El Observador December 1st, 2023. by Angelica Rossi

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 48 | WWW.EL-OBSERVADOR.COM | DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

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OPINION

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

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DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

HATE CRIMES: HISTORICAL LEVELS IN THE US

ESPAÑOL

ENGLISH

José López Zamorano La Red Hispana

Wray expressed particular concern about the wave of anti-Semitism that has intensified in the United States and around the world - in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict. “It is a threat that is reaching, in many ways, historic levels,” he warned.

l menos 11,634 incidentes de crímenes de odio se reportaron durante el año pasado, el más alto número de la historia, de acuerdo con el más reciente reporte de la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones (FBI). La cifra real, que incluye aquellos actos no reportados por temor o desconfianza, es seguramente mucho más alta. Durante una reciente comparecencia ante el Congreso, el director del FBI, Christopher Wray expresó especial preocupación por la oleada de antisemitismo que se ha intensificado en Estados Unidos -y en todo el mundo- a raíz del conflicto Israel-Hamas. “Es una amenaza que estás alcanzando, en muchas maneras, niveles históricos”, advirtió. Para ponerlo en números alarmantes: la comunidad judía representa el 2.4% de la población de los Estados Unidos. Pero concentra el 60% de todos los crímenes de odio por motivos religiosos. Simplemente inaceptable. Se trata de una doble victimización. No solamente la comunidad judía ha sido históricamente discriminada, sino que esos crímenes repuntaron después del abominable acto de terrorismo cometido por Hamas que dejó un saldo de más de 1,200 muertos, muchos de ellos menos de edad, personas de la tercera edad, mujeres. Es decir, civiles inocentes. Tan trágicas como las 14,500 muertes reportadas de palestinos en Gaza. Ciertamente los crímenes de odio son exclusivos a una comunidad. En Estados Unidos, el execrable ataque contra tres inermes jóvenes palestinos en el estado de Vermont, donde fueron agredidos a balazos cuando se dirigían al cumpleaños de un niño de 8 años, es indignante y execrable. Su crimen: caminar por la calle portando un “keffiyeh”, un tocado tradicional usado por los hombres palestinos. Como lo expresó correctamente el senador Bernie Sanders: “Es profundamente perturbador que tres jóvenes palestinos hayan sido baleados aquí en Burlington. El odio no tiene cabida aquí ni en ningún otro lugar”. Un sospechoso blanco de 48 años fue arrestado. Tan reprobable es el antisemitismo como la islamofobia Los latinos conocemos en carne propia la realidad de lo crímenes de odio, como también la conocen otras minorías de color como la afroamericana. En 1966 Martin Luther King le envió un telegrama a nuestro César Chávez. Las palabras del reverendo fueron rotundas, claras e inobjetables: “Nuestras luchas separadas son en realidad una: una lucha por la libertad, la dignidad y la humanidad”. Las palabras del reverendo deberían ser un himno global contra el odio. Tristemente una vasta de políticos irresponsables no sólo lo ignora, sino que alienta el odio con un discurso xenófobo y racista. En Estados Unidos tenemos a uno de sus políticos: Donald Trump, pero no es el único.

To put it into alarming numbers: the Jewish community represents 2.4% of the United States population. But it accounts for 60% of all hate crimes for religious reasons. Simply unacceptable. Photo Credit: Freepik

No fue casual que durante su presidencia florecieran los grupos de odio un 55%, de acuerdo con el Southern Poverty Law Center. No podemos frenar todos los crímenes de odio. Pero, con nuestro rechazo a todo acto de odio y nuestro voto, si podemos ayudar a evitar que los xenófobos y racistas lleguen al poder. Todos somos víctimas del racismo, la discriminación y los prejuicios y no hacer nada al respecto con convierte en cómplices.

José López Zamorano La Red Hispana

t least 11,634 incidents of hate crimes were reported last year, the highest number in history, according to the most recent report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The real figure, which includes those acts not reported due to fear or mistrust, is surely much higher. During a recent appearance before Congress, FBI Director Christopher

This is a double victimization. Not only has the Jewish community been historically discriminated against, but these crimes increased after the abominable act of terrorism committed by Hamas that left more than 1,200 dead, many of them minors, elderly people, women, that is, innocent civilians. It’s as tragic as the reported 14,500 deaths of Palestinians in Gaza. Certainly hate crimes aren’t exclusive to one community. In the United States, the execrable attack against three unarmed young Palestinians in the state of Vermont, where they were shot when they were on their way to an 8-year-old boy's birthday party, is outrageous and execrable. The crime: walking down the street wearing a “keffiyeh,” a traditional headdress worn by Palestinian men. As Senator Bernie Sanders rightly put it: “It is deeply disturbing that three young Palestinians have been shot here in Burlington. “Hate has no place here or anywhere else.” A 48-year-old white suspect was arrested. Anti-Semitism is as reprehensible as Islamophobia We Latinos know firsthand the reality of hate crimes, as do other minorities of color such as African Americans. In 1966 Martin Luther King sent a telegram to our César Chávez. The reverend's words were resounding, clear and unobjectionable: “Our separate struggles are actually one: a fight for freedom, dignity and humanity.” The reverend's words should be a global anthem against hate. Sadly, a vast majority of irresponsible politicians not only ignore it, but encourage hatred with xenophobic and racist discourse. In the United States we have one of its politicians: Donald Trump, but he is not the only one. It was no coincidence that during his presidency hate groups flourished by 55%, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. We cannot stop all hate crimes. But, with our rejection of all acts of hate and our vote, we can help prevent xenophobes and racists from coming to power. We are all victims of racism, discrimination and prejudice and doing nothing about it makes us complicit.

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

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

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

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

EDUCATION

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DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

ESPAÑOL

MUCHAS COMUNIDADES RURALES DE CALIFORNIA BUSCAN CONSEGUIR DINERO PARA CONSTRUIR ESCUELAS. ¿PODRÁ UNA NUEVA MEDIDA DE BONOS OFRECER SUFICIENTE AYUDA? Los distritos rurales pequeños a menudo tienen dificultades para aprobar medidas de bonos locales para pagar la construcción y reparación de escuelas. En algunos casos, los techos con goteras, la podredumbre seca y los aires acondicionados rotos no se han reparado en años.

Carolyn Jones CalMatters

Mientras tanto, el mismo año en la zona rural de San Lucas, al sur de King City en el condado de Monterey, el distrito escolar intentó aprobar un bono que habría gravado a los propietarios con impuestos más del doble de esa tasa, pero debido a que el precio promedio de la vivienda es inferior a $300,000, el bono habría recaudado sólo 3,6 millones de dólares. De todos modos, los votantes dijeron que no.

medida que el fondo de California para arreglar las escuelas en ruinas se reduce a nada, los legisladores están negociando entre bastidores para elaborar una medida electoral que sería el bono de construcción de escuelas más grande del estado en décadas. Pero algunos superintendentes escolares asediados dicen que el dinero no será suficiente para arreglar todos los problemas como los techos con goteras y los aires acondicionados rotos en los miles de edificios escolares del estado. Y no cambiará un sistema que, según dicen, favorece a las zonas ricas, urbanas y de tendencia izquierdista que pueden aprobar fácilmente medidas de bonos locales para realizar las reparaciones necesarias.

Estudiantes reciben una lección de ciencias fuera del aula en la Escuela Primaria Keyes en Keyes el 15 de noviembre de 2023. Photo Credit: Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters / CatchLight Local

“La gran pregunta es: ¿por qué nuestros niños no pueden tener edificios escolares que sean seguros y tan bonitos como las escuelas de otros niños, a sólo unos kilómetros de distancia?” dijo Helio Brasil, superintendente del Distrito Escolar Keyes Union, un distrito rural TK-8 en un área de bajos ingresos al sur de Modesto. “Esta escuela está en tan mal estado que puede parecer una cárcel… Hablo de esto porque siento que es necesario arreglar el sistema. No quiero que la próxima generación de estudiantes tenga que experimentar esto”.

tritos escolares podrían pedir prestado, lo que llevaría a mayores impuestos a la propiedad. AB 247 no cambia el límite de endeudamiento.

va realidad”, afirmó. “Las aulas del siglo XXI no sólo deberían abordar las necesidades técnicas de los estudiantes, sino también la realidad del cambio climático”.

“También hay que recordar que los distritos escolares pueden redactar las preguntas electorales y siempre utilizan una redacción que fomenta el voto ‘sí’ y entierra la parte sobre el aumento de impuestos”, dijo el portavoz de la asociación, David Kline.

Actualmente se están considerando dos proyectos de ley en la Legislatura, los cuales recaudarían miles de millones para reparar las instalaciones escolares. El Proyecto de Ley 247 de la Asamblea recaudaría $14 mil millones para escuelas K-12 y colegios comunitarios, mientras que el Proyecto de Ley 28 del Senado, por $15,5 mil millones, incluye también la Universidad de California y la Universidad Estatal de California.

El asambleísta Al Muratsuchi, presidente del comité de educación de la Asamblea y coautor de AB 247, dijo que confía en que el gobernador aprobará un bono escolar para la votación de noviembre de 2024, a pesar de la competencia de un puñado de otras costosas propuestas de bonos que abordan la vivienda, el fentanilo, la protección contra crisis e inundaciones.

A diferencia de la mayoría de los demás estados, California no tiene un flujo de financiación permanente para reparar las instalaciones escolares. El dinero proviene de bonos estatales y locales, que generan cantidades finitas de dinero, generalmente a través de impuestos a la propiedad. Aunque California ha derrochado dinero en las escuelas en los últimos años, la mayor parte de ese dinero se destina a esfuerzos para ayudar a los estudiantes a recuperarse de la pandemia. No se puede gastar en construcción.

Es probable que los legisladores elijan solo un proyecto de ley para enviarlo al gobernador Gavin Newsom para su aprobación. AB 247 podría tener la ventaja porque no incluye los sistemas universitarios de cuatro años del estado, los cuales tienen medios para recaudar sus propios ingresos. Hasta ahora ha obtenido poca oposición, mientras que la SB 28 cuenta con la oposición de dos asociaciones de contratistas porque el proyecto de ley prioriza proyectos que utilizan mano de obra sindicalizada. La Asociación de Contribuyentes de California es neutral con respecto a la AB 247, pero se opone a la SB 28 porque aumentaría la cantidad de dinero que los dis-

Abordar ‘la nueva realidad’

“La gran pregunta es: ¿por qué nuestros niños no pueden tener edificios escolares que sean seguros y tan bonitos como las escuelas de otros niños, a sólo unos kilómetros de distancia?”. -HELIO BRASIL, SUPERINTENDENTE DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR KEYES UNION Para Muratsuchi, un demócrata de Torrance, arreglar las escuelas dañadas debería ser una prioridad máxima para California, especialmente a medida que se intensifican los incendios forestales y el clima extremo. “Nuestras aulas están envejeciendo, pero también debemos abordar nuestra nue-

Por lo general, a los distritos más grandes, urbanos y más prósperos, que también tienden a ser más liberales, les resulta más fácil recaudar fondos. No sólo es más probable que los votantes aprueben nuevos impuestos (la forma habitual en que los distritos pagan los bonos) sino que los valores de las propiedades son más altos, lo que genera más dinero. Además, los distritos pueden calificar para recibir fondos de contrapartida del estado, por lo que “cuanto más tienes, más obtienes”, dijo Julien Lafortune, investigador del Instituto de Políticas Públicas de California. En 2022, por ejemplo, el distrito escolar de Mill Valley en el condado de Marin pudo recaudar $194 millones a través de un bono que gravaba a los propietarios locales con solo 2.6 centavos por cada $100 del valor tasado de una propiedad, en una ciudad donde el precio promedio de una vivienda ronda los $2 millones.

“El sistema es inequitativo. Se destina más dinero (para instalaciones escolares) a los estudiantes de mayores ingresos que a los de menores ingresos”, dijo Lafortune. “En California se entiende que no deberíamos tener estas grandes desigualdades en lo que respecta a libros, suministros y recursos. Están todos estos esfuerzos para corregir las desigualdades. Y, sin embargo, eso no es algo que exista en las instalaciones escolares”. El estado tiene un fondo de dificultades para los distritos escolares que no pueden cubrir su parte de los fondos de contrapartida. Pero el proceso para obtener dinero para situaciones difíciles es complicado, lleva mucho tiempo y puede resultar demasiado oneroso para los superintendentes rurales que también pueden estar dando clases, conduciendo el autobús y sirviendo el almuerzo. En un informe reciente, el Instituto de Políticas Públicas de California recomienda que California evalúe el estado de los miles de edificios escolares del estado y adopte un sistema que garantice que los distritos más necesitados obtengan más dinero. “Los distritos en áreas con valores inmobiliarios más bajos están realmente pasando apuros”, dijo Vincent. “Esto significa que los niños de las comunidades más desfavorecidas tienden a tener escuelas en mayor estado de deterioro. … No es sólo una cuestión de estética. Es una cuestión de salud y seguridad ambiental”. Mejores instalaciones, mayores logros Hay mucho en juego: los estudiantes cuyas escuelas están en buenas condiciones obtienen entre un 5% y un 17% más de rendimiento en las pruebas estandarizadas, tienen menos probabilidades de ser suspendidos y es más probable que asistan a la escuela con regularidad, según el Departamento de Educación de California. La razón, según los investigadores, es que los estudiantes se concentran mejor y se sienten más orgullosos de su escuela cuando los edificios son cómodos y seguros, con buena ventilación y control de temperatura.

