The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico this week opposed a request by local bondholder group Bonistas del Patio for the commonwealth to foot a $7 million bill to pay certain professional fees and expenses.
On Oct. 11, Bonistas del Patio Inc. filed a motion requesting payment of fees and expenses by the commonwealth claiming that it provided a substantial contribution to the restructuring and ultimate confirmation and consummation of the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. (COFINA by its Spanish acronym) debt adjustment plan and that its retained legal and financial advisors should be compensated for the services they provided to the Bonistas in the amounts of $2 million and $5 million, respectively.
Furthermore, the Bonistas claim that it was “understood” by all that such expenses would be paid and not reimbursed by the commonwealth. On Dec. 14, the federal Title III bankruptcy court held a hearing to consider the request and expressed its concerns about the applicability of Section 503(b)(4) and the appropriateness of the relief being requested. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court requested the oversight board, as the sole representative of COFINA and the commonwealth in their respective Title III cases, to provide an opinion.
“The Oversight Board does not believe that either the Commonwealth or COFINA had, or has, an obligation with respect to the Bonistas or to satisfy any obligation, if one existed, of the Bonistas to either its legal or financial
advisors,” the board said in a motion filed late Wednesday.
The oversight board said that therefore payment of the expenses by the Commonwealth is not required.
“Simply stated, while it is unclear whether the Bonistas actually committed to paying the Expenses, if so, the Expenses were incurred by the Bonistas, and not the Commonwealth or COFINA,” the oversight board said. “As such, Section 15.2 of the COFINA Plan is inapplicable.”
The oversight board noted that there is no document or application supporting the Bonistas’ contention that it injected itself into the restructuring process at the suggestion of the mediation team appointed by the court, or establishing any payment. Although the Bonistas assert the oversight board “knowingly caused” the incurrence of the expenses by soliciting the assistance and support of Bonistas, there is no written undertaking by any commonwealth entity, or an understanding between the Bonistas and the oversight board, to pay the expenses, the board contended.
The request, according to the oversight board, also seeks to circumvent the debtor’s and oversight board’s sole discretion to employ professionals pursuant to the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) Section 316 by suggesting that an employment relationship may be inferred.
The Bonistas is not a creditor of the commonwealth and the motion seeks payment and not reimbursement of expenses.
“Further, Section 503(b)(4) limits compensation to professional services rendered by an attorney or an accountant of any entity. Here, more than two-thirds of the relief being requested is with respect to a financial advisor, an entity expressly outside the four corners of the statute,” the oversight board said. “Accordingly, as a threshold matter, such Expenses are not eligible for payment.”
While the Bonistas point to, among other things, its assistance in the negotiation and finalization of the COFINA Plan, related materials and other definitive documents, that is insufficient to establish a substantial contribution to the resolution of the case, the oversight board added.
“The Bonistas also could have sought, early in COFINA’s Title III case, official recognition pursuant to section 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code as a committee representing the interests of on-island bondholders with fiduciary and other duties to such bondholders, and the right to seek compensation for its professionals pursuant to PROMESA Section 316,” the oversight board said. “The Bonistas did not avail themselves of seeking such relief — opting instead to forego the fiduciary obligations of an official committee while seeking reimbursement of the Expenses long after the COFINA Plan was consummated.”
Senate President José Luis Dalmau Santiago on Thursday highlighted the past year’s legislative work, with over 50 bills converted into law, which he said will benefit citizens in different areas such as justice, education and health.
Among the measures enacted on the subject of justice is Senate Bill (SB) 771, converted into Law 76-2022. The bill amends the “Penal Code of Puerto Rico” in order to make mandatory the imposition of the penalty of restitution in cases of crimes against the treasury, clarifying that it will apply to the present and future assets of the convict.
The legislation was filed by Dalmau Santiago and Sens. Juan Zaragoza Gómez, Ramón Ruíz Nieves, Migdalia González and Joanne Rodríguez Veve.
“This action highlights the interest of this Legislative Assembly in building a rule of law where the person with access to public funds is charged with the highest degree of responsibility and cleanliness in his administration,” the measure cites.
Meanwhile, SB 437, a bipartisan measure filed by Popular Democratic Party Sen. Gretchen Hau and Rodríguez Veve of the Dignity Project, was con-
verted into Law 85-2022. The measure amends the “Penal Code of Puerto Rico” to establish the terms for qualification for consideration by the Parole Board. The bill complies with the public policy
of rehabilitation without ignoring the responsibility of the person to the state for their criminal actions.
In addition, SB 459, now Law 912022, establishes the “Law to Create a
Base Salary for Correctional Officers.” The measure, authored by Ruíz Nieves, establishes a base salary for correctional officers of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation and the Youth Institutions Program of $2,350 per month.
In the educational sphere, meanwhile, SB 477 was converted into Law 2-2022 to amend the “Law on the Extension of Appointments to Teachers with Provisional Temporary Status in Categories of Difficult Recruitment Under the Assistant Secretary of Occupational and Technical Education of the Department of Education.” With the law, whose bill was filed by Dalmau Santiago, the teachers included in Article 4 are to have their appointment extended for a period of three years.
Similarly, SB 573, now Law 9-2022, was filed in a bipartisan manner by Sens. Ada García Montes, Rafael Bernabe Riefkohl and Zaragoza Gómez to amend ordering the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget to identify the amount of $4.37 billion in the agency’s budget to cover on or before the end of fiscal year 2022-2023 the payments due for the period preceding the fiscal year 2014-2015 pursuant to Act No. 158 of July 18, 1999, as amended,
Transportation and Public Works (DTOP by its Spanish acronym) Secretary Eileen Vélez Vega announced Thursday that she signed Resolution 2022-45 extending the sale of vehicle inspection stickers (“marbetes”) until Jan. 15 at any available dispensary establishment, which includes banks, inspection centers and collection centers.
The secretary’s decision came after reports of vehicle inspection centers and banks alerting her about a possible problem with the supply of 2023 stickers (the Roberto Clemente commemorative sticker) for drivers who have to renew their stickers in December.
Vélez Vega insisted that there is no shortage of stickers.
“During last weekend some Inspection Centers came up short of inventory due to the high volume of traffic and the long weekend, but today sticker inventory has been replenished in all the sales points in anticipation of the long New Year’s weekend ahead,” the DTOP secretary
said in a written statement. “There is sufficient inventory for 2023 and 2024 at points of sale: banks, collection centers, inspection centers and cooperatives.”
By THE STAR STAFF
The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau, which will be charging a $20 million regulatory charge to energy utilities in 2023 to fund its operations, has failed to act since September on a Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) petition to create subsidiaries.
On Sept. 14, PREPA filed a document titled: “Petition for Leave to Create Subsidiaries and for Approval of the Puerto Rico PREPA-GENCO-HYDROCO Operating Agreement.”
In essence, the petition asks the Energy Bureau (PREB) to grant it leave to create three PREPA subsidiaries identified as PREPA GenCo LLC, PREPA HydroCo LLC and PREPA PropertyCo LLC, and to approve the PREPA-GenCo-HydroCo Operating Agreement.
GenCo is proposed as the legal entity that will own and operate (or delegate the operation of) PREPA’s legacy thermal generation assets, while HydroCo is proposed as the legal entity that will own and operate (or delegate the operation of) hydroelectric
In essence, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s petition asks the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau to grant the utility leave to create three subsidiaries identified as PREPA GenCo LLC, PREPA HydroCo LLC and PREPA PropertyCo LLC, and to approve the PREPA-GenCo-HydroCo Operating Agreement.
and irrigation assets, employees, vehicles, software, and contracts and assets related to it.
PropertyCo, meanwhile, is proposed as the legal entity that will own and operate or
delegate the operation of the PREPA assets not related to the transmission and distribution system, the legacy thermal generation assets or the hydropower assets.
The petition was filed with the PREB and the approved fiscal plans by the Financial Oversight and Management Board, the Puerto Rico Transmission and Distribution System Operation and Maintenance Agreement, and the Puerto Rico Transmission and Distribution System Supplemental Terms Agreement between PREPA, the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority and LUMA Energy LLC.
“Despite the Petition for Approval having been filed over three months ago, the Energy Bureau has not yet acted on it nor has PREPA received requests for further information in connection therewith,” PREPA said in a petition filed December 22. “PREPA urgently requires the approval of its Petition for Approval so that it may actively engage without further delay in the organizational efforts conducive to the inception and statutory compliance of the aforementioned subsidiary entities.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the PREB announced that it was charging a $20 million per year regulatory charge, whose cost will be divided among all energy facilities. PREPA will cover about $16 million.
Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Joel A. Pizá Batiz announced Thursday the strategic plan to reinforce security logistics in the Isla Grande district of San Juan on the occasion of the simultaneous operations of the Norwegian Epic and Voyager of the Seas cruise ships at the Pan American I and II docks.
Pizá Batiz said that in response to the parallel activities generated by the arrivals of the two cruise ships, such as porter operations and land transportation services, a security and transit plan was worked on jointly with the shipping agents of both cruise lines, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, the Ports office of Domestic Security and the private security that will be in force throughout the high season of cruises at the aforementioned docks.
“The simultaneous operations of the Norwegian Epic and Voyager of the Seas cruises involve a high volume of people and vehicles in Isla Grande due to the large passenger capacity of these cruise ships that use the Pan American I and II docks, respectively, as their home port,” Pizá Batiz said. “To facilitate the flow of passengers, and in turn expedite the transit of vehicles to the Pan American I and II docks, several measures have been taken that include the reinforcement of security agents at the docks and their ac-
cesses, the increase in the number of luggage compartments and the allocation of 70 additional resources by the cruise agent for attending the service counters at these docks.”
The Ports chief stressed that the next operations of Epic and Voyager were moved up to Friday from Sunday because Sunday is New Year’s Day. Given this scenario, which will only occur this Friday (Dec. 30), Pizá Batiz said “Friday is the day of greatest traffic congestion, since there will be maritime operations and container hauling in the area adjacent to the Pan American docks, so I urge you to consider all this information so that you can explore alternative routes.”
Pizá Batiz added that the success of the plan will depend on people arriving at the docks informed regarding the measures established to streamline the processes and prepared to follow them.
“We want to urge the passengers and carriers of Isla Grande to coordinate their arrival at the Pan American docks this Friday, and on any other day of simultaneous homeport operations at the Pan American docks, taking into consideration the large number of people who will also be embarking and disembarking cruise ships,” he said. “In that sense, we urge you to leave with enough time and continue to be alert to the instructions of the onsite security offices to expedite traffic in the area. It is important that vehicle drivers who are personal or taxi drivers make correct use
of the designated areas to drop off or pick up passengers, and do so promptly, to keep access to the docks clear.”
Hatillo Mayor Carlos Román Román lamented on Thursday the incidents that occurred during the town’s celebration of the Festival of Masks, in which one person died and three others were injured.
“I deeply regret the situation that occurred yesterday, Wednesday, December 28, during the celebration of the Festival of Masks, in which one person died in an incident that is still under investigation by the authorities,” the mayor said. “The call by the Cultural Center Organizing Committee as well as the municipal administration was to enjoy the festival in a pleasant and convivial atmosphere. What happened, in addition to being regrettable, tarnishes the festival, which is characterized by promoting and preserving our customs and traditions as a people.”
According to the police, a man was reported slain and another person was wounded by gunfire in different locations in the town.
“Once again, we regret what happened and reiterate our deepest condolences to the Pérez Estremera family, for whom we extend a hug in solidarity,” Román Román said.
Among the reported incidents: five people fell from floats, two car accidents
occurred along with an accident involving a pedestrian, a person injured a hand after performing mechanical work on a float, and another person suffered a health-related emergency.
All were transported to different nearby hospitals for treatment.
Meanwhile, Highway Patrol Division agents from the Arecibo region issued 177 tickets for the violation of Traffic Law 22, two motorbikes were seized, two people were arrested for controlled substances and gun law violations, two guns were seized, and two people were arrested in a state of intoxication and in possession of two bags of marijuana.
At the same time, according to data offered by the president of the Cultural Center of Hatillo, which coordinates the festival, 190 dancing couples and around 5,000 runners were officially registered, which shows an increase in the number of participants when compared to last year. Recorded incidents were fewer in number compared to previous years. In general terms, the organizers noted, the festival proceeded in an orderly manner with an estimated participation of 60,000 people from throughout the island and abroad.
As the death toll from a powerful blizzard in western New York rose to near 40 on Wednesday, the Erie County executive, who has himself faced increasing criticism, lashed out at the mayor of Buffalo over his efforts to clear the city’s streets.
“The city, unfortunately, is always the last one to open,” Mark Poloncarz, the county executive, said at a press briefing. “It’s embarrassing, to tell you the truth.
“I don’t want to see this anymore — I’m sick of it — I’m a city resident myself,” Poloncarz said. “I know the mayor’s not thrilled to hear it, but I don’t care anymore. I want it done.”
Mayor Byron Brown, in a separate news conference, suggested that Poloncarz was struggling with the stress of the crisis. “People have been working around the clock since the beginning of this storm,” he said. “You know, some people handle that pressure a lot differently. Some keep working. Some keep trying to help the residents of our community, and some break down and lash out.”
Asked by a reporter if he believed he should resign over the public’s frustration and the loss of life from the storm, Brown defended his actions over the past week.
“I don’t think I should resign,” he said. “Again, these were historic blizzard conditions.”
The public finger-pointing was a
dramatic development in a region where residents have been increasingly frustrated with the pace of storm response. The blizzard — which officials have characterized as one of the worst in recent memory — arrived Friday. The snow lasted roughly 36 hours and was accompanied by blinding winds. Six days later, residents were still attempting to dig out. Many had been trapped in their homes without heat, as utility crews struggled to fix substations encased in ice.
Late Wednesday, with many roads finally cleared, officials announced that they would lift a travel ban in Buffalo on Thursday, starting at 12:01 a.m. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that all major state highways in western New York and several critical local
roads would reopen at the same time.
Poloncarz, too, has come under withering criticism from residents who believe he should have banned motorists from county roads sooner than he did. Hundreds of drivers became stranded on highways and smaller streets, beginning Friday, as whiteout conditions and heavy snowfall trapped them for hours. Of the 37 deaths attributed to the storm in Erie County, four victims were found in their cars.
“I feel like there’s still more that could have been done,” said Felicia Williamson, who has run a day care called My Precious Angels in Buffalo for more than 20 years and has been part of a grassroots rescue and recovery effort. “If you were going to create a driving ban, you could have created a driving ban on Thursday to make people stay home.”
