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A Year of ‘American Carnage’ & Breaking the Silence Pg 10 Ten Tips to Find the Best Smartphone Pg 11

VOLUME 38 ISSUE 52 | WWW.EL-OBSERVADOR.COM | DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018

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The ABC’s of Trump’s Demise Pg 16

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OPINION

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018

PL AN TO MAKE 2018 NEW YEAR SIGNIFICANT

Hilbert Morales EL OBSERVADOR The most significant happening during 2017 was the installation of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States of America.

Almost all mainstream media commentators along with prognosticators who expected Hillary Clinton to have been elected first woman President were wrong.

Hillary never did tell American voters why she merited being their choice.

Trump diligently distracted her with the 'email' issue plus asking Russian hackers to find those 30,000 emails which were lost (but were found again). Trump continued his 'distraction technique' since being installed as President. Now, We, The People know what we are dealing with...a leader who makes his own rules; is not conventional at all, bullies, insults and creates 'alternative realities'.

Humankind throughout this world, must always deal with three issues: 1) The survival needs of their BODY; 2) their need for truthful and factual information which their MIND may process and decide to reject or use; and 3) those uplifting visionary core values which our SPIRITS can comprehend, accept and use.

Trump's leadership style is that “I know what is best for anyone; I can do it all by myself.” Towards the end of 2017, Trump displayed

his 'quid-pro-quo' negotiation style usually projected from his 'power and authority' base. This legislation was the 'Jobs and Tax Adjustment Act which both Senate and House approved and he signed into being the law of the land just before Christmas 2017.

“The jobs and lower taxes are my gift to the American people,” declared Trump. Analysts agree it give 83% of the wealth to those already very rich; it is a form of legalized theft which is being paid for by the working class.

It is useful to do an analysis which permits the consideration of many issues without being distracted.

Let's first consider survival needs of (1) our BODY has for potable water, food, clothing, a warm safe, secure shelter. Consider Flint, Michigan where high lead levels are toxic, especially to developing children. Consider those refugees who fled wild fires and survived three destructive hurricanes.

Many victims of these natural disasters are still waiting for FEMA assistance.

In the case of Houston, Texas, New Orleans, LA., and the fire ravaged areas of California (and anywhere else), will the local civic, state and national leadership be able to do future full recovery planning at new sites where the relocated neighborhoods will be safer?

If those ravaged communities are 'rebuilt' in their historic locations, how soon will it be before we need to 'rebuild' again? Are we willing to pay for better continuous wilderness management?

At a personal level, American women stepped up with their #MeToo movement which

José López Zamorano La Red Hispana Cuando nos enteramos de que el presidente de los Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, consume 12 latas de refrescos dietéticos Diet Coke al día, como lo reportó The New York Times recientemente, resulta obvio concluir que consumir calorías vacías es un mal hábito, aun cuando se desconozca con precisión su impacto de largo plazo en la salud del inquilino de la Casa Blanca.

Se trata sin embargo de una conversación importante sobre la cultura de salud, toda vez que está documentada científicamente una relación entre el consumo de sodas, refrescos o bebidas endulzadas artificialmente, con el sobrepeso, la obesidad y la diabetes a nivel mundial, tres padecimientos que son especialmente agudos entre los latinos.

tells predatory abusive men to behave, respect and be kind and honorable. Without these women's family management, work skills, reproductive capacity and willingness to give birth to the next generation, this diverse American population cannot continue to be viable at all social levels. More women need to be elected to U.S. Congressional seats to fully represent their perspectives of collaboration and nurturing care.

Kevin de Leόn @kdeleon (said): "The people who work in the Senate and the public we serve, must have complete confidence that no public official is above the law or our (recent) strict zero-tolerance (sexual) harassment policies. Those who violate these (upgraded) policies will be held to account - swiftly and justly." (Source: Politico, California, 11.14.2017) A necessary cultural behavioral shift is happening in this society.

Both genders need to learn how to communicate their mutual consent to be intimate partners and to learn nonviolent ways to end or not begin these relationships.

With respect to our MIND, individuals need truthful and factual information which their thought process may assess, evaluate, and then decide to reject or use when appropriate. This is purposely difficult to do when one does not know if Trump is using facts or his 'alternative facts'. Note his need to control reality by not divulging his personal IRS 1040 Forms; nor present his proposed visions to the public to enable feedback commentary.

He has acted independently several times (withdrawal from TPP (12 nation Transpacific Pact) and the Paris Accord (Global Climate Voluntary Actions by 198 nations). Single-handedly Trump has pulled America down from its pinnacle as a Super-Power leader.

Into that leadership vacuum both Russia and China have moved in quickly.

It is important that the American people remain vigilant and wary... especially of his 'saber- rattling’ interchanges with North Korea.

Both Canada and Mexico must insist being equitably and fairly treated when NAFTA is renegotiated. Trump may be fearful of the factual history being reconstructed by FBI's Special Investigator Mueller. If Trump impulsively interferes in any manner, he will be obstructing justice and suffer the consequences.

Our SPIRIT, especially its independent aspect, has been underestimated by Trump. His inability to share his plans will be his undoing. What Trump and his ultra- conservative colleagues, have not accepted is that what makes America Great is its diverse people. His 'white supremacy persona' has emboldened neo-Nazis, KKK, and other racists to be more public with their hate, bias, bigotry, and xenophobia. The American Spirit will prevail simply because of its knowledge that Divine Providence has placed many resources within our national borders. These resources are not meant to be owned by the 0.01% who have schemed and used its influence and wealth to thwart the U.S. Congressional legislative process.

NI UNA SODA MAS Se estima que alrededor de 1,500 millones de personas sufren de un peso corporal excesivo y 1 de cada 20 adultos sufren diabetes. En los Estados Unidos, el Instituto Nacional de Salud considera que el consumo de bebidas endulzadas, especialmente refrescos, ha sido asociado con un incremento en las tasas de obesidad y diabetes.

Las sodas, bebidas endulzadas y refrescos, contienen grandes cantidades de azucares refinadas, lo cual les confiere una alta carga glicémica y pocas propiedades nutritivas, lo que se cree contribuye a un incremento excesivo del peso, al síndrome metabólico y a una resistencia a la insulina, de acuerdo con un recuento médico elaborado por el NIH. Para los hispanos es un asunto doblemente relevante porque está probado que al menos el 16.9% de nosotros padecemos niveles de

diabetes tipo 2, comparado con el 10.2% de la población no hispana. A la propensión genética se suman factores de estilo de vida negativos, como el consumo colosal de sodas o refrescos, o una desproporcional ingesta de calorías vacías en productos derivados de maíz o arroz.

Pero aún dentro de los hispanos hay diferencias notables. La tasa de diabetes entre quienes tenemos ascendencia mexicana es la más alta, del 18.3%, comparado con 10.2% entre los sudamericanos. Pero cuando cualquier hispano llega a los 70 años, la tasa de posibilidad de diabetes se empareja a un dramático 50%.

En mi caso se trata de un tema que me toca personalmente. No sólo una gran parte de mi familia directa sufre de diabetes, sino que mi padre perdió una pierna y eventualmente falleció por las consecuencias de

That tax bill just enacted is a form of legalized misallocation of the wealth which is produced by 'Working Class People'. What the American voter needs to do is simply to 'Plan to make the 2018 New Year very significant by guiding the American ship of state back towards being a true democracy (not an oligarchy) whose elected officials craft new legislation which creates an effective redistribution of the wealth of this nation. America's 'good Samaritan Stewardship' spirit will prevail over exploitive materialism and profiteering.

This American Democracy can lead an effort which improves the world-wide living standards using its military power, its compassion and sympathy to elevate all people who reside on earth. There is much work to be done to elect leaders who will be servants serving all.

Americans have the morals, ethics, and purpose which will lead to a world wherein disputes are not settled by military might. Our military-industrial complex must understand that America is not about conquest and exploitation, but rather, about learning to live together; knowing and respecting the universal core values embodied in all religions.

Our superiority emanates from our willingness to share resources to enable all to enjoy 'a higher standard of living'. Through fair & equitable sharing, 'We, The People' can achieve 'PEACE ON EARTH WITH OUR GOOD WILL SERVING ALL HUMANITY. CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT!

la enfermedad, que avanza gradualmente afectando la vista, la circulación periférica y órganos vitales como los riñones y el corazón. ¿Es posible cambiar los malos hábitos que contribuyen a la diabetes? La respuesta es un rotundo sí. Por lo menos desde hace 5 años en mi casa o fuera de ella, no se consumen ni soda, ni refrescos, ni ningún tipo de jugo o bebida endulzada artificialmente.

Mi hijo, mi esposa y yo bebemos agua pura, sea en casa o fuera de ella, como sustitutos de bebidas endulzadas. Una vez que ese hábito se adquiere, no hay marcha atrás.

Nunca es tarde para poner en marcha un cambio de nuestra cultura de salud y dejar atrás las sodas, los refrescos y las bebidas endulzadas. Nuestra próxima comida puede estar acompañada de un vaso de deliciosa agua fría. Es una inversión gratuita para toda la vida.

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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 Estephany Haro OP-ED Hilbert Morales english.editor@el-observador.com LEGAL NOTICES Erica Marie Najar frontdesk@el-observador.com ACCOUNTING Erica Marie Najar frontdesk@el-observador.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Leila Velasco leila@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.

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4

EDUCATION

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EDUCADORES SE OPONEN AL PLAN IMPOSITIVO DEL GOP

impuestos del 35 al 21 por ciento, como esta proyectado por el Comite Conjunto sobre Impuestos (Joint Comittee on Taxation) para elevar el deficit en 1.5 trillones de dolares. En cambio un modesto recorte a los impuestos para las familias de clase media terminara en 2017.

Jane Hartley, profesora de ingles como segunda lengua en los niveles medio y superior, en Costa Mesa, predice que las familias de sus alumnos saldran perdiendo.

"Me pone livida de pensar que la rebaja de impuestos a las empresas seguiran ahi en diez anos. Pero los de la mayoria de las familias habran vuelto a subir. Asi que a nuestros hijos les cargamos todavia mas deuda."

Los lideres republicanos afirman que los recortes favoreceran la economia, creando mas trabajos y prosperidad.

Suzanne Potter California News Service SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Expertos en educacion critican el nuevo plan de impuestos, diciendo que favorece a los ricos por sobre la clase trabajadora y generara deficits que pudieran llevar a grandes

recortes en los derechos.

Las voces expertas en el tema educativo se expresan contra el plan de impuestos del GOP que el Presidente Trump esta a punto de firmar, diciendo que podria llevar a menos dinero para las escuelas y afectar a las familias de la clase trabajadora.

La iniciativa recorta permanentemente los

Los detractores destacan que, cuando la gente joven y sana tenga que comprar cobertura, los consumidores podrian verse afectados por un aumento a las primas de los seguros.

Hartley argumenta que los estudiantes de escuelas publicas tendran que salirse de

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018 estudiar al permitirse que ahorren dinero las familias que van a escuelas privadas sin pagar impuestos.

La iniciativa tambien limita la cantidad de impuestos estatales y locales que la gente puede deducir de su declaracion federal, a diez mil dolares.

Joshua Pechthalt, presidente de la Federacion de Maestros de California (California Federation of Teachers), dice que eso sera un desincentivo para comprar una casa y que hara menos probable que la gente aporte fondos adicionales para las escuelas.

"Y el efecto domino sera desalentar los impuestos locales y estatales de los que dependen nuestras escuelas. Asi que a largo plazo se van a ver afectadas, pero el uno por ciento que mande a sus hijos a las escuelas privadas se beneficiara."

Los legisladores se retractaron en dos asuntos importantes para la comunidad educativa: uno, que el dinero de prestamos para los alumnos graduados no causara impuestos; y dos, que lo maestros podran seguir exigiendo una deduccion de 200 dolares para material escolar que compran para su salon de clases.

Los detractores temen que la deuda en la que incurre la ley de impuestos del GOP conducirá en el proceso a recortes en Social Security, Medicare y educación. Photo Credit: Pixabay

EDUCATORS PAN GOP TAX PLAN yet most families' taxes will have gone back up," she states. "Meanwhile, we're saddling our children with even more debt."

Republican leaders argue that the tax cuts will juice the economy, creating more jobs and prosperity.

