El Observador February 16th, 2024. by Angelica Rossi

VOLUME 45 ISSUE 07 | WWW.EL-OBSERVADOR.COM | FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

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MÁS DE 874,500 TRÁMITES DE CIUDADANÍA EN EEUU DURANTE 2023 1042 West Hedding St. Suite 250 San Jose, CA 95126

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José López Zamorano La Red Hispana

In fiscal year 2023, USCIS received 10.9 million applications and completed more than 10 million pending cases, both records in the agency's history.

Durante el año fiscal 2023, un total de 874,500 inmigrantes se convirtieron en ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos.

But that's not all, the federal agency was also able to reduce the processing time of naturalization procedures by almost half. The average processing time for naturalization applicants decreased from 10.5 months to 6.1 months at the end of the fiscal year.

era hora de buenas noticias para Yanuestra comunidad de migrantes.

Es indudable que los funcionarios y empleados del Servicio de Ciudadanía e inmigración (USCIS) de Estados Unidos se merecen aplausos por haber logrado lo imposible: prácticamente eliminar el rezago de solicitudes de naturalización. En el año fiscal 2023, USCIS recibió 10.9 millones de solicitudes y completó más de 10 millones de casos pendientes, ambas cifras récord en la historia de la agencia.

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Pero eso no es todo, la agencia federal también fue capaz de reducir en casi la mitad el tiempo del procesamiento de los trámites de naturalización. El tiempo medio de procesamiento para los solicitantes de naturalización disminuyó de 10.5 meses a 6.1 meses al final del año fiscal.

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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MORE THAN 874,500 CITIZENSHIPS PROCESSED IN THE US DURING 2023

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Aunque la cifra de naturalizaciones no es un récord, toda vez que no rebasa la marca de más de 1 millón de personas en 2022, se trata sin duda de un hito importante. Ojalá ese récord se rompa en 2024 y millones de el paso antes del alza de las tarifas en abril próximo. Desde este espacio hemos abogado durante muchos años sobre la importancia de la naturalización en los Estados Unidos. Millones de latinas y latinos que residentes legales permanentes ya son elegibles el día de hoy. Los beneficios de la ciudadanía son significativos, no solamente blinda a los inmigrantes de las deportaciones, sino abre la puerta para el ejercicio pleno de los derechos políticos, es decir votar en las elecciones, pero también postularse a cargos de elección popular. A nivel nacional existen más de 7,000 latinas y latinos electos o designados en cargos públicos, de acuerdo con NALEO. Es un avance importante, pero palidece si lo comparamos con nuestro potencial como la minoría más importante de los Estados Unidos. En el Congreso sólo tenemos 6 senadores y en la Cámara de Representantes 47 legisladores y legisladoras. Para tener “paridad”, es decir que el número sea proporcional a nuestro peso demográfico, deberíamos tener 19 senadores y más de 80 representantes. Es decir, nos falta mucho camino por recorrer, pero sólo será posible llegar a la meta si más latinas y latinos no sólo votamos, sino nos postulamos. “Nuestra participación activa fomenta una sociedad más inclusiva y representativa, donde todas las voces tienen la oportunidad de ser escuchadas”, nos comenta el abogado migratorio Rafael Borrás. En Estados Unidos existen más de

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José López Zamorano La Red Hispana

Although the number of naturalizations is not a record, since it does not exceed the mark of more than 1 million people in 2022, it is undoubtedly an important milestone. Hopefully that record will be broken in 2024 and millions will pass before the rate hike next April.

medio millón de cargos de elección. Desde los sistemas escolares, los congresos estatales, alcaldes, funcionarios federales y presidente. Tú puedes ser el líder que necesita tu comunidad.

was time for good news for our From this space we have advocated community. Itmigrant for many years about the importance

Más de 36.2 millones de latinos son elegibles para votar el 5 de noviembre de este año, según el Centro Pew. Si tú eres uno de ellos, regístrate para votar y ejerce tu derecho al voto. Y para el próximo ciclo, considera postularte y representar los intereses, los sueños y las aspiraciones de nuestra comunidad.

There is no doubt that the officials and employees of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) deserve applause for having achieved the impossible: practically eliminating the backlog of naturalization applications.

During fiscal year 2023, a total of 874,500 immigrants became citizens of the United States.

of naturalization in the United States. Millions of Latinas and Latinos who are legal permanent residents are already eligible today. The benefits of citizenship are significant, it not only shields immigrants from deportations, but also opens the door for the full exercise of political rights, that is, voting in elections, but also running for elected office.

At the national level there are more than 7,000 Latinas and Latinos elected or appointed in public positions, according to NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials). It's an important step forward, but it pales in comparison to our potential as the largest minority in the United States. In Congress we only have 6 senators and in the House of Representatives’ 47 legislators. To have “parity”, that is, the number is proportional to our demographic weight, we should have 19 senators and more than 80 representatives. That is to say, we still have a long way to go, but it will only be possible to reach the goal if more Latinas and Latinos not only vote, but also run. “Our active participation fosters a more inclusive and representative society, where all voices have the opportunity to be heard,” immigration lawyer Rafael Borrás tells us. In the United States there are more than half a million elected positions. From school systems, state legislatures, mayors, federal officials and the president. You can be the leader your community needs. More than 36.2 million Latinos are eligible to vote on November 5 of this year, according to the Pew Center. If you are one of them, register to vote and exercise your right to vote. And for the next cycle, consider running and representing the interests, dreams and aspirations of our community.

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STUDENTS PANIC AFTER NEW FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION BLOCKS THEM: ‘I DON’T KNOW WHO TO CALL’

When parents without Social Security numbers try to fill out the aid application on behalf of their children, they are blocked from continuing. Federal officials are offering no information about when the problem will be fixed.

Mikhail Zinshteyn CalMatters

The problem is new and emerged this year. Federal law only requires that the student applying for federal aid be a citizen or have permanent status, but in most cases that aid is calculated based on parents’ or a spouse’s income information.

technical glitch is blocking students who are U.S. citizens — but whose parents aren’t — from completing their federal financial aid applications, and the problem is causing panic in California.

The scale of the financial aid application fiasco

For many of these college applicants, it’s a crisis not only preventing them from applying for federal grants and loans, but also from applying for free tuition at the University of California and California State University or partial tuition waivers at private colleges in the state.

Likely tens of thousands of California students are unable to complete the FAFSA because their parents aren’t citizens, but a firm number is impossible to calculate, said Jake Brymner, a deputy director with the California Student Aid Commission, the agency that oversees the state’s $3.4 billion financial aid program. He noted that last year 108,000 students in California didn’t include their parents’ Social Security numbers in their FAFSA applications. That could be because the parents lacked one or they didn’t want to provide their numbers.

The deadline for that state aid is April 2 for new students, a date set by California law that only the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom can change. “It makes me feel worried,” said Ashley Estrada, a high school senior at Diego Rivera Learning Complex in south Los Angeles. Estrada is a citizen while both her parents are undocumented. She has a high GPA and aspires to attend UC Berkeley, UCLA, Dartmouth or another elite campus. “I don’t know who to call,” said Estrada, whose parents earn little money. “Because I already talked to all the adults around me and everyone’s just telling me to wait, and they don’t have an answer for me.”

FAFSA fact sheets are displayed at College Information Day at UC Berkeley in Berkeley on Oct. 14, 2023. Photo Credit: Juliana Yamada / CalMatters

She has attended financial aid workshops but cannot complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA. She called the customer support line listed on the application, but the call disconnected, she said. When parents without Social Security numbers try to fill out the application on behalf of their children, they get an error message that blocks them from continuing. Without the pa-

rental information, students cannot complete the FAFSA. California State University’s director of financial aid, Noelia Gonzalez, wrote in an email that U.S. Department of Education officials told the university that they “expect to have a fix prior to April 2.” An Education Department spokesperson wouldn’t comment on the record about the matter.

“I am from a low-income area and most of our parents are undocumented,” Estrada said. “I’m upset that we’re going through this.” The typical low-income student caught in the federal technology imbroglio stands to lose as much as $14,000 in state tuition waivers known as the Cal Grant and $7,400 through the federal Pell Grant, plus the ability to borrow subsidized loans and other tools to afford college. Also on the line is a state scholarship

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worth up to several thousand dollars that also has an April 2 deadline. “This is a major concern for the financial aid community across the country,” said Jose Aguilar, the financial aid director for UC Riverside. Possible state grant fix While state policymakers cannot do anything about students locked out of federal aid, the state’s student aid commission is considering a workaround for accessing state grants and scholarships. The idea is to permit affected students to complete the state financial aid application reserved for undocumented students and other non-citizens who aren’t eligible for federal support. That form is called the California Dream Act Application, one that tens of thousands of undocumented students already use. The commission does not share information in the Dream Act application with the federal government or with immigration authorities. The aid commission is conferring with state universities about this proposal. But that fix will “create a lot of confusion for these students,” said Aguilar. He is worried that if the students whose parents don’t have Social Security numbers complete the Dream Act application, they won’t realize they’ll also have to submit the FAFSA when the Biden administration fixes the problem. “In many cases these students might end up not receiving the full aid they are eligible for,” he said. Both he and Cal State’s systemwide director of financial aid, Gonzalez, said the state should extend the deadline for the Cal Grant. Aguilar added that the student aid commission could also identify students who missed the Cal Grant deadline because their parents aren’t citizens and allow them to submit an appeal. Gonzales didn’t weigh in on whether it’s a good idea to open the Dream Act application to citizens whose parents aren’t. But if that happens, she would want the student aid commission to contact those students to “submit a FAFSA as soon as the process is available.” Enrollment worries While some wealthy private colleges can probably provide students financial aid packages to make up for any loss in federal or state support, most students rely on public dollars to afford their education. Students who start school this fall will have until June 30, 2025 to submit their FAFSA applications for the 2024-25 academic year. By then, the federal government is likely to find a solution, said Cal State’s Gonzalez. Some in the California financial aid community fear that if these mixed-status students don’t get their federal aid processed by the time school starts, they won’t enroll. “That is a concern,” said Aguilar of UC Riverside. “Our staff will be trained to be sensitive to this student population, encouraging them to complete the FAFSA.” If no fix emerges before students enroll this fall, Aguilar’s plan is to temporarily cover the loss of the Pell Grant with UC’s internal aid. The university will give students deadlines to complete the FAFSA once the problems with it are fixed. If students don’t complete the FAFSA, they will be stuck with a bill equal to the amount in Pell money UC Riverside provided.

“I want students that are going through the same experience as me to know that if we speak up, maybe we’ll get an answer.” -ASHLEY ESTRADA, HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR IN SOUTH LOS ANGELES To him, a larger issue “is that these students will lose out on federal work-study and federal student subsidized loans,” for 2024-25 if they cannot complete their FAFSA by the start of the fall term, he said. While his office can backfill a Pell Grant temporarily, he cannot do that with loans, which students with slightly higher parental incomes rely on to pay for housing and other expenses.

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ESTUDIANTES ATERRADOS DESPUÉS DE QUE UNA NUEVA SOLICITUD DE AYUDA FINANCIERA LES IMPIDE SEGUIR SU PROCESO SI SUS PADRES NO TIENEN SEGURO SOCIAL Cuando los padres sin números de Seguro Social intentan completar la solicitud de ayuda en nombre de sus hijos, se les impide continuar. Los funcionarios federales no ofrecen información sobre cuándo se solucionará el problema.

“I don’t believe there is enough information out there to help the thousands of students who need that support in the class of 2024,” said Erica Rosales, who runs College Match, a program that identifies low-income high school students with high GPAs in the Los Angeles area and prepares them to apply for the nation’s top colleges. Estrada, the Los Angeles student, is a College Match member. Marcos Montes is a policy director for the Southern California College Attainment Network, an umbrella group of nonprofits. He was helping a student and her undocumented mother apply for FAFSA, to no avail. The student grew frustrated that she may not qualify for any financial aid. Montes tried to instill hope. “I just had to relay my message that this is a temporary problem,” he said. His message to that family was “don’t give up on those thousands of dollars of financial aid that you’re eligible for.” Other FAFSA problems The current problem is the result of changes that the U.S. Department of Education made to FAFSA late last year to simplify it for parents and students. But the overhauled form, a response to recent federal laws, has wreaked havoc on a wider scale for different reasons, causing headaches for the Biden administration and colleges. The new FAFSA debuted months later than the application start date in past years. Colleges will only start receiving students’ financial aid information from the Education Department in March, also months later than normal. That’ll create a huge bottleneck for colleges that have to analyze the financial information of thousands of admitted students and then send them individualized financial aid packages by late spring. The department is spending tens of millions of dollars to assist colleges in processing the applications. Typically, students must commit to enrolling at a school by May 1, but the delay in getting students’ financial aid information to colleges is forcing many campuses to push back that deadline. Students too will be in a rush to compare financial aid award letters under a compressed schedule, a time typically reserved for calling campuses and seeking clarification before they pick the school they’ll attend. The UC and Cal States will now allow students to confirm their enrollment by May 15, and some Cal States may push back the deadline even more. By then, students like Estrada hope to know what their financial aid packages will be. “I want students that are going through the same experience as me to know that if we speak up, maybe we’ll get an answer,” Estrada said. The answer she seeks? “We’re gonna get the aid, you know, we’re gonna go to college.”

Ashley Estrada, de 18 años, se graduará de la escuela secundaria Diego Rivera en el sur de Los Ángeles en 2024. Actualmente, un error técnico impide que los estudiantes cuyos padres no tienen un número de Seguro Social completen sus formularios FAFSA, y Estrada es uno de los estudiantes afectados. Foto tomada el 9 de febrero de 2024. Photo Credit: Lauren Justice / CalMatters

Mikhail Zinshteyn CalMatters

n problema técnico está impidiendo que los estudiantes que son ciudadanos estadounidenses (pero cuyos padres no lo son) completen sus solicitudes de ayuda financiera federal, y el problema está causando pánico en California. Para muchos de estos solicitantes de universidades, es una crisis que no sólo les impide solicitar subvenciones y préstamos federales, sino también solicitar matrícula gratuita en la Universidad de California y la Universidad Estatal de California o exenciones parciales de matrícula en universidades privadas del estado. La fecha límite para esa ayuda estatal es el 2 de abril para los nuevos estudiantes, fecha fijada por la ley de California que sólo la Legislatura y el gobernador Gavin Newsom pueden cambiar. “Me preocupa”, dijo Ashley Estrada, estudiante de último año de secundaria en el Complejo de Aprendizaje Diego Rivera en el sur de Los Ángeles. Estrada es ciudadana estadounidense mientras que sus padres son indocumentados. Tiene un GPA alto y aspira a asistir a UC Berkeley, UCLA, Dartmouth u otro campus de élite. “No sé a quién llamar”, dijo Estrada, cuyos padres ganan poco dinero. “Porque ya hablé con todos los adultos que me rodean y todos me dicen que esperé y no tienen una respuesta para mí”. Ha asistido a talleres de ayuda financiera pero no puede completar la Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes, mejor conocida como FAFSA. Llamó a la línea de atención al cliente que figura en la solicitud, pero la llamada se desconectó, dijo.

