El Observador January 28th, 2022. by Angelica Rossi

VOLUME 43 ISSUE 04 | WWW.EL-OBSERVADOR.COM | JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

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OPINION

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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.

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JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

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VOTE OR STAY ASLEEP?

ESPAÑOL

ENGLISH

José López Zamorano La Red Hispana

the opinion of experts, are intended to suppress the vote of Latino and African-American minorities, especially.

amentablemente no causó mucha sorpresa que la nueva ley de derechos de los votantes terminara en un nuevo fracaso legislativo para el presidente Joe Biden y para los demócratas. Todos los senadores republicanos, apoyados por los demócratas Joe Manchin y Kyrsten Sinema, sumaron fuerzas para frustrar el intento de eliminar el llamado filibusterismo y así llevar el proyecto de ley a voto final.

La iniciativa de derechos de los votantes tenía como objetivo central neutralizar el tsunami de nuevas reglas aprobadas en 19 estados bajo control republicanos, que en opinión de los expertos, tienen como propósito suprimir el voto de las minorías latina y afroamericana especialmente. Qué coincidencia que 2022 será escenario de elecciones intermedias el 8 de noviembre, donde está en juego el control de la cámara de representantes y el Senado, así como de 36 gubernaturas y de miles de puestos de elección popular. Los precedentes históricos sugieren que los demócratas llevan las de perder, como perdió Obama en 2010, pues típicamente el partido en el gobierno pierde escaños en las elecciones de medio mandato. Al presidente Biden y a su partido no le ayuda el hecho de que la popularidad presidencial anda por los suelos y que la mayor parte de su agenda sigue inconclusa: no tenemos reforma migratoria, ni versión completa, ni versión Light; quedó en la congeladora el masivo paquete social gracias a la obstrucción, otra vez, del senador Manchin y no existe un horizonte para aprobar un aumento de los salarios mínimos. Es verdad que el presidente y su partido lograron aprobar el plan de rescate para contrarrestar la pandemia en marzo del año pasado y que sumaron fuerzas con un grupo de republicanos moderados para aprobar el marco bipartidista de infraestructura física, que creará millones de empleos. La pregunta es si son razones suficientes para que los votantes demócratas salgan a emitir su sufragio. Tiene razón Héctor Sánchez, director ejecutivo de Mi Familia Vota, cuando afirma que todos los latinos y latinas elegibles para votar, deben hacerlo, por encima de las trabas que les quieran poner en estados gobernados por republicanos. “Cada persona que puede votar lo tiene que hacer, aquellos que se pueden hacer ciudadanos, háganse ciudadanos. No vamos a dejar que estas fuerzas de extrema derecha nos excluyan de la democracia en el país”. No aceptemos ser intimidados por los esfuerzos para desanimarnos a votar

Photo Credit: La Red Hispana

en las elecciones. “No nos podemos dar por vencidos. La comunidad afroamericana, la comunidad latina tienen que seguir saliendo a votar porque es la única manera con la que vamos a demandar de los representantes lo que nosotros merecemos”, me dijo Angélica Salas, de CHIRLA. La opción es clara: ceder a las presiones para suprimir nuestro voto y hacernos las víctimas, o mantenernos activos y movilizados para defender en la arena pública y en las urnas la causa que nos unifica como comunidad: un futuro mejor para nuestros hijos y un trato digno y respetuoso para todos.

José López Zamorano La Red Hispana

nfortunately, it was not much of a surprise that the new voting rights law ended in another legislative failure for President Joe Biden and for the Democrats. All Republican senators, supported by Democrats Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, joined forces to thwart the attempt to eliminate filibustering, and thus bring the bill to a final vote. The main objective of the voter rights initiative was to neutralize the tsunami of new rules approved in 19 states under Republican control, which, in

What a coincidence that 2022 will be the scene of midterm elections on November 8, where control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as 36 governorships and thousands of elected positions, are at stake. Historical precedent suggests that the Democrats are on the losing side, as Obama lost in 2010, as the ruling party typically loses seats in midterm elections. President Biden and his party are not helped by the fact that his presidential popularity is at rock bottom and that most of his agenda remains unfinished: we have no immigration reform, no full version, no light version; The massive social package was left in the freezer thanks to the obstruction, once again, by Senator Manchin, and there is no horizon to approve an increase in minimum wages. It is true that the president and his party managed to approve the rescue plan to counter the pandemic in March of last year and that they joined forces with a group of moderate Republicans to approve the bipartisan physical infrastructure framework, which will create millions of jobs. The question is whether these are reasons enough for Democratic voters to go out and cast their ballots. Héctor Sánchez, executive director of Mi Familia Vota, is right when he affirms that all Latinos and Latinas eligible to vote must do so, regardless of the obstacles that they want to place in states governed by Republicans. “Each person who can vote has to do so, those who can become citizens, become citizens. We are not going to let these far-right forces exclude us from democracy in the country.” Let us not accept being intimidated by efforts to discourage us from voting in elections. “We cannot give up. The African-American community, the Latino community, have to continue going out to vote because it is the only way we are going to demand from the representatives what we deserve,” Angélica Salas, from CHIRLA, says. The choice is clear: give in to the pressure to suppress our vote and make ourselves the victims, or remain active and mobilized to defend in the public arena and at the polls the cause that unites us as a community: a better future for our children and a better treatment worthy and respectful to all.

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

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EDUCATION / HEALTH

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com ESPAÑOL

¿CÓMO PUEDEN LOS ESTUDIANTES UNIVERSITARIOS MANTENERSE A SALVO DURANTE LA OLEADA DE OMICRON? PREGUNTAMOS A CUATRO EXPERTOS Sindhu Ananthavel, Juhi Doshi, Ryan Loyola & Steven Vargas CalMatters

espués de casos récord de COVID-19 causados por la variante omicron, muchas universidades de California han decidido volver a las clases en línea durante las primeras semanas de instrucción en 2022. Es una decisión tomada por los nueve campus de pregrado de UC, la mayoría de los campus de Cal State y universidades privadas destacadas como Stanford y USC. Si bien los estudiantes superaron un prometedor otoño de 2021, y muchos tomaron clases en persona por primera vez en 18 meses, el invierno presentó nuevos factores estresantes: la posibilidad de contraer la nueva variante, tener instrucción remota extendida indefinidamente o incluso ser enviados a casa. “Parece que está fuera de mi control y no hay nada que pueda hacer al respecto”, dijo Michael Wool, estudiante de tercer año de UC Santa Cruz. “Es frustrante porque parecía que finalmente volveríamos al campus”. Omicron está obligando a los estudiantes a ajustar sus nociones preexistentes sobre la vida pandémica. Fuera las mascarillas de tela y dentro las N95. Dos marcas en su tarjeta de vacunas ahora son insuficientes, ya que las vacunas de refuerzo están disponibles. Pero, ¿qué es seguro hacer en el campus? ¿Y cómo pueden los estudiantes protegerse mejor?

Si una universidad requiere que los estudiantes estén vacunados, tengan la dosis de refuerzo y usen cubrebocas, ¿cuánta interrupción en la enseñanza presencial podemos esperar que cause omicron? La Dra. Jerika Lam, especialista en infecciones virales en Chapman University comentó: Si queremos evitar que descienda el aprendizaje remoto, tenemos que ser realmente responsables y tomar precauciones y protegernos a nosotros mismos y a los demás, para que ese aumento disminuya. Pero es algo así como, ya sabes, causa y efecto. El efecto será el aprendizaje remoto si lo que estamos haciendo en este momento sigue siendo arrogante y solo pensando que ‘Oh, esto es un resfriado común’. Dr. George Rutherford, epidemiólogo, Universidad de California en San Francisco: Espero que estemos (en aprendizaje remoto) solo durante las primeras semanas, y creo que es una expectativa realista. Esperemos que termine después de la oleada de omicron…Eso es lo que sugeriría la dinámica de otros países. Dr. R. David Rebanal, profesor asistente de salud pública, Universidad Estatal de San Francisco:

Los requisitos de la vacuna de refuerzo, junto con el uso de cubrebocas, son cosas realmente buenas, cosas buenas para la salud pública, así como cosas buenas para entornos educativos seguros. Los campus que tienen ese tipo de requisitos van a funcionar mejor, particularmente en la primavera. Entonces, mi mensaje sería seguir esas pautas en términos de recibir su vacuna o refuerzo, continuar usando mascarillas en lugares públicos y luego veamos cómo siguen las cosas. Dr. David Hardy, director de enfermedades infecciosas, Centro Médico Cedars-Sinai: Una de las cosas que debemos empezar a hacer con la pandemia es aprender a vivir con ella, en lugar de asumir que todo va a volver a la normalidad. Necesitamos pasar de una mentalidad de emergencia a una mentalidad de mantenimiento, porque el coronavirus probablemente estará con nosotros durante varios años. Los estudios han demostrado que las personas que se contagiaron de omicron y están completamente vacunadas no se enferman gravemente. Entonces, incluso con el cambio que ha hecho omicron, nuestras vacunas y refuerzos se han mantenido. Y si las universidades realmente requieren vacunas, dosis de refuerzo

y el uso de cubrebocas, entonces el aprendizaje en persona puede continuar. En algunos campus donde las habitaciones de aislamiento son limitadas, los estudiantes positivos por COVID se aíslan en sus dormitorios regulares con compañeros de cuarto no contagiados. ¿Es eso seguro? ¿Y qué pueden hacer los compañeros de cuarto en esta situación para evitar contagiarse? Lam: Desafortunadamente, esto no es seguro para los compañeros de cuarto quienes deben tomar precauciones de seguridad para evitar infectarse. Si el compañero de cuarto está completamente vacunado y tiene su dosis de refuerzo, la posibilidad de que se contagie será mucho menor que un compañero de cuarto que no esté vacunado completamente. El compañero de cuarto no contagiado debe usar una mascarilla por lo menos 10 días para protegerse cuando esté cerca de la persona que tiene covid. El dormitorio debe ventilarse tanto como sea posible abriendo una ventana o agregando un ventilador, (y) el compañero de cuarto infectado debe evitar el aprendizaje presencial en el aula y otras actividades hasta que haya recibido resultados negativos en las pruebas y permanezca libre de síntomas.

Rutherford: Los compañeros de cuarto no positivos tienen que irse. Las personas que están infectadas pueden estar juntas sin problema alguno. Rebanal: Es una situación muy difícil. Tengo una hija que también está en la universidad y recientemente surgió esta situación. Creo que en una situación en la que no tienes a dónde ir, lo único que puedes hacer es permanecer usando el cubrebocas, mantener cierta distancia, y limitar la interacción con ese estudiante. Con suerte, si ese estudiante está vacunado y reforzado, están más protegidos. Pueden abrir las ventanas y eso podría ayudar a limitar la transmisión. Sabemos que esta versión o cepa actual del virus es implacable y muy transmisible. Hardy: Creo que va a ser difícil. Alguien puede estar completamente vacunado, pero puede tener un problema de atención médica que quizás no quiera hacer público, lo que lo hace más propenso a enfermarse gravemente si se contagia. Tenemos que recordar que las personas que tienen el sistema inmunológico alterado no responden a la vacuna y al refuerzo, porque simplemente no les funciona. Debido a esto, uno realmente debe tener cuidado de no exponer a nadie a un individuo que tenga COVID.

La Red de Periodismo Universitario de CalMatters habló con un panel de expertos en salud pública para obtener respuestas a todas sus preguntas sobre omicron. (Sus comentarios han sido editados por su extensión y claridad).

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Si una universidad puede dar a las personas no contagiadas un lugar para alojarse, entonces todo estará bien, de lo contrario, estarán creando una situación en la que se está poniendo la vida de los estudiantes en riesgo y eso no es justo. ¿Cómo pueden los clubes universitarios continuar con sus reuniones semanales? Lam: Diría que sin conocer las complicaciones a largo plazo de la infección por COVID-19, deberíamos tratar de minimizar la infección. Lo que significa que deberíamos tratar de tener reuniones virtuales durante al menos el mes de enero hasta que el aumento se estabilice o disminuya. Yo diría que tomen precauciones y, si no necesitan estar allí en persona, háganlo de forma remota por su seguridad. Rutherford: Creo que se debería cambiar lo que se está haciendo en el salón de clases. Entonces, si las clases son virtuales, las reuniones deberían ser virtuales. Depende del tamaño, obviamente, y de dónde se llevarán a cabo. Si se lleva a cabo al aire libre y solo hay tres personas, entonces probablemente no deben preocuparse demasiado. Rebanal: Reconozco lo importante que es que los estudiantes se reúnan y socialicen. He visto de primera mano los problemas de salud mental de los estudiantes que tienen que lidiar con el aislamiento o las interacciones menos físicas con los estudiantes. Entonces, los clubes universitarios juegan un papel muy importante en la educación y la vida social de los estudiantes. Creo que sí hay formas de mezclar las cosas, como tener un modelo virtual hasta un nuevo aviso, o incluso reunirse al aire libre si eso es posible, ya sabes, estamos en California, somos lo suficientemente afortunados y creo que eso es fácil de hacer. Es importante recalcar que

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

cas.

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¿Deberían los estudiantes universitarios con tres a cinco compañeros de cuarto usar cubrebocas cuando interactúan entre ellos dentro de su hogar? Lam: Depende de si sus compañeros de cuarto están vacunados o no. Si todos están vacunados, no deben usar mascarilla siempre y cuando no estén enfermos. Pero recomendaría enfáticamente a los estudiantes que actualmente residen en suites y tal vez en apartamentos, incluso en un dormitorio con otro compañero de cuarto, que al menos se hagan la prueba dos veces por semana. Rutherford: Si todos están vacunados y reforzados, creo que pueden interactuar sin preocupación alguna. Rebanal: Si todos viven juntos en el mismo hogar pueden interactuar de forma normal. En general, creo que si no tienen síntomas y no han estado expuestos y están vacunados, entonces no creo que deban usar cubrebocas cuando interactúen entre ellos. Hardy: Las recomendaciones de los expertos de salud pública han sido que si estás en tu propio círculo familiar no tienes que usar cubrebocas. Lo que va a molestar es la mayor cantidad de pruebas que estamos haciendo. Porque todos reciben cinco pruebas al mes del gobierno federal y las usan al azar. La gente va a dar positivo con bastante frecuencia, incluso si están en casa. Si se hacen la prueba deben tener un plan listo en caso de que esta sea positiva. Las personas se exponen al virus de muchas maneras diferentes. Tal vez uno o dos de los cinco compañeros de cuarto no obstante se mantengan protegidos una vez que salgan de la casa. La suposición es que cuando las personas salen de la casa, están constantemente usando cubrebocas, pero no todos lo hacen. Creo que debe haber un reconocimiento de que un grupo de compañeros de cuarto es como una familia, y si no van a usar cubrebocas en casa, hay reglas básicas sobre cómo van a interactuar con los demás afuera. ¿Cuándo exactamente después de dar positivo por COVID-19 los estudiantes

nas y realmente no se sabe su estado de vacunación, recomendaría usar una mascarilla en el interior si es posible, a menos que esté comiendo. Si se trata de un restaurante, solicite asientos al aire libre con lámparas de calefacción para asegurarse de que haya un flujo de aire en movimiento.

si deciden reunirse en persona, todos los asistentes deben usar su cubrebo-

Hardy: Tenemos la ventaja en California de poder estar al aire libre tanto como sea posible y creo que es algo que realmente deberíamos aprovechar para hacer las reuniones en persona cuando se pueda. Si no es así, creo que uno debe ser consciente de quién está vacunado, quién no y quién está potencialmente en riesgo debido a una afección que compromete el sistema inmunitario. Si alguien decide que no quiere asistir a una reunión en persona, no tiene por qué hacerlo. Podría haber una combinación configurada para que esa persona pueda unirse a la reunión virtual o electrónicamente. Tener reuniones híbridas es algo que seguramente todavía será posible y se seguirá haciendo por un tiempo.

