionate to the impact a development is likely to have on the public. In 2013, the court ruled that these “nexus”


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

COMMUNITY

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com ENGLISH

11

ESPAÑOL

EL CASO DE LA CORTE SUPREMA SOBRE LAS TARIFAS DE IMPACTO PODRÍA TENER Sheetz and his legal supporters argue that it’s time for the court to apply the “nexus” and “proportionality” If the high court does ultimately decide that a more rules to El Dorado — and to local impact fees across rigorous, project-by-project analysis is required, the ENORMES CONSECUENCIAS PARA LA the country. implications could be dramatic — and not in the way that plaintiffs either imagine or hope, warned Jennifer VIVIENDA EN CALIFORNIA The California exemption Henning, a lawyer with the California State Associaand “proportionality” standards don’t just apply to the taking of physical property, but monetary fees made in lieu of giving up land, too.

es” that can justify a wide range of potential charges, said the Terner Center’s Garcia. In California, state courts have historically been reluctant to secondguess those analyses.

In response, El Dorado County and its cavalcade of legal allies put up a double-barreled defense.

tion of Counties.

First, California courts, along with those in many other blue states, have carved out a major exception to the Supreme Court’s rules. Fees slapped on individuals on an ad hoc basis — by say, by the Coastal Commission in adjudicating a single permit — might lack transparency, political accountability and be ripe for abuse. But fee schedules — voted upon by city councils or county boards of supervisors and that apply to all applicants across the board — don’t deserve such special treatment, the state’s courts have found.

“I don’t think it’s going to result in zero fees,” she said of a possible Sheetz victory. What it would almost certainly do is “really slow down and make more expensive the process of pulling permits and doing other kinds of development projects,” she said. “We’re just concerned, particularly in the middle of a housing crisis.” Even Trump-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh worried about the practical workability of that requirement in his back-and-forth with Beard, Sheetz’s lawyer.

The logic for that distinction, in part, comes down to political accountability.

“Your way is going to be more time consuming (and) administratively burdensome,” he said.

“A city council that charged extortionate fees for all property development, unjustifiable by mitigation needs, would likely face widespread and wellfinanced opposition at the next election,” the California Court of Appeal noted when it ruled against Sheetz in 2022.

“It very well may be,” said Beard. “But this is a constitutional standard.”

The fee that El Dorado County levied on Sheetz was passed as part of a general road and highway funding program. Sheetz’s specific fee was based on the size and location of his single family project, as listed on a menu of such fees on the county’s website. In bringing the case, Sheetz’ legal team asked the U.S. Supreme Court to do away with this “California’s judicially-created exemption.” Some members of the court’s conservative majority appeared ready to do exactly that. “There’s just no categorical exemption from legislative enactments — what would be wrong with that holding today?” said Justice Neil Gorsuch. Treating such a set of fees as comparable to the seizing of an individual’s private property could open a whole can of constitutional worms, said UC Davis law professor Chris Elmendorf. “Why is a fee attached to a development any different from any other kind of tax? No one has a good explanation for that,” he said. He also pointed to local inclusionary zoning rules, in which cities permit new housing projects in exchange for a developer making a certain share of the units affordable, as another policy that could find itself on the chopping block if Sheetz succeeds at the Supreme Court. Another local policy that could find itself ensnared in a ruling for Sheetz: Requirements that large developments set aside space for public art or pay a fee if they don’t. Many of the justices, especially the court’s threemember liberal minority, seemed to have a hard time identifying a distinction between across-the-board impact fees and other types of taxation that don’t require a court’s fine-toothed once-over. Justice Sonia Sotomayor likened El Dorado County’s impact fee system to a set of user fees, building permits or even a road toll. “If you’re going to start saying, as you did, that you’re reserving the right to say that a toll could be an unconstitutional taking, I bet New York City is going to be sued very soon on that on that toll to come down into Lower Manhattan,” Sotomayor, who was born in the Bronx, told Sheetz’s counsel. “At what point do we stop interfering?” Already complying If the court doesn’t buy that particular argument, the county put up a second one: It is already abiding by the court’s prior rulings. A state law, known as the Mitigation Fee Act from 1987, requires local governments to justify the fees that they impose with detailed studies that show a connection between the fee levied on a new development and the financial impact that development is likely to impose on local infrastructure. In conducting those analyses, they argue, California counties are already complying with the Supreme Court’s standards. For Sheetz’s proponents, those “nexus studies” are a paltry substitute for heightened judicial scrutiny. These studies often amount to “high-level black box-

El tribunal más alto del país pronto decidirá cuánto margen de maniobra tienen las ciudades y los condados para compensar las nuevas construcciones con tarifas para pagar la infraestructura.

U

Ben Christopher CalMatters

na disputa entre un jubilado de 72 años en Placerville y el condado de El Dorado sobre una tarifa de construcción de $23,420 llegó esta mañana ante el tribunal más alto del país en un caso con consecuencias potencialmente sísmicas para los presupuestos de los gobiernos locales y los mercados inmobiliarios en California y el país. . La cuestión es hasta dónde tienen que llegar las ciudades y los condados para justificar las “tarifas de impacto”: tarifas impuestas a los nuevos proyectos

ATENCIÓN DESARROLLADORES/ PROVEDORES (ATTENTION OWNERS/DEVELOPERS)

INVITACION PARA PROPUESTAS (INVITATION FOR PROPOSALS) PROJECT BASED VOUCHERS VASH EXISTENTES (EXISTING PROJECT BASED VOUCHERS VASH) El Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa (HACCC), en asociacion con el Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), invita a propietarios y promotores de propiedades de alquiler dentro del Condado de Contra Costa (no incluido la cuidad de Pittsburg) a presenter propuestas de participacion en el Project Based Voucher Program (PBV). Elobjetivo principal de esta asignacion es otorgar asistencia del PBV asistencia a propiedades que tienen unidades reservadas para alquilar a Veteranos referidos por el VAMC bajo el programa de Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH). Los premios se limitaran a no mas de 16 PBVs por proyecto, sujetos a limites de HUD por los proyectos de assistencia de PBV. Sin embargo, si se presentan menos propuestas, la cantidad de unidades otorgadas puede variar. Todos los proyectos deben estar buscando retener asequibilidada por un largo-plazo para este Proyecto. La oferta de asistencia se le esta ofreciendo a propiedades que necesitan por lo menos $3000 por unidad incluyendo los unidads que parte del trabajo esta prorrateada a completar en areas o sistemas communes, o proyectos de construccion nuevos. La asistencia para la ayuda de alquiler esta disponisble para un total hasta 80 unidades. Atencion: Participacion en el Programa PBV require la conformidad de los Requisitos de Vivienda Justa e Igualdad de Oportunidades (Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Requirements) y los Niveles Laborales Federal (Federal Labor Standards) pueden ser aplicables a los proyectos elegibles. La solicitud de propuestas se pueden conseguir en: Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa 3133 Estudillo Street Martinez, CA 94553 Contact Person Tony Ucciferri: (925) 957-8055 tucciferri@contracostahousing.org Todas las propuestas deben dirigirse a HACCC en la misma direccion indicada anteriormente. Solo se aceptaran para consideracion propuestas en respuesta a esta invitaction. Los propietarios/desarrolladores seran notificados por una carta de la aceptacion o rechazo de su propuesta. Los criterios de seleccion estaran disponibles en el sitio web de HACCC en www.contracostahousing.org. Todas las propuestas TIENEN QUE recibirse a mas tardar al as 2:00 p.m. el Jueves 22 de Febrero de 2024.

de construcción para compensar el costo que los nuevos desarrollos cobran en la infraestructura local. Hay mucho en juego en California, donde las tarifas de impacto pueden sumar cientos de miles de dólares a nuevos proyectos de viviendas que ya se encuentran entre los más caros de construir en el país . El demandante en este caso quiere poner nuevas barreras a esas tarifas. Pero eso tendría un alto costo: los gobiernos locales, a los que la ley de California les impide aumentar los impuestos a la propiedad y pedir fondos prestados, dependen desproporcionadamente de las tarifas de impacto para pagar infraestructura como carreteras y líneas de alcantarillado. Los jueces se adentraron profundamente en la maleza legal del caso durante los argumentos orales de hoy y parecieron alternativamente frustrados y desconcertados mientras lidiaban con si la tarifa del Condado de El Dorado debería ser tratada como si el gobierno estuviera confiscando la propiedad de un propietario, un simple impuesto o algo intermedio. La saga legal comenzó en 2016 cuando George Sheetz, un consultor de ingeniería jubilado, construyó una pequeña casa prefabricada en un terreno baldío en la ciudad de Placerville, al pie de la Sierra. El condado impuso a Sheetz la “tarifa de impacto” de cinco cifras para financiar carreteras, autopistas y puentes locales. Sheetz pagó, pero luego presentó una demanda. Con el respaldo de una organización legal conservadora sin fines de lucro, la Pacific Legal Foundation, argumentó que, contrariamente a un precedente de cuatro décadas de la Corte Suprema, el condado no había logrado demostrar que la tarifa reflejara con precisión el desgaste que probablemente dejaría su pequeño proyecto. en las carreteras locales. “A todo el mundo le encantan las buenas carreteras, las escuelas y la infraestructura pública, por lo que el gobierno ciertamente tiene muchas herramientas a su disposición, incluidos impuestos para pagarlas”, dijo Paul Beard, abogado de Sheetz, al presentar su caso hoy ante el tribunal. “Lo que estamos diciendo es que el gobierno no puede seleccionar unos pocos… propietarios que necesiten un permiso en un momento dado, para seleccionarlos para que asuman la carga de pagar esa infraestructura pública”. El abogado que representa al condado respondió que los funcionarios habían realizado la debida diligencia legalmente requerida para justificar los honorarios. Pero incluso si no lo hubieran hecho, agregaron, las tarifas aprobadas por organismos electos locales que se aplican por igual a todos los solicitantes (a diferencia de las exacciones únicas impuestas a un desarrollo específico) no justifican un escrutinio judicial tan cercano. Exigir a las ciudades y condados que promulguen tarifas sólo después de haber realizado un análisis exhaustivo y específico de la propiedad sobre el impacto que tendría un desarrollo propuesto en las carreteras locales, por ejemplo, “perturbaría, si no destruiría, su capacidad para financiar la infraestructura intensiva en capital necesaria para servir a nuevos desarrollos, deteniendo dichos desarrollos”, dijo Aileen Marie McGrath, abogada de El Dorado. Con tanto potencial en juego, el caso ha llamado la atención de una amplia gama de intereses en competencia. Grupos de la industria de la construcción, defensores conservadores del derecho de propiedad y defensores de ‘Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY)’ han presentado escritos solicitando al tribunal que obligue a los gobiernos locales a superar un listón más alto antes de cobrar por el derecho a construir. Una decisión contra Sheetz solo alentaría “exacciones sin restricciones sobre nuevos desarrollos, lo que aumentaría aún más los costos aplastantes de la vivienda en California y otras jurisdicciones que se niegan a exigir a los gobiernos que muestren cualquier proporcionalidad entre el monto de las tarifas exigidas y los supuestos impactos de los