Opponents note that it could hurt consumers by driving up insurance premiums - once healthy young people are no longer required to buy coverage.

Suzanne Potter California News Service

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Education experts are speaking out against the Republican tax plan that President Donald Trump is about to sign, saying it could lead to less money for schools and hurt working class families.

The bill permanently slashes corporate taxes from 35 to 21 percent and is projected by the Joint Committee on Taxation to drive up the deficit by $1.5 trillion.

A modest tax cut for middle class families will end in 2027.

Jane Hartley, a teacher from Costa Mesa, predicts her students' families will lose out.

"It makes me livid that the tax cuts for the corporations will still be in place in 10 years, and

Hartley argues it will draw students away from public schools by allowing families to save money for private schools tax-free.

The bill also caps the amount of state and local taxes people can deduct off of their federal returns at $10,000.

California Federation of Teachers president Joshua Pechthalt says that will be a disincentive to buy a home and will make people less likely to support additional funds for schools.

"And the ripple effect will be to discourage the local and state taxes that our schools depend on," he points out. "And so in the long run, our schools are going to be hurt and the top one percent who send their kids to private schools are going to benefit."

Legislators did back off of two items important to the education community. Graduate students' tuition waiver money will not be taxed, and teachers still will be able to claim a $200 deduction for school supplies that they buy for their classrooms.

Detractors fear the debt incurred by the GOP tax bill will lead to calls down the line for cuts in Social Security, Medicare and education. Photo Credit: noderog/iStockphotos

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Estar al tanto de su crédito y preparar un presupuesto hoy mismo puede protegerle contra sorpresas desagradables en los meses venideros. Photo Credit: Pixabay

¿CÓMO PUEDO PROTEGERME CONTRA EL ROBO DE IDENTIDAD? NAPSM

Aunque estar conectado tiene muchas ventajas, el aumentodel crimen cibernético trae riesgos para su información personal. Por lo tanto, ¿cómo puede proteger esta información mientras disfruta de lasoportunidades en línea para lograr sus metas financieras?

Una manera importante de proteger su identidad es revisando susinformes de crédito regularmente. Hacer esto no es solo un hábitoresponsable a medida que comienza a establecer su historial de crédito, también es una manera de identificar información incompleta o erróneay de ver si hay cuentas que se han abierto en su nombre por error. Paraobtener gratuitamente copias de sus informes de crédito de parte de Equifax, Experian y TransUnion, visite www.annualcreditreport.com.

“Revisar sus informes de crédito es una manera fácil de monitorear suscompromisos financieros”, remarca Francis J. Creighton, presidente y CEO de la Consumer Data Industry Association (Asociación de la Industria de Datos Sobre el Consumidor).

“Aunque los prestamistas y las compañías de informes de crédito utilizan toda una serie de sofisticados protocolos de seguridad para prevenir el robo de identidad y fraude, aún puede haber casos en los cuales un criminal puede obteneracceso a su información personal y causarle problemas”.

Al recibir su informe de crédito revíselo cuidadosamente paraasegurarse de que todas las cuentas son efectivamente suyas. Si ustednota una cuenta que no reconoce o si algo no es correcto, póngase en contacto con la agencia que le envió el informe tan pronto como puedapara comunicarle la discrepancia.

Usted puede contactar a las tresagencias de informes de crédito online, por teléfono o por correo. Cualquiera sea el método que use para contactarlas, las agencias de informes de crédito

investigarán la información disputada y le responderán con los resultados.

En caso de robo de identidad, la agencia de informes de créditocolaborará con usted para poner una alerta de fraude en su informe de crédito; esto ayudará a prevenir que transacciones erróneas aparezcan en el futuro.

Una alerta de fraude informa a los acreedores que usted puedehaber sido víctima de fraude y alienta a que se pongan en contacto con usted para verificar su identidad. Una vez que la alerta de fraude estácolocada, usted puede quitarla online en cualquier momento. Bajo leyfederal, las alertas de fraude son gratuitas y se comparten entre las tresagencias de informes de crédito.

Si ha sido víctima de robo de identidad y se han abierto cuentas falsasen su nombre, usted debería considerar un congelamiento de seguridad(o de crédito).

El congelamiento de seguridad restringe el acceso a suinforme de crédito sin su permiso y puede prevenir que individuos no autorizados abran cuentas en su nombre. Estos servicios son gratuitospara las víctimas de robo de identidad y, dependiendo en que estadoviven, también son gratis para las personas mayores. Para todos losdemás, puede que haya un cargo basado en las leyes estatalesindividuales.

Los consumidores deben tener en cuenta que el congelamiento de seguridad no es para todos, especialmente paraquienes están tratando activamente de obtener crédito o que planeansolicitar crédito en el futuro para realizar una compra grande o conseguir un préstamo.

Es importante resguardar su información tanto como sea posible.Chequeé sus informes de crédito regularmente para asegurarse de que suinformación es correcta y manténgase al tanto sobre todas lasherramientas disponibles para proteger su identidad.

Los consumidoresinteresados en obtener gratuitamente copias de sus informes de créditodeben visitar www.annualcreditreport. com.

BUSINESS

5

Knowing your credit and making a budget now can protect you from unpleasant surprises in the months ahead. Photo Credit: Pixabay

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT? NAPSI While there are many advantages to living in a connected world, the rise in cybercrime poses risks to our personal information. So how can you safeguard this information while enjoying online opportunities to achieve your financial goals?

One important way you can help protect your identity is by regularly reviewing your credit reports. Doing so is not only a responsible habit to begin as you establish your credit history, it can also be a way to identify incomplete or inaccurate information, as well as accounts that may have been opened erroneously. For free copies of your credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, visit www. annualcreditreport.com.

“Reviewing your credit reports is an easy way to monitor your financial commitments,” says Francis J. Creighton, president and CEO of the Consumer Data Industry Association. “While lenders and credit-reporting companies have a number of sophisticated security protocols in place to help prevent identity theft and fraud, there may still be instances where a criminal can gain access to your personal information and cause a problem.”

After you receive your credit reports, review them carefully to make sure all the accounts are yours. If you notice an account that you don’t recognize, or something is not correct, contact the credit-reporting agency as soon as possible to communicate the discrepancy. You can contact all three nationwide creditreporting agencies online, by phone or by mail. Whichever method you choose, the credit-reporting agency will investigate

disputed information and respond back to you with the results.

In a case of identity theft, the creditreporting agency will work with you to place a fraud alert on your credit reports that can help prevent erroneous transactions from appearing in the future.

A fraud alert informs creditors that you may have been a victim of fraud, and encourages them to take steps to contact you to verify your identity. Once a fraud alert is in place, you can choose to remove it at any time online. Under federal law, fraud alerts are free and are shared among the three credit-reporting agencies.

If you have been a victim of identity theft and false accounts have been opened in your name, you may want to consider a security freeze. A security freeze restricts access to your credit report without your permission and may prevent unauthorized individuals from opening new accounts in your name. These are free for identity theft victims and, depending on the state, senior citizens as well. For all other consumers, there may be a fee, based on individual state laws. Consumers should keep in mind that security freezes aren’t for everyone, especially those who are actively seeking credit or plan to apply for credit in the future, such as for making a large purchase or applying for a loan.

It’s important to safeguard your information wherever you can. Regularly checking your credit reports to make sure your information is correct, and being aware of the tools available to help you protect your identity, are great places to start. Consumers interested in getting copies of their free credit reports should visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

6

HEALTH

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¿Qué es la terapia genética? ¿Cómo funciona?

FDA

Los genes en las células de su cuerpo desempeñan una función importante en su salud. De hecho, un gen o genes defectuosos pueden enfermarlo.

Teniendo esto en cuenta, por décadas los científicos han estado buscando maneras de modificar genes o de substituir genes defectuosos con genes saludables para tratar, curar o prevenir una enfermedad o afección médica.

Estas investigaciones sobre la terapia genética finalmente están dando frutos. Desde agosto de 2017, la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA, por sus siglas en inglés) ha aprobado tres productos de terapia genética, los primeros de su clase.

Dos de ellos reprograman las células propias de un paciente para atacar un cáncer mortal, y el producto más recientemente aprobado ataca una enfermedad ocasionada por mutaciones en un gen específico.

¿Qué son las células y los genes? ¿De qué manera interactúan?

Las células son los componentes básicos de todos los seres vivientes; el cuerpo humano está compuesto por billones de ellas. Al interior de nuestras células hay miles de genes que proporcionan la información para la producción de proteínas y enzimas específicas que conforman los músculos, los huesos y la sangre, lo que a su vez apoya funciones corporales tales como la digestión, la producción de energía y el crecimiento.

Cómo funciona la terapia genética La terapia genética se puede realizar tanto como por dentro como por fuera del cuerpo. Esta infografía ilustra en términos simples cómo funciona la terapia genética dentro del cuerpo.

Algunas veces un gen es defectuoso o parcialmente incompleto desde el nacimiento, o puede cambiar o mutar durante la vida adulta. Cualquiera de estas variaciones puede interrumpir la manera en que se elaboran las proteínas, lo cual puede conllevar a problemas de salud o enfermedades.

NEWS FOR OLDER AMERICANS OVERCOMING ISOLATION AND LONELINESS NAPSI

If you’ve ever felt lonely, you’re not alone.

Researchers at the University of Chicago found that nearly half of older adults in America experience some degree of loneliness.

The University of Chicago study is part of Connect2Affect, a collaborative effort spearheaded

by AARP Foundation to learn more about isolation and loneliness in older adults and to work toward practical solutions to reconnect older adults to their communities.

One thing the study highlighted that may seem surprising to many is that loneliness and isolation are not the same.

Loneliness and Isolation Loneliness or subjective isolation denotes how people perceive their experience and whether they feel isolated.

Objective isolation involves quantifiable measurements, such as the size of the person’s social network (and the frequency of engagement with it), availability of transportation, and ability to access resources and information.

The Problem Together, loneliness and isolation create a growing health epidemic. The health risks of prolonged isolation—in its broadest sense, including both objective isolation and loneliness—are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. More than 8 million adults age 50 and older are affected by it.

Why Isolation Happens Often, there are multiple causes, including poor physical and mental health, poorly designed communities, and major life events such as loss and retirement.

Socioeconomic status stands out as a differentiator between nonlonely and lonely individuals. Lonely older adults are significantly more likely to have an annual household income of less than $25,000

and assets less than $10,000, and are more likely overall to be in the lowest income group.

Marital status is another strong indicator of loneliness. Both married and unmarried older adults can be lonely—but the lonely are less likely to be married and more likely to be divorced, separated or widowed. Fourteen percent of married older adults and 30 percent of unmarried older adults fall into the lonely group. While married women are at a higher risk of loneliness than married men, unmarried women are at a lower risk of loneliness than unmarried men. In both cases, those with more support and less strain in their marital relationship are at lower risk of loneliness.

Some Answers Fortunately, isolation can be overcome. Here are 12 ideas to try: • Nurture and strengthen existing relationships.

Ask people over for coffee, or invite them to join you for a trip to a museum or a movie.

• Schedule a time each day to call a friend or visit someone.

• Meet your neighbors—young or old.

• Use social media such as Facebook to stay in touch with long-distance friends, or write an oldfashioned letter.

• Stay physically active and include group exercise as a fun way to socialize while staying healthy.

• Take a class to learn something new and expand your circle of friends.

• Revisit an old hobby and connect with others who share your interests.

• Volunteer to deepen your sense of purpose and help others.

• Visit a senior or community center to find a wide range of activities and opportunities to meet people.

• Check out faith-based organizations. Many offer outreach to help isolated community members.

Mediante la terapia genética, los científicos pueden hacer una de varias cosas dependiendo del problema existente. Pueden substituir un gen que esté ocasionando un trastorno de salud por uno sano; agregar genes que le ayuden al cuerpo a combatir o a tratar la enfermedad, o desactivar los genes que están ocasionando problemas.

Para insertar genes nuevos directamente dentro de las células, los científicos utilizan un medio conocido como un “vector” que ha sido diseñado genéticamente para administrar el gen.

Los virus, por ejemplo, poseen la capacidad inherente para suministrarle material genético a las células y, por lo tanto, pueden ser utilizados como vectores. Sin embargo, antes de que un virus pueda utilizarse para trasmitir genes terapéuticos a las células humanas éste es modificado para remover su capacidad para ocasionar una enfermedad infecciosa.