EDUCATION / HEALTH

Rutherford: No, al menos que sea un grupo pequeño. Pero recomiendo que mantengan una distancia de seis pies. Rebanal: Creo que en este momento la recomendación es permanecer con mascarilla en el interior hasta alrededor del 15 de febrero, hasta que la oleada se calme. Debemos ser cautelosos y usar el cubrebocas tanto como sea posible durante este aumento. Los estudiantes se sientan en el césped de UC Berkeley el 12 de marzo de 2020. Photo Credit: Anne Wernikoff / CalMatters.

deben recibir la vacuna de refuerzo? Lam: Según la ciencia actual, si la persona recientemente dio positivo en la prueba de infección por COVID-19, entonces esa persona podría recibir la vacuna de refuerzo una vez que sus síntomas hayan desaparecido y haya cumplido con los criterios para finalizar el aislamiento. Para aquellos que obtuvieron monoclonales como parte de su tratamiento porque tenían síntomas moderados o graves, deberían esperar 90 días antes de recibir su dosis de refuerzo. Rutherford: Si no tienen experimentos monoclonales para el tratamiento, lo que probablemente no tienen la mayoría de los estudiantes universitarios, entonces pueden ponerse la vacuna de refuerzo pronto. He visto consejos tan bajos como cinco días. CDC no tiene ningún consejo formal sobre esto, pero probablemente esperaría al menos unas semanas. Rebanal: Deben esperar al menos 10 días después de su prueba positiva debido a las pautas de aislamiento. Tan pronto como termine, deberían obtener la vacuna de refuerzo lo antes posible. Hardy: Las vacunas de refuerzo han sido aprobadas para personas mayores de 18 años desde septiembre del año pasado. Y para que lo sepan, las personas ya debieron haber recibido sus dosis de refuerzo y, si no lo han hecho, deben obtenerla de inmediato. Si alguien es asintomático no podrá obtener su dosis de refuerzo en ese momento. Primero deben recuperarse y tan pronto como estén bien y tengan un resultado negativo pueden salir y recibir la vacuna de refuerzo. Mis amigos no están vacunados. ¿Debo limitar la interacción con ellos? Lam: No creo que el aislamiento funcione a largo plazo para nadie porque somos una comunidad social en general. Y para ese amigo que no está vacunado o no tiene la dosis de refuerzo, yo creo que deberíamos alentarlo para que lo haga, porque sabemos que la inmunidad de la vacunación

disminuye con el tiempo. La única advertencia peligrosa de todo esto es que mucha gente no conoce los efectos a largo plazo de la infección por COVID. Entonces, aunque pensamos que Omicron es menos peligroso, no sabemos el impacto que este puede tener en un futuro en nuestro cerebro, corazón u órganos vitales, y eso es algo aterrador. Así que personalmente tomaría precauciones para pasar el rato con mi amigo que no está vacunado. Rutherford: Sí. Rebanal: Sabemos que las vacunas de refuerzo han ayudado a disminuir la gravedad cuando las personas contraen el virus. No los protege totalmente de contraerlo, pero no se sentirán tan mal. Es muy importante que hagamos las cosas para las que estamos facultados. Es algo difícil, porque ¿estamos hablando de alguien que ya está vacunado, estamos hablando de alguien inmunocomprometido? Esa es una pregunta diferente y se deben tomar diferentes medidas de seguridad. Hardy: Las personas que no están vacunadas o no tienen su dosis de refuerzo son mucho más vulnerables. Cada vez que alguien se enferma con COVID por una exposición, está eliminando más virus. La vacuna y el refuerzo redujeron el tiempo que alguien está eliminando el virus de quizás siete a 10 días a quizás dos o tres días. Pero sí, si alguien no recibió la vacuna de refuerzo y se enferma, es muy probable que también enferme a otras personas. Creo que, de alguna manera, la presión de los compañeros aquí es algo bueno. Si alguien no tiene la dosis de refuerzo y la gente dice: ‘Oh, esa persona no vendrá a la fiesta’, está bien. ¿Es confiable juntarse en un dormitorio con un puñado de amigos sin mascarilla ahora? Lam: Oh, definitivamente no. Recomendamos reuniones de grupos pequeños, no más de seis a ocho personas y asegurarse de conocer su estado de vacunación. Si se trata de una reunión de más de 20 perso-

¿Puedo ir a fiestas? ¿Debo usar cubrebocas mientras estoy adentro? Lam: Recomendaría por seguridad y prudencia no ir a ninguna fiesta durante el mes de enero. Es algo así como si ves brasas brillando en la casa y hay un incendio en la esquina, ¿entraría a esa casa? Probablemente no, porque lo que sucederá próximamente es que el fuego se extenderá y no quiero estar en una casa en llamas. Rutherford: Probablemente no deberías ir a una fiesta en una casa, pero si vas, usa una mascarilla por tu seguridad. Hardy: ¿Una fiesta en casa con personas que no están dentro de tu círculo familiar? Es recomendable usar una mascarilla, a menos que la fiesta sea al aire libre. Y si alguien está tosiendo o tiene algún tipo de enfermedad respiratoria, deben usar cubrebocas incluso al aire libre porque potencialmente están propagando el virus y no están seguros. Las personas pueden ser familiares, pero eso no significa que estén sanas. ¿Es seguro compartir un cigarro con amigos que están vacunados? Lam: Sí, técnicamente es seguro. Sé que compartimos bebidas y compartimos comida. Y mientras una persona no esté contagiada y no tenga síntomas, la persona puede compartir el cigarro con otro amigo siempre y cuando este no esté enfermo. Rutherford: Mientras nadie esté enfermo, si. Rebanal: No, porque hay saliva de por medio. Si tienes un virus y compartes el cigarro con alguien, hay un alto nivel de riesgo de transmitir el virus. Creo que se debe tener eso en cuenta si planean hacerlo porque pueden enfermar a los demás rápidamente. Puedo entender la confusión que tienen los estudiantes que están en tensión con su deseo de regresar a un entorno social más presencial. Creo que tener información que permita a las personas tomar las mejores decisiones es realmente importante. Este artículo fue publicado originalmente por CalMatters.

EDUCATION / HEALTH

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com ENGLISH

HOW CAN COLLEGE STUDENTS STAY SAFE DURING THE OMICRON SURGE? WE ASKED FOUR EXPERTS Sindhu Ananthavel, Juhi Doshi, Ryan Loyola & Steven Vargas CalMatters

COVID positive individual to anyone. If a university cannot, cannot give COVID negative a place to get away from — or I should really say COVID positive people a place to isolate, then that’s a problem. You’re creating a situation where you’re putting that negative person at risk. And that’s not fair.

Welp. Here we go again. Following record COVID-19 cases fueled by the omicron variant, many California colleges have gone remote during the first few weeks of instruction in 2022. It’s a decision made by all nine UC undergraduate campuses, most Cal State campuses, and prominent private universities like Stanford and USC. While students made it through a promising fall 2021 – with many taking in-person classes for the first time in 18 months – winter brought new stressors: the possibility of catching the new variant, having remote instruction extended indefinitely or even being sent home from campus. “It feels like it’s out of my control and there’s nothing I can do about it,” said UC Santa Cruz junior Michael Wool. “It’s frustrating because it felt like we finally had almost what campus was like before.” Omicron is forcing students to adjust their preexisting notions about pandemic life. Out with the cloth masks and in with the N95s. Two marks on your vaccine card are now insufficient, as booster shots become widely available. But what exactly is safe to do on campus? And how can students best protect themselves? The CalMatters College Journalism Network spoke with a panel of public health experts to get answers to all your omicron questions. (Their comments have been edited for length and clarity.) If a university requires students to be vaccinated, boosted and masked, how much disruption to face-to-face teaching can we expect omicron to cause? Dr. Jerika Lam, viral infection specialist, Chapman University: If we want to prevent remote learning from happening, we have to really be accountable and take precautions and protect ourselves and others, so that surge goes down. But it’s kind of like, you know, cause and effect. The effect will be remote learning if what we are doing right now is still being cavalier and just thinking that ‘Oh, this is a common cold.’ Dr. George Rutherford, epidemiologist, University of California San Francisco: I would hope we can keep (remote learning) just for the first couple of weeks, and I think that’s a realistic expectation. Hopefully it will be over after the omicron surge…That’s what the dynamics would suggest from other countries. Dr. R. David Rebanal, assistant professor of public health, San Francisco State University: Booster requirements,

How should college clubs approach holding their weekly meetings? Lam: I would say without knowing the long term complications of COVID-19 infection, we should try to minimize getting infected. Meaning that we should try to have virtual meetings for at least the month of January until the surge flatlines or goes down. I would say just take a lot of precautions and if you don’t need to be there in person, please do it remotely for safety. Students walk across campus at the California State University East Bay campus on Feb. 25, 2020. Photo Credit: Anne Wernikoff / CalMatters

along with masking are really good things — good things for public health, as well as good things for safe education environments. Campuses that have those kinds of requirements are going to do better, particularly in the spring. And so my message would be to follow those guidelines in terms of getting your vaccine or booster, continuing to wear masks in public places, and then let’s just see how it goes.

who is not fully vaccinated The uninfected roommate should wear a mask around the COVID-positive roommate for at least 10 days to protect themself. The dorm room should be ventilated as much as possible by opening a window or adding a fan, (and) the uninfected roommate should avoid inperson classroom learning and other activities until after they have received negative test results and remain symptom free.

Dr. David Hardy, director of infectious diseases, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: One of the things that we need to start doing with the pandemic is we need to start learning to live with it, as opposed to assuming that it’s all going to go away and everything is going to go back to normal. We need to move out of an emergency mindset and into a maintenance mindset, because coronavirus is probably going to be with us for several years at this point.

Rutherford: Non-positive roommates have to leave. You can cohort people who are infected together, four people in a room who are infected, that’s not a problem. But in a single room with two other roommates you can’t limit transmission. I would test the others pretty carefully to make sure they’re uninfected before moving them out.

Studies have shown that people who are vaccinated and boosted who get omicron, 85% of them do well. So even with the change that omicron has made, our vaccinations and boosting has held up. And if universities are truly requiring vaccinations and boosting and masking, then in-person learning can continue. On some campuses where isolation rooms are limited, COVID-positive students are isolating in their regular dorm rooms with non-positive roommates. Is that safe? And what can roommates in this situation do to limit transmission? Lam: Unfortunately, this is not safe for the uninfected roommates and they should take safety precautions to prevent themselves from getting infected. If the uninfected roommate is fully vaccinated and is boosted, the chance for them to get infected from their COVID-positive roommate will be much less than an uninfected roommate

Rebanal: That is such a tough situation. I have a daughter who also is in college and recently this situation has come up. I think in a situation where you have nowhere else to go, the only thing you can do is to do things like stay masked, keep some distance, limit interaction with that student. Hopefully if that student is vaccinated and boosted, you’re more protected. You can open the window and that could help sort of limit the transmission. We know that this current version or strain of the virus is relentless and is very transmissible. Hardy: I think that’s gonna be tough. Someone may be vaccinated and may be boosted, but they may have a health care concern that they may not want to necessarily make public, that makes them at more risk for progression of disease with the virus. Because we have to remember that people who have altered immune systems don’t respond to the vaccine and the booster, because it just doesn’t work for them. And because this is something that may not be necessarily public information, one really has to be careful about exposing a known

Rutherford: I think you should model what they’re doing in the classroom. So if classes are virtual, then meetings should be virtual. It depends on the size, obviously, and where they’re held. If it’s held outdoors and there are only three people, then you probably don’t need to worry about it too much. Rebanal: I recognize how important it is for students to gather and to socialize.I’ve seen firsthand the mental health struggles of students who have to deal with isolation or less physical interactions with students. So college clubs play a huge role in the education and social lives of students. I think if there are ways to sort of mix things, like have a virtual model until further notice, or even gather outdoors if that’s possible — you know, we’re in California, I grew up in New York, we’re lucky enough that that is quite possible to do. And then maintaining the other things that we do, (such as) masking. Hardy: We have the advantage in California of being able to be outdoors as much as possible. And I think that’s one advantage we should really recognize and use as a way to keep in-person meetings going, if possible. If not, then I think one needs to be cognizant of who’s vaccinated, who’s not, and who’s potentially at risk because of an immune-compromising condition. If someone decides that they do not want to come to an in-person meeting then they don’t have to. There could be a combination set up for that person to be able to join the meeting virtually, electronically. Having hybrid meetings is something that certainly is still going to be possible and still going to be done for a while. Should college students with three to five roommates be masking when interacting with each other within their home? Lam: It depends on whether my roommates are vaccinated or not. If they’re all vaccinated, whether they’re boosted or not, they should not be masked as long as

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022 they test negative. But I would highly encourage students right now dorming in suites and maybe apartments, even in a dorm room with another roommate, to at least get tested twice a week. Rutherford: As soon as everybody’s vaccinated and boosted, I think you treat them as family and let it go. Rebanal:The guidelines about the households would be that you wouldn’t need to if you live together. By and large I think if you’ve don’t have any symptoms, and you don’t have any other reason to know that you’ve been exposed and you’re vaccinated, then I don’t think you would have to necessarily live in your house with a mask. Hardy: The public health teachings have been that if you’re in a nuclear, sort of family situation, your own little cocoon, then you don’t have to mask. What’s gonna upset that is the increased amount of testing we’re doing. Because everyone gets five tests a month from the federal government and they’re using them on a random basis. People are gonna pop up positive fairly frequently, also in the house. If you test, you’ve got to have a plan ready to go, how you’re going to handle that positive test. People get exposed to the virus in lots of different ways. Maybe one or two of the roommates out of five are not necessarily keeping themselves protected once they leave the home. The assumption is that when people leave the home, they’re masked constantly, but that may or may not be a mutual agreement that is recognized by all members of the household. I think there’s got to be some careful recognition that a group of roommates is like a family, and if they are going to not mask at home, that there are ground rules for how they’re going to interact with others outside. When exactly after testing positive for COVID-19 should students get the booster shot? Lam: Based on the current science, if the individual recently tested positive for COVID-19 infection, then that individual could get the booster vaccine once their symptoms have resolved and they have met the criteria to end isolation. For those who have received monoclonal antibodies as part of their COVID-19 treatment because they had moderate-to-severe symptoms – they will need to wait 90 days before getting the booster. Rutherford: If they haven’t monoclonal antibodies for treatment, which probably most college students haven’t, you can get it pretty quickly. I’ve seen advice as low as five days. CDC doesn’t have any formal advice on this but I would wait probably at least a few weeks. Rebanal: You should wait at least 10 days after your positive test, because of the isolation guidelines. I think as soon as that’s up, I think you should get a booster as soon as possible after that.

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Hardy: They should’ve gotten the booster shot already done. Students are 18 and older. Boosters have been approved for people 18 and over since September last year. And so you know, people should’ve already gotten their boosters and if they haven’t, they need to get them right away. If someone’s symptomatic with COVID I wouldn’t give them the booster right then. I’d allow them to convalesce to get well and as soon as they’re well and they’re testing negative — which means they can come out of isolation — then they get the booster. My friends aren’t boosted. Should I limit interaction with them? Lam: I don’t believe that isolation long term will work for anyone because we are a social community in general. I would say that for that friend who’s not boosted, that friend should be highly, strongly encouraged to get boosted because we know that immunity from vaccination does wane over time. The one dangerous caveat to all of this is that a lot of people don’t know the long term effects of infection from COVID. So even though we think Omicron is less dangerous, less virulent, I still have the virus in my body and we don’t know the consequential impact of that virus on my brain, on my heart or my vital organs, and that’s the unknown and the scary part. (So) I would still take precautions to hang out with my friend who is not boosted but will speak with (them) and ask why they haven’t gotten boosted.

Rutherford: Yes. Rebanal: We know that boosters have lessened the severity of those who get the virus. It doesn’t totally protect you from getting it, but you won’t get it as badly. It’s so important that we do the things we are empowered to do. It’s a tough thing, because are we talking about when someone’s already vaccinated, are we talking about someone who’s immunocompromised? That’s a different question. So in those instances you might want to template that a little bit differently. Hardy: The people who are not boosted are much more vulnerable. Whenever someone gets ill with COVID from an exposure, they’re shedding virus more. The vaccine and the booster cut down on the length of time that someone is shedding the virus from maybe seven to 10 days down to maybe two or three days. But yeah, if someone didn’t get boosted, and they get sick, they’re more likely going to give you an exposure as well. I think in some ways, peer pressure here is a good thing. If someone’s not boosted, and people are saying, ‘Oh, that person is not coming to the party,’ that’s okay. Would you go to a dorm hangout with a handful of friends without a mask now? Lam: Oh, definitely not. We would recommend small group gatherings, no more than six to eight people and making sure

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that you’re aware of their vaccination status. If it’s a gathering of 20+ people and you don’t really know their vaccination status, I would recommend to wear a mask indoors if possible, unless if you’re eating, making sure there’s ventilation in that setting. If it’s a restaurant, request for outdoor seating with heater lamps, to make sure that there’s flow of air moving, and so that there is little risk of omicron lingering in the air for you to breathe in. Rutherford: No. If you’re like a foursome in a room, yeah, I think that’s fine. But try not to combine. It depends on how many people, but you don’t want to dig in too deeply, and get exposed to too many people. Rebanal: I think right now, the recommendation is to stay masked indoors until around Feb. 15, until the surge dies down. It’s better to be more cautious in using masks as much as possible during this surge. Can I go to a house party? And should I wear a mask while inside? Lam: I would recommend out of out of safety and prudence not to go to any house parties for the month of January. It’s kind of like if you see embers glowing in the house and there is a fire in the corner, would I go inside that house? Probably not. Because the next thing that will happen is that the fire will spread and I don’t want to be in a burning house. Rutherford: You probably shouldn’t go to a house party, but if you are, wear a mask inside for sure. Hardy: A house party with people who you’re not living with within your family cocoon? You wear a mask, unless the party is outdoors. And if someone’s coughing, or someone’s having some sort of respiratory symptoms, then wear a mask even outdoors because they are potentially spreading the virus and you don’t know for sure. People may be familiar, but it doesn’t mean that they’re part of your cocoon. Is it safe to share a joint or cigarette with boosted friends? Lam: Yeah, technically, it is safe. I mean, I know that we share drinks and we share food. And as long as a person is negative and not symptomatic, the person can share the joint with another friend who is not symptomatic and negative as well. Rutherford: As long as no one’s infected. Rebanal: Because there’s saliva, if you have a virus and you share almost immediately with someone, there is some level of risk, then, to transmit the virus. I think you have to take that into consideration if you’re doing that, and know that that’s a potential mode of transmission. I can understand the tribulation and confusion students have that is at tension with their desire to return to a more in person social setting. I think having information that lets people make the best decisions is really important.