Poloncarz acknowledged the controversy on Twitter on Wednesday. “As I said earlier today in response to whether the driving ban should have been instituted earlier, I do not know if it would have changed anything but it was my decision and I bear full responsibility,” he wrote. “As JFK said, ‘victory has a hundred fathers, but defeat is an orphan.’”
Of those who died in the storm, more than a dozen were found outside. Other deaths were attributed to delays by emergency personnel. Some people froze in their homes. Some died in their cars. Several suffered cardiac arrest while trying to shovel or use snowblowers. Officials have said they expect the death toll to rise
as more victims are found and identified.
On Wednesday, hundreds of National Guard troops fanned out across the area. Officials said that their mission had largely shifted from rescue operations to checks of homes that lost power and to the enormous project of removing snow from streets.
As the temperature rose, four-person crews in about 25 Humvee vehicles checked on some of the hundreds of homes that still remained without power, officials said. Soldiers armed with shovels helped ease access for utility companies fixing downed lines.
“Any place that is out of power, we’re sending people to check on them,” said Eric Durr, director of public affairs at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs.
About 14 green and tan Humvees, as well as larger supply and security trucks, were lined up just north of downtown Buffalo outside the Connecticut Street Armory. Downtown streets were largely cleared, with massive piles of snow pushed to the side of roadways.
Legions of front loaders, in some cases trailed by state police vehicles, made significant progress overnight Tuesday into Wednesday in residential areas.
Just before midnight Tuesday, several residents stood out front of their homes cheering and waving, shovels in hand, as a lone loader rolled down a side street pushing and scooping mounds of snow off to the side of the road, opening up a single lane to dig out their vehicles that had been trapped in a catacomb of snow for nearly five days.
The Biden administration, fearful that a surge of coronavirus infections in Beijing could spawn a new and more dangerous variant, announced this week that it will require travelers from China, including Hong Kong and Macao, to present negative COVID-19 tests before entering the United States.
The requirement will take effect Jan. 5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which made the announcement. Officials at the agency say they are deeply concerned over China’s lack of transparency about its outbreak — and, in particular, its failure to track and sequence variants and subvariants that are circulating within its borders.
CDC officials said the requirement for testing will apply to air passengers regardless of their nationality and vaccination status. It will also apply to travelers coming from China who enter the United States through a third country, or who connect through the United States to other destinations. Italy and Japan
have already imposed similar restrictions, and India has mandated negative COVID-19 test reports and random screening at airports for passengers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.
But as they did when President Donald Trump imposed pandemic travel limitations, some experts questioned whether the testing requirement would do any good — especially given the surge in cases in some parts of the United States. In the northeast, scientists say virus spread is being fueled by an omicron subvariant, XBB, which appears to be spreading more quickly than ones related to the dominant variant in Beijing.
“I understand politically why it must be done, but the bottom line is, it’s a false sense of security that we’re really slowing transmission,” said Michael T. Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
But President Joe Biden’s coronavirus response coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, took issue with the comparison to how Trump had restricted entry by foreigners coming from
China early in the pandemic.
The Biden administration’s policy “isn’t a ban on travel at all,” Jha said in an emailed statement after this article was published online. Rather, he called it a “prudent” testing requirement for all travelers coming from China, not just nationals of that country, that is necessary “because China — unlike virtually every other major nation — is not updating the global database on COVID cases and COVID variants.”
China’s COVID outbreak has been worsening in recent days, with local governments reporting hundreds of thousands of infections a day. Videos obtained by The New York Times show sick patients crowding hospital hallways. But the situation is difficult to track in real time because China does not release reliable COVID data.
The CDC also announced Wednesday that it was expanding a voluntary genomic surveillance program that looks for new variants in anonymous swabs taken from international travelers at major American airports to include Los Angeles and Seattle.
The Biden administration has offered vaccines and other COVID-19 support to China, but that assistance has been rejected, federal officials said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shortly before Christmas and “underscored the importance of transparency for the international community,” the State Department said.
Some experts worried that instead of encouraging transparency from China, the new policy could make the Chinese even less forthcoming.
“The most important strategy right now is we need to improve our political and diplomatic communication with China,” said Dr. Carlos del Rio, an infectious disease expert at Emory University. He said he feared that the Biden administration’s new policy would work “in the opposite direction.”
But Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health, said the administration had little choice.
“I think they are rightly trying to put some pressure on China to uphold its international responsibilities,” she said, adding that the “compact of agreement” that calls on countries to share data about a pandemic “is only going to work if countries call out bad behavior.”
After three years of insisting on a “zero COVID” policy, China made an abrupt turnabout in early December and lifted that policy, after mass protests over lockdowns that threatened the ruling Communist Party. Since
then, there has been a dramatic uptick in the number of cases in Beijing.
A major concern among public health officials is that the Chinese population has little natural immunity, allowing the virus to spread rapidly. Rapid spread, in turn, creates new opportunities for the virus to evolve, posing a risk that new variants may emerge and spread to other parts of the world.
Scientists say that does not necessarily mean that a more dangerous variant will soon emerge in China. Over the past year, people in the United States have gotten infected with waves of omicron subvariants. But because people in China have essentially been walled off from those versions of the virus, scientists said that any of them could take off there.
“In some sense, whatever took off first is probably going to be dominant there,” said James Wood, an infectious disease expert at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.
Some past variants are believed to have emerged when the virus mutated during lengthy infections in people with compromised immune systems, suggesting that the amount of transmission in a given place may not on its own determine the likelihood of new variants developing.
“While there is an argument that with more people being infected, there may be more opportunity for mutation and the development of a new variant,” said Jeffrey Shaman, an infectious-disease modeler at Columbia University, “we still don’t know whether new variants predominantly develop during passage from person to person or within persons who experience extended infections.”
Especially in a few months, once more people in China have a degree of immunity from previous infections and the virus comes under more pressure to evolve there, it will be important to scan for new variants, scientists said.
“It would be nice if China were providing some kind of summary of what variants they were seeing,” said Wood, of the University of New South Wales. “Otherwise, in the end, that gets picked up in genomic surveillance in Europe or the U.S. or wherever people are traveling.”
Still, he said, for the moment, China did not pose an outsized risk of spawning a new variant.
“We’ve had a huge number of infections internationally,” he said. “That’s a lot more infections than have occurred in China alone.”
For months, migrants from Nicaragua and Colombia, toddlers on their shoulders and knapsacks on their backs, have been wading across the shallow waters of the Rio Grande near El Paso and forming lines to turn themselves in to U.S. border authorities. Farther west, in Arizona, migrants from Russia, India and South America have been passing through gaps in the border wall and surrendering to U.S. agents.
None of them have been held back by a nearly 3-yearold public health measure, known as Title 42, that was billed as an attempt to effectively close the border against the soaring numbers of migrants unlawfully entering the United States. They are not being barred from making an asylum claim; they are not being expelled to Mexico.
Migrants are lining the sidewalks in El Paso, where many have been sleeping under donated blankets because shelters are at capacity. Migrants taken into custody in Arizona are being bused to San Diego for processing to avert chaos at crowded holding facilities, and then dropped off at bus stations to head for destinations across the country.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked the Biden administration’s attempt to lift the Trump-era pandemic restriction at the southern border after 19 Republican-led states argued that the rule’s immediate termination would wreak havoc at the border.
But the reality is that, despite all the dark predictions over what will happen when Title 42 is lifted, the border already is in the midst of a record-setting migration surge that is likely to persist for the foreseeable future. The border control measure is full of exemptions under which tens of thousands of migrants every month are showing up at U.S. ports of entry with a relatively high degree of confidence that they will be allowed to stay.
“Postponing the end of Title 42 will avoid a tiny moment of chaos but doesn’t provide a solution for what is going on at the border,” said Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank.
“The reality is that people are coming from a much wider group of countries than ever before, and most aren’t subject to Title 42,” he said. “There is not a set of policies to deal with growing numbers of people from other parts of the world. Title 42 has long lost most of its effectiveness as a deterrence tool.”
Last month, 29% of all border crossers were expelled under Title 42, while the vast majority came from a long list of countries — including Colombia, Cuba, India, Nicaragua and Russia, among others — for which Title 42 does not apply.
In thousands of other cases, migrants were allowed to enter the United States because they were traveling with children or qualified for some other form of protection under humanitarian law. An unknown number, most crossing in remote areas, were able to evade border authorities and enter the country without being apprehended.
The 2.4 million Border Patrol encounters with migrants in the 2022 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 represented a record high. And it is probably no accident that the steepest increases were among migrants not subject
Migrants at a makeshift tent city in Reynosa, Mexico, on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, as they wait to seek asylum in the U.S. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling extending an expulsion policy known as Title 42 proved deeply disappointing for many migrants gathered at the border, hoping for a chance to seek asylum in the U.S.
to Title 42. There was a nearly 2,000% increase in the number of Colombians encountered compared with the previous fiscal year; Indians increased by 607%; Cubans by 471%; Russians by 430%; and Nicaraguans by 227%.
By contrast, apprehensions of Hondurans and Guatemalans — two countries that made up a large share of the migrants arriving in the United States in most recent years, but whose nationals are now subject to expulsion under Title 42 — were down by 33% and 18%, respectively.
This trend has continued in the new fiscal year: Of the migrants encountered in November at the border, 39% were from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala or Honduras, whose nationals can be expelled under Title 42. Cubans and Nicaraguans, who cannot be swiftly expelled, outnumbered migrants from the Northern Triangle countries — Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras — a situation that would have been unheard-of even a year ago.
“We are pretending that this policy that applies to a small subset of people is going to cure the push factors globally encouraging so many to travel to the border,” said Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council. “Even with Title 42 in place, the numbers are bound to keep increasing.”
Rosina Omier, 40, and her niece, Sharina Bons, 18, left Nicaragua on Nov. 18 and crossed the Rio Grande near downtown El Paso a month later to ask for asylum. They were in custody for 12 hours.
“It was fast,” Omier recalled. “We entered at night and were released at 8 a.m.”
Dario Estrada, 21; Vanesa Mejia, 20; and their 18-month-old son, Mathias; left Medellín, Colombia, on Oct. 1, worried over what they said was the rising gang violence in their neighborhood.
After wading across the murky river near El Paso, they pushed through a crack in the border wall and were picked up by U.S. authorities who instructed them to check in with immigration enforcement within 60 days in Houston, their stated destination.
But they had no money for bus fare to Houston, and after spending three nights at a local shelter, which limited stays to 72 hours, they moved Tuesday night to the sidewalk in front of a church, where they slept under blankets on cardboard boxes.
Introduced by the Trump administration in March 2020, Title 42 is a provision of a 1944 health law that empowers the government to impede the entry of foreigners during public health emergencies. Critics from the beginning said that the rule had been adopted not to control the coronavirus but to impede the large numbers of migrants who had been fleeing poverty and gang violence in Central America and Mexico.
But even after the pandemic was no longer an issue, the Biden administration has continued to use the measure to summarily expel migrants from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and, more recently, Venezuela. Such migrants could easily be turned away from the U.S. because Mexico was willing to accept them.
U.S. authorities were also able to use Title 42 to expel migrants from countries where they could be easily flown home, such as Haiti and Brazil. In all, the public health measure has been used to justify 2.5 million expulsions, including many migrants who might otherwise have applied for asylum in the United States.
From the beginning, though, there were countries for which it was logistically difficult to fly migrants home, mostly because the United States had no diplomatic agreement for returning them. Colombia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Russia all fit into that category, and those are the countries which, in many cases, have fueled the latest surge in migration that shows no signs of abating.
Facing mounting pressure to rein in the number of unauthorized border crossings, the Biden administration could extend Title 42 to nationals of other countries as it recently did with Venezuelans in November.
In the meantime, even the news that the Supreme Court had left the U.S. border closed to many migrants failed to stop the ever-growing number of migrants assembling in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, on the other side of the border from El Paso, hoping for a chance.
One of them, José Ramón Aguilera Guzmán, 22, said he was the first in his family to leave Venezuela. Even with Title 42 in place for now, he said, he has no choice but to wait.
“What can you do with a monthly salary of $2 if your family is seven or eight people?”
Southwest Airlines, caught in a vexing tangle of misplaced staff and technical problems since last week’s winter storm, said Thursday that it planned to return to normal operations Friday “with minimal disruptions.”
Over its five-decade history, Southwest has cultivated a reputation for inexpensive tickets, reliable customer service and flight crews with a sense of humor. But the company’s meltdown has stranded thousands of travelers, bewildered employees and put company executives on the defensive, possibly doing damage to Southwest’s brand that could take years to repair.
More than 2,300 of Southwest’s flights were canceled Thursday, or about 58% of the flights it had scheduled for the day. By contrast, the airline had canceled just 39 flights scheduled for Friday as of Thursday afternoon, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking service.
“We know even our deepest apologies — to our customers, to our employees and to all affected through this disruption — only go so far,” the company said in a statement Thursday.
The company’s problems started with a severe winter storm that disrupted every airline in the busy travel days before Christmas. But Southwest did not quickly bounce back like the rest of the industry, in large part because it relies on a different organizational structure that made it harder to recover from disruptions. In addition, the company had technical problems in the computer systems it uses to schedule flights and crews.
The company’s slow recovery and poor communications during the crisis earned it intense criticism from travelers, labor union leaders and government officials.
In an interview on “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said of Southwest, “We are past the point where they could say that this is a weather-driven issue.”
He added: “What this indicates is a system failure, and they need to make sure that these stranded passengers get to where they need to go and that they are provided adequate compensation.”
Southwest will now have to engage in a long campaign to win back trust, said David A. Ball, the president of Ball Consulting Group, a corporate crisis management firm.
“When you have the secretary of transportation going on network television and saying that your company is in a meltdown, that’s pretty much the definition of a crisis,” Ball said.
He added that the disruptions to
Southwest’s service would require a “multiyear rebuilding effort for the brand,” including a close look at “every aspect of their brand and of their business.”
As executives scrambled to restore normal operations, customers remained far from home and frustrated by the lack of progress or ability to contact customer service for help. Some had to spend more than $1,000 for tickets on other airlines or for rental cars for cross-country road trips.
Alaina Voccio, a high school teacher in Santa Monica, California, and her 17-year-old son had been stranded in Denver since Dec. 23 after Southwest canceled their flight to Los Angeles.