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

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EDUCATION

ESPAÑOL

“Esta escuela está en tan mal estado que puede parecer una cárcel. … Hablo de esto porque siento que es necesario arreglar el sistema”. -HELIO BRASIL, SUPERINTENDENTE DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR KEYES UNION Eric Gross, superintendente del Distrito Escolar Primario Pacific en el condado de Santa Cruz, lo ha notado de primera mano. Durante al menos dos décadas, el techo ha tenido tantas goteras que el personal ha tenido que colocar botes de basura en las aulas y pasillos para recolectar el agua de lluvia durante las tormentas. Dos ingenieros recomendaron que se condenara un aula, pero el estado tardó años antes de aprobar finalmente el proyecto a principios de este mes. “El otro día vino un profesor y me dijo: ‘El revestimiento de mi salón se está pudriendo’. Dije que sí, lo sé. Ella dijo: “Está bien, sólo quería asegurarme de que lo supieras”. … Nuestro personal es fantástico, pero hay un nivel de desmoralización. Es frustrante, pero todo el mundo lo acepta”, dijo Gross. Ha llegado a depender de padres voluntarios para realizar el mantenimiento básico en la escuela de 150 estudiantes en la ciudad de Davenport. Los padres reemplazan manijas de puertas rotas, podan zarzamoras, reparan ventanas rotas y construyen bancos. “El primer día de clases les digo a las familias que no hay pasajeros en este barco. Todo el mundo rema”, dijo. Los distritos pequeños como el suyo necesitan desesperadamente más ayuda del estado, dijo. No sólo más dinero, sino ayuda para gestionar grandes proyectos. Gross está demasiado ocupado dirigiendo la escuela para contratar consultores, negociar con contratistas, presentar una gran cantidad de documentación requerida o supervisar proyectos importantes. “Puedo enseñarles a leer a sus hijos, pero no soy gerente de construcción”, dijo. “El estado debe intervenir para ayudar a los superintendentes como yo, porque no tenemos el tiempo ni la experiencia para hacerlo por nuestra cuenta”. Podredumbre seca y tuzas El Distrito Escolar Keyes Union, donde Brasil ha sido superintendente durante siete años, es un mosaico de mantenimiento diferido y manipulación improvisada. Hace tiempo que se acabó el dinero para reparaciones: la última vez que los votantes locales aprobaron un bono para la construcción de escuelas fue en 2005, y el fondo estatal también se ha agotado. El gimnasio de la escuela primaria, por ejemplo, también funciona como cafetería, lo que significa que el personal entra y saca docenas de mesas plegables diariamente. El gimnasio de la escuela secundaria nunca se ter-

minó, por lo que carece de asientos y vestidores; los estudiantes se cambian en pequeños y mal ventilados portátiles al otro lado del patio de recreo. Algunos de los tejados tienen 40 años. Hace una década, una falla eléctrica provocó un incendio antes del amanecer en el edificio Head Start, envolviéndolo en llamas. Pero durante los últimos dos años, el problema más apremiante de Keyes han sido las tuzas. Atraídas por los huertos de almendros adyacentes, las tuzas invadieron el campo de fútbol de la escuela secundaria, uno de los dos únicos campos de la ciudad y compartido con la comunidad. El campo estaba tan plagado de hoyos y hoyos que cualquiera que lo cruzara corría el riesgo de sufrir una lesión en el tobillo o algo peor. La única forma de volver a hacerlo utilizable era desenterrarlo, recalificarlo e instalar césped nuevo. Brasil no tenía muchas opciones de financiación. El estado rechazó la solicitud del distrito de dinero para reparación, por lo que tuvo que pedir prestado $700,000 para completar el proyecto.

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

“Quería que los niños tuvieran un lugar agradable y seguro para jugar, correr y desahogarse después de la pandemia. Preferiría gastar ese dinero en tutorías o programas extracurriculares, pero para mí esto era lo más importante”, dijo Brasil. Jeff Roberts, superintendente del distrito escolar primario de Plumas Lake en el condado de Yuba, tiene un problema diferente. Los edificios de su escuela están en buenas condiciones, pero el distrito está creciendo tan rápido que necesita construir una escuela completamente nueva, o arriesgarse a recortar programas y aumentar el tamaño de las clases. A principios de la década de 2000, el distrito tenía sólo 100 estudiantes. Pero debido al auge inmobiliario en la región, se anticipan 2,200 estudiantes para 2030. La cantidad de dinero necesaria para construir una nueva escuela es abrumadora: una nueva escuela costará entre 70 y 100 millones de dólares. El distrito sólo puede recaudar $18 millones a través de un bono local. Las tarifas de los desarrolladores aportarán $20 millones adicionales, pero eso todavía deja al distrito con sólo la mitad del dinero que necesita. Roberts depende de que el estado apruebe un bono de construcción de nuevas escuelas para poder solicitar el resto de los fondos. “Me dediqué a la educación para enseñar y aprender. Ahora, dedico la mayor parte de mi tiempo a preocuparme por la vivienda de los estudiantes”, dijo Roberts. “Si no podemos resolver esto, tendremos que eliminar cosas como educación física, arte y música para dejar espacio para los estudiantes. Es extremadamente frustrante porque sabemos que eso no es lo mejor para la educación de los estudiantes”.

¡Mantengámonos seguros! 1. Respeta el límite de velocidad. 2. Estate atento a los ciclistas en los cruces. 3. Detente ante los peatones y permíteles cruzar.

Más información en

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EDUCATION

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com ENGLISH

MANY RURAL CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES ARE DESPERATE FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION MONEY. WILL A NEW BOND MEASURE OFFER ENOUGH HELP? Small, rural districts often struggle to pass local bond measures to pay for school construction and repairs. In some cases, leaking roofs, dry rot and broken air conditioners haven’t been fixed in years.

Carolyn Jones CalMatters

In a recent report, the Public Policy Institute of California recommends that California survey the condition of the state’s thousands of school buildings and adopt a system that ensures the neediest districts get more money.

s California’s fund to fix crumbling schools dwindles to nothing, lawmakers are negotiating behind the scenes to craft a ballot measure that would be the state’s largest school construction bond in decades. But some beleaguered school superintendents say the money will not be nearly enough to fix all the dry rot, leaky roofs and broken air conditioners in the state’s thousands of school buildings. And it won’t change a system that they say favors wealthy, urban, left-leaning areas that can easily pass local bond measures to make needed repairs. “The big question is, why can’t our kids have school buildings that are safe and as nice as other kids’ schools, just a few miles away?” said Helio Brasil, superintendent of Keyes Union School District, a rural TK-8 district in a lowincome area south of Modesto. “This school is in such bad shape it can feel like a jail. … I’m speaking up about this because I feel the system needs to be fixed. I don’t want the next generation of students to have to experience this.” Two bills are currently under consideration in the Legislature, both of which would bring in billions to repair school facilities. Assembly Bill 247 would raise $14 billion for K-12 schools and community colleges, while Senate Bill 28, at $15.5 billion, includes the University of California and California State University, as well. Legislators are likely to pick only one bill to send to Gov. Gavin Newsom for approval. AB 247 might have the advantage because it doesn’t include the state’s four-year university systems, both of which have means to raise their own revenue. So far it’s garnered little opposition, while SB 28 is opposed by two contractors’ associations because the bill prioritizes projects that use union labor. The California Taxpayers Association is neutral on AB 247 but opposes SB 28 because it would increase the amount of money school districts could borrow, leading to higher property taxes. AB 247 doesn’t change the borrowing limit. Low-income, Latino and English learner students received disproportionately less school facilities funding When calculated on a per-student basis, districts received about $860 less for the average low-income student compared to their higherincome peers. Funding is from the School Facility Program, the primary process for funding school facility projects, in inflation-adjusted 2021 dollars. Chart: Erica Yee, CalMattersSource: PPIC analysis of CA Dept. of General Services and Dept. of Education data from 1998-2021 Created with Datawrapper “It should also be remembered that the school districts get to write the ballot questions, and they always use wording that encourages a ‘yes’ vote and buries the part about the tax increase,” said association spokesman David Kline. Addressing ‘the new reality’ Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, chair of the Assembly education committee and a co-author of AB 247, said he’s confident the governor will approve a school bond for the November 2024 ballot, despite competition from a handful of other pricey bond proposals addressing housing, the fentanyl crisis and flood protection. “The big question is, why can’t our kids have

Rural districts received less modernization funding per student than districts in cities, but more hardship funding

Dr. Helio Brasil stands in the hallway next to the construction tape for the project on new classrooms at the Keyes Elementary School in Keyes on Nov. 15, 2023. Photo Credit: Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters / CatchLight Local

school buildings that are safe and as nice as other kids’ schools, just a few miles away?” -HELIO BRASIL, SUPERINTENDENT OF KEYES UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT For Muratsuchi, a Democrat from Torrance, fixing broken schools should be a top priority for California, especially as wildfires and extreme weather intensify. “Our classrooms are aging, but we also need to address our new reality,” he said. “Classrooms of the 21st century should not only address students’ technical needs, but the reality of climate change.” Unlike most other states, California does not have a permanent funding stream for repairing school facilities. Money comes from state and local bonds, which generate finite amounts of money, usually through property taxes. Although California has lavished money on schools in the past few years, most of that money is earmarked for efforts to help students recover from the pandemic. It can’t be spent on construction. Typically, larger, urban and more affluent districts, which also tend to be more liberal, have an easier time raising funds. Not only are voters more likely to approve new taxes – the usual way that districts repay bonds – but property values are higher, thereby bringing in more money. In addition, districts can qualify for matching funds from the state, so “the more you have, the more you get,” said Julien Lafortune, a researcher at the Public Policy Institute of California. In 2022, for example, the Mill Valley School District in Marin County was able to raise $194 million through a bond that taxed local property owners just 2.6 cents per $100 of a property’s assessed value – in a city where the average home price hovers around $2 million. Meanwhile, the same year in rural San Lucas, south of King City in Monterey County, the school district tried passing a bond that would have taxed property owners more than twice that rate, but because the average home price is below $300,000 the bond would have raised only $3.6 million. Regardless, voters said no. “The system is inequitable. More (school facilities) money goes to higher-income students than lower-income students,” Lafortune said. “There’s an understanding in California that we shouldn’t have these big inequities when it comes to books, supplies, resources. There’s all these efforts to correct inequities. And yet that’s not something that exists for school facilities.” The state has a hardship fund for school districts that can’t cover their share of the matching funds. But the process to get hardship money is complicated, time-consuming and can be overly burdensome for rural superintendents who may also be teaching classes, driving the bus and serving lunch.

Rural districts received 30% less modernization funding per student than districts in cities and 37% less than districts in suburbs. Hardship funding for districts with a demonstrated financial or facility hardship need represents only 7% of program funding. Funding is from the School Facility Program, the primary process for funding school facility projects, in inflation-adjusted 2021 dollars. Locale definitions from NCES. Chart: Erica Yee, CalMattersSource: PPIC analysis of CA Dept. of General Services and Dept. of Education data from 1998-2021 Created with Datawrapper Although both bills in the Legislature include tweaks to make funding more equitable, they don’t go far enough, said Jeff Vincent, cofounder of the Center for Cities and Schools at UC Berkeley. Nearly 40% of California’s school districts can’t raise enough through local bonds — those that manage to pass them — to cover necessary repair costs. Any statewide bond should include significant aid for rural, small and low-income districts. “Districts in areas with lower property values are really struggling,” Vincent said. “This means that children in more disadvantaged communities tend to have schools in a greater state of disrepair. … It’s not just a matter of aesthetics. It’s an issue of environmental health and safety.” Better facilities, higher achievement The stakes are high: students whose schools are in good condition perform 5% to 17% higher on standardized tests, are less likely to be suspended, and are more likely to attend school regularly, according to the California Department of Education. The reason, according to researchers, is that students focus better and have more pride in their school when buildings are comfortable and safe, with good air ventilation and temperature control. “This school is in such bad shape it can feel like a jail. … I’m speaking up about this because I feel the system needs to be fixed.” -HELIO BRASIL, SUPERINTENDENT OF KEYES UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT Eric Gross, superintendent at Pacific Elementary School District in Santa Cruz County, has noticed that firsthand. For at least two decades, the roof has leaked so badly that staff have had to put trash cans in classrooms and hallways to collect rainwater during storms. Two engineers have recommended that a classroom be condemned, but the state took years before it finally approved the project earlier this month. “The other day a teacher came to me and said, ‘The siding in my room is rotting.’ I said yeah, I know. She said, ‘OK, just wanted to make sure you knew.’ … Our staff is great but there’s a level of demoralization. It’s frustrating but everyone just accepts it,” Gross said. He’s come to rely on parent volunteers to perform basic maintenance at the 150-student school in the town of Davenport. Parents replace broken door handles, prune blackberry bushes, fix broken windows and build benches.

“On the first day of school I tell the families, there are no passengers on this ship. Everyone rows,” he said. Small districts like his desperately need more assistance from the state, he said. Not just more money, but help managing large projects. Gross is too busy running the school to hire consultants, negotiate with contractors, submit the reams of required paperwork or oversee major projects. “I can teach your kids to read, but I am not a construction manager,” he said. “The state needs to step in to help superintendents like me, because we don’t have the time or expertise to do this on our own.” Dry rot and gophers Keyes Union School District, where Brasil has been superintendent for seven years, is a patchwork of deferred maintenance and jerryrigging. Any money for repairs is long gone: The last time local voters passed a school construction bond was in 2005, and the state fund is depleted, as well. The elementary school gym, for example, doubles as a cafeteria, which means staff haul dozens of folding tables in and out daily. The middle school gym was never finished, so it lacks seating and locker rooms; students change in small, stuffy portables across the playground. Some of the roofs are 40 years old. A decade ago, an electrical malfunction sparked a pre-dawn fire in the Head Start building, engulfing it in flames. But for the past two years, Keyes’ most pressing issue has been gophers. Lured by the adjacent almond orchards, gophers invaded the middle school soccer field — one of only two fields in the town and shared with the community. The field was so pocked with divots and holes that anyone running across it risked an ankle injury or worse. The only way to make it usable again was to dig it up, regrade it and install new sod. Brasil didn’t have many financing options. The state rejected the district’s request for repair money, so it had to borrow $700,000 to complete the project. “I wanted kids to have a nice, safe place to play, to run, to blow off steam after the pandemic. I would have rather spent that money on tutoring or after-school programs, but to me, this felt like the most important thing,” Brasil said. Jeff Roberts, superintendent of Plumas Lake Elementary School District in Yuba County, has a different problem. His school buildings are in good shape, but the district is growing so fast he needs to build an entire new school — or risk cutting programs and increasing class sizes. In the early 2000s, the district had only 100 students. But due to a housing boom in the region, he anticipates 2,200 students by 2030. The amount of money needed to build a new school is daunting: a new school will cost $70 million to $100 million. The district can only raise $18 million through a local bond. Developers’ fees will bring in an additional $20 million, but that still leaves the district with only half the money it needs. Roberts is relying on the state to pass a new school construction bond so he can apply for the remainder of the funds. “I went into education for teaching and learning. Now, what I spend most of my time on is worrying about housing students,” Roberts said. “If we can’t figure this out, we’re going to have to cut things like P.E., art, music to make room for students. It’s extremely frustrating because we know that’s not what’s best for students’ education.”