12

COMMUNITY

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com ESPAÑOL

nuevos desarrollos”, escribió la Asociación de la Industria de la Construcción de California en su informe de junio. “A menos que quieras un camino de tierra y, ya sabes, bandidos por ahí porque no tenemos un sheriff, necesitamos realizar algún nivel de evaluación”. -MARK NEUBURGER, DEFENSOR LEGISLATIVO, ASOCIACIÓN DE CONDADOS DEL ESTADO DE CALIFORNIA Grupos gubernamentales de ciudades y condados, junto con los gobiernos del estado de California y de los Estados Unidos, han salido en defensa del condado de El Dorado. Muchos observadores de los tribunales esperan que la mayoría conservadora del tribunal se ponga del lado del propietario agobiado y exija a las ciudades y condados que trabajen un poco más para justificar las tarifas que imponen a la construcción de nuevas viviendas. Por ahora no está claro hasta qué punto podría llegar esa decisión y si podría imponer nuevos límites a otras políticas de vivienda y de recaudación de ingresos ampliamente utilizadas. “Parece una especie de pesadilla determinar dónde se debe trazar el límite”, dijo la jueza Amy Coney Barrett. Un caso exclusivo de California Aunque el debate de hoy tuvo lugar en las nubes etéreas de la consideración constitucional abstracta, para los desarrolladores de California, el tema en cuestión es bastante concreto. Como grupo, han pasado una generación quejándose de las tarifas de impacto. A partir de 2015, la tarifa de impacto promedio en una vivienda unifamiliar en California era más del cuádruple de lo que era en otros estados, según una encuesta. Si bien tales tarifas se encontraron en una “minoría” de jurisdicciones fuera de California, aquí eran “prácticamente universales”. En un estudio de 2018 del Terner Center de UC Berkeley, las tarifas de impacto en una encuesta de ciudades de California oscilaron entre el 6% y el 18% del precio medio local de una vivienda.

erables, algunos han preguntado, ¿cuáles son las alternativas?

parte, se reduce a la responsabilidad política.

“A menos que quieras un camino de tierra y, ya sabes, bandidos por ahí porque no tenemos un sheriff, necesitamos realizar algún nivel de evaluación”, dijo Mark Neuburger, un defensor legislativo de la Asociación de Condados del Estado de California. “Es una lástima que el tamaño del proyecto sea notable, pero vivimos en una sociedad moderna y esto es sólo una parte del coste de su pago”.

“Un ayuntamiento que cobrara tarifas exorbitantes por todo el desarrollo inmobiliario, injustificables por las necesidades de mitigación, probablemente enfrentaría una oposición generalizada y bien financiada en las próximas elecciones”, señaló el Tribunal de Apelaciones de California cuando falló contra Sheetz en 2022.

Sheetz y sus partidarios sostienen que estas tarifas no se justifican únicamente por cubrir costos específicos de infraestructura relacionados y señalan la amplia variabilidad en las tarifas de una ciudad a otra, incluso entre jurisdicciones vecinas. Como señaló la ciudad de Oakland en un informe reciente, su tarifa típica en grandes proyectos de apartamentos asciende a $39,264 por unidad. La ciudad vecina de Berkeley fija la cuenta en 66,594 dólares. Al otro lado de la Bahía, en San Francisco, la tarifa es de 74,597 dólares. En el extremo más extremo, el estudio del Terner Center de 2018 encontró que la ciudad de Fremont impuso una tarifa de impacto para viviendas unifamiliares de $157,000. “Si miras lugares como Fremont, tienen estos parques inmaculados que están financiados en gran medida por tarifas de impacto”, dijo David García, director de políticas del centro. “Existe la pregunta de si es razonable querer tener servicios e infraestructura de primer nivel, pero que eso suceda a costa de los nuevos residentes”. Una tarifa o extorsión “a todas luces” Los orígenes de este debate en particular se remontan a otra disputa legal iniciada por californianos que intentaban construir una nueva casa. A principios de la década de 1980, James y Marilyn Nollan, una pareja del condado de Ventura, decidieron convertir su bungalow costero en una casa de dos pisos. La Comisión Costera de California, que regula el uso de la tierra a lo largo de la costa del estado, emitió un permiso de construcción, pero sólo con la condición

Aumentar la oferta es una solución al aumento de los precios de las viviendas en California. Photo Credit: Freepik

de que la pareja cediera una parte de su propiedad para permitir un camino público hacia la playa. En 1987, la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos dictaminó que la Comisión Costera se había extralimitado. Si el gobierno quiere tomar la propiedad privada de alguien a cambio de otorgarle un permiso de uso de la tierra, tiene que haber alguna conexión obvia entre la propiedad que se está confiscando (en este caso, un pedazo de tierra para un sendero para caminar) y el propósito del gobierno. en restringir el desarrollo en primer lugar (cubrir un edificio para preservar las vistas al mar), sostuvo el tribunal. Debido a que no había un “nexo esencial” entre los dos en este caso, escribió el juez Antonin Scalia en su opinión mayoritaria, tomar la propiedad de los Nollan “no era una regulación válida del uso de la tierra”, sino que equivalía a “una violación absoluta o plan de extorsión”. “¿Por qué una tasa asociada a un desarrollo es diferente de cualquier otro tipo de impuesto? Nadie tiene una buena explicación para eso”. -CHRIS ELMENDORF, PROFESOR DE DERECHO, UC DAVIS En fallos posteriores, la Corte Suprema estableció límites adicionales a este tipo de “extorsión” en el sector público. En la década de 1990, el tribunal determinó que el costo de obtener un permiso también debe ser aproximadamente proporcional al impacto

que un desarrollo probablemente tendrá en el público. En 2013, el tribunal dictaminó que estos estándares de “nexo” y “proporcionalidad” no solo se aplican a la expropiación de propiedad física, sino también a los pagos monetarios realizados en lugar de entregar la tierra. Sheetz y sus partidarios legales argumentan que es hora de que el tribunal aplique las reglas de “nexo” y “proporcionalidad” a El Dorado y a las tarifas de impacto locales en todo el país. La exención de California En respuesta, el condado de El Dorado y su cabalgata de aliados legales presentaron una doble defensa. En primer lugar, los tribunales de California, junto con los de muchos otros estados demócratas, han creado una excepción importante a las reglas de la Corte Suprema. Las tarifas impuestas a los individuos sobre una base ad hoc (por ejemplo, por parte de la Comisión Costera al otorgar un permiso único) podrían carecer de transparencia, responsabilidad política y ser propicias para el abuso. Pero los programas de tarifas, votados por los concejos municipales o las juntas de supervisores del condado y que se aplican a todos los solicitantes en todos los ámbitos, no merecen un tratamiento tan especial, según han determinado los tribunales estatales. La lógica de esa distinción, en

La tarifa que el condado de El Dorado impuso a Sheetz se aprobó como parte de un programa general de financiación de carreteras y autopistas. La tarifa específica de Sheetz se basó en el tamaño y la ubicación de su proyecto unifamiliar, como se indica en un menú de dichas tarifas en el sitio web del condado. Al presentar el caso, el equipo legal de Sheetz pidió a la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos que eliminara esta “exención creada judicialmente por California”. Algunos miembros de la mayoría conservadora del tribunal parecían dispuestos a hacer exactamente eso. “Simplemente no existe una exención categórica de las disposiciones legislativas. ¿Qué tendría de malo que se celebrara hoy?” dijo el juez Neil Gorsuch. Tratar ese conjunto de tarifas como comparable a la incautación de la propiedad privada de un individuo podría abrir toda una ‘lata de gusanos constitucionales’, dijo Chris Elmendorf, profesor de derecho de UC Davis. “¿Por qué una tasa asociada a un desarrollo es diferente de cualquier otro tipo de impuesto? Nadie tiene una buena explicación para eso”, afirmó. También señaló las reglas locales de zonificación inclusiva, en las que las ciudades permiten nuevos proyectos de vivienda a cambio de que un desarrollador haga que una cierta parte de las unidades sean asequibles, como otra política que podría encontrarse en el tajo si Sheetz tiene éxito en la Corte Suprema. Otra política local que podría verse atrapada en un fallo a favor de Sheetz: los requisitos de que los grandes desarrollos reserven espacio para el arte público o paguen una tarifa si no lo hacen. Muchos de los jueces, especial-

No es especialmente sorprendente que las ciudades y condados de California hayan llegado a depender tanto de esta forma particular de financiación.

mente la minoría liberal de tres miembros del tribunal, parecieron tener dificultades para identificar una distinción entre tarifas de impacto general y otros tipos de impuestos que no requieren un examen minucioso del tribunal. La jueza Sonia Sotomayor comparó el sistema de tarifas de impacto del condado de El Dorado con un conjunto de tarifas de usuario, permisos de construcción o incluso un peaje en las carreteras. “Si usted va a empezar a decir, como lo hizo, que se reserva el derecho de decir que un peaje podría ser una toma inconstitucional, apuesto a que la ciudad de Nueva York será demandada muy pronto por ese peaje para ir al Bajo Manhattan”, dijo Sotomayor, quien nació en el Bronx, al abogado de Sheetz. “¿En qué momento dejamos de interferir?” Ya está cumpliendo Si el tribunal no acepta ese argumento en particular, el condado presenta un segundo: ya está cumpliendo con los fallos anteriores del tribunal. Una ley estatal, conocida como Ley de Tarifas de Mitigación de 1987, exige que los gobiernos locales justifiquen las tarifas que imponen con estudios detallados que muestren una conexión entre la tarifa cobrada sobre un nuevo desarrollo y el impacto financiero que el desarrollo probablemente impondrá a la infraestructura de los locales. Argumentan que al realizar esos análisis, los condados de California ya están cumpliendo con los estándares de la Corte Suprema. Para los defensores de Sheetz, esos “estudios de nexo” son un insignificante sustituto de un mayor escrutinio judicial. Estos estudios a menudo equivalen a “cajas negras de alto nivel” que pueden justificar una amplia gama de cargos potenciales, dijo García del Centro Terner. En California, los tribunales estatales históricamente se han mostrado reacios a cuestionar esos análisis. Si el tribunal superior finalmente decide que se requiere un análisis más riguroso, proyecto por proyecto, las implicaciones podrían ser dramáticas, y no de la manera que los demandantes imaginan o esperan, advirtió Jennifer Henning, abogada de la Asociación Estatal de California. de Condados. “No creo que esto resulte en cero comisiones”, dijo sobre una posible victoria de Sheetz.

