Monday Dec 7, 2020

Monday, December 7, 2020

San Juan The

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DAILY

Star

‘Selena: The Series,’ Dreaming of Her P19 Photo By Pedro Correa Henry

What About a COVID Vaccine ‘Stigma’?

Appointed Health Secretary to Inform Citizens About Coronavirus Inoculations Back-to-School Face-to-Face Now Depends on Vaccinations Too Knock, Knock: New Executive Order Takes Effect Today.

Meanwhile, Some Business Owners Behaved Badly Over the Weekend

Roosevelt Roads’ Rough Path to Attracting Investors P3

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL P 17

P4

How to Protect Your Pets from Fireworks P6

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Monday, December 7, 2020

The San Juan Daily Star

GOOD MORNING

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December 7, 2020

The San Juan Daily Star, the only paper with News Service in English in Puerto Rico, publishes 7 days a week, with a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday edition, along with a Weekend Edition to cover Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Roosevelt Roads struggles to attract investors

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ore than the challenges brought on by hurricanes and other natural disasters, attracting investors to the Authority for the Redevelopment of Land and Facilities at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads over the past four years has been an uphill battle because of the lack of a budget and resources to upgrade the existing infrastructure at the site.

“This situation limits greatly the efforts being conducted to bring private capital. The redevelopment of Roosevelt Roads requires an infrastructure investment of $250 million,” Authority Director Ian Serna said. “Beyond attracting investment, the Authority is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the existing infrastructure in the Base, including the treatment and distribution of drinking water, the electrical distribution system, the collection and disposal of waste water, roads and telecommunications.”

Despite the problems, some investment has been brought to the former Navy base, which closed some 20 years ago following protests in Vieques and other parts of Puerto Rico over the death of security guard David Sanes in 1999 that included illegally entering the live-fire areas at the military reservation. The closing of the base caused over $3 billion in losses to the area and the loss of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Since 2014, the Authority has tried to negotiate a master development contract to implement a master plan, but in 2017 gave up the effort after two failed attempts.

It decided to bring in strategic anchor projects that could help bring economic development to the base.

In 2017, the Authority signed a lease contract with Geodis USA Inc., for the storage of materials and equipment from the Punta Lima Windfarm project in Naguabo.

In April of that year, it also focused on the creation of a wellness district.

Because of the hurricanes of 2017, the former base suffered about $96 million in damages but despite that, it moved on with plans to move the existing ferry base in Fajardo to the base.

At the end of 2017, Para la Naturaleza inaugurated its new facilities in building 2332 at Roosevelt Roads.

On Jan. 8, 2018, then-Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares announced proposed projects including the Roosevelt Roads Microgrid Project for Generation and Distribution of Energy, the development of an industrial park for the Puerto Rico Industrial Co. (PRIDCO), the development of a call center for international calls, the development of a wellness district that includes a community retirement housing and extended care medical services, and the development of an equine therapy center to serve special needs, veterans and Alzheimer’s patients.

On July 3, 2018, the Authority signed a lease with the United Real Estate company for the development of a tourist rental project in the building. The project is known as Ocean’s Club and includes the rehabilitation and reconversion of 150 units into units for mainly shortterm rental, as well as the construction of a clubhouse and recreational facilities. The cost of the improvements is estimated at $7.5 million, and the creation of 50 jobs is expected. The units are currently undergoing rehabilitation and a building is already about 95 percent complete, Serna said.

In September 2018, the Authority signed an agreement with the LinkActiv North America company for the creation of the aforementioned international call center at an investment of $7.5 million. Meanwhile, the Authority and the U.S. Navy signed the transfer documents for Solid Waste Management Units 57 and 27, which were environmentally remediated.

It also signed an exclusive negotiation agreement with Loopland Development for the potential development of a tourism project using the former officers’ residences (Capehart). The project has 11 phases and its cost is estimated at $200 million.

The authority in 2019 also agreed to lease 100 acres to PRIDCO for the development of an industrial park.

Despite the pandemic and the earthquakes of 2020, Serna said the base got a $4.5 million subsidy to repair its maritime front and other structures. It also is expected to receive a grant to build the Marine Business Research and Innovation Center for $16 million.

The information is contained in Serna’s testimony to the incoming government transition committee.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

Incoming Health secretary to fight against COVID vaccine misperceptions Mellado López plans to inform citizens about the coronavirus shot through ‘simple’ education campaigns

By PEDRO CORREA HENRY Twitter: @PCorreaHenry Special to The Star

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s a COVID-19 vaccine is expected to come soon, Puerto Rico’s incoming health secretary, Carlos Mellado López, said Sunday that the island Health Department “will explain over and over again” why it’s important and safe to inoculate against the coronavirus through education campaigns once he takes office on Jan. 2.