Cuando los padres sin números de Seguro Social intentan completar la solicitud en nombre de sus hijos, reciben un mensaje de error que les impide continuar. Sin la información de los padres, los estudiantes no pueden completar la FAFSA. La directora de ayuda financiera de la Universidad Estatal de California, Noelia González, escribió en un correo electrónico que funcionarios del Departamento de Educación de Estados Unidos dijeron a la universidad que “esperan tener una solución antes del 2 de abril”. Un portavoz del Departamento de Educación no quiso hacer comentarios sobre el asunto. El problema es nuevo y surgió este año. La ley federal solo requiere que el estudiante que solicita ayuda federal sea ciudadano o tenga un estatus permanente , pero en la mayoría de los casos esa ayuda se calcula en función de la información de ingresos de los padres o del cónyuge . La magnitud del fiasco de la solicitud de ayuda financiera Probablemente decenas de miles de estudiantes de California no pueden completar la FAFSA porque sus padres no son ciudadanos, pero es imposible calcular una cifra firme, dijo Jake Brymner, subdirector de la Comisión de Ayuda Estudiantil de California, la agencia que supervisa la Programa de ayuda financiera de 3,400 millones de dólares. Señaló que el año pasado 108,000 estudiantes en California no incluyeron los números de Seguro Social de sus padres en sus solicitudes FAFSA. Esto podría deberse a que los padres carecían de uno o no quisieron proporcionar sus números. “Soy de una zona de bajos ingresos y la mayoría de nuestros padres son indocumentados”, dijo Estrada. “Me

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molesta que estemos pasando por esto”. El típico estudiante de bajos ingresos atrapado en el embrollo tecnológico federal puede perder hasta $14,000 en exenciones estatales de matrícula conocidas como Cal Grant y $7,400 a través de la beca federal Pell, además de la capacidad de pedir préstamos subsidiados y otras herramientas para pagar la universidad. También está en juego una beca estatal por valor de hasta varios miles de dólares que también tiene como fecha límite el 2 de abril. “Esta es una gran preocupación para la comunidad de ayuda financiera en todo el país”, dijo José Aguilar, director de ayuda financiera de UC Riverside. Posible solución a las subvenciones estatales Si bien los formuladores de políticas estatales no pueden hacer nada respecto a los estudiantes excluidos de la ayuda federal, la comisión de ayuda estudiantil del estado está considerando una solución alternativa para acceder a subvenciones y becas estatales. La idea es permitir que los estudiantes afectados completen la solicitud de ayuda financiera estatal reservada para estudiantes indocumentados y otros no ciudadanos que no son elegibles para recibir apoyo federal. Ese formulario se llama Solicitud del Dream Act de California, y que ya utilizan decenas de miles de estudiantes indocumentados. La comisión no comparte información contenida en la solicitud del Dream Act con el gobierno federal ni con las autoridades de inmigración. La comisión de ayuda está consultando con las universidades estatales sobre esta propuesta. Pero esa solución “creará mucha confusión para estos estudiantes”, dijo Aguilar. Le preocupa que si los estudiantes cuyos padres no tienen números de Seguro Social completan la solicitud Dream Act, no se darán cuenta de que también tendrán que presentar la FAFSA cuando la administración Biden solucione el problema. “En muchos casos, estos estudiantes podrían terminar sin recibir la ayuda completa a la que tienen derecho”, afirmó. Tanto él como el director de ayuda financiera de todo el sistema de Cal State, González, dijeron que el estado debería extender la fecha límite para la Cal Grant. Aguilar agregó que la comisión de ayuda estudiantil también podría identificar a los estudiantes que no cumplieron con la fecha límite de Cal Grant porque sus padres no son ciudadanos y permitirles presentar una apelación. Gonzales no opinó si es una buena idea abrir la solicitud del Dream Act a ciudadanos cuyos padres no lo son. Pero si eso sucede, le gustaría que la comisión de ayuda estudiantil se comunicara con esos estudiantes para “presentar una FAFSA tan pronto como el proceso esté disponible”. Preocupaciones por la inscripción

Si bien algunas universidades privadas ricas probablemente puedan ofrecer a los estudiantes paquetes de ayuda financiera para compensar cualquier pérdida de apoyo federal o estatal, la mayoría de los estudiantes dependen del dinero público para costear su educación. Los estudiantes que comiencen la escuela este otoño tendrán hasta el 30 de junio de 2025 para presentar sus solicitudes FAFSA para el año académico 2024-25. Para entonces, es probable que el gobierno federal encuentre una solución, dijo González de Cal State. Algunos miembros de la comunidad de ayuda financiera de California temen que si estos estudiantes de estatus mixto no procesan su ayuda federal antes de que comiencen las clases, no se inscribirán. “Eso es preocupante”, dijo Aguilar de UC Riverside. “Nuestro personal estará capacitado para ser sensible a esta población estudiantil, animándolos a completar la FAFSA”. Si no surge ninguna solución antes de que los estudiantes se inscriban este otoño, el plan de Aguilar es cubrir temporalmente la pérdida de la Beca Pell con la ayuda interna de la UC. La universidad dará a los estudiantes fechas límite para completar la FAFSA una vez que se solucionen los problemas. Si los estudiantes no completan la FAFSA, tendrán que pagar una factura equivalente a la cantidad de dinero Pell que proporcionó UC

Riverside. “Quiero que los estudiantes que están pasando por la misma experiencia que yo sepan que si hablamos, tal vez obtengamos una respuesta”. -ASHLEY ESTRADA, ESTUDIANTE DE ÚLTIMO AÑO DE SECUNDARIA EN EL SUR DE LOS ÁNGELES Para Aguilar, un problema mayor “es que estos estudiantes perderán los préstamos federales de trabajo y estudio y los préstamos federales para estudiantes subsidiados” para 2024-25 si no pueden completar su FAFSA antes del inicio del semestre de otoño, dijo. Si bien su oficina puede reponer temporalmente una Beca Pell, no puede hacerlo con préstamos, de los que dependen los estudiantes con ingresos de padres ligeramente más altos para pagar la vivienda y otros gastos. “No creo que exista suficiente información para ayudar a los miles de estudiantes que necesitan ese apoyo en la generación de 2024”, dijo Erica Rosales, quien dirige College Match, un programa que identifica a estudiantes de secundaria de bajos ingresos con altas calificaciones. GPA en el área de Los Ángeles y los prepara para postularse para las mejores universidades del país. Estrada, la estudiante de Los Ángeles, es miembra de College Match. Marcos Montes es director de políticas de Southern California College Attain-

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ment Network, un grupo que agrupa a organizaciones sin fines de lucro, estaba ayudando a una estudiante y a su madre indocumentada a solicitar FAFSA, pero fue en vano. La estudiante se sintió frustrada porque tal vez no calificara para ninguna ayuda financiera. Montes intentó infundir esperanza. “Sólo tenía que transmitir mi mensaje de que se trata de un problema temporal”, dijo. Su mensaje a esa familia fue “no renuncies a esos miles de dólares de ayuda financiera para los que eres elegible”. Otros problemas de FAFSA El problema actual es el resultado de los cambios que el Departamento de Educación de EE.UU. hizo a la FAFSA a finales del año pasado para simplificarla para padres y estudiantes. Pero el formulario revisado, una respuesta a las leyes federales recientes, ha causado estragos a mayor escala por diferentes razones, causando dolores de cabeza a la administración de Biden y a las universidades. La nueva FAFSA debutó meses después de la fecha de inicio de la solicitud en años anteriores. Las universidades no empezarán a recibir información sobre ayuda financiera de los estudiantes del Departamento de Educación hasta marzo, también meses más tarde de lo normal. Eso creará un enorme cuello de botella para las universidades que tienen que analizar la información financiera de miles de estudiantes admitidos y luego enviarles paquetes de ayuda financiera individualizados a finales de la primavera. El departamento está gastando decenas de millones de dólares para ayudar a las universidades a procesar las solicitudes. Por lo general, los estudiantes deben comprometerse a inscribirse en una escuela antes del 1 de mayo, pero la demora en enviar la información de ayuda financiera de los estudiantes a las universidades está obligando a muchos campus a retrasar esa fecha límite. Los estudiantes también tendrán prisa por comparar las cartas de concesión de ayuda financiera en un horario comprimido, un tiempo normalmente reservado para llamar a los campus y pedir aclaraciones antes de elegir la escuela a la que asistirán. La UC y Cal State ahora permitirán a los estudiantes confirmar su inscripción antes del 15 de mayo, y algunas universidades Cal State pueden retrasar aún más la fecha límite. Para entonces, estudiantes como Estrada esperan saber cuáles serán sus paquetes de ayuda financiera. “Quiero que los estudiantes que están pasando por la misma experiencia que yo sepan que si hablamos, tal vez obtengamos una respuesta”, dijo Estrada. ¿La respuesta que busca? “Vamos a recibir ayuda, ya sabes, vamos a ir a la universidad”.

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hile COVID-19 activity is still below the levels seen last year at this time, COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising quickly. There is still time to get yourself and your loved ones vaccinated. Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to stay protected against serious illness from COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination also lowers your risk of getting long COVID - a wide range of health problems that can last weeks, months or even years after COVID-19 infection. Most adults can get a free updated COVID-19 vaccine through their private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid plans. However, some health insurance plans don't fully cover the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine, and an estimated 25-30 million people living in the U.S. don't have health insurance. To address this concern, CDC's Bridge Access Program is offering adults who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn't fully cover COVID-19 vaccination a free, updated COVID-19 vaccine. This program will end by Dec. 31, 2024. To date, more than a million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided through the program. Bridge Access Program There is no enrollment process or application to qualify, and you don't need to provide identification or proof of insurance to get a vaccine through the Bridge Access Program. If you are 18 years or older and don't have health insurance, or your plan doesn't fully cover an updated COVID-19 vaccine, the Bridge Access Program can provide one for free at participating CVS, Walgreens and eTrueNorth-partnering pharmacies, local health centers and health providers. How to find a vaccine through the

Bridge Access Program Follow these steps to find pharmacies and health care providers participating in the Bridge Access Program near you: * Visit Vaccines.gov. * Select "Find COVID-19 Vaccines." * Enter your 5-digit ZIP code in the search bar and select which vaccine option(s) you're interested in finding. * Select "Search for COVID-19 Vaccines." * Select the option "Bridge Access Program Participant" to show participating providers and pharmacies. When you find a convenient location, call ahead to confirm that they can provide you with a free updated COVID-19 vaccine through the Bridge Access Program. If you can't find a participating pharmacy or provider near you, check back later because new locations are still being added. Why get vaccinated now? Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new strain (or variant) of the virus. It's important to know that the updated COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against the variants spreading throughout our communities right now. The cold winter months are a time when people spend more time in crowded indoor settings, where respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, may be more readily transmitted. Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you from serious illness. Don't let cost stop you from getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine this year. Free COVID-19 vaccines are still available. If you are uninsured or your plan won't fully cover it, visit Vaccines.gov today to find a Bridge Access Program provider near you.

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i bien la actividad de COVID-19 está aún por debajo de los niveles vistos el año pasado en la misma época, las hospitalizaciones por COVID-19 están aumentando rápidamente. Todavía hay tiempo para que usted y sus seres queridos se vacunen. Ponerse una vacuna contra el COVID-19 actualizada es la mejor manera de mantenerse protegido para no enfermarse gravemente de COVID-19. Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) recomiendan que todas las personas de 6 meses o más se mantengan al día con las vacunas contra el COVID-19. Vacunarse también reduce su riesgo de tener COVID persistente, que es una amplia variedad de problemas de salud que pueden durar semanas, meses o hasta años después de una infección por el virus que causa el COVID-19. La mayoría de los adultos puede obtener una vacuna contra el COVID-19 actualizada gratuita a través de su plan de seguro médico privado, de Medicare o Medicaid. Sin embargo, algunos planes de seguro médico no cubren el costo total de una vacuna contra el COVID-19, y se estima que entre 25 y 30 millones de personas que viven en los EE. UU. no tienen seguro médico. Para abordar este problema, el Programa Puente de Acceso de los CDC ofrece una vacuna contra el COVID-19 actualizada gratuita para los adultos que no tengan seguro o cuyo seguro no cubra el costo total de la vacunación contra el COVID-19. Este programa se terminará el 31 de diciembre del 2024. Hasta la fecha, se han proporcionado más de un millón de dosis de vacunas contra el COVID-19 a través del programa. Programa Puente de Acceso Para ser elegible, no hay un proceso de inscripción ni una solicitud para llenar, y usted no necesita proporcionar identificación ni comprobante de seguro para obtener una vacuna a través del Programa Puente de Acceso. Si tiene 18 años o más y no tiene seguro médico, o si su plan no cubre el costo total de una vacuna contra el COVID-19 actualizada, el Programa Puente de Acceso puede proporcionarle una de forma gratuita a través de los centros de salud locales, los proveedores de atención médica y las farmacias CVS, Walgreens o que colaboren con eTrueNorth participantes.

Cómo encontrar una vacuna a través del Programa Puente de Acceso Siga estos pasos para encontrar farmacias y proveedores de atención médica que participen en el Programa Puente de Acceso cerca de usted: * Visite Vacunas.gov. * Seleccione "Encuentre vacunas contra el COVID-19". * Ingrese su código postal de 5 dígitos en la barra de búsqueda y seleccione las opciones de vacunas que le interese encontrar. * Seleccione "Buscar vacunas contra el COVID-19". * Seleccione la opción "Participante del Programa Puente de Acceso" para ver los proveedores y las farmacias que participan. Cuando encuentre un sitio conveniente, llame de antemano para confirmar que puedan proporcionarle una vacuna contra el COVID-19 actualizada gratuita a través del Programa Puente de Acceso. Si no puede encontrar una farmacia o un proveedor participante cerca de usted, vuelva a chequear más tarde, porque se siguen agregando nuevos sitios. ¿Por qué vacunarse ahora? Los virus cambian constantemente a través de la mutación, y a veces estas mutaciones llevan a una nueva cepa (o variante) del virus. Es importante saber que las vacunas contra el COVID-19 actualizadas ofrecen protección contra las variantes que se están propagando por nuestras comunidades ahora mismo. Durante los meses fríos del invierno las personas pasan más tiempo en entornos cerrados con mucha gente, donde los virus respiratorios, incluso el virus que causa el COVID-19, podrían transmitirse más fácilmente. Ponerse una vacuna contra el COVID-19 actualizada lo ayudará a protegerse de la enfermedad grave. No deje que el costo le impida ponerse una vacuna contra el COVID-19 actualizada este año. Las vacunas contra el COVID-19 gratuitas todavía están disponibles. Si no tiene seguro o su plan no cubre el costo total de las vacunas, visite Vacunas.gov hoy mismo para encontrar un proveedor del Programa Puente de Acceso cerca de usted.

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

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IS CALIFORNIA’S WORKPLACE SAFETY AGENCY PROTECTING FARMWORKERS? LEGISLATORS WANT TO KNOW

State lawmakers grill Cal/OSHA officials, with allegations that employers get tipped off to inspections. The chairperson of the Assembly Labor Committee is seeking an audit.

Jeanne Kuang CalMatters

unemployment benefits and safety net programs.

alifornia lawmakers are getting tougher on the state’s labor agencies to get tougher on employers.

Multiple workers and advocates also spoke of what appeared to be a widespread belief that Cal/OSHA staff who act on worker complaints will warn employers when they’re coming for an inspection, allowing supervisors to correct or clean up worksites. Generally inspectors are trained not to give such advance notice, and doing so would violate state labor law, acting agency chief Debra Lee told the committee.

Assembly Labor Committee Chairperson Liz Ortega said today she’ll seek an audit of the workplace safety agency Cal/OSHA after hearing dozens of farmworkers and their advocates describe harsh working conditions, including extreme heat and pesticide exposure. Worse yet, the workers said during a committee hearing on labor enforcement in farm work, those who overcome the prevailing fear of retaliation from their bosses to report a safety violation face slow responses from Cal/OSHA, leading them to distrust state labor officials. An audit, which Ortega plans to formally request through a separate legislative committee, would be the second probe of a state labor enforcement agency in two years. At lawmakers’ request, the state auditors’ office last year began examining the Labor Commissioner’s Office, which has routinely failed to hear workers’ claims of wage theft in the timeframe required by state law. That report is expected to be published sometime this year. The hearing underscored an enduring paradox in California government: Labor groups command significant political power in the state Capitol — with unions winning several major victories last session during “hot labor summer” and the United Farm Workers in 2022 forcing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hand to sign a farmworker unionization bill he had previously vetoed. But the reality for workers can be far from the protective labor laws that politicians pass. This year, worker advocates and lawmakers alike have signaled an increasing focus on improving the state’s enforcement systems. The advocates called for the state to pay for community groups to assist workers in filing complaints and navigating the state’s bureaucracy, and to fill a “crisis” of vacancies in the agencies. “I don’t want the agency failures to be conveniently whitewashed by the current budget deficit,” said Ortega, a Bay Area Democrat. “Many of the stories and the data that we have today is what happened when we had billions of dollars in surpluses.” During the hearing, advocates with several Central Valley and Central Coast community groups that assist farmworkers complained of few bilingual inspectors available to serve a workforce that is mostly Latino or Indigenous. As of last March, the agency only had 19 field inspectors who speak Spanish, and only one who speaks Vietnamese and one who speaks Cantonese, according to a website of staffing records maintained by retired Cal/OSHA inspector Garrett Brown. Many farmwork-

Cristina Gonzalez, a Madera farmworker who picks figs, testified that last August a foreman told workers to spend the first two hours of the next workday picking up trash and cleaning the bathrooms in advance of an inspection. “To me, that’s not right,” she said. “It’s an injustice, and the reality is they tricked us.”

Photo Credit: Sergiorojoes / Freepik

ers speak neither English nor Spanish, but rather Indigenous languages such as Triqui or Mixteco. Other workers said to avoid paying overtime premiums as required by a recent state law, farmers pay in cash when work-

ers take extra shifts on the weekends. Failure to pay overtime is a form of wage theft. More than half of California’s roughly 400,000 farmworkers are undocumented immigrants, making them both vulnerable to threats of deportation and ineligible for

Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower also attended the hearing, and said her agency has a variety of outreach strategies, from driving a caravan through farmworker communities to appearing on Spanish-language radio programs.

OFERTA ESPECIAL ¡Compre Una y Obtenga Otra Gratis!

¡ALCATRAZ CITY CRUISES OFRECE UNA PROMOCIÓN DE ENTRADAS A TODOS LOS RESIDENTES DEL ÁREA DE LA BAHÍA! ENERO: 9-10, 16, 30-31 FEBRERO: 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 MARZO: 5-6

Later in the hearing, Lee said that the division plans to start a unit focused on safety in agricultural work, with a hotline in multiple languages for workers and advocates to report violations. She said she was “very concerned” to hear inspectors might be informing employers of upcoming inspections and said, “we would want to know about that to take appropriate action.”