La terapia genética se puede emplear para modificar las células al interior o por fuera del cuerpo. Cuando se hace al interior del cuerpo, un doctor inyectará el vector que porta el gen directamente a la parte del cuerpo que tiene las células defectuosas.

En la terapia genética que se utiliza para modificar • Don’t let being a nondriver keep you from staying active. Find out about your transportation options.

Many communities have free or low-cost services, and ride-hailing apps are an affordable option for many.

• Get involved in a cause.

Learn More

SUNDAY- 9:30AM

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018 las células fuera del cuerpo, se puede tomar sangre, médula ósea u otro tejido de un paciente, y se pueden separar tipos específicos de células en el laboratorio. El vector que contiene el gen deseado se introduce a estas células. Las células se dejan para que se multipliquen en el laboratorio y luego le son inyectadas nuevamente al paciente para que continúen multiplicándose y, con el tiempo, generar el efecto deseado.

Antes de que una terapia genética pueda salir al mercado…

Antes de que una compañía pueda lanzar un producto de terapia genética al mercado para uso en humanos, dicho producto debe ser puesto a prueba para garantizar su seguridad y efectividad de modo que los científicos de la FDA puedan considerar si los riesgos de la terapia son admisibles a la luz de los beneficios.

La terapia genética promete transformar la medicina y generar opciones para los pacientes que viven con enfermedades difíciles e incluso incurables. A medida que los científicos continúan logrando grandes avances en este tipo de terapia, la FDA está comprometida a ayudar a acelerar su desarrollo mediante el análisis oportuno de tratamientos innovadores que pueden salvar vidas.

For further advice about isolation, check out the Connect2Affect website at http://connect2affect. org/. The website includes a searchable directory of local resources to help people connect with their communities and a fast, easy self-assessment test to identify isolation risk. For information about AARP Foundation, visit www.aarpfoundation. org.

SATURDAY- 5:30PM

KNTV/KSTS-SAN JOSE, SAN FRANCISCO, OAKLAND Comunidad Del Valle Con: Damian Trujillo

NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH WITH TIERRA HOLIDAY INN, SAN JOSE TEOTIHUACÁN CITY OF WATER, CITY OF FIRE AT DE YOUNG MUSEUM www.deyoungmuseum.org TEATRO VISION PRESENTS "LA DEPARTERA" DECEMBER 30, 1PM MEXICAN HERITAGE PLAZA WWW.TEATROVISION.ORG

TRES CONSEJOS SIMPLES PARA ELABORAR CENAS DELICIOSAS Y BALANCEADAS DE LUNES A VIERNES resiliencia.

Pero las familias con demasiadas actividades pueden encontrar el tiempo para sentarse todos juntos con más frecuencia, afirma Colleen Burns, experta en estilo de vida y vocera del programa Balance Your Plate (Equilibre Su Plato) de Nestlé.

Para tener éxito, establezca la intención con buena planificación y estrategias inteligentes. Más aun, esas comidas también pueden ser deliciosas y nutritivas.

Photo Credit: BPT

BPT

Como la programación de lunes a viernes suele ser intensa, la primera víctima de todo ese caos es la cena familiar.

Si bien la mayoría de las familias asegura que cenar juntos es una gran prioridad, la realidad cotidiana es diferente. Según una encuesta realizada en el 2013 por NPR y la Fundación Robert Wood Johnson, solo el 50 por ciento de los niños en los Estados Unidos pertenecen a familias cuyos integrantes cenan juntos. Sin embargo, una investigación citada por American Academy of Pediatrics revela que los niños obtienen muchos beneficios de las comidas habituales en familia, desde un mejor rendimiento académico, a la creación de un sentido más profundo de

“Cuando contamos con soluciones simples a nuestra disposición para poner esas comidas bien balanceadas y sabrosas en la mesa con el poco tiempo que tenemos, eso nos permite el establecimiento y mantenimiento de un importante ritual familiar”, afirma Burns, quien es, además, una madre ocupada con seis chicos. “A la misma vez, no nos abrumamos, un factor clave para mantenernos motivados e inspirados”.

Para ayudarle a comenzar, Burns nos ofrece tres sencillos consejos para elaborar comidas deliciosas y nutritivas en tiempo récord.

Comprar en la sección de productos congelados: Cuando no se dispone de tiempo, los alimentos congelados tienen muchas ofertas que constituyen una buena base para cualquier comida hecha en casa, asegura Burns. Con frecuencia, la calidad es tan buena como la de los productos frescos, y eliminan muchos pasos de preparación, independientemente de que estés buscando platos principales, verduras o platos acompañantes. Además, las frutas y verduras son

SEA PRUDENTE, CUIDE SU CARRO EVITE SORPRESAS, PREPÁRESE PARA EL INVIERNO

congeladas rápidamente, un proceso que preserva y fija los nutrientes.

No te sacrifiques: Si sabes lo que vas a buscar cuando vayas de compras al mercado, puedes encontrar platos principales y acompañantes convenientes sin sacrificar sabor ni calidad.

Burns recomienda Stouffer’s Macaroni & Cheese como una solución fácil que le ayuda a elaborar una comida magnífica, pues cuenta con los ingredientes que usaríamos en nuestras propias cocinas, como pasta recién hecha, mantequilla, queso chédar y leche. A Burns le gusta servirlos como acompañante del pollo adobado (ver la receta más adelante) y verduras de temporada asadas, porque es una solución simple que los hace sentir bien con la cena, tanto ella como su familia.

Mantener el balance: Busca una variedad de platos principales y acompañantes que le aporten un balance nutritivo, así como deliciosos sabores al menú de tu cena. Burns recomienda optar por proteínas sin grasa como pescado y pollo, servidos con verduras frescas o congeladas. Para más detalles, mira su video explicativo aquí.

Muslos de pollo asado sazonados con ajo, limón, y aliño de miel y mostaza • 10 muslos de pollo • 1 limón grande (zumo y ralladura) • 1/4 taza de aceite de oliva extra virgen • 3 dientes enteros de ajo, picados • 1 cucharadita de pimentón • 1 cucharadita de orégano

A medida que el clima se torna más frío, preparar su carro para el invierno debería ser la prioridad número uno. El Concilio de cuidado de autos Car Care Council, una organización sin fines de lucro, recomienda que los conductores chequeen seis áreas especialmente afectadas por el mal tiempo invernal.

“Las malas condiciones del clima pueden estresar al vehículo así comoal conductor”, explicó Rich White, director ejecutivo del Car Care Council. “Un vehículo adecuadamente

preparado para el clima puede ayudar a evitar emergencias inesperadas en la carretera cuando el estado del tiempo se torna repentinamente arduo”.

Chequeé seis áreas de su vehículo 1. Batería—El clima frío afecta las baterías, así que vale la pena chequear y cargar el sistema de baterías para obtener un máximo rendimiento. Ya que las baterías no siempre dan señales antes de fallar, se recomienda cambiar baterías que tienen más de tres años de uso.

2. Anticongelante—El anticongelante se

• Aliño de miel y mostaza • 3 cucharadas de mantequilla derretida • 1/2 taza de miel • 1/2 taza de mostaza • 1 cucharada de zumo de limón Elaboración Mezcla en un tazón grande el zumo y la ralladura de limón, el aceite de oliva, ajo picado, pimentón, orégano, sal y pimienta. Añade los muslos de pollo y revuelve para que estén completamente cubiertos con la mezcla. Cubre el tazón con envoltura plástica y ponlo en el refrigerador al menos durante 30 minutos. Cuando estés lista para cocinar, deja que el pollo vuelva a tener la temperatura ambiente, dejándolo afuera durante unos 20 minutos.

Precalienta el horno a 375 grados.

Coloca el pollo en una bandeja cubierta con papel de aluminio aceitado.

Hornea sin cubrir durante 20 minutos. Voltea los muslos y sigue horneando durante otros 10 minutos hasta que alcancen los165 grados y pierdan la coloración rosada.

Elabora el aliño en un tazón pequeño revolviendo la mostaza y la miel.

Añade agua como estimes necesario a fin de darle consistencia para elaborarlo.

Con una brocha pequeña de pastelería, aplica el aliño al pollo y asa durante 5 minutos hasta que haga espuma.

Coloca los muslos de pollo en una bandeja para servir y espolvoréalos con el perejil.

• Perejil picado para decoración

Fuente: Nestle's Balance Your Plate

debe drenar y volver a llenar al menos cada dos años en la mayoría de los vehículos.

No llene el anticongelante al 100%; asombrosamente, poner anticongelante al máximo causa más congelamiento que cuando se lo mezcla con agua.

4. Llantas—Chequeé la profundidad de la banda de rodamiento y la presión de las llantas y no se olvide de la llanta de auxilio.

Si va a conducir donde hay nieve y hielo, considere adquirir llantas especiales, tales como neumáticos diseñados para agarrar carreteras resbaladizas. Chequeé la presión de las llantas semanalmente ya que pierden presión cuando baja la temperatura.

Photo Credit: BPT

7

• 1 pizca de sal y otra de pimienta

3. Frenos—Chequeé el sistema de frenos.

Los frenos son importantísimos para la seguridad de su vehículo y especialmente importantes en carreteras heladas o cubiertas de nieve.

NAPSM

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5. Aceite—Sea constante y diligente en cuanto al cambio de aceite; siga los intervalos de cambio recomendados y al mismo tiempo chequeé los filtros de gasolina, aire y transmisión. Considere cambiar a un aceite de baja viscosidad en el invierno porque así fluirá más fácilmente por los engranajes y las partes móviles del motor de su carro cuando hace frío. Si conduce en temperaturas bajo cero, utilice aceite que pesa entre 10W-30 y 5W-30 ya que el aceite más espeso puede hacer más difícil arrancar el auto.

6. Luces y limpiaparabrisas—Asegúrese de que todas las luces interiores y exteriores

funcionan correctamente para que pueda ver y para que lo vean. Chequeé el nivel del fluido del limpiaparabrisas y reemplace las laminas rajadas o raspadas que no limpian su parabrisas adecuadamente.

Es más, el Car Care Council recomienda realizar una inspección completa de su vehículo usando un técnico profesional de confianza, ya que el invierno magnifica problemas, tales como inexplicables ruidos, ignición que a veces no funciona, bajo rendimiento o problemas con el carro detenido sin acelerar.

Los conductores deben mantener el tanque de gasolina lleno al menos hasta la mitad para reducir la posibilidad de crear humedad y el posible congelamiento de las tuberías de combustible. Además, se recomienda tener un kit de emergencia con un raspador de hielo, cepillo para quitar la nieve, cables de arranque, linterna, una manta, ropa extra, agua embotellada, bocadillos secos y medicamentos necesarios.

El Concilio Car Care Council es la fuente de información para la campaña de educación al consumidor “Be Car Care Aware” (Esté consciente de su carro) que promueve los beneficios del cuidado, mantenimiento y reparación regulares del vehículo.

Guía Gratuita Para obtener una copia gratuita de la popular guía de cuidado del carro “Car Care Guide”, visite el sitio web de educación al consumidor del Concilio en www.carcare.org.

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COMMUNITY

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REPORT: ADOLESCENTS IN FOSTER CARE NEED OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE

Doc t or L auren Ruth, the a dvoc a c y d irec t or at C onnec t icut Voices for Chi ld ren, point s out that bra in development cont inues well int o a young person's t went ies. " This is a per iod of ex treme g row th for ind iv idua ls a nd young people which creat es oppor t unit ies for rea lly posit ive development , but it a lso creat es v u lnerabi lit ies," she ex pla ins.

The repor t empha si zes that a dolescent s need a ccess to oppor t unit ies if they a re t o cont inue t o g row a nd develop int o produc t ive a du lt s.

A nd rea Sea rs Public News Ser v ice H A RT FORD, C onn. – Posit ive int era c t ions w ith the chi ld-welfa re syst em c a n be pa r t icu la rly cr it ic a l for a dolescent s, a ccord ing t o a recent repor t .

Discussions of fost er c a re a nd int er vent ions by socia l ser v ices of t en focus on younger chi ld ren.

But the repor t f rom the Jim Ca sey Youth Oppor t unit ies Init iat ive focuses on what a dolescent s in the syst em need t o thr ive whi le they ex per ience trauma , loss a nd ra cism dur ing the tra nsit ion t o a du lthood.