During a press conference held at the Fort Buchanan Toll Station, where the Health Department conducted free COVID-19 antigen tests for a second time, Mellado López said the agency will conduct “plenty of advertisements talking about the vaccine in a simple manner, what its mechanism is, how it works, what its adverse effects are.”

“The vaccine’s safety is good. It’s a safe vaccine,” he said, noting that side effects, which include headaches and itching, have been reported only in 39 out of 40,000 people who have been tested.

Mellado López, who is also a member of governor-elect Pedro Pierluisi’s Incoming Transition Committee, said that such symptoms are common as this is a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, which doesn’t involve inoculating the patient with a live-attenuated or an inactivated virus, which he later referred to as “a different and efficient technology.”

The designated Health chief also said he will continue efforts that current Health Secretary Lorenzo González Feliciano began with Deputy Health Secretary Iris Cardona and Puerto Rico National Guard (PRNG) Adj. Gen. José Reyes.

“The added value from human resources [the agency has hired], which are valuable people in Puerto Rico, won’t change,” Mellado López said. “That has to carry on for Puerto Rico’s sake.”

Meanwhile, as for the vaccine distribution, Mellado López recognized that the PRNG’s contribution was important in conducting that effort in an orderly way.

“There are not going to be people here who are going to be vaccinated [first] because I am such-and-such a person,” he said. “No, no, it is going to be done according to the guidelines.

That’s why we have the National Guard, who are [part of the] military and they organize everything in an adequate manner so that the [Puerto Rico] citizenry has the certainty that the vaccine is going to arrive when it does.”

González Feliciano, meanwhile, noted that through the vaccination procedure, there is an allocated budget for communication and education projects “independent from the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security] Act.”

“There’s an effort that, as soon as Carlos meets with us on Monday [today], he will be able to sit down with Dr. Cardona to evaluate it,” González Feliciano said. “When we talk about the vaccine, we’re talking about eight months. We’re going to be talking about it for days and days.”

Likewise, he said that any current project from the Health Department will be easy to follow up on as “the transition is within the same party.”

As hundreds of citizens lined up in their vehicles at the Fort Buchanan Toll Station starting at the break of dawn for free COVID-19 antigen tests from the Health Department, the agency said that out of the 2,009 antigen tests conducted, around 160 people obtained a positive result.

“We are facing between an 8 percent and 10 percent positivity rate in these efforts, which is what we have seen in recent days in Puerto Rico in every test,” he said. “These results are connected to the Municipal Case Investigation and Contact Tracing System [SMICRC by its Spanish initials] in their respective towns to begin treating the new patients.”

When a member of the press asked why the toll station project had not been extended to other municipalities, the Health secretary responded that earlier efforts have brought limitations that represent high risks among the population and agency officers; therefore, the agency chose to use both the SMICRC and their COVIVEO movement to extend to new regions.

Meanwhile, the Star asked how many antigen tests the agency had conducted since the initiative began. González Feliciano said around 70,000 tests.

“For the record, antigen tests are also being distributed to municipalities and hospitals that are not part of the COVIVEO movement or the toll station initiatives,” he said.

‘We will see a decrease in COVID-19 cases’ with new executive order As a new executive order begins today with a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, full lockdown on Sundays and an all-weekend alcohol prohibition, González Feliciano told the Star that he expects the population ‘will do what’s right’ with the declaration to bring down the number of COVID-19 cases.

“We will keep conducting free antigen tests; we won’t be stopping during Christmas season,” he said. “We will keep educating and informing through various media outlets and with initiatives in different towns.”

The Health chief said further that he expects results from the aforementioned order to provide optimism to the island’s economy.

“I want to believe that once Jan. 7 arrives, days after the governor-elect assumes office, the governor will issue an executive order that favors the economic sector as numbers and scientists project that it is possible to do so,” González Feliciano said.

Health Dept. fines and closes Old San Juan establishment Over the weeked, Health Department Investigations Office Director Jesús Hernández reported various interventions due to executive order violations at enterprises located in La Perla district in Old San Juan.

According to a press release, the Investigations Office and San Juan municipal police fined and shut down an establishment named The Black Hole, which was also known as “Siente el sabor de La Perla,” along with a nameless establishment as both operated as speakeasies.

“The intervention in La Perla was at around one o’clock in the morning, so both places were violating the curfew established in the executive order; even in one of the businesses a live show was taking place,” Hernández said. “These establishments did not comply with the physical distancing requirement or the [limitations on the] maximum number of people, according to their capacity. In these businesses we found between 50 and 75 people, approximately.”

In addition, the establishments were fined for not requiring the use of face masks, selling alcoholic beverages outside established hours, and not having the required permits or protocols to protect against COVID-19.