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JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

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COMO UNA FRASE FAMILIAR, UNITED FARM WORKERS LUCHA POR CRECER Melissa Montalva & Nigel Duara CalMatters

Si bien la mayoría de los trabajadores agrícolas nacieron en el extranjero, Martin dijo que los trabajadores agrícolas documentados ahora superan en número a los trabajadores agrícolas indocumentados.

uando la máxima corte de la nación prohibió efectivamente a los representantes sindicales el acceso a los campos y huertas para reclutar trabajadores en junio pasado, el sindicato United Farm Workers acudió a Sacramento en busca de ayuda.

Contratistas de mano de obra agrícola Quizás uno de los mayores desafíos para la organización es la estructura de la industria misma. Actualmente, la mayoría de los trabajadores agrícolas son empleados por empresas que contratan a los productores, conocidos como contratistas de mano de obra agrícola. Es una tendencia en la subcontratación que comenzó en la década de 1980 cuando las pequeñas granjas comenzaron a desaparecer y la industria experimentó una mayor consolidación. Pero la UFW no puede organizar a este tipo de trabajadores agrícolas. La Ley de Relaciones Laborales Agrícolas estipula que los contratistas de mano de obra agrícola no son empleadores y, por lo tanto, no están reconocidos para propósitos de negociación colectiva bajo la ley estatal.

El sindicato encontró a un legislador de un distrito agrícola costero dispuesto a llevar a cabo un proyecto de ley eso permitiría a los trabajadores agrícolas de California votar por un sindicato por correo, en lugar de elecciones de votación secreta en persona realizadas en la propiedad de un agricultor. Los estrategas políticos de la UFW sintieron una oportunidad y los demócratas, que controlan la Legislatura, la aprobaron. Pero con el golpe del veto, el gobernador Gavin Newsom puso fin al último impulso de la UFW por más victorias sindicales. El mensaje del gobernador citó “varias inconsistencias” y “problemas de procedimiento”, y ofreció buscar oportunidades para reformar la junta de relaciones agrícolas del estado, que media en las disputas laborales. Los funcionarios de UFW dijeron que pidieron reunirse con Newsom durante cuatro meses antes de su veto. Nunca volvieron a saber más del tema. Hasta hace poco, el sindicato ha podido avanzar en su agenda política, aprobando el pago de horas extras y otras protecciones, a pesar de que la afiliación es persistentemente baja. Pero en una señal de la lucha de la UFW para avanzar en su agenda política y aumentar sus filas, la organización fundada por César Chávez, Dolores Huerta y otros héroes del movimiento de trabajadores agrícolas de Estados Unidos no pudo reunirse directamente con el gobernador, solo con su personal. El sindicato y sus partidarios dicen que se necesita más negociación colectiva para mitigar la creciente desigualdad aumentando los salarios de algunos de los trabajadores peor pagados del país. Pero el sindicato nunca se ha afianzado en la industria. De hecho, la membresía es tan baja que los investigadores de UC Merced dicen que la membresía del sindicato de trabajadores agrícolas ahora es estadísticamente cero. En la actualidad, la UFW centra sus esfuerzos en la defensa política, con la esperanza de obtener mejores resultados electorales al realizar adaptaciones como la votación en el hogar. Incluso si se aprueba la medida, no está claro si eso conducirá a más miembros. “No es fácil organizar a los trabajadores”, dijo Philip Martin, un destacado investigador laboral agrícola de UC Davis. “Período.” Sólo evidencia anecdótica La investigación muestra que los sindicatos generalmente brindan a los trabajadores con salarios bajos la oportunidad de obtener mejores salarios y acceso a beneficios a través de la negociación colectiva. Los hombres y mujeres latinos, que constituyen la mayor parte de la mano de obra agrícola de California, vieron su aumento de ganancias semanales más alto que otros grupos cuando trabajaban en un lugar de trabajo sindicalizado. La Oficina de Estadísticas Laborales no tiene datos sobre salarios agrícolas sindicalizados versus no sindicalizados porque el tamaño de la muestra para producir datos es demasiado pequeño. La investigación que existe tiene décadas de antigüedad. Martin, profesor emérito de economía agrícola y de recursos en UC Davis, descubrió en 1986 que los salarios de los sindicatos agrícolas generalmente aumentaron más rápido que todos los salarios agrícolas, lo que sugiere que las victorias laborales organizadas fueron importantes para las ganancias salariales en las granjas de California. Al mismo tiempo, los sindicatos aumentan los costos para los cultivadores. Un informe de 2020 del Instituto de Política Económica de tendencia izquierdista encontró que un Un aumento salarial del 40 % para los trabajadores agrícolas costaría $25 por hogar consumidor. Y los productores constantemente citan los costos de mano de obra como un desafío clave. Lo que se sabe es que los salarios de los traba-

Los manifestantes saludan a los transeúntes, el 25 de septiembre de 2021 en Yountville, CA, mientras se dirigen hacia PlumpJack Winery, propiedad del gobernador Gavin Newsom, para protestar por el veto del gobernador al proyecto de ley AB 616. Photo Credit: Rahul Lal / CalMatters

jadores agrícolas no se han mantenido al nivel de otros trabajadores. En 2020, el salario medio anual de los trabajadores agrícolas en California fue $28,780, aunque los trabajadores agrícolas pueden estar empleados en otros estados durante la temporada baja en California. Eso es significativamente menos que el salario promedio anual de $65,740 para todos los trabajadores en California. United Farm Workers: Ambicioso inicio al desafío de afiliación El principal sindicato de trabajadores agrícolas dice que puede ayudar a reducir esa brecha, pero la afiliación siempre ha sido un desafío. La UFW fue fundada en 1962 como la Asociación Nacional de Trabajadores Agrícolas después de una serie de huelgas y boicots, principalmente en las industrias de la uva y la lechuga. En 1975, en el apogeo del activismo de la UFW, el entonces gobernado de California Jerry Brown firmó el Acuerdo de California Ley de Relaciones Laborales Agrícolas, que estableció el derecho de los trabajadores agrícolas a la negociación colectiva. Fue el primero en la historia de los Estados Unidos e inspiró a otros estados a permitir a los trabajadores agrícolas el derecho a organizarse. A pesar de un buen comienzo, la presencia de UFW siempre fue limitada: incluso en su apogeo en la década de 1970, el sindicato supervisó alrededor de 150 contratos y tenía aproximadamente 80,000 miembros, principalmente en California, Texas, Arizona y Florida. El sindicato representó solo una fracción de un estimado 3.3 millones de trabajadores agrícolas en Estados Unidos en ese momento, o aproximadamente el 2% en un momento en que la participación de la fuerza laboral en los sindicatos fue mucho mayor. UFW ha luchado por retener miembros desde entonces. A partir de agosto 2021, el sindicato tenía unos 33 contratos cubriendo a los trabajadores durante todo el año que plantan y cosechan verduras de temporada larga como bayas, verduras de hoja y uvas de viñedo. La Junta de Relaciones Laborales Agrícolas del estado podría supervisar solo una o dos elecciones sindicales cada año. Y en los últimos años, dos instalaciones en California organizadas por la UFW votaron por descertificación, esencialmente despidiendo al sindicato. Es difícil obtener un recuento exacto de los miembros de la UFW en California, pero los datos del censo muestran que la membresía sigue siendo persistentemente baja. El Departamento de Trabajo de EE. UU. registró que la UFW tiene 6,626 miembros activos y jubilados en un puñado de estados, pero el sindicato se negó a proporcionar un desglose estado por estado. Hay un estimado de 400,000 trabajadores agrícolas en California.

Investigadores de UC Merced, por su parte, cuentan CalMatters y The Fresno Bee que basado en un encuesta nacional de empleo 2020, el porcentaje de trabajadores agrícolas de California que pertenecen a un sindicato es estadísticamente cero, lo que significa que hay tan pocos miembros activos que caen dentro del margen de error. La portavoz de la UFW, Elizabeth Strater, respondió que los críticos han estado especulando sobre la desaparición del sindicato durante décadas. Ella dijo que el número de trabajadores organizados en la industria no es una métrica justa para juzgar el éxito del sindicato – que la UFW no está fallando en su misión de organizar a los trabajadores agrícolas de California, a pesar de su número infinitesimal de miembros. Sin embargo, la pérdida de membresía ha afectado financieramente a la UFW. Aunque cobra el 3% de los salarios en concepto de cuotas, recibe un importante apoyo externo a través de donaciones. Su plan de pensiones está en dificultades financieras y el estado incluso ha rescatado el plan de salud del sindicato. Los ex miembros del sindicato recuerdan los beneficios de un contrato negociado por UFW. Francisco Naranjo había trabajado durante décadas en lugares de trabajo sindicalizados, principalmente en la industria de hongos de la región de Watsonville. “Sé que es bueno trabajar bajo contrato de unión por los beneficios y por el plan médico”, dijo Naranjo. “Sé que es bueno trabajar bajo un contrato sindical para los beneficios y el plan médico”. Luego consiguió un trabajo en una granja de bayas local, no sindicalizada. El cambio de trabajo lo dejó fuera del plan de salud de la compañía: la opción que ofrece la compañía es demasiado costosa, por lo que ahora está en el plan estatal de intercambio de salud. En política, pocos avances Con una membresía que paga cuotas mínimas, la UFW invierte en defensa política. La UFW se describe a sí misma como algo entre un sindicato y un movimiento al enfocarse en dónde puede tener el mayor impacto en los trabajadores agrícolas. En los últimos años, el sindicato ganó la legislación sobre el aumento de protecciones de pesticidas, pago por tiempo extra y protección contra el calor para los trabajadores agrícolas. Impulsó con éxito la capacitación y las protecciones contra el acoso sexual en campos y huertos. “Cuando tengamos igualdad de condiciones”, dijo Strater, “habrá más formas de organizarnos, incluso en los convenios colectivos”. A nivel federal, el sindicato continúa presionando por una reforma migratoria, un cambio apoyado por algunos productores para hacer frente a la escasez de trabajadores. Pero Martin dijo que el estatus migratorio ya no debería ser una excusa para la incapacidad del sindicato para organizar a más trabajadores.

Si bien los defensores de los trabajadores dicen que los contratistas de mano de obra agrícola pueden cometer más fácilmente robo de salarios, algunos trabajadores agrícolas aprecian el modelo porque les ofrece flexibilidad y variedad. Margarita Amador, de 47 años, trabaja por temporadas con un contratista de mano de obra agrícola, lo que le permite trabajar en las cosechas de verano en Washington. Ella dijo que fácilmente puede tomar tiempo libre no remunerado para atender citas médicas, eventos escolares y cualquier otra cosa que surja. “Yo como soy mujer y soy a cargo de la casa de la familia, de los niños, para mí este trabajo es lo mejor”, dijo Amador, señalando que como mujer a cargo de la casa, su familia y sus hijos, este tipo de trabajo es el mejor. Si bien cree que la UFW podría ayudarla a obtener mejores salarios si tuviera un estatus legal y trabajara en un trabajo agrícola de contratación directa, no sabe si se uniría. ¿Qué viene después para el sindicato United Farm Workers? La UFW ahora busca su próxima oportunidad de ampliar las elecciones sindicales para los trabajadores agrícolas. Después de que Newsom vetó el proyecto de ley que habría permitido a los trabajadores agrícolas votar para unirse a un sindicato desde casa, UFW respondió con una vigilia que acaparó los titulares y una marcha desde el restaurante The French Laundry donde Newsom había asistido a una cena privada sin máscara. UFW compró una valla publicitaria a lo largo de una autopista que se dirigía a Sacramento para criticar al gobernador por no defender a los trabajadores agrícolas. Los partidarios dijeron que los trabajadores agrícolas deberían poder votar en casa para evitar la intimidación en el lugar de trabajo. Pero los críticos, principalmente grupos empresariales y de productores, dijeron que tal cambio facilitaría el fraude electoral, principalmente porque las tarjetas podrían ser llenadas previamente por los sindicatos. No está claro si más opciones de votación conducirán a más victorias sindicales. “No hay nadie organizando a los trabajadores agrícolas, ese es el hecho número uno”, dijo William Gould, quien ha trabajado en juntas de relaciones laborales estatales y federales. “Incluso si se vuelve a presentar este proyecto de ley, dudo que eso vaya a cambiar de manera apreciable. Newsom dice que está comprometido a ayudar a los trabajadores agrícolas a organizarse y negociar colectivamente. “Si bien la oficina del gobernador no suele comentar sobre la legislación potencial, la administración espera continuar con el trabajo vital de California para mejorar las condiciones laborales y las oportunidades para los trabajadores agrícolas en todo nuestro estado”, según la portavoz de Newsom, Amelia Matier. Una fuente legislativa dijo que el asambleísta Mark Stone está trabajando para recuperar una legislación similar este año.

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

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IN FAMILIAR REFRAIN, UNITED FARM WORKERS GRAPPLES WITH HOW TO GROW Melissa Montalva & Nigel Duara CalMatters

hen the nation’s high court effectively forbade union representatives from accessing fields and orchards to recruit workers last June, the United Farm Workers union turned to Sacramento for help. The union found a lawmaker from a coastal agricultural district willing to carry a bill that would allow California farmworkers to vote for a union by mail, instead of in-person secret ballot elections conducted on a grower’s property. UFW political strategists sensed an opportunity, and Democrats, who control the Legislature, approved it. But with the stroke of his veto pen, Gov. Gavin Newsom ended the UFW’s latest push for more union victories. The governor’s message cited “various inconsistencies” and “procedural issues,” and offered to look for opportunities to reform the state’s agricultural relations board, which mediates labor disputes. UFW officials said they asked to meet with Newsom for four months leading up to his veto. They never heard back. Until recently, the union has been able to advance its political agenda, passing overtime pay and other protections, despite persistently low membership. But in a sign of UFW’s struggle to advance its political agenda and grow its ranks, the organization founded by Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and other heroes of America’s farmworkers movement could not get a direct meeting with the governor, only his staff.

Despite a strong start, UFW’s footprint was always limited: Even at its height in the 1970s, the union oversaw about 150 contracts and had approximately 80,000 members, mostly in California, Texas, Arizona and Florida. The union represented just a fraction of an estimated 3.3 million farmworkers in America at that time — or roughly 2% at a time when workforce participation in unions was much higher. UFW has struggled to retain members since. As of August 2021, the union had about 33 contracts covering year-round workers who plant and harvest long-season vegetables such as berries, leafy vegetables and vineyard grapes. The state Agricultural Labor Relations Board might oversee just one or two union elections each year. And in recent years, two facilities in California organized by the UFW voted for decertification, essentially firing the union. It’s difficult to get an accurate count of UFW members in California, but census data shows membership remains persistently low. The U.S. Department of Labor logged the UFW as having 6,626 active and retired members across a handful of states, but the union declined to provide a state-by-state breakdown. There are an estimated 400,000 farmworkers in California. Researchers at UC Merced, meanwhile, tell CalMatters and The Fresno Bee that based on a 2020 national employment survey, the percentage of California farmworkers who belong to a union is statistically zero, meaning there are so few active members they

fall within the margin of error. UFW spokesperson Elizabeth Strater countered that critics have been speculating the demise of the union for decades. She said the number of organized workers in the industry is not a fair metric to judge the union’s success – that the UFW is not failing at its mission of organizing California’s farmworkers, despite its infinitesimal membership numbers. Membership loss, though, has hurt UFW financially. Though it charges 3% of wages in dues, it receives significant outside support from donations. Its pension plan is in financial distress and the state has even bailed out the union’s health care plan. Former union members recall the benefits of a contract negotiated by UFW. Francisco Naranjo had worked for decades in unionized workplaces, primarily in the Watsonville region ‘s mushroom industry. “Sé que es bueno trabajar bajo contrato de unión por los beneficios y por el plan médico,” Naranjo said. “I know it’s good to work under a union contract for the benefits and medical plan.” He then got a job at a local, nonunionized berry farm. The job change priced him out of the company health plan: The option offered by the company is too expensive, so he is now on the state health exchange plan. Politics, little progress With razor-thin dues-paying membership, UFW invests in political advocacy.

The union and its supporters say more collective bargaining is needed to blunt rising inequality by increasing wages for some of the lowest-paid workers in the country. But the union has never gained a foothold in the industry. In fact, membership is so low that UC Merced researchers say farmworker union membership is now statistically zero. Today, UFW focuses its efforts on political advocacy, hoping for better election outcomes by making accommodations such as athome voting. Even if the measure passes, it’s unclear whether that will lead to more members.