Durante las décadas de alto crecimiento de las décadas de 1950 y 1960, los gobiernos locales podían asumir fácilmente que los nuevos desarrollos pagarían su propio peaje adicional en las carreteras y tuberías financiadas con fondos públicos a través de mayores ingresos por impuestos a la propiedad. Eso cambió en 1978, cuando los votantes aprobaron la Proposición 13, que limitaba los impuestos locales a la propiedad y amordazaba la capacidad de los gobiernos locales para endeudarse o aumentar nuevos impuestos.

Lo que casi seguramente haría es “realmente ralentizar y encarecer el proceso de obtención de permisos y otros tipos de proyectos de desarrollo”, dijo. “Simplemente estamos preocupados, particularmente en medio de una crisis inmobiliaria”. Incluso el juez Brett Kavanaugh, designado por Trump, se preocupó por la viabilidad práctica de ese requisito en su intercambio con Beard, el abogado de Sheetz. “Su camino requerirá más tiempo (y) una carga administrativa”, dijo.

Eso ha provocado cierta frustración por parte del condado de El Dorado y sus defensores. Si las tarifas de impacto son intol-

“Es muy posible que lo sea”, dijo Beard. “Pero este es un estándar constitucional”.

Red Line does not print. It represents the 3” safety area. Please verify critical elements are within the safety area.


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

VIBRAS

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

13

TAROT 2024 Mario Jiménez Castillo El Observador

Te acompañarán durante todo el año, el rey de espadas y el dos de copas. Los presagios son positivos especialmente en tu sector romántico, y de relaciones. Tendrás un brillo especial que se notará a donde quiera que vayas. Contarás con mucho vigor y energía, tus ideas y proyectos ayudarán a otras personas. Nuevas amistades se harán presentes desde que de inicio la primavera. Sé cauteloso durante los meses de abril y septiembre, ambos serán periodos complicados. Serenidad y paciencia.

Aries Tus cartas para este año son el caballero de espadas y el 10 de copas. Realmente los augurios no podrían ser mejores. El diez de copas anuncia momentos felices, romance, gozo, alegría, festividad y celebración. Es como si de pronto la suerte girara a tu favor. Mantén una vida saludable, ejercicio, yoga, pesas, zumba, etc. Busca la serenidad rezando oraciones sagradas. Sé precavido durante el mes de abril.

Escorpión Tus cartas para el 2024 son el 5 de espadas y el as de copas. Los presagios son muy positivos. Haz de tener tropiezos y luchas, enfrentarás desafíos, pero podrás vencerlos porque habrá a tu alrededor una energía vibrante, la cual te otorgará la sabiduría y la madurez, para salir adelante. Se augura la solución de un litigio o situación referente a documentos. Un viaje placentero pero inesperado puede sorprenderte a mediados de la primavera. Vencerás obstáculos.

Tauro As de oros y nueve de copas. Las cartas hablan de una realización personal, la buena suerte entrará por la puerta de tu casa. Situaciones financieras y de salud, serán resueltas con prontitud. La sabiduría que has adquirido, le encontrará la solución a cualquier asunto. Es muy probable que algunos nativos de este signo, inicien una nueva relación romántica. Este es un año de finales e inicios. Habrá pasión.

Sagitario

Géminis Te acompañarán durante todo el año, la rueda de la fortuna, y el 3 de bastos. Los cambios seguirán su curso, estás atravesando por un proceso de transformación. Este año lucirás de maravilla, te sentirás optimista y agradecido con la vida. Y es esa energía, la que estará a tu lado, desde enero hasta diciembre. Te darás cuenta que eres feliz, viviendo el presente con entusiasmo, y que del pasado sólo recuerdas las enseñanzas que te dejó. Cáncer Cartas afortunadas te representan este año, el siete de oros y el siete de copas. Existen energías positivas a tu alrededor, con el favor de los astros, conquistarás lo que deseas alcanzar. Es probable que una amistad o relación El simbolismo del número siete te hará descubrir todo lo que deseas saber. Será un buen periodo para mejorar las finanzas. Un negocio o empresa propia, se visualiza en tu futuro. Leo Durante el 2024 tus cartas representativas serán el cuatro de bastos y la carta de la emperatriz. Realmente se te concederá un deseo que tienes desde hace mucho tiempo. Sigue cuidándote fisica y espiritualmente, muchas cosas dependen de ti, tu rol es importante y será reconocido. La suerte te llegará por medio de familiares, amigos y conocidos. En este lapso abundarán las buenas noticias. Virgo Han salido cartas interesantes, el diablo y el as de espadas. Es augurio de los astros que este año lograrás liberarte de manera definitiva, de un mal espiritual o de una enfermedad. Los santos han escuchado tus rezos. Te liberarás de todo aquello que no te dejaba avanzar. Harás una limpieza en tus sentimientos y también en lo social. Te quedarás con lo que vale la pena. Tendrás diversión. Abril y septiembre serán épocas desafiantes. Libra

La carta del ocho de copas y la carta del ahorcado, son tus cartas para este 2024. Las cartas predicen que durante este periodo, podrás desprenderte de energías y de situaciones que no te aportan nada positivo y que por el contrario, consumen tu energía. Tomarás decisiones que harán despertar tu verdadera, y extrovertida personalidad. Cambios en el trabajo pueden ocurrir, un nuevo puesto, aumentos, promociones. Lo que tanto has pedido al cielo te será concedido.

Photo Credit: Freepik

OFERTA ESPECIAL

Capricornio

¡ALCATRAZ CITY CRUISES OFRECE UNA PROMOCIÓN DE ENTRADAS A TODOS LOS RESIDENTES DEL ÁREA DE LA BAHÍA!

Acuario

¡Compre Una y Obtenga Otra Gratis!

ENERO: 9-10, 16, 30-31 FEBRERO: 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 MARZO: 5-6

Tus cartas para este año son el dos de bastos y el Ángel de la temperancia. Existen espíritus de luz que te protegen, te guían y te guardan de peligros. Es agüero que ocurrirán dos situaciones que te darán alegría. Obtendrás un milagro. Las cartas anuncian que con tus obras y palabras, pueden hacer mucho bien. Todo se mantendrá estable en tu entorno, será tu deber como ser evolucionado, ayudar a otros, a seres queridos, amigos y a tu comunidad.

*Válido únicamente para los residentes de los nueve condados: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma.

Para reservar esta oferta deben llamar al (415) 981-7625 o comprar las entradas en la taquilla en el Muelle 33 de Alcatraz Landing.

TÉRMINOS Y CONDICIONES: • Para obtener entradas presentar documentos de identificación con fotografía extendido y con domicilio en el Área de la Bahía. • La entrada BOGO debe ser de igual o menor valor. • Válido únicamente en las fechas de salida indicadas • Válido únicamente para la excursión de un día a Alcatraz. • Las entradas solo pueden recogerse el día de su salida. • Esta promoción no tiene valor en efectivo y no es válida con ninguna otra oferta. • Nos reservamos el derecho a introducir cambios en esta promoción sin previo aviso. www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/bogo/

El cuatro de bastos y la luna, iluminarán tu sendero en este año. Descubrirás muchas circunstancias y situaciones que desconocías, esto te ayudará a saber quien es quien en tu vida. Incluso puede ser que descubras talentos en ti mismo. Tendrás que salir de un bache financiero, el cual superarás con paciencia, fortaleza e integridad. Quienes busquen un nuevo empleo, lo encontrarán con relativa facilidad. Despertarás a una nueva realidad. Piscis Estás de suerte Piscis, la estrella y la justicia serán tus cartas para este 2024. Sabemos que Saturno navega por tu signo, y la carga no ha sido fácil de sobrellevar. Con estos augurios, es presagio que cosas buenas comenzarán a ocurrirte. De pronto la buena estrella se hará presente. Harás las pases son seres queridos, te volverás más tolerante y versátil. La vida trae consigo una etapa dulce, llena de satisfacciones, y momentos gratos.


14

GREEN LIVING

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

CLIMATE DISPLACEMENT IS RESHAPING MIAMI

As Florida’s most populated metropolitan area faces record heat, storms and rising seas, its most vulnerable bear the brunt.

M

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

EL DESPLAZAMIENTO CLIMÁTICO ESTÁ REMODELANDO MIAMI

A medida que el área metropolitana más poblada de Florida enfrenta temperaturas récord, tormentas y un aumento del nivel del mar, los más vulnerables son los más afectados.

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

para soportar el calor extremo o son ineficientes desde el punto de vista energético, lo que empeora la carga de los costos de energía a través del “mantenimiento diferido y el aumento de los costos de conservación”.

IAMI, FL — As Florida’s most populated metropolitan area faces record heat, storms and rising seas, its most vulnerable bear the brunt. A new report from Climate Refugees highlighting two low-income communities of color in Miami, Little Haiti and Liberty City, shows how vulnerability to climate change worsens gentrification and displacement in these neighborhoods, and suggests that local responses to climate impacts can worsen this displacement.

En respuesta, Miami-Dade ha estado en la primera línea nacional de respuesta al calor extremo a través de iniciativas como su Extreme Heat Toolkit para asistencia de vivienda para personas de bajos ingresos, y la creación de una de las primeras oficinas del Director de Calefacción del país, que recientemente instaló 1700 unidades de aire acondicionado en viviendas públicas en todo el condado. Photo Credit: Wirestock

Climate change and vulnerable communities

Climate impacts and displacement

Although extreme weather is nothing new to South Florida, its frequency and severity is worsening, note Ryan Plano and Amali Tower, authors of the December 2023 report.

Displacement due to gentrification in Miami is worsened not only by non-heat climate impacts such as rising seas and frequent flooding, but also by “the interlinked failure of authorities” given that there is less economic incentive to adequately protect under-developed neighborhoods with low home ownership and rising insurance rates than to make these areas more attractive to rich developers.