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

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HEALTH

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR PEOPLE LIVING ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION OFRECE UNA GUÍA DE REGALOS PARA PERSONAS VIVIENDO WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVERS CON DEMENCIA Y SUS CUIDADORES

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BPT

Para los días de fiesta, la Alzheimer's Association ha publicado su guía de regalos de 2023, ofreciendo ideas de regalos para individuos viviendo en las etapas temprana, media, y tardía de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. La guía también incluye sugerencias que pretenden mantener a los que viven con demencia involucrados en las tareas diarias, así como ideas de regalos para los 11 millones de familiares y amigos en todo el país que sirven como cuidadores no remunerados para estos individuos.

oliday shopping and gift-giving can often be challenging, but even more so when shopping for a person living with dementia. There are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease. Depending on the stage of disease, some well-intentioned gifts may no longer be appropriate or practical for the person. For the holiday season, the Alzheimer's Association has released its 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, offering gift ideas for individuals living in the early, middle and late stages of Alzheimer's disease. The guide also includes gift suggestions aimed at keeping those living with dementia engaged and involved in everyday tasks, as well as gift ideas for the 11 million family members and friends across the country serving as unpaid caregivers for these individuals. 5 gifts for people living with Alzheimer's - in the early stages * Sticky notes or an erasable white board to list reminders or the day's activities. * Baskets or trays that can be labeled within cabinets or drawers. * Gift cards for ride-sharing services or a favorite activity (golf, movie, restaurant) allowing the person to remain active.

5 regalos para personas viviendo con el Alzheimer en las etapas tempranas * Notitas Post-it o una pizarra blanca borrable para alistar recordatorios o las actividades del día Photo Credit: pressfoto / Freepik

creams, scrubs, soaps). For more tips on how families affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias can safely enjoy time with family and friends during the holidays, visit the Alzheimer's Association website. The Alzheimer's Association provides information, programs and services at no charge to help families facing Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. For additional information, visit alz.org or call the free 24-hour Helpline at 800.272.3900.

* Canastas o charolas que pueden ser etiquetadas dentro de los gabinetes

Photo Credit: BPT

BPT

as compras durante los días de fiesta y el intercambio de regalos puede ser desafiante, pero aún más cuando está comprando para una persona viviendo con demencia. Hay más de 6 millones de estadounidenses viviendo con la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Dependiendo de la etapa de la enfermedad, es posible que algunos regalos bien intencionados ya no sean apropiados o prácticos para la persona.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ARTS & CULTURE GRANTS

* Music playlists that include the person's favorite artists or songs.

Take pART Grants support publicly-accessible arts activities, projects and programs. Fundraising events and school-based projects are not eligible. DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday January 19, 2024, 4:59 PM PST.

* Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on, remove and wash, such as sweat suits, slip-on blouses/shirts, non-slip socks, Velcro shoes, wrinklefree nightgowns, nightshirts or a fluffy bathrobe.

Festival, Parade and Celebration Grants (FPC) support community festivals, parades and celebrations by non-profit organizations. DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday February 2, 2024, 4:59 PM PST.

* Soothing gifts that can help with anxiety like a handheld massage ball or a soft blanket. * Adaptive dining equipment such as no-spill cups, plate guards and silverware with specifically designed handles that enables greater independence during meals.

* Un calendario de memoria con fotos familiares - anote ocasiones familiares especiales como cumpleaños y aniversarios

* Listas de música que incluyen los artistas o canciones favoritas de la persona

* A "memory" calendar featuring family photos - write in special family occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.

* Framed photographs or a photo collage created specifically for your loved one. Insert the names of the people in the photos to help with identification.

* Dispositivos GPS (pulseras, relojes, dispositivos pequeños) o inscripción en programas de vuelta segura para mantenerle segura a la persona

5 regalos para personas viviendo con el Alzheimer en las etapas media a tardía

* GPS trackers (bracelets, watches, small trackers) or enrollment in a safe return program to keep the person safe.

5 gifts for people living with Alzheimer's - in the middle-to-late stages

* Tarjetas de regalo o servicios de transporte compartido o una actividad favorita (un partido de beisbol, una película, un restaurante) que permite que la persona se mantenga activa

Operating Grants (OpG) support professionally-managed San Jose arts and culture organizations that operate year-round programs. DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday February 23, 2024, 4:59 PM PST. Required Pre-Application Workshops

* Ropa cómoda y suelta que es fácil de poner, quitar y lavar, tal como los trajes de sudadera, blusas/camisa sin botones, calcetines anti-deslizantes, zapatos con Velcro, camisones que no se arruguen, o una bata suave * Fotos en marco o un álbum de fotos creado específicamente para su ser querido. Inserte los nombres de las personas en las fotos para ayudar con la identificación. * Regalos relajantes que pueden ayudar con la ansiedad como un dispositivo de masajes o una cobija suave * Equipo de comidas adaptivo como vasos antiderrames, guardias de plato, y cubiertos con mangas diseñadas para dar más independencia durante las comidas 5 regalos para ayudar con tareas diarias y mantener a la persona viviendo con Alzheimer involucrado: * Un teléfono con recuerdos que contiene fotos con nombres y datos de contacto de familiares y amigos

Take pART Grants Friday December 1, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

* Luces nocturnas que se activan automáticamente cuando se oscurece

Festival, Parade and Celebration Grants Wednesday December 6, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

* Un reloj digital con numerales grandes para indicar la fecha y hora

5 gifts to help with everyday tasks and keep the person living with Alzheimer's engaged:

Operating Grants Wednesday December 13, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

* Salir a ver una película, obra de teatro o concierto, partido de deportes, museo o posiblemente ir de compras de forma organizada con amigos y familiares

* A memory phone that can store pictures with the names and contact information of family and friends.

To register for a pre-application workshop visit: www.SanJoseCulture.org or email Beth.Tobey@SanJoseCa.gov For more information call Beth Tobey at 408-793-4347.

* Involucre a su ser querido en la elaboración de regalos hachos a mano para la familia, pintar adornos, decorar los árboles de Navidad, hacer álbumes de fotos u otros regalos de actividades

* Nightlights that activate automatically when it gets dark.

Solicitudes para Subvenciones Culturales

* A digital clock with large type to indicate date and time.

La Oficina de Asuntos Culturales de la Ciudad de San José (OCA) aceptará solicitudes para subvenciones de tres programas culturales competitivos:

* An outing to a movie, play or concert, sporting event, museum or possibly an organized holiday shopping trip with friends and family.

Las Subvenciones take pART proveen apoyo para actividades de arte abiertas al público por parte de organizaciones en San José. Eventos de recaudación de fondos y proyectos de escuelas que benefician una escuela/distrito específico no califican. La fecha límite es el 19 DE ENERO, 2024 a las 4:59 PM PST.

* Engage your loved one in making homemade gifts for the family, painting ornaments, decorating stockings, table setting, scrapbooking or other activity gifts. 5 gifts for dementia caregivers * The most important gift you can give a dementia caregiver is the gift of time. In fact, just a 20-minute break each day can help lower a caregiver's stress and help avoid burnout. * Self-made coupons for cleaning the house, cooking a meal, mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway. * Gift cards and certificates for restaurants or meal delivery, laundry/dry cleaning services, lawn care services, computer/technology support, maid services, and personal pampering services such as massages and pedicures. * Books - in addition to giving novels on the caregiver's "must read" list, there are a number of books on caregiving and maintaining self-health. * Self-care items such as a bundle of personal care items (moisturizers, bath bombs and soaks, foot

Las Subvenciones Para Festivales, Desfiles, y Celebraciones (Festival, Parade and Celebration Grants [FPC]) proveen apoyo para festivales comunitarios, desfiles y celebraciones por parte de organizaciones no-lucrativas en San José. Eventos de recaudación de fondos no califican. La fecha límite es el 2 DE FEBRERO, 2024 a las 4:59 PM PST. Las Subvenciones Operativas (Operating Grants [OpG]) proveen apoyo general operativo a organizaciones de arte profesionales o semi-profesionales en San José con un presupuesto consistente arriba de los $50,000, y una temporada completa de programación de las artes. La fecha límite es el 23 DE FEBRERO, 2024 a las 4:59 PM PST. Las reglas y solicitudes para los programas estarán disponible en línea www.sanjoseculture.org. A las organizaciones interesadas se les anima a asistir a una serie de TALLERES PRE-SOLICITUD que tendrán lugar de esta manera: take pART: 1 dic a las 12:00 PM por Zoom. FPC: 6 dic a las 12:00 PM por Zoom. OpG: 13 dic a las 10:00 AM por Zoom. Los talleres se llevarán por Zoom, y solo inglés. Vaya a este enlace para registrarse o ver las grabaciones del taller: www.SanJoseCulture.org o correo electrónico Beth.Tobey@SanJoseCa.gov Para más información llama al 408-793-4347 (solo inglés)

5 regalos para cuidadores de demencia * El regalo más importante que le puede dar a un cuidador de demencia es el regalo del tiempo. De hecho, un descanso de solo 20 minutos cada día puede bajar el estrés al cuidador y ayudar a evitar el agotamiento. * Cupones para limpieza de la casa, cocinar una comida, cortar el césped o quitar la nieve de la calzada * Tarjetas de regalo y certificados para restaurantes o entrega de comida, servicios de lavandería o lavado en seco, servicios de jardinería, servicios de computadora o tecnología, servicios de limpieza, y servicios personales como masajes y pedicura * Libros - además de darle las novelas en la lista del cuidador, hay varios libros sobre la prestación de cuidado y mantener la salud * Artículos para el autocuidado como lociones hidratantes, bombas para el baño, cremas, jabones) Para más consejos sobre cómo las familias afectadas por el Alzheimer y otras demencias pueden disfrutar seguramente de tiempo con familiares y amigos durante los días de fiesta. Visite el sitio web de la Alzheimer's Association. La Alzheimer's Association proporciona información, programas y servicios sin costo alguno para ayudar a las familias que enfrentan a la enfermedad de Alzheimer u otra demencia. Para más informes, visite alz.org o llame a la Línea de ayuda 24/7 gratuita al 800.272.3900.

COMMUNITY

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com ENGLISH

‘A CHRISTMAS WITHOUT LIGHTS?’ FAMILIES STRUGGLE TO PAY BILLS AS CALIFORNIA REGULATORS CONSIDER ELECTRIC RATE INCREASES Angelica Vásquez is one of millions of people across the state that struggle to pay electric bills as California regulators decide on proposed rate increases. PG&E wants a rate hike to bolster the safety and reliability of its services. Wildfire mitigation is not the only driver of the rate increases, according to the latest report by the Public Advocates Office, created in 1984 to represent the interest of utility customers. “Transmission and distribution investments are a second factor. That means replacing poles and wires with more modern equipment because certain new technologies can reduce the risks of sparking ignitions,” said Justin Ong, a chief policy adviser at the office. The third reason for rate changes is rooftop solar incentives. In an analysis published in Oct. 2022, the office found that the cost shift from rooftop solar to nonparticipating customers increased from $3.4 billion to $4.6 billion from 2021 to 2022. Ong added that when rooftop solar owners offset a portion or the totality of their share of costs, customers without rooftop solar disproportionately pay more. Keeping the power on for poor families The quarterly rate report also noted that the average monthly bill increased by $52 for PG&E customers from January 2021 to September. Overall, low-income households are the most impacted by higher rates and bills. Angelica Vásquez outside her home in San Leandro on Nov. 10, 2023, a day after she says PG&E cut off her electricity due to an unpaid bill. Photo Credit: Manuel Orbegozo / CalMatters

Justo Robles CalMatters

pdate: On Nov. 16, the state Public Utilities Commission approved a rate hike for Pacific Gas & Electric that will increase residential rates by a monthly average of $22.20 for electric-only customers. Angelica Vásquez’s anxiety soared when she read the notice on her most recent electric bill: “Please pay $135.81 by 10/26 to avoid service termination.” But the warning was part of a bigger problem. Vásquez owed a total of $400.68 to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. For the past four months, the 43-year-old Salvadoran immigrant has been on disability leave from her job at Tesla due to a shoulder injury, she said. Vásquez also has not been able to do her second job, a part-time job cleaning houses to help pay the $3,000 monthly rent on the San Leandro house she shares with her husband, two daughters and two grandchildren. In the early hours of Nov. 9, Vásquez wanted to warm up the house for her grandchildren, who needed to shower and get ready for school. But there was no power. Vásquez said she immediately called PG&E and explained that she had no money. The utility giant didn’t offer much help, she said. “We had to borrow money,” Vásquez added, recounting the day her family remained without power until 11 p.m. “Our food went to waste, so we didn’t have lunch and dinner that day. There’s medicine in the fridge that no longer works.” Vásquez is one of millions of residents across the state that has seen significant increases in their electric bills in recent years, adding to their cost of living. And the bills for PG&E customers could rise even higher if the California Public Utilities Commission approves a rate increase on Thursday. The Oakland-based utility is seeking a 26% rate hike effective Jan. 1, though one utilities commissioner is suggesting a 9% increase. According to the last electric rate report by the commission’s Public Advocates Office, PG&E rates went up by 92% from January 2014 to this September. ‘We can’t afford to stay’ Gov. Gavin Newsom appoints all five commissioners to the Public Utilities Commission, who are confirmed by the state Senate for staggered six-year terms. State regulators require PG&E and other investorowned utilities to file an application to review their revenues and expenses in order to establish reason-

able rates. In its latest application, PG&E requested an increase in power bills to bolster the safety and reliability of its electric services. The utility also cited inflation and investments in underground electric lines designed to decrease wildfire risk to justify the higher fees. In Thursday’s decision, PG&E wants $15.4 billion in additional rate revenue for 2023, a 26% jump from the year before. But state regulators responded with a proposed decision of $13.8 billion and Commissioner John Reynolds’ alternative of $13.3 billion — 13% and 9% increases from 2022, respectively. The commission is meeting in El Centro, not at its San Francisco headquarters. “We are working to keep customer cost increases at or below assumed inflation for the long-term, between an average of 2 and 4% a year. We reduced our operating costs by 3% in 2022,” PG&E said in a statement to CalMatters. California residential electricity prices are already more than twice the national average, according to the report by the Public Advocates Office. Republican state Sen. Brian Dahle, vice chairperson of the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee, said his office receives many calls from people complaining about electric bills. “People that are barely making it, people on disability, you name it,” Dahle told CalMatters. “We get those calls and they’re like, ‘We can’t afford to stay,’ and it’s heartbreaking.” “The more money PG&E spends, the more they make and that’s not right. We need to make sure that we’re holding them accountable, that we are getting the projects completed with the minimum amount of cost.” Dahle’s district encompasses 11 counties in Northern California, including the most impacted by recent wildfires. The same state regulators that will vote on PG&E’s proposed increases are also considering a $45 million penalty against the utility company in connection with the Dixie Fire, the second-largest wildfire in state history that began in Butte County in 2021. PG&E said it is constructing underground power lines in order to prevent wildfires and protect customers. Underground power lines, the utility giant argues, reduces the risk of electrical-triggered wildfires by 98%, but a cost to customers of $3.40 a month from 2023 to 2026. As of Oct. 30, 197 miles of 350 power lines PG&E plans to underground this year have been activated so far. That tops the 180 miles of underground lines in 2022 and the 73 miles in 2021.