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

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

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

Both Cal/OSHA and the Labor Commissioner’s Office are part of the embattled Department of Industrial Relations, where high turnover and vacancies have been an issue ever since it temporarily lost direct hiring authority in the fallout of a 2019 nepotism scandal featuring its then-director. Last year, the Labor Commissioner’s staff wrote in a letter to the Legislature that hiring is “slow and ineffective.” As of last September, the Labor Commissioner’s Office had a staggering vacancy rate of nearly 50% — in part because lawmakers in recent years have approved many new positions, according to an organizational chart obtained by CalMatters. Even prior to the new positions opening, the vacancy rate was about one third. Brown, the former inspector, maintains Cal/OSHA staffing data on his website; the latest report from late last year shows that among field inspectors, there were vacancies of more than 35%. Department of Industrial Relations chief deputy director Deanna Ping said the department has reduced its vacancy rate 2% in the last six months. CalMatters Capitol reporter Alexei Koseff contributed to this story.

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FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

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¿ESTÁ LA AGENCIA DE SEGURIDAD LABORAL DE CALIFORNIA PROTEGIENDO A LOS TRABAJADORES AGRÍCOLAS? LOS LEGISLADORES QUIEREN SABERLO Los legisladores estatales interrogan a los funcionarios de Cal/OSHA, con acusaciones de que los empleadores son avisados sobre las inspecciones. El presidente del Comité Laboral de la Asamblea solicita una auditoría.

Jeanne Kuang CalMatters

jefa interina de la agencia, Debra Lee. Cristina González, una trabajadora agrícola de Madera que recoge higos, testificó que en agosto pasado un capataz les dijo a los trabajadores que pasaran las dos primeras horas del siguiente día laboral recogiendo basura y limpiando los baños antes de una inspección.

os legisladores de California se están volviendo más duros con las agencias laborales del estado y también con los empleadores. La presidenta del Comité Laboral de la Asamblea, Liz Ortega , dijo que buscará una auditoría de la agencia de seguridad laboral Cal/OSHA después de escuchar a docenas de trabajadores agrícolas y sus defensores describir duras condiciones laborales, incluido el calor extremo y la exposición a pesticidas. Peor aún, los trabajadores dijeron durante una audiencia del comité sobre aplicación de la ley laboral en el trabajo agrícola, aquellos que superan el temor predominante a represalias de sus jefes para denunciar una violación de seguridad enfrentan respuestas lentas de Cal/OSHA, lo que los lleva a desconfiar de los funcionarios laborales estatales. Una auditoría, que Ortega planea solicitar formalmente a través de un comité legislativo separado, sería la segunda investigación de una agencia estatal de aplicación del trabajo en dos años. A petición de los legisladores, el año pasado la oficina de auditores estatales comenzó a examinar la Oficina del Comisionado Laboral, que habitualmente no ha escuchado las denuncias de robo de salarios de los trabajadores en el plazo requerido por la ley estatal. Se espera que ese informe se publique en algún momento de este año. La audiencia subrayó una paradoja duradera en el gobierno de California: los grupos laborales tienen un poder político significativo en el Capitolio estatal; los sindicatos obtuvieron varias victorias importantes en la última sesión durante el “verano laboral caluroso” y el United Farm Workers en 2022 obligó al gobernador Gavin Newsom a firmar. un proyecto de ley de sindicalización de trabajadores agrícolas que había vetado anteriormente. Pero la realidad para los trabajadores puede estar lejos de las leyes laborales protectoras que aprueban los políticos. Este año, tanto los defensores de los trabajadores como los legisladores han señalado un creciente enfoque en mejorar los sistemas de cumplimiento del estado. Los defensores pidieron que el estado pague a grupos comunitarios para ayudar a los trabajadores a presentar quejas y navegar la burocracia estatal, y para cubrir una “crisis” de vacantes en las agencias. “No quiero que las fallas de la agencia sean convenientemente encubiertas por el déficit presupuestario actual”, dijo Ortega, un demócrata del Área de la Bahía . “Muchas de las historias y los datos que tenemos hoy son lo que sucedió cuando teníamos miles de millones de dólares en superávits”.

“Para mí, eso no está bien”, dijo. “Es una injusticia y la realidad es que nos engañaron”.

Trabajadores agrícolas cosechan fresas en Salinas el 9 de agosto de 2023. Photo Credit: Semantha Norris / CalMatters

Durante la audiencia, los defensores de varios grupos comunitarios del Valle Central y la Costa Central que ayudan a los trabajadores agrícolas se quejaron de los pocos inspectores bilingües disponibles para atender a una fuerza laboral que es en su mayoría latina o indígena. Hasta marzo pasado, la agencia solo tenía 19 inspectores de campo que hablaban español, y solo uno que hablaba vietnamita y otro que hablaba cantonés, según un sitio web de registros de personal mantenido por el inspector retirado de Cal/OSHA, Garrett Brown. Muchos trabajadores agrícolas no hablan ni inglés ni español, sino lenguas indígenas como el triqui o el mixteco. Otros trabajadores dijeron que para evitar pagar primas por horas extras como lo exige una ley estatal reciente, los agricultores pagan en efectivo cuando los trabajadores

realizan turnos adicionales los fines de semana. No pagar las horas extras es una forma de robo de salario. Más de la mitad de los aproximadamente 400,000 trabajadores agrícolas de California son inmigrantes indocumentados, lo que los hace vulnerables a amenazas de deportación e inelegibles para beneficios de desempleo y programas de red de seguridad. Varios trabajadores y defensores también hablaron de lo que parecía ser una creencia generalizada de que el personal de Cal/OSHA que actúa sobre las quejas de los trabajadores avisará a los empleadores cuando van para una inspección, lo que permitirá a los supervisores corregir o limpiar los lugares de trabajo. Generalmente, los inspectores están capacitados para no dar aviso previo, dijo al comité la

Más adelante en la audiencia, Lee dijo que la división planea iniciar una unidad enfocada en la seguridad en el trabajo agrícola, con una línea directa en varios idiomas para que los trabajadores y defensores denuncien violaciones. Dijo que estaba “muy preocupada” de escuchar que los inspectores podrían estar informando a los empleadores sobre las próximas inspecciones y dijo que “nos gustaría saberlo para tomar las medidas adecuadas”. La comisionada laboral Lilia García-Brower también asistió a la audiencia y dijo que su agencia tiene una variedad de estrategias de extensión, desde conducir una caravana a través de comunidades de trabajadores agrícolas hasta aparecer en programas de radio en español. Tanto Cal/OSHA como la Oficina del Comisionado Laboral son parte del asediado Departamento de Relaciones Industriales, donde la alta rotación y las vacantes han sido un problema desde que perdió temporalmente la autoridad de contratación directa a raíz de un escándalo de nepotismo en 2019 en el que estaba involucrado su entonces director. El año pasado, el personal del Comisionado Laboral escribió en una carta a la Legislatura que la contratación es “lenta e ineficaz”. En septiembre pasado, la Oficina del Comisionado Laboral tenía una asombrosa tasa de vacantes de casi el 50%, en parte porque los legisladores en los últimos años han aprobado muchos puestos nuevos, según un organigrama obtenido por CalMatters. Incluso antes de la apertura de nuevos puestos, la tasa de vacantes era de aproximadamente un tercio. Brown, el ex inspector, mantiene datos sobre la dotación de personal de Cal/OSHA en su sitio web; el último informe de finales del año pasado muestra que entre los inspectores de campo había vacantes de más del 35%. La subdirectora en jefe del Departamento de Relaciones Industriales, Deanna Ping, dijo que el departamento ha reducido su tasa de desocupación en un 2% en los últimos seis meses. El reportero de CalMatters encargado de cubrir el Capitolio, Alexei Koseff, contribuyó a esta historia.

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

FREE ONLINE TUTORING AND HOMEWORK HELP NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL K-12 CALIFORNIA STUDENTS THROUGH LOCAL LIBRARIES

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AYUDA GRATUITA DE TUTORÍA Y PARA TAREAS PARA TODOS LOS ESTUDIANTES DE CALIFORNIA EN GRADOS K-12 A TRAVÉS DE LAS BIBLIOTECAS LOCALES Acceso a tutores expertos cuando lo necesiten

On-Demand Access to Expert Tutors Offered 24/7

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California State Library / Pacific Library Partnership

ayuda en el sitio web de HelpNow en Tutoring.Library.ca.gov, seleccionar su biblioteca local y seguir las sencillas instrucciones (para instrucciones detalladas, hacer clic aquí). Los estudiantes no necesitan tener una tarjeta de biblioteca para acceder al programa.

AN MATEO, Calif. – All California students in grades K-12 now have access to free online tutoring and homework help offered by California’s public libraries through the HelpNow Program, which is administered by Pacific Library Partnership (PLP), in partnership with the California State Library and Brainfuse. The HelpNow Program ensures all California students can have access to high quality tutoring and homework help regardless of such barriers as high cost of tutoring, technology requirements, time constraints, transportation hurdles and other issues. With HelpNow, the goal is to even the playing field for all students, to ensure equity not just with tutoring but in overall educational attainment, especially for those with limited resources and access. “More than 240,000 California students are already taking advantage of the free, top-notch, 24-7 tutoring," said Greg Lucas, State Librarian of California State Library. “Let's make it easier for even more to take advantage of this impactful service." Students and families can get help by going to the HelpNow website Tutoring. Library.ca.gov, selecting their local library and then following the easy instructions. Students do not need a library card to access the program. “No longer do students have to physically meet with a tutor,” said Justin Wasterlain, Assistant Director, PLP. “By going to the HelpNow website, students can access an expert tutor and get help immediately – anywhere, anytime, as long as they have access to an internet connected comput-

Photo Credit: Freepik

er, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Students with no internet or computer at home can go to their local library to use the computers there.” The tutors are highly qualified subjectmatter specialists holding college degrees – at least a bachelor’s degree – and certifications in the area they tutor. They are selected only after a thorough review of their qualifications and proficiency in their subject area as well as interviewed to determine their ability to work with students in an online environment. Additionally, tutoring support is available in multiple languages breaking down language barriers and making for a personalized learning experience for all California students. Languages served are English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Tagalog. The tutoring platform is secure and has features to protect families’ privacy and security. Individual users are not required to create an account or provide personal information to receive assistance, providing an additional layer of privacy. This program is supported with funds provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Photo Credit: Rawpixel.com

California State Library / Pacific Library Partnership

AN MATEO, Calif. – Ahora todos los estudiantes de California en los grados K-12 tienen acceso a tutoría virtual gratuita y ayuda con las tareas gracias a las bibliotecas públicas de California a través del programa HelpNow, el cual es administrado por Pacific Library Partnership (siglas en inglés, PLP), en colaboración con la Biblioteca Estatal de California y Brainfuse. El programa HelpNow asegura que todos los estudiantes de California puedan acceder a tutoría y ayuda con las tareas de alta calidad sin importar los obstáculos, como el alto costo de tutoría, requerimientos tecnológicos, restricciones de tiempo, problemas de transporte y otras barreras. Con HelpNow, el objetivo es nivelar el campo de juego para todos los estudiantes, garantizando la equidad no solo en la tutoría, sino también en el rendimiento educativo general, especialmente para aquellos estudiantes con recursos y acceso limitados. “Más de 240,000 estudiantes de California ya están aprovechando de tutoría gratuita de alta calidad, las 24 horas, 7 días de la semana”, dijo Greg Lucas, Bibliotecario Estatal de la Biblioteca Estatal de California. “Hagamos más fácil que aún más estudiantes saquen provecho de este maravilloso servicio”. Los estudiantes y familias pueden recibir

“Ya no es necesario que los estudiantes se reúnan físicamente con un tutor”, dijo Justin Wasterlain, Subdirector de PLP. “Al visitar el sitio web de HelpNow, los estudiantes pueden acceder a tutores expertos y obtener ayuda inmediata, a toda hora y en todo lugar, siempre que tengan acceso a una computadora, tableta o teléfono móvil inteligente conectado al internet. Los estudiantes que no tienen acceso al internet o una computadora en casa, pueden ir a su biblioteca local para usar las computadoras allí”. Los tutores son especialistas altamente calificados en las materias de estudio con títulos universitarios – como mínimo un diploma de licenciatura – y certificaciones en la materia de estudio que enseñan. Cada tutor debe pasar por un riguroso proceso de verificación de sus cualificaciones y competencia en el área de estudio, y entrevistar para determinar su capacidad de trabajar con estudiantes en un entorno virtual. Además, hay tutoría disponible en varios idiomas para eliminar las barreras y crear una experiencia de aprendizaje personalizado para todos los estudiantes de California. El programa brinda asistencia en español, inglés, mandarín, cantonés, vietnamita y tagalo. La plataforma de tutoría es segura y tiene opciones para proteger la privacidad y seguridad de las familias. Los usuarios individuales no necesitan crear una cuenta ni proporcionar información personal para recibir asistencia, brindando un nivel adicional de privacidad. Este programa está financiado con fondos del Estado de California, administrados por la Biblioteca Estatal de California.

NOTICE OF OPEN WAIT LIST

AVISO DE LISTA DE ESPERA ABIERTA

Jeanne d’Arc Manor Apartments is a Federally Subsidized Section 8 HUD property for low-income families where the Head or Co-Head or Spouse is 62 years of age or over, or disabled. You can receive an application for Studio unit wait list starting Tuesday, February 20th 2024. You may receive an application at our office located at 85 South 5th Street, San Jose CA 95112. You may also call us at (408)288-7421 to request the application mailed to you or email us at jeannedarc@jsco.net. Application information can also be found at https://housing.sanjoseca.gov/listings

Jeanne d’Arc Manor Apartments es una propiedad de HUD de la Sección 8 subsidiada federalmente para familias de bajos ingresos donde el jefe, codirector o cónyuge tiene 62 años de edad o más, o está discapacitado. Puede recibir una solicitud para la lista de espera de unidades Studio a partir del martes 20 de febrero de 2024. Puede recibir una solicitud en nuestra oficina ubicada en 85 South 5th Street, San Jose CA 95112. También puede llamarnos al (408)288-7421 para Solicite que le envíen la solicitud por correo o envíenos un correo electrónico a jeannedarc@jsco.net. La información de la solicitud también se puede encontrar en https://housing.sanjoseca.gov/listings

Applications for our wait list will be accepted starting Tuesday, February 20th 2024 at 9:00am pst and will close Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 at 5:00pm pst. You can submit the application in person, by mail or by email. All applications will be placed into a lottery system for number placement on the wait list. One application per person will be accepted. Reasonable Accommodations and free language assistance can be requested to assist with applying.

Se aceptarán solicitudes para nuestra lista de espera a partir del martes 20 de febrero de 2024 a las 9:00 a. m. PST y se cerrará el miércoles 6 de marzo de 2024 a las 5:00 p. m. PST. Puede presentar la solicitud personalmente, por correo postal o por correo electrónico. Todas las solicitudes se colocarán en un sistema de lotería para colocar el número en la lista de espera. Se aceptará una solicitud por persona. Se pueden solicitar adaptaciones razonables y asistencia lingüística gratuita para ayudar con la solicitud.

JEANNE D’ARC MANOR APARTMENTS 85 SOUTH FIFTH STREET SAN JOSE, CA 95112

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FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

AUDIENCIA SOBRE ROBO A COMERCIO MINORISTA EN CA GENERA DIVERSAS OPINIONES ESPAÑOL

la prisión y las detenciones no nos va a sacar de este problema, porque esto es mucho más complejo."

Betty Duong para Supervisora Betty Duong es la candidata que la Supervisora Cindy Chavez escoge.

UNA ALIANZA FUERTE PARA NUESTRA COMUNIDAD Betty está lista hacer nuestra comunidad más segura, mejorar los servicios del condado y crear viviendas más asequibles.

Según un informe reciente del Instituto de Políticas Públicas de California, los robos a comercios aumentaron más de un 28% en 2022, tras descender durante la pandemia, pero se mantienen un 8% por debajo de su nivel anterior a la pandemia. Photo Credit: Mrsiraphol / Freepik

Suzanne Potter California News Service

egisladores de California están estudiando una serie de opciones para combatir el aumento, de los dos últimos anos, en robo a gran escala a comercios minoristas, y el viernes celebraron en West Hollywood la última de una serie de audiencias. El Comité Selecto de la Asamblea Estatal sobre Robo a Comercios escucho a residentes, propietarios de comercios y grupos de defensa de la justicia social. Tinisch Hollins, de la organización sin fines de lucro Californians for Safety and Justice, afirma que todos estuvieron de acuerdo en una cosa. "Los comerciantes y la gente que acude a las tiendas merecen seguridad," dice Hollins. "La gente debería poder hacer negocios. Eso no se discute. Pero confiar en el encarcelamiento,

Algunos miembros del orden público han sugerido en los últimos anos que la Propuesta 47, aprobada hace una década, ha contribuido al aumento. La Propuesta 47 elevo el umbral para el delito grave de robo a $950 dólares, de modo que, si la cantidad robada es superior a esa cifra, será un delito grave con pena de cárcel. La ley abordo la aglomeración en las cárceles y ha ahorrado $750 millones de dólares desde 2015 en costos de encarcelamiento, y los ha desviado a programas que abordan las causas de la delincuencia, como la pobreza, la adicción y las enfermedades mentales. Hollins dice que no se debe permitir que el alarmismo socave la reforma de la justicia penal y señala que solo el 8% de las personas que participan en los programas financiados por la Propuesta 47 acaban de nuevo entre rejas. "Hay muchos que están sacando provecho del hecho de que la gente tiene miedo de que los negocios se vean afectados, y de que existe la percepción de que hay un vacío de la ley, pero la verdad es que hay formas de intervenir en esta crisis, y deberíamos utilizarlas," agrega Hollins. El gobernador Gavin Newsom ha propuesto tomar medidas enérgicas contra los revendedores de bienes robados y aclarar que las fuerzas del orden pueden combinar el valor de múltiples robos para alcanzar el umbral del delito grave de robo mayor.