Recent studies show that Miami’s sea-levels are rising even faster above levels in the year 2000 than the expected 10 to 17 inches by 2040. Last year, the city’s heat index topped 100° F for a record 37 consecutive days, and 106° for a record 13 days; previously, these respective thresholds were 32 and four days. The heat index of the human body, for comparison, is 105°. Santra Denis, Executive Director of the Miami Workers Center, explains to Climate Refugees the disproportionate risks that extreme heat imposes on health for Miami’s marginalized communities. Although no part of Miami-Dade County is exempt from these impacts, the most vulnerable neighborhoods are low-income communities of color with older, less energy-efficient housing — like Little Haiti, the cultural heart of Miami’s Haitian diaspora, and Liberty City, where Miami’s African American workforce was historically redlined. The report notes that much of this vulnerability owes to the urban heat island effect of higher temperatures due to infrastructure “that absorbs and re-emits heat as compared to green space and bodies of water.” “The lack of investment in environmental conditions that would reduce local temperatures — and make neighborhoods more pleasant for residents and visitors alike — was clear,” the authors write. “There was a distinct lack of shade trees, and in some cases any street trees at all, along main thoroughfares in Little Haiti and Liberty City … This is in stark contrast to the streetscape in ‘revitalized’ parts of the city, such as the Design District, just minutes away from Little Haiti and home to luxury stores and thoughtfully landscaped, ‘walkable’ streets.” Housing and gentrification As these climate impacts worsen in Miami, the city is also investing in a construction boom to meet a housing crisis caused by its steady population increase, which has only in 2023 declined. Even before the pandemic, the report notes, half of households in Miami-Dade were “cost-burdened,” i.e. spending over 30% of their income on rent or mortgage. The aging units of these households are often ill-equipped to handle extreme heat or are energy-inefficient, worsening energy cost burdens through “deferred maintenance and rising upkeep costs.” In response, Miami-Dade has been on national front lines of extreme heat response through initiatives like its Extreme Heat Toolkit for low-income housing assistance, and creating one of the country’s first Chief Heat Officer offices, which recently installed 1700 AC units in public housing countywide. However, the authors emphasize that heat is only “one climate-exacerbated housing issue” facing Miami’s vulnerable residents, whereas the biggest may be gentrification.

Santra Denis, Executive Director of the Miami Workers Center, describes to Climate Refugees the impacts of extreme heat and storms on Miami’s immigrant and poor residents. For example, every 1° C (33.8° F) rise in global heat increases the risk of flooding displacement by 50%; accordingly, increased flood insurance coverage now required by FEMA in Miami has led some researchers to note that climate-caused gentrification in the city is “more reflective of a rational economic investment motivation in response to expensive flood insurance rather than sea-level rise itself.” From 2020 to 2023, in fact Florida lost over 30 insurance providers, due to insolvency largely associated — as the providers themselves have maintained — with climate disaster premiums too costly for affordable housing developments. This process of climate gentrification is particularly hitting inland Little Haiti and Liberty City — one of Miami’s highest points, 10 feet above sea level — because developers bill high-cost redevelopment plans as “revitalization” for the neighborhoods, which are slightly more elevated than oceanfront areas. One recent peer-reviewed study of Miami-Dade County found that 56% of residents exposed to one meter (40 inch) of rising sea levels would be displaced. In 2015, for instance, Miami-Dade began investing $74 million in public funds for the “revitalization project” Liberty City Rising, despite resident resistance. In 2019, the city of Miami approved — to even stauncher opposition — the Magic City Innovation District, a $1 billion redevelopment plan of Little Haiti, where only 26% of residents own their homes, and where the average home costing $58,403 in 2012 averaged $482,557 in April 2023. Although the Climate Refugees report focuses upon these two neighborhoods specifically, they’re a “canary in the coal mine” for climate gentrification more broadly. The authors not only attribute climate displacement in Miami to low home ownership and skyrocketing insurance premiums, but also stress that many of the unique strides that local government has taken to address climate impacts are worsening this displacement. In short, Miami may serve as a lesson nationwide that “broad-stroke” climate investments by local governments in historically marginalized areas could worsen displacement “if they fail to keep cost-of-living in check” for those most needing these investments.

Photo Credit: Wirestock

M

Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

IAMI, FL — A medida que el área metropolitana más poblada de Florida enfrenta temperaturas récord, tormentas y un aumento del nivel del mar, los más vulnerables son los más afectados. Un nuevo informe de Climate Refugees que destaca dos comunidades de color de bajos ingresos en Miami, Little Haiti y Liberty City, muestra cómo la vulnerabilidad al cambio climático empeora la gentrificación y el desplazamiento en estos vecindarios, y sugiere que las respuestas locales a los impactos climáticos pueden empeorar este desplazamiento. Cambio climático y comunidades vulnerables Aunque el clima extremo no es nada nuevo en el sur de Florida, su frecuencia y gravedad están empeorando, señalan Ryan Plano y Amali Tower, autores del informe de diciembre de 2023. Estudios recientes muestran que el nivel del mar en Miami está aumentando incluso más rápido por encima de los niveles del año 2000 que las 10 a 17 pulgadas esperadas para 2040. El año pasado, el índice de calor de la ciudad superó los 100° F durante un récord de 37 días consecutivos, y los 106° durante un récord de 13 días; anteriormente, estos umbrales respectivos eran de 32 y cuatro días. En comparación, el índice de calor del cuerpo humano es de 105°. Santra Denis, directora ejecutiva del Miami Workers Center, explica a Climate Refugees los riesgos desproporcionados que el calor extremo impone a la salud de las comunidades marginadas de Miami. Aunque ninguna parte del condado de Miami-Dade está exenta de estos impactos, los vecindarios más vulnerables son comunidades de color y de bajos ingresos con viviendas más antiguas y menos eficientes energéticamente -- como el Pequeño Haití, el corazón cultural de la diáspora haitiana de Miami, y Liberty City donde la fuerza laboral afroamericana de Miami fue históricamente marginada. El informe señala que gran parte de esta vulnerabilidad se debe al efecto de isla de calor urbano causado por temperaturas más altas debido a la infraestructura "que absorbe y reemite calor en comparación con los espacios verdes y las masas de agua".

Sin embargo, los autores enfatizan que el calor es sólo “un problema de vivienda exacerbado por el clima” que enfrentan los residentes vulnerables de Miami, mientras que el mayor puede ser la gentrificación. Impactos climáticos y desplazamiento El desplazamiento debido a la gentrificación en Miami se ve agravado no sólo por impactos climáticos no relacionados con el calor, como el aumento del nivel del mar y las frecuentes inundaciones, pero también por “el fracaso interrelacionado de las autoridades”, dado que hay menos incentivos económicos para proteger adecuadamente los barrios subdesarrollados con baja propiedad de viviendas y tasas de seguros en aumento que para hacer que estas áreas sean más atractivas para los desarrolladores ricos. Santra Denis, directora ejecutiva del Centro de Trabajadores de Miami, describe a Climate Refugees los impactos del calor extremo y las tormentas en los inmigrantes y residentes pobres de Miami. Por ejemplo, cada aumento de 1° C (33,8° F) en el calor global aumenta el riesgo de desplazamiento por inundaciones en un 50%; en consecuencia, el aumento de la cobertura del seguro contra inundaciones que ahora requiere FEMA en Miami ha llevado a algunos investigadores a señalar que la gentrificación causada por el clima en la ciudad “refleja más una motivación de inversión económica racional en respuesta a un costoso seguro contra inundaciones que el aumento del nivel del mar en sí.” De hecho, de 2020 a 2023, Florida perdió más de 30 proveedores de seguros, debido a una insolvencia asociada en gran medida - como han sostenido los propios proveedores - a primas por desastres climáticos demasiado costosos para desarrollos de viviendas asequibles. Este proceso de gentrificación climática está afectando particularmente al interior de Little Haiti y Liberty City — uno de los puntos más altos de Miami, a 10 pies sobre el nivel del mar — porque los desarrolladores consideran los planes de reurbanización de alto costo como “revitalización” de los vecindarios, que son ligeramente más elevados que las áreas frente al mar. Un estudio reciente revisado por pares del condado de Miami-Dade encontró que el 56% de los residentes expuestos a un metro (40 pulgadas) de aumento del nivel del mar serían desplazados. En 2015, por ejemplo, Miami-Dade comenzó a invertir 74 millones de dólares en fondos públicos para el “proyecto de revitalización” Liberty City Rising, a pesar de la resistencia de los residentes.

"La falta de inversión en condiciones ambientales que reduzcan las temperaturas locales y hagan que los vecindarios sean más agradables - tanto para los residentes como para los visitantes - fue clara", escriben los autores. “Había una clara falta de árboles de sombra y, en algunos casos, de árboles en las calles, a lo largo de las vías principales en Little Haiti y Liberty City... Esto contrasta marcadamente con el paisaje urbano de las zonas “revitalizadas” de la ciudad, como el Design District, a pocos minutos del Pequeño Haití y hogar de tiendas de lujo y calles “transitables” cuidadosamente diseñadas”.

En 2019, la ciudad de Miami aprobó - ante una oposición aún más acérrima - el Distrito de Innovación de la Ciudad Mágica, un plan de reurbanización de mil millones de dólares del Pequeño Haití, donde solo el 26% de los residentes son propietarios de sus casas, y donde la casa promedio costaba $58,403 en 2012 promediaba $482,557 en abril de 2023.

Vivienda y gentrificación

Los autores no sólo atribuyen el desplazamiento climático en Miami a la baja propiedad de viviendas y al aumento vertiginoso de las primas de seguros, sino que también enfatizan que muchos de los avances únicos que el gobierno local ha dado para abordar los impactos climáticos están empeorando este desplazamiento.

A medida que estos impactos climáticos empeoran en Miami, la ciudad también está invirtiendo en un auge de la construcción para hacer frente a una crisis de vivienda causada por el constante aumento de su población, que solo ha disminuido en 2023. Incluso antes de la pandemia, señala el informe, la mitad de los hogares de Miami-Dade estaban “agobiados por los costos”, es decir, gastaban más del 30% de sus ingresos en la renta o hipoteca. Las unidades envejecidas de estos hogares a menudo están mal equipadas

Aunque el informe sobre Refugiados Climáticos se centra específicamente en estos dos vecindarios, son un “canario en la mina de carbón” para la gentrificación climática en términos más amplios.

En resumen, Miami puede servir como una lección a nivel nacional de que las inversiones climáticas “de gran alcance” por parte de los gobiernos locales en áreas históricamente marginadas podrían empeorar el desplazamiento “si no logran mantener bajo control el costo de vida” para quienes más necesitan estas inversiones.


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

OMAHA MAYA ORGANIZATION RECEIVES $15,000 GRANT FOR REGENERATIVE AG PRACTICES

A

"Obviously the pandemic was tragic in many respects, I don't want to make light of that," Case noted. "But it did shift how people think about work and life and shift the ability to have more flexible work, more remote work, more hybrid work has been helpful to a lot of these cities."

n Omaha Maya organization has received one of five $15,000 grants from the nonprofit GreenLatinos.

Some 85 organizations applied for the grant from the Justicia y Equidad Fund for "under-resourced Latino environmental justice organizations." Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim (CMPI) is an Omahabased nonprofit supporting Maya and other Indigenous communities in Nebraska.