CHILDREN’S GROUPS PRESS LAWMAKERS TO PASS DREAM ACT limbo each week.

Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, said the situation is taking a terrible emotional toll on families.

"We know there's a number of kids that are literally afraid of getting the health coverage they need or even going to school because of the fear of deportation," Lempert said. "And there's fear in the family that the parent can be immediately tossed out of the country."

Suzanne Potter California News Service

There are 800,000 so-called Dreamers in the U.S., a quarter of them living in the Golden State. And 50,000 of them are in jeopardy of being separated from their American-born children.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Almost 250 California businesses and children's groups have sent a joint letter to the state's members of Congress, urging them to pass the Dream Act, which would give certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children a work permit and a path to citizenship.

Lempert said he wants the DACA deal to be a part of the year-end spending bill, so it gets handled before Congress leaves for their winter break.

President Donald Trump terminated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, earlier this fall, and an estimated 850 people are now thrown into

An estimated 11,000 Dreamers have already lost protected status. Thousands of protesters have been rallying in Washington, D.C., this past week.

"You know, there is bipartisan support for this," he said. "I think what we're really pushing is to not make this a political football and get it done ASAP, and not keep pushing it off."

50,000 California DACA recipients are parents to U.S.-born children. Photo Credit: avidcreative/ iStockphotos

A lexa nd ra L ohrba ch, a prog ra m a ssociat e w ith the Jim Ca sey Youth Oppor t unit ies Init iat ive, says those oppor t unit ies include ever y thing f rom age-appropr iat e r isk-t a k ing t o t a k ing on responsibi lit ies. " Things such as get t ing a job, ma int a ining mea ning f u l relat ionships, even lea r ning t o d r ive a nd ma nag ing money - sk i lls a nd ex per iences that a re a ll necessa r y

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018 t o thr ive int o a du lthood," she says.

She says chi ld-welfa re ser v ice prov iders need t o treat young people a s ind iv idua ls who a re st i ll developing, a nd ma ke sure they have a fa ir cha nce t o a chieve their f u ll pot ent ia l.

C onnec t icut ha s ha d socia l workers who a re specia lly tra ined in a dolescent development who wou ld t a ke over c a ses when chi ld ren rea ched the age of 14. But Ruth says that ha s been cha ng ing. " W ith the budget cr unches that we've ha d for the pa st number of yea rs, they have fewer people specia li z ing in a dolescent s, a nd now more socia l workers have c a ses that r un the development a l ga mut ," Dr. Ruth a dd s.

The repor t recommend s severa l cha nges that c a seworkers, ser v ice prov iders, t ea chers, judges a nd others c a n ma ke t o help young people in the chi ld-welfa re syst em thr ive.

A permanent connection with a caring adult is important for a young person's development.

Photo Credtit: Pixabay

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018

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County Launches Campaign to Inform Detainees of Free Alternatives to Paying Bail

Santa Clara County’s “No Cost Release” campaign is part of the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge attorney to develop their defense. Further, being in jail imposes an artificial incentive to plead guilty in order to get out, regardless of guilt or innocence,” O’Neal said.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF.— The County of Santa Clara will launch its multi-lingual “No Cost Release” media campaign, informing individuals detained in jail and awaiting trial of their free alternatives to paying for bail. The “No Cost Release” message will be spread via video, public-access television, a web page, posters, and brochures inside jails and in the community. This media will inform detainees of their free pretrial release options, rights to free criminal defense attorneys, and access to free reentry services. This is a collaborative effort between the County of Santa Clara Offices of Pretrial Services, the Public Defender, the Sheriff and Reentry Services.

The County of Santa Clara is one of 20 jurisdictions across the country to be awarded an Innovation Fund grant by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to design and test innovative local justice reforms for safely reducing jail usage, as well as racial and ethnic disparities in their local justice systems. Until now, only information regarding commercial bail bonds and private criminal defense attorneys has been available inside the County jails. Detainees and their families were largely unaware of the free services that exist.

“Many defendants who are low risk to public safety remain in jail solely because they can’t afford to pay bail,” said Dave Cortese, President of the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors. “Detaining a significant number of people who could otherwise be safely supervised in the community, is not only detrimental to defendants, it’s costly for the County.”

In California, approximately 62 percent of the

Research shows that people being detained in jail also have higher rates of being convicted, are less likely to have their charges reduced, and are more likely to be sentenced to jail or prison with longer sentences than released defendants – even when the seriousness of the charge and the defendants’ criminal histories are equal.

Photo Credit: Pixabay jail population is in custody pretrial. The Office of Pretrial Services estimates the cost of pretrial supervision at about $15 per day, compared to $159 for jail confinement. The County’s independent Audit Management Division estimates that, from July 1 to December 31, 2011, releasing those who qualified for own recognizance release saved the County $31.3 million in detention costs.

Pretrial officers are available in jail after booking to interview detainees about their eligibility for release on their own recognizance (O.R.), or for the Supervised Own Recognizance Program (S.O.R.P.). But often detainees or their relatives, unfamiliar with these options, pay bail to get out of jail. And because bail is set without regard to a defendant’s ability to pay, that represents a greater burden for poor defendants than wealthier ones. Defendants or their families who use a bail agent are typically charged a 10% fee, which is a

EARTHQUAKES SIGN 15-YEAR-OLD DEFENDER JACOB AKANYIRIGE TO HOMEGROWN PLAYER CONTRACT

percentage of the actual bail amount. This money is non-refundable, even if they are found not guilty or the charges are not filed.

“As S.O.R.P. releases have increased substantially over the last 15 years, statistics show that pretrial misconduct rates and failures to appear in court have remained steady or improved,” said Aaron Johnson, Director of the Office of Pretrial Services.

“Unnecessarily incarcerating individuals who are low risk to public safety, puts those individuals at higher risk of needing public support going forward.”

“Serving time in jail negatively impacts people in a variety of ways,” said Molly O’Neal, Chief Public Defender for the County of Santa Clara. “It jeopardizes their employment, which can result in them losing their housing, it impacts their children and other dependent family members, and it hinders their ability to work effectively with an

“With our ‘No Cost Release’ campaign, we intend to increase equity for low income and homeless individuals in a criminal justice system currently weighted in favor of those who can afford commercial bail and private legal defense,” said Javier Aguirre, Director of the County’s Office of Reentry Services. “And once released from custody, we want to ensure that residents are aware of the multitude of supportive services available at the County’s Reentry Resource Center.”

The County of Santa Clara is one of 20 jurisdictions selected to be part of the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge, a national $100 million initiative that seeks to reduce over-incarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.

Through its participation in the Safety and Justice Challenge, Santa Clara County has access to the resources, peer learning opportunities, and expertise of the Safety and Justice Challenge Network. The Urban Institute, which is managing the Innovation Fund in partnership with the Foundation, provides expert technical assistance to jurisdictions as they implement their plans.

Statement from Mayor Sam Liccardo on the Sale of the Bank of Italy Building in Downtown San Jose

Photo Credit: The San Jose Earthquakes SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes have signed 15-year-old defender Jacob Akanyirige to a Homegrown Player contract. He becomes the youngest-ever signing by the Earthquakes, the third-youngest player currently in MLS (Gianluca Busio - SKC, George Bello - ATL) and the eighthyoungest to ever sign a pro contract in league history.

"Jacob has shown an incredible amount of potential at such a young age," said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. "We challenged him to play above his age this year and were impressed by his maturity and technical abilities.

We are confident he will continue to develop with regular First Team training exposure."

Akanyirige, 15, joined the Quakes' U-15 squad ahead of the 2016-17 academy season from Ballistic United SC. He has been competing for the U-19s in 2017-18, despite being age-eligible for the U-17s.

The Pleasanton native becomes the fourth Homegrown Player signing in San Jose's history, and first directly from the team's academy, after midfielder Tommy Thompson ahead of the 2014 season, defender Nick Lima ahead of the 2017 season and goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski earlier this month.

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - Earthquakes sign D Jacob Akanyirige to Homegrown Player contract.

Jacob Akanyirige Position: Defender Height: 5-11 Weight: 157 lbs.

Born: Dec. 31, 2001 Hometown: Pleasanton, Calif.

Last Club: Quakes Academy U-19 College: N/A Roster Designation: Domestic

Photo Credit: wikipedia.org

San Jose, Calif. – Mayor Sam Liccardo has released the following statement following the news of the sale of historic Bank of Italy building in Downtown San Jose: “I’m thrilled to see this building purchased by people committed to restoring this San Jose icon to its rightful place as a historic jewel of our Downtown. We cannot undo the

damage of the urban redevelopment mistakes of the 1960’s and 70’s, but we can do more to preserve and celebrate the remaining historic assets we have— and the Bank of Italy building stands as the most prominent of them all. I’d like to thank Jeff Arrillaga, Brad Buss and Gary Dillabough for their investments in San Jose and for contributing to the continued revitalization of our downtown.”

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COMMUNITY

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OPINION: THE YEAR OF ‘AMERICAN CARNAGE’ AND BREAKING THE SILENCE This year has unanimously been a focus on both the presidency of Donald J. Trump and women’s rights the race relations in America, and the fear of Nazis, definitely boiled over. Not since the 1930’s and 40’s has the United States needed to worry about the anti-Semitic Nazi until now. Now it wasn’t the current sitting President of the United States that caused all this, but he certainly hasn’t been one to drag the white supremacy movements and white shooters through the dirt as he has many other less deserving communities.

President Trump said on January 20th, “this American carnage stops right here and stops right now.” It seems thus far that the forgotten men and women of this country are not the ones that each American brings to mind. There are those that will continue to be forgotten, and those that will be pushed into the shadows.

Women Roar Photo Credit: Flickr/Backbone Campaign

Arturo Hilario El Observador

Here we are at the edge of 17… 2017 that is.

Our community saw highs and lows, as did our extended human race. In the South of our hemisphere, fellow Americans and neighbors were ravaged by hurricanes, in our own city flooding proved a major hurdle, displacing hundreds at the start of the year.

Nothing tops the highlights of this year like the experience of having our first reality television president, by way of Donald J. Trump, and the social upheaval of women’s rights issues in America. Those two issues intertwined, but definitely rocked society because of overlapping events. Trump himself has been plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct himself.

It’s hard to speak upon 2017 without mentioning the new administration, as in my own lifetime I have seen nothing like it.

With a fierce dislike of the press, (most of it at least), an anti-silver tongue approach to announcements, press conferences, and tweets, there is nothing about this administration that is status quo, and the way they handle things is being normalized as the months go on.

The Trials of Trump Donald J. Trump became our 45th president on January 20th, 2017, and for the last 11 months or so it has been one wild ride, whether you are on his administration's side or against it, or somehow still undecided, his unprecedented nomination and ascension to power has been an incredibly volatile time for this country. To some, his anti-immigrant, racially charged rhetoric is what this country needed to get back ‘to its roots’.

On inauguration day, Trump’s speech echoed devices used in Nationalistic propaganda,

showering the American people with praise and claiming that he and his administration would give the power back to the people of the country, taking it from Washington D.C. “We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.”

That promise that Trump mentioned was one of a country with more opportunity, more wealth shared with the regular Joe, and a mention of more money for schools, and trying to get those in welfare out of it. It was the first mention of “America First”. It is exactly 11 months and two days at the time of writing from that day in which President Trump embarked on this isolationist, America before anyone else policy, but it’s so far been Americans with an asterisk who are benefitting of this ideology.

Just last week the first victory for Republicans and the Trump Administration was the tax bill which was signed by President Trump, which leaves a lot of the Americans that were mentioned in Trump’s speech out of the loop.

It will benefit the wealthy and corporate firms the most, and eventually kill off these tax breaks promised to Americans after a decade without pulling the plug on the perpetual business tax cut.

The n social media at least, the idea of “fake news”, “lying press” and the disingenuous idea that the news organizations have a bone to pick with the president have taken the country full force. Harrowingly enough, ‘Lügenpresse’ was a term used by fascist Nazi Germany to disregard the media’s reporting of the government.

With a rise of white supremacy leading up to the deadly August 11th Charlottesville’s “Unite the Right Rally”, President’s Trump's comments on their being good people “on both sides”, and the death of Heather Heyer,

Earlier in the year was the Women’s March, which took place in multiple locations in the US and in the world on January 21st, 2017, the day after Trump took the oath and office.