HEARING ON CA RETAIL THEFT DRAWS DIVERSE VIEWS ENGLISH

Suzanne Potter California News Service

alifornia lawmakers are considering a range of options to combat a rise over the last two years of felony retail theft - large-scale shoplifting - and held the latest in a series of hearings in West Hollywood on Friday. The State Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft heard from residents, business owners and social-justice groups.

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Tinisch Hollins, executive director of the nonprofit Californians for Safety and Justice, said everyone agreed on one thing.

A report from the Public Policy Institute of California found that shoplifting rose more than 28% in 2022 after dipping during the pandemic, but remains 8% below its prepandemic level. Photo Credit: Mihail / Adobe Stock

"The retailers and folks who patronize stores deserve safety. People should be able to do business. That's not up for debate," Hollins said, "But relying on incarceration, jail and prison and arrests are not going to get us out of this problem, because it's far more complex."

Hollins says fear-mongering should not be allowed to undermine criminal justice reform and notes that just 8% of people who participate in Prop 47-funded programs end up back behind bars.

Some in law enforcement have suggested in recent years that Proposition 47, passed a decade ago, has contributed to the uptick. Prop 47 raised the threshold for felony theft to $950 - so if the amount stolen is more than that, it would be a felony with jail time.

"There are many who are really capitalizing off the fact that people are scared that businesses are being impacted, and that there's this perception that there's lawlessness, but the truth is, there are ways for us to intervene in this crisis, and we should be using them," Hollins said.

The law addressed overcrowding in the jails and has saved $750 million since 2015 in incarceration costs, diverting it to programs that address drivers of crime, including poverty, addiction and mental illness.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed cracking down on resellers of stolen goods and clarifying that law enforcement can combine the value of multiple thefts to reach the threshold for felony grand theft.

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

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LOS TRABAJADORES DE COMIDA RÁPIDA DE CALIFORNIA OBTIENEN UN NUEVO SINDICATO, EL PRIMERO DE SU TIPO, PARA REPRESENTARLOS Una nueva organización promete abogar por mejores condiciones y salarios más altos para todos los trabajadores de la comida rápida. Pero algunos dicen que la unión provocará un aumento de los precios.

Alejandro Lazo CalMatters

para trabajadores y dos para representantes de los trabajadores - estén controlados por el sindicato.

os trabajadores de comida rápida de California tienen un nuevo sindicato para abogar por salarios más altos y condiciones laborales más seguras, anunciaron los organizadores el viernes.

"Hoy se marca un nuevo capítulo en la capacidad de elevar los estándares para tantas familias en California que son principalmente negras, morenas y mujeres".

Miles de trabajadores en todo el estado podrán unirse al Sindicato de Trabajadores de Comida Rápida de California, una organización que probablemente representará una pequeña parte de los trabajadores pero que defenderá a todos los empleados de comida rápida en el estado. La organización no tiene el mismo poder de negociación colectiva que los sindicatos tradicionales, pero estará afiliada al Sindicato Internacional de Empleados de Servicios, un sindicato tradicional que representa a trabajadores de diversas industrias y que durante más de una década ha luchado para aumentar los salarios en los restaurantes de comida rápid. Recientemente ayudó a garantizar un salario mínimo de 20 dólares la hora para todos los trabajadores de comida rápida en California. "Hoy es un día histórico en el lanzamiento del primero de su tipo en el sindicato de trabajadores de comida rápida de Estados Unidos", dijo Joseph Bryant, vicepresidente ejecutivo internacional del Sindicato Internacional de Empleados de Servicios. "La idea es realmente construir voces reuniendo a cientos y eventualmente miles de trabajadores para que puedan hacer demandas, para poder garantizar que sean tratados con el respeto y la dignidad que se merecen". Los trabajadores que se unan pagarán $ 20 mensuales en cuotas de membresía. El sindicato no podrá negociar contratos con empleadores individuales, pero podrá abogar por mejores condiciones laborales en toda la industria, a través de un consejo estatal de comida rápida recientemente creado en un proceso similar a la típica negociación sindical, dijeron los organizadores. El año pasado, el Sindicato Internacional de Empleados de Servicios obtuvo una gran victoria con la aprobación de una ley que creó un consejo laboral de comida rápida que establecerá las condiciones y estándares laborales en California y aumentará el salario mínimo para los trabajadores de comida rápida a $20 a partir de abril. El consejo de comida rápida elegirá representantes y comenzará a reunirse el 15 de marzo. Los líderes legislativos estatales y el gobernador Gavin Newsom nombrarán a 11 representantes para el consejo, incluidos trabajadores de comida rápida y representantes de la industria de restaurantes. Trabajadores de comida rápida se registran en Los Ángeles Cientos de trabajadores de todo el estado se reunieron en el Phoenix Hall del Comité de Acción Comunitaria Laboral de Watts el viernes en Los Ángeles para conocer su nuevo sindicato, comenzar el proceso de inscripción y discutir posibles prioridades. Los trabajadores estaban entusiasmados con la forma en que el sindicato podría ayudarlos a resolver una variedad de problemas que enfrentan, porque ya han visto cambios con su participación en el movimiento nacional Fight for $15 (Lucha por los $15). Fight for $15 se lanzó en 2012, cuando 200 trabajadores de restaurantes de comida rápida abandonaron sus

-JOSEPH BRYANT, VICEPRESIDENTE EJECUTIVO DEL SINDICATO INTERNACIONAL DE EMPLEADOS DE SERVICIOS Los aumentos salariales para los trabajadores probablemente resultarán en precios más altos para los consumidores, dijo Jeff Hanscom, vicepresidente de relaciones con los gobiernos estatales y locales de la Asociación Internacional de Franquicias, que representa a las cadenas de restaurantes.

Una pancarta afuera del lanzamiento de membresía del Sindicato de Trabajadores de Comida Rápida de California en Los Ángeles el 9 de febrero de 2024. Photo Credit: Jules Hotz / CalMatters

puestos de trabajo en la ciudad de Nueva York para exigir 15 dólares la hora y representación sindical. En muchos sentidos, el nuevo sindicato es una formalización del trabajo que el movimiento Fight for $15 ha estado realizando durante años, dijo Ken Jacobs, copresidente del Centro Laboral de UC Berkeley. A través de Fight for $15, los trabajadores abogaron por la ley de 2016 que encaminó a California hacia un salario mínimo de $15 y presionaron para crear el consejo de comida rápida. “Históricamente, Fight for $15 ha utilizado tácticas como realizar huelgas de un día y otras acciones contra los empleadores, además de impulsar políticas públicas que beneficien a los trabajadores de la comida rápida”, dijo Jacobs. “Espero que el sindicato de trabajadores de la comida rápida realice acciones muy similares. El cambio aquí es codificar esto en una organización de membresía donde los trabajadores pagan cuotas. Es su organización y formalmente son parte del Sindicato Internacional de Empleados de Servicios”. Este tipo de sindicato, a menudo llamado sindicato minoritario, no es inusual, afirmó. Otro ejemplo de sindicato minoritario es el sindicato Communication Workers of America para trabajadores de T-Mobile, dijo Jacobs. Pero los trabajadores de la comida rápida tendrán una oportunidad única de implementar los cambios deseados a través del consejo de comida rápida, un mecanismo que otros sindicatos minoritarios no tienen, añadió. María Rosalva Nájera López, trabajadora de McDonald's, dijo que el nuevo sindicato es la culminación de años de esfuerzo. Dijo que su participación en la organización de la campaña Fight for $15 ya había mejorado las condiciones en el trabajo, y que con el nuevo sindicato, será menos probable que los empleadores tomen represalias o presionen a los empleados. "Finalmente hemos logrado aquello por lo que hemos estado luchando durante tantos años", dijo. "Eso es lo que estamos celebrando". Las cadenas de restaurantes son notoriamente difíciles de sindicalizar debido a la alta rotación de empleados y porque las corporaciones de restaurantes a menudo no son empleadores

directos de los trabajadores. Incluso cuando los restaurantes pueden sindicalizarse, como las tiendas Starbucks, las corporaciones a menudo emplean tácticas dilatorias que dificultan la negociación, como cerrar tiendas, dijo Jacobs. “¿El objetivo es construir suficiente poder en la industria para tratar de ganar la negociación colectiva, o construir y fortalecer el consejo de trabajadores de la comida rápida y, en última instancia, tener alguna forma de negociación sectorial a través del estado?” dijo Jacobs. Dijo que ganar y mantener una afiliación sindical fuerte también será un desafío.

“Los propietarios de restaurantes locales son pilares de sus comunidades y están orgullosos de su compromiso con los empleados, incluido el nuevo aumento salarial de $20 por hora a partir del 1 de abril”, dijo en un comunicado. “Sin embargo, ese aumento agregará alrededor de $250,000 al costo operativo de cada restaurante. Los precios de los alimentos tendrán que subir, los clientes lo sentirán y los propietarios de restaurantes buscarán otras formas de gestionar el costo adicional y al mismo tiempo mantener a flote sus pequeñas empresas”. Lo que quieren los trabajadores A pesar de la gran participación en el evento del viernes, los trabajadores dijeron que todavía queda mucho trabajo por hacer para incorporar a otros empleados porque muchos de sus colegas expresan temor a represalias. "Mucha gente tiene miedo", dijo López.

Bryant dijo que el objetivo del sindicato es simple: hacer de los restaurantes lugares de trabajo seguros y sostenibles.

Celeste Pérez, trabajadora de Burger King en San José, dijo que hace días se inscribió como miembro del sindicato sin pensarlo dos veces.

"Esta es una lucha por la justicia económica, una lucha por la justicia racial", dijo. "Sentimos que hoy se marca un nuevo capítulo en la capacidad de elevar los estándares para tantas familias en California que son principalmente negras, morenas y mujeres".

“Vale la pena”, dijo. “No tenemos nada: seguro médico, vacaciones pagadas. No vemos a nuestros seres queridos lo suficiente. Simplemente trabajamos todo el día”.

Los restaurantes advierten de mayores costes Los críticos dicen que esto es un truco publicitario y que el sindicato tendrá dificultades para conseguir miembros. Michael Saltsman, director general del Instituto de Políticas de Empleo, calificó al Sindicato de Trabajadores de Comida Rápida de California como un “ejercicio para salvar las apariencias” realizado por el Sindicato Internacional de Empleados de Servicios. El instituto, con sede en Washington DC, ha abogado por salarios mínimos más bajos. El Sindicato Internacional de Empleados de Servicios “necesita algo que mostrar por las importantes inversiones que ha realizado en California y a nivel nacional, incluso si esta nueva creación es principalmente un vehículo de cabildeo y relaciones públicas”, dijo Saltsman. “Sin embargo, no está claro quién o qué representa este nuevo grupo, fuera del liderazgo del Sindicato Internacional de Empleados de Servicios o del pequeño número de empleados alineados”. Saltsman añadió que el sindicato garantiza la probabilidad de que al menos cuatro escaños en el consejo de comida rápida - dos escaños

Los organizadores describieron algunas prioridades para el sindicato: además de los aumentos salariales anuales y la búsqueda de mejores horarios de trabajo, el sindicato planea introducir ordenanzas locales en San José y Los Ángeles para fortalecer la protección laboral. Gloria González, empleada de Subway, dijo que confía en que el nuevo sindicato ofrecerá un fuerte apoyo y recursos. “Si tenemos violencia en el trabajo, sé que nos apoyarán en las protecciones por las que luchamos. Tenemos muchas cosas que queremos lograr”, dijo. González dijo que una prioridad para ella serán los aumentos salariales consistentes. Si bien está agradecida por el aumento salarial de $20, sabe que no se mantendrá al ritmo del aumento del costo de vida en San José. Pero con un sindicato formal, los trabajadores dijeron que tienen esperanzas de que sus colegas indecisos también se afilien. “Cuando empezamos éramos muy pocos”, dijo González. “Tal vez la gente pierda algo de miedo porque vea que no nos pasa nada cuando nos organizamos”.

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FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

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CALIFORNIA’S FAST FOOD WORKERS GAIN NEW, FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND UNION TO REPRESENT THEM

A new organization promises to advocate for better conditions and higher pay for all fast food workers. But some say the union will cause prices to rise.

Alejandro Lazo CalMatters

alifornia’s fast food workers have a new union to advocate for higher pay and safer working conditions, organizers announced Friday. Thousands of workers statewide will be able to join the California Fast Food Workers Union, an organization that will likely represent a small share of workers but advocate for all fast food employees in the state. The organization doesn’t have the same collective bargaining power of traditional unions, but it will be affiliated with the Service Employees International Union, a traditional union that represents workers in various industries and for more than a decade has fought to raise pay at fast food restaurants. Recently it helped secure a $20-anhour minimum wage for all fast food workers in California. “Today is a historic day in the launching of the first-ofits-kind in the U.S. fast food workers union,” said Joseph Bryant, international executive vice president of the Service Employees International Union. “The idea of it is to really build the voices by bringing hundreds and eventually thousands of workers together to be able to make demands, to be able to ensure they are getting treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.” Workers who join will pay $20 monthly in membership dues. The union won’t be able to negotiate contracts with individual employers, but it will be able to advocate for better working conditions across the industry through a recently created statewide fast food council in a process similar to typical union bargaining, organizers said.

council, including fast food workers and restaurant industry representatives.

families throughout California who are primarily Black, Brown and female.”

Fast food workers sign up in LA

Restaurants warn of higher costs

Hundreds of workers from across the state gathered at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee’s Phoenix Hall on Friday in Los Angeles to learn about their new union, begin the sign-up process and discuss potential priorities.

Critics say this is a publicity stunt and that the union will struggle to gain members.

Workers were enthusiastic about how the union could support them in solving a range of issues they deal with, because they’ve already seen change with their involvement in the national Fight for $15 movement. The Fight for $15 launched in 2012 when 200 fast-food workers walked off the job in New York City to demand $15 an hour and union representation. In many ways the new union is a formalization of the work the Fight for $15 movement has been doing for years, said Ken Jacobs, co-chair of the UC Berkeley Labor Center. Through Fight for $15, workers advocated for the 2016 law that set California on a path to a $15 minimum wage and they pushed to create the fast food council. “Historically Fight for $15 has used tactics like doing oneday strikes and other actions on employers, as well as pushing for public policy that benefits fast food workers,” Jacobs said. “I expect the fast food workers union to do very similar sorts of actions. The change here is to codify this into a membership orga-

California is home to 18 national forests, covering more than 20 million acres of land. Photo Credit: Galyna Andrushko / Adobe Stock

nization where workers are paying dues. It’s their organization, and they are formally part of the Service Employees International Union.” This type of union, often called a minority union, is not unusual, he said. Another example of a minority union is the Communication Workers of America’s union for T-Mobile workers, Jacobs said. But the fast food workers will have a unique opportunity to implement desired changes through the fast food council, a mechanism that other minority unions don’t have, he added. Maria Rosalva Najera Lopez, a McDonald’s worker, said the new union is the culmination of years of effort. She said her involvement in organizing with the Fight for $15 campaign had already improved conditions at work, and that with the new union, employers will be less likely to retaliate or push back against employees. “Finally we’ve accomplished what we’ve been fighting for so many years,” she said. “That’s what we’re celebrat-

ing.” Chain restaurants are notoriously difficult to unionize because of high employee turnover and because the restaurant corporations are often not direct employers of the workers. Even when restaurants are able to unionize, such as Starbucks stores, corporations often employ delay tactics that make bargaining difficult, like shutting down stores, Jacobs said. “Is the endgame to build enough power in the industry to try to win collective bargaining, or to build and strengthen the fast food worker council and ultimately have some form of sectoral bargaining through the state?” Jacobs said. He said gaining and keeping strong union membership will also be challenging. Bryant said the union’s goal is simple: to make restaurants safe and sustainable places to work. “This is an economic justice fight, a racial justice fight,” he said. “We feel today marks a new chapter in being able to lift the standards for so many

Michael Saltsman, managing director of the Employment Policies Institute, called the California Fast Food Workers Union a “face-saving exercise” by the Service Employees International Union. The institute, based in Washington DC, has argued for lower minimum wages. The Service Employees International Union “needs something to show for the significant investments it has made in California and nationally, even if this new creation is primarily a lobbying and public relations vehicle,” Saltsman said. “However, it’s unclear who or what this new group speaks for, outside of Service Employees International Union leadership or the small number of aligned employees.” Saltsman added, the union ensures the likelihood that at least four seats on the fast food council — two seats for workers and two for worker representatives — are controlled by the union. “Today marks a new chapter in being able to lift the standards for so many families throughout California who are primarily Black, Brown and female.” -JOSEPH BRYANT, AN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION Wage increases for workers

will likely lead to higher prices for consumers, said Jeff Hanscom, vice president of state and local government relations for the International Franchise Association, which represents restaurant chains. “Local restaurant owners are pillars of their communities and proud of their commitment to employees, including the new $20/hour wage increase starting April 1,” he said in a statement. “However, that increase will add about $250,000 to the operating cost of each restaurant. Food prices will have to go up, customers will feel it, and restaurant owners will look for other ways to manage the additional cost while also keeping their small businesses afloat.” What workers want Despite a strong turnout at Friday’s event, workers said there’s still a lot more work to do to bring other employees on board because many of their colleagues express fears of retaliation. “A lot of people are scared,” Lopez said. Celeste Perez, a Burger King worker in San Jose, said she signed up to be a union member days ago without thinking twice. “It’s worth it,” she said. “We don’t have anything: health insurance, paid vacation. We don’t see our loved ones enough. We just work all day.” Organizers outlined a few priorities for the union: In addition to annual wage increases and seeking better work schedules, the union plans to introduce local ordinances in San Jose and Los Angeles to strengthen job protections. Gloria Gonzalez, a Subway employee, said she feels confident the new union will offer strong support and resources. “If we have violence at work, I know they’re going to support us in the protections we fight for. We have a lot of things we want to accomplish,” she said.