According to a PG&E monthly disconnect data report, 19,439 PG&E customers were disconnected for non-payment in September. Of the 5.6 million residential accounts as of September, nearly 1.4 million of those accounts were enrolled in a program that gives low-income customers a 30 to 35% discount on their

electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. More than 38,000 customers were enrolled in another program for families with slightly higher incomes that offers an 18% discount on their electric bill. When asked to comment on PG&E’s proposed increase, Ong said he couldn’t provide details on the matter. However, he added: “There’s no silver bullet to solving our rate crisis. A lot of our investments in utility investments are like a mortgage. Once they’re made, they’re spread out over decades. We’re trying to develop solutions to really lessen the energy burden on households, in particular the lowest income households.” Ten miles south from PG&E’s headquarters, Vásquez sat near the corner of her living room where a tall lamp illuminated her face as her two grandchildren slept nearby on the couch. Vásquez said both children are excited for Christmas, but she’s worried about money. She will soon return to Tesla and will work with her daughters cleaning houses. Though her husband’s job as a construction worker helps cover most basic utilities, it won’t be enough later this year as holiday lights add costs to the bill. “Am I going to tell them this is a Christmas without lights?” she asked, gazing at her grandchildren. “It’s getting harder and harder to live here.”

ESPAÑOL

MIENTRAS LAS FAMILIAS LUCHAN POR PAGAR SUS FACTURAS LOS REGULADORES DE CALIFORNIA CONSIDERAN REALIZAR AUMENTOS EN LAS TARIFAS ELÉCTRICAS Angélica Vásquez es una de los millones de personas en todo el estado que luchan por pagar las facturas de electricidad mientras los reguladores de California deciden los aumentos de tarifas propuestos. PG&E quiere un aumento de tarifas para reforzar la seguridad y confiabilidad de sus servicios.

Justo Robles CalMatters

a ansiedad de Angélica Vásquez se disparó cuando leyó el aviso en su factura eléctrica más reciente: “Por favor pague $135.81 antes del 26/10 para evitar la interrupción del servicio”. Pero la advertencia fue parte de un problema mayor. Vásquez debía un total de $400.68 a Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

noche. “Se desperdició la comida, así que no almorzamos ni cenamos ese día. Hay medicamentos en la refrigeradora que ya no sirven”. Vásquez es uno de los millones de residentes en todo el estado que han visto aumentos significativos en sus facturas de electricidad en los últimos años, lo que aumenta su costo de vida. Y las facturas de los clientes de PG&E podrían aumentar aún más si la Comisión de Servicios Públicos de California aprueba un aumento de tarifas el jueves.

Durante los últimos cuatro meses, la inmigrante salvadoreña de 43 años ha estado de baja por incapacidad de su trabajo en Tesla debido a una lesión en el hombro, dijo. Vásquez tampoco ha podido realizar su segundo trabajo, un trabajo de medio tiempo limpiando casas para ayudar a pagar el alquiler mensual de $3,000 de la casa de San Leandro que comparte con su esposo, sus dos hijas y sus dos nietos.

La empresa de servicios públicos con sede en Oakland busca un aumento de tarifas del 26% a partir del 1 de enero, aunque un comisionado de servicios públicos sugiere un aumento del 9%.

En las primeras horas del 9 de noviembre, Vásquez quería calentar la casa para sus nietos, quienes necesitaban ducharse y prepararse para la escuela. Pero no había cómo hacerlo. Vásquez dijo que inmediatamente llamó a PG&E y le explicó que no tenía dinero.

‘No podemos darnos el lujo de quedarnos’

El gigante de los servicios públicos no ofreció mucha ayuda, dijo. “Tuvimos que pedir dinero prestado”, agregó Vásquez, contando el día en que su familia permaneció sin electricidad hasta las 11 de la

Según el último informe de tarifas eléctricas de la Oficina del Defensor Público de la comisión, las tarifas de PG&E aumentaron un 92% desde enero de 2014 hasta septiembre de este año. El gobernador Gavin Newsom nombra a los cinco comisionados de la Comisión de Servicios Públicos, quienes son confirmados por el Senado estatal por períodos escalonados de seis años. Los reguladores estatales exigen que PG&E y otras empresas de servicios públicos propiedad de inversionistas presenten una solicitud para revisar sus ingresos y gastos a fin de establecer tarifas razonables. En su

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

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COMMUNITY

ESPAÑOL modernos porque ciertas nuevas tecnologías pueden reducir los riesgos de chispas de ignición”, dijo Justin Ong, asesor principal de políticas de la oficina.

última solicitud , PG&E solicitó un aumento en las facturas de energía para reforzar la seguridad y confiabilidad de sus servicios eléctricos. La empresa de servicios públicos también citó la inflación y las inversiones en líneas eléctricas subterráneas diseñadas para disminuir el riesgo de incendios forestales para justificar las tarifas más altas.

La tercera razón para los cambios de tarifas son los incentivos solares en los tejados. En un análisis publicado en octubre de 2022, la oficina encontró que el cambio de costos de la energía solar en tejados a los clientes no participantes aumentó de $3.4 mil millones a $4.6 mil millones de 2021 a 2022. Justin Ong agregó que cuando los propietarios de energía solar en tejados compensan una parte o la totalidad de su participación de costos, los clientes sin energía solar en el tejado pagan desproporcionadamente más.

En la decisión del jueves, PG&E quiere 15,400 millones de dólares en ingresos por tarifas adicionales para 2023, un aumento del 26% respecto al año anterior. Pero los reguladores estatales respondieron con una propuesta de decisión de 13,800 millones de dólares y la alternativa del comisionado John Reynolds de 13,300 millones de dólares: aumentos del 13% y del 9% a partir de 2022, respectivamente. La comisión se reunirá en El Centro, no en su sede de San Francisco. “Estamos trabajando para mantener los aumentos de costos para los clientes en o por debajo de la inflación supuesta a largo plazo, entre un promedio de 2 y 4% anual. Redujimos nuestros costos operativos en un 3% en 2022”, dijo PG&E en un comunicado a CalMatters. Los precios de la electricidad residencial en California ya son más del doble del promedio nacional, según el informe de la Oficina del Defensor Público. El senador estatal republicano Brian Dahle, vicepresidente del Comité de Energía, Servicios Públicos y Comunicaciones, dijo que su oficina recibe muchas llamadas de personas quejándose de las facturas de electricidad. “Personas que apenas logran sobrevivir, personas con discapacidad, lo que sea”, dijo Dahle a CalMatters. “Recibimos esas llamadas y nos dicen: ‘ No podemos darnos el lujo de quedarnos’, y es desgarrador”. “Cuanto más dinero gasta PG&E, más gana y eso no está bien. Necesitamos asegurarnos de que los responsabilicemos y de que completemos los proyectos con el mínimo costo”. El distrito de Dahle abarca 11 condados del norte de California, incluidos los más afectados por los recientes incendios forestales. Los mismos reguladores estatales que votarán sobre los aumentos propuestos por PG&E también están considerando una multa de $45 millones contra la compañía de servicios públicos en relación con el incendio Dixie, el segundo incendio forestal más grande en la historia del estado que comenzó en el condado de Butte en 2021. PG&E dijo que está construyendo líneas eléctricas subterráneas para prevenir incendios forestales y proteger a los clientes. Las líneas eléctricas subterráneas, argumenta el gigante de los servicios públicos, reducen el riesgo de incendios forestales provocados por electricidad en un 98%, pero suponen un coste para los clientes de 3.40 dólares al mes entre 2023 y 2026.

Mantener el suministro eléctrico para las familias pobres

Nubia Ramírez, de 26 años, y su hija Alexia Hernández pasan tiempo juntas mientras Carlos Ramírez, de 6 años, duerme junto a ellas en la sala de su casa en San Leandro el 10 de noviembre de 2023. Photo Credit: Manuel Orbegozo / CalMatters

El informe de tarifas trimestral también señaló que la factura mensual promedio aumentó en $52 para los clientes de PG&E desde enero de 2021 hasta septiembre. En general, los hogares de bajos ingresos son los más afectados por las tasas y facturas más altas. Según un informe mensual de datos de desconexión de PG&E, 19,439 clientes de PG&E fueron desconectados por falta de pago en septiembre. De los 5.6 millones de cuentas residenciales a septiembre, casi 1.4 millones de esas cuentas estaban inscritas en un programa que ofrece a los clientes de bajos ingresos un descuento del 30 al 35% en su factura de electricidad y un descuento del 20% en su factura de gas natural. Más de 38,000 clientes se inscribieron en otro programa para familias con ingresos ligeramente superiores que ofrece un 18% de descuento en su factura eléctrica. Cuando se le pidió que comentara sobre el aumento propuesto por PG&E, Justin Ong dijo que no podía proporcionar detalles al respecto. Sin embargo, añadió: “No existe una solución milagrosa para resolver nuestra crisis de tipos. Muchas de nuestras inversiones en servicios públicos son como una hipoteca. Una vez elaborados, se distribuyen a lo largo de décadas. Estamos tratando de desarrollar soluciones para reducir realmente la carga energética de los hogares, en particular los de ingresos más bajos”. Diez millas al sur de la sede de PG&E, Vásquez estaba sentada cerca de la esquina de su sala familiar, donde una lámpara alta iluminaba su rostro mientras sus dos nietos dormían cerca en el sofá.

Hasta el 30 de octubre, hasta el momento se han activado 197 millas de 350 líneas eléctricas que PG&E planea soterrar este año. Eso supera las 180 millas de líneas subterráneas en 2022 y las 73 millas en 2021.

Vásquez dijo que ambos niños están emocionados por la Navidad, pero a ella le preocupa el dinero. Pronto regresará a Tesla y trabajará con sus hijas limpiando casas.

La mitigación de incendios forestales no es el único factor que impulsa los aumentos de tarifas, según el último informe de la Oficina del Defensor Público, creada en 1984 para representar los intereses de los clientes de servicios públicos.

Aunque el trabajo de su marido como trabajador de la construcción ayuda a cubrir la mayoría de los servicios públicos básicos, no será suficiente a finales de este año, ya que las luces navideñas añaden costos a la factura.

“Las inversiones en transmisión y distribución son un segundo factor. Eso significa reemplazar postes y cables con equipos más

“¿Les voy a decir que ésta es una Navidad sin luces?” preguntó, mirando a sus nietos. “Cada vez es más difícil vivir aquí”.

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

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¿SU FAMILIA ESTÁ PREPARADA PARA UNA EMERGENCIA? A R M E S U P RO P I O P L A N D E P ROT E CC I Ó N .

Lista de elementos del kit de emergencia Baterías

Teléfono móvil y cargador portátil

Alimentos no perecederos, incluidos alimentos para bebés y mascotas

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Medicamentos y anteojos

Herramientas y utensilios

Kit de primeros auxilios

Mantas y ropa

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incluyéndolas en los simulacros de práctica y ayudándolas a estar cómodas con una correa o en una jaula durante situaciones estresantes.

Elementos de higiene personal Documentos importantes

CONFIRME LAS SALIDAS DE EMERGENCIA de su casa y fije un lugar donde su familia o sus compañeros de habitación puedan reunirse después de la evacuación.

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Actividades para niños

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Agua potable

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TRAFFIC LANES: THE NARROWER THE BETTER?

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that wider street lanes contribute to high rates of traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. Photo Credit: Olga / Adobestock

ENGLISH

Suzanne Potter California News Service

explained.

edrawing some California traffic lanes to make them narrower would make many city streets safer according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University. Many U.S. street lanes are 11 to 12 feet wide, but researchers found that 9 foot lanes on streets where the speed limit is 30 to 35 have significantly fewer crashes. Professor Shima Hamidi, Bloomberg assistant professor and director, Center for Climate Smart Transportation, Johns Hopkins University and coauthor of the study, said when the lanes are narrower, drivers tend to be more cautious - allowing them to catch any unexpected error and prevent a crash. "When streets become wider, then it gives the drivers this false sense of safety that makes them drive faster. And that speed is really the main cause of crashes, " Hamidi

Traffic deaths in California shot up more than 7% and pedestrian fatalities increased more than 9% from 2020 to 2021. The study found that narrowing the lanes makes it possible to cheaply add bike lanes and sidewalks, which encourage people to drive less, which reduces congestion and carbon emissions. Hamidi said until now, American urban planners have shied away from making lanes narrower for fear of increasing crashes, but she hopes this new data, plus traffic studies from other parts of the world, will be reassuring. "When you compare streets in American cities versus their European counterparts, you see that they are significantly wider. And we don't have that safety issue in European cities," Hamidi continued. The study also found that narrowing street lanes does not increase congestion.

CARRILES DE TRÁFICO: ¿CUANTO MÁS ESTRECHOS, MEJOR? ESPAÑOL

Suzanne Potter California News Service

olver a trazar algunos carriles de tráfico de California para hacerlos más estrechos haría que muchas calles de la ciudad fueran más seguras, según un nuevo estudio de la Universidad Johns Hopkins. Muchos carriles de las calles de EE. UU. tienen entre 11 y 12 pies de ancho, pero los investigadores encontraron que los carriles de 9 pies en calles donde el límite de velocidad es de 30 a 35 tienen significativamente menos choques. El profesor Shima Hamidi, profesor asistente de Bloomberg y director del Centro para el Transporte Climáticamente Inteligente de la Universidad Johns Hopkins y coautor del estudio, dijo que cuando los carriles son más estrechos, los conductores tienden a ser más cautelosos - lo que les permite detectar cualquier error inesperado y evitar un choque. "Cuando las calles se hacen más anchas, los conductores tienen una falsa sensación de seguridad que les hace manejar más rápido. Y esa velocidad es realmente la principal causa

de los accidentes", explicó Hamidi. Las muertes por accidentes de tránsito en California se dispararon más del 7% y las muertes de peatones aumentaron más del 9% de 2020 a 2021. El estudio encontró que estrechar los carriles permite agregar carriles para bicicletas y aceras de manera económica, lo que anima a las personas a conducir menos, lo que reduce la congestión y las emisiones de carbono. Hamidi dijo que hasta ahora los planificadores urbanos estadounidenses han evitado hacer carriles más estrechos por temor a un aumento de los accidentes, pero espera que estos nuevos datos, además de los estudios de tráfico de otras partes del mundo, sean alentadores. "Cuando se comparan las calles de las ciudades estadounidenses con las europeas, se ve que son significativamente más anchas. Y no tenemos ese problema de seguridad en las ciudades europeas", continuó Hamidi. El estudio también encontró que estrechar los carriles no aumenta la congestión.