That itself was a sort of catalyst for women’s rights movements throughout the world.

As the movement grew by way of social media the #MeToo movement was born in October 2017 after Alyssa Milano encouraged women of all backgrounds to come forward on social media, bringing front and center the problems and harrowing memories of women who were harassed in some form or another. She tweeted on October 17th, "If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote 'Me too.' as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem."

The biggest story from the revelations by Hollywood harassment came from sexual misconduct allegations against Producer Harvey Weinstein, whose long list of accusers surfaced to talk about the shared experiences of being harassed or manipulated by the Hollywood executive.

As the allegations came to light, more and more celebrities came forth with their own experiences with both misogyny and harassment in the industry. There were even male celebrities with experiences of being harassed by more powerful industry males, such as Kevin Spacey.

More important than who did it was why they did it, and in those cases, that were critical to demoting these men from their positions of power was it was harrowing to hear just how much power these individuals harnessed over their accusers.

Featured as Time’s ‘Person of the Year’, “The Silence Breakers” are the women who helped launched the #MeToo movement.

In Time’s article, it is made clear that this movement has been a long time coming.

“It has actually been simmering for years, decades, centuries. Women have had it with bosses and co-workers who not only cross boundaries but don't even seem to know that boundaries exist. They've had it with the fear of retaliation, of being blackballed, of being fired from a job they can't afford to lose.”

As of writing, the movement looks to have continued support for those that come out of the shadows. Most recently, the women accusers against Republican Roy Moore, who lost the Alabama special election for a Senate seat to Democrat Doug Jones on December 12th, 2017.

Looking Ahead 2018 will most likely continue the trends and changes spurred within this year of hostility and hope, but it’s up in the air where these trends will lead to. President Trump begins his second year at the White House, and the movement of women against abuse will continue. A second Women’s March will take place in the Bay Area on January 20th. Until then and beyond in 2018, may a happy new year come your way.

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10 TIPS TO FIND THE BEST SMARTPHONE FOR YOU

Camera: Most people now use their phones as their primary camera, so the right selection here will be an especially important one.

More and more smartphones boast cameras with at least 12 mega-pixels, so don't go by only that stat. Instead, focus on individual camera specs and special features like dual lenses or the ability to edit and enhance your photos.

Display: For a phone’s display, color quality and brightness matter more than resolution.

Pay attention to how bright the display is, if it will be easy to see outdoors, and how colorful the panel is. The very latest phones even offer high dynamic range (HDR) for displaying even more colors.

Photo Credit: BPT

BPT

There are so many choices when shopping for a smartphone these days, and the differences can be very subtle. Here are some of the key things you’ll want to look at to make sure you find the one that works best for your needs.

Operating System (OS): There are two different operating systems to choose from. iOS works with iPhones, while Android operates with a wider variety of smartphones, like those from Samsung or Motorola. In

general, iOS is considered easier to use, but you need to have an Apple device. Android gives you more options, plus the ability to customize with third-party software and widgets.

Screen size: Get the right-size screen for the things you’ll want to do. Buy a phone with a screen smaller than 5.5 inches if one-hand use is important to you or if you have smaller hands. Get a bigger-screen phone if you like to watch a lot of videos or play games, or simply want to have an easier time navigating on your touchscreen.

Design: Determining good smartphone design is purely subjective. Many people prefer a metal or glass design; others, plastic.

If you’re concerned about durability, look for a phone that is water-resistant. A handful of phones also now feature a shatterproof glass display, and many include a Gorilla Glass display to protect it from short drops (though a protective case will help with that, too).

Processor: Even midrange phones now offer satisfactory performance for nearly any user level or basic task. A good processor inside a phone will translate to faster open times for apps, smoother navigation and quicker photo editing.

Battery: Many factors, including the screen size, processor and operating system,

determine how long a smartphone lasts on a charge. A decent benchmark is to look for a smartphone with a battery capacity of at least 3,000 mAh. Any phone that lasts longer than 9 hours of straight 4G LTE use is considered very good.

Storage: Given that some apps and games can easily take up more than 1GB of storage, not to mention how many high-res photos and videos smartphone owners are capturing, go for as much internal storage as possible. Some models offer just 8Gb or 16Gb; however, the minimum on premium handsets these days is usually 32GB. Adding a micro SD card can also help expand your storage. This option's available on many Android phones.

Price: Don’t pay for more than you need. The latest iPhone and premium Android phones start around $650, and can easily run you $800 or more. But there are great options below $500, and even some solid choices for less than $200.

Carrier: A smartphone requires a talk and data plan. Choose a cellphone service provider that offers what you’ll really use.

Avoid expensive, one-size-fits-all plans. If applicable, look for plans that offer no contracts.

Let today’s top technology work for you! It’s a very competitive marketplace, so by shopping wisely, you’re sure to find a smartphone that keeps you happily connected at a great price.

¡Hay cambios próximos!

Nuevas tarifas Mejor servicio Trasbordos gratis con Clipper A partir del 1º de Enero de 2018

DISCOVERY CHARTER SCHOOL K-8 Escuela Pública de Elección 2 oras na LIBRENG transfer kapag ginamit ninyo ang Clipper.

En VTA le damos “Solutions that move you”, soluciones en todo nuestro condado para el tráfico, la congestión y los estresantes viajes habituales.

Para lograrlo, VTA modificará sus tarifas, y mejorará los servicios de transporte público.

Estos son algunos de los beneficios que le ofrecemos: Trasbordos gratis con Clipper Las tarifas pagadas con tarjeta Clipper serán válidas por 2 horas, e incluirán trasbordos gratuitos a todos los autobuses y tranvías VTA, excepto los autobuses express.

Tarifas juveniles reducidas, y nuevas tarifas para adultos, personas mayores y discapacitados Tarifas juveniles con descuentos: $1.00 por viaje sencillo, $3.00 por pase de un día Day Pass, y $30.00 por pase mensual Monthly Pass. Todas las nuevas tarifas aparecen en el sitio web de VTA. Mejor servicio Además, mejores servicios en rutas selectas de tranvías y autobuses VTA. ¡No pierda la oportunidad de obtener una tarjeta Clipper® GRATUITA! Para consultar la lista de eventos de difusión en la comunidad durante Diciembre y Enero, visite www.vta.org/fares. Cantidades limitadas.

1709-1370C

11

Discovery

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018

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Escuela Reconocida por su Excelencia

•Programa Académico •Programas de Enriquecimiento

•Una comunidad unida de maestros, padres y estudiantes •Participación de los Padres en cada salón

Período Abierto de Inscripciones: Dic. 1, 2017 – Feb. 1, 2018 Recorridos y Juntas Informativas: Nov. 29, 2017 – Feb. 1, 2018

Regístrese para las juntas informativas y los recorridos en:

www.discoveryk8.org (408) 243-9800

Visítenos para obtener más información acerca de nuestras excelentes escuelas y programas.

Nuestras escuelas están localizadas en el sur y oeste de San José.

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EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018

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Hai Di Lao Hot Pot es una cadena internacional de restaurantes de hot pot.

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Posiciones de personal de cocina disponibles desde $15- $28 la hora ¡Aplique hoy para unirse a nuestro equipo!

Ubicación: 19409 Stevens creek Blvd Ste 100, Cupertino, CA 95014 Teléfono: 626 510-3446 Se habla español.

Correo electrónico: Haidilaohr@gmail.com ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV30569 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Amira Ezzat Amtoun Badrous.

Petitioner (s) Amira Ezzat Amtoun Badrous has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Amira Ezzat Amtoun Badrous to Jessy Ezzat Saed. 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 on 3/27/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at

BlueCrew está buscando profesionales y confiables motores, instaladores, personal del almacén, y los conductores para llenar aperturas inmediatas en su área.

Los candidatos ideales tendrán: -Experiencia En puestos de trabajo, físicas exigentes -Un Fuerte ética de trabajo y un deseo de avanzar dentro de una empresa -Fuerte compromiso, seguir adelante, y la integridad Si usted está interesado en este papel y convertirse en parte del equipo de Flex Blue Crew, esperamos con interés la reunión con usted. Una vez aceptados, los trabajos de movimiento son sólo el principio. Se puede trabajar varios tipos de puestos de trabajo cada semana, ofrecemos beneficios completos y una estructura de promoción para acelerar excelentes candidatos mientras trabaja tantas horas a la semana como desee ¿Quieres unirte al equipo?

Envía la palabra: JOB al (415) 212-4213 O Incríbete en: bluecrewjobs.com Más Información: http://help.bluecrewjobs.com/application-and-hiring-process/ bluecrew-en-espanol 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

December 15, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 19, 2018

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV319598 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Vruce Harry, Baroro. Petitioner (s) Vruce

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1yr Class-A or Class-B Exp. Req. (Moffett Exp. a plus) Hub Group Dedicated: 855-902-6394 Harry, Baroro has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.

Vruce Harry, Baroro to Bruleo Boleo, Loar. 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 on 3/6/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

November 27, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 19, 2018 Amended ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV319598 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Serra Sullivan. Petitioner (s) Serra Sullivan has filed a petition for Change of

Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.

Nicholas Thomas Castillo to Nicholas Thomas Sullivan - Castillo. 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 on 3/6/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

November 22, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 19, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV321072 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Vu Nguyen. Petitioner (s) Vu Nguyen has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Vu Anh Nguyen to Marc Vu Nguyen b.

Jeremiah Jay Uon-Nguyen to Jay Ivan Nguyen. 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 on 04/03/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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,

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018 a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Santa Clara.

December 27, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 19, 2018 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of Deborah Ann Reed No.17PR182471 A Petition for Probate has been filed by Rebbecca Reed-Arthurs in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara.

The Petition for Probate requests that Rebbecca Reed-Arthurs be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent, Deborah Ann Reed, Deborah A. Reed, Deborah Reed. 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.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 03/5/2018 at 9:00am, Dept. 12, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113.

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. 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 repres5entative 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. 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.

Attorney for Petitioner: Shahram Miri 802 Gilman Ave, Suite 27 Campbell, Ca 95008 (408)866-8382 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of Celeste Monique Grayson No.17PR182402 A Petition for Probate has been filed by Bettina Grayson Jones in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. The Petition for Probate requests that Bettina Grayson Jones be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent, Celeste Monique Grayson. 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.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/26/2018 at 9:00am, Dept. 12, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113.

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. 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 repres5entative 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. 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.

Attorney for Petitioner: Robert P. Bergman, Attorney at Law 1777 Saratoga Ave., Ste 208 San Jose, CA 95129 408-247-0444 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV320101 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Arturo Buenrostro. Petitioner (s) Arturo Buenrostro has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.

Arturo A. Buenrostro to Alejandro Cyrus.

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 on 3/13/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San

Jose, CA 95113. 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.

December 6, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 2018 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV315935 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Okokon Matthew Ibanga.

Petitioner (s) Okokon Matthew Ibanga has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.

Okokon Matthew Ibanga to Matthew Ibanga. 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 on 3/20/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

December 18, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV318362 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Bobby Nguyen. Petitioner (s) Bobby Nguyen has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.

Bada Zimniski to Neylan Bada Nguyen.

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 on 2/06/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

October 30, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV317759 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Tonek Alkhspor Ordshahi, Lorance Malkham Khanghah and Sainet Alkaspor Ordshahi.

Petitioner (s) Tonek Alkhspor ordshahi, Lorance malkham Khanghah and Sainet Alkaspor Ordshahi have filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Tonek Alkhspor Ordshahi to Tonek Alkhas b.

Lorance Malkham Khanghah to Lorance Malkham Alkhas c. Sainet Alkhaspor Ordashi to Sainet Alkhas.

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 on 1/30/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

October 18, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW

CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV320496 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Samantha K Carpenter. Petitioner (s) Samantha K Carpenter has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Samantha K Carpenter to Samantha Carpenter Totoni. 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 on 3/20/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

December 14, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV320529 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Veronica Marina Hernandez. Petitioner (s) Veronica Marina Hernandez has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Veronica Marina Hernandez to Veronica Marina Madriz.

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 on 3/27/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS county of Santa Clara.

December 13, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV317786 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Marta Hailu Abay. Petitioner (s) Marta Hailu Abay has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Marta Hailu Abay to Marta Abay Woldeyohannes.