Last year the Service Employees International Union won a major victory with the passage of a law that created a fast food labor council that will set working conditions and standards in California and increase the minimum wage for fast workers to $20 starting in April. The fast food council will elect representatives and begin meeting by March 15.

Gonzalez said a priority for her will be consistent wage increases. While she’s grateful for the $20 wage increase, she knows it won’t keep up with the rising cost of living in San Jose. But with a formal union, workers said they’re hopeful their hesitant colleagues will sign up too.

State legislative leaders and Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint 11 representatives to the

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FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

VIBRAS

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PERA, CAQUI Y PIÑA Frutas Prodigiosas

Mario Jiménez Castillo El Observador

que los protegiera durante el Uayeb, período de un calendario que consideraba cinco días de mala suerte. En algunos países se le conoce como ananás.

Pera Probablemente originaria de la región central de China, en donde sus habitantes la cultivaban, cosechaban, y consumían con frecuencia ya que se le consideraba como una de las fuentes de la eterna juventud. Dentro de las creencias yorubas, la pera es considerada el fruto predilecto del Orisha Inle, el patrón de la medicina. Ya sea por medio de su jugo o en estado natural, la pera es recetada para prevenir y contrarrestar padecimientos como la difteria, diarrea, anemia, y diabetes leve. Las cáscaras son utilizadas como emplastos, para aliviar los dolores artríticos y reumáticos. Una infusión preparada con peras verdes, es altamente indicada para acabar con la influenza cuando se presentan los primeros síntomas. La pera es una fuente importante de fibra. Propiedades medicinales: contiene vitaminas B y C, además azufre, hierro, potasio y sodio.

KamranAydinov / Pikisuperstar / Azerbaijan_stockers /Freepik

Propiedades místicas: El árbol de la pera tiene la reputación de ser uno de los más longevos, por lo tanto se recomienda tener un trozo del tronco, o pequeñas ramas diseminadas por toda la casa, para que todos sus habitantes gocen de una larga vida.

ericanas como los navajos y cherokee, consumían el fruto con frecuencia, y creían que éste les inspiraba sentimientos de felicidad. Aunque es ampliamente cultivado en países que gozan de las cuatro estaciones, poco se le conoce en su estado original en regiones tropicales.

ras en el rostro, y revitalizadoras para el cabello.

a la misma hora, se curará prontamente.

También se receta a las mujeres que desean salir en estado.

Piña

Caqui

El Caqui se indica principalmente, para desacelerar los procesos del envejecimiento, y promover el buen funcionamiento del sistema circulatorio. Son conocidas sus propiedades rejuvenecedo-

Propiedades místicas: videntes contemporáneos lo recetan como antídoto contra la depresión. Una persona que sufre de este mal, si ingiere durante tres semanas seguidas un Caqui al día

Este exótico fruto es nativo del continente americano, los chamanes lo consideraban como símbolo de la alegría. Tribus norteam-

Propiedades medicinales: contiene fósforo y potasio y vitaminas B y E.

MARCH

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La piña está ligada al paisaje de islas tropicales como Hawái, también al folklor de regiones exóticas como Tahití, y Palau. Siendo nativa de las zonas tropicales, fue conocida tanto por los nativos mesoamericanos, como por los antiguos habitantes del África central. Los Mayas la utilizaban en sus rituales curativos, y la ofrecían a Ixchel la diosa de la luna para

El jugo de la piña se recomienda para limpiar los riñones, el esófago, y el intestino grueso. Resulta además un remedio efectivo contra algunos padecimientos sanguíneos como la anemia y la baja presión. El catarro, la influenza, y la alergia causada por el polen de las flores, pueden encontrar alivio con el consumo moderado de este fruto. También se indica para mantener la buena salud en las encías, y en los dientes. Propiedades medicinales: Fuente de vitaminas B y C, contiene hierro, calcio, magnesio y fósforo. Propiedades místicas: finas porciones de las cáscaras secas de la piña, son portadas en un saquito de lino verde con el propósito de atraer más dinero a su portador. Las cáscaras frescas, son colocadas en el techo y el jardín, para evitar la invasión mascotas ajenas.

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THE ENDURING HARM OF U.S. DEPORTATIONS

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Deportations to African and Muslim-majority nations, which skyrocketed during the Trump administration, continue to disproportionately harm Black immigrants who built their lives in the U.S.

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

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Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

Tuesday, January 30 briefing held by the Ohio Immigrant Alliance (OHIA) and the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) highlighted Broken Hope: Deportation and the Road Home — a new book featuring interviews with 255 deported long-term U.S. resident immigrants — as the book’s authors and some of the immigrants interviewed discussed the lasting effects of deportation. Who was deported? OHIA organizer Maryam Sy conducted hundreds of hours of interviews with deportees, the vast majority of which were Black Muslim men from African countries who had lived in the U.S. for at least a decade — and for a median of 17 years. 110 had relatives in the U.S., 73 had a child there and nine were married to U.S. citizens. The vast majority were also deported or left during the Trump administration. At least 126 were formally deported; 124 were ordered deported by a U.S. immigration judge and left before they could be detained in immigration jail and lose control over where they were sent. 21 people were deported to countries with a U.S. Travel Advisory of “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” and 45 to countries with “Level 3: Reconsider Travel.” Since the Biden administration took office, seven have returned to the U.S. legally, and at least one returnee got a green card. One individual got asylum in France, while two got legal status in Canada. Four deportees died, far from their home and family. The rest of those interviewed are still fighting to reunite with their families while trying to stay safe in their countries of origin. Many of these people “went through the hardest part of their life when they were deported,” Sy said. “They came to America to seek asylum for a better life … and it was like the government broke their hope.” Deportation trends

Although his family had worked themselves up into the middle class, Ndiaye said his deportation forced them into food and housing insecurity, poverty and depression, and his daughter and stepdaughter had to work while attending school. “It’s not easy to be in a country for almost twenty years and build your life and one day, it stops,” he said. “It’s a long way to get experience in another country. To learn English. To go to school at nighttime. To learn. Go to work. Get the experience. And then one day they say ‘Stop. You don’t have it any more, you have to leave.’ The day ICE told me that was the end of the world for me.” “The way things are working in the U.S., I think it’s not going to be possible for me to return, because they lie about everything against me,” added Demba Jobe, who was deported to The Gambia after traveling to the U.S. on a G-2 visa several times in the 2010s for training at the World Bank — where he fell in love with and married his colleague Georgina, a U.S. citizen. When his brother died, Jobe applied for and received U.S. “advance parole” (permission to return) before going to Gambia. Upon his return through Chicago O’Hare International Airport, however, ICE officers detained him. After refusing to sign a paper allowing them to deport him immediately, he spent nine months in immigration jail, after which he was deported. He requested and was denied an interpreter in court, which he attended in jail through a video feed, having to defend himself against accusations that his marriage was fraudulent, Jobe said — highlighting the irony that under the U.S. immigration system he could not receive humanitarian parole, yet could be deported while being eligible for a green card and being married to a U.S. citizen with two children. Since his deportation, he added, his wife endured three back surgeries, downsized her apartment and changed jobs as a result of her still-restricted physical mobility. “I had built a family,” said Jobe. “I love my wife and children and want to continue the life we had because they need me, and I need them. But about returning, I don’t have anything to say because they don’t give me the chance.”

Las deportaciones a países africanos y de mayoría musulmana, que se dispararon durante la administración de Trump, continúan perjudicando desproporcionadamente a los inmigrantes negros que construyeron sus vidas en Estados Unidos.

Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

Unidos en busca de asilo para una vida mejor... y fue como si el gobierno hubiera roto sus esperanzas”.

na sesión informativa del martes 30 de enero celebrada por la Alianza de Inmigrantes de Ohio (OHIA) y el Centro de Derecho y Política Social (CLASP) destacó Broken Hope: Deportation and the Road Home (Deportación y el camino a casa) - un nuevo libro que presenta entrevistas con 255 inmigrantes residentes en Estados Unidos deportados a largo plazo - mientras los autores del libro y algunos de los inmigrantes entrevistados discutían los efectos duraderos de la deportación.

Lejos de ser exclusivo del momento actual, la expulsión forzosa sustenta la historia de Estados Unidos desde el advenimiento de la esclavitud en el siglo XVII y los Códigos Negros que restringen el movimiento de los afroamericanos en el siglo XIX, dijo el director de la OHIA y coautor de Broken Hope Lynn Tramonte.

¿Quién fue deportado? La organizadora de la OHIA, Maryam Sy, realizó cientos de horas de entrevistas con deportados, la gran mayoría de los cuales eran hombres musulmanes negros de países africanos que habían vivido en los EE. UU. durante al menos una década — y durante una mediana de 17 años. 110 tenían parientes en Estados Unidos, 73 tenían un hijo allí y nueve estaban casados con ciudadanos estadounidenses. La gran mayoría también fueron deportados o abandonados durante la administración de Trump. Al menos 126 fueron deportados formalmente; Un juez de inmigración de Estados Unidos ordenó la deportación de 124 personas y los abandonaron antes de que pudieran ser detenidos en una cárcel de inmigración y perder el control sobre el lugar adonde fueron enviados. 21 personas fueron deportadas a países con una advertencia de viaje de EE. UU. de “Nivel 4: No viajar” y 45 a países con “Nivel 3: Reconsiderar viajar”. Desde que asumió el gobierno de Biden, siete han regresado a Estados Unidos legalmente y al menos un retornado obtuvo una green card (tarjeta de residencia). Una persona obtuvo asilo en Francia, mientras que dos obtuvieron estatus legal en Canadá. Cuatro deportados murieron, lejos de su hogar y de su familia. El resto de los entrevistados todavía luchan por reunirse con sus familias mientras intentan mantenerse seguros en sus países de origen. Muchas de estas personas “pasaron por la parte más difícil de su vida cuando fueron deportadas”, dijo Sy. “Vinieron a Estados

Far from being unique to the present moment, forced removal undergirds U.S. history as far back as the advent of slavery in the 17th century and the Black Codes restricting the movement of African Americans in the 19th century, said OHIA Director and Broken Hope co-author Lynn Tramonte. In more recent years, average annual deportations were actually higher under the Obama administration than under Trump, said CLASP Senior Policy Analyst and book co-author Suma Setty. Under Trump from 2017 to 2020, the Department of Homeland Security reported 2 million deportations. Under Obama from 2009 to 2012, there were 3.2 million. However, this was still the lowest total and annual average since the mid-1970s. In comparison, over 10 million were deported during the prior George W. Bush administration, and over 12 million during the Clinton administration before that. What is new since the Trump administration “are huge disparities based on countries of origin,” said Setty. From the Obama to the Trump administration, deportations to African countries increased by 74%; those to Caribbean countries by 40%; and those to Muslim-majority countries by 38%. “A collection of 250-plus stories by people who have endured this separation from their families and communities is unprecedented,” said Setty. “The little research literature that does contain a few stories focuses primarily on the southern border … but we have to make sure Black immigrants don’t get left behind. And why are they? Because the federal government is investing in detention and deportation rather than legal pathways for people to return and stay here.” Deportation stories “I think deportation like this is a mistake,” said Goura Ndiaye, who in 2019 was deported to Mauritania, a country where slavery is still common. He and other deportees shared their stories through prerecorded videos and transcribed statements, as internet is often unreliable in many of their countries of origin.

En años más recientes, el promedio de deportaciones anuales fue en realidad mayor bajo la administración de Obama que bajo Trump, dijo Suma Setty, analista principal de políticas de CLASP y coautora del libro. Bajo Trump, de 2017 a 2020, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional informó 2 millones de deportaciones. Bajo Obama, de 2009 a 2012, hubo 3,2 millones. Sin embargo, éste seguía siendo el promedio total y anual más bajo desde mediados de los años setenta. En comparación, más de 10 millones fueron deportados durante la administración anterior de George W. Bush, y más de 12 millones durante la administración de Clinton anterior. Lo que es nuevo desde la administración de Trump “son enormes disparidades basadas en los países de origen”, dijo Setty. Desde la administración de Obama hasta la administración de Trump, las deportaciones a países africanos aumentaron en un 74%; los de países del Caribe en un 40%; y los de países de mayoría musulmana en un 38%. “Una colección de más de 250 historias de personas que han soportado esta separación de sus familias y comunidades no tiene precedentes”, dijo Setty. “La poca literatura de investigación que contiene algunas historias se centra principalmente en la frontera sur... pero tenemos que asegurarnos de que los inmigrantes negros no se queden atrás. ¿Y por qué es así? Porque el gobierno federal está invirtiendo en detención y deportación en lugar de vías legales para que la gente regrese y se quede aquí”. Historias de deportación “Creo que una deportación como esta es un error”, dijo Goura Ndiaye, que fue deportado a Mauritania en 2019, un país donde la esclavitud todavía es común. Él y otros deportados compartieron sus historias a través de videos pregrabados y declaraciones transcritas, ya que el internet suele ser poco confiable en muchos de sus países de origen. Ndiaye, un empresario electricista y padre de tres hijos ciudadanos estadounidenses de Columbus, Ohio, tenía programada una cirugía de reemplazo de cadera unos días después de que una reunión aparentemente rutinaria con ICE terminara con su arresto.

PONIENDO LA GENTE POR

ENCIMA DE LA POLÍTICA Sigue siendo un honor y un privilegio servirle. Este año, seguiré luchando para ampliar el acceso a viviendas asequibles y cuidado infantil, restablecer el Crédito Tributario por Hijos, y promulgar leyes que promuevan la igualdad, la justicia, y la prosperidad para todos. ¡Les deseo a usted y a sus seres queridos unas felices fiestas y un próspero Año Nuevo! Aprobé la reforma de armas más fuerte en 30 años

Aprobé el proyecto de ley climático más grande de la historia.

Di a Medicare el poder para negociar los precios de los medicamentos y reducir los costos

Protegí el Seguro Social y Medicare de los recortes conservadores

Reduje los costos para las familias trabajadoras y creé millones de empleos con la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación

An electrician businessowner and father of three U.S. citizen children from Columbus, Ohio, Ndiaye was scheduled for a hip replacement surgery a few days after a seemingly routine meeting with ICE ended with his arrest. He received no medical treatment in immigration jail beyond aspirin. ICE agents later told him they were taking him to a medical appointment, but instead took him to the airport for deportation — by which time his hip had detached from his body.

Tendencias de deportación

Garanticé que los afiliados a Medicare no pagarían más de $35 al mes por insulina o mas de $2,000 al año para medicamentos recetados Source: White House

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No recibió ningún tratamiento médico en la cárcel de inmigración más allá de la aspirina. Más tarde, los agentes de ICE le dijeron que lo llevarían a una cita médica, pero en lugar de eso lo llevaron al aeropuerto para su deportación - momento en el que su cadera se había desprendido del cuerpo. Aunque su familia había ascendido a la clase media, Ndiaye dijo que su deportación los obligó a sufrir inseguridad alimentaria y de vivienda, pobreza y depresión, y que su hija y su hijastra tuvieron que trabajar mientras asistían a la escuela. “No es fácil estar en un país durante casi veinte años y construir tu vida y un día se detiene”, dijo. “Es un largo camino para adquirir experiencia en otro país. Aprender inglés. Ir a la escuela por la noche. Aprender. Ir a trabajar. Obtener la experiencia. Y entonces un día dicen: 'Detente'. Ya no lo tienes, tienes que irte’. El día que ICE me dijo que eso era el fin del mundo para mí”. “Así como funcionan las cosas en Estados Unidos, no creo que sea posible regresar, porque mienten en todo contra mí”, añadió Demba Jobe, quien fue deportado a Gambia después de viajar a Estados Unidos con una visa G-2 varias veces en la década de 2010 para recibir capacitación en el Banco Mundial - donde se enamoró y se casó con su colega Georgina, una ciudadana estadounidense. Cuando su hermano murió, Jobe solicitó y recibió “advance parole” (permiso para regresar) de Estados Unidos antes de ir a GambiaSin embargo, a su regreso por el Aeropuerto Internacional O’Hare de Chicago, los agentes de ICE lo detuvieron. Después de negarse a firmar un documento que permitía deportarlo inmediatamente, pasó nueve meses en una cárcel de inmigración, tras lo cual fue deportado. Solicitó y se le negó un intérprete en el tribunal, al que asistió en la cárcel a través de un video, teniendo que defenderse de las acusaciones de que su matrimonio era fraudulento, dijo Jobe — destacando la ironía de que bajo el sistema de inmigración estadounidense no podía recibir permiso humanitario, pero podría ser deportado siendo elegible para una tarjeta verde y estando casado con un ciudadano estadounidense con dos hijos. Desde su deportación, añadió, su esposa sufrió tres cirugías de espalda, redujo el tamaño de su apartamento y cambió de trabajo como resultado de su movilidad física aún restringida. “Había formado una familia”, dijo Jobe. “Amo a mi esposa y a mis hijos y quiero continuar la vida que teníamos porque ellos me necesitan y yo los necesito a ellos. Pero sobre regresar no tengo nada que decir porque no me dan la oportunidad”.