HAZ QUE HOY SEA EL "PRIMER DÍA" EN CAMINO A LIBRARTE DEL TABACO: QUE SEA UN PROPOSITO DE AÑO NUEVO

“It’s not easy to organize workers,” said Philip Martin, a leading farm labor researcher at UC Davis. “Period.”

Esta es la manera de hacerlo:

Only anecdotal evidence Research shows that unions generally provide lowwage workers the opportunity for better wages and access to benefits through collective bargaining. Latino men and women, who make up most of California’s agricultural workforce, saw their weekly earnings increase higher than other groups when they worked at a unionized workplace. The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t have data on unionized versus non-unionized agriculture wages because the sample size to produce data is too small. What research exists is decades old. Martin, professor emeritus of agricultural and resource economics at UC Davis, found in 1986 that agricultural union wages generally rose faster than all farm wages, suggesting that organized labor victories were important for wage gains on California farms. At the same time, unions raise costs for the growers. A 2020 report by the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute found that a 40% pay raise for farmworkers would cost $25 per consumer household. And growers consistently cite labor costs as a key challenge. What is known is that farmworkers’ wages haven’t kept up with other workers. In 2020, the annual median wage for farmworkers in California was $28,780, although farmworkers may be employed in other states during the slower season in California. That’s significantly less than the $47,292 annual median wage for all workers in California. United Farm Workers: Ambitious beginning to membership challenge The farmworker’s principal union says it can help reduce that gap but membership has always been a challenge. The UFW was founded in 1962 as the National Farm Workers Association and carried out a series of strikes and boycotts, primarily in the grape and lettuce industries.” In 1975, at the height of the UFW’s activism, then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which established farmworkers’ right to collective bargaining. It was a first in U.S. history, and inspired other states to allow farmworkers the right to organize.

Minutos después de tu último cigarrillo, tu presión arterial baja y en 24 horas tu nivel de nicotina en la sangre baja a cero. Varios días después de dejar de fumar, el nivel de monóxido de carbono baja a su nivel normal. Dentro de 1 a 12 meses, la tos y la falta de aire disminuyen y se respira mejor. Y luego de 1 ó 2 años de dejar de fumar, el riesgo de sufrir un infarto cardiaco disminuye drásticamente.

“When we have a level playing field,” Strater said, “there will be more ways that we can organize, including into collective bargaining agreements.” At the federal level, the union continues to push for immigration reform, a change supported by some growers to address a shortage of workers. But Martin said immigration status should no longer be an excuse for the union’s inability to organize more workers. While a majority of farmworkers are foreign born, Martin said documented farmworkers now outnumber undocumented farmworkers. Farm labor contractors Perhaps one of the biggest challenges to organizing is the structure of the industry itself. Currently, most farmworkers are employed by companies that contract with growers, known as farm labor contractors. It’s a trend in outsourcing that started in the 1980s when small farms started dying off and the industry saw increased consolidation. But UFW has a harder time organizing these types of farmworkers who move from field to field. The Agricultural Labor Relations Act stipulates that farm labor contractors are not employers and thus are not recognized for collective bargaining purposes under state law. Workers have to petition by worksite instead. While worker advocates say farm labor contractors can more easily commit wage theft, some farmworkers appreciate the model because it offers them flexibility and variety. Margarita Amador, 47, works seasonally under a farm labor contractor, which allows her to work the summer harvests in Washington. She said she can easily take unpaid time off to take care of doctor’s appointments, school events and anything else that arises. “Yo como soy mujer y soy a cargo de la casa de la familia, de los niños, para mí este trabajo es lo mejor,” said Amador, noting that as a woman in charge of the house, her family, and her kids, this type of work is the best.

Visita el sitio web de Kick It California, también disponible para dispositivos móviles, KickItCA.org, o llama al 1-800-300-8086 (inglés) o al 1-800-600-8191 (español) para saber cómo encontrar un guía personal para dejar de fumar y hacer un plan adaptado a tus circunstancias para dejar el tabaco deenitivamente. Los servicios y programas de Kick It California son gratuitos, en inglés y español, y accesibles para todos.

Dejar el tabaco puede tener resultados positivos, incluyendo mejoras en tu salud física y mental.

UFW describes itself as somewhere between a labor union and a movement by focusing on where it can make the biggest impact on farmworkers. In recent years, the union won legislation on increased pesticide protections, overtime pay and heat protection for farmworkers. It successfully pushed through sexual harrassment training and protections on fields and orchards.

While she thinks the UFW could help her get better wages if she had legal status and worked at a directhire farm job, she’s mixed about whether she would join. What comes next for United Farm Workers union? The UFW now looks for its next opportunity to expand union elections for farmworkers.

"Empecé a fumar a los 18 años y me hizo pensar que me veía muy interesante y maduro, pero estaba equivocado. Mucha gente se está matando con este mal hábito. Luego de sentir que me faltaba el aire constantemente y otras cosas que el cuerpo me hacía sentir para saber que ya debería pensar en dejar de fumar, al n llegó el día de dejar de fumar por completo, ¡y es una de las mejores decisiones que he tomado en toda mi vida! Nunca había podido imaginar que podría dejar de fumar. Gracias Kick it California por darme la herramienta más importante para salvar mi vida. --Juan E., Dejó de fumar con Kick It California

Dejar el tabaco no es fácil. A veces, puede parecer abrumador o imposible, pero Kick It California puede proporcionar la ayuda y el apoyo para dar ese primer paso hacia la liberación del tabaco.

After Newsom vetoed the bill that would have allowed farmworkers to vote to join a union from home, UFW responded with a headline-grabbing vigil and march from The French Laundry restaurant where Newsom had attended a private dinner maskless. UFW purchased a billboard along a freeway heading into Sacramento to blast the governor for failing to stand up for farmworkers. Supporters said farmworkers should be able to vote at home to avoid intimidation at the workplace. But critics, primarily business and grower groups, said such a change would make it easy to commit voter fraud, primarily because the cards could be pre-filled by unions. It’s unclear if more voting options will lead to more union victories. “There’s nobody organizing the farmworkers, that’s fact number one,” said William Gould, who has served on state and federal labor relations boards. “Even if this bill is reintroduced, I doubt that that’s going to change appreciably. Newsom says he’s committed to helping farmworkers organize and collectively bargain. “While the governor’s office does not typically comment on potential legislation, the administration looks forward to continuing California’s vital work to improve working conditions and opportunities for farmworkers across our state,” according to Newsom’s spokesperson Amelia Matier. A legislative source said Assemblymember Mark Stone is working to bring back similar legislation this year.

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¿Está buscando comprar su primera casa? Hay muchas primicias en la vida de una persona. Y comprar una casa puede significar muchas preguntas y dudas. Cuando esté listo para ser propietario de una vivienda, cuente con nosotros para brindarle la orientación y las opciones de financiamiento para sus necesidades únicas. • Enganches tan bajos como 3% • Pautas de calificación flexibles • Tasas competitivas

Un día alcanzarás más. Ese día comienza aquí. Visite eastwestbank.com/hogar o llame al 888.726.8885.

Todas las tasas, cargos, productos y pautas del programa están sujetos a cambios o terminación sin previo aviso. Pueden aplicarse otras limitaciones y restricciones. Todos los préstamos están sujetos a la evaluación de la solicitud, tasación, y aprobación de crédito por parte de East West Bank. El programa está disponible en condados selectos de California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, Nueva York, Texas y Washington. NMLSR ID 469761

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

MONEY

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FEDS SLAM CREDIT-REPORTING AGENCIES FOR FAILURE TO CORRECT ERRORS

Photo Credit: Xavi Cabrera / Unsplash

LOS FEDERALES CRITICAN A LAS AGENCIAS DE INFORMES CREDITICIOS POR NO CORREGIR ERRORES

Photo Credit: Towfiqu barbhuiya / Unsplash

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Suzanne Potter California News Service

many aren't sure where to turn for assistance.

hen people complained about errors on their credit reports last year, the big three credit-reporting agencies provided relief in just 2% of cases monitored by the feds - compared with 25% in 2019, according to the latest report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

"We help people to understand that whole ecosystem of credit and credit responsibility," he said. "We help them get free credit repair for three months. As a result, their credit scores are increasing significantly."

The report said Equifax, Experian and Transunion often failed to respond substantively to an error, especially if the consumer hired a third party, such as a credit-repair company or law firm. John Heath, directing attorney at Lexington Law, specializes in credit cases and said unresolved errors can keep people from buying their first home or car - and even from getting a job. "Potential employers are looking at credit reports as a way to determine whether somebody is going to be a good fit," he said. Heath would like to see Congress change the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require credit-reporting agencies and companies that offer credit terms to respond to third-party inquiries. The three credit-repair agencies did not respond by deadline to a request for comment. The Rev. Andre Chapple, senior pastor at Faith Church Los Angeles and chief executive of the African American Empowerment Coalition, said problems with credit block many people from building wealth as homeowners, and

Consumers submitted more than 700,000 complaints to the CFPB about the credit-reporting firms from January 2020 to September 2021, which is more than half of all complaints the bureau received.

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Suzanne Potter California News Service

uando las personas se quejaron de errores en sus informes crediticios el año pasado, las tres grandes agencias de informes crediticios brindaron alivio en solo el 2 % de los casos monitoreados por los federales, en comparación con el 25 % en 2019, según el último informe de la Oficina de Protección Financiera del Consumidor. El informe decía que Equifax, Experian y Transunion a menudo no respondían sustancialmente a un error, especialmente si el consumidor contrató a un tercero, como una compañía de reparación de crédito o una empresa ju-

rídica. John Heath, abogado director de Lexington Law, se especializa en casos de crédito y dijo que los errores no resueltos pueden impedir que la gente compre su primera casa o automóvil, e incluso que consiga un trabajo. "Los empleadores potenciales están considerando los informes crediticios como una forma de determinar si alguien encajará bien", dijo. A Heath le gustaría que el Congreso cambie la Ley de informes crediticios justos para exigir que las agencias de informes crediticios y las empresas que ofrecen condiciones crediticias respondan a consultas de terceros. Las tres agencias de reparación de crédito no respondieron antes de la fecha límite a una solicitud de comentarios. El reverendo Andre Chapple, pastor principal de Faith Church Los Ángeles y director ejecutivo de la African American Empowerment Coalition, dijo que los problemas de crédito impiden que muchas personas acumulen riqueza como propietarios de viviendas, y muchos no están seguros dónde puedan obtener ayuda. “Ayudamos a la gente a entender todo ese ecosistema de crédito y responsabilidad crediticia”, dijo. "Los ayudamos a obtener una reparación de crédito gratuita durante tres meses. Como consecuencia, sus puntajes de crédito están aumentando significativamente". Los consumidores presentaron más de 700,000 quejas a la CFPB sobre las empresas de informes crediticios desde enero de 2020 hasta septiembre de 2021, que es más de la mitad de todas las quejas que recibió la oficina.

GREEN LIVING

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

EARTHTALK Q&A: FUTURE HOUSING & GLOBAL WARMING

Dear EarthTalk: How will the homes of the future look and feel different as a result of global warming? -- A.G., Silver Spring, MD

EARTHTALK Q&A: VIVIENDAS DEL FUTURO Y CALENTAMIENTO GLOBAL

Querido EarthTalk: ¿Cómo se verán y se sentirán diferentes las casas del futuro como resultado del calentamiento global? -- A.G., Silver Spring, MD

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Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss EarthTalk

o doubt, homes are changing dramatically as the planet warms. Recent data from the United Nations Environment Programme shows that construction and use of residential buildings accounts for 17 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. As architects and engineers look to reduce their environmental footprint, homes are starting to change in several key ways. In general, new construction homes are the most likely to be the most resilient to climate change. New forms of concrete that are made from recycled or waste-based material save a large share of carbon emissions associated with the production of virgin concrete. Painting the roof white or another light color can reduce air conditioning use extensively by reflecting the sun’s rays and their heat back toward the sky instead of absorbing them into the building structure. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that painting your roof white or another light color enables it to reflect solar radiation and keep up to 50 degrees colder than a typical roof on a hot day. As for winter, making sure a house’s shell is tight and free of drafts is one key to efficiency, as well as the use of eco-friendly insulation in walls and roofs. Strategically placed windows can help reduce winter heating bills through so-called “passive solar” heating. The use of integrated systems and smart home technology to link up appliances and lights and run them only when needed is another hallmark of the home of the future. Likewise, design and materials considerations will play a large role in making these new homes as energy and water efficient as possible. The geographic distribution of housing is also changing due to global warming. Cities across the U.S. are debating proposals to build high-density housing along bus and rail lines, with the hope that easier access to public transportation will reduce vehicle emissions. Inside, the homes of the future are likely to be chock full of eco-friendly innovations to reduce energy usage, from space age insulation materials to hyper-efficient electric appliances and lights that turn on and off as needed. Finally, some places are taking an entirely new approach to housing. The Netherlands, a nation at extremely high risk of flooding, is pioneering floating homes, which are anchored tightly to the shore but can rise and fall with the tide. Unlike houseboats, the Dutch floating homes are connected to their local electricity and sewage systems and are stabilized in the water with a concrete hull, according to YaleEnvironment360. Though they function essentially the same as any other house, their ability to ride out a flood will protect them from damage long into the future. As seas rise and coastal communities around the world lose their land to the water, the Netherlands’ floating houses could be harbingers of what the homes of the future will look like. CONTACTS: UNEP 2021 Global Status Report For Buildings and Construction, globalabc.org/resources/publications/2021-global-status-reportbuildings-and-construction; Construction21, construction21.org Cool Roofs, energy.gov/energysaver/cool-roofs; Embracing a Wetter Future, the Dutch Turn to Floating Homes, e360.yale.edu/features/thedutch-flock-to-floating-homes-embracing-awetter-future. EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

in duda, los hogares están cambiando drásticamente a medida que el planeta se calienta. Datos recientes del Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente muestran que la construcción y el uso de edificios residenciales representan el 17 por ciento de las emisiones globales de gases de efecto invernadero. A medida que los arquitectos e ingenieros buscan reducir su huella ambiental, las casas comienzan a cambiar de manera clave.

The homes of the future will be built to use a lot less energy and withstand harsher, more extreme weather events thanks to global warming. Photo Credit: Karin S / Pexels

LA SABIDURÍA DE LOS AÑOS "Soy María Orellana. Soy una peruana-estadounidense de 67 años y vivo en el condado de San Mateo. Sufro de asma y tuve COVID-19 antes de que existiera la vacuna. Me sentía muy asustada, aislada y triste. Al vacunarme, sobre todo con mi 3ra dosis, recuperé la tranquilidad, me reencontré con mis seres queridos y volví a trabajar como voluntaria en una organización cultural donde bailo danza folclórica. Me siento feliz".

Las vacunas contra COVID-19 han sido probadas y han demostrado ser seguras y eficaces para millones de personas. Se recomienda una dosis de refuerzo para ayudar a mantener la inmunidad y tener mayor protección contra COVID-19. Las dosis de refuerzo son gratis y están disponibles sin importar tu estado migratorio o si tienes seguro médico.

Visita VaccinateALL58.com o MyTurn.ca.gov o llama al 833-422-4255 para saber más.

En general, las viviendas de construcción nueva son las que tienen más probabilidad de ser más resistentes al cambio climático. Los nuevos tipos de cemento que se fabrican de material reciclado o de residuos ahorran una gran parte de las emisiones de carbono asociadas con la producción de cemento virgen. Pintar el techo de blanco u otro color claro puede reducir considerablemente el uso del aire acondicionado al reflejar los rayos del sol y su calor hacia el cielo en lugar de absorberlos en la estructura del edificio. El Departamento de Energía de EE. UU. informa que pintar el techo de blanco u otro color claro le permite reflejar la radiación solar y mantenerse hasta 50 grados más frío que un techo típico en un día caluroso. En cuanto al invierno, asegurar que el armazón de una casa esté firme y libre de corrientes de aire es clave para la eficiencia, así como el uso de aislamiento ecológico en paredes y techos. Las ventanas ubicadas estratégicamente pueden ayudar a reducir las facturas de calefacción en invierno a través de la llamada calefacción “solar pasiva”. El uso de sistemas integrados y tecnología de hogar inteligente para conectar electrodomésticos y luces y hacerlos funcionar solo cuando sea necesario es otro sello distintivo del hogar del futuro. Del mismo modo, las consideraciones de diseño y materiales jugarán un papel importante en hacer que estas nuevas casas sean lo más eficientes posible en cuanto a energía y agua. La distribución geográfica de la vivienda también está cambiando debido al calentamiento global. Las ciudades de los EE. UU. están debatiendo propuestas para construir viviendas de alta densidad a lo largo de las líneas de autobús y tren, con la esperanza de que un acceso más fácil al transporte público reduzca las emisiones de los vehículos. En el interior, es probable que las casas del futuro estén repletas de innovaciones ecológicas para reducir el consumo de energía, desde materiales de aislamiento de la era espacial hasta electrodomésticos y luces hipereficientes que se encienden y apagan según sea necesario. Al fin, algunos lugares están adoptando un enfoque completamente nuevo para la vivienda. Holanda, una nación con un riesgo extremadamente alto de inundaciones, es pionera en casas flotantes, que están ancladas firmemente a la orilla pero pueden subir y bajar con la marea. A diferencia de las casas flotantes, los hogares flotantes holandeses están conectados a sus sistemas locales de electricidad y alcantarillado y están estabilizados en el agua con un casco de hormigón, según YaleEnvironment360. Aunque funcionan esencialmente igual que cualquier otra casa, su capacidad para resistir una inundación los protegerá de los daños en el futuro. A medida que los mares suben y las comunidades costeras de todo el mundo pierden sus tierras por el agua, las casas flotantes de los Países Bajos podrían ser presagios de cómo serán las casas del futuro. CONTACTOS: UNEP 2021 Global Status Report For Buildings and Construction, globalabc.org/resources/ publications/2021-global-status-report-buildingsand-construction; Construction21, construction21.org Cool Roofs, energy.gov/energysaver/cool-roofs; Embracing a Wetter Future, the Dutch Turn to Floating Homes, e360.yale.edu/features/the-dutch-flock-tofloating-homes-embracing-a-wetter-future. EarthTalk® es producido por Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss para la organización sin fines de lucro 501 (c) 3 EarthTalk. Vea más en https://emagazine.com. Para donar, visite https // earthtalk.org. Envíe sus preguntas a: question@earthtalk.org.