According to Juan Tomas, this involves connecting the "profound wisdom" of the Maya with regenerative agriculture. She said CMPI also helps Maya entrepreneurs. "CMPI is honored to represent the Maya community in Nebraska and throughout the heartland as a lead organization for the Heartland Regional Food Business Center," Juan Tomas explained. The Heartland Regional Food Business Center is one of 12 such centers the U.S. Department of Agriculture funded in 2023. Their mission is to help small and mid-sized businesses involved in food production and distribution. CMPI helps Maya and other Indigenous entrepreneurs in the region access resources and opportunities in the food industry. Juan Tomas said as one of their youth training programs, CMPI collaborates with the environmental nonprofit Omaha Permaculture to grow commu-

15

TECH SCENE GROWS IN STATES LIKE UTAH, BUT NOT WITHOUT CHALLENGES

Deborah Van Fleet Public News Service

Lola Marina Juan Tomas, CMPI interim executive director, said about half of the estimated 10,000 Maya in Nebraska are in the Omaha area. She said the grant will support their Maya Regeneration Project.

NATIONAL

Indigenous woman wearing a traditional dress. Photo Credit: SALMONNEGRO / Adobe Stock

Salt Lake City is one of five markets identified as resilient and in a position for new growth, according to the commercial real estate firm CBRE. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

nity gardens on formerly vacant Omaha lots. "In this project, we will involve the youth for restoration of the culture, the language, and knowledge about the land's importance in our life," she continued. CMPI also has a Maya Community Center Garden at its South Omaha headquarters. It has received tentative approval for a USDA Land Access Capital Grant to buy land in Nebraska, where the organization will develop a Maya Regenerative Farm. Juan Tomas stressed the central role community plays in CMPI's mission, saying, "Every project supports the community. Everyone, every community, is welcome in our community center in South Omaha." Most of Nebraska's Maya are from Guatemala, of Q'anjob'al heritage. Other states boasting sizeable Maya communities include Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts and South Carolina.

A

Alex Gonzalez Public News Service

new report showed the share of tech jobs in what are known as "superstar" cities such as the Bay Area, Boston, Los Angeles and New York has dipped in recent years, while it has been growing in other cities including Salt Lake City. According to a recent study from the University of Utah, more than 60% of out-of-state movers have settled in Salt Lake and Utah counties. The state's positive net migration is partially attributed to favorable economic conditions. Steve Case, chairman and CEO of the venture capital firm Revolution LLC, has been a proponent for investment outside coastal hubs for years. He said it is important to recognize the impact the trend is having, especially post-pandemic.

Case observed many highly educated and skilled professionals in the tech sector who can telework have taken advantage of new possibilities. The commercial real estate and investment firm CBRE said Salt Lake City had more than 22% growth in tech jobs in 2021 and 2022, making it one of the leading tech markets in the U.S. While seeing more people moving to states such as Utah can be interpreted as a good thing on an economic level, Case cautioned it does not come without its own unique set of challenges, like putting pressure on housing costs and increasing demand on public services. "But you need that dynamism in order to be successful as a city," Case contended. "Trying to manage that in a smart way and be thoughtful if you are successful enough to have some big companies launch and scale there or get other companies to move there." Case added how local governments in Utah and across the country respond to businesses and more in-migration over the years will have a direct effect on competitiveness and well-being, which is why he encouraged city planners to develop a strategy to harness local talent, capital and a better culture for entrepreneurs.


16

JOBS / CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

AVISO DE ACUERDO PROPUESTO DE DEMANDA COLECTIVA CON RESPECTO AL DISTRITO DE TRANSPORTE DEL ÁREA DE LA BAHÍA ATENCIÓN: TODAS LAS PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDAD DE MOVILIDAD: Si ha usado, intentado usar o cree que en el futuro usará o intentará usar cualquiera de los ascensores, escaleras mecánicas, puertas recolectoras de boletos accesibles, cabinas telefónicas, sistemas de comunicación o señalización de la estación de Bay Area Rapid Transit, puede ser miembro del grupo del acuerdo propuesto afectado por esta demanda. Este es un aviso autorizado por el tribunal. ¿Quiénes están incluidos en el Acuerdo? El grupo de conciliación incluye a todas las personas con cualquier discapacidad de movilidad que, desde el 5 de abril de 2014 hasta el 1 de junio de 2039: (1) haya necesitado usar las Características Accesibles de las instalaciones de BART; o (2) tendrá que usar las Características Accesibles de las instalaciones de BART. ¿Qué establece el Acuerdo? El Acuerdo de Conciliación estará vigente hasta el 1 de junio de 2039, a más tardar. A lo largo de ese período, BART ha acordado cambios que mejorarán el acceso a sus instalaciones para las personas con discapacidades de movilidad, incluidas las reparaciones y el mantenimiento de ascensores, escaleras mecánicas, cabinas telefónicas y puertas recolectoras de boletos accesibles, proporcionando asistentes de ascensores, haciendo cambios en las prácticas de sus trabajadores de servicio del sistema con respecto a la suciedad en las estaciones de BART, las comunicaciones de interrupciones, la mitigación de ascensores y los planes de preparación para emergencias, capacitación de los empleados y señalización/ruta de viaje. El Acuerdo de Conciliación también prevé la exoneración de todas las reclamaciones por medidas cautelares, declaratorias y otras reclamaciones no monetarias, pero no libera a las reclamaciones de compensación monetaria. Los Abogados del Grupo (Disability Rights Advocates y Legal Aid at Work) también tendrán derecho a los honorarios y costos de los abogados, y los Representantes del Grupo tendrán derecho a pagos de incentivos. ¿Cuáles son mis derechos? Incluso si no hace nada, estará obligado por las decisiones del Tribunal en cuanto a la equidad del Acuerdo de Conciliación. El Tribunal ha aprobado preliminarmente el acuerdo y ha programado una audiencia para el 18 de abril de 2024 a las 9:30 a. m. en la Sala de la Honorable Laurel Beeler, Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Norte de California, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, Sala B (Piso 15) San Francisco, CA 94102, para decidir si el acuerdo propuesto es justo, razonable y adecuado, y debe ser finalmente aprobado. Usted puede objetar antes de la audiencia por escrito y/o comparecer en persona en la audiencia para objetar. También puede comunicarse con los Abogados del Grupo antes de la audiencia para discutir el Acuerdo de Conciliación y cualquier inquietud que pueda tener. 12/29/23, 1/5, 1/12, 1/19/24 CNS-3767968# EL OBSERVADOR

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700821 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Orange Skies Development, LLC, 1656 Brentwood Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a limited liability company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Orange Skies Development, LLC, 1656 Brentwood Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 10/07/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Rosalind SaavedraLaine Orange Skies Development, LLC CEO/Manager Article/Reg#: 202359214885 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/28/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader,

Deputy File No. FBN 700821 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702083 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SOLE PRIORITY, 2419 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a limited liability company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): SNKRUPSJ LLC, 781 Clearview Dr, San Jose, CA 95133. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 10/21/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Randy Alberto Sanchez Chavez SNKRUPSJ LLC Owner Article/Reg#: 202356215671 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on

01/09/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 702083 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702071 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SALGA2 COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR LLC, 826 N Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View, CA 94043, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a limited liability company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): SALGA2 COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR LLC, 826 Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View, CA 94043. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 05/25/2022. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Javier Salgado Baez SALGA2 COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR, LLC Member Article/Reg#: 202250913640

Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/09/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 702071 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701940 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CARLOS D. PEREZ ART AND DESIGN, 760 N 7th St #1208, San Jose, CA 95112, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a married couple. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): CARLOS DAVID PEREZ, 760 N 7th St #1208, San Jose, CA 95112. ANNA LISA ESCOBEDO, 760 N 7th St #1208, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/01/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which

Engineer (MediaTek USA Inc.; San Jose, CA): Develop, integrate, & support standard software APIs for AI, Computer Vision, imaging pipeline, & hardware accelerators. Salary: $184,662-$221,594/year. Email resumes to MTK.USRESUME@MEDIATEK.COM ref. job # 00035194.

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024 Head of Partnerships & Marketing sought by FarmWise Labs, Inc. in Santa Clara & Salinas CA to guide co's strategic mktg decisions. Req.: BS + 4 yr. exp. $236,600-$250k/yr. Domestic travel. *TELECOMMUTING/ TELEWORK PERMITTED*. Kate Sedano, VP - People, kate.sedano@farmwise.io

55+ Housing Waitlist Closing January 31, 2024 at 4 p.m. Built by Sunnyvale Life, Inc. and managed by HumanGood, Life’s Garden offers affordable housing for seniors 55 and older in the Santa Clara Valley and Greater Bay Area. The waitlist for Life’s Garden opened Monday, October 9, 2023, and will close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Scan the QR Code or call (408) 245-5433 to learn more. he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Carlos David Perez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/04/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 701940 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701905 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SLEEPWYSE, 1177 Branham Lane #1005, San Jose, CA 95118, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Sharon Maroukel, 4912 Canto Drive, San Jose, CA 95124. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/15/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Sharon Maroukel This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/03/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 701905 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701679 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Thi Minh Cuc Le, 270 Umbarger Rd, Spc 34, San Jose, CA 95111, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Thi Minh Cuc Le, 270 Umbarger Rd, Spc 34, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on N/A. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Thi Minh Cuc Le This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/27/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 701679 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701913 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SIGMA LAMBDA BETA, 1243 Bellomy St, Santa Clara, CA 95050, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Josiah Osorio, 578 Cabernet St, Los

Banos, CA 93635. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on N/A. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN700267. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Josiah Osorio This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/03/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 701913 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701911 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HM NAILS SPA, 1918 Alum Rock Ave Ste 25, San Jose, CA 95116, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Mai Thi Ngoc Pham, 1457 Japaul Ln, San Jose, CA 95132. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/01/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)

/s/ Mai Thi Ngoc Pham This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/03/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 701911 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701924 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: C&C Handyman, 868 Canfield Ct Unit #3, San Jose, CA 95136, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Christian Cuevas, 868 Canfield Ct #3, San Jose, CA 95136. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on N/A. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Christian Cuevas This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/03/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 701924 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701898 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: GSV ROOFING, 1315 Piedmont Rd, 32660, San Jose, CA 95152, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a limited liability company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): GENESIS SILICON VALLEY LLC, 1315 Piedmont Rd, 32660, San


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024 Jose, CA 95152. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on N/A. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Josue Garcia GENESIS SILICON VALLEY LLC CEO Article/Reg#: 202251810950 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/03/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 701898 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701906 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Raul Gardening Services, 602 Palm Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Raul Soto Diaz, 602 Palm Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/03/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Raul Soto Diaz This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/03/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 701906 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME NO. 701588 The following person(s) has / have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): siddesaddle & Co.,