COMMUNITY

ELECTIONS

¿SON ENCUESTAS E ÍNDICES DE APROBACIÓN DEL PRESIDENTE INDICADORES PARA 2024?

ARE POLLS AND THE PRESIDENT'S APPROVAL RATING TRUE INDICATORS FOR 2024?

The nonprofit newsgathering organization Climate Central recently analyzed fall warming trends in 244 U.S. cities. Around 89% have seen October nights warm up since 1970. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Photo Credit: Freepik

ENGLISH

Alex Gonzalez Public News Service

of voter's preferences and true attitudes.

ecent polling from The New York Times and Siena College found President Biden trailing former President Donald Trump in five of the six most crucial battleground states, one of which is Arizona.

Kamarck said looking at the special elections in 2021, the midterms in 2022, and the most recent set of elections this year, President Biden's unpopularity does not have much to do with democratic votes.

In the Grand Canyon state Trump leads Biden by fivepercentage points.

She contended that Democrats "over performed expectations," in all three years and increased their margins.

Elaine Kamarck, director of the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institute, said the question is - if polls are showing Biden slipping, compounded with his unfavorable approval rating, does that mean voters won't vote for him and other Democrats in the upcoming election? She said it isn't a simple answer.

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

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She argued that abortion is a huge motivator for democratic voters. Arizona is among one of several states looking at a possible proposed abortion rights measure on next year's ballot, which could boost Democrat's chances. "Where the right to choose is front and center on the

ESPAÑOL agenda, abortion is an incredibly powerful motivator," said Kamarck. "I think in my lifetime in politics which has been pretty long, it is probably the biggest push I've ever seen, really." Arizona for Abortion Access is supported by a coalition of reproductive rights advocates who are currently working on getting the close to 400,000 signatures from Arizona voters by July of next year. Currently, abortions are legal in Arizona up to 15 weeks with no exceptions for rape or incest. The law does have an exception to save the life of a pregnant mother. Support for this reporting was provided by The Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Alex Gonzalez Public News Service

egun recientes sondeos de The New York Times y Siena College, el presidente Biden va por detrás del expresidente Donald Trump en cinco de los seis estados más disputados, uno de los cuales es Arizona. En el estado del Gran Canon, Trump aventaja a Biden en cinco puntos porcentuales. Elaine Kamarck, del Instituto Brookings, dice que, a pesar de que las encuestas muestran que Biden está perdiendo terreno, agravado por su índice de aprobación desfavorable, ¿eso significa que los votantes no votaran por él y por otros demócratas en las próximas elecciones? Dice que no es una respuesta sencilla.

"Tal vez no haya relación entre la popularidad del presidente y el voto en las urnas," dice Kamarck. "Los votantes votan por cosas muy diferentes quizá porque tenemos una cultura "centrada en el presidente", tal vez nos equivoquemos todo el tiempo."

cientes de este año, la impopularidad del presidente Biden no tiene mucho que ver con los votos democráticos.

Mientras que el sondeo de The New York Times y Siena College, incluia a poco más de 3,600 votantes registrados en los seis estados, Kamarck afirma que otros sondeos estatales, que infunden temor a muchos demócratas, están compuestos solo por unos 600 participantes, que según ella, probablemente no comprenden la totalidad de las preferencias y verdaderas actitudes de los votantes.

Dice que el aborto es un gran motivador para los votantes demócratas. Arizona es uno de varios estados que analizan una posible propuesta de medida sobre el derecho al aborto en las elecciones del próximo año, lo que podría aumentar las posibilidades de los demócratas.

Kamarck dice que, al observar las elecciones especiales de 2021, las intermedias de 2022 y las elecciones más re-

"Maybe there is just no relationship between the president's popularity and down ballot voting," said Kamarck. "That voters vote on very different things and maybe because we have a 'president-centric' kind of culture, maybe we just get that wrong all the time."

Sostiene que los demócratas "superaron las expectativas" en los tres años y aumentaron sus márgenes.

"Cuando el derecho a elegir está en el centro de la agenda, el aborto es una motivación increíblemente poderosa," asegura Kamarck. "Creo que en toda mi vida política, que ha sido bastante larga, es probablemente el mayor impulso que he visto, en verdad." Arizona por el Acceso al Aborto cuenta con el apoyo de una coalición de defensores de los derechos reproductivos que actualmente trabajan para conseguir cerca de 400,000 firmas de votantes de Arizona antes de julio del próximo año. Actualmente, el aborto es legal en Arizona hasta las 15 semanas, sin excepciones por violación o incesto. La ley contempla una excepción para salvar la vida de una madre embarazada.

While The New York Times/ Siena College poll comprised just over 3,600 registered voters among all six states, Kamarck said other state-based polls - which struck fear in many Democrats - are composed only of about six hundred participants, which she says likely aren't grasping the entirety

El apoyo para este informe fue proporcionado por The Carnegie Corporation of New York.

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HOW ADOPTING CHILDREN CHANGED THE LIVES OF TWO TEXAS WOMEN ENGLISH

Roz Brown Public News Service

hen a Texas woman began her six-year journey to adopt, she hoped to affect one child's life.

Felicia Lewis, an adoptive parent, is now making a difference in the lives of three young sisters. After considering adoption for years, Lewis and her partner Ruth were introduced to the three girls, all recently displaced from their birth parents. She encouraged those considering adoption to "get involved to change a life and see how it impacts yours." "These are children, and it's really important because you're going to be shaping their future, shaping their minds, shaping how they view the world," Lewis pointed out. "It is critical that people are just invested in it." November is National Adoption Month. Lewis works for Bank of America, ranked among the "Top 100 Best Adoption Friendly Workplaces" by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The connection helped pay the adoption legal fees through Bank of America's Family Planning Reimbursement program. Over several years, Lewis and her partner built a deep connection to the children and finally saw their petition to foster with the intention to adopt granted in 2020. The process was finalized in August. Lewis noted she received an outpouring of support and encouragement from work colleagues to adopt her three daughters, now ages 6, 8 and 9.

As of August 2021, there were more than 28,000 children in foster care in Texas and almost 6,000 children waiting for adoptive families. Photo Credit: Alexis Scholtz / peopleimages.com / Adobe Stock

"We walked into this thinking that we were helping them," Lewis recounted. "We're going to give them a better life, a better future, a better home, etc. And we certainly did all that, but they gave us such a better perspective on being better human beings." Lewis added those considering adoption should not take it lightly, because it is an intense process. "Agencies, the government, etc., they want to make sure the children are going to a safe home; that they're going to a place they can be cared for," Lewis emphasized. "There's a process, so just be patient, and know that it may not happen overnight, and you might have to try, try and try again. But in the end, it is so well worth it." The average paid leave given to adoptive parents is 9 weeks - up from 8.4 weeks last year.

CÓMO ADOPTAR NIÑOS CAMBIÓ LA VIDA DE DOS MUJERES DE TEXAS ESPAÑOL

Roz Brown Public News Service

uando una mujer de Texas comenzó su viaje de seis años para adoptar, esperaba afectar la vida de un niño.

Felicia Lewis, una madre adoptiva, ahora está marcando una diferencia en las vidas de tres hermanas jóvenes. Después de considerar la adopción durante años, Lewis y su pareja Ruth conocieron a las tres niñas, todas recientemente desplazadas de sus padres biológicos. Animó a quienes estén considerando la adopción a "participar para cambiar una vida y ver cómo afecta la suya". "Estos son niños, y es realmente importante porque vas a darle forma a su futuro, a sus mentes, a cómo ven el mundo", señaló Lewis. "Es fundamental que la gente simplemente sea invertida en ello". Noviembre es el Mes Nacional de la Adopción. Lewis trabaja para Bank of America, clasificado entre los "100 mejores lugares de trabajo favorables a la adopción" por la Fundación Dave Thomas para la Adopción. La conexión ayudó a pagar los honorarios legales de adopción a través del programa de reembolso de planificación familiar del Bank of America. Durante varios años, Lewis y su pareja construyeron una conexión profunda con los niños y finalmente vieron concedida

su petición de crianza con intención de adopción en 2020. El proceso finalizó en agosto. Lewis señaló que recibió un gran apoyo y aliento de sus compañeros de trabajo para adoptar a sus tres hijas, que ahora tienen 6, 8 y 9 años. "Entramos en esto pensando que los estábamos ayudando", relató Lewis. "Vamos a darles una vida mejor, un futuro mejor, un hogar mejor, etc. Y ciertamente hicimos todo eso, pero nos dieron una mejor perspectiva de cómo ser mejores seres humanos". Lewis añadió que quienes estén considerando la adopción no deberían tomárselo a la ligera, porque es un proceso intenso. "Las agencias, el gobierno, etc. quieren asegurarse de que los niños vayan a un hogar seguro; que vayan a un lugar donde puedan ser atendidos", enfatizó Lewis. "Hay un proceso, así que tenga paciencia y sepa que tal vez no suceda de la noche a la mañana y que puede que tenga que intentarlo, intentarlo y volver a intentarlo. Pero al final, vale la pena". La licencia remunerada promedio concedida a los padres adoptivos es de 9 semanas, frente a las 8,4 semanas del año pasado.

NATIONAL

GREEN LIVING

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EARTHTALK Q&A: GIANT SEQUOIAS ON THE ROPES

Dear EarthTalk: What is the status of California's giant sequoias trees and what's being done to save them from extinction? -- M.L., Sacramento, CA

EARTHTALK Q&A: SECUOYAS GIGANTES CONTRA LAS CUERDAS

Estimado EarthTalk: ¿Cuál es la situación de las secuoyas gigantes de California y qué se está haciendo para salvarlas de la extinción? - M.L., Sacramento, California

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss EarthTalk

te milenios para su regeneración.

Para mitigar los efectos del cambio climático, los investigadores y conservacionistas estudian cómo responden estos árboles a las cambiantes condiciones ambientales. También están aplicando medidas como las quemas controladas para imitar los ciclos naturales del fuego y crear un hábitat más adecuado para las secuoyas.

iant sequoias, which can grow upwards of 300 feet tall with circumferences of 90+ feet around at ground level, are among the largest and longest living species on the planet today. Some are over 3,000 years old. But climate change, human activities and wildfires are threatening their very existence in their native habitat on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Biologists estimate there are about 80,000 naturally occurring giant sequoias left there and worry that another bad wildfire year—like 2015, 2017 or 2020, when National Park Service biologists clad the lower flanks of the biggest trees with tin foil to deter the flames—could decimate those remaining trees. Giant sequoias have evolved to withstand moderate fires, but the recent infernos, exacerbated by climate change, have been catastrophic. Not only do these fires destroy the trees directly, they also hinder the natural reproduction process by killing young sequoias and preventing seeds from germinating. While fire has been the most immediate threat in recent years, climate change in general is altering the trees’ environment—and may be the final nail in their coffin. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and erratic precipitation patterns have weakened the trees, making them more susceptible to pests and disease, and disrupting the natural fire regime that they have depended on for regeneration for millennia. To mitigate the impacts of climate change, researchers and conservationists are studying how these trees respond to changing environmental conditions. They are also implementing measures like controlled burns to mimic natural fire cycles and create a more suitable habitat for the sequoias. Human activities, such as logging, urban development and recreation further exacerbate the challenges faced by giant sequoias. Urbanization around these groves disrupts their ecosystems, and recreational activities can harm their shallow root systems. Efforts are also being made to limit human impacts in sequoia territory. Strict regulations on logging, ur-

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

Climate change, human activities & wildfires are threatening giant sequoias very existence in their native habitat in California. Photo Credit: Anagha Varrier / Unsplash

El cambio climático, las actividades humanas y los incendios forestales amenazan la existencia de las secuoyas gigantes en su hábitat natural de California. Photo Credit: Wirestock

ban expansion and recreational activities near these groves aim to preserve the natural ecosystem and minimize disturbances to the trees.

Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss EarthTalk

Moreover, collaborative initiatives between government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities are crucial for the long-term protection of these ancient giants. Public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and eco-tourism practices that emphasize responsible visitation also play a vital role in ensuring the survival of these magnificent trees. Whether or not our grandchildren will get to visit these giant sequoias may well depend on our ability to rein in carbon emissions here and around the world in time to stave off cataclysmic climate change. Indeed, the fate of these giant trees, as well as thousands of other plants and animals, hangs in the balance. CONTACTS: Helping or hindering? US scientists debate how to save giant sequoias, https://phys.org/news/202309-hindering-scientists-debate-giantsequoias.html; Save The Giant Sequoias, https://www.savetheredwoods.org/redwoods/fire/save-the-giant-sequoias/; The race to save ‘awe-inspiring’ giant sequoias, https://yaleclimateconnections. org/2023/08/the-race-to-save-awe-inspiring-giant-sequoias/. EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine. com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk. org.

as secuoyas gigantes, que pueden alcanzar los 300 pies de altura con circunferencias de más de 90 pies a nivel del suelo, se encuentran entre las especies más grandes y longevas del planeta. Algunas tienen más de 3.000 años. Pero el cambio climático, las actividades humanas y los incendios forestales amenazan su existencia en su hábitat natural, en las laderas occidentales de Sierra Nevada. Los biólogos calculan que quedan unas 80.000 secuoyas gigantes en estado natural y temen que otro año de incendios forestales -como en 2015, 2017 o 2020, cuando los biólogos del Servicio de Parques Nacionales cubren los flancos inferiores de los árboles más grandes con papel de aluminio para disuadir a las llamas- podría diezmar los árboles que quedan. Las secuoyas gigantes han evolucionado para resistir incendios moderados, pero los recientes, exacerbados por el cambio climático, han sido catastróficos. Estos incendios no sólo destruyen los árboles directamente, sino que también dificultan el proceso natural de reproducción al matar a las secuoyas jóvenes e impedir que germinen las semillas. Aunque el fuego ha sido la amenaza más inmediata en los últimos años, el cambio climático en general está alterando el entorno de los árboles y puede ser el último clavo en su ataúd. El aumento de las temperaturas, las sequías prolongadas y los patrones erráticos de precipitaciones han debilitado los árboles, haciéndolos más susceptibles a plagas y enfermedades y alterando el régimen natural de incendios del que han dependido duran-

Las actividades humanas, como la tala, el desarrollo urbano y las actividades recreativas, agravan aún más los problemas a los que se enfrentan las secuoyas gigantes. La urbanización en torno a estas arboledas altera sus ecosistemas, y las actividades recreativas pueden dañar sus sistemas radiculares poco profundos. También se están haciendo esfuerzos para limitar el impacto humano en el territorio de las secuoyas. Las estrictas normativas sobre tala, expansión urbana y actividades recreativas cerca de estas arboledas pretenden preservar el ecosistema natural y minimizar las perturbaciones a los árboles. Además, las iniciativas de colaboración entre organismos gubernamentales, organizaciones conservacionistas y comunidades locales son cruciales para la protección a largo plazo de estos gigantes milenarios. Las campañas de concienciación pública, los programas educativos y las prácticas de ecoturismo que hacen hincapié en las visitas responsables también desempeñan un papel vital para garantizar la supervivencia de estos magníficos árboles. Que nuestros nietos puedan o no visitar estas secuoyas gigantes puede depender de nuestra capacidad para frenar las emisiones de carbono aquí y en todo el mundo a tiempo para evitar un cambio climático catastrófico. De hecho, el destino de estos árboles gigantes, así como el de miles de otras plantas y animales, pende de un hilo. CONTACTOS: ¿Ayudar u obstaculizar? Científicos estadounidenses debaten cómo salvar las secuoyas gigantes, https://phys.org/news/2023-09-hindering-scientists-debate-giant-sequoias. html; Save The Giant Sequoias, https:// www.savetheredwoods.org/redwoods/ fire/save-the-giant-sequoias/; The race to save 'awe-inspiring' giant sequoias, https://yaleclimateconnections. org/2023/08/the-race-to-save-awe-inspiring-giant-sequoias/. EarthTalk® está producido por Roddy Scheer y Doug Moss para la organización sin ánimo de lucro EarthTalk. Más información en https://emagazine.com. Para donar, visite https://earthtalk.org. Envíe sus preguntas a: question@earthtalk.org.