Her relief upon hearing that Southwest expected its operations to return to normal Friday was muted by the headache she had already endured — a missed Christmas celebration with her daughter, a missed trip to Florida, and hundreds of dollars spent on hotel rooms and meals.
“I’d be thrilled if that’s true,” said Voccio,
who was scheduled for a return flight Friday morning. Given that she hadn’t had any problems with Southwest before, Voccio said she would probably fly Southwest again if it adequately reimbursed the expenses that she and other travelers had accrued over the past week.
“I’m 46 years old, and I’ve been flying them since I was like 21. Stuff happens,” Voccio said. “I think if they take some cheap hard line, that’s going to sour me for my life.”
Despite the chaos over the past few days, Southwest could bounce back, in part because it has engendered a lot of goodwill among loyal customers over its five-decade history, said Jason Mudd, CEO of Axia Public Relations, which helps companies facing crises but doesn’t have Southwest as a client.
“Usually it’s another airline or another brand in the industry that we hear about that is experiencing delays and cancellations very heavily,” Mudd said. “Southwest tends to be pretty reliable, or at least has a reputation for being very reliable and very on time and efficient.”
Mudd cited the Tylenol poisonings of 1982, when someone put potassium cyanide in Extra-Strength Tylenol, causing seven deaths in Chicago and leading to other, similar attacks. Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of Tylenol’s manufacturer, responded by adding new safety features to its bottles.
“When it’s done well, organizations are going to put people over profits and do the right thing,” Mudd said. “In this case, that’s what I’m counting on Southwest to do.”
Southwest’s stock price closed about 4% higher Thursday afternoon after the company’s announcement.
A Southwest Airlines check-in counter at Baltimore-Washington International Airport on Wednesday, when the airline canceled more than 2,500 flights.
The San Juan Daily Star December 30, 2022-January 1, 2023 10
U.S. markets shot higher in early Thursday as investors looked to recover from a rocky couple days this week.
At 10:00 ET (15:00 GMT), the S&P 500 traded up 1.3% to 3832, while the NASDAQ Composite was up 1.9% at 10405. The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded 0.8% higher, and the Russell 2000 traded up 1.9%.
Initial jobless claims ticked higher last week as expected by economists, while continuing jobless claims came in slightly ahead of economist expectations. It’s possible that investors digging for signs that the economy is slowing so the Federal Reserve can ease off their monetary policy tightening are reacting to that data, though it is just as feasible that after heavy tax-loss selling earlier this week, many went looking for bargains.
Befitting a positive day in the markets, most major stocks shot higher. Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) was up 7% and above $120/share, as longtime bullish shop Morgan Stanley came out with a ‘buy the dip’ note, even as they cut their price target to $250. Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBD) was up 4.7% in early trading and Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) was up 4%.
An exception to this bullish trend was Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM), which dropped 11.7% in early trading after its earnings report beat expectations, but included news of a meaningful price hike due to a rise in feed costs. Goldman Sachs traded up only 0.4% as reports came out from Bloomberg that the investment bank was planning another round of job cuts that will be ‘unveiled in a matter of weeks’.
Crude Oil WTI Futures dipped again, down 1.7% to $77.6/barrel, with Brent Oil Futures down 1.5% to $82.75. Natural gas continued its precipitous fall, down 3.9% to $4.5.
The US Dollar dropped 0.3%, giving back yesterday’s gains, with the EUR/USD up a corresponding 0.38% to $1.0648. Bitcoin (BitfinexUSD) traded around $16670, in line with its price through the week, as Cannacord made the case it could be years before we see a bitcoin bull market return. Gold bounced back up to $1825/oz, a .5% gain.
U.S. stocks jumped to a sharply higher close and Treasury yields touched two-week highs on Wednesday as robust economic data, upbeat corporate guidance and easing geopolitical concerns boosted investor risk appetite.
Front-month crude futures dropped following a report that U.S. stockpiles of crude and gasoline unexpectedly surged last week.
Economic data showed an unexpected acceleration of services activity and a robust increase in factory orders, suggesting that the economy was healthy enough to withstand the hawkish monetary policy from the U.S. Federal Reserve.
St. Louis Fed President James Bullard underscored that hawkishness by reiterating the central bank’s intention to “be tough” on inflation until it cools down to the Fed’s average annual 2% target.
A drop in oil prices accelerated after a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed an unexpected surge in U.S. crude and gasoline stocks, which fol-
lowed the OPEC+ group of crude producers’ announcement that it would increase its production by a mere 100,000 barrels per day.
“Oil is still up 25% from the beginning of the year,” Pursche added. “This recent drop is a combined result of that and a reflection that there is going to be an economic slowdown. T
Explosions rocked towns and cities around Ukraine on Thursday morning and electricity went out in several regions as Russia launched what appeared to be one its biggest strikes to date on the country’s energy grid.
The attack combined a swarm of drones and a volley of cruise missiles, the Ukrainian air force said on Facebook. Iranian-made exploding drones, which Russia began acquiring last summer, were launched in a first wave, apparently to bog down air defenses before the cruise missile strikes, it said, adding that its defense forces had shot down 54 of 69 missiles and knocked out drones.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said in a statement on Twitter that Russia had been “saving one of the most massive missile attacks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion for the last days of the year.”
For three months, Russia has launched waves of cruise missiles and drones at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in what military analysts say is
a strategy to plunge the country into cold and darkness and to demoralize the population. The volleys have come about every week or two.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine said last week that another barrage was expected during the holi-
days.
“With the approaching holiday season, Russian terrorists may become active again,” he said in a nightly address to Ukrainians. “They despise Christian values and any values in general.”
Air-raid sirens sounded about 5:30 a.m. throughout most of Ukraine. The Ukrainian military’s southern command said two Russian ships in the Black Sea had shown signs suggesting that they were preparing to launch missiles, setting off the alarms.
As the sun rose Thursday, a puffy contrail could be seen looping across the partially cloudy sky over Kyiv — possibly coming from a missile, and a Ukrainian jet, or an air-defense weapon, scrambled in defense.
Seven or eight explosions followed in the capital. One rattled windows and set off car alarms in the city center. It was not clear whether the blasts echoing in the city were from intercepts or strikes by cruise missiles.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said on the Telegram messaging app that Ukrainian air defenses had shot down 16 missiles over the city. At least three people, including a 14-year-old, were injured and two people were pulled
from a damaged home, he said.
The city government said on Telegram that a house and a car had been damaged by falling debris from a Russian missile shot down over the capital.
“Anti-aircraft defenses are working,” the city said in another statement posted online. “Keep calm! Stay in shelters!”
Authorities in Kharkiv, in the northeast, and in Odesa, in the south, also reported damage from the volley.
The Ukrainian general staff headquarters said in a statement that Russia had launched 13 Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones at energy infrastructure in Kharkiv. The small delta-winged craft are powered by a piston engine with a distinctive buzz that sounds like a chain saw. They are slow flying and relatively easy to shoot down.
The general staff said air-defense systems had shot down 11 of the 13 drones aimed at Kharkiv. In the airspace around the city of Dnipro in southeastern Ukraine, air-defense forces shot down five more drones, according to a statement from the eastern military command.
The cruise missiles followed. The Russian military launched them toward Ukraine from several directions, firing from airplanes and ships at sea, the air force statement said.
The attack comes as Kyiv is striking more boldly at targets deep in Russian territory. Russia’s Defense Ministry said this week that three soldiers were killed after air defenses shot down a Ukrainian drone approaching Engels air base, near Saratov, home to some of Russia’s nuclear-capable strategic bombers that are used to fire cruise missiles at Ukraine.
The governor of Russia’s Saratov region, Roman Busargin, said that Russian air defenses had shot down a drone on Thursday near the city of Engels, damaging a car and garage, but that no one was wounded.
Ukraine maintains a policy of not publicly claiming or denying responsibility for attacks in Russia, even as officials comment approvingly on them.
Aviolent attack by a group of white men on two Black teenagers at a resort pool in South Africa on Christmas Day has sparked widespread outrage, reviving images from the ugly days of apartheid and serving as a stinging reminder of the country’s unresolved racial tensions.
Cellphone footage of the assault — which the teenagers said started when they were told the pool was for “white people only” — spread widely on social media. It showed scenes that could have been from decades ago, when apartheid-era laws restricted South Africa’s Black majority from using public facilities designated for white people.
Brian Nakedi, a former underground fighter against apartheid, said his 18-yearold son, Kgokong Nakedi, was one of the teenagers assaulted at the pool in Bloemfontein, a city about four hours south of Johannesburg. Both denied online claims that the youths had provoked the fight.
Brian Nakedi, who witnessed the assault on his son, said: “I became incensed. We have to relive the pain through our kids.”
A video clip shows one man delivering an open-hand slap to the face of one Black teenager, another graying white man casually holding a cigarette as he tugs the hair of the other Black youth, and one of the men wrapping the taller youth in a headlock and pulling him into the pool, seemingly trying to submerge the teenager’s head underwater.
On Wednesday, three white men were arrested and charged: Johan Nel, 33, and Jan Stephanus van der Westhuizen, 47, appeared in court on assault charges. A third suspect, 48, whose name was not released, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday on a charge of attempted murder. None of the suspects or their lawyers could immediately be reached for comment.
Since the fall of apartheid nearly 30 years ago, South Africans have proudly declared their country a “rainbow nation.” But the encounter, at Maselspoort Resort and Conference Center, adds to a litany of racist episodes that have induced soul-searching and hand-wringing among South Africans.
After video of the violence at the pool surfaced, President Cyril Ramaphosa released a statement calling on Black
and white South Africans to condemn racism.
“Under the rule of law, we must let investigations take their course,” he said, “but under the rule of law, we can and must also declare that racism has no place in our society and racists have no place to hide.”
Brian Nakedi, 58, said family members had booked a house for three nights at the resort for their first reunion since the coronavirus pandemic began. The venue is divided into two parts, he said — homes and chalets on one side, where his family was staying, and a wooded campground on the other side that is usually occupied mostly by white visitors.
The resort’s management did not respond to a phone message seeking comment.
Kgokong Nakedi said that in the early afternoon on Christmas Day, he and his cousin, Sipho Khumalo, 13, had set out to swim at the pool on the campground side. Almost as soon as they arrived, he said, white guests began asking them what they were doing there and saying that they were not allowed. Kgokong Nakedi said he got into the pool anyway, but as tensions increased, he and his cousin left to tell his father.
Brian Nakedi said he went to confront the men who had stopped his son and nephew. It appeared, he said, that they
thought the teenagers were not guests at the resort and, therefore, not allowed to use the pool. Brian Nakedi said he explained that they were, indeed, guests, and the situation appeared to clear up. The elder Nakedi said he explained to the youths that everything was OK and they could return to the pool.
But when they went back, Kgokong Nakedi said, one of the men closed the gate and stopped them from entering. An argument ensued, with Kgokong Nakedi and the man jabbing their fingers at each other, according to security footage from the pool provided by the Nakedi family, who said the resort’s management had
turned it over.
Kgokong Nakedi and Sipho hopped over the fence. When Kgokong Nakedi jumped in the pool, almost all of the white occupants of the pool, a dozen or so adults and children, got out, video showed. Two white children remained in the water.
Then, security footage showed, some of the white visitors and Kgokong Nakedi began yelling at one another. Kgokong Nakedi swam to the edge of the pool. A white man leaned over and slapped him — and chaos ensued, with the teenagers fighting back.
Kgokong Nakedi later said that the man who was trying to hold him underwater kept saying, “You’re fighting for the water; now you’ll die.”
Kgokong Nakedi, who was born after 1994, when apartheid in South Africa ended, said that members of his generation, known as the born-frees, were “not tolerant at all to such racist acts.” Still, he said, his parents had raised him to be cautious, knowing that as members of a rising middle-class Black family, they would be venturing into spaces that were once the preserve of white South Africans who would not necessarily welcome them with open arms.
“He made sure that I know myself and I love myself,” Kgokong Nakedi said of his father.
He said the pool episode had not destroyed his faith in South Africa’s nonracial democratic experiment. “There are a lot of flaws,” he said. “We are a young nation, but great things take time. We are working toward something great.”
Some Chinese were disappointed by the Biden administration’s new testing requirement for travelers coming from their country. Others radiated contempt, calling it the latest Western effort to contain China’s rise. But many
SOBRE INTENCIÓN DE OTORGAR MODIFCACIÓN AL PERMISO PARA OPERAR UNA INSTALACIÓN DE DESPERDICIOS SÓLIDOS NO PELIGROSOS
El Hon. Ángel L. Torres Ortiz, alcalde del Municipio de Yauco, ha sometido ante el Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales una solicitud de permiso para modificar el permiso de operación de una Instalación de Disposición Final de Desperdicios Sólidos No Peligrosos (Incorporar a su operación una nueva celda al Sistema de Relleno Sanitario existente y desperdicios líquidos para ser solidificados), localizada en la Carr. PR-335, Km. 3.8, Bo. Marina, Sector La Joya, Yauco, Puerto Rico.
El Reglamento para los Sistemas de Relleno Sanitario, Reglamento Núm. 9306 de 7 de septiembre de 2021, establece en el Capítulo IX el requisito de solicitar un permiso como condición previa a la operación de una instalación de desperdicios sólidos no peligrosos, el cual es aplicable a dueños u operadores. La Regla 158 del mencionado capítulo requiere la publicación de este Aviso y regula la celebración de Vistas Públicas, las cuales podrían ser efectuadas de considerarse necesarias por este Departamento, o por peticiones durante el período comprendido para comentarios.
Copia de la solicitud de permiso, al igual que el Borrador de Permiso y otros documentos relevantes al caso, están a la disposición del público para ser examinados en la Oficina Regional de Mayagüez, localizada en la Carr. # 2, Km. 164 lnteririo Plaza Monserrate, Hormigueros, PR; y en el Área Control Contaminación de Terrenos del Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, ubicada en el Edificio Ambiental, Ave. Ponce de León# 1308, Carr. Estatal 8838, Sector El Cinco, Río Piedras, PR 00928 de 8:00 A.M. a 4:30 P.M., de lunes a viernes.
Toda parte interesada en someter comentarios con respecto al borrador de permiso, deberá hacerlo por escrito dentro de 30 días a partir de la fecha de publicación de este Aviso. Deberá dirigir su comunicación al Sr. Harold Gonzalez Avilés, Director Interino, Oficina Regional de Mayagüez, San Jose Industrial Park, 1375 Ave. Ponce de León, San Juan, PR 00926 (postal) o Carr. PR-2, Km. 164 Interior, Plaza Monserrate, Hormigueros (física).