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

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BATTLE SHAPING UP OVER CA LEMON LAW

Law."

MAIN NEWS

SE PERFILA LA BATALLA POR LA LEY LEMON DE CA

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Suzanne Potter California News Service

ers for Auto Reliability and Safety, con sede en Sacramento dijo que el cambio afectaría a las víctimas, pero no dice nada sobre la cantidad que las grandes empresas pueden gastar para defender las demandas.

onsumer advocates are speaking out against a proposed ballot initiative that would reform California's so-called "Lemon

"Sería prácticamente imposible para los consumidores conseguir un abogado y defenderse en los tribunales cuando han sido víctimas de un producto realmente inseguro o de un fraude", dijo Shahan.

Current law allows people who have been defrauded or sold a defective product to sue for damages plus attorney's fees. The ballot initiative would limit the plaintiff's attorneys to 20% of the amount recovered. Longtime activist Rosemary Shahan is the founder and president Sacramento-based Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety. She said that change would hobble the victims but says nothing about the amount big companies can spend to defend the suits. "It would make it practically impossible for consumers to get an attorney and fight back in court when they've been victimized by a really unsafe product or fraud," said Shahan. The initiative was written by the Civil Justice Association of California, a group Shahan says is backed by more than a dozen big corporations, including car manufacturers, oil companies, pharmaceutical companies, telecoms and banks. Unverified reports emerged over the weekend that CJAC may halt its efforts to gather signatures. But president Kyla Christoffersen Powell said in a statement "We intend to pursue our measure and are evaluating our options in light of COVID and other factors." She also has said that plaintiff's attorneys are

La iniciativa fue escrita por la Asociación de Justicia Civil de California, un grupo que, según Shahan, está respaldado por más de una docena de grandes corporaciones, incluidos fabricantes de automóviles, compañías petroleras, farmacéuticas, telecomunicaciones y bancos.

California's first Lemon Law passed in 1970 under Gov. Ronald Reagan. Photo Credit: Wesley Tingey / Unsplash

abusing current laws, dragging out litigation for profit. Shahan said California's trailblazing Lemon Law has drawn fire for decades. "At CJAC their executive director has met with me over the years and tried to persuade us to weaken California's lemon law in various ways," said Shahan. "And I've always just said no. So I think they're just frustrated."

Suzanne Potter California News Service

os defensores de los consumidores se pronuncian en contra de una iniciativa electoral propuesta que reformaría la llamada "Ley Lemon" de California. La ley actual permite a las personas que han sido defraudadas o que les fue vendido un producto defectuoso demandar por daños y perjuicios más los honorarios de los abogados. La iniciativa de la boleta limitaría a los abogados de los demandantes al 20% del monto recuperado.

To qualify for the ballot, the initiative backers will need to attract more than 623,000 signatures 10.75” which is %5 of the people who voted in the10.5” last Rosemary Shahan, activista desde hace mucho election for governor. tiempo, es la fundadora y presidenta de Consum-

Durante el fin de semana surgieron informes no verificados de que CJAC podría detener sus esfuerzos para recolectar firmas. Pero la presidenta Kyla Christoffersen Powell dijo en un comunicado: "Tenemos la intención de seguir con nuestra medida y estamos evaluando nuestras opciones a la luz de COVID y otros factores". También ha dicho que los abogados de los demandantes están abusando de las leyes actuales, prolongando los litigios con fines de lucro. Shahan dijo que la pionera Ley Lemon de California ha provocado críticas durante décadas. "En CJAC, su director ejecutivo se reunió conmigo a lo largo de los años y trató de persuadirnos de debilitar la ley limón de California de varias maneras", dijo Shahan." Y siempre he dicho que no. Así que creo que simplemente están frustrados". Para calificar para la boleta electoral, los patrocinadores de la iniciativa deberán juntar más de 623,000 firmas, que es el 5% de las personas que votaron en las últimas elecciones para gobernador.

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JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

BORN AN ACTIVIST: A VENEZUELAN STUDENT NACIDA EN LA LUCHA: DE LAS PROTESTAS PROTESTER TURNS INTO AN ADVOCATE FOR ESTUDIANTILES EN VENEZUELA AL ACTIVISMO PRO-LATINO EN ESTADOS UNIDOS LATINOS IN THE UNITED STATES

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ESPAÑOL

Pilar Marrero Ethnic Media Services

“Al vivir aquí entendí que vivimos en esta comunidad y que lo que pasa aquí nos afecta”, explica la joven, quien además de aprender inglés, terminó estudios de colegio comunitario y va a iniciar estudios de Ciencias Políticas este año. Todo, mientras espera la resolución legal de su caso de asilo.

mong Cecilia González Herrera's earliest memories is the successive closure of independent television channels and newspapers that existed in her country, Venezuela, when she was born in February 1999.

La mamá de Cecilia, que era de formación politóloga, y tenía un pequeño negocio en Venezuela, ahora trabaja en Walmart y hace comida venezolana para vender en Kissimmee, Florida.

By the time she decided to study journalism at the age of 16, many independent media organizations had been closed or taken over by the government. From a very young age, Cecilia saw the avenues of freedom of expression, political and personal freedom being closed in her native country and when she finished her secondary education she decided on journalism studies in the capital, Caracas. "I thought it would be the only way to do politics without being a politician, to exercise a right to express oneself," the young woman said. Her mother, a political scientist by profession, warned her not to get involved in the student movement that at the time was leading the opposition against the government of Hugo Chávez. But that warning was in vain. "You can't go against who you are," she says. Moreover, when she arrived at the university in 2016, the student protest movement was in full swing and would only intensify the following year, when student Juan Pablo Pernalete was killed by a National Guard during one of these demonstrations. Cecilia participated in numerous protests during that one year she would study journalism in Venezuela, finishing two semesters and eventually moving with her family to the United States, when it was clear that her activism was a threat to her life. "My mom told me, in Venezuela there is no future for you, especially if you want to do political activism, we are leaving here," recalls the young woman, now 22 years old and a resident of Florida. It has only been five years since that change, and Cecilia has learned English, has become active in local politics in the Kissimmee area, where she now lives, and has advocated for the Venezuelan diaspora along with others, to obtain Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans (TPS). She also founded with some friends, a group of young Venezuelans "for those who want to do social activism". "Living here I understood that we live in this community and that what happens here affects us", explains the young woman, who in addition to learning English, recently finished community college and is about to start Political Science. All this while she awaits the legal resolution of her asylum case. Her mother, who was trained as a political scientist and had a small business in Venezuela, now works at Walmart and makes Venezuelan food for sale in Kissimmee, Florida. Cecilia has been active in the cause for a fair redistricting after the 2020 Census in the Unit-

Cecilia ha estado activa en la causa por una redistribución justa de distritos electorales después del Censo 2020 en Estados Unidos.

Cecilia González Herrera. Photo Credit: EMS

ed States. "As a community member in Osceola County, Florida, I have seen the impact of the lack of representation we have. I moved here 4 years ago and quickly realized that Latinos have no voice in government. Even with some Latinos in office, we are excluded from the decisionmaking process," she says. Although in Florida there are many Latino representatives, she says, "being well represented does not mean having a politician with a Hispanic surname, it means having someone who understands what the community is going through, who is close to it". Ideologically, Cecilia leans towards the Democratic Party, and that has earned criticism from some Venezuelan exiles who are followers of Trumpism, but the young woman, amid her pro-immigrant and pro-LGBT activism, feels more identified with the Democrats. Recently, Cecilia participated in some redistricting hearings, and publicly criticized the attitude of a commissioner who prevented a citizen from testifying in Spanish during a meeting in Osceola County. "He said English is the official language, which is not true. This county is over 52% Latino, the real question is what are our representatives doing to better understand us," he notes. "We want to be part of the decision-making process." Cecilia has worked on local political campaigns and is interested in environmental issues. In 2020, she got involved on behalf of the Biden-Harris campaign. "I know I won't be able to go back to Venezuela for a long time," she says. "But that doesn't stop me from helping where I can. However, I think you get involved where you are." Her immediate priority, besides starting college, is to advocate for immigration reform but her future, she says, is in public service. "I want to be in a public service position where Latinos haven't arrived yet," she explains. "We need more diversity, more women, more color in those boardrooms and making decisions for our own generation. Young people, with a fresh perspective."

Pilar Marrero Ethnic Media Services

ntre los primeros recuerdos de Cecilia González Herrera está el sucesivo cierre de canales de televisión y periódicos independientes que existían en su país, Venezuela, cuando ella nació en febrero de 1999, pero que ya no estaban cuando ella decidió estudiar periodismo a los 16 años. Desde muy pequeña, Cecilia vio cómo se cerraban las vías de libertad de expresión, política y personal en su país natal y cuando terminó su educación secundaria se decidió por estudios de periodismo en Caracas. “Pensé que sería la única forma de hacer política sin ser político, de ejercer un derecho a expresarse”, dijo la joven. Su mamá, politóloga de profesión, le advirtió que no se metiera en el movimiento estudiantil que por aquel entonces lideraba la oposición contra el gobierno de Hugo Chávez. Pero esa advertencia fue en vano. “No se puede ir contra quien uno es”, dice. Además, cuando ella llegó a la universidad en el año 2016, el movimiento estudiantil de protestas estaba en pleno auge y solo se intensificaría al año siguiente, cuando el estudiante Juan Pablo Pernalete fue muerto por un Guardia Nacional durante una de estas manifestaciones. Cecilia participó en numerosas protestas durante ese único año que estudiaría periodismo en Venezuela, terminando dos semestres y, finalmente, mudándose con su familia a los Estados Unidos, cuando estaba claro que su activismo era una amenaza para su vida. “Mi mamá me dijo, en Venezuela no hay futuro para ti, especialmente si quieres hacer activismo político, nos vamos de aquí”, recuerda la joven, hoy de 22 años y residente de Florida. Hace apenas cinco años de ese cambio, y Cecilia ha aprendido inglés, se ha vuelto activa en la política local del área de Kissimmee, donde ahora vive y ha abogado por la diáspora venezolana junto con otros paisanos, para conseguir el Estatus Temporal de Protección para los venezolanos (TPS). También fundó junto a algunos amigos, un grupo de jóvenes venezolanos “para quienes quieran hacer activismo social”.

“Como miembro de la comunidad en el condado de Osceola, en Florida, he visto el impacto de la falta de representación que tenemos. Me mudé aquí hace 4 años y rápidamente me di cuenta de que los latinos no tienen voz en el gobierno. Incluso teniendo algunos latinos en cargos, estamos excluidos del proceso de toma de decisiones”, señala. Si bien en Florida hay muchos representantes latinos, dice la joven, “estar bien representado no significa tener un político con un apellido hispano, significa tener a alguien que entiende lo que padece la comunidad, que se acerque a ella”. Ideológicamente, Cecilia se inclina por el partido demócrata, y eso le ha valido críticas de muchos exiliados venezolanos adeptos al Trumpismo, pero la joven, en medio de su activismo proinmigrante y pro-LGBT, se siente más identificada con los demócratas. Cecilia participó en algunas audiencias para la redistribución de distrito, y criticó públicamente la actitud de un comisionado que impidió un testimonio en español de un ciudadano durante una reunión en el condado de Osceola. “Dijo que el inglés es el idioma oficial, lo cual no es cierto. Este condado tiene más de 52% de latinos, la verdadera pregunta es que están haciendo nuestros representantes para entendernos mejor a nosotros”, apunta. “Queremos ser parte del proceso de toma de decisiones”. Cecilia ha trabajado en campañas políticas locales y le interesan los temas del medio ambiente. En 2020, se involucró en favor de la campaña Biden-Harris. “Yo sé que no voy a poder volver a Venezuela en mucho tiempo”, dice. “Pero no por eso dejo de ayudar en lo que se pueda. Sin embargo, creo que uno se involucra donde uno está” Su prioridad inmediata, además de iniciar la universidad, es abogar por una reforma migratoria pero su futuro, dice, está en el servicio público. “Yo quiero ocupar un puesto de servicio público en el que los latinos no hayan llegado todavía”, explica. “Necesitamos más diversidad, más mujeres, más color en esas salas de reunión y tomando decisiones para nuestra propia generación. Gente joven, con una nueva perspectiva”.

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

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EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

WHAT’S IN THE CALIFORNIA PAID SICK LEAVE DEAL FOR WORKERS AND BUSINESSES?

¿QUÉ HAY EN EL ACUERDO DE LICENCIA POR ENFERMEDAD PAGADA DE CALIFORNIA PARA TRABAJADORES Y EMPRESAS?

ENGLISH

Sameea Kamal CalMatters

alifornia workers will soon again have access to as much as two weeks paid time off for COVID-related sick leave, under a deal announced today by the governor and legislative leaders. The agreement comes amid the continued omicron surge and the resulting labor shortage across the state’s workforce, including health care, schools and public transit. And it may be just in time: The number of Californians who were not working in the last month because they or a family member had COVID-19 increased by 320%, according to a California Budget and Policy Center analysis of census data. California workers have been without extra paid time off for COVID – on top of just three days of regular paid sick leave – since a statewide program ended Sept. 30. But the pandemic has peaked again since then. And labor groups and advocates have been lobbying for months to restore it. Under the deal negotiated by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, the new leave program will be retroactive to Jan. 1 and extend through Sept. 30. In his budget proposal on Jan. 10, Newsom said he wanted the leave reinstated, though details were unclear. With the agreement, the Legislature will act on Newsom’s emergency budget request for COVID-related programs, well before the regular budget is approved in June. One of the key negotiating points was to offset the costs to businesses, especially smaller ones. As with the previous leave, the new leave only covers employers with 26 or more workers, and the state will provide tax credits to companies. “California’s ability to take early budget action will protect workers and provide real relief to businesses reeling from this latest surge,” the joint announcement said. “By extending sick leave to frontline workers with COVID and providing support for California businesses, we can help protect the health of our workforce, while also ensuring that businesses and our economy are able to thrive.” Here’s what we know about the deal so far: Who can use the leave? Any full-time employee of a company that has 26 or more workers is entitled to 40 hours of paid leave due to COVID. That doesn’t cover getting the vaccine or recovering from side effects: in that instance, a worker gets 24 hours. But to get an additional 40 hours of paid leave, workers would have to show proof that they or a family member has tested positive. This provision is apparently to address concerns from the California Chamber about possible fraud by employees. Employers must pay for and provide the test. If a worker refuses to take a test or show a positive test result, no additional sick leave will be granted.

Under current health guidelines, anyone who tests positive should quarantine for five days, regardless of vaccination status. While the number of daily cases has dipped to an average of 95,000, that’s still significantly more than during the delta variant surge last year.

What do businesses get? Last year, they were reimbursed for the supplemental paid leave with a federal tax credit, which is no longer available. This time, businesses will have to absorb the costs, but they will be helped by restoring tax credits for research and development and net operating losses, through tax relief for recipients of federal relief grants for restaurants and shuttered venues and additional funding for more small business grants. Cal Chamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera said any new sick leave mandate should be limited in duration, have “reasonable parameters” and shouldn’t overly burden businesses. “Employers are committed to the safety of their employees and the workplace and are well aware of the broad public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Barrera said in a statement. “But elected leaders must ensure a balanced policy so that private sector employers, who are also struggling to remain afloat during these surges and the broader pandemic, are not unfairly shouldering the cost of COVID-19.” What do labor groups say? Unions representing workers in industries including healthcare and food service applauded the deal.