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 on 01/30/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

October 20, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 636652 The following person(s) is (are) doing business Bay Events 872 N. 4th St San Jose, CA 95112, Santa Clara County. Tracie Ho 872 N. 4th St San Jose, CA 95112. This business is conducted by an individual; registrant has begun transacting business under the fictitious business name or names listed hereon, 12/01/2017 “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.)

Tracie Ho December 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 2018 This statement was filed with the County of Santa Clara on 12/08/2017

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 636872 The following person(s) is (are) doing business 5 Star Janitorial Services 1400 E Campbell, CA 95008, Santa Clara County. Victor Ramos 1400 E Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by an individual; registrant has begun transacting business under the fictitious business name or names listed hereon, 07/15/2017 “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.)

Victor Ramos December 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 12, 2018 This statement was filed with the County of Santa Clara on 12/15/2017

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 636115 The following person(s) is (are) doing business Car West 521 Charcot Ave Suite 157 San Jose, CA 95131, Santa Clara County. MCG Investment INC 521 Charcot Ave Suite 157 San Jose, CA 95131.

This business is conducted by a corporation; registrant has not begun transacting business under the fictitious business name or names listed hereon. “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.)

Tayfun B Tufekcioglu President December 15, 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 2018 This statement was filed with the County of Santa Clara on 11/20/2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 636513 The following person(s) is (are) doing business Mo Land 3500 Granada Ave Santa Clara, CA 95051, Santa Clara County.

Mohsen Asefi 3500 Granada Ave Santa Clara, CA 95051. This business is conducted by an individual; registrant has begun transacting business under the fictitious business name or names listed hereon, 12/04/2017. “I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.”

(A registrant who declares

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CLASSIFIEDS / LEGALS

as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)

Mohsen Asefi December 15, 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 2018 This statement was filed with the County of Santa Clara on 12/04/2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 636653 The following person(s) is (are) doing business JJ Gardening Services 1681 Scotty St San Jose, CA 95122, Santa Clara County. Juan Jose Arciniega Lopez 1681 Scotty St San Jose, CA 95122.

This business is conducted by an individual; registrant has begun transacting business under the fictitious business name or names listed hereon, 10/10/2017. “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.)

Juan Jose Arciniega Lopez December 15, 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 2018 This statement was filed with the County of Santa Clara on 12/08/2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV317349 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Josefina Serrano. Petitioner (s) Kaylee Gricell Justiniano Serrano has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Kaylee Gricell Justiniano Serrano to Kaylee Gricell Serrano. 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 on 1/23/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

October 13, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon

Judge of the Superior Court December 15, 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV320057 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Angela Kerstin Pariseau.

Petitioner (s) Angela Kerstin Pariseau has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.

Angela Kerstin Pariseau to Angie Kaiyah Love. 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 on 3/13/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

December 5, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 15, 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV320023 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Morteza Monemizadeh and Samira Hozeifi. Petitioner (s) Morteza Monemizadeti and Samira Hozeifi has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.

Diana Monemizadeh to Lillian Monemizadeh. 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 on 3/13/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. A copy of the Order to Show cause

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com 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.

December 5, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 15, 22, 29, 2017; January 5, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 636505 The following person(s) is (are) doing business Assets Development INC 1158 Turtlerock Dr San Jose, CA 95122, Santa Clara County. Assets Development INC 1158 Turtlerock Dr San Jose, CA 95122. This business is conducted by a corporation; registrant has begun transacting business under the fictitious business name or names listed hereon, 11/16/2017. “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.)

Brandon Mai CEO December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 This statement was filed with the County of Santa Clara on 12/04/2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 636414 The following person(s) is (are) doing business Fandely Towing 1801 Camargo Dr San Jose, CA 95132, Santa Clara County. Guevara Eduardo 1901 Camargo Dr San Jose, CA 95132. This business is conducted by an individual; registrant has begun transacting business under the fictitious business name or names listed hereon, 06/24/2017.

“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.)

Eduardo Guevara December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 This statement was filed with the County of Santa Clara on 11/30/2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE

OF NAME NO. 17CV319805 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Saeid Samimi Sereshki. Petitioner (s) Saeid Samimi Sereshki has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Saeid Samimi Sereshki to Saeid Samimi.

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 on 3/13/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

November 30, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV319924 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Zheng Cheng Coyle. Petitioner (s) Zheng Cheng Coyle has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Zheng Cheng Coyle to Claire Zheng Cheng Coyle. 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 on 3/13/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

December 1, 2017

Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV319708 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Guermo Adrian Bernal Reyes.

Petitioner (s) Guermo Adrian Bernal Reyes has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Guermo Adrian Bernal Reyes to Guillermo Adrian Bernal Reyes. 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 on 3/06/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

November 28, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV318217 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Chelsey Kapiolani Plyer. Petitioner (s) Chelsey Kapiolani Plyer has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Chelsey Kapiolani Plyer to Chelsey Kapiolani Cabacungan.

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 on 2/06/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

October 26, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV316280 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Carlos Corona, Elisabeth Corona. Petitioner (s) Carlos Corona, Elisabeth Corona has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Xavier Felix Moreno to Xavier Felix Corona.

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 on 1/02/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

September 25, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME NO. 17CV317945 Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara-In the matter of the application of: Nancy Anh Thu Pham. Petitioner (s) Nancy Anh Thu Pham has filed a petition for Change of Name with the clerk of this court for a decree changing names as follows: a Nancy Anh Thu Pham to Kaia Pham. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018 this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted on 02/06/2018 at 8:45 am, Probate Dept., located at 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. 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.

October 23, 2017 Rise Jones Pichon Judge of the Superior Court December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 Notice of Petition to Administer Estate of Arthur C. Gomez No.17PR182390 A Petition for Probate has been filed by Reuben Gomez and Albert A. Gomez in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. The Petition for Probate requests that Sidney C. Flores be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent, Arthur C. Gomez. 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.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 2/16/2018 at 9:00am, Dept. 12, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113.

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. 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 repres5entative 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. 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.

Attorney for Petitioner: Reuben Gomez and Albert A. Gomez 781 Elm Street San Jose, CA 95126 408-726-7275 December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS

BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY In the District Court 17CVD3337 Yumary Axaela Garcia Gregoria v.

Elmer Chas Carrillo. To: ELMER CHAS CARRILLO: Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed, in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: CUSTODY. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than January 17, 2017 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This, the 8th day of December 2017 Margaret Jennings, Attorney for Plaintiff 1501 S. 3rd St., Wilmington, NC 28401. (910)7620850

REPORT: ENDANGERED SPECIES SUFFER WHEN FEDS PUT POLITICS BEFORE SCIENCE

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the best available science to be used in decision making, that's not always the case," Goldman laments. "There's pressure from politically powerful special interests, who often unduly influence the decision-making process. It undermines science as well as wildlife conservation."

There are only an estimated 2,300 Western Leatherback turtles left in the world. Other threats include ingestion of trash and illegal harvesting of eggs.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The federal government is harming endangered species by disregarding the science when making political decisions, according to a new report.

The study, Suppressed: How Politics Drowned out Science for Ten Endangered Species, cites as its first example a decision in June by the Trump administration to withdraw a rule proposed by state and regional authorities to protect the Pacific Leatherback Turtle from drift gill nets used to catch swordfish.

Derek Goldman is the Northern Rockies field representative for the Endangered Species Coalition, which sponsored the report.

"In spite of the Endangered Species Act requiring

The report also highlights the threat from U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to rewrite the conservation plans for the greater sage-grouse, a small bird with habitat that ranges from California to Montana. Goldman says the plans were a grand compromise, years in the making, intended to keep the sage grouse off the endangered species list.

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"In the case of sage grouse, it's really pressure from the oil and gas industry," he says. "They don't like the habitat conservation measures to protect sagegrouse breeding areas, known as leks."

In addition to wildlife, the study includes the case of an endangered plant in the San Jacinto area of southern California, which is threatened by development - and it chides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to list as endangered the Hermes copper butterfly, native to the San Diego area.

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A new report highlights the threats fishing nets pose to sea turtles, which will continue in California now that the feds have withdrawn a proposed rule designed to protect them. Photo Credit: NOAA

PLAN DE ACCIÓN ANUAL PARA EL AÑO FISCAL (FY) 2018-19 Audiencia Pública para las Prioridades de Financiamiento

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Plan de Acción Anual (AAP) – El Plan de Acción Anual identifica las necesidades del desarrollo de viviendas y comunidades de la Ciudad. Es un plan de acción de un año para demostrar cómo la Ciudad invertirá los fondos federales para beneficiar a los residentes y/o comunidades de bajos recursos. Estos fondos, que incluyen el Fondo para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG), El Fondo para Albergues de Emergencia (ESG), el HOME Sociedades Inversionistas (HOME), y Oportunidades de Viviendas para Personas con SIDA (HOPWA), son de un promedio de aproximadamente $12 millones anuales dependiendo del presupuesto federal. Estará disponible un borrador del Plan de Acción Anual del Año Fiscal 2018-2019 para comentarios públicos en la primavera del 2018.

Audiencia Pública de la Comisión del Desarrollo de Viviendas y Comunidades sobre las prioridades del AAP

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Dándole Forma al Futuro de Nuestra Ciudad. Por favor únase a los líderes de nuestra comunidad, organizaciones sin fin de lucro, y al Departamento de Viviendas de la Ciudad de San José en una audiencia pública relacionada con los fondos federales de la Ciudad. ¡Queremos escucharlos!

La Ciudad le da la bienvenida a atender la audiencia pública listada abajo. Adicionalmente, los comentarios se puede proveer por teléfono, correo regular (al Departamento de Viviendas de la Ciudad de San José, 200 E. Santa Clara Street, 12th Floor, San José, California 95113), o por correo electrónico vía la información de contacto listada abajo para ambos, los de habla inglesa y para quienes tengan dificultad con el idioma inglés. Todas las reuniones públicas tienen accesibilidad para aquellos con discapacidad de movilidad. La Ciudad de San José proveerá acomodaciones razonables para incluir a todos los participantes. Necesitamos por lo menos cinco días hábiles para acomodar los pedidos para interpretación de lenguaje, y/o asistencia relacionada con discapacidad.

Por favor contacte a Robert Lopez al (408) 975-4402 o robert.lopez@sanjoseca.gov para los pedidos de asistencia, o (408) 294-9337 (TTY).

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PARA RESIDENTES QUE HABLAN ESPAÑOL: Este aviso es con respecto a foros comunitarios para proporcionar información sobre el Plan de Acción Anual 2018-2019 y el análisis de los impedimentos para Feria de Elección de Vivienda 2016-2019. El plan de acción anual identifica las necesidades de vivienda y desarrollo comunitario de la ciudad, y ofrece un plan de acción de un año para demostrar cómo la ciudad invertirá sus fondos federales con el fin de hacer frente a esas necesidades.

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THE ABC'S OF TRUMP'S POLITICAL DEMISE Alon Ben-Meir

to the US when they were children and don’t have a home to return to if deported.

Terminating DACA would also lead to splitting up families –those who illegally immigrated but have children that were born in the US. If Trump needed a heart transplant, his body would reject any heart which has not already been imbued with cruelty.

As we approach the end of Trump’s first year in office, it seems appropriate to survey his performance and his outlook for the future. But right at the onset, one cannot escape the conclusion that, unlike any other of his predecessors, he is a weird and wild president who is devoid of any civility and moral responsibility. In less than a year, the absurd became the norm, ignorance became a virtue, and lying has sadly become the order of the day. He brought shame and dishonor to the most prestigious office in the world—the US Presidency. His moral lapses, notoriety, vulgarity, and self-deceit are beyond the pale of the human disorder.

If Trump’s behavior, public statements, and warped tweets do not seal his political demise, the blame must not rest on his shoulders alone. It must also rest on his party—the corrupt Republican establishment—for having mortgaged the fate of the country to a mentally unstable moron. The Republican party will be held responsible for what may well be irreparable damage to America’s global leadership and moral standing.

It is no wonder that each letter of the alphabet – from A to Z – provides at least one maligning word that describes the man that has brought nothing but disgrace to his office.

To say that Trump is Arrogant understates his propensity to show off his presumed skills as a negotiator, alleged business acumen, and supposed grasp of complex issues. He constantly claims that he is smarter than everyone around him, even insulting the US military by stating “There’s nobody bigger or better at the military than I am”, and “I know more about ISIS than the generals do.