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

It’s a common complaint that it takes so long for election officials to finish counting votes. But there are ways to get your ballot to count in the first round of results.

Es una queja común que los funcionarios electorales tardan tanto en terminar de contar los votos. Pero hay maneras de hacer que su voto cuente en la primera ronda de resultados.

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Alexei Koseff CalMatters

he slow vote count has become a staple of California elections — and a national frustration — as the state has shifted to overwhelmingly voting by mail.

But what if you want to make sure that yours is among the results rolling in on election night after the polls close? Perhaps you sleep more soundly knowing that you successfully exercised your right to vote, or maybe you want to help shape the early narratives of who’s up and who’s down.

Alexei Koseff CalMatters

l lento conteo de votos se ha convertido en un elemento básico de las elecciones de California, y en una frustración nacional, a medida que el estado ha pasado a votar abrumadoramente por correo.

Poll worker Regina Jasperse, right, helps Joey Knighten, left, fill out his mail-in ballot at a polling station at the American Legion in Shasta Lake on Nov. 7, 2023. Photo Credit: Fred Greaves / CalMatters

Es el resultado del tiempo adicional que California proporciona para que las boletas por correo lleguen a las oficinas electorales locales y los pasos de verificación adicionales que los trabajadores completan antes de contar esos votos. Debido al gran tamaño del estado, millones de votos

Your best bet — easy, straightforward and cheap — is to mail back your ballot as soon as possible.

But if you return it sooner, so that workers receive it by the Friday or Saturday before the primary, your vote is likely to end up in the first batch of results released after the polls close at 8 p.m., according to Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who served as the chief elections official of Santa Cruz County for nearly three decades before she was elected to the Legislature in 2022.

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

Now maybe you’re too busy to vote early, or you worry about a late-breaking scandal, or you just like tradition. Even with the shift to mail ballots, California still requires counties to offer locations to vote in person, both on election day until 8 p.m. and in the 10 days leading up to it. You can also find those on your county elections office’s website.

If you lose your ballot or mismark it, you can also get a new one at a vote center. Don’t forget that, while voters registered with any party can cast a ballot in most primaries in California, the presidential race has different rules. Only registered Republican voters can participate in the Republican primary, while the Democratic primary is open to independent voters who request the ballot. If you forgot to do that, you can contact your county elections office and ask for a remote accessible mail ballot. These are emailed to you, then must be printed out and returned in the postage paid envelope that came with your mail ballot. Because of another Pellerin bill, AB 292, language about how to do that is now included on your ballot. “We’re just trying to remove barriers for voters and make things as easy as possible and improve the voting experience so that everyone who’s registered votes,” Pellerin said. “That’s my goal.”

Las oficinas electorales del condado enviaron una boleta a cada votante registrado de California a principios de febrero, un mes antes de las elecciones primarias del 5 de marzo. Esas boletas ahora incluyen franqueo prepago, por lo que ni siquiera necesita un sello. Siempre que tenga matasellos del 5 de marzo, su boleta puede llegar hasta una semana después de las elecciones y aún así ser contada.

Si guarda su boleta porque necesita más tiempo para investigar su voto , considere devolverla en un buzón oficial. Puede encontrar las ubicaciones en el sitio web de la oficina electoral de su condado. Las casillas se revisan todos los días, dijo Pellerin, por lo que las boletas llegan al centro de procesamiento mucho más rápido que las enviadas por correo. “Los buzones eliminan a esa persona intermediaria”, dijo. Para los votantes que están fuera de casa durante las elecciones, una boleta enviada por correo desde cualquier lugar o devuelta en cualquier buzón en California eventualmente regresará a la oficina electoral de su condado. Ahora tal vez esté demasiado ocupado para votar anticipadamente, o le preocupe un escándalo de última hora, o simplemente le guste la tradición. Incluso con el cambio a las boletas por correo, California todavía exige que los condados ofrezcan lugares para votar en persona, tanto el día de las elecciones hasta las 8:00 p. m. como en los 10 días previos. También puede encontrarlos en el sitio web de la oficina electoral de su condado.

For voters who are away from home around the election, a ballot mailed from anywhere or returned at any drop box in California will eventually make it back to your county elections office.

“You can take that very ballot that was mailed to you, voted, walk it in and they’ll transfer you or rekey you in as an inperson voter,” Pellerin said. “That ballot goes right in the ballot box, and will be counted election night.”

Su mejor opción (fácil, directa y económica) es enviar su boleta por correo lo antes posible.

Inscríbase en el rastreador “¿Dónde está mi boleta?” de California para recibir una actualización por mensaje de texto, correo electrónico o teléfono cuando su boleta se procese oficialmente.

“Drop boxes eliminate that middle person,” she said.

Newly this year, because of Pellerin’s Assembly Bill 626, you can simply bring your completed ballot to a vote center in your county and turn it in, rather than having to fill out a new ballot there.

Pero, ¿qué pasa si quiere asegurarse de que el suyo esté entre los resultados que se publicarán la noche de las elecciones después del cierre de las urnas? Tal vez usted duerma más tranquilo sabiendo que ejerció con éxito su derecho al voto, o tal vez quiera ayudar a dar forma a las primeras narrativas sobre quién está arriba y quién está abajo.

“Prácticamente cualquier boleta que recibiéramos el sábado, podríamos procesarla y pasarla por todos los controles y contrapesos para entrar en el conteo el martes por la noche”, dijo Pellerin, una demócrata de Santa Cruz.

“Pretty much any ballot we got by Saturday, we would be able to process and get it through all the checks and balances to get into the count on Tuesday night,” said Pellerin, a Santa Cruz Democrat.

If you’re holding onto your ballot because you need more time to research your vote, consider returning it at an official drop box. You can find the locations on your county elections office’s website. The boxes are checked every day, Pellerin said, so ballots reach the processing center much quicker than those sent through the mail.

no se cuentan hasta semanas después del día de las elecciones.

Pero si lo devuelve antes, para que los trabajadores lo reciban el viernes o sábado antes de las primarias, es probable que su voto termine en el primer lote de resultados publicado después del cierre de las urnas a las 8 p.m., según la asambleísta Gail Pellerin, quien se desempeñó como principal funcionaria electoral del condado de Santa Cruz durante casi tres décadas antes de ser elegida miembro de la Legislatura en 2022.

County elections offices sent a ballot to every registered California voter in early February, a month before the March 5 primary election. Those ballots now include prepaid postage, so you don’t even need a stamp. As long as it is postmarked by March 5, your ballot can arrive up to a week after the election and still be counted.

Sign up for California’s “Where’s My Ballot?” tracker to receive an update by text, email or phone when your ballot is officially processed.

CÓMO ASEGURARSE DE QUE SU VOTO SE CUENTE PRIMERO EN LAS ELECCIONES PRIMARIAS DE CALIFORNIA

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR BALLOT GETS COUNTED FIRST IN CALIFORNIA’S PRIMARY

It’s the result of the additional time that California provides for mail ballots to arrive at local elections offices and the extra verification steps that workers complete before counting those votes. Because of the sheer size of the state, millions of ballots don’t get counted until weeks after election day.

ELECTIONS

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Solicite Medi-Cal hoy:

HealthyAC.org

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

¿Cómo puedo solicitar Medi-Cal?

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

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

Recientemente, este año, gracias al Proyecto de Ley 626 de la Asamblea de Pellerin, usted puede simplemente llevar su boleta completa a un centro de votación en su condado y entregarla, en lugar de tener que llenar una nueva boleta allí. “Puedes tomar esa misma boleta que te enviaron por correo, votar, entrar y te transferirán o te volverán a ingresar como votante en persona”, dijo Pellerin. “Esa boleta va directamente a las urnas y se contará la noche de las elecciones”. Si pierde su boleta o la marca mal, también puede obtener una nueva en un centro de votación. No olvide que, si bien los votantes registrados en cualquier partido pueden emitir su voto en la mayoría de las primarias en California, la carrera presidencial tiene reglas diferentes. Sólo los votantes republicanos registrados pueden participar en las primarias republicanas, mientras que las primarias demócratas están abiertas a los votantes independientes que soliciten la boleta. Si olvidó hacerlo, puede comunicarse con la oficina electoral de su condado y solicitar una boleta por correo accesible remotamente. Estos se le envían por correo electrónico, luego deben imprimirse y devolverse en el sobre con franqueo pagado que vino con su boleta por correo. Debido a otro proyecto de ley de Pellerin, la AB 292, ahora se incluye texto sobre cómo hacerlo en su boleta. “Simplemente estamos tratando de eliminar barreras para los votantes y hacer las cosas lo más fáciles posible y mejorar la experiencia de votación para que todos los que están registrados voten”, dijo Pellerin. “Ese es mi objetivo.”

JOBS / CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 703121 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FALAFEL EXPRESS, 1290 S. Bascom Ave Suite #B, 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): Ali Sedda, 1290 S. Bascom Ave #B, San Jose, CA 95128. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 2/12/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Ali Sedda This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 2/12/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 703121 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702995 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ELECTRIC VAL USA CORP, 2235 California St Apt 210, Mountain View, CA 94040, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): ELECTRIC VAL USA CORP, 2235 California St Apt 210, Mountain View, CA 94040. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 1/30/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Jose A Valadez Cervantes ELECTRIC VAL USA CORP CEO Article/Reg#: 6079011 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara

County on 2/08/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 702995 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 703207 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Knox 24/7, Knox 24/7 Security, 117 Bernal Road #70-189, San Jose, CA 95119, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Knox 24/7, 117 Bernal Road #70-189, San Jose, CA 95119. 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/ Paulo Paredes Knox 24/7 Inc President/CEO Article/Reg#: 5868199 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 2/13/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 703207 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 703047 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: KD FENCING COMPANY, 1484 Cathay Dr, 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): Sara Dominguez, 1484 Cathay Dr, San Jose, CA 95122. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 2/09/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or

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she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Sara Dominguez This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 2/09/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 703047 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702687 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant, 1261 W. San Carlos St, 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): Mamush M. Beyene, 1784 Old Oakland Rd, #15, San Jose, CA 95131. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 1/29/2024. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN660301. “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/ Mamush Beyene Mamush M Beyene Owner Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 1/29/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 702687 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 703010 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: RODRIGUEZ AUTO REPAIR, 299 S. 24th St Suite #2, 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): Jose L Rodriguez, 2528 Flint Ave, San Jose, CA 95148. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious

business name(s) listed above on 5/01/2019. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN655400. “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 L Rodriguez This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 2/08/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 703010 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702681 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: STONE STREET PICTURES, STAGEONE CREATIVE, SOUTH BAY AV, 196 N. 3rd St, 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): STAGEONE CREATIVE MANAGEMENT LLC, 196 N 3rd St, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 1/01/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Christopher Denise STAGEONE CREATIVE MANAGEMENT LLC Director Article/Reg#: 201612510328 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 1/29/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 702681 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 703199 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:

VIRTUE ORTHODONTOCS, 2015 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95124, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): GUNEET KOHLI KAINTH, DDS, INC., 2015 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95124. 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/ GUNEET KOHLI KAINTH GUNEET KOHLI KAINTH, DDS, INC President Article/Reg#: 4611347 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 2/13/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 703199 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701900 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PREMIER TAX SERVICES, 1042 West Hedding Street, Suite 250, 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): Marco A. Sierra, 1042 West Hedding Street, Suite 250, San Jose, CA 95126. 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/ Marco A. Sierra, Owner This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 1/03/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy

File No. FBN 701900 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702667 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MEI HUA HERBS, 1740 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): RUNKANG INC, 1740 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 1/22/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Winnie Huang RUNKANG INC Owner Article/Reg#: 6048405 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 1/29/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 702667 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 703073 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LOS GATOS ELITE, 15445 Los Gatos Blvd Suite 200, Los Gatos, CA 95032, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): K & C WILLIAMS INCORPORATED, 18119 Idalyn Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95033. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 9/19/2019. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN690560. “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

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024 guilty of a crime.) /s/ Kristina Williams K & C WILLIAMS INCORPERATED President Article/Reg#: C4267669 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 2/12/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 703073 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 703083 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SOBERANO’S PRODUCTS, 672 Gail Ave Apt 24, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Rene Soberano, g72 Gail Ave Apt 24, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 2/10/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Rene Soberano This statement was filed with the Co. ClerkRecorder of Santa Clara County on 2/12/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 703083 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV4328691 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Nancy Patricia Narvaez Diaz INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Nancy Patricia Narvaez Diaz has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Emiliano Narvaez to Emiliano Leon Narvaez 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter

appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 3/26/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 08, 2024 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430716 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Erica Tamayo INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Erica Tamayo has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Erica Tamayo to Erika Tamayo 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 hear-

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024 ing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 4/30/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Feb 09, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430367 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Anthony Gabriel Thomas Perez INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Anthony Gabriel Thomas Perez has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Anthony Gabriel Thomas Perez to Anthony Gabriel Thomas Rose 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: 4/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Feb 05, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong

Judge of the Superior Court February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430565 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Maria Socorro Camacho INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Maria Socorro Camacho has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Maria Socorro Camacho to Maria Socorro Ortiz 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: 4/23/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Feb 07, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430625 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Rital Vergara on behalf of Jordan T. Vergara Blanco and Alexander A. Blanco Vergara, minors INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s)

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Rital Vergara on behalf of Jordan T. Vergara Blanco and Alexander A. Blanco Vergara, minors has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Jordan Teofilo Vergara Blanco to Jordan Teofilo Vergara b. Alexander Alonzo Blanco Vergara to Alexander Alonzo Vergara 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: 4/23/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Feb 08, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430805 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Chong Cha Wilson INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Chong Cha Wilson has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Chong Cha Wilson to Chong Cha An 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 pe-

tition 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: 4/30/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Feb 13, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 NOTICE OF DEATH OF Mary Lou Butera To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of Mary Lou Butera, who was a resident of Santa Clara County, State of California, and died on January 11, 2024, in the City of Santa Rosa, County of Sonoma, State of California. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim within four months from the date of first publication with the DERMER LAW FIRM, 5448 Thornwood Drive, Suite 200, San Jose, California 95123 (408) 395-5111 Joseph D. Dermer, Esq. DERMER LAW FIRM 5448 Thornwood Drive, Ste 200 San Jose, CA 95123 Tel (408) 395-5111 Fax (408) 354-2797 February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 SUMMONS (Family Law) (FL-110) NOTICE TO RESPON-

DENT (Name): FRANK OTTO SCHLOR AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): You have been sued. Read the information below. Lo han demandado. Lea ia información en la pagina siguiente. Petitioner’s name is: CORA HAUSSECKER Nombre del demandante: Case Number (Número de caso): 23FL004185 You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. You can get information about finding lawyers at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp), at the California Legal Services Web Site (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte NO basta para protegerlo.

JOBS / CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar a un abogado en el Centro de ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en el sitio Web de los Servicios Legales de California (www. lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado. NOTICE; The restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. AVISO; Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte de otras ordenes. Cualquier agencia del orden publico que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas ordenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California. FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and cost that the court waived for you and the other party. Exención De Cuotas: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte. 1. The name and address of the court is (el nombre y dirección de la corte son):

Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Family Justice Center Courthouse Street Address: 201 N. FIRST STEET San Jose, CA 95113 Mailing Address: 191 N. First Street San Jose, CA 95113

Para asesoramiento legal, pónganse en contacto de inmediato

2. The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney,

or the petitioner without an attorney, are: (El nombre, dirección, y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son): KARA N. FOSTER, ESQ. 292858 Foster Hsu, LLP 111 N. Market St., Ste. 389, San Jose, CA 95113 (408)841-7200 Date (Fecha): DEC 19, 2023 3:58 PM Clerk, by (Secretario, por) /s/ C. Torres, Deputy (Asistente): STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from 1. Removing the minor child or children of the parties from the state or applying for a new or replacement passport for those minor children without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court; 2. Cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor child or children: 3. Transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. Creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party.