Este anuncio se publica conforme a lo requerido por la Ley sobre Política Pública Ambiental, Ley 416 del 22 de septiembre de 2004, según enmendada. El costo del Aviso Ambiental es sufragado por la entidad peticionaria.
were simply indifferent.
For many Chinese, the U.S. rule that they must present negative COVID-19 tests to visit is a tangential development. China is grappling with severe outbreaks that have sickened countless people and overwhelmed hospitals and funeral parlors. Many are focused on trying to hold on to their jobs and homes as the economy sputters.
And to many of those who have been considering travel, an extra COVID test is not a major inconvenience. Such testing had until recently been — for many tens of millions of citizens — a near-daily routine mandated by the authorities. And Chinese tourists know that they’re welcome in a lot of places across Asia and beyond.
“It’s just a COVID test before traveling,” said Li Kuan, 33, a software engineer at a technology startup in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. “We’ve been doing a bunch of tests like this for the past three years.”
The rule from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, announced Wednesday, will require negative tests from anyone, regardless of nationality or vaccination status, who wants to board a U.S.-bound flight in China. It will apply to travelers in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as to anyone coming from China who transits in the United States or enters it through a third country.
The rule will take effect Jan. 5, three days before China plans to drop the strict quarantine requirements that have been in place for inbound travelers for nearly three years.
People around the world are excited about the potential boon for business and tourism that would accompany a surge in Chinese tourists. But some also worry about how cases have exploded in the country since early December, when China abruptly lifted its “zero-COVID” policy after mass protests over lockdowns that threatened the ruling Communist Party.
Officials in the United States fear that the coronavirus will spread rapidly in China, allowing new variants to develop and spread around the world.
The CDC said it was requiring a negative COVID test for travelers from China to slow the spread of the virus in the United States. As new variants of the virus emerge around the world, China’s “reduced” testing and case reporting and “minimal” sharing of epidemiological data could delay their identification, the agency said.
Italy and Japan recently imposed similar travel restrictions, and India now requires negative COVID test results and random screening at airports for passengers arriving from China, including Hong Kong, as well as from Japan, South Korea and Thailand.
On Thursday in China, the Communist Party’s main propaganda outlets, usually quick to criticize countries that impose restrictions on Chinese travelers, appeared to downplay the U.S. news. The CDC rule was barely mentioned on many of the party’s main platforms.
Some sites instead highlighted the positive reception China’s easing has been getting in other countries. “China’s new measures ‘enhance global economic hope,’” read the headline of an article in the Global Times, the Communist Party newspaper.
Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing, said China’s official media could be wary of reporting too much on the U.S. restriction out of fear that doing so would draw attention to China’s domestic out-
breaks and fuel public anger.
“If you talk about this too much, you’re bound to make mistakes,” he said.
For Beijing, it could be difficult to make the argument that the United States should not impose a testing requirement, when China itself still plans to maintain one, even after it eases the rules. The government will require incoming travelers to show a negative polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test within 48 hours before departure.
At a routine news briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, did not directly address the Biden administration’s move. He repeated talking points Beijing has used in the past week as some countries started imposing limits on Chinese travelers, saying that those pandemic measures should be “scientific and appropriate.”
But this time, he made a pointed reference to the question of discrimination, saying that such measures should also “treat citizens of all countries equally.”
It was unclear Thursday how or whether the new CDC rule would affect China’s delicate relationship with the United States. When President Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, China’s leader, met in Indonesia last month, they appeared eager for a soft reset of a relationship that had been careening toward confrontation. Yet the relationship remains stuck at its lowest point in years amid disagreements over the future of Taiwan, technology restrictions and China’s mass detentions of its citizens, among other issues.
Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, described the CDC rule as “epidemiologically unconvincing and diplomatically unjustified.”
“The overall reopening should be encouraged,” he said, referring to China’s plan to gradually dismantle its COVID testing infrastructure and travel restrictions. “Now you’re giving Chinese people the impression that you’re punishing them.”
Huang said he sympathized with international criticism of China’s perceived reluctance to share coronavirus data with other countries. But he also worries that the CDC requirement may be fodder for Chinese nationalists who argue that the United States is trying to contain China’s rise.
That was the tone Thursday on some pages of the Global Times.
“The COVID outbreak this time tells China that it must recognize a basic fact,” Shen Yi, a professor of international politics at Fudan University in Shanghai, wrote in a column.
“That is that China’s words, deeds and various policies will face electron microscope-level scrutiny by American and Western public opinion and anti-China politicians,” he wrote. “If there is a slight flaw, it will be infinitely magnified; if a flaw can’t be found, they’d create it artificially.”
The world’s two most powerful leaders have just had very different years.
At the beginning of 2022, Joe Biden was widely portrayed as a failed president. His legislative agenda appeared stalled, while economic troubles seemed to guarantee devastating losses in the midterms. What happened instead was that the Inflation Reduction Act — which is mainly a game-changing climate bill — was enacted; the much-hyped “red wave” was a ripple; and while many economists are still predicting a recession, unemployment is still low and inflation has been subsiding.
By contrast, early this year Xi Jinping, China’s paramount leader, was still boasting about his triumph over COVID-19. Indeed, for a while, people commonly heard assertions that China’s apparent success in pandemic management heralded its emergence as the world’s leading power. Now, however, Xi has abruptly ended his signature “zero COVID” policy, with all indications pointing to a huge surge in hospitalizations and deaths that will stress health care to the breaking point; the Chinese economy seems set to face major problems over the next two or three years; and longterm projections of Chinese economic growth are being marked down.
China’s future, it seems, is not what it used to be. Why?
China’s ability to limit the spread of the coronavirus with draconian lockdowns was supposed to demonstrate the superiority of a regime that doesn’t need to consult the public, that can simply do what needs to be done. At this point, however, Xi’s refusal to make preparations to move on, his failure to adopt the most effective vaccines and get shots in the arms of his most vulnerable citizens, have highlighted the weakness of authoritarian governments in which nobody can tell the leader when he’s getting it wrong.
Beyond the imminent prospect of carnage, China’s longrunning macroeconomic problems seem to be reaching a tipping point.
It has been obvious for years that China’s economy, despite an awesome history of economic growth, is wildly unbalanced. Too few of the gains from growth have trickled down to households, keeping consumer spending low as a share of gross domestic product. Extremely high rates of investment have filled the gap — but all indications are that investment is running into severely diminishing returns, with businesses ever more reluctant to spend on new ventures.
China has nonetheless managed to retain full employment — but mainly by promoting an enormous housing bubble. China’s real estate sector is incredibly bloated: According to one estimate, it accounts for 29% of GDP, with investment in real estate as a share of GDP running twice as high as it did in the United States at the height of the 2000s bubble.
This isn’t a sustainable state of affairs. Economists often cite Stein’s Law: “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.” Exactly how China’s bubble will end isn’t clear — it might be a sharp slowdown, or it might be a period of “low quality” growth that masks the true extent of the problem, but it won’t be pretty.
What has really struck me, however, is the way analysts have been marking down their longer-term projections for Chinese growth.
Two caveats here.
First, nobody is very good at predicting long-term growth; as Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist Robert Solow famously quipped, attempts to explain differences in national growth rates often end in a “blaze of amateur sociology.”
Second, when measuring the size of national economies, you need to distinguish between the dollar value of GDP and output measured at “purchasing power parity,” which is normally higher in lower-income economies, where the cost of living tends to be relatively low.
On the latter measure, estimates suggest that China overtook the United States around 2016. But the dollar measure is arguably more important when it comes to geopolitical influence. So when will China take the lead?
Recently Goldman Sachs, which formerly projected China as No. 1 by the mid-2020s, pushed that date back to 2035. The Japan Center for Economic Research, which previously projected Chinese leadership by 2028, then 2033, now says that it won’t happen for at least several decades. Some analysts don’t think it will ever happen.
Where does this newfound pessimism come from? Part of the issue is demography. China’s working-age population has actually been declining since 2015. The Chinese economy can still grow rapidly if it can sustain rapid productivity growth. But China’s policy missteps seem to have reinforced the perception that it’s entering the “middle-income trap,” a widely claimed (although controversial) phenomenon in which some poorer nations achieve rapid catch-up, but only up to a point, and stall out well below the income levels of the most advanced economies.
None of this should be taken to detract from the incredible rise in Chinese living standards over the past four decades, nor as a denial that China has already become an economic superpower. But if you were expecting Chinese economic dominance, you may have to wait for a long time. As I said, China’s future isn’t what it used to be.
POR CYBERNEWS
SAN JUAN – El alcalde de San Juan, Miguel Romero Lugo, informó el jueves de la instalación de 30 cámaras de seguridad y cuatro cabinas de teléfono con botones de pánico (call box) en la placita de Santurce y calles aledañas.
“Ante la necesidad de policías municipales adicionales, hemos optado por reforzar la seguridad con más tecnología para prevenir disturbios o cualquier altercado que ponga en riesgo la propiedad y vida de las per-
sonas”, indicó Romero Lugo en comunicación escrita.
“La tecnología, los protocolos de seguridad y la coordinación entre los centros de vigilancia virtual, están funcionando y su efectividad está probada”, añadió.
Mediante una inversión de 44,190 dólares, las cámaras serán monitoreadas desde el Centro de Operaciones Policiacas municipal y los botones de pánico desde el cuartel de Santurce.
“Al día de hoy, el mayor problema que enfrentan nuestros policías municipales son los altercados de personas embriagadas en altas horas de la noche. La efectividad de las cámaras ya se validó en octubre, tras una intervención en una pelea entre turistas y guardias de seguridad de uno de los locales. Gracias a las cámaras de seguridad, la policía llegó de inmediato, identificó a las nueve personas involucradas y sometió el caso a las autoridades pertinentes,” enfatizó por su parte el Comisionado de la Policía Municipal, José Juan García.
El cuerpo policiaco municipal de San Juan cuenta con 56 policías en el cuartel de Santurce y según la naturaleza del evento y cantidad de personas, se asignan entre 10 hasta 50 efectivos a la Placita.
Las 30 cámaras de seguridad, que operarán las 24 horas los 7 días de la semana, estarán distribuidas de la siguiente manera: 6 en el interior de cada entrada de la plaza, 3 en el estacionamiento, 1 en la oficina de administración y 20 en las calles Canals, Dos Hermanos, Orbeta y sus alrededores.
Añadieron además que las cámaras utilizadas son de ocho megapíxeles por lo que graban con alta fidelidad de día y de noche.
Otra herramienta tecnológica que se ha instalado son las cabinas telefónicas, que están cubiertas con una caja de seguridad, se encuentran ubicados en las calles Canals y Dos Hermanos, frente a las figuras de los Aguacates en la propia Placita y en el estacionamiento municipal. El sistema de los también denominados “call box”, se activa presionando el botón del pánico que hace sonar un ruido (zumbido) en el cuartel de Santurce, y de inmediato se proyecta en las cámaras el área de la llamada, que permite la comunicación directa entre el policía del centro de monitoreo y la cabina telefónica. Todas las cámaras del municipio de San Juan utilizan la plataforma Geovisión.
POR CYBERNEWS
SAN JUAN – Lisha A. Ramón Mejías, una madre al que su hija le fue removida por personal del Departamento de la Familia (DF), denunció que nadie del DF le contesta.
“Son las 11:30 de la mañana y yo no sé nada de Nazareth. Yo no sé qué está comiendo, quién la está bañando, quién la está cuidando. Yo no necesito psicólogos, yo no necesito una mierda, yo lo que necesito es que el sistema haga bien su trabajo y me la devuelva. Literalmente estoy mal, me siento mal,, necesito a mi hija, quien único la cuida, quien la parió, quien la engendró, que fue Miguel, somos los únicos que nos hemos enccargado de que ella esté bien, de que ella esté sana, de que tenga una mejor crianza.
Son las 11:30 y no han hecho un carajo, las trabaja-
doras sociales no contestan, me mintieron, no se iban a llevar a mi hija, me mintieron y se la llevaron y todavía no he sabido nada de Nazareth y me da tanto coraje porque mi hija no está siendo maltratada, no hay evidencia de abuso, nunca he estado en el departamento y nunca he estado así”, dijo la madre en un Facebook Live.
Más temprano, el Departamento de la Familia emitió declaraciones sobre el asunto.
“Por una situación de violencia intrafamiliar, un juez determinó el 19 de diciembre suspender las relaciones materno filiales y concedió la custodia de la menor al papá quien, a su vez, solicitó una orden de protección que fue aprobada hasta el 23 de enero.
El Departamento de la Familia (DF) recibió ayer un referido que establecía el incumplimiento de la orden de protección por ambas partes (papá y mamá). Para ga-
rantizar la protección, seguridad y bienestar de la menor, el DF asumió la custodia de emergencia”, sostuvo el Departamento de la Familia en declaraciones escritas.
Por esto, diversas personas han acudido a la carretera PR-15 y la PR-1 en Cayey para manifestarse.
POR CYBERNEWSSAN JUAN – El informe preliminar de COVID-19 del Departamento de Salud (DS) reportó el jueves 11 muertes y 204 personas hospitalizadas.
El total de muertes atribuidas es de 5,520.
Hay 190 adultos hospitalizados y 14 menores. El monitoreo cubre el periodo del 12 al 26 de diciembre 2022.
La tasa de positividad está en 31.42 por ciento.
The song that catapulted the rapper Saucy Santana from a reality-television figure with a keen magnetism to a serious pop contender was “Material Girl.” Released in 2019, and then amplified by TikTok this year, it was helped along by a title that nods to Madonna’s “Material Girl” — what you might call a conceptual sample. It was a savvy reference, and a means of quick association with a true pop icon.
This year, Saucy Santana tried it again, but in far more literal fashion. His single “Booty” is based on an exceedingly familiar horn arrangement — the same Chi-Lites one prominently sampled in “Crazy in Love,” the ecstatic 2003 Beyoncé and Jay-Z duet.
The ploy here was far more nebulous, maybe even devious. The effect is deliberate confusion. While “Booty” wasn’t sampling Beyoncé, strictly speaking, it was clearly channeling her, and also using a bit of her refracted superstar power as gasoline — the most literal version of a recommended-if-you-like algorithm. Even its video is optimized for recognition, with Santana doing the same stomp Beyoncé does in hers, in an almost identical outfit.