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

VIBRAS

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

HORÓSCOPO DE LA NAVIDAD

Photo Credit: Planet Volumes / Unsplash

Mario Jiménez Castillo El Observador Aries: Júpiter continúa navegando en tu casa del dinero, aspecto astrológico que anuncia que una época muy próspera está iniciando en tu vida. Es tiempo de logros mayores, y tiempo para que alcances todo aquello que necesitas. Evita riñas y malos entendidos. Sal a divertirte. Números de la suerte: 12-20-31-40-51-52 Tauro: Los augurios planetarios son muy buenos para ti, todo lo esencial que necesitas de la vida, lo tendrás a tu disposición. Nuevos intereses, nuevas filosofías, y nuevas amistades se harán presentes en tu camino. Decidirás mejorar interna y externamente. Números de la suerte: 9-10-11-32-34-45 Géminis: Felices augurios, la suerte está de tu lado en esta temporada, tendrás muchos motivos para festejar, y sentir dicha y alegría. Evade vicios y dietas poco saludables. Que el cuidado de tu persona se convierta en tu mayor prioridad. Recibirás buenas noticias. Números de la suerte: 13-14-22-33-39-45 Cáncer: Llega una energía renovadora a tu vida, de pronto, todos los asuntos comienzan a resolverse, te sentirás aliviado y gozarás de serenidad. Expresa tus más nobles sentimientos a seres queridos y amigos. El karma te traerá una recompensa. Números de la suerte: 31-34-38-44-45-69

Libra: Que esta sea una época festiva y llena de luz, sufriste percances pero todo lo ocurrido ha sido por tu bien. Has podido recuperarte de trances y padecimientos de salud. Una energía rejuvenecedora ya está presente en tu camino. Ejercicio y mucha oración. Números de la suerte: 6-10-34-35-40-54 Escorpión: Plutón tu planeta regente, ha de traer a tu vida eso que tanto deseas, por fin la espera terminó y obtendrás tu recompensa. Es probable que un amor o relación inconclusa del pasado, retorne a tu presente. Recibe y envía bendiciones por todo lo que tienes. Números de la suerte: 11-19-33-44-66-67 Sagitario: Agiliza trámites y todo lo que esté pendiente, antes de la mitad del mes, ya que próximamente Mercurio, estará retrógrado, y eso puede causar todo tipo de inconvenientes y retrasos. Tienes mucho por lo cual sentirte bendecido y favorecido. Números de la suerte: 12-16-21-32-34-56 Capricornio: En ocasiones ocurren circunstancias que uno no logra entender, el mensaje de los astros te aconseja a ser paciente y esperar. Si algo se fue de tu vida, y si es para ti, ha de retornar. Disfruta de las fiestas con amigos y familiares. Descansa y reza por las noches. Números de la suerte: 9-19-21-23-45-54

Leo: Es presagio que durante esta época de navidad, seas testigo de situaciones paranormales, sueños premonitorios o contacto con ángeles, y espíritus de luz. Tus protectores te están señalando el camino correcto. Novedades y placeres llenarán tu mundo social y romántico.

Acuario: Recibirás muchos obsequios en esta temporada festiva, has conquistado muchos logros personales y es hora de celebrar. Un gran deseo se convertirá en realidad en este mes de diciembre. Un poco de espiritualidad te ayudará a calmar la ansiedad, y a dominar tu temperamento.

Números de la suerte: 4-16-29-31-40-57

Números de la suerte: 8-14-18-28-38-46

Virgo: Llegas con buena salud y energía al fin de año, es presagio de los astros que durante estas fiestas, harás alianzas y lograrás acuerdos con personas que irán apareciendo en tu camino. Personas que harán mucho por ti. Optimiza tu dieta alimenticia. Haz meditaciones.

Piscis: Que el verdadero motivo de estas fiestas se haga presente en tu vida, tienes mucha energía que digerir y canalizar al mismo tiempo. Conviértete en un cordero de paz, que es agradable para todo el mundo. Quedarán atrás problemas y situaciones que parecían no tener solución.

Números de la suerte: 17-21-23-37-55-66

Números de la suerte: 25-34-35-52-54-60

Our Gift to You for Shopping Local Spend $125 at downtown San Jose retail businesses between November 24 and December 24 and receive a $25 gift card to a downtown business. Scan the QR code or go to sjdowntown.com/holidays for details.

#DT Your first 90 minutes of parking are FREE in 5 ParkSJ City garages. Visit ParkSJ.org to learn more.

JOBS / CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Kifer Senior Apartments

Kifer Departamentos para Seniors

Kifer Senior Apartments provides 80 units of affordable and supportive housing located at 3333 Kifer Road in Santa Clara.

Los departamentos para Personas Mayores Kifer ofrecen 80 unidades de viviendas asequibles y de apoyo ubicadas en 3333 Kifer Road en Santa Clara.

Unit Mix: 79 units total (30-Studios, 45-1 bedrooms, 4-2 bedrooms), 1 staff unit. 54 units set aside for individuals experiencing homelessness. We welcome Section 8 vouchers.

Combinación de unidades: 79 unidades en total (30 estudios, 45-1 dormitorios, 4-2 dormitorios), 1 unidad para el personal. 54 unidades reservadas para personas sin hogar. Aceptamos los vales de la Sección 8.

Income Requirements: This property serves households at 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% AMI.

Requisitos de ingresos: 20%, 30%, 40% y 50% IAM.

Utilities: PG&E, water & garbage paid by owner.

Servicios públicos: PG&E, agua y recolección de residuos pagados por el propietario.

Pet Policy: Pet friendly, limited to one pet per household.

Política de mascotas: Se admiten mascotas, limitado a una mascota por hogar.

Leasing Office: The temporary leasing office is located at 2727 Walsh Avenue, Suite 105, Santa Clara, CA 95051.

Oficina de arrendamiento: La oficina de arrendamiento temporal está ubicada en 2727 Walsh Avenue, Suite 105, Santa Clara, CA 95051.

We do business in accordance with Federal Fair Housing Law. It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Handicap, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Familial Status or National Origin.

Hacemos negocios de acuerdo con la Ley Federal de Vivienda Justa. Es ilegal discriminar a cualquier persona por motivos de raza, color, religión, sexo, discapacidad, orientación sexual, identidad de género, estado familiar u origen nacional.

New affordable apartments ready for occupancy in January 2024.

AHORA ACEPTAMOS APLICACIONES Basado en ingresos para personas mayores Apartamentos de 1 habitación 39548 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538 510-657-4244 | TTY 711 pasatiempoapts.com

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

Nuevos departamentos asequibles listos para ser habitados en enero de 2024.

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023 /s/ James Rukstalis ESG Planning President Article/Reg#: 850970330 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/27/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 700765 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 699921 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JB Meat and Seafood Wholesale, 1970 Orlando 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): Miguel Bravo Vasquez, 1970 Orlando Dr, San Jose, CA 95122. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 10/19/2023. 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/ Miguel Bravo Vasquez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 10/19/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 699921

22, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700641 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Mufflers Express, 903 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95132, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Israel Uribe, 3182 Isadora Dr, San Jose, CA 95132. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/01/2006. 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/ Israel Uribe This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/17/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 700641

December 1, 8, 15,

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700726 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALL ABOUT GLASS, 4292 La Torre Ave, 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): Rosario Anaya Reyes, 4292 La Torre Ave, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 07/28/2015. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN607458. “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/ Rosario Anaya Reyes This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/22/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camare-

na, Deputy File No. FBN 700726 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700724 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALL ABOUT SHOWERS & MORE, 4292 La Torre Ave, 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): Mireya Valencia, 4292 La Torre Ave, 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/ Mireya Valencia This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/22/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder

By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 700724 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700412 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Jimenez Landscaping, 3935 7trees Blvd Ap R-103, San Jose, CA 95111, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an unincorporated association other than a partnership. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Mario Calderon, 3935 7trees Blvd Ap R-103, San Jose, CA 95111. Humberto Alcantar, 3935 7trees Blvd Ap R-103, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/08/2023. 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/ Mario Calderon Humberto Alcantar

This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/08/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 700412 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700765 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Harper Investing, Harper, 2005 De La Cruz Blvd., Suite 120, San Clara, CA 95050, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): ESG Planning, 2005 De La Cruz, Suite 120, San Jose, CA 95050. 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.)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700784 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CASPIAN PLUS, 2928 Wycliffe Court, San Jose, CA 95148, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Jaber Keramat, 2928 Wycliffe Court, San Jose, CA 95148. 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/ Jaber Keramat This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/27/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 700784 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 FICTITIOUS

BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700239 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Cheng Material Digest, 2033 Trento Loop, Milpitas, CA 95035, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): I-Cheng Liu, 2033 Trento Loop, Milpitas, CA 95035. 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/ I-Cheng Liu This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/01/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 700239 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700816 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SHINING STARS DAYCARE, 1459 Amesbury Wy, San Jose, CA 95127, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Dolores Gutierrez, 1459 Amesbury Way, San Jose, CA 95127. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 05/02/2018. This filing

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023 is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN693427. “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/ Dolores Gutierrez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/28/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Dolores Gutierrez, Deputy File No. FBN 700816 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700809 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HD’s Corner, 3197 Salem Drive, San Jose, CA 95127, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): HANH THI THU DUONG, 3197 Salem Drive, San Jose, CA 95127. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/28/2023. 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/ HANH DUONG This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/28/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy

File No. FBN 700809 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV425958 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Petra Casillas Sanchez I N T E R E S T E D PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Petra Casillas Sanchez has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Luis Javier Gaona Casillas to Luis Javier Casillas Herrera 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 2/13/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 17, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Judge of the Superior Court

Judge of the Superior Court

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV421049 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: PATRICIA MARIE OLIVAS INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) PATRICIA MARIE OLIVAS has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. PATRICIA MARIE OLIVAS to PATRICIA MARIE HUIZAR 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 1/02/2024 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. Nov 28, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo

NOTICE OF DEATH OF IPPEI OKUTAKE To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of Ippei Okutake, who was a resident of Santa Clara County, State of California, and died on October 12, 2023, in the City of San Jose, County of Santa Clara, 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 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 NOTICE OF DEATH OF BRUCE MICHAEL COTTER To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of Bruce Michael Cotter, who was a resident of Santa Clara County, State of California, and died on November 02, 2023, in the City of San Jose, County of Santa Clara, 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 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700582 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: EL BOMBERO 408 INC, 387 S 1st St Suite 104, San Jose, CA 95113, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): EL BOMBERO 408 INC, 387 S 1st St Suite 104, San Jose, CA 95113. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/13/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Facundo Segura EL BOMBERO 408 INC Owner Article/Reg#: 5950516 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/15/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camare-

JOBS / CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

na, Deputy File No. FBN 700582 November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700584 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 3 HERMANOS MEXICAN GRILL INC, 387 S 1st St Suite 105, San Jose, CA 95113, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): 3 HERMANOS MEXICAN GRILL INC, 387 S 1st St Suite 105, San Jose, CA 95113. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/13/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Reyna Lemus 3 HERMANOS MEXICAN GRILL INC Secretary Article/Reg#: 5950548 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/15/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 700584 November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700531 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Pods N Pots, 775 Leong

Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a general partnership. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Alex Yang Yao, 775 Leong Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043. Mary Grace Yao, 775 Leong Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043. 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/ Mary Grace Yao Owner Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/14/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Eric Huong, Deputy File No. FBN 700531 November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 699164 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Victoria’s Janitorial Service, 635 W Sunnyoaks Ave #C, Campbell, CA 95008, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a general partnership. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Aida Galvan Villano, 635 W Sunnyoaks Ave #C, Campbell, CA 95008. Victoria Doggett Galvan, 5715 Donnelly Drive, Woodford, VA 22580. The registrant began

transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/01/2001. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file#: FBN646921. “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/ Aida Galvan Villano This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 09/19/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 699164 November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 699792 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: EUROTECH DOORS INC, 1721 Rogers Ave, San Jose, CA 95112, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Eurotech Doors Inc., 1428 Medallion Dr, San Jose, CA 95120. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 10/03/2023. 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/ Hassan Letafat EUROTECH DOORS INC. President Article/Reg#: 5928306 Above entity was

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 10/13/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 699792

hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 21, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court

November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV426002 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Victoria Thomsen INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Victoria Thomsen has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Victoria Thomsen to Victoria Budynkevych Thomsen 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 2/13/2024 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

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV426110 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Sergey Skvortsov INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Sergey Skvortsov has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Sergey Skvortsov to Adam Gray 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 2/13/2024 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

November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 2023

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 20, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 2023 NOTICE OF DEATH OF James Patrick Sinnott, Sr. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of James Patrick Sinnott, Sr., who was a resident of Santa Clara County, State of California, and died on August 1, 2023, in the City of San Jose, County of Santa Clara, 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 November 24, December 1, 8, 2023 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of   RICHARD EDWARD SMITH Case No. 23PR194687 1.To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Richard Edward Smith. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Anothony Olyaee in the Superior Court of California,