20925 Jacks Rd., Saratoga CA, 95070. Filed in Santa Clara County on 02/18/2020 under file no. FBN663674. Kim Elking, 20925 Jacks Rd., Saratoga, CA 95070. Lisa Burns, 20925 Jacks Rd., Saratoga, CA 95070. Lee Ann Welch, 20925 Jacks Rd., Saratoga, CA 95070. This business was conducted by: a general partnership. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Lisa Burns/General Partner This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/22/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN701588 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME NO. 701734 The following person(s) has / have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): TWNS SALON SPA, 605 Tennant Ave Suite A, Morgan Hill CA, 95037-5529. Filed in Santa Clara County on 12/27/2023 under file no. FBN649175. Phuong T. Nguyen, 5875 Charlotte Dr Apt 411, San Jose, CA 95123. This business was conducted by: an individual. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Phung T. Nguyen This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/27/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN701734 January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV428676 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Michael Paul Vogel and

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Nirali Bhupendra Patel INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Michael Paul Vogel and Nirali Bhupendra Patel have filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Michael Paul Vogel to Michael Paul Avine b. Nirali Bhupendra Patel to Nirali Avine 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/26/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 08, 2024 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV421953 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Shih Luan Hu INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Shih Luan Hu has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Shih Luan Hu to Loan Thi Ho 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/26/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 03, 2024 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV428571 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: JOVIT USON INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) JOVIT USON has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. JOVIT MAGNO USON to JOVIT USON BERRI 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/26/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause

shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 03, 2024 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV421223 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Huyen Thi Dieu Pham INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Huyen Thi Dieu Pham has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Huyen Thi Dieu Pham to Joyana Pham Nguyen 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 12/05/2023 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Aug 21, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427449 Superior Court of

JOBS / CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Chau Tu Luong INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Chau Tu Luong has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Chau Tu Luong Or Tu Chau Luong to Jason Luong 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/05/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 12, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427808 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Andrew Gregorio Arteaga INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Andrew Gregorio Arteaga has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Andrew Gregorio Arteaga to Andrew Luis Vazquez 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition

for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/05/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 19, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427092 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: BI VAN NGUYEN INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) BI VAN NGUYEN has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. BI VAN NGUYEN to RYAN NGUYEN 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 2/27/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First

17

Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 07, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of   Craig William Hoyt Case No. 3PR196207 1.To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Craig William Hoyt. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by David Hoyt in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3.The Petition for Probate requests that David Hoyt be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administer of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: February 28, 2024, at 9:01am, Dept. 1, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to


18

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Attorney for Petitioner: Jennifer E. Ramirez 2021 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126 (408)713-5444 Run Date: January 12, 19, 26, 2024 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of   Jane Cashman Case No. 23PR196088 1.To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Jane Cashman, Jane M. Cashman. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Daniel Cashman in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3.The Petition for Probate requests that Daniel Cashman be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 4. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administer of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking

certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: February 14, 2024, at 9:01am, Dept. 11, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Petitioner: Daniel Cashman 2073 Palm Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94061 (650)776-1689 Run Date: January 12, 19, 26, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701868

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALEPH COMMUNICAITONS, 88 South Third St DDT174, San Jose, CA 95112, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Eric Douglas King, 88 South Third St D1, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/27/2023. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN692096. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Eric Douglas King This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/02/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 701868 January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701306 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Niko Cleaning Services, 200 Burnett Ave Spc 171, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Maria Hernandez, 200 Burnett Ave Spc 171, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/19/2023. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: . “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Maria Hernandez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/13/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 701306

January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701658 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: AZUCAR, 4639 Holycon Cir, San Jose, CA 95136, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a married couple. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Carlos Marin, 4639 Holycon Cir, Santa Clara, CA 95136. Gisela Marin, 4639 Holycon Cir, San Jose, CA 95136. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/26/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Carlos Marin This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/26/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 701658 January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV428290 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Eric Nguyen INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Eric Nguyen has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Eric Nguyen to Selene Nguyen 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/12/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 28, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427966 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Maria Guadalupe Garcia Gomez INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Maria Guadalupe Garcia Gomez has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Maria Guadalupe Garcia Gomez to Maria Guadalupe Gomez Garcia 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/12/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 21, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo

Judge of the Superior Court January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV428293 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Andre Christian Mattson INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Andre Christian Mattson has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Andre Christian Mattson to Andre Mattson Carrera 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/19/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 28, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV428309 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Gerald Joseph Porter INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Gerald Joseph Porter has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024 follows: a. Gerald Joseph Porter to Joseph Gerald Sisneros 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/19/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 28, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701733 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: GLASS SOLUTIONS CA, 880 Burbank Dr #10, Santa Clara, CA 95051, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Maria Del Carmen Gomez, 880 Burbank Dr #10, Santa Clara, CA 95051. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 08/17/2023. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN698236. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Maria Del Carmen Gomez This statement was filed with the Co.

Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/27/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 701733 December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 19, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700267 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SIGMA LAMBDA BETA, 1243 Bellomy St, Santa Clara, CA 95050, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Josiah Osorio, 578 Cabernet St, Los Banos, CA 93635. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on N/A. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Josiah Osorio This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/02/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 700267 December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 19, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701658 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Azucar, 4639 Holycon Cir, San Jose, CA 95136, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a married couple. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Carlos Marin, 4639 Holycon Cir, San Jose, CA 95136. Gisela Marin, 4639 Holycon Cir, San Jose, CA 95136. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/26/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Carlos Marin


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024 This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/26/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 701658

This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/13/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN701353

December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 19, 2024

December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 19, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701580 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LA CHAPARRITA OAXAQUENA, 13921 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95127, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Ernestina Cuevas Hernandez, 13921 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95127. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on N/A. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Ernestina Cuevas Hernandez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/21/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 701580

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427817 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Abdelrahman Yasser Shamarden INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Abdelrahman Yasser Shamarden has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Abdelrahman Yasser Shamarden to Abdelrahman Yasser.Shamarden 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/05/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 19, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court

December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 19, 2024 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME NO. 701353 The following person(s) has / have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): MATERIALL, 500 E Calaveras Blvd, Suite 240, Milpitas CA, 95035. Filed in Santa Clara County on 08/02/2019 under file no. FBN657446. CURIO SEARCH INC, 500 # Calaveras Blvd, Suite 240, Milpitas, CA 95035. This business was conducted by: a corporation. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Bharat Vijay-CEO

December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 19, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427527

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Apurva Thomas INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Apurva Thomas has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Apurva Thomas (No Last Name), aka Apurva Thomas, LNU, FNU, Apurva Thomas to Apurva Thomas 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/05/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 13, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 19, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV424711 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Gabriel Espino Guillen INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Gabriel Espino Guillen has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Gabriel Espino Guillen to Gabriel Espino 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this

court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 1/30/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Oct 25, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 19, 2024 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of   EDWARD EVERETT ROUSAR, III, aka Edward E. Rousar, III and Edward Rousar III Case No. 23PR195650 1. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of EDWARD EVERETT ROUSAR, III, ALSO KNOWN AS EDWARD E. ROUSAR, III AND EDWARD ROUSAR, III. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Johnie M. Kelly, Jr. in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3. The Petition for Probate requests that Johnie M. Kelly, Jr. be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 4. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administer of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the

personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: February 02, 2024, at 9:01am, Dept. 1, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Attorney for Petitioner: Karen A. Lapinski 111 North Market Street, Suite 300 San Jose, CA 95113 (408)500-5001 Run Date: December 29, 2023; January 5,

12, 2024 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of   Donald Ray Todd Case No. 23PR195773 1. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Donald Ray Todd. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Tara Todd. in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3. The Petition for Probate requests that Tara Todd be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administer of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: March 01, 2024, at 9:01am, Dept. 1, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Attorney for Petitioner: Benjamin J. Jesudasson Steburg Law Firm, P.C. 2001 Gateway Place, Suite 100W, San Jose, CA 95110 (408)573-1122 Run Date: December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2024 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of   YE HU Case No. 23PR195365 1. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of YE HU. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Jianou Gao. in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3. The Petition for Probate requests that be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administer of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: February 02, 2024, at 9:01am, Dept. 13, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to

19

the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Attorney for Petitioner: Andrew H. Dai 851 Burlway Road Suite 166 Burlingame, CA 94010 (650)817-8888 Run Date: December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2024 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of   Louie Cardon Hidalgo Jnr. Aka Louis Cardon Hidalgo Jnr. Case No. 23PR196234 1. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Louie Cardon Hidalgo Jnr. aka Louis Cardon Hidalgo Jnr. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by MaryLouise Felan Hidalgo in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3. The Petition for Probate requests that MaryLouise Felan Hidalgo be appointed as personal representative to administer the


20

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

estate of the decedent 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administer of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: March 06, 2024, at 9:01am, Dept. 1, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Attorney for Petitioner: Benjamin Jesudasson

Steburg Law Firm P.C. 2001 Gateway Place, Suite 100W San Jose, CA 95110 (408)573-1122 Run Date: December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2024 AMENDED Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of   CHIENFEI CHEN, Case No. 23PR195688 1. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of CHIENFEI CHEN, aka CONNIE CHEN, CHIENFEI WONG, CONNIE WONG. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Stephen Chen in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3. The Petition for Probate requests that Stephen Chen be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 4. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administer of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: February 14, 2024, at 9:01am, Dept. 1, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Petitioner: Stephen Chen 1005 Lakehaven Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 (408)4806727 Run Date: December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2024 SUMMONS (Family Law) (FL-110) NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (Name): MILAGROS FELICIDAD CHANG AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): You have been sued. Read the information below. Lo han demandado. Lea ia información en la pagina siguiente. Petitioner’s name is: LUIS LUCIANO IZQUIERDO Nombre del demandante: Case Number (Número de caso): 23FL002569 You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you. If you do not file your

Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.

se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte de otras ordenes. Cualquier agencia del orden publico que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas ordenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.

For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. You can get information about finding lawyers at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp), at the California Legal Services Web Site (www.lawhelpca. org), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and cost that the court waived for you and the other party.

Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte NO basta para protegerlo. Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales. Para asesoramiento legal, pónganse en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar a un abogado en el Centro de ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio Web de los Servicios Legales de California (www. l awhe l pc a . org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado. NOTICE; The restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. AVISO; Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que

Exención De Cuotas: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte. 1. The name and address of the court is (el nombre y dirección de la corte son): Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Family Justice Center Courthouse Street Address: 201 N. FIRST STEET San Jose, CA 95113 Mailing Address: 191 N. First Street San Jose, CA 95113 2. The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, are: (El nombre, dirección, y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son): LUIS LUCIANO IZQUIERDO 18665 CASTLE HILL DRIVE Morgan Hill, CA 95937 (408)607-4578 Date (Fecha): NOV 08, 2023 Clerk, by (Secretario, por) /s/ M. JOHNSON, Deputy (Asistente): STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from 1. Removing the minor child or children of the parties from the state or applying for a new or replacement passport for those minor children without the prior

written consent of the other party or an order of the court; 2. Cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor child or children: 3. Transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasicommunity, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. Creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party. You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community property, or you own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs. NOTICE - ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance? If so, you should apply for Covered California. Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay towards high quality affordable health care. For more information, visit www. coveredca.com Or call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506.