Believe me.” No wonder Trump can’t sleep at night; he feels obliged to ‘enlighten the world’ with his early morning stream of twisted tweets.

Many people refer to Trump as a Bigot, a characterization which he owns and takes pleasure in displaying. No one has forgotten his outrageous attack on Mexican immigrants, stating: “When Mexico sends its people… They’re bringing drugs.

They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.”

His bigotry was even more pronounced when he belittled two Gold Star parents of a Muslim-American soldier who died in 2014 while serving in Iraq. By now, Trump has earned the distinction of making bigotry synonymous with his name.

One does not need to know Trump well to quickly discern that he is a Crude man with no scruples. He refers to Senator Elizabeth Warren as Pocahontas, going so far as to do so at an event honoring Navajo veterans. He regularly calls people “losers”, “fools”, and “lame”, especially on Twitter. In speaking

Photo Credit: Michael Anderson and Sam Ben-Meir

about the hosts of Morning Joe, he said “… low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came to Mar-a-Lago… around New Year’s Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!”

This is the real Trump—behaving like a wild caveman who has long since lost his civility.

Being a Demagogue is second-nature to Trump; he will say anything, however contradictory and absurd, only to fuel his base. He made a campaign and inauguration pledge to eradicate Islamic terrorism from the face of the earth, knowing that this will never happen. In his inauguration speech, he stated: “Every decision… will be made to benefit American workers and American families”—a phony claim, as the tax bill shows. He craves pomp and circumstance, claiming “That military may be flying over New York City and Washington, D.C., for parades. I mean, we’re going to be showing our military.” Demagoguery, to be sure, became Trump’s staple diet on which he feeds.

For Trump, being an Egomaniac fits not only his persona but his perpetually disturbing self-praise. Perhaps he still doesn’t believe that he is the president and needs that reinforcement. His tweets like “Time Magazine called to say that I was PROBABLY going to be named “Man (Person) of the Year,” like last year, but I would have to agree to an interview and a major photo shoot. I said probably is no good and took a pass…” show the enormity of his ego. Trump continues to boast about the size of his inaugural crowd, insisting that he had a much larger turnout than Obama in 2009. He still can’t digest that a smaller crowd attended his inauguration than that of a black president.

Trump is the only president who has committed Fraud on such an unparalleled scale. Starting with Trump University, he

violated NY laws by calling it a university but operating without an educational license. He charged students $35k a year, promisingthey would “learn from Donald Trump’s handpicked instructors, and that participants would have access to Trump’s real estate ‘secrets.’” No jobs were offered, and no secret information was revealed. He filed for bankruptcy four times (1991, 1992, 2004, and 2009), was repeatedly fined for breaking rules related to his casinos, and so on. The dictionary might as well define the word ‘fraud’ by citing some of Trump’s fraudulent business dealings.

If nothing else, Trump is a master of Garbled words. Despite his praise of his own language skills, his unscripted utterances are incoherent, such as his description of visiting Napoleon’s tomb, saying: “He did so many things even beyond.

And his one problem is he didn’t go to Russia that night because he had extracurricular activities, and they froze to death.” He rambled on about foreign policy, stating “You know, he [Obama] can talk tough all he wants, in the meantime he talked tough to North Korea. And he didn’t actually. You look at the red line in the sand in Syria.

He didn’t do the shot. I did the shot…” Yes, Trump did attack a Syrian airbase, but only after ‘receiving permission’ from Putin.

Putting his travel ban into immediate effect, stranding hundreds at airports, and blocking off access to the US arbitrarily is as Heartless and cruel as can be imagined. He endorsed a proposed repeal of Obamacare without plans to provide aid to disadvantaged communities. He has made no effort to renew the Children’s Health Insurance Program, ending care for 9 million low-income children, while giving billions in tax cuts to the richest of the rich.

He callously ended DACA, which will affect almost 800,000 young adults who came

Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that being Ignorant is a virtue, especially when he pretends to know everything.

He suggested that Frederick Douglass is still alive, offering “Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more, I notice.” He took pride in the fact that he was tutored by Chinese President Xi Jinping about Korean-Chinese relations at a dinner. That’s how quick a learner he is.

When discussing healthcare, he stated in February “Nobody knew healthcare could be so complicated.” Of course not. Trump thought that repeating “repeal and replace” is all it takes to resolve America’s healthcare problem.

Trump talks, walks, and brags like a Juvenile. He childishly tweeted: “We should have a contest as to which of the Networks, plus CNN and not including Fox, is the most dishonest, corrupt and/or distorted in its political coverage of your favorite President (me).” Exactly like an infant, he also engaged in a Twitter war with basketball personality LaVar Ball, after Ball did not thank him for negotiating his son’s release from a Chinese prison: “…

LaVar, you could have spent the next 5 to 10 years during Thanksgiving with your son in China, but no NBA contract to support you…. Ungrateful fool!” So, if you walk, talk, and brag like a juvenile, you are qualified to replace Trump.

Being Knavish is just another characteristic that defines Trump as he has become known—with no scruples and no principles.

He insists that the tax bill will benefit all Americans, when every study shows that the tax bill will benefit the rich the most, and will in fact harm middle class and low income families. He falsely claims that the tax bill “is going to cost me a fortune, this thing—believe me. Believe me, this is not good for me” (this has been disproven by economists). He commonly mistreats his workers(many of whom were immigrants). There are still many lawsuits against him for not paying his laborers.

Unfortunately for them, they will have to wait to be paid until he is impeached.

If nothing else, Trump is known as a compulsive Liar, and his political ascendance was built on lies. He really believes that if one repeats a lie time and again, it becomes the accepted truth, and that is good enough for his base. Trump has lied about voter fraud, protesters paid to oppose him, Continued on Pg 17

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018 Obama wiretapping his phones, how many times he was on the cover of Time—the list goes on and on. His file in Politifact says he has outright lied over 48% of the time.

At a rally in Pensacola, FL, he said “Black homeownership just hit the highest level it has ever been in the history of our country”, but it has actually fallen almost yearly since 2004. Trump is in his element when he is living in a world of colorful lies.

As a master Manipulator, Trump uses language to galvanize voters; for instance, by using the marketable slogan “Make America Great Again,” he made his politics an easy sale. He has licensed and sold his name to give the appearance of success and stability. He used terrorist attacks in London and Egypt to push his travel ban.

He condemns actions that others have done, to cover his own despicable delinquency (like his tweet in response to Al Franken’s sexual misconduct, when in fact he is the sexual predator-in-chief). His manipulation tactics are commonly known as ‘Trumpism.’

For Trump, manipulation is a sort of twisted art form, and he should probably have his picture on the cover of Time magazine with caption, ‘The Manipulator of the Year.’

When it comes to being a Narcissist, Trump trumps them all—Putin, Erdogan, Netanyahu, and even Kim Jong Un. Everything Trump does is designed to make it solely about him. When campaigning for failed Republican Senate candidate Luther Strange, he said “I’m taking a big risk because if Luther does not make it, they are going to go after me.” Even in tragedy he pulls attention back around to himself: “Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism…” On his desk, instead of having a Truman-esque plaque that reads “The Buck Stops Here,” Trump’s should read “It is me, me, me, all about me.”

Like many others, I wonder how a person, let alone the president, can be as Obnoxiousas Trump is. Will he ever quit his disdain of Hilary Clinton? His tweets about her pour out like waste from a corroded pipeline.

During the second presidential debate, Trump loomed behind Clinton, following her and making faces at her throughout the duration of the debate. He is still obsessed with Obama’s birthplace, and when Obama won reelection, he had a meltdown on Twitter and even went as far as calling for a revolution. In a competition for the title of the most obnoxious person in the world, Trump would win it handily.

When it comes to Polarizing, you’ve got to give Trump an A+. His policies and behaviors polarize the public: such as the wall, the travel ban, his reactions towards the press, his treatment of immigrants…

Trump’s name itself is polarizing. He sees everything in black and white, no middle ground, which has become increasingly painful for him in dealing with seriously complex issues. Since he came to office, the political and social divisiveness in the country grew ever wider, and ‘Us vs. Them’ became the refrain of the day. To keep his

EL OBSERVADOR | www.el-observador.com base, Trump plays one group against another while enjoying the tension he creates.

One other trait that distinguishes Trump is his Querulous nature. He constantly picks fights on Twitter, makes wild statements like threatening to attack North Korea, and engages in derogatory statements to pick fights with senators, judges, football players, and many others, only to score a point. After Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand called for Trump to resign due to increasing sexual harassment, he showered her with insults and went as far as clearly implying that she traded sexual favors for campaign contributions. He craves mean fights, which seem to energize him and give him that psychopathic satisfaction.

Trump is a Racist man to the bone. Only a person who is disposed to white supremacy could draw a moral equivalence between white nationalists in the Charlottesville rallies and law- abiding counter-protestors, some of whom turned violent. He claimed that one of the federal judges acting in the class action case against Trump University couldn’t do his job because “he’s a Mexican”.

And no one can deny the fact that there was a notable difference in his response to Hurricane Maria (which devastated Puerto Rico) vs. his prompt and immediate generous aid to victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, which affected Florida and Texas. From Trump’s perspective, white supremacy is only natural, as is the ‘inferiority’ of minorities.

Being a Showman is to a great extent the means by which Trump covers his shortcomings and lack of self-confidence.

Everything, starting from his candidacy announcement riding on a golden escalator, has been a performance. He has a predilection for props, from comparisons of Obamacare vs. its replacement, scores of folders purportedly containing plans to disentangle himself from his businesses, to his most recent giant stacks of paper adorned with red tape (to be symbolically cut with gold scissors) to symbolize his efforts to cut regulations. Trump lives on showmanship, and without a stage he feels empty—because he is.

Toxic: There has been a rise of hate crimes and anti-Semitism since Trump took office. The spread of toxicity is known as the “Trump Effect”. Trump’s selfishness poisons the civilian and political atmosphere, infecting Congress and splitting the GOP. Senators Bob Corker and Jeff Flake have spared no words to describe Trump’s toxicity. The list of current and past government officials, conservative media editors and columnists, and intelligence officials in opposition to Trump is incomparable to any of his predecessors.

Trump wanted to “drain the swamp” in Washington, but all he has done is leave toxic waste in his wake.

Many people are concerned about Trump’s Unstable behavior, and even more are deeply troubled about its implications on his mental instability. Time and again

Trump has demonstrated how unhinged he is. He is compulsive and reacts to matters unrelated to governance, getting into Twitter fights with people like Michael Moore, ESPN commentator Jameel Hill, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, with no logical reason. Trump is dangerously losing touch with reality. By freely taunting North Korea, for instance, he raised tensions while disregarding the potential dire consequences. Psychiatrists and psychologists strongly suggest that given his erratic behavior, he has a mental illness.

The record on Trump’s Vulgarity is astounding. He seems to relish his vulgarity and his meanness that goes with it. He called women like Rosie O’Donnell dogs, fat, slobs, pigs, and disgusting. He said about Senator Rand Paul: “Truly weird… reminds me of a spoiled brat without a properly functioning brain. He was terrible at debate!” Trump enjoyed mocking a disabled reporter at a campaign rally.

And in a feud with Megyn Kelly, he blamed her criticism of him during a presidential debate on her menstruation (“blood coming out of her wherever”). For Trump, vulgarity is his drug of choice, on which he regularly overdoses.

Trump himself openly and repeatedly admitted that he is Whiny. In a statement to CNN’s Chris Cuomo, he admitted: “I do whine because I want to win and I’m not happy about not winning and I am a whiner and I keep whining and whining until I win.” He has complained that “No politician in history – and I say this with great surety – has been treated worse or more unfairly” (this he did immaturely at a graduation ceremony at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy). Trump will soon realize that no matter how much he whines, in the future he will end up the loser because he has nothing to offer, except for whining.

Trump was born Xenophobic, a chauvinistic fool with no sense of what is right or wrong.

He led an assault on immigrants—whether they be Muslim, Arab, or Mexican—which he reinforced through his refugee and travel ban and “America First” campaign.

He has attempted to cut off funding for sanctuary cities, which house thousands of immigrants, through Executive Order 13768. And through AG Jeff Sessions and the Justice Department, he has been sending letters that attempt to harass jurisdictions that he feels have weak immigration policies into working with ICE. Trump’s xenophobia is a consuming obsession based on illusions far removed from reality.