County of Santa Clara. 3.The Petition for Probate requests that Anthony Olyaee be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.. 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administer of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: January 10, 2024, at 9:01am, Dept. 13, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal

delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Attorney for Petitioner: Anita Steburg Steburg Law Firm P.C. 2001 Gateway Place, Suite 100W San Jose, CA 95110 (408)573-1122 November 24, December 1, 8, 2023 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of   Jack Licursi, Sr. Case No. 23PR195724 1.To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Jack Licursi, Sr., Jack Licursi, Jack S. Licursi, Jack Salvatore Licursi. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Jack Licursi, Jr. in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3.The Petition for Probate requests that Susan Brooksbank, a CA professional fiduciary be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Adminis-

ter of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: December 20, 2023, at 9:01am, Dept. 13, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023 file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Attorney for Petitioner: Shahram Miri 80 Gilman Ave Suite 27 Campbell, CA 95008 (408)866-8382 November 24, December 1, 8, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700529 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: XANADU SALON, 227 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Cole Dino HooeMasouris, 227 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/14/2023. 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/ Cole Dino HooeMasouris This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/14/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Regam,

Deputy File No. FBN 700529 November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700459 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SARATOGA MASSAGE, 20601 Third Street, Saratoga, CA 95070, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Elora Luisa Deschamps Venske, 227 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/9/2023. 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/ Elora Luisa Deschamps Venske This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/9/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 700459 November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700528 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ELORA SHOPS 4 YOU, 227 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023 of the registrant(s) is (are): Elora Luisa Deschamps Venske, 227 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/14/2023. 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/ Elora Luisa Deschamps Venske This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/14/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Regam, Deputy File No. FBN 700528 November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700386 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MITZY JANITORIAL SERVICE, 564 Troy Dr, San Jose, CA 95117, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Lindsay Ruiz Palma, 564 Troy Dr, San Jose, CA 95117. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/07/2023. This filing is a first filing. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.” (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Lindsay Ruiz Palma

This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/07/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 700386 November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 699902 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: AY2MIO, 5320 Monterey Highway Suite C, San Jose, CA 95111, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a general partnership. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Melissa Priscellia Gonzalez, 829 Hermiston Dr, San Jose, CA 95136. Monica Carolina Herrera, 5827 Charlotte Dr #B-2023, San Jose, CA 95123. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 10/02/2023. 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/ Melissa Gonzalez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 10/18/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 699902 November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700300 The following

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com person(s) is (are) doing business as: LEENA STYLE STUDIO, 10705 Gardena Ct, Cupertino, CA 95014, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Leena Ravindra Shedge, 10705 Gardena Ct, San Jose, CA 95014. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 10/28/2023. 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/ Leena Ravindra Shedge This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/03/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 700300 November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700292 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Guadalajara’s Taqueria Co., 821 Borregas Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Stephanie Barragan, 200 E San Martin Ave #1343, San Martin, CA 95046. 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/ Stephanie Barragan This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/03/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 700292

San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 13, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court

November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV425828 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Moslim Hamad, INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Moslim Hamad has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Somreen Hussain to Somreen Moslim Hamad. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 12/19/2023 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV425679 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Fedor Sinitsin INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Fedor Sinitsin has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Fedor Sinitsin to Theo Sinitsin 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 2/13/2023 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street,

November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 13, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court

to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 08, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court

November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV425502 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Edward Javier Barrantes INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Edward Javier Barrantes has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Edward Javier Barrantes to Eduardo Javier Barrantes 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 2/06/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV425513 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Sheila Askariyah-Yazdy INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Sheila Askariyah-Yazdy has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Sheila AskariyahYazdy to Sheila Yazdy 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 2/06/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall

be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 08, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV425613 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Loan Hoang Thanh Tieu INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Loan Hoang Thanh Tieu has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Loan Hoang Thanh Tieu to Joanne Tieu b. Nam Phuong Bui to Eric Bui 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 2/13/2024 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

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be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 09, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 2023 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of JOSEPH M. CORREIA Case No. 23PR195827 1.To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of JOSE MANUEL CORREIA, JOE MANUEL CORREIA, JOSE MANUEL DE SOUSA CORREIA. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by JESSE CORREIA in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3.The Petition for Probate requests that JESSE CORREIA be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 4. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. 5. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administer of Estate Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take any actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they

have waived notice or consent to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person Files and objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: December 18, 2023, at 9:01am, Dept. 2, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10. Attorney for Petitioner: ROBERT P. BERGMAN 3535 Ross Avenue, Ste. 200 San Jose, CA 95124 (408)247-0444 Run Date: November 17, 24, December 1, 2023 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of Olga Connie Velasquez Case No. 23PR195790 1.To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Olga Connie Velasquez. 2. A Petition for Probate has been filed by in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 3.The Petition for Probate requests that be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 6. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: January 12, 2024, at 9:01am, Dept. 13, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 7. If you object to the granting of this petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written bjections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. 8. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either: 1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative

as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or 2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. 9. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.    10.: Run Date: November 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 699264 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MR. PIPE, 2558 Sue Avenue, 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): Ernesto Bermudez, 2558 Sue Avenue, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 04/10/2022. This filing is a refile. Previous file#FBN685909. “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/ Ernesto Bermudez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 9/22/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 699264 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700243 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: NORCAL WHEELS, 1221 Stevens Creek Blvd Suite J, San Jose, CA 95128, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Reynol Dominguez Gonzalez, Inc., 2221 Stevens Creek Blvd Suite J, San Jose, CA 95128. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 10/24/2023. 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/ Reynol Dominguez Gonzalez Reynol Dominguez Gonzalez, Inc. CEO Article/Reg#: C4783850 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/1/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder

By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 700243 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700261 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JEREMIAS CLAVIJO MELO/ DBA NODUX STUDIO, 683 River View 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): JEREMIAS CLAVIJO MELO, 683 River View Dr, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/02/2023. 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/ JEREMIAS CLAVIJO MELO This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/02/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 700261 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700402 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Bear’s Land Family Day Care, 1110 Boynton Ave, San Jose, CA 95117, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an indi-

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023 vidual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Brenda Gereny Bernal Hernandez, 1110 Boynton Ave, San Jose, CA 95117. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 07/07/2022. This filing is a refile [Change(s) in facts from previous filing] of previous file #: FBN686739. “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/ Brenda Gereny Bernal Hernandez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/08/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Patty Camarena, Deputy File No. FBN 700402 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700411 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MARCOS TILE, 2070 Amberwood Court, San Jose, CA 95132, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Marcos Sandoval, 2070 Amberwood Court, San Jose, CA 95132. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 05/19/2022. 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/ Marcos Sandoval This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/08/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 700411 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700060 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: KING LAUNDROMAT, 1643 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95116, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a corporation. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): KING LAUNDROMAT, INC., 4216 Ridgemont Ct, Oakland, CA 94619. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 10/25/2023. 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/ Victoria Duong KING LAUNDROMAT, INC. Owner Article/Reg#: 5910300 Above entity was formed in the state of CA This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 10/25/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy File No. FBN 700060

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700299 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SEKRETO, 2566 Leghorn Street, Mountain View, CA 94043, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Rafael Ibarra Celestino, 748 Mercy Street, Mountain View, CA 94041. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/03/2023. 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/ Rafael Ibarra This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/03/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 700299 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700341 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: EL GRAN TAMAL COLOMBIANO, 1327 Keoncrest Ave, 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): Oscar Mauricio Ospina Palacios,

1327 Keoncrest Ave, San Jose, CA 95110. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/06/2023. 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/ Oscar Mauricio Ospina Palacios This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/06/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy File No. FBN 700341 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 698429 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: M & D Prime Plastering, 252 Clareview Ct, San Jose, CA 95127, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by a general partnership. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Manuel Santiago López, 252 Clareview Ct, San Jose, CA 95127. Domingo López Martinez, 940 Linden Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 08/23/2023. 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/ Manuel Santiago

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com Lopez This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 08/23/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy File No. FBN 698429 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 700260 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Ann Love MasterStylist, 4735 Hamilton Ave Suite #81, San Jose, CA 95130, Santa Clara County. This business is owned by an individual. The name and residence address of the registrant(s) is (are): Ann Love, 1828 S Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035. The registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/02/2023. 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/ Ann Love This statement was filed with the Co. Clerk-Recorder of Santa Clara County on 11/02/2023. Regina Alcomendras, County Clerk Recorder By: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy File No. FBN 700260 November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV422368 Superior Court of California, County of Santa

Clara-In the matter of the application of: Safiya Sarai Munif INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Safiya Sarai Munif has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Safiya Sarai Munif to Luci Marcel Wolfenstein 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 12/26/2023 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Sep 13, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court

of the application of: Tyler William Bradley INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Tyler William Bradley has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Tyler William Bradley to Athalbrandr William Wolfenstein 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 12/26/2023 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Sep 13, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court

November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV422364 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV424042 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter

of the application of: Lindsey-N-Ramirez INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) L i n d s ey- N - R a m i rez has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. L i n d s ey- N - R a m i rez AKA Lindsey Nogoez Ramirez to Lindsey, Ramirez Noguez 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 1/16/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Oct 12, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV425370 Superior Court of California, County of

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Candace Areana Reardon INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Candace Areana Reardon has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Candace Areana Reardon to Candace Areana Bellinger 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 2/06/2024 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 06, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 23CV420350

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Sonia + Ashreet Dhaliwal INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner(s) Sonia + Ashreet Dhaliwal has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Shaan Ashreet Dhaliwal to Armaan Ashreet Dhaliwal 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 12/19/2023 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 3. A copy of the Order to Show cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in El Observador, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara. Nov 08, 2023 Jacqueline M. Arroyo Judge of the Superior Court November 10, 17, 24, December 1, 2023

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

A NICARAGUAN WOMAN’S REACTION TO MISS UNIVERSE WIN

LA REACCIÓN DE UNA MUJER NICARAGÜENSE TRAS VICTORIA EN MISS UNIVERSO

ENGLISH

Michelle Fonseca Ethnic Media Services

hen Miss Nicaragua won Miss Universe this month, I cried for joy. I felt at last that my culture had gained recognition from people worldwide. It may seem odd — as a young Nicaraguan woman, why would progressive members of my generation pay attention to beauty pageants today? But this year’s Miss Universe, held in San Salvador on November 18, was more than a win for beauty. For many viewers, this was one of the few positive modern presentations of these cultures that didn’t centralize dictatorship, poverty or crime. In fact, when Sheynnis Palacios won the contest as Miss Nicaragua, I saw that even the men I knew, and men on social media, were not only watching with women for the first time but were moved to tears by the win, saying, ‘We get it now,’ or that this year’s competition was as important for them as the World Cup. Nor were her fans just Nicaraguan — when she won, the whole stadium stood up, and other competitors representing countries all around the world hugged her and looked genuinely ecstatic that she won, a display of sisterhood I have never seen before.

ESPAÑOL

the world.

An interviewer asked her — uniquely, she answered all questions in Spanish — what she thought the essence of humanity was, and she said it was humility and being grateful for the small things in life, which is something I often tell my friends and family as well; this was the moment I knew she would win. I believe that many who were watching this woman were most impressed by her humility, and the dignity she kept in being so open about her humble background and ongoing struggles while still being a stellar example for her people. At another point in the competition, Palacios said that a good representation of Nicaraguan women is the phrase “strength of a volcano” — which surprised me, as it is a phrase

Palacios’ win this year moved me because of how much I connected with her own background. Here was a 23-year-old woman, completely open about her humble beginnings selling simple street food in order to complete her education while pursuing her dreams by moving up the ranks of various beauty competitions from the age of 15 onward. Having later immigrated with her mother to San Francisco, where I also live, Palacios became the main breadwinner for her family while working to graduate from college. I saw myself in her struggle, as I recently got my master’s degree as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Although I stayed in the city to attend San Francisco State, while continuing to work, enrollment for my program there was impacted and I had to finish at CSU Stanislaus, over 100 miles southeast in the city of Turlock. Having no car, I would take a four-hour train commute three to four days a week during the pandemic just to achieve my dream. I did, and now I’m working to complete my practice hours and complete my state exams. Like Palacios, I too was fighting to give back to and positively represent my people — as I aim to work with Latino populations to support community mental health here in San Francisco — and when she won it was an affirmation for me that I could be both strong and feminine, as long as you know the impact you want to make on

Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios. Photo Credit: Michelle Dee / Twitter - @sheynnis that I identify with and had already written on my own social media account. It reminds me that your background doesn’t preclude you from reaching your dreams. As I work toward what I want, I’ve never forgotten where I come from. Michelle Fonseca lives in San Francisco where she hopes to do social work in support of the city’s Latino community.

De hecho, cuando Sheynnis Palacios ganó el concurso como Miss Nicaragua, vi que incluso los hombres que conocía, y los hombres en las redes sociales, no solo estaban mirando con mujeres por primera vez, sino que la victoria los conmovió hasta las lágrimas y dijeron: ' Ahora lo entendemos», o que la competición de este año era para ellos tan importante como la Copa del Mundo.

Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios. Photo Credit: CC0 1.0 Universal / Wikimedia

Sus fanáticos tampoco eran solo nicaragüenses: cuando ganó, todo el estadio se puso de pie y otras competidoras que representaban a países de todo el mundo la abrazaron y parecían genuinamente eufóricas por su victoria, una muestra de hermandad que nunca antes había visto.

Michelle Fonseca Ethnic Media Services

uando Miss Nicaragua ganó Miss Universo este mes, lloré de alegría. Por fin sentí que mi cultura había ganado el reconocimiento de personas de todo el mundo.

El concurso fue histórico en otros sentidos, ya que por primera vez contó con dos mujeres transgénero (Miss Portugal y Miss Países Bajos), las primeras mujeres casadas y madres (Miss Gua-

Puede parecer extraño: como joven nicaragüense, ¿por qué los miembros progresistas de mi generación pre-

¡Nuevos departamentos asequibles disponibles en Sunnyvale!