You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community property, or you own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs. NOTICE - ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance? If so, you should apply for Covered California. Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay towards high quality affordable health care. For more information, visit www. coveredca.com Or call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506. WARNING – IMPORTANT INFORMATION California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divide, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e. joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property. ORDENES DE RESTRICCION NORMALES DE DERECHO FAMILIAR En forma inmediata, usted y su cónyuge o pareja de hecho tienen prohibido: 1. Llevarse del estado de California a los hijos

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

menores de las partes, o solicitar un pasaporte nuevo o de repuesto para los hijos menores, sin el consentimiento previo por escrito de la otra parte o sin una orden de la corte; 2. Cobrar, pedir prestado, cancelar, transferir, deshacerse o cambiar el nombre de los beneficiarios de cualquier seguro u otro tipo de cobertura, como de vida, salud, vehículo y discapacidad, que tenga como beneficiario(s) a las partes y su(s) hijo(s) menor(es); 3. Transferir, gravar, hipotecar, ocultar o deshacerse de cualquier manera de cualquier propiedad, inmueble o personal, ya sea comunitaria, cuasicomunitaria o separada, sin el consentimiento escrito de la otra parte o una orden de la corte, excepto en el curso habitual de actividades personal o para satisfacer las necesidades de la vida; y 4. Crear o modificar una transferencia no testamentaria de manera que afecte la asignación de una propiedad sujeta a transferencia, sin el consentimiento por escrito de la otra parte o una orden de la corte. Antes de que se pueda eliminar la revocación de una transferencia no testamentaria, se debe presentar ante la corte un aviso del cambio y hacer una entrega legal de dicho aviso a la otra parte. Cada parte tiene que notificar a la otra sobre cualquier gasto extraordinario propuesto, por lo menos cinco días laborales antes de realizarlo, y rendir cuenta a la corte de todos los gastos extraordinarios realizados después de que estas órdenes de restricción hayan entrado en vigencia. No obstante, puede usar propiedad comunitaria, cuasicomunitaria o suya separada para pagar a un abogado o para ayudarle a pagar los costos de la corte. AVISO-ACCESO A SEGURO DE SALUD MÁS ECONÓMICO: ¿Necesita seguro de salud a un costo ase-

quible, ya sea para usted o alguien en su hogar? Si es as¡, puede presentar una solicitud con Covered California. Covered California lo puede ayudar a reducir el costo que paga por seguro de salud asequible y de alta calidad. Para obtener mas información, visite www.coveredca.com. O llame a Covered California al 1-800-3000213. ADVERTENCIA – INFORMACION IMPORTANTE De acuerdo a la ley de California, las propiedades adquiridas por las partes durante su matrimonio o pareja de hecho en forma conjunta se consideran propiedad comunitaria para los fines de la división de bienes que ocurre cuando se produce una disolución o separación legal del matrimonio o pareja de hecho. Si cualquiera de las partes de este caso llega a fallecer antes de que se divida la propiedad comunitaria de tenencia conjunta, el destino de la misma quedará determinado por las cláusulas de la escritura correspondiente que describen su tenencia (por ej. tenencia conjunta, tenencia en común o propiedad comunitaria) y no por la presunción de propiedad comunitaria. Si quiere que la presunción comunitaria que registrada en la escritura de la propiedad, debería consultar con un abogado. Run Date: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702985 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Abalos Tree Services, 240 El Bosque St, San Jose, CA 95134, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Jose Luis Abalos, 240 El Bosque St, San Jose, CA 95134. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/06/2019. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN660396. “I declare that all information in this statement is true

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Jose Luis Abolos This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 2/07/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 702985 February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702828 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: NATMIT DESIGN, 1143 Brace Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Natalie Mitchell, 1143 Brace Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 1/01/2021. 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/ Natalie Mitchell This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 2/02/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 702828 February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702630 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LC CLEANING SERVICES, 1315 Kingfisher Way, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a limited liability company. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): LC JANITORIAL SERVICES, LLC, 1315 Kingfisher Way #1, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. The registrant began transacting business

under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/01/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Cesar Yanez LC JANITORIAL SERVICES, LLC Owner Article/Reg#: 202359211502 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 1/26/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 702630 February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702787 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: J.T.R TOTAL WELLNESS, 7666 Santa Inez Court, Gilroy, CA 95020, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Juan Alberto Torres Rey, 7666 Santa Inez Court, Gilroy, CA 95020. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 02/01/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Juan Alberto Torres Rey This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 2/01/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 702787 February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702847

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: GME ELECTRIC, 5300 Terner Way #6133, San Jose, CA 95136, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Gerardo Nicolas Mendoza Cordero, 5300 Terner Way #6133, San Jose, CA 95136. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 02/02/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Gerardo N Mendoza Cordero This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 2/02/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 702847 February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702832 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE ULTIMATE RENOVATION, 5529 Blossom Gardens Cir, San Jose, CA 95123, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): JORGE LUIS VERA, 5529 Blossom Gardens Cir, San Jose, CA 95123. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 02/02/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Jorge Luis Vera This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 2/02/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy

File No. FBN 702832 February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702716 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CIARDELLA’S GARDEN SUPPLY, 1001 San Antonio Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Nava BMJ Inc., 707 Fourth Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063. 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/ Lourdez B Avalos Nava BMJ Inc. President Article/Reg#: 6038847 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 1/30/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 702716 February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430205 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Melinda Mihalyi INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Melinda Mihalyi has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Melinda Mihalyi to Kristy Mihalyi 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 de-

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024 scribed 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: 4/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Feb 01, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV429371 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Gabriela Ruiz Gil INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Gabriela Ruiz Gil has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Gabriela Ruiz Gil to First Name: Gabriela Last Name: Ruiz Gil 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: 4/01/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept.,

located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 18, 2024 Judge Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430210 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Juan Manuel Reyna Pacheco and Victoria Castro Madriz INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Juan Manuel Reyna Pacheco and Victoria Castro Madriz has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Violeta Madriz Reyna to Violeta Reyna Madriz 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: 4/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024 Clara. Feb 01, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court

Judge of the Superior Court

February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024

In The Matter of the Adoption Petition of UNIQUE JOYCE MARIE MANCILLAS Case No. 23AD025944

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430445 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Solomon Weldegiorgis Mehari / Yerusaliyem Solomon Weldegiorgis INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Weldegiorgis Mehari / Yerusaliyem Solomon Weldegiorgis have filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Solomon Weldegiorgis Mehari to Solomon Teferi Eyasu b. Yerusaliyem Solomon Weldegiorgis to Betty Eyasu Solomon c. Melawit Mehari Solomon to Melawit Eyasu Solomon d. Meliame Mehari Solomon to Meliame Eyasu Solomon e. Amen Mehari Solomon to Amen Eyasu Solomon 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: 4/23/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Feb 06, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong

February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024

CITATION TO ALLEGED FATHER FROM: THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO: SANTOS MANCILLAS, and his attorney of record, if any By order of this Court you are hereby cited to appear before the Hon. Jackie Arroyo, judge presiding in Dept. 1 of the Court located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose CA 95113, on March 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., then and there to show cause, if you have any, why UNIQUE JOYCE MARIE MANCILLAS, should not be declared free from your parental control and custody, for the purpose of freeing UNIQUE JOYCE MARIE MANCILLAS for placement for adoption. The following information concerns rights and procedures that relate to this proceeding to declare minor free from your parental control and custody as set forth in Family Code § 7860, et seq.: 1. At the beginning of the proceeding, the Court will consider whether or not the interest of the minor requires appointment of counsel. If the Court finds that the interests of the minor do require such protection, the Court will appoint counsel to represent her, whether or not she is able to afford counsel. The minor will not be present in Court unless she requests or the Court so orders. 2. If a parent of the minor appears without counsel and is unable to afford counsel, the Court must appoint counsel for the parent, unless the parent knowingly and intelligently waives the right to be represented by counsel. The Court will not appoint the same attorney to represent both the minor and his parent. 3. The Court

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com may appoint either the Public Defender or private counsel. If private counsel is appointed, he/she will receive a reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which will be determined by the Court. That amount must be paid by the real parties in interest, but not by the minor, is proportioned as the Court believes to be just. If, however, the Court finds that any of the real parties in interest cannot afford counsel, the amount will be paid by the county. 4. The Court may continue the proceeding for not more than Thirty (30) days as necessary to appoint counsel and become acquainted with the case. Dated: February 7, 2024 By: /s/ D. Bueno, Deputy, Deputy Clerk Run Dates: February 9, 16, 23 and March 1, 2024 In The Matter of the Adoption Petition of UNIQUE JOYCE MARIE MANCILLAS Case No. 23AD025944 PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS OF SANTOS MANCILLAS TO: SANTOS MANCILLAS The Court sets a hearing on the request to terminate your parental rights as set forth in this Petition on 2/7/2024 at 11:00AM in Department 1of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. PETITION 1. Petitioners are the legal guardians of and desire to adopt UNIQUE JOYCE MARIE MANCILLAS (d.o.b.: 09/05/2022; age: 1 year and 4 months), a minor, who is the subject of this petition. Petitioners were appointed as temporary guardians of the minor on September 28, 2022 (see case no. 22PR193048). Petitioner, GLORIA A. ESCOBEDO is the second cousin of Leticia Marie Chavez Salazar, who is the biological mother of the minor. Mother’s parental rights were terminated by

order of the court on August 23, 2023. At the commencement of this matter, it was unknown to Petitioners who any alleged biological fathers of the child may be. 2. On November 16, 2023, Petitioner filed a request to terminate the parental rights of any unknown alleged father. At the hearing on January 10, 2024, the Court found and ordered the following: a. The alleged natural father’s identity is unknown; b. The whereabouts of the alleged natural father are unknown and cannot be ascertained; c. Notice to the alleged father was dispensed; and The parental rights of the alleged father if any he may have had and any other possible father were terminated. 3. S u b s e quently, Petitioners were alerted by the Adoptions Specialist at California Department of Social Services that the birth mother had named an alleged father in the minor’s medical records. According to the records: a. Biological mother stated the father of baby (“FOB”) was not involved. b. She stated FOB’s name was Santos Mancillas, and that she did not know his age. c. A f t e r biological mother was discharged, she left the hospital with Mr. Mancillas. d. FOB stated “their encampment was cleaned out and he [was] looking for shelter.” 4. The Adoptions Specialist further provided Petitioners with a list of six (6) potential addresses for Mr. Mancillas. 5. The minor child was abandoned by Mr. Mancillas in the hospital after the minor was born. At all times since, the minor has been in the custody and control of Petitioners. To Petitioners’ knowledge, Mr. Mancillas has never met the minor child. Mr. Mancillas left the minor child at the hospital on September 9, 2022 around 9 a.m. without any provision for the child’s support nor communication,

with the intent to abandon the child. 6. The Petitioners request the following be the orders of the Court: a. Te r m i n a t e the parental rights of SANTOS MANCILLAS and declare that the minor child UNIQUE JOYCE MARIE MANCILLAS is free from the custody and control of SANTOS MANCILLAS. VERIFICATION I, GLORIA ANN ESCOBEDO and SERGIO R. ESCOBEDO, declare as follows: I am the petitioner in the above action to Terminate Parental Rights of the Alleged Father. I have read the foregoing Petition to Terminate Parental Rights of Santos Mancilass and know the contents contained in this document. The same is true of my own knowledge, except as to those stated on information and belief, and as to those matters, I believe them to be true. If called to testify as a witness regarding these statements, I could and would competently do so. Dated: Jan 19, 2024 /s/ Gloria Ann Escobedo Petitioner

evidence and arguments set forth, finds as follows: 1. The Court GRANTS the request of GLORIA A. ESCOBEDO and SERGIO R. ESCOBEDO that the minor child, UNIQUE JOYCE MARIE MANCILLAS (hereinafter “Unique”) (DOB: 09/05/2022; Age: 1 year and 4 months) shall be freed from the care and custody of SANTOS MANCILLAS and that the parental rights of SANTOS MANCILLAS toward Unique shall be terminated forthwith. 2. The Court GRANTS the adoption request of GLORIA A. ESCOBEDO and SERGIO R. ESCOBEDO. 3. The Court deems GLORIA A. ESCOBEDO and SERGIO R. ESCOBEDO the guardians of Unique pursuant to Family Code Section 7893. 4. This matter shall be continued to ____________________ in Department 13 for the Adoption Finalization Hearing. SO ORDERED. DATED: HON. JACQUELINE M. ARROYO Judge of the Superior Court

Run Dates: February 9, 16, 23 and Dated: 1/19/24 March 1, 2024 /s/ Sergio R. Escobedo FICTITIOUS Petitioner BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Run Dates: February NO. 702603 9, 16, 23 and The following person(s) March 1, 2024 is (are) doing business as: VILLARREAL In The Matter of the DISTRIBUTIONS, 5198 Adoption Petition of GREAT OAKS DR, San UNIQUE JOYCE Jose, CA 95111, Santa MARIE MANCILLAS Clara County. This Case No. business is owned by 23AD025944 an individual. The name and residence address ORDER The request for of the registrant(s) is termination of parental (are): Erick Villarreal, rights filed by GLORIA 5198 GREAT OAKS DR, A. ESCOBEDO and San Jose, CA 95111. The SERGIO R. ESCOBEDO registrant began transcame on regularly to acting business under be heard on January, the fictitious business 10, 2024 at 11:00 am name(s) listed above on in Department 13 of 01/25/2024. This filing this Court before the is a first filing. “I declare Honorable Jacqueline that all information in M. Arroyo, Judge of this statement is true the Superior Court. and correct.” (A regisPetitioners appeared trant who declares as along with their attor- true information which ney LYDIA E. HSU, ESQ. he or she knows to be of Foster Hsu, LLP via false is guilty of a crime.) Microsoft Teams. The /s/ ERICK VILLARREAL Court having received This statement was and considered the filed with the Co.

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/25/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 702603 February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702650 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FLEXBUY, 542 Mekler Dr, San Jose, CA 95111, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Cynthia O Martinez, 542 Mekler Dr, 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/ Cynthia O Martinez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/26/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 702650 February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702612 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Tacos Yia Wiz, 32 Goodyear St, San Jose, CA 95110, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Marisol Gonzalez Lopez, 32 Goodyear St, San Jose, CA 95110. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/25/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a

crime.) /s/ Marisol Gonzalez Lopez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/26/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 702612 February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 701894 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PURA TINTA TATTOO STUDIO, 1008 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Jose Castillo, 1008 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 03/30/2017. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN628908. “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 Castillo This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/03/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 701894 February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702787 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: J.T.R TOTAL WELLNESS, 7666 Santa Ines Court, Gilroy, CA 95020, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Juan Alberto Torres Rey, 7666 Santa Inez Court, Gilroy, CA 95020. The registrant began transacting business under the

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

fictitious business name(s) listed above on 02/01/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Juan Alberto Torres Rey This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 02/01/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 702787 February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME NO. 702163 The following person(s) has / have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): MILKANA PUBLISHING, 1235 Buchanan Dr, Santa Clara CA, 95051. Filed in Santa Clara County on 05/04/2022 under file no. FBN684N52. MILKANA GRIGOROVA, 1235 Buchanan Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95051. 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/ Milkana Grigorova This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk Recorder of Santa Clara County on 1/12/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN702163 February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV429264 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Carol Ann Nordhues INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Carol Ann Nordhues has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree

changing names as follows: a. Carol Ann Nordhues to Caroline Ann Canny Nordhues 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: 4/02/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 17, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV429928 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Yilin Song and Jiayi Gao INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Yilin Song and Jiayi Gao has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Vivian Wen Song to Vivian Gaowen Song 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

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com 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: 4/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 29, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV429995 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Juan Sebastian Caicedo Lopez INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Juan Sebastian Caicedo Lopez has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Juan Sebastian Caicedo Lopez to Juan Sebastian Caicedo 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: 4/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA

95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 30, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV429771 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Linda Isbel Padilla Padilla INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Linda Isbel Padilla Padilla has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Daniel Salvador Rey to Daniel Salvador Padilla 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: 4/09/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 25, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court

February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV428290 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Eric Nguyen INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Eric Nguyen has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Eric Nguyen to Selene Nguyen 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 3/12/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 28, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430027 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Rick Gyusik Kim INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Rick Gyusik Kim has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as fol-

lows: a. Rick Gyusik Kim to Joseph Rick Gyusik Kim 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: 4/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 30, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430083 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Jaime Ivan Tobanchez Milla and Maria Ursulina Guzman Escobar INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Jaime Ivan Tobanchez Milla and Maria Ursulina Guzman Escobar has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Diana Valeria Guzman to Diana Valeria Tobanchez Guzman 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

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024 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: 4/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 31, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV429227 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Marina Gallant Fields INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Marina Gallant Fields has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Marina Gallant Fields to Peach Gallant Fields 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: 4/02/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept.,

located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 17, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV430091 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Anani Afawubo INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Anani Afawubo has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Anani Afawubo to Anani Abel 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: 4/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 31, 2024 Le Jacqueline Duong Judge of the Superior Court

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024 February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702518 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: APV SERVICES, 165 Blossom Hill Rd Spc #368, San Jose, CA 95123, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Alejandro Pineda, 165 Blossom Hill Rd Spc #368, San Jose, CA 95123. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/24/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Alejandro Pineda This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/24/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 702518 January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702073 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LA JUNTA COLOMBIANA, 4500 The Woods Drive 2101, San Jose, CA 95136, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Luisa Camila Ramirez Sierra, 4500 The Woods Drive 2101, San Jose, CA 95136. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 08/08/2022. 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/ Luisa Camila Ramirez Sierra This statement was filed with the Co.

Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/09/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 702073 January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702436 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Rosie’s House Cleaning Pro, 682 Pinewood Dr Apt #4, San Jose, CA 95129, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Rosa Hilda Osorio Rivas, 682 Pinewood Dr Apt #4, San Jose, CA 95129. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/22/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Rosa Hilda Osorio Rivas This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/22/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 702436 January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702279 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JIMMY BUILDER, 500 W 10th St Spc #132, Gilroy, CA 95020, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Jaime Santiago De Los Angeles, 500 W 10th St Spc #132, Gilroy, CA 95020. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/05/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com 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/ Jaime Santiago De Los Angeles This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/17/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 702279 January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702328 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: QUICK TAGS EXPRESS VEHICLE R E G I S T R AT I O N SERVICE, 3151 Senter 3151 Senter Road, Suite 100 A, 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): Maria Elizabeth Ornelas, 3151 Senter Road Suite 100 A, San Jose, CA 95111. Sergio Walter Espinoza, 3151 Senter Rd 100 A, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/15/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Maria Elizabeth Ornelas This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/18/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 702328 January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702393 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ACETECH DENTAL LABORATORY, 1580 S. Winchester Blvd., #303, Campbell, CA 95008, Santa

Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Osamu Ogiwara, 166 Quail Hollow Dr, San Jose, CA 95128. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 05/01/2006. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN652536. “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/ Osamu Ogiwara This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/19/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 702393 January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702345 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Nova in Vitro Fertilization, NOVA IVF, 2500 Hospital Drive, Building 7, Mountain View, CA 94040, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Richard Joseph Schmidt, M.D., Inc., 2500 Hospital Drive, Building 7, Mountain View, CA 94040. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 06/01/2011. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN700008. “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/ Richard J. Schmidt Richard Joseph Schmidt, M.D., Inc President Article/Reg#: C3372555 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was

filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/18/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 702345 January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702330 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HOLDFAST MUSIC PUBLISHING, 326 Viscaino Way, San Jose, CA 95119, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Rosemarie Austin, 326 Viscaino Way, San Jose, CA 95119. 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/ Rosemarie Austin This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/18/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 702330 January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 702433 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: TIRES SOS RESCUE, 701 Kings Row Ste 72F, 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): PANDA’S TIRES SALES STORE LLC, 701 Kings Row Ste 72F, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/20/2024. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true

and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Angel Tamayo PANDA’S TIRES SALES STORE LLC Managing Member Article/Reg#: 202460319828 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 01/22/2024. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 702433 January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV429492 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Patricia Barragan INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Patricia Barragan has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Patricia Barragan to Patricia Kelly 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: 4/09/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS Clara. Jan 22, 2024 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 24CV429569 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Rasika Shellikeri INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Gaurav Shellikeri, Rasika Shellikeri has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Awadhesh Shellikeri to Ishan Shellikeri 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: 4/09/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Jan 23, 2024 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV427690 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the applica-

tion of: Miyoung Lee INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Miyoung Lee has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Miyoung Lee to Amy Miyoung Jo (First: Amy, Middle: Miyoung, Last: Jo) 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 3/05/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Dec 15, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2024

ELECTIONS

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FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

ENGLISH

U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES’ FORUM WITH LEE, SCHIFF, PORTER As the U.S. Senate race heats up, candidates Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff and Katie Porter joined a forum to discuss their platforms.

Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

workforce is reflective of America.” As “one of the gravest threats we face is this now decades-long effort to disenfranchise people, particularly people of color, my first priority in the US Senate is going to be to do away with the filibuster and pass voting rights,” Schiff added.

s the race to fill the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat in the U.S. Senate heats up, candidates Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff and Katie Porter joined a forum presented by EMS and California Black Media on Thursday, February 8 to discuss their platforms.

Katie Porter

Barbara Lee

Katie Porter (CA D-47), who has represented various parts of Orange County since 2019, said the biggest challenge faced by California specifically is the cost of housing: “I’m ready to make sure that the federal government is investing in affordable homeownership and undoing the harms of racist redlining policies. My Housing for All plan would focus Washington on the number-one expense for California families, so every Californian can afford safe, climate-resilient housing.”

Representative Barbara Lee (D-12), who has represented Oakland and most of northern Alameda County since 1998, said many of the challenges Californians face are part of her lived experience. “For a long time, I was on public assistance, food stamps and Medi-Cal, raising two small boys as a single mother, formerly a survivor of domestic violence … I formed a community mental health center and was a business owner with thousands of employees over 11 years,” she said, adding that she was running for Senate because “I know what it takes to help lift people out of poverty into the middle class, to grow the middle class, to create businesses, to address a mental health crisis.” Of her experience as a Congressional legislator, Lee said “I’m a fighter, and I’ll stand my ground.” When George W. Bush was President, for instance, she alone voted against the blank check authorization which set the stage for “forever wars.” Additionally, she led the effort to establish a framework for single-payer health care in California” through Affordable Care Act negotiations, and for AIDS epidemic responses through The Global Fund, which saved 25 million lives. These efforts extend to her current platform. Lee said she supported Medicare for all, including for immigrants; would vote for any legislation that ensures a free and open U.S. press; was championing the OLIGARCH Act to tax extreme wealth; and backed the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine during the war. Furthermore, Lee stressed — as the only person of color in the running — the need to protect disproportionately vulnerable communities of color through climate justice. She also emphasized the need for both border state and black and brown representation among legislators pushing immigration bills like last week’s GOP-blocked border deal, which had representatives of neither. Adam Schiff U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (CA D-30), who has represented various parts of Los Angeles County since 2001, agreed with Lee’s criticism of the border deal, adding that foreign aid should never “have ever been combined with a border provision, because it meant the President could be extorted over aid funding by unrelated domestic policy … I would support a comprehensive approach to immigration that includes a pathway to citizenship, and relief for DACA recipients and Temporary Protected Status holders.” “I’m running for Congress because I want to fight to make the economy work for everyone and to protect our democracy and our planet,” he said, mentioning his support for a universal basic income pilot project for Americans on Medicaid.

Adam Schiff, D-CA, 30th District, has shown support for Medicare for All and his efforts to increase the childcare tax credit. Photo Credit: Wilson Center CC; BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED

His other efforts on this front have included forming a bipartisan and bicameral Congressional caucus on press freedom; federally prosecuting oil companies smuggling waste; promoting Medicare for all and carrying legislation to make racially equitable health care a civil right; fighting online hate against communities of color; advancing a bill repealing the NRA’s immunity from liability; and fighting to more than double the Child Tax Credit, lifting 40% of families with impoverished kids out of poverty.

Schiff diversified the House Intelligence Committee as its chairman, and required diversification progress reports from other agencies like the CIA and NSA. “Diversity is not only a moral and ethical obligation, but it’s good for keeping the country safe. You can’t have comprehensive, diverse intelligence around the world, if your people don’t look like the rest of the world,” he explained. “If I have a chance to weigh in on appointments, I’m going to elevate people of color to positions of responsibility and make sure that our

“One of the most important functions of Congress is oversight,” she continued, explaining why she was running. “It’s not just about giving speeches, it’s about getting powerful people to admit the truth.” On this front, Porter got Trump’s Director of the CDC to make COVID testing free for all Americans, regardless of insurance, or immigration status; got Tim Sloan to resign as the CEO of Wells Fargo by confronting his “ongoing willingness to cheat Americans”; and got Bank of America to raise its minimum wage to $20 an hour. This oversight extends to climate change, which costs taxpayers about $145 billion in climate-related disasters. Porter said she has held polluters accountable through her work in the House Natural Resources Committee and by successfully pushing laws raising rates on those who drill and lease public land, adding that we should “not just address climate change, but also the health inequities that we have as a result of the fossil fuel industry … I’m a big supporter of Medicare for All, for undocumented immigrants as well.” About recent border negotiations, she said “the bill did not tackle our actual needs for a lawful, orderly and humane immigration system … Immigrants are an incredible source of strength to this country. We cannot have the economy that we need if we do not have an immigration system that recognizes their value” through asylum protections and citizenship pathways, particularly for DACA and TPS recipients. “I’ve never been for sale,” Porter continued. “I’m the only elected official in this race who has never taken corporate PAC or federal lobbyist money, because it corrupts decisions.” She said she aimed to follow her Shake up the Senate plan including filibuster abolishment, expanded voting rights and a ban on Congressional stock trading to tackle “the corruption in Washington to give younger voters what they have long deserved, confidence in our government.” “There is no doubt that our next senator needs to be a champion for communities of color,” she added. “Right now in the Senate, ultra-wealthy donors control the conversation. Elected leaders talk too much about how to help corporate America get even richer, and not nearly enough about how to help all of us make ends meet.”

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024

ELECTIONS

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

ESPAÑOL

FORO DE CANDIDATOS AL SENADO DE ESTADOS UNIDOS CON LEE, SCHIFF Y PORTER

A medida que se intensifica la carrera por el Senado de Estados Unidos, los candidatos Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff y Katie Porter se unieron a un foro para discutir sus plataformas.

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medida que se intensifica la carrera para ocupar el escaño de la difunta senadora Dianne Feinstein en el Senado de los Estados Unidos, los candidatos Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff y Katie Porter se unieron a un foro presentado por EMS y California Black Media el jueves 8 de febrero para discutir sus plataformas. Barbara Lee La representante Barbara Lee (D-12), que ha representado a Oakland y a la mayor parte del norte del condado de Alameda desde 1998, dijo que muchos de los desafíos que enfrentan los californianos son parte de su experiencia vivida. “Durante mucho tiempo, recibí asistencia pública, cupones de alimentos y Medi-Cal, criando a dos niños pequeños como madre soltera, ex sobreviviente de violencia doméstica… Creé un centro comunitario de salud mental y fui propietaria de un negocio con miles de empleados durante 11 años”, dijo, y agregó que se postulaba para el Senado porque “sé lo que se necesita para ayudar a sacar a las personas de la pobreza y convertirlas en la clase media, hacer crecer la clase media, crear empresas y abordar una crisis de salud mental”. Sobre su experiencia como legisladora del Congreso, Lee dijo: "Soy una luchadora y me mantendré firme". Cuando George W. Bush era presidente, por ejemplo, ella sola votó en contra de la autorización del cheque en blanco que preparó el escenario para “guerras eternas”. Además, lideró el esfuerzo para establecer un marco para la atención médica de pagador único en California” a través de negociaciones de la Ley de Atención Médica Asequible, y para respuestas a la epidemia de SIDA a través del Fondo Mundial, que salvó 25 millones de vidas. Estos esfuerzos se extienden a su plataforma actual. Lee dijo que apoyaba Medicare para todos, incluidos los inmigrantes; votaría por cualquier legislación que garantice una prensa estadounidense libre y abierta; defendía la Ley OLIGARCA para gravar la riqueza extrema; y respaldó el apoyo de la administración Biden a Ucrania durante la guerra. Además, Lee enfatizó, como la única persona de color en la carrera, la necesidad

de proteger a las comunidades de color desproporcionadamente vulnerables a través de la justicia climática. También enfatizó la necesidad de representación tanto de los estados fronterizos como de los negros y morenos entre los legisladores que impulsan proyectos de ley de inmigración como el acuerdo fronterizo bloqueado por el Partido Republicano la semana pasada, que no tenía representantes de ninguno de los dos.

consiguió que Tim Sloan dimitiera como director ejecutivo de Wells Fargo al confrontar su “continua voluntad de engañar a los estadounidenses”; y consiguió que Bank of America aumentara su salario mínimo a 20 dólares la hora. Esta supervisión se extiende al cambio climático, que cuesta a los contribuyentes alrededor de 145 mil millones de dólares en desastres relacionados con el clima.

Adam Schiff El representante estadounidense Adam Schiff (CA D-30), que ha representado a varias partes del condado de Los Ángeles desde 2001, estuvo de acuerdo con las críticas de Lee al acuerdo fronterizo, y agregó que la ayuda exterior nunca debería “haberse combinado con una disposición fronteriza, porque significaba que el presidente podría ser extorsionado por la financiación de la ayuda mediante una política interna no relacionada… Apoyaría un enfoque integral de la inmigración que incluya un camino hacia la ciudadanía y alivio para los beneficiarios de DACA y los titulares de Estatus de Protección Temporal”. “Me postulo para el Congreso porque quiero luchar para que la economía funcione para todos y para proteger nuestra democracia y nuestro planeta”, dijo, mencionando su apoyo a un proyecto piloto de ingreso básico universal para los estadounidenses que reciben Medicaid. Sus otros esfuerzos en este frente han incluido la formación de un grupo parlamentario bipartidista y bicameral sobre libertad de prensa; procesar a nivel federal a las compañías petroleras que contrabandean desechos; promover Medicare para todos y promulgar legislación para hacer de la atención médica racialmente equitativa un derecho civil; luchar contra el odio en línea contra las comunidades de color; promover un proyecto de ley que deroga la inmunidad de responsabilidad de la NRA; y luchar para duplicar con creces el Crédito Tributario por Hijos, sacando de la pobreza al 40% de las familias con niños empobrecidos. Schiff diversificó el Comité de Inteligencia de la Cámara como su presidente y exigió informes de progreso de diversificación de otras agencias como la CIA y la NSA. “La diversidad no es sólo una obligación moral y ética, sino que es buena para mantener seguro al país. No se puede tener inteligencia integral y diversa en

La representante Barbara Lee, demócrata del distrito 12, apoya la atención médica de pagador único y dice que tiene la intención de ampliar el acceso a la atención médica si es elegida para el Senado. Photo Credit: Public Domain

todo el mundo si tu gente no se parece al resto del mundo”, explicó. “Si tengo la oportunidad de opinar sobre los nombramientos, elevaré a personas de color a puestos de responsabilidad y me aseguraré de que nuestra fuerza laboral refleje a Estados Unidos”. Como “una de las amenazas más graves que enfrentamos es este esfuerzo que ya dura décadas para privar de sus derechos a las personas, particularmente a las personas de color, mi primera prioridad en el Senado de los Estados Unidos será acabar con el obstruccionismo y aprobar el derecho al voto”, agregó Schiff. Katie Porter Katie Porter (CA D-47), quien ha representado a varias partes del Condado de Orange desde 2019, dijo que el mayor desafío que enfrenta California específicamente es el costo de la vivienda: “Estoy dispuesto a asegurarme de que el gobierno federal invierta en la propiedad de viviendas asequibles y deshaga los daños de las políticas racistas de exclusión. Mi plan Vivienda para Todos centraría a Washington en el gasto número uno para las familias de California, para que todos los californianos puedan permitirse una vivienda segura y resistente al clima”. “Una de las funciones más importantes del Congreso es la supervisión”, continuó, explicando por qué se postulaba. "No se trata sólo de dar discursos, se trata de lograr que personas poderosas admitan la verdad". En este frente, Porter consiguió que el director de los CDC de Trump hiciera las pruebas de COVID gratuitas para todos los estadounidenses, independientemente de su seguro o estatus migratorio;

Porter dijo que ha responsabilizado a los contaminadores a través de su trabajo en el Comité de Recursos Naturales de la Cámara de Representantes y al impulsar con éxito leyes que aumentan las tarifas para quienes perforan y rentan tierras públicas, Y añadió que deberíamos “no sólo abordar el cambio climático, sino también las desigualdades en salud que tenemos como resultado de la industria de los combustibles fósiles... Soy un gran partidario de Medicare para todos, también para los inmigrantes indocumentados”. Sobre las recientes negociaciones fronterizas, dijo que “el proyecto de ley no aborda nuestras necesidades reales de un sistema de inmigración legal, ordenado y humano… Los inmigrantes son una increíble fuente de fortaleza para este país. No podemos tener la economía que necesitamos si no tenemos un sistema de inmigración que reconozca su valor” a través de protecciones de asilo y vías de ciudadanía, particularmente para los beneficiarios de DACA y TPS. "Nunca he estado en venta", continuó Porter. “Soy la única funcionaria electa en esta carrera que nunca ha aceptado dinero de un PAC corporativo o de un cabildero federal, porque corrompe las decisiones”. Dijo que su objetivo era seguir su plan de reforma del Senado, que incluye la abolición del obstruccionismo, la ampliación de los derechos de voto y la prohibición del comercio de acciones en el Congreso para abordar "la corrupción en Washington y dar a los votantes más jóvenes lo que se merecen desde hace mucho tiempo, confianza en nuestro gobierno". "No hay duda de que nuestro próximo senador debe ser un defensor de las comunidades de color", añadió. “Ahora mismo en el Senado, los donantes ultrarricos controlan la conversación. Los líderes electos hablan demasiado sobre cómo ayudar a las empresas estadounidenses a enriquecerse aún más, y no lo suficiente sobre cómo ayudarnos a todos a llegar a fin de mes”.

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29/01/24

FEB 16, 2024 - FEB 22, 2024