Trump is simply a Yellow-bellied coward, which has been plain to see for decades.

He dodged the draft in Vietnam, and reacted to being gifted a veteran’s Purple Heart by saying “I always wanted to get the Purple Heart. This was much easier.”

In his efforts to end the Russia probe, he fired FBI Director Comey. He is terrified of what Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation may eventually reveal. At the

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very least, Trump is facing obstruction of justice, let alone Russia’s interference in the election and the potential collusion to help him win the presidency. Deep inside Trump knows he did not earn the Presidency, and he is horrified that it will be snatched away from him. Perhaps he should not hold his breath, because the writing is on the wall.

Trump is an unbending Zealot – not as much about his religious or ideological convictions, but far more so about his possessions and the image he wants to project. To show his conservative credentials (albeit he would trade them for any self-serving interest), he nominated two extreme right-wing federal court judges to lifetime positions. One helped craft voter suppression laws in North Carolina, and the other professed that the promotion of transgender rights is “Satan’s plan”. Trump delivered a speech in Warsaw this July that was highly reminiscent of alt-right rhetoric, leaving the unmistakable impression how zealotry will guard his conservative white base.

There is a touch of humor here and there to lighten up this alphabetic review of Trump’s first year in office, but the subject matter is fateful to America’s future.

Trump is dangerous; his shortsightedness, mental instability, and ominous off-thecuff statements could spark unintended horrifying violent conflagrations.

The Republican party, which is deeply engrossed in partisan politics, has become the enabler of Trump, ignoring that they were elected not to protect the president but America’s global and national security interests, and the wellbeing of the American people. Every member of the party establishment will be held responsible for not rising and stopping Trump from causing irreparable damage to the country’s leadership role, moral standing, and the social and political injury that he will inflict on the nation.

Any individual, let alone the president, who praises Putin’s Russia—America’s foremost enemy—and in the same breath severely criticizes and disparages our most esteemed institutions, especially the intelligence agencies and the judiciary, is tantamount to treason. How could any Republican official who claims to put the country’s security and safety first remain silent in the face of this unfolding perilous development?

And worse yet, how could they continue to support a president who is unstable, unpredictable, and unfit to occupy the chair of the president?

Republicans and Democrats must join hands and present Trump with a choice to resign or be impeached. Nothing else will save the country but Trump’s political demise. Republicans in a position of power must now demonstrate where their loyalty lies—to the country, or to a corrupt party and to a so-called President who has never been able to rise above the fray, to the detriment of the nation.

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VIBRAS

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HORÓSCOPO 2018 Photo Credit: Pixabay

Libra

En este 2018 tendrás muchas sorpresas, especialmente en cuanto dinero, ganancias y trabajo se refiere, la posición de los astros te beneficiará en muchos aspectos de tu vida.

Debes convertirte en un cordero de paz, deja renconres y disputas en el ayer y llena tu mundo de serenidad. Incias un ciclo que puede darte muchas satisfacciones en tu vida personal. La salud será un regalo divino que tendrás a plenitud. Contarás con mucha suerte.

Números de la suerte: 5-9-14-17-32-37

Escorpión

Mario Jiménez Castillo EL OBSERVADOR

Aries

Tendrás un año muy provechoso en cuanto a proyectos, trabajo y negocio. Trata de ser más desconfiado, pues pueden presentarse ante ti personas que fingirán ser lo que no son.

Tus amigos seguirán siendo los mismos de siempre. El amor puede sorprenderte de una manera mágica. Lograrás resolver una situación referente a trámites y documentos. El cuidado y mantenimiento de tu salud y de tu apariencia te harán sentir cómodo, seguro y feliz.

Números de la suerte: 5-6-11-22-44-56

Tauro

El 2018 será un nuevo amanecer en tu existencia, personas y situaciones que no te son propicias, simplemente se alejarán por tu propio bienestar.

Tienes que dejar en el pasado la carga emocional que te ha venido afectando desde hace varios años, e iniciar por un sendero que dé alegría y bienestar a tu vida. Cuida tu apariencia y enfócate en mantener un estado físico, mental y emocional equilibrado. El año inicirá con muy buenas noticias para ti.

Números de la suerte: 10-15-24-29-30-49

Géminis

Durante los últimos meses del 2017 enfrentaste muchos desafíos y problemas que parecían imposibles de solucionar, ahora te llegará una época de calma y bienestar, y terminará el agetreo que padeciste en fechas recientes. En tu actual relación hay muchas cosas por resolver, pero lo más importante es que quién está a tu lado te quiere de verdad, es necesario que des una oportunidad para que esa persona te demuestre con hechos sus verdaderos sentimientos.

Números de la suerte: 19-33-45-47-50-58

Cáncer

Durante el 2017 tuviste un pesar, una pena que no te dejaba ser feliz, esto será cosa del pasado porque desde que inicie el año, sentirás una energía renovadora que te hará olvidar viejos desencantos, los astros te favorecen a la hora de iniciar en nuevos empleos y quizá sientas el deseo de seguir estudiando y preparándote para tu fututo. Tu familia siempre será lo más importante en tu vida, haz hecho mucho bien y ahora es cuando recibirás tu recompensa.

Números de la suerte: 7-13-20-30-38-48

Leo

Los vientos del nuevo año anuncian cambios para ti, te ha llegado el momento de la recuperación en todos los sentidos de tu vida. Negocios, trabajo y profesión serán aspectos de mucha suerte en este 2018. Tu vida irá en ascenso, se recomienda que escuches consejos y sugerencias, de eso modo evitarás cometer los mismos errores del pasado.

Un toque de paz y espiritualidad le darán un nuevo sentido a tu existencia.

Números de la suerte: 15-18-21-24-45-67

Durante los primeros meses del año, podrás finiquitar asuntos que quedaron pendientes en el año anterior. Te sucederá algo maravilloso, lograrás dejar atrás una carga o un pesar del pasado, abriéndole camino a un mejor presente y futuro inmediato. Éste, será un año bendecido para ti, especialmente en el sector salud y en tu mundo de relaciones sociales. La vida te tiene preparadas muchas sorpresas, apacigua tu temperamento y sé feliz.

Números de la suerte: 12-19-25-27-39-56

Sagitario

Saturno por fin abandonó tu signo, dejándote muchas enseñanzas y lecciones que te serán útiles por el resto de tu existencia. En este año aprenderás a valorar más lo que tienes y te convertirás en un especie de genio financiero, le encontrarás la solución a todo, tanto a tus propios problemas como a los problemas de la gente que te rodea. El amor será un tema que se mantendrá vigente en tu agenda durante todo el año. Los astros auguran buena suerte para ti

DEC 29, 2017 - JAN 4, 2018

Capricornio

Incia un año en el que enfrentarás muchos desafíos, tu temple y tu fortaleza serán puestos a prueba. Eres una persona que se destaca y suele brillar en todo lo que hace, por ello enfrentarás competencia desleal y escucharás rumores en tu contra; pero esto, sólo logrará que cuentes con mayor popularidad. Este año recibirás una gran bendición, tus oraciones serán escuchadas y atendidas. El karma traerá para ti un cúmulo de bendiciones.

Números de la suerte: 18-19-28-29-43-44

Acuario

¡Feliz año nuevo Acuario! Durante este año habrá una lluvia de bendicones para todos los nativos de tu signo, muchos problemas y situaciones que te provocaban estrés, poco a poco se irán resolviendo. Es augurio que contarás con más tiempo y con mayor energía para lograr todos tus proyectos y metas. Cuando procuras cuidados a tu salud y apariencia, el mundo te parece más sano y halagador. Vivirás experiencias hermosas durante este 2018.

Números de la suerte: 7-13-14-18-28-65

Piscis

Este 2018 lo iniciarás con una nueva filosofía, se aproximan cambios que un principio te tomarán por sorpresa, pero a mediano plazo te darás cuenta que lo novedoso te hará sentir con una nueva motivavión. Tu salud se mantendrá en buenas condiciones, y depende de ti el mantener un estado óptimo tanto físico como emocional.

Quienes busquen una nueva ocupación contarán con mucha suerte, Tu vida será definitivamente mejor que antes.

Números de la suerte: 16-22-29-34-54-60

Virgo

Muchos nativos de este signo se reencontrarán con el amor durante el 2018. Esa magia hermosa que se siente en el corazón cundo se está enamorado, hará que tu vida se torne en un remanso de paz, alegría y romance. Por fin has comprendido que debes eliminar por completo cualquier mal sentimiento o actividad que antes te perjudicaba. Dedica tiempo al cuidado de tu apariencia, y a tu bienestar espiritual. Lo que más deseas se materializará.

Números de la suerte: 18-23-34-43-54-58

Jazmine Turner Photography Specializing in Weddings, Couples, Maternity and Senior Portraiture.

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Conservation Groups Find Ways to Work with Trump Administration Stephanie Carson Public News Service

state level,” he points out. “Resource Institute uses those to leverage projects with other partners' funding."

Smith says sometimes f inding success is about speaking the language of what's important to the administration and agencies.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – With funding cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency and auctions of public lands, the situation seems dire for some of those invested in protecting the country's natural resources.

But some organizations are f inding ways to work in the current political climate.

Resource Institute is a nonprof it organization that pairs available federal funds with water conservation projects around the country, with several projects here in North Carolina.

Board chair Squeak Smith says the institute’s work is continuing with current projects in western North Carolina.

"I don't think it's the end of the world,” he states. “We still have avenues to be able to work with existing programs.

Resource Institute is one nonprofit managing to push forward with conservation work under the Trump administration. The organization emphasizes job creation as a means to garner support.

Photo Credit: Resource Institute

Funding that we have received goes on for the next several years, so it's not like, 'Boom, we're stopping everything.'"

Past projects by Resource Institute include parts of Dotson Branch, Stone Mountain State Park, Fisher River and Ring Creek.

of projects and permit applications.

Resource Institute recently completed the Granite Greenway project in Mount Airy, the f ifth phase of this project.

Richard Mode, a Resource Institute board member, says not all funding streams have dried up.

The organization also helps public and private entities with the design

"There are still funding streams out there, at both the federal and

GROUPS SUE TO KEEP METHANE WASTE RULE

the National Wildlife Federation, says Colorado already has similar requirements and the companies have complied w ithout a problem.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

"These measures in some ways pay for themselves because the industr y actually, by putting in sensible measures, they capture more of the methane - and the methane is fuel that they can then sell," he states. "It w ill certainly increase royalties for taxpayers."

This rule has sur vived several attempts to thwart it. First, Congress rejected an attempt to roll it back using the Congressional Review Act. Then the BLM tried to suspend it administratively, but was stopped in court.

Suzanne Potter California News Ser vice SACR A MEN TO, Calif.

Two new lawsuits have been f iled in federal court to stop the Trump administration from deep-sixing rules meant to reduce pollution, f ight climate change and preser ve public resources.

A dozen conser vation groups and the state attorneys general of California

and New Mexico f iled suit on Tuesday to reinstate the methane waste rule, which would force oil and gas companies to install equipment to capture excess methane gas at their wells instead of venting it or burning it off.

The Bureau of Land Management suspended the rule until Januar y 2019, arguing that it is too big a burden on industr y.

Jim Murphy, senior counsel for

Now, clean air advocates are hoping

"Here's what I found with the existing administration: If you can show that you're creating jobs, you're doing good for the environment, those are issues that – I don't care what party you belong to – you can support," he states.

Even with the progress made by some groups, changes to how the country approaches conservation continue.

The U.S. Department of Interior has proposed the largest ever oil and gas lease auction of federal waters.

The EPA is considering a proposal to scrap the Clean Power Plan and the Trump administration scrapped a study of health risks to residents who live near mountaintop removal coal sites in the Appalachian Mountains.

the judge w ill grant an injunction forcing the companies to comply starting this Januar y.

Murphy says methane gas is a super pollutant that has 87 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide over the short term, which harms human health and the environment.

"And it's fueling climate change, which is causing sea level rise," he stresses. "It's causing habitat degradation. It's causing trout streams to warm. Climate change right now is one of the biggest threats to w ildlife."

The U.S. Interior Department reports that in 2014, oil and gas companies wasted enough gas to supply 1.5 million households for a year.

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