Throughout 2022, that gambit has been deployed again and again — by pop singers and rappers, established stars and newbies. Many of the catchiest songs of this year were also the catchiest songs of 2007, or 1998, or 1987, both custodians of old memories and triggers of new ones. Three songs relying on this approach went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Time is a flat circle, blah, blah, blah. But this specific wave of songs — from Jack Harlow, Burna Boy, Lizzo, Central Cee, Nicki Minaj and so many others — reflects a certain cynicism about how stardom is generated, or sustained, in the current moment.
The internet has collapsed linear time, making the music of three decades ago fundamentally as accessible as the music of today. It has also eroded the value of newness. In a TikTok-led cultural economy, in which people are willingly and excitedly aggregating themselves around collective challenges, the lure of participation in an established trend or idea is just as powerful as the urge to create something utterly new, if not more so.
Or phrased differently, it is aesthetically lazy. It’s a way to harness preexisting star power, or familiarity, as a proxy for generating your own; a running start for an artist who
might not be quite sure how to run on their own. A cheat code.
This tactic has been used by artists early in their careers, some with hardly any profile at all, like rapper Armani White, whose TikTok breakout “Billie Eilish” uses the same sample as N.O.R.E.’s “Nothin’,” a classic jubilant Neptunes production from 2002, applying a punchier flow. (Using Eilish’s name for the title: another low-cost accelerant.)
More often, it’s been a tool utilized by artists who already have a bit of momentum but are looking to solidify their position by implicitly aligning themselves with more established stars and hits. This technique was a hallmark of Jack Harlow’s album “Come Home the Kids Miss You,” which rolled out the strategy twice: on “First Class,” which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and relied on a sample of Fergie’s “Glamorous,” a Billboard No. 1 in 2007; and on “Side Piece,” which samples Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams’ “Beautiful,” a No. 6 hit in 2003.
Harlow was at a promising but precarious point before this album — he had a solid fan base and two major hits, but one was a viral sensation and the other a guest appearance. A sure thing was needed. Angel Lopez, one of the executive producers of “Come Home the Kids Miss You,” told Complex how he and Harlow “discussed early in the process about just finding something obvious that’ll connect with people instantly. He sent me a playlist of about 12 songs and said, ‘Choose from this. Let’s just dissect something.’”
Something similar was at play with Yung Gravy’s “Betty (Get Money),” an absurdist hit based on Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” — a real-life rickroll that functioned as a comedy song, a TikTok trend and a nostalgia trip all at once. “Betty” is goofy, but also underscores one of the less-heralded reasons to sample liberally: humorous shock.
In the last couple of years, these samples have consistently been a bridge to the mainstream for the current generation of female rappers, who have been using them to establish lineage with earlier hip-hop history.
Coi Leray’s new single, “Player,” reaches back to an unexpected hip-hop classic, “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Megan Thee Stallion’s “Plan B” uses Jodeci’s “Freek’n You (Mr. Dalvin’s Freek Mix)” as a starting point. Even Nicki Minaj found herself relying on this trick — her “Super Freaky Girl” is, more or less, simply her rapping over Rick James’ “Super Freak.” (Which, of cour-
se, had already formed the backbone of MC Hammer’s 1990 hit “U Can’t Touch This.”)
No female rapper has relied on this gambit more than Saweetie, whose “Tap In,” from 2020, used the same bouncy production as Too Short’s “Blow the Whistle,” and her 2019 hit “My Type” samples Petey Pablo’s “Freeka-Leek,” produced by Lil Jon. Even her recent collaboration with the R&B singer Muni Long, “Baby Boo,” is indebted to “My Boo” by Ghost Town DJs. Saweetie’s breakout debut, “Icy Girl,” came this way as well — a freestyle over Khia’s raunch classic “My Neck, My Back (Lick It).”
In some ways, this moment is an extension of the peak hip-hop sampling and interpolating era of the 1990s, though samples were often chosen then with an eye toward tethering hiphop to its forebears, soul and jazz. They were an argument for hip-hop’s musical and cultural seriousness, especially as the genre was under attack from social conservatives.
But more pop-minded producers like Dr. Dre and Puff Daddy also rightly understood that there were glaringly obvious old hits to be mined, and mine they did, occasionally in spectacularly garish fashion, like on “Come With Me,” the Puff Daddy song from the “Godzilla” soundtrack that features Jimmy Page recreating the monster riff from Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.”
The most current iteration of this idea is taking place in New York drill music, which has been wielding blisteringly obvious samples for the last couple of years, led by young producer Cash Cobain. Here, old songs — hip-hop classics, pop novelties and more — are scrunched and stretched sometimes to the point of absurdity. Take “Shake It,” the Kay Flock song that features Cardi B’s first drill performance, which turns Akon’s “Belly Dancer (Bananza)” into
something nervous and rowdy. (For a particularly extreme example, see “What NYC Sounds Like” by the Brooklyn rapper 917 Rackz, which features no fewer than 10 different sample-driven sections in just over three minutes.)
Part of drill’s appeal is its immediacy and brusqueness, but in these songs, the dissonance between the saccharine, familiar production and the rough-edged vocals is powerful and uncanny, as heard in a breakout drill hit from 2021: B-Lovee’s “My Everything,” based on Mary J. Blige’s “Everything.” (The veteran Los Angeles rapper YG took a cue from that this year, sampling Blige’s “Be Happy” on his song “Toxic”).
And Fivio Foreign, drill’s biggest post-Pop Smoke star, employed this strategy almost relentlessly this year on his major label debut album, “B.I.B.L.E.”: “What’s My Name” uses Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name”; “Paris to Tokyo” uses Far East Movement’s “Rocketeer”; and “City of Gods” uses the Chainsmokers’ “New York City” (and perhaps more abstractly, conscripts Alicia Keys into singing the interpolation of that song, in a spiritual echo of her contribution to Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind”).
Blend tapes, posse cut remixes, riddim culture in dancehall, TikTok duets: There are plenty of antecedents to this sort of loyalty to the familiar. Viewed generously, this wave of new hits function as remixes, layering a fresh idea atop a familiar base. That’s classic hip-hop territory, but it’s happening far outside hip-hop, too. Lizzo’s latest album features a few examples: “Grrrls,” which riffs off Beastie Boys’ “Girls,” and “Break Up Twice,” a revisiting of Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing).” David Guetta and Bebe Rexha’s “I’m Good (Blue)” is heaped onto the electro-pop novelty hit “Blue” by Eiffel 65.
Like Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl,” these late-career tracks have been lifelines. No longer burdened by the expectation of innovation, well-established artists essentially use these well-worn samples to firmly insert themselves into the historical pop slipstream. If a radio or club DJ can mix their vocals with an older song’s instrumental, blurring the lines between generations, why not just cut out the middlemen and do it themselves?
Or perhaps it’s simply a savvy acknowledgment that everyone — new stars and old stars alike — will eventually just become memories, data for the mining. These songs are concessions that say the quiet part out loud — everyone has always been borrowing voraciously, from everyone else, constantly. Why hide?
Did that hit arrive in 2022 or 1987? This year, it was hard to tell.
Ley de Sociedades Cooperativas Núm. 114, Art. 6.09
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For years, sparkling wine producers around the world have argued, with success, that bubbly should not be limited to celebrations and festive occasions. It’s a wine like any other, they’ve asserted, and should be opened just as you might for reds and whites, with meals or while relaxing with friends.
They’re correct, of course. Champagne and similar sparklers are versatile with food. Champagne in particular is great with fried chicken and other fried dishes, with sushi and even popcorn and pizza.
Nonetheless, bubbly remains the beverage of choice for celebrations. The pop and pour, the rush of bubbles and foam into the glasses and the lively tingle as you take a swallow — it all signals joy and togetherness like no other wine.
Having written year-end pieces on sparkling wines annually for years, I thought I might switch it up for 2022 and focus on something else that felt celebratory, like great sweet wines.
That thought lasted for a hot moment. Everybody wants sparkling wines this time of year. I want sparkling wines, too. (Even though a wonderful Sauternes, Tokaji Aszu or riesling beerenauslese can be sublime.)
Only one obstacle stands in the way of Champagne being everybody’s choice to ring in 2023: the price. Growing worldwide demand for Champagne, which is made only in the Champagne region of France, has sent the prices of certain coveted producers soaring, while good entry-level bottles are hard to find for less than $50.
Fortunately, lots of great sparkling wines are made outside the region, often available for significantly lower prices. Lower cost, however, is far from the only reason to look for options beyond Champagne.
Almost any place in the world that makes wine makes sparkling wine as well. Sometimes, these bottles are fac-
similes of Champagne, made by the same methods, often with the same trio of grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Many sparkling wines from California and Oregon, England and northern Italy fit into these categories, though good examples will bear the mark of the place it was produced rather than come off as imitations.
More typically, sparkling wines from around the world are made with local grapes, sometimes using Champagne production methods, in which finished wine undergoes a second fermentation in bottles that provides the bubbles. These can be highly distinctive. Good sekt from Germany is made this way with riesling, as is cava from Spain, often with some combination of the local grapes xarello, parellada and macabeu.
But pétillant naturel undergoes just a single fermentation, which is completed in bottles. This is often referred to as the ancestral method. Many inexpensive sparkling wines like Prosecco and Lambrusco undergo a more
industrial process, in which the second, carbonation-inducing fermentation takes place in large tanks.
This is not necessarily bad, but still, when you can find a Prosecco or Lambrusco in which the second fermentation took place in the bottle, it can be a great thing.
I recently went shopping in New York for sparkling wines, both Champagne and otherwise. The stores abound in good choices. I’ve singled out an armful in each category to recommend, which barely accounts for a tiny fraction of the good bottles I can name.
For Champagnes, I stuck mostly with entry-level bottles to keep costs down. I also looked for an entirely different selection than I offered last year, so don’t hesitate to look at past columns for additional recommendations.
I also stuck with grower-producers in Champagne rather than the big producers, but plenty of bigger houses make great Champagnes, too. Look at them for more options. I’ve got a perennial guide to Champagnes as well.
Here are my 13 recommendations, from least to most expensive in each category. Whatever you choose to drink, please have a happy and safe New Year.
Loxarel Sàniger Classic Penedès Brut Nature Reserva 2019, 12.5 percent, $15
It’s hard to imagine a better deal in sparkling wine than the Loxarel Sàniger Brut Nature Reserva, a Spanish sparkling wine made with the classic grapes — xarello, parellada and macabeo — all biodynamically grown. Loxarel (an anagram of xarello) has been farming biodynamically for almost 20 years, and the quality shows up in the clear, pure herbal and floral aromas and flavors. Loxarel is one of those producers who no longer use the term “cava” because of its connotation of poor quality. Instead, it uses “Classic Penedès,” which comes with strict rules requiring organic certification, 15 months of aging on the lees and vintage dating. (Classic Wines, Stamford, Conn.)
Punta Crena Colline Savonesi Lumassina I.G.T. 2020, 11 percent, $22
Lumassina is a white grape grown rarely in Liguria these days because it ripens late and is not as assertively aromatic as vermentino. But Punta Crena maintains the tradition of growing lumassina, using it to make this excellent sparkler. It’s fresh, delicately floral and subtle, dry and, at 11 percent alcohol, it goes down easily. The Ruffino family, which has tended vineyards in Liguria for centuries, farms, the family says, the way every farmer did when “organic” simply meant farming. (Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, Calif.)
Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorées F.R.V. 100 Rosé NV, 8.5 percent, $22
Here’s a different spin on a year-end sparkler, a lightly sweet rosé pétillant naturel that is balanced, playful and refreshing. JeanPaul Brun, an excellent Beaujolais producer, makes this wine entirely with gamay. It’s low in alcohol and tastes like red berries and apples. Serve with fruit or dessert, or, really, any time. By the way, the name F.R.V. 100? Give each letter and the number 100 their French pronunciations — eff, ehr, vay, cent — and it comes out like “effervescent.” (Louis/Dressner Selections, New York)
Anima Mundi Camí Dels Xops Penedès 2021, 12 percent, $25
Agustí Torello Roca is the winemaker at AT Roca, an excellent cava producer in the Penedès region of Catalonia. One of his side projects, Anima Mundi, makes small lots that explore the terroirs of the Penedès through pétillant naturel, all, as with AT Roca, made using organically grown grapes. Camí Dels
Xops is a blend of macabeu and xarello. It’s deep and resonant, with aromas and flavors of flowers and citrus. (José Pastor Selections/ Llaurador Wines, Fairfax, Calif.)
Domaine Huet Vouvray Pétillant Brut 2017, 13 percent, $32
Huet, the great Vouvray producer, has long made this wonderful sparkling wine. You could call it a pétillant naturel, though Huet does not use the term. It’s beautifully balanced and fine, with aromas of hay, straw and flowers and the honeysuckle sweetness of chenin blanc, though it goes down dry. As with all of Huet’s wines, it’s made entirely of grapes grown biodynamically. (The Rare Wine Company, Brisbane, Calif.)
Ridgeview Sussex Cavendish Brut NV, 12 percent, $37
This wine is made with the leading trio of Champagne grapes — pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier — in the same way as Champagne, with a second, fizz-inducing fermentation in the bottle. It might even fool you into thinking it’s Champagne. But it’s not. It’s English sparkling wine, made in Sussex, and compared side by side with Champagne, differences emerge. It’s a little more brisk and tense with acidity, as English sparklers often are, garden fresh, well balanced and delicious. “Please, sir, I want some more.” (Banville Wine Merchants, New York)
Ployez-Jacquemart Champagne Extra Quality Brut NV, 12 percent, $50
This small family producer makes fine Champagnes that seem simultaneously rich and delicately textured. The Extra Quality Brut is the entry-level bottle, a blend of 50 percent chardonnay along with 25 percent each of pinot noir and pinot meunier. It’s creamy and saline, with aromas and flavors of citrus and flowers. (Bowler Wine, New York)
Chavost Champagne Blanc d’Assemblage Brut Nature NV, 12.5 percent, $53
Most cooperatives in Champagne make large amounts of routine wines, primarily for supermarkets. Chavost is an anomaly. It’s a small cooperative that produces natural wines, made without commercial yeasts or any additions, even sulfur dioxide, the widely used stabilizer and antioxidant. It’s a risky approach, but the results are excellent. This cuvée is primarily chardonnay, with 20 percent pinot meunier and 3 percent pinot
noir. It’s bone-dry and chalky, well-balanced and deliciously refreshing. (Terrestrial Wine Company, Manhasset, N.Y.)