ESPAÑOL

Sameea Kamal CalMatters

os trabajadores de California pronto volverán a tener acceso a hasta dos semanas de licencia por enfermedad relacionada con el COVID, según un acuerdo anunciado hoy por el gobernador y los líderes legislativos.

The leave will be retroactive to any time off starting Jan. 1. But making only employees at larger businesses eligible leaves out three in 10 workers, the budget center says. Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders agree to restore California paid sick leave for COVID-19. Photo Credit: Kampus Production / Pexels

“We know we can’t wait for employers to keep us safe – we have to advocate for ourselves, and Governor Newsom and legislators listened,” said Bob Schoonover, president of SEIU California. “SEIU members feel proud to have been a part of this critical decision that protects our communities – working people and people of color, who have been at the frontlines as we battle this virus.” The United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council said that workers can stay home without the fear of losing two weeks of pay, or their job. “Paid sick leave is an essential part of public health and we urge Governor Newsom and our legislative champions to act immediately to sign a bill into law ensuring workers can access this basic benefit working people need to stay safe and healthy.” Labor unions are key supporters of Democratic officials, and their volunteers and money will be at a premium for legislators and the governor in this year’s elections. Last year, SEIU contributed $6.6 million to help Newsom defeat the recall effort.

El acuerdo se produce en medio del aumento continuo de omicron y la escasez de mano de obra resultante en la fuerza laboral del estado , incluida la atención médica, las escuelas y el transporte público. Y puede ser justo a tiempo: la cantidad de californianos que no trabajaron en el último mes porque ellos o un miembro de su familia tenían COVID-19 aumentado en un 320%, según un análisis de datos del censo del Centro de Políticas y Presupuesto de California. Los trabajadores de California no han tenido tiempo libre pagado adicional por COVID, además de solo tres días de licencia por enfermedad paga regular, desde que finalizó un programa estatal el 30 de septiembre. Pero la pandemia ha vuelto a alcanzar su punto máximo desde entonces. Y los grupos laborales y los defensores han estado presionando durante meses para restaurarlo. Según el acuerdo negociado por el gobernador Gavin Newsom, el presidente interino del Senado, Toni Atkins, y el presidente de la Asamblea, Anthony Rendon, el nuevo programa de licencia será retroactivo al 1 de enero y se extenderá hasta el 30 de septiembre. En su propuesta de presupuesto del 10 de enero, Newsom dijo que quería restaurar la licencia, aunque los detalles no estaban claros. Con el acuerdo, la Legislatura actuará sobre la solicitud de presupuesto de emergencia de Newsom para programas relacionados con COVID, mucho antes de que se apruebe el presupuesto regular en junio.

Uno de los puntos clave de negociación fue compensar los costos para las empresas, especialmente las más pequeñas. Al igual que con la licencia anterior, la nueva licencia solo cubre a los empleados con 26 o más trabajadores, y el estado otorgará créditos fiscales a las empresas.

del estado de vacunación. Si bien la cantidad de casos diarios se ha reducido a un promedio de 95,000 , eso sigue siendo significativamente más que durante el aumento de la variante delta el año pasado.

“La capacidad de California para tomar medidas presupuestales tempranas protegerá a los trabajadores y brindará un alivio real a las empresas que se tambalean por este último aumento”, dijo el anuncio conjunto. “Al extender la licencia por enfermedad a los trabajadores de primera línea con COVID y brindar apoyo a las empresas de California, podemos ayudar a proteger la salud de nuestra fuerza laboral, al mismo tiempo que garantizamos que las empresas y nuestra economía puedan prosperar”.

¿Qué obtuvieron las empresas?

Esto es lo que sabemos sobre el acuerdo hasta ahora: ¿Quién puede hacer uso de la licencia? Cualquier empleado a tiempo completo de una empresa que tenga 26 o más trabajadores tiene derecho a 40 horas de permiso retribuido debido al COVID. Eso no cubre recibir la vacuna o recuperarse de los efectos secundarios: en ese caso, un trabajador tiene 24 horas. Pero para obtener 40 horas adicionales de licencia paga, los trabajadores tendrán que mostrar pruebas de que ellos o un miembro de su familia dieron positivo. Aparentemente, esta disposición es para abordar las preocupaciones de la Cámara de California sobre un posible fraude por parte de los empleados. Los empresarios deben pagar y proporcionar la prueba. Si un trabajador se niega a hacerse una prueba o muestra un resultado positivo, no se le otorgará ninguna licencia por enfermedad adicional. Según las pautas de salud actuales, cualquier persona que dé positivo debe ponerse en cuarentena durante cinco días, independientemente

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La licencia será retroactiva a cualquier tiempo libre a partir del 1 de enero. El año pasado, se les reembolsó la licencia paga suplementaria con un crédito fiscal federal, que ya no está disponible. Esta vez, las empresas tendrán que absorber los costos, pero se les ayudará mediante la restauración de créditos fiscales para investigación y desarrollo y pérdidas operativas netas, a través de desgravaciones fiscales para los beneficiarios de subvenciones de ayuda federal para restaurantes y lugares cerrados y financiación adicional para más pequeñas empresas. La presidenta y directora ejecutiva de Cal Chamber, Jennifer Barrera, dijo que cualquier nuevo mandato de licencia por enfermedad debe tener una duración limitada, tener “parámetros razonables” y no debe ser una carga excesiva para las empresas. “Los usuarios están comprometidos con la seguridad de sus empleados y el lugar de trabajo y son muy conscientes de las amplias consecuencias para la salud pública de la pandemia de COVID-19”, dijo Barrera en un comunicado. “Pero los líderes electos deben garantizar una política equilibrada para que los empleadores del sector privado, que también luchan por mantener una flota durante estos aumentos repentinos y la pandemia más amplia, no asuman injustamente el costo de la COVID-19”. ¿Qué dicen los grupos laborales? Los sindicatos que representan a los trabajadores en industrias que incluyen servicios de salud y alimentos aplaudieron el acuerdo. “Sabemos que no podemos esperar a que los patrones nos mantengan a salvo; tenemos que defendernos, y el gobernador Newsom y los legisladores escucharon”, dijo Bob Schoonover, presidente de SEIU California. “Los miembros de SEIU se sintieron orgullosos de haber sido parte de esta decisión crítica que protege a nuestras comunidades: trabajadores y personas de color, que han estado en primera línea mientras luchamos contra este virus”. El Consejo de los Estados del Oeste de Trabajadores Comerciales y de Alimentos Unidos dijo que los trabajadores pueden quedarse en casa sin temor a perder dos semanas de salario o su trabajo. “La licencia por enfermedad pagada es una parte esencial de la salud pública e instamos al gobernador Newsom ya nuestros campeones legislativos a actuar de inmediato para promulgar un proyecto de ley que garantice que los trabajadores puedan acceder a este beneficio básico que los trabajadores necesitan para estabilizarse seguros y salud”. Los sindicatos son clave de los funcionarios demócratas, y sus voluntarios y dinero serán muy valiosos para los legisladores y el gobernador en las elecciones de este año. El año pasado, SEIU contribuyó con $6.6 millones para ayudar a Newsom a derrotar el esfuerzo de destitución. Este artículo fue publicado originalmente por CalMatters.

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AVISO A CONTRATISTAS POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la Ciudad de San José ("Ciudad") busca propuestas de licitación selladas de acuerdo con lo siguiente. Nombre del proyecto: 9629 - ESUHSD Oak Grove Community Wi-Fi Infrastructure CDBG ("Proyecto") Descripción del trabajo: El proyecto generalmente implica proporcionar WiFi al área de asistencia de la Escuela Preparatoria Oak Grove y comunidades aledañas a través de la instalación de puntos de acceso y de radios inalámbricos y wifi en aproximadamente 242 postes de alumbrado público de la Ciudad. El Proyecto será financiado por fondos del ESUHSD... Estimación del ingeniero: $1,540,800.00 PRESENTACIÓN DE LICITACIONES Todas las propuestas deben presentarse ante el Director de Obras Públicas, Ciudad de San José, City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., 5th Fl., San José, CA 95113-1905, a las o antes de las 3:00 p.m. del jueves, 17 de febrero de 2022. Un representante del Director de Obras Públicas abrirá públicamente y declarará la licitación agregada de cada licitador, utilizando la plataforma de reunión virtual Zoom, poco después de la fecha límite de presentación. Los interesados pueden acceder a la apertura de la licitación virtual visitando https://www.sanjoseca.gov/CIPBids. OBTENCIÓN DE DOCUMENTOS DE ADQUISICIÓN La Ciudad está utilizando Biddingo, un sitio web de solicitud de licitaciones en línea, para facilitar esta adquisición. Los licitadores deben registrarse en Biddingo para participar en esta contratación. No hay ningún costo asociado con el registro. Para registrarse, los licitadores deben ir en línea a https://www. biddingo.com/sanjose. Esta adquisición se registra con el número de licitación y el nombre de la licitación anteriores y tiene las siguientes clasificaciones de códigos de productos: 100305 - Construcción - Otros 025000 - Servicios Eléctricos 100903 - Servicios de Ingeniería- Electricidad 100906 - Servicios de ingeniería - Otros 077505 - Farolas de calle y accesorios Todos los documentos e información relacionados con esta adquisición, incluidos los planes y especificaciones del proyecto, se encuentran en el sitio web de Biddingo bajo el número de licitación y el nombre de la licitación anteriores. Una vez registrados, los licitadores pueden ver y descargar información sobre esta adquisición, incluidos los documentos de licitación y contrato, así como presentar preguntas relacionadas con los documentos de licitación y contrato. Una vez que un licitador ve o descarga los documentos para esta licitación, el licitador se convierte en un "tomador de documentos". Biddingo enviará una notificación a los "tomadores de documentos" cada vez que la Ciudad publique un anexo, responda a una pregunta y/o proporcione nueva información relacionada con esta adquisición. Cada licitador es responsable de seleccionar las opciones de notificación apropiadas relacionadas con su cuenta de Biddingo. Tras la revisión por parte de la Ciudad, las propuestas se subirán a Biddingo. RESPONSABILIDAD DEL LICITADOR DE COMPROBAR SI HAY ACTUALIZACIONES Los licitadores deben verificar periódicamente Biddingo para asegurarse de que el licitador tenga la información más reciente sobre esta adquisición. SOLICITUDES DE INFORMACIÓN Los licitadores deben presentar preguntas o solicitudes de información sobre cualquier parte de esta licitación por escrito a la Ciudad por medio de Biddingo. La Ciudad no responderá a ninguna comunicación o pregunta enviada directamente al Personal de la ciudad o consultores de la Ciudad. Envíe preguntas a través de Biddingo a más tardar el jueves, 10 de febrero de 2022 a las 3:00 p.m. Se espera que todos los licitadores hayan leído y entendido la "Integridad del Proceso de Adquisiciones y Contratos y Conflicto de Intereses", Sección 7 de las Disposiciones Consolidadas de Gobierno Abierto y Ética adoptadas el 26 de agosto de 2014, una copia completa de la cual se puede encontrar en https://www.sanjoseca. gov/home/showdocument?id=19565. Cualquier licitador que infrinja esta política estará sujeto a descalificación. Los motivos para la descalificación incluyen el contacto con respecto a esta adquisición con cualquier funcionario o empleado de la Ciudad o miembro del equipo de evaluación que no sea el Contacto de Adquisiciones o el Oficial de Compras desde el momento de la emisión de esta solicitud hasta el final del período de protesta. CONFIANZA EN LA INFORMACIÓN Los licitadores sólo pueden confiar en la información obtenida a través de Biddingo. Los licitadores no pueden confiar en ninguna otra declaración escrita u oral de la Ciudad o sus funcionarios, directores, empleados o agentes con respecto a esta adquisición. En el caso de que un licitador obtenga información sobre esta adquisición a través de cualquier medio que no sea Biddingo, la Ciudad no será responsable de la integridad, exactitud o puntualidad de la propuesta de licitación final. SEGURIDAD DE LA LICITACIÓN Cada licitación debe ir acompañada de efectivo, un cheque certificado, un cheque de caja o un bono del licitador por la suma de no menos del 10% del monto total agregado de la licitación. Los cheques se harán pagaderos a la orden de la Ciudad de San José. Las fianzas serán ejecutadas por una fianza que posea un certificado de autoridad válido emitido por el Departamento de Seguros de California y nombrará a la Ciudad de San José como beneficiario. Todas las licitaciones deben dirigirse al Director de Obras Públicas,

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Ciudad de San José, deberán llevar el Número y Nombre del Proyecto y estar en un sobre sellado. DEPÓSITO DE VALORES EN LUGAR DE RETENCIÓN De conformidad con los términos y condiciones establecidos en la Sección 22300 del Código de Contratos Públicos, el contratista puede sustituir ciertos valores por cualquier dinero retenido por la Ciudad como retención para garantizar el cumplimiento del contratista en virtud del contrato. Dicha sustitución de valores en lugar de la retención será a petición del contratista y a expensas exclusivas del contratista. Los valores serán por un importe equivalente a la retención que deba liberarse. PROYECTO FEDERAL Se advierte a los licitadores que la Ciudad buscará un reembolso federal por los gastos elegibles del Proyecto, incluidos los incurridos en virtud de este Contrato. Como tal, se requerirá que el Contratista cumpla con todos los requisitos federales según lo establecido en el Anexo 7, Disposiciones Federales. Los licitadores deben leer estos requisitos detenidamente antes de presentar una licitación para el Proyecto, en particular los requisitos aplicables durante el período de licitación para alentar a las pequeñas empresas, las de minorías y las de mujeres. Además, los Licitadores deberán firmar y presentar el Anexo 8, la certificación contra cabildeo, como parte de sus respectivas propuestas de licitación. SALARIOS PREVALECIENTES Y REQUISITOS LABORALES RELACIONADOS Este proyecto está financiado con fondos federales. Se requerirá que el contratista cumpla con los requisitos federales de salarios, horas y mano de obra prevalecientes aplicables, incluidos los establecidos en la Ley Davis-Bacon, la Ley de Horas de Trabajo por Contrato y Normas de Seguridad, y todas las leyes relacionadas (colectivamente "Requisitos Federales de Trabajo, Salario y Horas"). Este proyecto también es una "obra pública" como se define en las Secciones 1720 a 1720.6 del Código Laboral de California. Se requerirá que el contratista cumpla con los requisitos prevalecientes de salarios, horas y mano de obra establecidos en las Secciones 1720 a 1861 del Código Laboral de California (colectivamente "Requisitos Estatales de Salarios, Horas y Trabajo") en la medida en que dichos requisitos no entren en conflicto con los Requisitos Federales de Salarios, Horas y Trabajo y en la medida en que los requisitos Federales de Salarios, Horas y Trabajo no sean aplicables de otra manera. De acuerdo con los Requisitos Federales de Trabajo, Salarios y Horas aplicables, el contratista deberá pagar no menos que la tasa local prevaleciente de los salarios por día y las tarifas locales prevalecientes para el trabajo de feriados y horas extras, según lo determine el Departamento Federal de Trabajo. No obstante lo anterior, si los requisitos salariales prevalecientes federales y estatales contienen la misma clasificación de trabajo, entonces el contratista deberá pagar no menos que la mayor de las dos (2) tasas locales aplicables de salarios por día y las tasas salariales locales prevalecientes para el trabajo de feriados y horas extras. Copias de la tasa prevaleciente de salarios por día y las tasas salariales generales prevalecientes para el trabajo de feriados y horas extras vigentes para este proyecto están archivadas y disponibles para su revisión en la Oficina de Garantía de Igualdad de la Ciudad al 408-535-8430. Véanse las secciones 2-1.17 y 7-1.01a(3) de las Disposiciones Especiales, y el texto del contrato, para la Requisitos federales y estatales de salarios, horas y mano de obra aplicables a este contrato. REQUISITOS DE LICENCIA DEL CONTRATISTA Se advierte a todos los posibles licitadores que la Ley de Licencias Estatales de Contratistas regula los asuntos de licencias de contratistas. El Contratista, en su propuesta de licitación, deberá revelar su tipo de licencia, número y fecha de vencimiento. Los licitadores deben tener una licencia de contratista de California, clasificación C-10 para licitar este proyecto. REQUISITOS DE REGISTRO DE DIR DEL CONTRATISTA El contratista y todos los subcontratistas enumerados deben estar registrados en el Departamento de Relaciones Industriales de acuerdo con las Secciones 1725.5 y 1771.1 del Código Laboral de California. La Ciudad no aceptará una licitación en la que el contratista o cualquiera de los subcontratistas enumerados no estén registrados de acuerdo con las Secciones. 1725.5 y 1771.1. Véase la Sección 2-1.17 de las Disposiciones Especiales para los requisitos de "registro" aplicables al contrato. TRATAMIENTO NO DISCRIMINATORIO/NO PREFERENCIAL Los requisitos de Tratamiento No Discriminación/No Preferencial del Capítulo 4.08 del Código Municipal de San José se aplica a este proyecto. REQUISITOS DE FIANZA La atención del licitador se dirige a aquellas disposiciones de las Especificaciones que requieren que el contratista a quien se adjudica el contrato para la obra, presente ante el Secretario de la Ciudad en el momento en que se ejecuta el contrato, una Fianza de Pago del Contratista y una Fianza por Desempeño Fiel que cumpla con todos los requisitos de las Especificaciones y aprobada por el Fiscal de la Ciudad de la Ciudad de San José. Las fianzas serán ejecutadas por una fianza que posea un certificado de autoridad válido emitido por el Departamento de Seguros de California y nombrará a la Ciudad de San José como beneficiario. La Fianza de Cumplimiento Fiel del Contratista será para 100% del importe del contrato. La Fianza de Pago del Contratista será por el 100% del monto del contrato. 1/28/22 CNS-3548291# EL OBSERVADOR

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

Sr. Manager, Digital Marketing Analytics (Ariat International, Inc.; Union City, CA): Build and lead a world class digital analytics team. Lead and develop strategy for reporting, testing, analyzing, and forecasting all digital marketing channels. Applicants should mail resumes to Ariat International, Inc., Attn: HR, 3242 Whipple Rd., Union City, CA 94587. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681962 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MaryNailSpa, 231 Dixon Landing Rd Apt 313, Milpitas, CA 95035, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Marilyn Cuellar Fernandez, 231 Dixon Landing Rd Apt 313, Milpitas, CA 95035. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/24/2022. 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/ Marilyn Cuellar Fernandez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/25/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681962 January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681857 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CADENA’S CLEAN SERVICE, 211 S King Road, 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): Viky Jamileth Santos, 211 South King Road, San Jose, CA 95116. The registrant began transacting business

under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/21/2022. 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/ Viky Jamileth Santos This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/21/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681857 January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681038 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Justeas, 2695 Moorpark Ave Ste. #105, San Jose, CA 95128, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Nalleli Somoza, 2695 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95128. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/08/2021. 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/ Nalleli Somoza This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 12/14/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 681038

January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681863 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BAJA FISH TACOS and MORE, 99 Almaden Blvd Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95113, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Juan Carlos Lopez Barraza, 921 Cannery Row, Hollister, CA 95023. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/21/2022. 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/ Juan Carlos Lopez Barraza This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/21/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681863 January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681957 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Amber Homes, 201 Silvia Court, Los Altos, CA 94024, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Limited Liability Company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Amber Homes LLC, 201 Silvia Court, Los Altos, CA 94024.