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024 WARNING – IMPORTANT INFORMATION California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divide, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e. joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property. ORDENES DE RESTRICCION NORMALES DE DERECHO FAMILIAR En forma inmediata, usted y su cónyuge o pareja de hecho tienen prohibido: 1. Llevarse del estado de California a los hijos menores de las partes, o solicitar un pasaporte nuevo o de repuesto para los hijos menores, sin el consentimiento previo por escrito de la otra parte o sin una orden de la corte; 2. Cobrar, pedir prestado, cancelar, transferir, deshacerse o cambiar el nombre de los beneficiarios de cualquier seguro u otro tipo de cobertura, como de vida, salud, vehículo y discapacidad, que tenga como beneficiario(s) a las partes y su(s) hijo(s) menor(es); 3. Transferir, gravar, hipotecar, ocultar o deshacerse de cualquier manera de cualquier propiedad, inmueble o personal, ya sea comunitaria, cuasicomunitaria o separada, sin el consentimiento escrito de la otra parte o una orden de la corte, excepto en el curso habitual de actividades personal o para satisfacer las necesidades de la vida; y 4. Crear o modificar una transferencia

no testamentaria de manera que afecte la asignación de una propiedad sujeta a transferencia, sin el consentimiento por escrito de la otra parte o una orden de la corte. Antes de que se pueda eliminar la revocación de una transferencia no testamentaria, se debe presentar ante la corte un aviso del cambio y hacer una entrega legal de dicho aviso a la otra parte. Cada parte tiene que notificar a la otra sobre cualquier gasto extraordinario propuesto, por lo menos cinco días laborales antes de realizarlo, y rendir cuenta a la corte de todos los gastos extraordinarios realizados después de que estas órdenes de restricción hayan entrado en vigencia. No obstante, puede usar propiedad comunitaria, cuasicomunitaria o suya separada para pagar a un abogado o para ayudarle a pagar los costos de la corte. AVISO-ACCESO A SEGURO DE SALUD MÁS ECONÓMICO: ¿Necesita seguro de salud a un costo asequible, ya sea para usted o alguien en su hogar? Si es as¡, puede presentar una solicitud con Covered California. Covered California lo puede ayudar a reducir el costo que paga por seguro de salud asequible y de alta calidad. Para obtener mas información, visite www.coveredca.com. O llame a Covered California al 1-800300-0213. ADVERTENCIA – INFORMACION IMPORTANTE De acuerdo a la ley de California, las propiedades adquiridas por las partes durante su matrimonio o pareja de hecho en forma conjunta se consideran propiedad comunitaria para los fines de la división de bienes que ocurre cuando se produce una disolución o separación legal del matrimonio o pareja de hecho. Si cualquiera de las partes de este caso llega a fallecer antes de que se divida la propiedad comunitaria de tenencia conjunta, el destino de la misma quedará determinado por las cláusulas de la escritura correspondiente que describen su tenencia (por ej. tenencia conjunta, tenencia en común o propiedad comunitaria) y no


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024 por la presunción de propiedad comunitaria. Si quiere que la presunción comunitaria que registrada en la escritura de la propiedad, debería consultar con un abogado. Run Date: December 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 19, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701346 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: RUBE’S JANITORIAL SERVICE, 2354 Mission Glen Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Ruben Juarez, 2354 Mission Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/13/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Ruben Juarez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/13/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 701346 December 22, 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701389 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DIAMOND STEAM JANITORIAL & CARPET CLEANING, 2774 Monterrey Hwy Apt #38, San Jose, CA 95111, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Jessica Huaman, 2774 Monterrey Hwy Apt #38, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/14/2023. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN699881. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A regis-

trant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Jessica Huaman This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/14/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 701389 December 22, 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701144 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Justin Time Silkscreening, 1430 Tully Rd., Ste., 415, San Jose, CA 95122, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Justino G. Rodriguez, 519 Tarter Ct, San Jose, CA 95136. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/01/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Justino G. Rodriguez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/08/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Raymund A. Reyes, Deputy File No. FBN 701144 December 22, 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701399 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ROCKETSHIP REAL ESTATE, NORTH STAR REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, 99 Almaden Ave. Suite 600, Santa Jose, CA 95113, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): CARDAMON & COMPANY, INC, 1045 N Edison St, Stockton, CA 95203. The registrant began transacting business under the

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/15/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Cheryl Cardamon President CARDAMON & COMPANY, INC Article/Reg#: 4014972 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/15/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 701399 December 22, 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427527 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Apurva Thomas INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Apurva Thomas has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Apurva Thomas (No Last Name) AKA Fnu, Apurva Thomas AKA Apurva, Thomas, LNU to Apuva Thomas 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/05/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition

in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 13, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV426242 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Priscilla Villarreal/ Zalaya Campos INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Priscilla Villarreal/Zalaya Campos has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Zalaya Rose Campos to Zalaya Rose Villarreal 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 2/20/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 27, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427634 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the

matter of the application of: Naomi Torigoe Kuramatsu INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Naomi Torigoe Kuramatsu has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Naomi Torigoe Kuramatsu to Naomi Kuramatsu Torigoe 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 3/05/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 14, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427646 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Poonam Amarsinh Nimbalkar INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Poonam Amarsinh Nimbalkar has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Poonam Amarsinh Nimbalkar to Poonam Santosh Shilimkar 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for

change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 2/20/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 14, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2023; January 5, 12, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701103 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Garcia’s Tacos, 483 Avalani Ave, San Jose, CA 95133, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Isidro Garcia Morales, 483 Avalani Ave, San Jose, CA 95133. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/07/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Isidro Garcia Morales This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/07/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 701103 December 22, 29, 2023; January 5 and 12, 2024 AMENDED

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV424664 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: VANESSA TAPIALICONA, JUAN CARLOS LICONA ANGELES INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) VANESSA TAPIA-LICONA, JUAN CARLOS LICONA ANGELES has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Kayden Matteo Licona to Santiago Matteo Licona. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 1/23/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 06, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2023; January 5 and 12, 2024 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV421815 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Cesar Rivera and Maria Hernandez I N T E R E S T E D PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Cesar Rivera and Maria Hernandez has filed a petition for Change of

21

Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Katherine Najarro Hernandez to Katherine Rivera Hernandez 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file 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: 1/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 12, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2023; January 5 and 12, 2024


22

NATIONAL

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

ENGLISH

THE BOGUS LEGAL THEORY BEHIND HOUSE SPEAKER JOHNSON’S ELECTION DENIALISM

Johnson told Face the Nation this week that the 2020 election was unconstitutional based on a debunked legal theory that if applied would undo the core of American democracy.

I

Peter Schurmann Ethnic Media Services

leave all that for our deadlocked Congress to potentially legislate, and our extremely conservative United States Supreme Court, which has never shown itself to be friendly to voters. In fact, it has shown itself to be actively hostile to voters for well over a decade now, if not longer.

n an interview with Face the Nation this past weekend, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson repeated the false claim that the 2020 election was unconstitutional. Johnson’s statement, part of an ongoing campaign of election denialism by Republican lawmakers to cast doubt on the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s presidency, is based on an obscure and debunked legal theory that, according to Tom Wolf of the Brennan Center, would undo the system of checks and balances that is a hallmark of American democracy.

You’re basically moving from a system of checks and balances, which again is what we’ve had for over two centuries, and replacing it with a system of legislative supremacy where legislators decide everything and the people have no way to push back. This is a dramatic reshaping of the whole structure of American government. If this theory was so roundly rejected, why are we still talking about it today? What gives it such staying power?

Mike Johnson’s claims about the 2020 elections and President Biden’s legitimacy are based on a legal theory that was rejected by SCOTUS last summer. What is that theory? The independent state legislature theory is an off-the-wall and debunked theory of constitutional interpretation that says that state legislatures have the ability to set the rules for federal elections without any of the normal checks and balances supplied by state constitutions, state courts, gubernatorial vetoes. Proponents of this theory assert that state legislatures can do pretty much whatever they want. Now, in the presidential elections territory, what that translates into is a claim that state legislators can ignore the result of the popular vote in their state and appoint whoever they want to be the presidential electors. Under this theory, state legislators can ignore voters? That’s their contention. There are a couple key things to keep in mind here. That has never been the law. It was affirmatively not the law during the 2020 election when Speaker Johnson was trying to organize members of Congress to encourage the courts to throw out election results. And it is certainly not the law after the Supreme Court affirmed that it is not the law this past summer in the Moore v Harper case, which examined the independent state legislature theory in the context of redistricting. The court’s opinion there killed the independent state legislature theory. There is nothing left. There never was an independent state legislature and there is not now. And yet Johnson and others on the right continue to insist that Biden’s win was illegitimate based on this debunked theory. Joe Biden won the 2020 election, and there is no way to lawyer out of that result. And there is no way to lawyer oneself into a constitutional justification for a coup. Elections are run under the laws that are put in place through the system of government that exists in the state at the time of the election. State courts had at the time, and they continue to have the authority to oversee the legality of the laws that the state legislature puts in place and ensure that elections are run in a fair and equitable way. When it took up the independent state legislature theory in the context of North Carolina’s redistricting, the Supreme Court killed it. But in the process of doing that, they were just affirming several things that have been known for a really long time. First, state courts have exercised judicial review over state laws for centuries. That is not just the way elections have run, but the way government has run in this country since the founding. Hundreds of years we’ve conducted our elections in accordance with checks and balances. The multiple generations of Americans who’ve done that, and the multiple generations of judges who have overseen those elections were not wrong.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. Photo Credit: Flickr / Gage Skidmore CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

Speaker Johnson and his allies have not discovered some deep constitutional secret that none of us were aware of before. They are presenting a baseless legal theory in an attempt to … absolve themselves of involvement in an attempted overthrow of the American government or to try to lay the foundations for nullifying the results of the elections going forward. Neither are valid. They weren’t at the time. They are not now.