Chartogne-Taillet Champagne SainteAnne Brut NV, 12.5 percent, $60
Since Alexandre Chartogne took over this old family estate in 2006, ChartogneTaillet, in Merfy, northwest of Reims, has gotten better and more precise. It now makes exceptional cuvées from the entry-level Sainte-Anne up through its top bottles, which include a series of single-vintage wines. Sainte-Anne is roughly equal parts pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier aged in oak. This bottle, mostly from the 2019 vintage, is bright, fresh and vivacious. (Skurnik Wines, New York)
Jacques Lassaigne Champagne Les Vignes de Montgueux Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV, 12 percent, $60
Unlike the rest of the Aube in the southern reaches of Champagne, where pinot noir is the primary grape, Montgueux, tucked away west of Troyes, is chardonnay territory, and is known mostly through the wines of Jacques Lassaigne, the leading producer there. Les Vignes de Montgueux, the introductory cuvée, is typical of what Montgueux can offer, a rich, plush blanc de blancs that is nonetheless elegant and sleek. (Jenny & François Selections/U.S.A. Wine Imports, New York)
producers in Champagne. This estate ages its wines in oak vats and the Champagnes are generally complex with the potential to age well. The Grand Réserve, the entry-level cuvée made with 70 percent pinot noir and 30 percent chardonnay, is superb: taut and energetic, rich, creamy and elegant. (Skurnik Wines)
Vilmart & Cie. Champagne Grande Réserve Brut NV, 12.5 percent, $62
Vilmart & Cie. in the Montagne de Reims has long been one of my favorite grower-
Dhondt-Grellet Champagne “Dans un Premier Temps …” Extra Brut NV, 12 percent, $68
Under Adrien Dhondt, who recently took over this family estate, Dhondt-Grellet has made a name for itself as an up-andcoming producer. This introductory cuvée, 50 percent chardonnay, 30 percent pinot noir and 20 percent pinot meunier, is bright, lively and subtly complex. Dhondt-Grellet farms using organic and biodynamic methods and ages reserve wines in a solera system, in which wine from the new vintage is added each year, replacing whatever is withdrawn for blending, building up complexity over time. (Grand Cru Selections, New York)
Lelarge-Pugeot Champagne Les Charmes de Vrigny Extra Brut NV 12 percent $77
For eight generations, the Lelarge family has been farming in the Vrigny region in the Montagne de Reims in Champagne. For so old a family, they are in the Champagne vanguard today, farming biodynamically and aging their reserve wines in a solera. This cuvée, half pinot meunier with 30 percent pinot noir and 20 percent chardonnay, is aged for 11 years in the bottle before release. It’s taut yet creamy with chalky flavors of citrus and herbs. (Super Glou, Accord, N.Y.)
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Demandante V. JUAN
Demandados Civil Núm.: CG2021CV01747.
(703). Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. AVISO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PUEBLO DE PUERTO RICO, S.S. YO, el(la) Alguacil que suscribe, por la presente anuncia y hace constar, que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia In Rem, expedido el 16 de julio de 2022 por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Caguas, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, quien pagará el importe de la venta en dinero efectivo o en cheque certificado o de gerente, a la orden del Alguacil suscribiente, en moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América, el día 6 DE FEBRERO DE 2023, A LA(S) 10:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en las oficinas del Alguacil del Tribunal de Caguas, todo título, derecho o interés que corresponda a la parte demandada sobre el inmueble que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número Uno de la Manzana 4-G de la Urbanización Villa del Rey, Sección Cuarta, situada en el Barrio Cañaboncito de Caguas, compuesto de 336.89 metros; y en lindes por el NORTE, con la Calle Uno, en 10.78 metros y 3.10 metros en arco; por el SUR, con la carretera estatal 787 en 10.71 metros y 3.14 metros en arco; por el ESTE, con la Calle 4 en 15.07 metros y 6.24 metros en arco; y por el OESTE, con el solar Dos, en 23.27 metros. Enclava una casa. Finca número 14,038, inscrita al folio 166 del tomo 958 de Caguas, Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas, Sección I. Dirección Física: G4 1 Street, Villas del Rey, Caguas, Puerto Rico. La propiedad descrita anteriormente está afecta a los siguientes gravámenes: Afecta por su procedencia: SERVIDUMBRE A FAVOR DE AUTORIDAD DE FUENTES FLUVIALES; AUTORIDAD DE ACUEDUC-
Por sí: HIPOTECA: En garantía de un pagaré a favor de Doral Mortgage Corporation, o a su orden, por la suma de $188,000.00, con interés al 6.95%, y vencedero 1 de noviembre de 2015, según consta de la escritura #453, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 8 de noviembre de 2005, ante el Notario Público Reinaldo Segurola Pérez, inscrita al folio 53vto del tomo 1211 de Caguas, inscripción 11. MODIFICACIÓN DE HIPOTECA: Es objeto de esta modificación la Hipoteca por $188,000.00, que surge de la inscripción 11, según consta de la escritura #72, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 16 de febrero de 2011, ante el Notario Público Mario Enrique Vázquez Vera, inscrito al folio 53vto del tomo 1711 de Caguas, inscripción 12ma.
ANOTACIÓN DE DEMANDA: Es objeto de esta anotación la Hipoteca a favor de Doral Mortgage Corporation, que surge de la inscripción #12. Demandante: Doral Bank; Demandado: Juan Jesús Rodríguez Santiago y Lourdes Antonia Reyes Montañez, Cantidad Adeudada $176,653.41, por concepto de principal más intereses, según Demanda expedida por el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior, en el caso Civil #ECD2013-0228 el día 13 de febrero de 2013, inscrito al folio 165 del tomo 1770, Anotación A. ANOTACIÓN DE DEMANDA ENMENDADA: Es objeto de esta anotación la Hipoteca a favor de Doral Mortgage Corporation, que surge de la inscripción #12. Demandante: Doral Bank; Demandado: Juan Jesús Rodríguez Santiago y Lourdes Antonia Reyes Montañez, Cantidad Adeudada $176,659.41, por concepto de principal más intereses, según Demanda expedida por el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Centro Judicial de Caguas, caso Civil #ECO2013-0228, el día 2 de julio de 2013, inscrito al folio 165 del tomo 1770, Anotación B. MODIFICACIÓN
DE HIPOTECA: Es objeto de esta modificación la Hipoteca por $188,000.00 modificado a 179,620.87, que surge de la inscripción 11 y 12, según consta de la escritura #118, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 27 de marzo de 2014, ante el Notario Público Gadiel O. Rosario Rivera, inscrito al tomo Karibe de Caguas, inscripción 13va. Conforme a lo estipulado en la escritura de Modificación de Hipoteca y Cancelación Par-
cial número 72, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 16 de febrero de 2011, ante el Notario Público Mario Enrique Vázquez Vera, en caso de ejecución, la Propiedad anteriormente descrita responde por la suma de $179,620.87, cuyo valor servirá como tipo mínimo en la primera subasta. De no adjudicarse la propiedad en la primera subasta, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA, en las oficinas del Alguacil del Tribunal de Caguas, el día 13 DE FEBRERO DE 2023, A LA(S) 10:15 DE LA MAÑANA. El tipo mínimo para la segunda subasta será dos terceras partes (2/3) del tipo mínimo de la primera subasta, o sea, $119,747.25. De no adjudicarse la propiedad en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA en en las oficinas del Alguacil del Tribunal de Caguas, el día 21 DE FEBRERO DE 2023, A LA(S) 10:15 DE LA MAÑANA. El tipo mínimo para la tercera subasta será la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo que se pactara para la primera subasta, o sea, $89,810.44. Esta subasta se hará para satisfacer a la parte demandante, hasta donde alcance, el importe adeudado a REICG LLC. ascendente a una suma no menor de $232,685.54, la cual se desglosa de la manera siguiente: i. Bajo el Pagaré Operacional I, (i) la suma de $122,522.22 por concepto de principal, más (ii) la suma de $903.50 en concepto de otros gastos, más (iii) la suma de $17,962.08 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado pactados expresamente por las partes, según se desprende del Pagaré Hipotecario y la Hipoteca, según modificados; más (iv) los gastos que se continúen acumulando conforme a los términos y condiciones estipuladas entre las partes en los documentos de préstamo objeto de esta acción; ii. Bajo el Pagaré Operacional II, la suma agregada de $91,297.74. La venta en pública subasta de la propiedad descrita anteriormente se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte dicha propiedad. Se entiende que cualquier carga y/o gravamen anterior y/o preferente, si lo hubiera, al crédito que da base a esta ejecución, continuará subsistente, entendiéndose además, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría de este Tribunal durante horas laborables. El Alguacil procederá a otorgar la correspondiente
escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. POR LA PRESENTE, se les notifica a los titulares de créditos y/o cargas registrales posteriores, si alguno, que se celebrará la SUBASTA en la fecha, hora y sitio anteriormente señalados, y se les invita a que concurran a dicha subasta, si les conviniere, o se les invita a satisfacer, antes del remate, el importe del crédito, sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del Acreedor ejecutante, siempre y cuando reúnan los requisitos y cualificaciones de Ley para que se pueda efectuar tal subrogación. Y PARA SU PUBLICACIÓN en el tablón de edictos de este Tribunal y en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio donde se celebrará la subasta señalada. Además, en un periódico de circulación general en dos (2) ocasiones y mediante correo certificado a la última dirección conocida de la parte demandada. EXPEDIDO el presente EDICTO DE SUBASTA en Caguas, Puerto Rico, a 13 de diciembre de 2022. ÁNGEL GÓMEZ GÓMEZ, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE CAGUAS.
ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN
607-609 CONDADO ST., LLC.
Demandante V. ORLANDO VARGAS COLÓN, JUANITA D. DE VARGAS Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR
Demandado Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV00808.
Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA.
El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente anuncia y hace constar que en cumplimiento de una Sentencia en Rebeldía dictada en el caso de epígrafe el 24 de agosto de 2022, notificada el 26 de agosto de 2022, y publicada el 1 de septiembre de 2022, una Orden de Ejecución de Embargo emitida el 8 de diciembre de 2022 y un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Embargo emitido el día 13 de diciembre de 2022, que le ha sido dirigido por la Se-
cretaria del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, procederá a vender en subasta, y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América, y/o giro postal, dinero en efectivo, cheque de gerente o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal, o letra bancaria, con similar garantía de todo título, derecho o interés de los demandados de epígrafe sobre los inmuebles que adelante se describen. Se anuncia por la presente que la subasta habrá de celebrarse el día 26 DE ENERO DEL AÑO 2023, para la FINCA 5098 A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA y para la FINCA 5106 A LAS 11:05 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina localizada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, sobre los inmuebles que se describen a continuación: A) Unidad 7, destinada a estacionamiento: URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Espacio #7: Radica en el primer piso del edificio conocido por Condominio Condado 609. Tiene un área aproximada de 172 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 15.98 metros cuadrados. Colinda por el NORTE y por el SUR, en 8 pies 3 pulgadas más o menos, con la escalera de escape del edificio y con la calle Rolan, respectivamente; por el ESTE y por el OESTE, en 20 pies 10 pulgadas más o menos, con Gabriel Guijarro y con pasillo de entrada, respectivamente. Tiene su entrada y salida al edificio por la calle Rolan. FINCA NÚMERO: 5098, inscrita al folio 226 del tomo 160 de Santurce Sur, Registro de la Propiedad, Sede Metropolitana, sección primera de San Juan. Dirección física: 609 Condado St., Espacio #7, San Juan PR 00907. B) Unidad 15, destinada a estacionamiento; URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Espacio #15: Radica en el primer piso del edificio conocido por Condominio Condado 609. Tiene un área aproximada de 177 pies cuadrados, igual a 16.45 metros cuadrados. Colinda por el NORTE y por el SUR, en 18 pies 8 pulgadas, con el espacio #16 y con la escalera de escape; por el ESTE y por el OESTE, en 8 pies 3 pulgadas, con Gabriel Guijarro y con el área de entrada y viraje, respectivamente. Teniendo su entrada y salida por esta última colindancia. FINCA NÚMERO: 5106, inscrita al folio 16 del tomo 162 de Santurce Sur, Registro de la Propiedad, Sede Metropolitana, sección primera de San Juan. Dirección física: 609 Condado St., Espacio #15, San Juan PR 00907. La subasta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer al demandante, total o parcialmente, según sea el
caso, de la referida sentencia que fue dictada por la suma total de $12,651.52 por concepto de cuotas de mantenimiento vencidas y no pagadas, más intereses, penalidades y recargos que se continúen acumulando, más las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado. Esta subasta no tiene fijación de tipo mínimo por tratarse de una ejecución de sentencia por embargo. Y PARA CONOCIMIENTO DE LAS PARTES INTERESADAS y del público en general, se advierte que los autos de este caso y demás instancias están disponibles para ser inspeccionadas en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia Sala Superior de San Juan, durante las horas laborables. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de los inmuebles y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante, incluyendo el gravamen por las contribuciones sobre las propiedades inmuebles adeudadas, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda responsable de los mismos sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. En testimonio de lo cual, expido el presente aviso, el cual firmo y sello, hoy 19 de diciembre de 2022, en San Juan, Puerto Rico. EDWIN E. LÓPEZ MULERO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE SAN JUAN.
ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMER INSTANCIA SALA DE SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO GOBIERNO MUNICIPAL AUTÓNOMO DE FAJARDO, REPRESENTADO POR
Peticionario V.
Partes con Interés Civil Núm.: FA2022CV00761.
Sobre: EXPROPIACIÓN FORZOSA. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.