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022 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/ Daniel Weisfield, Member Amber Homes LLC Article/Reg#: 200211510059 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/24/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681957 January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681898 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: TACOS LA ESMERALDA, 326 Commercial Street, 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): Janet Juarez, 256 E. Younger Ave, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 09/07/2021. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN678794. “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/ Janet Juarez This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/24/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 681898

January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681820 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BONIITA BEAUTY FULL SALON, 5328 Monterey Rd Suite A, San Jose, CA 95111, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Limited Liability Company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): BONIITA BEAUTY FULL SALON LLC, 5328 Monterey Hwy, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/20/2022. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN679161. “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/ Alma Stottleyer BONIITA BEAUTY FULL SALON LLC Managing Member Article/Reg#: 202201110538 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/20/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681820 January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681772 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALFARO FIRE PROTECTION, 736 La Paloma Way, Gilroy, CA 95020, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Jose F. Rodriguez

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Alfaro, 736 La Paloma Way, Gilroy, CA 95020. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/18/2022. 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/ Jose F. Rodriguez Alfaro This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/18/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681772 January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681505 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ADRIAN’S LOCK AND SAFE, 1522 Willowmont Ave, 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): Adrian Martin Feria Islas, 1522 Willowmont Ave, San Jose, CA 95118. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/04/2022. 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/ Adrian Martin Feria Islas This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/04/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 681505 January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS

BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681858 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MAY 11, LLC, 201 S Fourth Street, Apt #401, San Jose, CA 95112, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Limited Liability Company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): MAY 11, LLC, 201 S Fourth Street, Apt #401, San Jose, CA 95112. 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 #: FBN680236. “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/ Adriana Espana Recio MAY 11, LLC CEO Article/Reg#: 202129910503 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/21/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 681858 January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME The following person(s) has / have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): Freddyz Hauling & Moving, 25 North 14 Street Ste. 505, San Jose CA, 95112. Filed in Santa Clara County on 03/16/17 under file no. FBN627656. Freddy Herrera, 1450 Mount Shasta Dr, San Jose CA, 95127. 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/ Freddy Herrera This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk Recorder of Santa Clara County on 1/19/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681798 January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV393041 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Elizabeth Riley Farel. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Elizabeth Riley Farel has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Elizabeth Riley Farel to Libby Farel Friedman 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: 04/19/2022 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.

JOBS / CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

Part Time $20.00-$25.00 per hour. Combined Job Duties Light Duties. South San Jose location. Duties Clerical, preparing mailers, stuffing envelopes, computer input, possible phone call calls. All simple stress free stuff. We are looking to being flexible to work with the right person to help us with our real estate business and assist in moms needs. Other duties include helping my 87 year old mom 105 lbs. with bathing and cleaning, providing a meal or so running to the store. She is very independent and only needs minimal assistance. Your help is mostly for security in the event we step out. Hours are flexible on our part as well as yours. Our focus is to get the small tasks done for mom and our business low stress easy to do business needs. We have other opportunities in our business if you are ambitious. Please call Dan at 408-401-3557 or send a text. Jan 07, 2021 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681586 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: X-TREME CLEANING SERVICES, 49 Sunol Street, San Jose, CA 95126, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Katia Rebeca Aguirre, 49 Sunol Street, San Jose, CA 95126. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/07/2016. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN613038. “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/ Katia Rebeca Aguirre This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/07/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681586 January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2022 FICTITIOUS

BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681585 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Villegas Roofing, 255 Kenbrook Circle, San Jose, CA 95111, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Married Couple. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Saul Villegas Moreno, 255 Kenbrook Circle, San Jose, CA 95111. Noelia Calderon Chavez, 255 Kenbrook Circle, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/20/2021. 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/ Saul Villegas Moreno This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/07/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681585 January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681074 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PIZZA PRESIDENTE, 475 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116, Santa Clara

County. This business is owned by a Married Couple. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Oscar Andres Meza, 475 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116. Marlene Delgadillo Tejeda, 475 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/13/2021. 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/ Marlene Delgadillo Tejeda This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 12/15/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681074 January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681223 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: F&R LAW GROUP, 1042 W Hedding Street, Suite 260, San Jose, CA 95126, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Danella E Rugile, 1042 W Hedding Street, Suite 260, San Jose, CA

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

95126. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/23/2020. 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/ Danella E Rugile This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 12/20/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Sandy Chanthasy, Deputy File No. FBN 681223 January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681789 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Fruteria Ortiz, 1164 Mclaughlin Ave Suite B, San Jose, CA 95122, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Married Couple. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Ana Laura Ortiz Gutierrez, 4024 Mchenry Ave #20, Modesto, CA 95356. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/19/2022. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN668962. “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/ Ana Laura Ortiz Gutierrez This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/19/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681789 January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681670 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Evolution Wood Finishing, 1261 Alma Ct, 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): Edgar Gomez, 1501 Almaden Exprwy Apt 1107, San Jose, CA 95125. 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/ Edgar Gomez This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/12/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 681670 January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681336 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FOCUS, 302 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): FOCUS YOUR FINANCE, INC, 302 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/27/2021. 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/ Jaya Dahal FOCUS YOUR FINANCE, INC CEO

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Article/Reg#: C3955315 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 12/27/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 681336 January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681486 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LIFE SIMPLIFIED, 855 El Camino Real, Suite 13A #248, Palo Alto, CA 94301, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Limited Liability Company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): LCYH Investment LLC., 855 El Camino Real, Suite 13A #248, Palo Alto, CA 94301. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on N/A. This filing is a refiling (No changes in facts from previous filing). Previous file# FB679173. “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 C. Young Hallenbeck LCYH Investments LLC Manager Article/Reg#: 202113710849 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/04/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681486 January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR

CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV392160 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Marissa Lovio McKnight. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Marissa Lovio McKnight has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Marissa Lovio McKnight to Marissa McKnight Lovio 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: 03/22/2022 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 17, 2021 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681232 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LA PATRONA CMX, 2670 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051, Santa Clara County. This busi-

ness is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Kevin Aldana, 6255 Dunnville Way, Hollister, CA 95023. 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/ Kevin Aldana This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 12/21/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 681232 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681604 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: STRATEGIC CRYPTO, 1220 Tasman Dr Spc 404, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): James Edward Martinez, 1220 Tasman Dr Spc 404, Sunnyvale, CA 94089. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/27/2021. 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/ James E Martinez This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 1/10/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 681604 January 14, 21, 28,

February 4, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681585 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Villegas Roofing, 255 Kenbrook Circle, San Jose, CA 95111, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Married Couple. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Saul Villegas Moreno, 255 Kenbrook Circle, San Jose, CA 95111 and Noelia Calderon Chavez, 255 Kenbrook Circle, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/20/2021. 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/ Saul Villegas Moreno This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/07/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681585 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681680 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SMOG CHECK ALL DAY & NIGHT, 18 N King Road, 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): Henry Be’Shawn Branner, 18 N. King Road, San Jose, CA 95116. 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 #: FBN624835. “I declare that all information in this

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022 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/ Henry Be’Shawn Branner This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/12/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 681680 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681524 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: El GRULLENSE MF, 1175 E Julian St Ste 5, San Jose, CA 95116, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a General Partnership. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Marcelino Villegas Rodriguez, 2687 Lone Bluff Way, San Jose, CA 95111 and Faviola ChavezValle, 2687 Lone Bluff Way, 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/ Marcelino Villegas Rodriguez This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/05/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 681524 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681586 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: X-TREME CLEANING SERVICES, 49

Sunol Street, San Jose, CA 95126, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Katia Rebeca Aguirre, 49 Sunol Street, San Jose, CA 95126. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/07/2016. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN613038. “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/ Katia Rebeca Aguirre This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/07/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681586 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681074 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PIZZA PRESIDENTE, 475 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Married Couple. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Oscar Andres Meza, 475 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116. Marlene Delgadillo Tejeda, 475 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/13/2021. 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/ Marlene Delgadillo Tejeda This statement was

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022 filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 12/15/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681074 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV391897 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Anzhela Sukhetskaya/ Vitali Razhkou. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Anzhela Sukhetskaya/ Vitali Razhkou have filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Anzhela Sukhetskaya to Angela Powell b. Vitali Razhkou to Vitali Powell 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: 03/15/2022 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 07, 2021 Julie A. Emede

Judge of the Superior Court January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 22CV393035 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Carla Christine Mancebo. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Carla Christine Mancebo has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Carla Christine Mancebo to Carla Christina Illingworth 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: 04/19/2022 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 06, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com CHANGE OF NAME NO. 22CV393033 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Wendy A Hernandez & Abraham Ponce. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Wendy A Hernandez & Abraham Ponce have filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Bella Mia Ponce to Bella Mia Ponce 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: 04/19/2022 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 06, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV391462 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Karina Aragón-Sanchez. TO ALL INTERESTED PER-

SONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Karina Aragón Sanchez has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Karina Aragón aka Karina Aragón-Sanchez to Karina Sanchez 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: 03/08/2022 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 07, 2021 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV386467 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: THI THAO LY TRAN and QUOC HUNG HA. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) THI THAO LY TRAN and QUOC HUNG HA have filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.

Mai Phuong Ha to Kiara Ha 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: 12/07/2021 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. July 27, 2021 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 22CV393004 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: NGOC MINH TRAN DOAN. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) NGOC MINH TRAN DOAN has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. NGOC MINH TRAN DOAN to CHLOE DOAN 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: 04/12/2022 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 05, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV390165 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Maria Guadalupe Martinez. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Maria Guadalupe Martinez has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Maria Guadalupe Martinez to Maria Guadalupe Ibarra 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

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 02/15/2022 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 09, 2021 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 22CV393189 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Wendy Elena Jones. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Wendy Elena Jones has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Wendy Elena Jones to Elena Echeverria 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 HEAR-

ING: Date: 04/19/2022 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 12, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of JESSIE DE LA TORRE Case No. 21PR191461 1.To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Jessie De La Torre. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Jose Sarmiento in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3.The Petition for Probate requests that Jose Sarmiento 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 18, 2022, at 9:01am, Dept. 13, located at 191 North First Street,

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

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: Jennifer E. Ramirez, Esq. 2021 The Alameda, Suite 225 San Jose, CA 95126 (408)713-5444 January 21, 28, February 4, 2022 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of Daniel Hernandez Novoa Case No. 21PR191324 1.To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Daniel Hernandez Novoa. 2. A Petition

for Probate has been filed by Sabrina Marina Novoa in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3.The Petition for Probate requests that Sabrina Marina Novoa 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. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: January 28, 2022, at 9:01am, Dept. 13, 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

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com from the court clerk.    10. Attorney for Petitioner: Jennifer E. Ramirez 2021 The Alameda, Suite 225 San Jose, CA 95126 (408)713-5444 Rune Date: January 14, 21 and 28, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681504 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SYMROP, 101 S Santa Cruz Ave #1085, Los Gatos, CA 95032, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Married Couple. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Satoshi Kataoka, 134 Lester Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Marino Kataoka, 134 Lester Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/01/2017. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN629060. “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/ Satoshi Kataoka This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/04/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 681504 January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681448 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BAO XIAOYAN FENCING CLUB, 1135 Sonora Ct, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an Individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Xiaoyan Bao, 1135 So-

nora Ct, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/01/2022. 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/ Xiaoyan Bao This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 01/03/2022. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681448 January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681353 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JB CLEANING & MAINTENANCE INC, 1159 Utopia Pl, San Jose, CA 95127, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): JB CLEANING & MAINTENANCE INC, 1159 Utopia Pl, San Jose, CA 95127. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/28/2021. 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/ JB CLEANING & MAINTENANCE INC JB CLEANING & MAINTENANCE INC CEO Article/Reg#: C4742417 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 12/28/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681353

January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681395 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Jesus Torres Gardening, 1635 Foley Ave, 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): Jesus Torres, 1635 Foley Ave, San Jose, CA 95122. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/29/2021. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN611276. “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/ Jesus Torres This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 12/29/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 681395 January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 681356 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PAVILION INN, 1280 N 4th Street, San Jose, CA 95115, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a Limited Liability Company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): BAY AREA LODGING LLC, 525 Crespi Drive, Pacifica, CA 94044. 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 #: FBN626491. “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/ Anish Khimani BAY AREA LODGING LLC Managing Member Article/Reg#: 202036310387 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 12/28/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681356 January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME The following person(s) has / have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): Kevin’s Tailoring, 3543 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara CA, 95051. Filed in Santa Clara County on 08/04/21 under file no. FBN677631. Lai Nguyen, 462 Shendan Pl, San Jose CA, 95111. 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/ Lai Nguyen This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk Recorder of Santa Clara County on 12/20/2021. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 681228 January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 20CV370410 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Chrispin Ray Archey. TO ALL IN-

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022 TERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Chrispin Ray Archey has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Chrispin Ray Archey to Chrispin Ray Archey-Silveira 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: 02/22/2022 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 05, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV392721 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Stephanie Noelle Sandra SAWANTGOUBERT, Ravindra Ramesh SAWANT. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Stephanie Noelle Sandra SAWANTGOUBERT, Ravindra Ramesh SAWANT have filed a petition for

Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Samarth Samuel Camille SAWANTGOUBERT to Samuel Samarth SAWANTGOUBERT 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: 04/05/2022 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 27, 2021 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV391150 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Esther Lynn Sanchez. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Esther Lynn Sanchez has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Esther Lynn Sanchez to Esther Lynn Walde 2. THE COURT OR-

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022 DERS 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: 03/01/2022 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 02, 2021 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 22CV392999 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Kevin Antonio Rodriguez and Van Buu Khau. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Kevin Antonio Rodriguez and Van Buu Khau have filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Logan James Rodriguez to Logan James Khau Rodriguez 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: 03/29/2022 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 05, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 22CV392942 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Yukako Hulse-Inoue. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(sYukako Hulse-Inoue has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Yukako Hulse-Inoue to Mimi Diane-Yukako Hulse 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

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com 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: 04/12/2022 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 04, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 22CV392954 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Kwangyoung Lee and Suyoung Ku. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Kwangyoung Lee and Suyoung Ku have filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Taeeun Lee to Jamie Taeeun Lee b. Taehun Lee to Leo Taehun Lee 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: 04/12/2022 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 04, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV387111 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Matthew Ulysses Tovar. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Matthew Ulysses Tovar has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Matthew Ulysses Tovar to Matthew Ulysses Barrera-Bolanos 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: 02/15/2022 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 04, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 22CV392939 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Yuanlei Zhang. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Yuanlei Zhang has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Hanyao Zhang to Ben Hanyao Zhang 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. Date: 4/12/2022, Time: 8:45pm, Dept: _____, Room: Probate. NOTICE OF HEARING: 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 04, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior

Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 22CV392903 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Greg and Sherrin Nolan. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) s/b Greg Nolan has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Marcus Gregory Nolan-Ward to Marcus Gregory Nolan 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: 04/12/2022 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 04, 2022 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV391410

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Catherine Tapia. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Catherine Tapia has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Cathleen Rosillo AKA Catherine Rosillo AKA Catherine Tapia to Catherine Rosillo 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: 03/08/2022 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 06, 2021 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 21CV392867 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Yun Cheng. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Yun Cheng has filed a petition for Change of Name with

the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Yun Cheng to Winnie Yun Cheng 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: 04/12/2022 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 30, 2021 Julie A. Emede Judge of the Superior Court January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022

VIBRAS

HORÓSCOPO CHINO 2022 AÑO DEL TIGRE

TIGRE

SERPIENTE

(1926 fuego-1938 tierra-1950 metal-1962 agua-1974 madera-1986 fuego-1998 tierra-2010 metal-2022 agua-2034 madera-2046 fuego)

(1917 fuego-1929 tierra-1941metal-1953 agua-1965 madera-1977 fuego-1989 tierra-2001-metal-2013 agua-2025-madera-2037 fuego-2049 tierra)

Es tu año y será muy relevante para tu futuro, todo aquello que no te convenga se irá de tu vida y quizá de una manera abrupta. Durante este periodo se abrirá un nuevo camino para ti, aunque no estés preparado, los cambios serán inminentes. Serás más feliz que antes. CONEJO (1927 fuego-1938 tierra-1951 metal-1963 agua-1975 madera-1987 fuego-1999 tierra-2011 metal-2023 agua-2035 madera-2047 fuego) El que tenga un amor, que lo cuide dice una canción, y eso mismo te ocurrirá en este lapso. Valora lo que tienes porque un error podría causarte un gran pesar. En las finanzas y en el sector salud, vendrán desafíos, aún así siempre saldrás victorioso. DRAGÓN (1928 tierra-1940 metal-1952 agua1964 madera-1976 fuego-1988 tierra-2000 metal-2012 agua-2024 madera-2036 fuego-2048 tierra) La vida hará llegar a tu camino una gran bendición. Éste será un ciclo lunar en el que muchas buenas oportunidades han de presentarse para ti. Lograrás destacar y descubrirás un secreto que te hará vivir mejor, feliz y más saludable. Tu autoestima será gratificada.