If Moore v. Harper had gone another way, and this theory had been allowed to stand, what would that have looked like in practice? If it were left to stand, we would’ve ended up in a country where the legislatures make all the decisions and the people have nothing to say about it. So, for instance, they can draw lines for congressional maps however they want, and state constitutions or governors can’t step in. You would

We’re still talking about it today because of the program of election denialism that is being pumped out by politicians on the right, who are using it as a way of dressing up election denialism in what might seem to be a reasonable legal opinion. It is not a reasonable legal opinion. What Speaker Johnson’s comments over the weekend suggest is that when state courts allow voters more leeway in periods of emergency like Covid to make sure their votes are counted, that they are somehow violating the federal constitution by deviating in some way from laws that have been passed by the state legislature, which, under the independent state legislature theory, set the rules for federal elections and there are no checks and balances on them. That opinion was wrong in 2020, because there was already more than 100 years of Supreme Court case law saying that was not the case. And it is certainly wrong after Moore v Harper was published this past summer when the Supreme Court definitively killed the independent state legislature theory. Still, a Washington Post/University of Maryland poll this month found that more Americans question Biden’s victory than they did two years ago. Given all you’ve laid out here, what does that signal to you about the erosion of trust in our electoral system? At this point, it should be very clear, and even the Supreme Court weighed in on this, the 2020 election was a fairly run election, and the result of it was that Joe Biden won. There are not secret rules somehow encoded in the Constitution that no one discovered until now that would establish that was a wrongfully decided election. These kinds of continued invocations of bogus legalese to rewrite the history of 2020 is dispiriting because they seem to be creating an environment where people can’t trust either elections or reality. But I think it’s important for people to grab onto this, as this continued distortion of both the historical record and the law is occurring, that it has always been the case, and it is your right as an American living under American democracy, that checks and balances apply to our elections, state legislators do not have a free hand to create whatever rules they want … and state legislators do not have a free hand to disregard your vote for president, overturn the majority and appoint their own candidate. That is just false. They didn’t have that power in 2020. They don’t have it now. And they will not have it in the future. Thomas (Tom) Wolf is Deputy Director with the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program, where he leads major constitutional litigation and jurisprudence initiatives, and is also the founder and leader of the Brennan Center’s census project.


JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

NATIONAL

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

23

ESPAÑOL

LA FALSA TEORÍA JURÍDICA DETRÁS DEL NEGACIONISMO ELECTORAL DEL PRESIDENTE DE LA CÁMARA DE REPRESENTANTES, JOHNSON Johnson dijo a Face the Nation esta semana que las elecciones de 2020 fueron inconstitucionales basándose en una teoría legal desacreditada que, de aplicarse, desharía el núcleo de la democracia estadounidense.

E

Peter Schurmann Ethnic Media Services

n una entrevista con Face the Nation el fin de semana pasado, el presidente republicano de la Cámara de Representantes, Mike Johnson, repitió la afirmación falsa de que las elecciones de 2020 fueron inconstitucionales. La declaración de Johnson, que forma parte de una actual campaña de negacionismo electoral por parte de los legisladores republicanos para sembrar dudas sobre la legitimidad de la presidencia de Joe Biden, se basa en una teoría jurídica oscura y desacreditada que, según Tom Wolf, del Centro Brennan, desharía el sistema de controles y equilibrios que son un sello distintivo de la democracia estadounidense. Las afirmaciones de Mike Johnson sobre las elecciones de 2020 y la legitimidad del presidente Biden se basan en una teoría jurídica que fue rechazada por SCOTUS el verano pasado. ¿Cuál es esa teoría? La teoría de la legislatura estatal independiente es una teoría de interpretación constitucional extravagante y desacreditada que dice que las legislaturas estatales tienen la capacidad de establecer las reglas para las elecciones federales sin ninguno de los controles y contrapesos normales proporcionados por las constituciones estatales, los tribunales estatales y los vetos de los gobernadores. Los defensores de esta teoría afirman que las legislaturas estatales pueden hacer prácticamente lo que quieran. Ahora, en el territorio de las elecciones presidenciales, eso se traduce en una afirmación de que los legisladores estatales pueden ignorar el resultado del voto popular en su estado y nombrar a quienes quieran como electores presidenciales. Según esta teoría, ¿los legisladores estatales pueden ignorar a los votantes? Ese es su argumento. Hay un par de cosas clave a tener en cuenta aquí. Esa nunca ha sido la ley. Definitivamente no era ley durante las elecciones de 2020, cuando el presidente Johnson intentaba organizar a los miembros del Congreso para alentar a los tribunales a anular los resultados electorales. Y ciertamente no es la ley después de que la Corte Suprema afirmara que no es la ley el verano pasado en el caso Moore v Harper, que examinó la teoría de la legislatura estatal independiente en el contexto de la redistribución de distritos. La opinión del tribunal acabó con la teoría de la legislatura estatal independiente. No queda nada. Nunca hubo una legislatura estatal independiente y no la hay ahora. Y, sin embargo, Johnson y otros de la derecha siguen insistiendo en que la victoria de Biden fue ilegítima basándose en esta teoría desacreditada.

El presidente republicano de la Cámara de Representantes, Mike Johnson. Photo Credit: Flickr / Gage Skidmore CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

Joe Biden ganó las elecciones de 2020 y no hay forma de descartar ese resultado. Y no hay manera de defender una justificación constitucional para un golpe. Las elecciones se llevan a cabo según las leyes que se implementan a través del sistema de gobierno que existe en el estado en el momento de la elección. Los tribunales estatales tenían en ese momento, y siguen teniendo, la autoridad para supervisar la legalidad de las leyes que la legislatura estatal promulga y garantizar que las elecciones se lleven a cabo de manera justa y equitativa. Cuando retomó la teoría de la legislatura estatal independiente en el contexto de la redistribución de distritos en Carolina del Norte, la Corte Suprema la descartó. Pero en el proceso de hacerlo, simplemente afirmaron varias cosas que se sabían desde hacía mucho tiempo. En primer lugar, los tribunales estatales han ejercido revisión judicial de las leyes estatales durante siglos. Esa no es sólo la forma en que se han desarrollado las elecciones, sino también la forma en que ha funcionado el gobierno en este país desde su fundación. Durante cientos de años hemos llevado a cabo nuestras elecciones de acuerdo con controles y equilibrios. Las múltiples generaciones de estadounidenses que han hecho eso y las múltiples generaciones de jueces que han supervisado esas elecciones no se equivocaron. El presidente Johnson y sus aliados no han descubierto ningún secreto constitucional profundo que ninguno de nosotros conocía antes. Están presentando una teoría jurídica infundada en un intento de... absolverse de estar involucrados en un intento de derrocar al gobierno estadounidense o de tratar de sentar las bases para anular los resultados de las elecciones en el futuro. Ninguno de los dos es válido. No lo estaban en ese momento. No lo son ahora.

Si Moore v. Harper hubiera seguido otro camino y se hubiera permitido que esta teoría se mantuviera, ¿cómo habría sido en la práctica? Si se hubiera dejado así, habríamos terminado en un país donde las legislaturas toman todas las decisiones y la gente no tiene nada que decir al respecto. Así, por ejemplo, pueden trazar líneas para los mapas del Congreso como quieran, y las constituciones estatales o los gobernadores no pueden intervenir. Se dejaría todo eso para que nuestro Congreso estancado pueda legislar potencialmente, y para nuestra Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos, extremadamente conservadora, que nunca ha demostrado ser amigable con los votantes. De hecho, ha demostrado ser activamente hostil a los votantes durante más de una década, si no más. Básicamente, estamos pasando de un sistema de controles y equilibrios, que nuevamente es el que hemos tenido durante más de dos siglos, y lo estamos remplazando por un sistema de supremacía legislativa donde los legisladores deciden todo y la gente no tiene forma de contraatacar. Se trata de una remodelación dramática de toda la estructura del gobierno estadounidense. Si esta teoría fue rechazada tan rotundamente, ¿por qué seguimos hablando de ella hoy? ¿Qué le da tal poder de permanencia? Todavía hablamos de ello hoy debido al programa de negacionismo electoral que están impulsando los políticos de derecha, que lo están utilizando como una forma de disfrazar el negacionismo electoral con lo que podría parecer una opinión jurídica razonable. No es una opinión jurídica razonable. Lo que sugieren los comentarios del presidente Johnson durante el fin de semana

es que cuando los tribunales estatales permiten a los votantes más margen de maniobra en períodos de emergencia como el de Covid para asegurarse de que sus votos sean contados, que de alguna manera están violando la constitución federal al desviarse de alguna manera de las leyes aprobadas por la legislatura estatal que, según la teoría de la legislatura estatal independiente, establece las reglas para las elecciones federales y no hay controles ni equilibrios sobre ellas. Esa opinión estaba equivocada en 2020, porque ya había más de 100 años de jurisprudencia de la Corte Suprema que decía que ese no era el caso. Y ciertamente está mal después de que se publicara Moore contra Harper el verano pasado, cuando la Corte Suprema acabó definitivamente con la teoría de la legislatura estatal independiente. Aun así, una encuesta del Washington Post y la Universidad de Maryland de este mes encontró que más estadounidenses cuestionan la victoria de Biden que hace dos años. Teniendo en cuenta todo lo que ha expuesto aquí, ¿qué le indica eso sobre la erosión de la confianza en nuestro sistema electoral? En este punto, debería quedar muy claro, e incluso la Corte Suprema intervino al respecto, las elecciones de 2020 fueron unas elecciones bastante disputadas y el resultado fue que Joe Biden ganó. No hay reglas secretas codificadas de algún modo en la Constitución que nadie haya descubierto hasta ahora y que establezcan que esas fueron unas elecciones mal decididas. Este tipo de invocaciones continuas de jerga legal falsa para reescribir la historia de 2020 son desalentadoras porque parecen estar creando un entorno en el que la gente no puede confiar ni en las elecciones ni en la realidad. Pero creo que es importante que la gente se dé cuenta de que, dado que se está produciendo esta continua distorsión tanto de los registros históricos como de la ley, siempre ha sido así, y es su derecho, como estadounidense que vive bajo la democracia estadounidense, el que controle y los equilibrios se aplican a nuestras elecciones, los legisladores estatales no tienen las manos libres para crear las reglas que quieran … y los legisladores estatales no tienen vía libre para ignorar su voto para presidente, anular la mayoría y nombrar a su propio candidato. Eso es simplemente falso. No tenían ese poder en 2020. No lo tienen ahora. Y no lo tendrán en el futuro. Thomas (Tom) Wolf es subdirector del Programa de Democracia del Centro Brennan, donde dirige importantes iniciativas de jurisprudencia y litigios constitucionales, y también es el fundador y líder del proyecto de censo del Centro Brennan.


24

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

JAN 12, 2024 - JAN 18, 2024

PROTÉGETE CONTRA LAS

GARRAPATAS

Chiquito pero peligros o.

SCCVECTOR.ORG


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.