Se le emplaza y notifica que, con el fin público de erradicar el abandono y peligrosidad de propiedades declaradas estorbos públicos, el Municipio de Fajardo ha radicado en esta Secretaría una Petición de Expropiación Forzosa al amparo de la Ley General de Expropiación Forzosa del 12 de marzo de 1903, según enmendada, la Ley Núm. 107 de 14 de agosto de 2020 conocida como el Código Municipal de Puerto Rico, en su Artículo 2.018 [21 L.P.R.A. § 7183]; la Ordenanza Número 26, Serie 2014-2015, aprobada por la Legislatura Municipal de Fajardo, Puerto Rico el 4 de septiembre de 2014 y firmada por el su Alcalde el día 30 del mismo mes; y, la Ordenanza Número 13, Serie 2021-2022, aprobada por la Legislatura Municipal el 4 de noviembre de 2021 y por el que suscribe el día 28 del mismo mes; para adquirir la siguiente Finca: “URBANA: Solar radicado en la Calle AMPARO del Municipio de Fajardo, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 113.40 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en 13.50 metros, con un solar ocupado por Emilia Guerra; por el SUR, en 13.50 metros, con un solar ocupado por Monserrate Carreras; por el ESTE, en 8.40 metros, con solar ocupado por Zoila Difré y por el OESTE, en 8.40 metros, con la calle Amparo. FINCA 3,869, INSCRITA al FOLIO 35 del TOMO 123 de Fajardo. Catastro Número: 150046-044-21-001. Existiendo una Deficiencia de Deficiencia de $566.06 por gastos de limpieza, se consignó $9,433.94 por la expropiación de la propiedad que tasó $10,000.00. No habiéndose podido emplazar personalmente a las partes con interés antes relacionadas, por desconocer su paradero, este Tribunal ha ordenado que se le emplace por edicto, el cual se publicará una (1) vez por semana, durante tres (3) semanas consecutivas en un periódico de circulación diaria en Puerto Rico. Se le notifica que, si usted desea presentar objeción o defensa a la incautación de las estructuras descritas, debe presentar su contestación en este Tribunal dentro del término de 30 DÍAS, contados a partir de la última publicación de este edicto, debiendo notificar con copia de la misma a la parte peticionaria, a través de la LCDA. JOSEPHINE M. RODRÍGUEZ RÍOS - RUA 15,736: PO BOX 889 FAJARDO, PR 00728 Email: josephine.rodriguez@ gmail.com. Este Tribunal ha señalado la vista del caso el día 30 de marzo de 2023 a las 10:00 de la mañana, mediante videoconferencia, en cuyo día
se determinará el justo valor de la propiedad y las partes a ser compensadas. A dicha vista podrá usted comparecer y ofrecer prueba de valoración, aunque no haya contestado la petición. De no comparecer, el Tribunal dictará Sentencia declarando CON LUGAR la Petición de Expropiación Forzosa en todas sus partes, sin más citación ni vista. Las partes deberán proveer mediante correo electrónico (Ana.DeJesus@poderjudicial.pr) su nombre, número de teléfono y correo electrónico al cual se le estará enviando el enlace de la vista. Expedida por Orden del Tribunal, en Fajardo, Puerto Rico a 14 de diciembre de 2022. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. LINDA I. MEDINA, SUB-SECRETARIA.
ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN 607-609 CONDADO ST., LLC.
Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE JANE NICOLE MARIANI,
HACIENDA
Demandado Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV00865.
Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA.
A: LOS CODEMANDADOS
El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente anuncia y hace constar que en cumplimiento de una Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe el 18 de julio de 2022, Enmendada el 8 de agosto de 2022 y notificada el 10 de agosto de 2022, una Orden de Ejecución de Embargo emitida el 12 de diciembre de 2022 y un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Embargo emitido el día 13 de diciembre de 2022, que le ha sido dirigido por la Secretaria del Tribunal de Primera Instan-
COMPUESTA POR: CARLOS NICOLE SANTOS, HELVETIA NICOLE SANTOS, BETINA FIGUEROA NICOLE, JACKIE POU FIGUEROA, FRANCES POU FIGUEROA, JAKLINE POU FIGUEROA, RICARDO POU FIGUEROA, JOSEFINA SANTOS Y JANE NICOLE SANTOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOSTOS Y ALCANTARILLADOS; LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO CEDIDA
SU ALCALDE, JOSÉ A. MELÉNDEZ MÉNDEZ
ADQUISICIÓN DE FINCA 3,869 DE LA CALLE AMPARO, DEL TÉRMINO MUNICIPAL DE FAJARDO; PETRA GUERRA CARRERAS, ET ALS.
A: PETRA GUERRA CARRERAS Y/O CUALQUIER PERSONA CON ALGÚN POSIBLE
para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $47,600.00, equivalentes a la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor, todo ello a tenor con lo dispone el Articulo 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8 de diciembre de 2015 conocida como “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de toda carga y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirmada la venta judicial por el Honorable Tribunal, se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda aquella persona o personas que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el público en general, el presente Edicto se publicará por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas, con un intervalo de por lo menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y se fijará además en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se les informa, por último, que: a. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate.
EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy día 22 de diciembre de 2022. Maribel Lanzar Velázquez, Alguacil Placa #735, División De Subastas, Tribunal De Primera Instancia, Sala Superior De Bayamón.
ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE HUMACAO
PALMAS DEL MAR
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Parte Demandante V. ANGEL L. PIÑEIRO RIVERA
Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: HU2022CV01511. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.
A: ANGEL L. PIÑEIRO RIVERA.
POR LA PRESENTE, se le emplaza y requiere para que notifique a: GONZÁLEZ & MORALES LAW OFFICES, LLC PO BOX 10242
HUMACAO, PR 00792
TELÉFONO: (787) 852-4422
FACSÍMIL: (787) 285-4425 Email: jrg@gonzalezmorales.com abogados de la parte demandante, cuya dirección es la que deja indicada, con copia de su Contestación a la Demanda, copia de la cual le es servida en este caso, dentro de los TREINTA (30) días de haber sido diligenciado este Emplazamiento, excluyéndose el día del diligenciamiento. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr , salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Debe saber que en caso de no hacerlo así podrá dictarse Sentencia en Rebeldía en contra suya, concediendo el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el Sello del Tribunal, hoy día 20 de diciembre de 2022. Ivelisse C. Fonseca Rodríguez, Secretaria Regional Auxiliar. Arsenia Martínez Sánchez, Sub-Secretaria.
ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICOTRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST HB4 Demandante V. LA SUCESIONES DE SEVERO RESTO MOLINA Y GUILLERMINA RODRÍGUEZ VÉLEZ COMPUESTAS POR ÁNGEL LUIS RESTO RODRÍGUEZ; HECTOR RESTO RODRÍGUEZ; OLGA RESTO RODRÍGUEZ; RUBÉN RESTO RODRÍGUEZ; WILLIAM RESTO
RODRÍGUEZ, FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, MENGANO DE TAL Y MENGANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS CON INTERÉS EN LA SUCESIÓN; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM) Y ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA Demandados Civil Núm.: VA2022CV00159.
Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, S.S. A: LAS SUCESIONES DE SEVERO RESTO MOLINA Y GUILLERMINA RODRÍGUEZ VÉLEZ COMPUESTAS POR ÁNGEL LUIS RESTO RODRÍGUEZ; HECTOR RESTO RODRÍGUEZ; OLGA RESTO RODRÍGUEZ; RUBÉN RESTO RODRÍGUEZ; FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, MENGANO DE TAL Y MENGANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS CON INTERÉS EN LA SUCESIÓN.
Queden emplazados y notificados que en este Tribunal se ha radicado Demanda sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca en su contra. Por la presente se le emplaza y notifica que debe contestar la demanda dentro del término de treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación del presente edicto y deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), el cual podrá acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar Sentencia en Rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su discreción, lo entiende procedente.
Los abogados de la parte demandante son:
Lcdo. Andrés Sáez Marrero T.S.P.R. Núm. 18074
TROMBERG, MORRIS & POULIN, LLC
1515 South Federal Highway, Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33432 Tel. 877-338-4101 /
Fax: 561-338-4077 prservice@tmppllc.com / asaez@tmppllc.com
Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, hoy 15 de diciembre de 2022. Lcda.
Laura I. Santa Sánchez, Secretaria Regional. Nereida Quiles Santana, Secretaria Auxiliar Del Tribunal I.
ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE ARECIBO SALA SUPERIOR DE ARECIBO BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE FELIPE AGUADO ECHEVARRÍA; CARMELO ANTONIO CRESPO AGUADO, POR SÍ Y COMO HEREDERO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE FELIPE AGUADO ECHEVARRÍA; “JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE FELIPE AGUADO ECHEVARRÍA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM) Demandados Civil Núm.: AR2022CV01869. Sala: 402. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO E INTERPELACIÓN. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO E INTERPELACIÓN DIRIGIDOS. A: CARMELO ANTONIO CRESPO AGUADO, POR SÍ Y COMO HEREDERO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE FELIPE AGUADO ECHEVARRÍA; Y “JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS
DE FELIPE AGUADO ECHEVARRÍA. SR 492 KM 4.8 HATO ARRIBA WARD, ARECIBO, PR 00612; 116 WITHERS LANE, RAEFORD NC 28376.
Queden emplazados, notificados e interpelados, que en este Tribunal se ha radicado Demanda sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca de la que surge lo siguiente: Que se ha incumplido con las cláusulas de la escritura de hipoteca ob-
jeto de ejecución por haberse dejado de pagar las mensualidades vencidas, y al día 1ro de agosto de 2018, la parte demandada le adeuda a la parte demandante las siguientes cantidades: $68,209.49 por concepto de principal; generando intereses a razón de 7.95% desde el 1ro de julio de 2018; cargos por demora los cuales al igual que los intereses continúan acumulándose hasta el saldo total de la deuda reclamada en este pleito, y la suma de $12,200.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; y demás créditos accesorios garantizados hipotecariamente. La propiedad hipotecada cuya ejecución se solicita tiene la siguiente descripción y localización: RÚSTICA: Parcela radicada en el Barrio Hato Arriba del término municipal de Arecibo, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de mil novecientos sesenta y ocho punto siete mil ochenta y siete metros cuadrados (1,968.7087), y en lindes: por el NORTE, setenta y siete punto sesenta y nueve metros, con la Parcela A de la finca principal de la cual se segrega; por el SUR, en setenta y siete punto cincuenta y cinco metros, con la finca principal de la cual se segrega propiedad de Angel Rodriguez García; por el ESTE, en veinticinco punto treinta y nueve metros, con una carretera municipal; y por el OESTE, en veinticinco punto treinta y cinco metros, con terrenos propiedad de Gilberto Rodriguez. Inscrita en la finca número 16,408, al folio 176 del tomo 413 de Arecibo. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de Arecibo. Por la presente se le emplaza y notifica que debe contestar la demanda incoada en su contra dentro del término de treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación del presente edicto. Además, en cuanto a la interpelación de los herederos del causante, a que dentro del término legal de treinta (30) días contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia del causante conforme dispone el Artículo 959 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. §2787, de no expresarse dentro de ese término de treinta (30) días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, se tendrá por aceptada. También se le APERCIBE a los herederos antes mencionados que luego del transcurso del término de treinta (30) días antes señalado contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia del causante y, por consiguiente, responden por las cargas de dicha herencia conforme dispone el Artículo 957 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. §2785. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema
Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio. Si usted deja de presentar y notificar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el Tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Los abogados de la parte demandante son: ABOGADOS DE LA PARTE
DEMANDANTE:
Lcdo. Reggie Díaz Hernández RUA Núm.: 16,393 BERMÚDEZ & DÍAZ, LLP Edificio Ochoa, 500 Calle De La Tanca Suite 209 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 Tel.: (787) 523-2670 / Fax: (787) 523-2664 rdiaz@bdprlaw.com Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y el sello de este Tribunal, hoy 21 de diciembre de 2022. Vivian Y. Fresse González, Secretaria Regional. Yanitza Iglesias Maldonado, Secretaria Auxiliar.
ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO
ELIEZER RODRIGUEZ ROSADO Y LYDIA URSULA ROSARIO DIAZ t/c/c URSURA ROSARIO DIAZ Demandantes Vs. ASOCIACION EMPLEADOS DEL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO; JOHN DOE & RICHARD ROE Demandado Civil Núm.: RG2022CV00560. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ HIPOTECARIO. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADOS DE PUERTO RICO, SS.
Por la presente se emplaza y se les notifica que se ha presentado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal la demanda del caso de epígrafe solicitando la cancelación del Pagaré suscrito a favor de Asociacion Empleados del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $45,000.00, con vencimiento el 01 de julio de 2016, y habiéndose constituido por la escritura número 104 otorgada en San Juan, el 28 de junio de 2001, ante el Notario Público Guillermo Mojica Francheschi, inscrita al folio 1 del tomo 463 de Rio Grande, finca número 3746, inscripción
3ra. Representa a la parte demandante la abogada cuyo nombre, dirección y teléfono se consigna de inmediato: ENEL M. PEREZ MONTE RUA 9019 Reina Isabel 175, La Villa de Torrimar Guaynabo PR 00969 Tel.: (787) 646-9168
lcdaenelperez@gmail.com Se le apercibe que si no comparecieran ustedes a contestar dicha demanda dentro del término de 30 días a partir de la publicación de este edicto se le anotará la rebeldía y se le dictará sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. La parte demandada deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Administración y Manejo de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del Tribunal, advirtiéndosele que de no hacerlo se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará Sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. Dado en Fajardo, a 20 de diciembre de 2022.
WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL INTERINA. KATHERINE ROBLES TORRES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.
ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES LLC
COMO AGTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC
Demandante V. JOSUE LAGUNA GONZALEZ Y OTROS
Demandado(a) Civil: TJ2021CV00562. Sala: 407. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.
PR 00976.
(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 16 de diciembre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de
circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 22 de diciembre de 2022. En Carolina, Puerto Rico, el 22 de diciembre de 2022. Lcda. Marilyn Aponte Rodríguez, Secretaria. Maricruz Aponte Alicea, Secretaria Auxiliar.
Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA Tribunal de Primera Instancia Sala Superior de SAN JUAN
ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LL. , como agente de, ACE ONE FUNDING, LLC. Demandante V. HECTOR R. AGOSTO RODRIGUEZ
Demandado(a) Civil: SJ2022CV03693. Sala: 908. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.
A:
(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto)
EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 20 de diciembre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 21 de diciembre de 2022. En SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, el 21 de diciembre de 2022. GRISELDA
RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. ELSIE PRATTS MELÉNDEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.DE LA SUCESIÓN
govailoa, who self reported concussion symptoms after last week’s loss to the Packers. Miami needs this win to hang onto a wild-card berth, with the Patriots just a game behind in the AFC East, and the Dolphins can clinch here. Bridgewater is capable of throwing to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and might even fare better than Tagovailoa did against the press coverage in the past two weeks.