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

Siempre te ha llamado la atención lo metafísico y paranormal, es augurio que durante este año, vivirás experiencias espirituales que abrirán tu mente a una nueva realidad. Comenzarás a cuidarte más y sanarás de viejas heridas. El amor te puede sorprender.

Mario Jiménez Castillo El Observador

tu vida. El amor te dará motivos para ser feliz.

dades para que ganes más dinero, la buena fortuna estará al alcance de tus manos en ese sentido. Tendrás que mediar entre familiares que están en conflicto. Si te conviertes en un cordero de paz, tu vida se volverá gratificante.

(1921 metal-1933 agua-1945 madera-1957 fuego-1969 tierra-1981 metal-1993 agua-2005 madera-2017 fuego-2029 tierra-2041 metal)

Moldea tu carácter.

MONO

CABALLO (1918 tierra-1930 metal-1942 agua1954 madera-1966 fuego-1978 tierra-1990 metal-2002 agua-2014 madera-2026 fuego-2038 tierra-2050 metal) La religiosidad tendrá mucha importancia para ti en este lapso, Este ciclo trae consigo muchos cambios no sólo en tu entorno económico sino también en tu forma de ver la vida. Es necesario que aceptes de buena manera los designios universales y navegues con la corriente. Aprenderás a poseer el don de la adaptabilidad OVEJA (1919 tierra-1931 metal-1943 agua1955 madera-1967 fuego-1979 tierra-1991 metal-2003 agua-2015 madera-2027 fuego-2039 tierra-2051 metal) Éste será tu año para triunfar financieramente, habrá muchas oportuni-

¿Préstamo hipotecario? ¿Reﬁnanciación? No busque más, ¡Bank of Hope es la respuesta!

GALLO

Perdonar y dejar en el ayer viejos desencantos será tu mejor opción en este lapso. La vida te tiene reservadas muchas sorpresas. Deja ir todo aquello que no contribuye en nada a tu evolución personal. Los milagros existen y si pides con mucha fe, lo que necesitas que ocurra se materializará. PERRO (1922 agua-1934 madera-1946 fuego-1958 tierra-1970 metal-1982 agua-1994 madera-2006 fuego-2018 tierra-2030 metal-2042 agua)

(1920 metal-1932 agua-1944 madera-1956 fuego-1968 tierra-1980 metal-1992 agua-2004 madera-2016 fuego-2028 tierra-2040 metal) Es muy probable que inicies este año con cierto déficit financiero, pero no te preocupes demasiado porque los augurios son muy prometedores para tu bolsillo. La sensatez se hará presente en todos los sectores de

Los vientos soplarán a tu favor en este año del tigre. Es momento para llevar a cabo tus proyectos, los cuales arribarán a buen puerto. Tendrás más diversión y gozarás de placeres. Hazlo todo con medida. Obtendrás un buen dinero de manera insospechada. CERDO (1923 agua-1935 madera-1947 fuego-1959 tierra-1971 metal-1983 agua-1995 madera-2007 fuego-2019 tierra-2031 metal-2043 agua)

Si durante el ciclo anterior sufriste de altibajos de salud, las noticias para este año lunar son muy alentadoras. Sanarás de cualquier mal que tengas, tu herramienta más importante será tu poder interior y la fuerza de tus deseos. Hay buenos augurios para el amor. RATA (1924 madera-1936 fuego-1948 tierra-1960 metal-1972 agua-1984 madera-1996 fuego-2008 tierra-2020 metal-2032 agua-2044 madera) Durante este año del tigre conocerás a mucha gente, establecerás relaciones sociales y laborales definitivamente benéficas para tu futuro. Todo lo relacionado con relaciones públicas, actividades culturales y negocio estarán iluminados por la buena estrella. Será un tiempo de cosecha. BUEY (1925 madera-1937 fuego-1949 tierra-1961 metal-1973 agua-1985 madera-1997 fuego-2009 tierra-2021 metal-2033 agua-2045 madera) Dejarás atrás problemas, pesares y desilusiones. El nuevo año lunar te inyectará una dosis extra de entusiasmo y de optimismo. No incurras en gastos innecesarios, debes aprender a manejar tus finanzas de una manera más prudente. Habrá ganancias y buena suerte a tu alrededor.

Puede completar un préstamo hipotecario o una refinanciación en tan solo 30 días*. Bank of Hope: los expertos en préstamos hipotecarios Si está pensando en comprar o refinanciar una vivienda, es el momento de reunirse con un especialista en préstamos hipotecarios de Bank of Hope. Préstamos hipotecarios de Bank of Hope: haga que nuestros especialistas en préstamos hipotecarios cierren el suyo en tan solo 30 días. Desde préstamos hipotecarios hasta refinanciación, Bank of Hope está aquí para ayudarlo.

Llame hoy mismo al 855-448-8989 o visite su sucursal más cercana. Cristian Del Valle Escanee el código QR para consultar las tasas de intereses actuales

Vicepresidente, Sr MLO, n.º del NMLS 523029 951 300 7670 cristian.delvalle@bankofhope.com

Home Mortgage

*El plazo de 30 días comienza a partir de la recepción de una solicitud de préstamo firmada con todos los avisos iniciales y termina cuando se cierra el préstamo. Los consumidores deben presentar todos los documentos necesarios dentro del plazo requerido. El cierre del préstamo puede llevar más tiempo, si se requieren documentos para la evaluación o verificación del préstamo. Para obtener una exención de tasación, solo son válidos los préstamos de agencia aprobados por DU (que permiten un máximo de dos solicitantes de préstamos) con los ingresos salariales del W2 de cada solicitante, de una vivienda unifamiliar (SFR) o del Planned Unit Development. Para obtener más detalles, llame al 1-855-448-8989.

JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022

PLANNING A SPRING BREAK? HERE ARE 5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR RESORT

¿ESTÁ PLANIFICANDO UNAS VACACIONES DE PRIMAVERA? ESTOS SON 5 DETALLES QUE DEBE BUSCAR EN SU RESORT

Photo Credit: BPT

ENGLISH

TRAVEL

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

BPT

arm sand between your toes, a cool drink in your hand, the sun setting over the beautiful ocean ... these are the dreams of an ideal spring break. After what feels like years of video calls with friends, it's time to re-connect and take that much-needed tropical vacation where bare feet, hammocks under palm trees and swim-up bars are just what you need to make new memories. With an all-inclusive getaway, planning is minimal so you can focus on enjoying what matters most - your vacation. The best resorts have something for everyone: mom relaxing at the spa, dad having a cocktail poolside, kids playing all day and adventurous friends seeking beachfront activities and entertainment. And while today's all-inclusive resorts deliver elevated experiences and offerings for every age and interest, not all are alike. For example, some all-inclusive resorts offer enhanced food and beverage options such as ceviche and handmade empanadas alfresco served in a seaside lounge, while others may offer mojito and tequila lounges or unforgettable views with customized drinks prepared by expert mixologists. But not all resorts offer this level of service. Before you book your all-inclusive spring break, make sure your resort has the following five items: 1. Look for a variety of cuisine, and then some A vacation means a break from cooking and meal planning, so when looking to book an allinclusive resort, make sure they offer multiple onsite restaurants to remove the hassle of deciding where to eat with your group, while giving a chance to try various cuisines. Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, offers numerous restaurants and dining experiences. For example, you can savor the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine at Maxal, while Auma, the experiential restaurant, prepares meals with ritualistic theater in full view of fire and flame. The resort also features a trattoria serving Mediterranean classics, a Southeast Asian concept, a high-energy all-day lounge, an ice cream and churro shop and a taqueria with a mezcal and tequila bar. 2. Find all the fun in the sun Second to plentiful food and drink at hand, the best thing about an all-inclusive resort is all the activities included in your stay. Be sure to find a resort that offers everything you want. For instance, most Mexican and Caribbean re-

sorts have pools and beaches. But if you need adventure, seek resorts that also include water sports equipment for snorkeling and kayaking. The fun should continue when the sun goes down. Look for resorts offering live music, dazzling shows and dancing. 3. Privacy by the sea Hilton's All-Inclusive Resorts offer a range of breathtaking beachfront resorts in highly coveted locales for families with kids of all ages, and couples. If your spring break vacation is a romantic getaway, you'll want seclusion and serenity. All-inclusive hotels often cater to couples' needs by offering privacy options including adult pools, private swim-out suites and jetted tubs, plus romantic restaurants, world-class spas and casinos. Or, choose an all-inclusive resort with a kids' club, which offer supervised and fun programs for children while giving mom and dad some space to hit the links or enjoy a quiet meal. 4. Education destination via culture The best all-inclusive resorts integrate local culture into food and beverage, activities and hotel design. According to a recent travel trends report travelers are "looking for unique experiences to immerse themselves in, seeking meaningful ways to connect with the different cultures and destinations whilst discovering something new." Learning about and enjoying new cultures stimulates the mind and satisfies the curious soul, without leaving the resort. Great allinclusive resorts integrate the local culture with engaging programs, classes and experiences that will enhance your vacation, such as salsa and merengue lessons, tequila tastings and local crafts. 5. Above and beyond hospitality A final box every traveler should check is a place that spoils you yet feels like home. The right allinclusive resort will have more than beachfront accommodations. Seek world-class spas, personalized concierge, friendly team members and high-end offerings. While looking to experience new places and cultures, you also want the trust and reliability that comes from a wellrespected company. The best brands offer loyalty programs with earned Points to help book that special vacation. Once you have selected your resort, book, pay and go. All you need to do is have fun. The allinclusive resort handles the rest.

ESPAÑOL

BPT

rena tibia entre los dedos de los pies, una bebida fría en la mano, la puesta de sol sobre el hermoso océano ... Estos son los sueños ideales de unas vacaciones primaverales. Después de haber pasado por lo que nos parecen años de videollamadas con nuestros amigos, es hora de volver a conectarse y tomar esas vacaciones tropicales tan necesarias donde los pies descalzos, las hamacas bajo las palmeras y los bares en la piscina son justo lo que necesita para crear nuevos recuerdos. En una escapada con todo incluido, la planificación es mínima para que pueda concentrarse en disfrutar de lo que más importa: sus vacaciones. Los mejores resorts tienen algo para todos: Mamá relajándose en el spa, Papá tomando un cóctel junto a la piscina, los niños jugando todo el día, y amigos aventureros en busca de actividades y entretenimiento playero. Y aunque los actuales resorts todo incluido cuentan con experiencias y ofertas elevadas para todas las edades e intereses, no todos son iguales. Por ejemplo, algunos paquetes ofrecen mayor variedad y calidad de alimentos y bebidas, como ceviche y empanadas hechas a mano servidas al aire libre en un salón junto al mar, mientras que otros tienen salones para disfrutar de mojitos y tequilas, o vistas inolvidables con bebidas personalizadas preparadas por expertos mixólogos. Pero no todos los resorts ofrecen este nivel de servicio. Antes de reservar sus vacaciones de primavera con todo incluido, asegúrese de que su resort tenga los cinco elementos siguientes: 1. Busque una variedad culinaria, y luego algunas más Como las vacaciones equivalen a un descanso de las labores en la cocina y la planificación de comidas, cuando busque reservar un resort en la modalidad todo incluido, asegúrese de que existan múltiples restaurantes en el lugar para eliminar la molestia de decidir dónde comer con su grupo, y le da la oportunidad de probar varios estilos culinarios. Hilton Cancún, un resort con todo Incluido, ofrece numerosos restaurantes y experiencias gastronómicas. Por ejemplo, puede saborear las ricas tradiciones de la cocina mexicana en Maxal, mientras que Auma, el restaurante experiencial, prepara comidas con teatro ritual a la vista de fuego y llamas. El complejo también cuenta con una trattoria que sirve clásicos mediterráneos; un concepto culinario del Sudeste Asiático; un salón dinámico de alta energía durante todo el día; un establecimiento que sirve helados y churros; y una taquería con barra de mezcal y tequila.

contrar un resort que ofrezca todo lo que desea. Por ejemplo, la mayoría de los resorts mexicanos y caribeños tienen piscinas y playas. Pero si necesita aventuras, busque resorts que también incluyan paquetes de deportes acuáticos para practicar buceo y kayak. Pero la diversión debe continuar cuando se pone el Sol. Busque resorts que ofrezcan música en vivo, espectáculos deslumbrantes y bailes. 3. Privacidad junto al mar Los resorts todo incluido de Hilton ofrecen una variedad de impresionantes instalaciones frente al mar en lugares muy codiciados para familias con niños de todas las edades, y parejas. Si sus vacaciones de primavera son una escapada romántica, querrá privacidad y serenidad. Los hoteles todo incluido satisfacen a menudo las necesidades de las parejas al ofrecer opciones de privacidad que incluyen piscinas para adultos, suites privadas para nadar y bañeras de hidromasaje, además de restaurantes románticos, spas y casinos de clase mundial. O puede elegir un resort con club infantil, que ofrece programas supervisados y divertidos para niños mientras les da a Mamá y Papá un poco de espacio para jugar golf, o disfrutar de una comida tranquila. 4. Destino educativo por medio de la cultura Los mejores resorts todo incluido integran gastronomía local en alimentos y bebidas, actividades y diseño hotelero. Según un informe reciente sobre las tendencias de viaje, los vacacionistas están "buscando experiencias únicas donde sumergirse, en pos de formas significativas de conectarse con las diferentes culturas y localidades mientras descubren algo nuevo". Aprender y disfrutar de nuevas culturas estimula la mente y satisface el alma curiosa, sin salir del resort. Los grandes resorts todo incluido integran la cultura local con programas, clases y experiencias atractivas que mejorarán sus vacaciones a traves de actividades, como clases de salsa y merengue, degustaciones de tequila y artesanía local. 5. Mucho más que una instalación hotelera

2. Encontrar toda la diversión bajo el Sol

Un último detalle que todo viajero debe verificar es contar con un lugar que lo mime, pero haciéndolo sentir como en casa. El resort todo incluido adecuado será mucho más que un alojamiento frente al mar. Busque spas de clase mundial, conserje personalizado, empleados hoteleros amables, y ofertas de alta gama. Si bien desea experimentar con nuevos lugares y culturas, también desea la confianza y la confiabilidad que proviene de una empresa muy respetada. Las mejores marcas ofrecen programas de fidelización, con puntos ganados que le ayudan a reservar esas vacaciones especiales.

Lo mejor de un resort todo incluido, en segundo lugar después de la abundante comida y bebida disponibles, está compuesto por todas las actividades incluidas en su estancia. Asegúrese de en-

Una vez que haya seleccionado su resort, reserve, pague, y listo. Todo lo que necesita hacer es divertirse. El resort todo incluido se encargará de lo demás.

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JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2022