The contest was historic in other ways, as for the first time it featured two transgender women (Miss Portugal and Miss Netherlands), the first married women and mothers (Miss Guatemala and Miss Colombia), and the first plus-size model (Miss Nepal). Before the competition was bought by Thai transgender woman and entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip in 2022 and she revised the rules, mothers, married people and divorcees could not even compete. While the pageant remains a beauty competition, it’s grown to mean much more than that since the days when it was owned by Donald Trump. It’s grown to become a worldwide affirmation that just because you don’t fit a certain size or background does not mean that you aren’t beautiful, or that you can’t achieve your dreams.

starían atención a los concursos de belleza de hoy? Pero Miss Universo de este año, celebrado en San Salvador el 18 de noviembre, fue más que una victoria de la belleza. Para muchos espectadores, esta fue una de las pocas presentaciones modernas positivas de estas culturas que no centralizaban la dictadura, la pobreza o el crimen.

I was also incredibly moved by how open Palacios was about her own mental health. When asked by interviewers during the pageant how she felt, she shared her own experiences with anxiety, including an anxiety attack that she had and overcame with breathing exercises during the event.

temala y Miss Colombia), y la primera modelo de talla grande (Miss Nepal). Antes de que la mujer transgénero y empresaria tailandesa Anne Jakrajutatip comprara el concurso en 2022 y revisara las reglas, las madres, las personas casadas y las divorciadas ni siquiera podían competir. Si bien el certamen sigue siendo un concurso de belleza, ha llegado a significar mucho más que eso desde los días en que era propiedad de Donald Trump. Se ha convertido en una afirmación mundial de que el hecho de que no encajes en una determinada talla o procedencia no significa que no seas hermosa o que no puedas alcanzar tus sueños. La victoria de Palacios este año me conmovió por lo mucho que me conecté con su propia experiencia. Aquí estaba una mujer de 23 años, completamente abierta sobre sus humildes comienzos vendiendo comida callejera para completar su educación mientras perseguía sus sueños al ascender en las clasificaciones de varios concursos de belleza desde los 15 años en adelante. Después de haber emigrado con su madre a San Francisco, donde también vivo, Palacios se convirtió en el principal sostén de su familia mientras trabajaba para graduarse de la universidad. Me vi en su lucha, ya que recientemente obtuve mi maestría como Trabajadora Social Clínica Licenciada. Aunque me quedé en la ciudad para asistir a San Francisco State, mientras seguía trabajando, la inscripción para mi programa allí se vio afectada y tuve que terminar en CSU Stanislaus, a más de 100 millas al sureste de la ciudad de Turlock. Al no tener auto, tomaba un viaje de cuatro horas en tren tres o cuatro días a la semana durante la pandemia solo para lograr mi sueño. Lo hice y ahora estoy trabajando para completar mis horas de práctica y completar mis exámenes estatales.

Meridian, 397 S. Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale, Ca 94086 Meridian aceptará solicitudes para nuestros estudios y unidades de renta asequibles de una, dos y tres habitaciones. Se aceptarán solicitudes a través de nuestro portal en línea MeridianSunnyvale.com desde el 4 de diciembre de 2023 a las 3:00 p. m. hasta el 18 de diciembre de 2023 a las 5:00 p. m. (pst). Las solicitudes impresas también estarán disponibles para ser recogidas en persona en el One Stop Permit Center ubicado en el segundo piso del Ayuntamiento de Sunnyvale (456 W. Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA). Las solicitudes en papel deben enviarse por correo a la dirección del apartado postal que figura en la solicitud y deben tener sello postal antes de la fecha límite de solicitud para ser incluidas en la lotería electrónica. Una vez cerrado el plazo de solicitud se realizará un sorteo para establecer el orden de la lista de espera. Los solicitantes pueden solicitar una adaptación razonable si la necesitan para ayudar a completar una solicitud llamando al 669-252-2360 TTY 711 o enviando un correo electrónico a MeridianApts@ related.com Meridian tiene 44 unidades de renta asequibles tipo estudio, de una, dos y tres habitaciones disponibles. Rango de alquiler: Estudio $1,515 - $1,827, 1 HAB $1,620 - $1,954, 2 HAB $1,934 - $3,139; 3HAB $2,227 - $3,619. Los solicitantes deben ser elegibles en cuanto a ingresos y cumplir con las pautas de ocupación. Los hogares no deben ganar más que los niveles de ingreso bruto máximo que se indican a continuación 50% del ingreso medio del área (3 estudios, 11 unidades de una, 2 de dos y 2 de tres habitaciones) Tamaño de familia Ingreso máximo anual

1 Persona $62,450

2 Personas $71,400

3 Personas $80,300

4 Personas $89,200

5 Personas $96,350

6 Personas $103,500

7 Personas $110,650

60% of Area Median Income (2 Studio, 9 One, 3 Two, and 3 Three Bedroom Units) Tamaño de familia Ingreso máximo anual

1 Persona $74,940

2 Personas $85,680

3 Personas $96,360

4 Personas $107,040

5 Personas $115,620

6 Personas $124,200

7 Personas $132,780

80% of Area Median Income (4 Two, and 5 Three Bedroom Units) Tamaño de familia 2 Personas Ingreso máximo anual $109,700

3 Personas $123,400

4 Personas $137,100

5 Personas $148,100

6 Personas $159,050

7 Personas $170,050

La solicitud, la selección de inquilinos, las preferencias locales y la información sobre la lotería se pueden encontrar en MeridianSunnyvale.com o se pueden solicitar por correo electrónico a MeridianApts@ related.com o llamando a nuestra línea telefónica de información al 669-252-2360 TTY 711. Las solicitudes electrónicas o en papel deben recibirse antes de las 5 p.m. del 18/12/2023 para ser incluidas en la lotería de solicitudes. Para obtener más información sobre nuestro complejo y ver los planos de planta disponibles, visítenos en MeridianSunnyvale.com. Los límites de ingresos están sujetos a cambios según los cambios en el ingreso medio del área publicado por HUD, HCD y el Comité de Asignación de Crédito Fiscal de California.

Al igual que Palacios, yo también estaba luchando por retribuir y representar positivamente a mi gente — ya que mi objetivo es trabajar con poblaciones latinas para apoyar la salud mental comunitaria aquí en San Francisco — y cuando ella ganó fue para mí una afirmación de que podía ser fuerte y femenina, siempre y cuando sepas el impacto que quieres causar en el mundo. También me conmovió increíblemente lo abierta que fue Palacios sobre su propia salud mental. Cuando los entrevistadores durante el concurso le preguntaron cómo se sentía, ella compartió sus propias experiencias con la ansiedad, incluido un ataque de ansiedad que tuvo y superó con ejercicios de respiración durante el evento. Un entrevistador le preguntó - de manera única, ella respondió todas las preguntas en español - cuál pensaba que era la esencia de la humanidad, y ella dijo que era la humildad y el agradecimiento por las pequeñas cosas de la vida, que es algo que a menudo les digo a mis amigos y familiares; Este fue el momento en que supe que ella ganaría. Creo que muchos de los que observaron a esta mujer quedaron muy impresionados por su humildad y la dignidad que mantuvo al ser tan abierta sobre su origen humilde y sus luchas en curso, sin dejar de ser un ejemplo estelar para su pueblo. En otro momento del concurso, Palacios dijo que una buena representación de la mujer nicaragüense es la frase “fuerza de volcán”, lo cual me sorprendió, pues es una frase con la que me identifico y que ya había escrito en mi propia cuenta de redes sociales. Me recuerda que tu experiencia no te impide alcanzar tus sueños. Mientras trabajo para lograr lo que quiero, nunca olvido de dónde vengo. Michelle Fonseca vive en San Francisco, donde espera realizar trabajo social en apoyo de la comunidad latina de la ciudad.

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

DISNEY HOLIDAY SHOWCASE

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Disney

Era la noche antes de Navidad y en toda la casa no se movía ni una criatura, ¡excepto Mickey Mouse y Minnie Mouse! Los suaves peluches de Mickey y Minnie son una tierna sorpresa con sus disfraces de bastones de caramelo y gorros de Papá Noel.

From gifts ranging from $25 to splurge-worthy items, take a look at all the items from tech, home and toys available now from such beloved brands as Disney, Marvel, Lego and beyond. Items are available at shopdisney.com.

shopDisney $26.99 Cada Uno

GIFTS $25 AND UNDER

Darth Vader Holiday Plush Photo Credit: Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing

Darth Vader Holiday Plush

Radio Controlled Akula Photo Credit: Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing

shopDisney $24.99 Now Available GIFTS $50 AND UNDER Radio Controlled Akula

Bring home your own life-like remote-controlled Akula! The Akula swims through the water with the highly realistic agile movement and control of a real shark. It features a 2.4 GHZ full-function remote control, allowing for forward, backward, left, and right movement, two auto teaching modes, variable speed controllers for subtle life-like movements, battery run time up to 40 minutes per use, and glow-in-the-dark feature.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Holiday Plush Photo Credit: Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing

Marvel MLB 59FIFTY Infinity Stones Collection Photo Credit: Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Holiday Plush

LEGO® Ideas Home Alone Building Kit Photo Credit: Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! Soft plush Mickey and Minnie make a cuddly stocking stuffer surprise in their candy cane costumes and Santa hats.

Now Available SPLURGE-WORTHY GIFTS Marvel MLB New Era 59FIFTY Infinity Stones Collection National Geographic Glaciers Blanket Photo Credit: Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing

GIFTS FOR THE HOME •

Disney Princess Custom Case

$75.00 Each

Are you a Belle or an Ariel? Be Your Own Princess is inspired by YOU. Deck your tech gear in drop-defying protection that’s whimsical, stylish, and starring your favorite characters.

Now Available

Casetify

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$62.00

Features a buildable LEGO® model of the McCallisters’ house with walls and roof that open up for easy access, tree house and crooks’ van. Functions include swinging paint cans, a basement furnace that lights up, and a lever to push Kevin down the stairs on his sledge. Discover details that spark memories of hilarious movie moments in every room in the house and inside the van. LEGO® Home Alone house comes with five LEGO® minifigures: Kevin McCallister, Kate McCallister, Harry, Marv and ‘Old Man’ Marley.

Disney

Desde obsequios que van desde $ 25 hasta artículos dignos de un derroche, eche un vistazo a todos los artículos de tecnología, hogar y juguetes disponibles ahora de marcas tan queridas como Disney, Marvel, Lego y más. Los artículos están disponibles en shopdisney.com.

$26.99 Each

LEGO® Ideas Home Alone Building Kit

Disney Princess Custom Case Photo Credit: Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing

stos son algunos de los interesantes productos disponibles para la temporada navideña para sus seres queridos o para usted mismo.

shopDisney

Lids

¡Lids HD se asoció con Marvel y la MLB para traerte la colección Infinity Stones! Esta colección incluye 13 equipos emblemáticos de la MLB e incluye telas y materiales de primera calidad por dentro y por fuera. Cada gorra cuenta con una insignia de metal, un forro interior de satén y un parche lateral personalizado que rinde homenaje a diferentes aspectos del universo: espacio, mente, realidad, poder, tiempo y alma. Lids

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Now Available

Lids HD teamed up with Marvel and the MLB to bring you The Infinity Stones Collection! This collection features 13 iconic MLB teams and includes premium materials and hardware inside and out. Each hat features a metal badge logo, interior satin lining and a custom side patch honoring different aspects of the universe – space, mind, reality, power, time and soul.

Marvel MLB New Era 59FIFTY Infinity Stones Collection

Disponible Ahora

$39.99

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REGALOS PARA DARSE UN GUSTO

$75.00 Cada Uno

McFarlane Toys

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Disponible Ahora

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The Dark Lord of the Sith shows his soft side with this festive plush. As part of the Star Wars Vintage Holiday Collection, Darth Vader is featured holding a nicely wrapped gift. Be sure to thank him with a warm hug.

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EXHIBICIÓN NAVIDEÑA DE DISNEY

ere are some of the exciting products available for the holiday season for your loved ones or yourself.

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SHOPPING

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

Now Available •

National Geographic Glaciers Blanket

Designed in collaboration with National Geographic and inspired by the diverse topography of places we love to explore, this blanket is made from recycled materials and produced in a water-free, dyefree, and chemical-free process.

The LEGO Group

Sackcloth & Ashes

$299.99

$140.00

Now Available

REGALOS DE $25 Y MENOS •

Darth Vader Holiday Plush

El Sith muestra su lado tierno con este peluche festivo. Como parte de la colección navideña vintage de Star Wars, Darth Vader aparece sosteniendo un regalo. Asegúrate de agradecerle con un cálido abrazo. shopDisney $24.99

LEGO® Ideas Home Alone Building Kit

Incluye un modelo LEGO® para armar de la casa de los McCallister con paredes y tejado que se abren para facilitar el acceso, la casa del árbol y la furgoneta de los ladrones. Entre sus funciones se incluyen latas de pintura que se balancean, una caldera en el sótano que se ilumina y una palanca para empujar a Kevin escaleras abajo en su trineo. Descubre detalles que evocan recuerdos de momentos divertidísimos de la película en cada habitación de la casa y en el interior de la furgoneta. La casa LEGO® Home Alone viene con cinco minifiguras LEGO®: Kevin McCallister, Kate McCallister, Harry, Marv y el “Viejo” Marley. The LEGO Group $299.99 Disponible Ahora REGALOS PARA EL HOGAR •

Disney Princess Custom Case

La colección “Sé tu propia princesa” está inspirada en TI. Cubre tu equipo tecnológico con una funda protectora que desafía las caídas, que es extravagante, elegante y que está protagonizada por tus personajes favoritos. Casetify $62.00

Disponible Ahora

REGALOS DE $50 Y MENOS

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Diseñada en colaboración con National Geographic e inspirada en la diversa topografía de los lugares

Radio Controlled Akula

¡Lleva a tu hogar tu propio Akula realista con control remoto! El Akula nada por el agua con el movimiento ágil y altamente realista y el control de un tiburón real. McFarlane Toys $39.99 Disponible Ahora •

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Holiday Plush

National Geographic Glaciers Blanket

que nos encanta explorar, esta manta está hecha con materiales reciclados y producida mediante un proceso sin agua, colorantes, ni productos químicos. Sackcloth & Ashes $140.00 Disponible Ahora

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

DEC 01, 2023 - DEC 07, 2023

Lo entendemos. Estamos aquí para ayudarle. Durante todo el 2023, escuchamos a nuestros clientes, compañeros y a las diferentes comunidades a las que servimos. Entender realmente lo que quisieran lograr nos ayudó a fortalecer nuestro trabajo en conjunto y a dar la bienvenida a otras relaciones a lo largo del camino. Al trabajar con parejas que apenas comenzaban hasta emprendedores que buscaban iniciar un negocio, logramos mucho juntos. Estamos listos para ver lo que nos depara el 2024. Raquel González Presidente de Bank of America en Silicon Valley

Conozca más en bankofamerica.com/siliconvalley (solo se ofrece en inglés).

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