Pick: Dolphins +3
Carolina Panthers (6-9) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) 1 p.m., Fox
New York Jets (7-8) at Seattle Seahawks (7-8)
4:05 p.m., Fox
Line: Seahawks +2.5 | Total: 42
The past two weeks, the market has backed the Jets heavily and, with Zach Wilson under center, the team has failed to cover in both instances. This week, Mike White is back at quarterback, and that news pushed the line from the Jets being 1.5-point underdogs Sunday to being 2.5 favorites on the road by Tuesday.
By DAVID HILLFor many NFL teams, these last two weeks of the regular season are crucial — either to their playoff hopes and seeding, or to securing future draft picks.
The Bills are clinging to the AFC’s top seed, which would give Buffalo homefield advantage in the playoffs, but they need to keep winning in order to prevent another January trek to Arrowhead Stadium.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing the left-for-dead Houston Texans, in a matchup that means nothing to most NFL fans but could help determine whether Jacksonville can push Tennessee out of the running for the AFC South crown.
Chicago could be angling for the top draft pick but won’t shut down Justin Fields or roll over for the Detroit Lions, while Las Vegas is pulling the plug on Derek Carr with two games remaining.
Predicting which teams will win these final regular-season matchups is as much about assessing their goals as it is about evaluating their relative strengths and weaknesses. After all, what good is a strength if it is sitting on the bench?
Last week’s record: 5-9-2
Overall record: 120-111-8 All times Eastern.
Minnesota Vikings (12-3) at Green Bay Packers (7-8)
4:25 p.m., CBS
Line: Packers -3.5 | Total: 47
Against all odds, the Packers are still alive in the playoff race. Winner of three straight, Green Bay enters Sunday’s game tied with the Lions and Seattle Seahawks and just outside of a wild-card spot. Though the Packers play the final two divisional games at home and began the week as favorites in this one, the Vikings are on an improbable run of close wins: Minnesota is 11-0 in one-possession games this season, the most such wins in NFL history.
The Packers are having a hard time stopping the run, and Dalvin Cook has been potent against them in the past. It would be tough to pick Green Bay winning by four against the luckiest team in the NFL at full strength, but Packers rookie receiver Christian Watson injured his hip last week and is questionable for this game, so we’re taking the “underdog.”
Pick: Vikings +3.5
Miami Dolphins (8-7) at New England Patriots (7-8)
1 p.m., CBS
Line: Patriots -3 | Total: 42
Both of these teams are limping toward the end of the regular season. New England has lost four of their past five, and the offense has regressed enough that there are rumors of a shake-up coming to Bill Belichick’s staff.
Miami has lost four in a row, and coach Mike McDaniel announced Wednesday that he planned to start Teddy Bridgewater in place of Tua Ta-
Line: Buccaneers -3 | Total: 39
The Buccaneers will clinch the NFC South with a win, but they face a Panthers team highly motivated to keep that from happening. Sam Darnold has averaged 8.6 yards per attempt since Week 12 — a period in which the team has gone 3-1 — and the Panthers only turned the ball over once during that stretch (compared with the Buccaneers’ 11). Despite trading Christian McCaffrey early in the season, Carolina still has a rushing game Tampa Bay should envy: D’onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard help the team put up an average of 187 rushing yards per game since Week 12 (the Buccaneers averaged 90 in that stretch).
The Buccaneers have stayed on top of this division by grinding out ugly wins against bad teams, needing miraculous late-game scores to come out on top. If Tampa Bay’s offense played entire games the way they do during the final two minutes, the Buccaneers might have been Super Bowl contenders. Pick: Panthers +3
The Seahawks have lost five of their past six and dropped their shot at winning the NFC West in the process. These two bubble teams match up well: Seattle’s offense is good enough to test the Jets’ staunch defense, and the Jets’ offense is just as inept as the Seahawks’ defense. We’ll take the team that can actually manage to score. Pick: Seahawks +2.5
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8) at Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
8:20 p.m., NBC
Line: Ravens -3 | Total: 35.5
The NFL flexed this AFC North rivalry game to prime time in anticipation of either team’s ability to play spoiler. The Ravens have clinched but need wins to retake the division from the Cincinnati Bengals. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has never finished with a losing record in any of his previous 15 seasons as head coach of the Steelers, and Pittsburgh needs to win its final two to keep that streak alive.
Much of what happens Sunday night hinges on Baltimore’s quarterback situation.
John Harbaugh has been coy about whether or not Lamar Jackson will return to the lineup this week after resting a sprained knee. Even if Jackson is healthy, it is conceivable that the Ravens keep him benched until the playoffs and start Tyler Huntley again. If they do, this will be a close battle between two formidable defenses. If Jackson plays, it could be a rout. Pick: Ravens -3
New Orleans Saints (6-9) at Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)
1 p.m., Fox
Line: Eagles -7 | Total: 43.5
There are just enough question marks surrounding the Eagles to give New Orleans a hope and half a prayer in this one. Philadelphia lost star offensive tackle Lane Johnson for at least two weeks with an abdominal injury, and rookie nose tackle Jordan Davis’ status was up in the air as he was being evaluated for a concussion. The Eagles have had the division clinched for weeks, so Jalen Hurts could rest his sprained throwing shoulder for this one. The Vikings are a game back in the race for the NFC’s top seed, so don’t count on it.
The pitiable NFC South race still isn’t settled, and if New Orleans wins their final two (and the Buccaneers lose their final two), the Saints could sneak into the playoffs. It’s probably too much to hope for, but staying within a touchdown while trying to pull off a miracle against a banged up Eagles? That’s within their grasp. Pick: Saints +7
Arizona Cardinals (4-11) at Atlanta Falcons (5-10)
1 p.m., Fox
Line: Falcons -3.5 | Total: 41 Both teams are out of contention, so the only thing riding on this game for either franchise is draft order. But there could be stakes alive for the starters on the field. While Trace McSorley knows he’s holding down the quarterback spot for Kyler Murray, rookie Desmond Ridder may relish another shot at showing off his value to Atlanta. Pick: Falcons -3.5 Chicago Bears (3-12) at Detroit Lions (7-8)
1 p.m., Fox
Line: Lions -6 | Total: 52
Just when the Lions defense was starting to look like it might be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, the Panthers put up a franchise-record 570 yards against it in Week 16. Detroit is ahead of Green Bay on points in the NFC North and still has a shot at the second wild-card spot but needs to take care of Chicago first. The Bears could slide ahead of Houston in the race for the No. 1 overall draft pick, but Matt Eberflus said Monday that the team had no plans of shutting down Justin Fields the rest of the way. Still, if the Lions can’t win at home in this spot, the Curse of Bobby Layne may be real. Pick: Lions -6
Denver Broncos (4-11) at Kansas City Chiefs (12-3)
1 p.m., CBS
Line: Kansas City -13.5 | Total: 44.5
In what had to be a low point in a miserable season, Denver lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 51-14, on Christmas Day, a loss so bad that Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants even roasted the Broncos. By Monday, the team had fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett and replaced him with Jerry Rosburg, the coach brought in to help Hackett manage the clock. For his first game as interim coach, Rosburg gets Kansas City, playing some of the best football in the league. When these two teams met in Denver in Week 14, a 34-28 Kansas City win, the Broncos stayed within a touchdown and covered the 9.5-point spread. Kansas City is 4-101 against the spread this season, and this week it is laying double digits at home.
Pick: Broncos +13.5
Indianapolis Colts (4-10-1) at New York Giants (8-6-1)
1 p.m., CBS
The 49ers might have the best pass rush in the NFL right now and with the defense thriving, Brock Purdy has been able to play fairly conservatively in three wins as the starter. The market has fallen in love with the 49ers along the way and has all but given up on the Raiders.
Line: Giants -5 | Total: 39
The Colts didn’t convert a single third down in their 20-3 loss to the Chargers last week, the second time that’s happened this season. The highest-paid offensive line in football let Nick Foles get sacked seven times and pressured into throwing three interceptions. Indianapolis has a -109 point differential this season, and the Giants could clinch a playoff spot with a win. Pick: Giants -5 Cleveland Browns (6-9) at Washington Commanders (7-7-1)
1 p.m., Fox
Line: Commanders -2.5 | Total: 40
In the hopes of generating its redzone offense — and clinging to a wildcard spot — the Commanders this week tabbed Carson Wentz as the starter again after going 0-2-1 in the past three games behind Taylor Heinicke. The Browns were eliminated last week, and this game may not mean much for Cleveland’s season, but Deshaun Watson will use these final two games to gain the team’s confidence. If they start to click, an upset is possible. Pick: Browns +2.5 Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8) at Houston Texans (2-12-1)
1 p.m., CBS
Line: Texans +4 | Total: 44
The Jaguars enter Sunday’s game with the same record as the Titans in the AFC South, and have a full head of steam after beating four of their past five opponents. With the league’s 11th most efficient offense, Jacksonville shouldn’t have trouble with this one. Pick: Jaguars -4
San Francisco 49ers (11-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (6-9)
4:05 p.m., Fox
Line: Raiders +8.5 | Total: 44.5
The Raiders have apparently given up on Derek Carr, who threw nine interceptions in his past five games. Coach Josh McDaniels said Wednesday that he planned to bench Carr for the rest of the season, a sign that the team may cut the quarterback at season’s end. Jarrett Stidham will get his first NFL start, and presumably Josh Jacobs will get enough touches to keep him ahead of Derrick Henry in the season rushing title race. Any other positives for Las Vegas will have to wait for next season. Pick: 49ers -8.5
Los Angeles Rams (5-10) at Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
4:25 p.m., CBS
Line: Chargers -6.5 | Total: 40.5
While the number of tickets bet on this game has been evenly split, more than 95% of the money is on the Rams, who scored on nearly every drive of last week’s trouncing of the Broncos’ top-10 defense. The Chargers clinched their playoff spot already and tend to play down to opponents. Pick: Rams +6.5
MONDAY NIGHT’S GAME
Buffalo Bills (12-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)
8:30 p.m., ESPN, ABC
Line: Bengals +1.5 | Total: 49.5
The total of 49.5 points is the biggest of the week, based on these two teams’ scoring capabilities: The Bills have a +157 scoring differential and the Bengals keep outperforming the market’s expectations, going 12-3 against the spread this season (26-10 against it since last season). With Buffalo fighting to fend off Kansas City for the AFC’s top seed, and Cincinnati trying to stave off Baltimore in the AFC North, this should be a competitive, fun game between two of the best teams in the NFL. We’re trusting the home underdogs to cover one more time. Pick: Bengals +1.5
Betting market data is taken from Action Network’s Public Betting data, and lines are taken from Unabated’s real-timeodds tracker.
As dealmaker Mercury does an about turn in a highflying zone, it’s wise to stay alert and do your best to avoid mistakes or misunderstandings. The Sun in this sector suggests you could be in the spotlight for some time yet, and if you make a faux pas, it might not be forgotten so easily. Ready to make a decision? The Quarter Moon in your sign can inspire you to take the plunge, Aries.
New ventures and travel arrangements need some care, as inquisitive Mercury regresses from today for three weeks. Events beyond your control could mean that you can’t get away or that other arrangements such as starting a course, might be delayed. As the emphasis on this sector is strong, don’t give up your best plans, just be prepared for things to take longer than expected.
You may need to pause and dig deeper to find out the truth of a situation. With Mercury turning retrograde for three weeks, this is your chance to peel back the layers and see what is really going on. Until you know, you may not be able to move on. You’re geared up to make changes that have been on the cards for a while, but patience is needed as you go through the process.
These are interesting times, as Mercury rewinds while forging ties to Venus and Pluto. If you have the courage to initiate a change, bold opportunities can result from this, even if they do take a while to materialize. There’s also a Quarter Moon in a high-flying zone that suggests you’ve reached a milestone. If things are going well, you might want to continue. If not, call it a day!
It’s time to prepare for Mercury retrograde, which starts today and lasts for around three weeks, Leo. Back up any important documents and files, and make sure those vital pieces of paper are in a safe place that you can easily remember. This is a time when things may go missing and misunderstandings might occur, but also when clever solutions to old problems could show up.
You could find yourself taking one step forward and two steps back, as Mercury your personal planet, goes into reverse. Plans that seemed to be going well can come to a halt, and this might also be true of a budding romance or a creative collaboration. Make use of today’s Quarter Moon too Virgo, as it occurs in your sector of change. Time to let go of anything that no longer serves.
Keen to get organized at home? Mercury’s retro phase which starts today, could both help and hinder you. The coming weeks are excellent for keeping up with the decluttering habit and finding ways to recycle used items. And if a gadget has been broken for some time, you may find a way to fix it. Go easy with DIY projects though, especially if you’re a newbie at all of this.
The coming three weeks can be both revealing and frustrating, as the planet of talk and thought goes into reverse in your communication zone. There’s a lot of activity in this sector that suggests you’re making great strides, but this new development means you’ll need to take extra care. There may be delays and mishaps to your best laid plans, so take it one step at a time.
As Mercury turns retrograde from today, projects might take longer to come to fruition and unexpected changes may need to be factored in. And remember to look carefully at the small print before you buy or sign anything important, Archer. As this rewind phase occurs in your money zone, you could have second thoughts about a purchase and decide to take it back.
The Sun acts as a catalyst, encouraging you to push through doubts and discover how capable you are. Mind, as Mercury reverts in your sign, it could disrupt personal plans. You may need to delay something due to unforeseen circumstances. There’s also a Quarter Moon that’s influencing domestic issues. It’s wise to get everyone’s opinions before making a key decision.
The need for peace could be strong over coming weeks, and especially so as Mercury turns retrograde today. Keen to understand what makes you tick? It’s time to become better acquainted with your strengths and weaknesses. Plus, your dreams may be very vivid and filled with creative ideas and guidance. Wanted something for a while? It might come in a round-about way.
Your social life shows great potential. If you’re ready to get out and about, opportunities will result from this. You may be the one to get things moving by arranging events and perhaps doing a little matchmaking. But as Mercury your relationship planet does its backward dance from today, be prepared! Someone could come back into your life unexpectedly and in a big way.
Para entrega de juguetes debe presentar evidencia de que es residente de Caguas. Debe estar presente el niño para la entrega del juguete.
Artistas invitados 10:00 a.m. - Compañía de Títeres 10:30 a.m. - Socotroco 11:00 a.m. - Atención Atención 12:30 p.m. - Las Menudas 2:00 p.m. - Los Mocosos