“In the case of The Black Hole, we also intervened with an individual who was in possession of controlled substances,” Hernández added. “There were two minors at the scene; one was taken to San Juan Municipal Headquarters, where he was picked up by his mother, and the other was referred to the Family Department.”

Thousands of dollars in fines issued for violating public health executive order Earlier in the day, the island Treasury Department, the Puerto Rico Occupational Safety and Health Administration (PR OSHA) and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, among other agencies, reported issuing fines totaling thousands of dollars to various enterprises and individuals for violating laws, regulations and the executive order that seeks to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

As a result of Executive Order 2020-080, in the towns of Morovis and Ciales on Friday and Saturday afternoon, the authorities staged interventions at the following locations: In Morovis, El Eucalipto was fined $2,000 by the Treasury for not collecting the sales and use tax and not providing receipts, and $500 per bottle lacking the importer and administrator stamp.

The enterprises El Kandilejas and Lechonera Los Hermanos were also fined $1,000 and $500, respectively, by the Treasury.

Meanwhile, local business El Barrilito was fined $500 by the Treasury for not having an importer’s stamp on alcoholic beverage bottles.

The Shell gas station in the Barahona district was fined $500 by the Treasury for not having a license to sell vehicle parts, and another $500 for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the establishment’s premises, and Colmado Diego reported three people on its business grounds for vehicular Act 8 violations.

In Ciales, an establishment called El Desahogo was shut down for non-compliance with the executive order at the time of the intervention and for not having a COVID-19 prevention plan from PR OSHA. Also, local business El Chalan was fined $2,000 by the Treasury for bottles without importer seals, and two bottles of alcohol were confiscated for lacking an importer seal. The fine also included failure to process the sales and use tax in cash transactions, operating entertainment machines and not having a license for multiple bars.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

5

Oversight board asks US District Court to approve bank accounts confidentiality

By THE STAR STAFF

T

he federal Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority want the U.S. District Court to approve a stipulation that would keep certain information about commonwealth bank accounts confidential.

The island government and its creditors are currently in negotiations toward a new plan of adjustment. Judge LauraTaylor Swain ordered the oversight board to come up with a plan of adjustment or a term sheet

by Feb. 10.

In October 2019, bond insurer Ambac Assurance Corp. filed a motion seeking discovery on the commonwealth’s assets.

More specifically, Ambac sought information concerning Puerto Rico’s cash restriction analysis. While the government has some $20 billion in bank accounts, it has said a huge portion of those accounts are restricted in their use. Ambac has said it wants to evaluate the analysis to determine whether the restrictions on some of the bank accounts are justified.

The order not to reveal the information would include other creditors includ-

ing Aristeia Capital LLC, Aurelius Capital Management LP, Autonomy Capital (Jersey) LP, BlackRock Advisors LLC, BlackRock Financial Management Inc., Brigade Capital Management LP, Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP, Emso Asset Management Limited, Farmstead Capital Management, FCO Advisors LP, First Pacific Advisors LP, Fir Tree Capital Management LP, GoldenTree Asset Management LP, Goldman Sachs Asset Management LP, Mason Capital Management LLC, Monarch Alternative Capital LP, OM Foundation Limited, Sculptor Capital LP, Silver Point Capital LP, Stonehill Capital Management LLC, Taconic Capital Advisors LP, VR Advisory Services Ltd. and Whitebox Advisors.

Ambac also last week requested a thirdparty discovery of Milliman, which has worked for at least 13 years as an adviser to the island’s pension systems, in order to ascertain if the government is telling the truth that there are $50 billion in pension liabilities.

“Milliman has acted as the Commonwealth’s actuarial consultant for over 13 years. In that role, Milliman conducts annual valuations of the Commonwealth

pension liability. The analysis is published in a valuation report, which is the single source relied on by the Oversight Board for the pension obligation amounts included in the Commonwealth Fiscal Plan,” Ambac said. “Understanding Milliman’s analysis is critical to any assessment of the amounts available for debt service included in the Commonwealth Fiscal Plan. Over the past three years, Ambac has diligently sought information from the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority concerning the Milliman actuarial valuation reports.”

After numerous meet-and-confers, the government parties have maintained that they are not in possession of key information needed to understand Milliman’s analysis, and refuse to obtain the relevant information from Milliman for production to Ambac, the bond insurer said.

“As [Milliman is] the sole party in direct possession of the relevant materials, Ambac believes it would be most efficient to subpoena materials and examine relevant witnesses directly from Milliman. The thirdparty discovery from Milliman, which would provide insight into Milliman’s calculation

of the Commonwealth’s pension liability, is critical to creditors’ understanding of the Commonwealth’s financial condition,” Ambac said. “Without this information, the Commonwealth’s estimated $55 billion pension liability remains unsubstantiated and untested.”

“This is particularly troubling given the magnitude of the liability and the fact that a preliminary analysis of pension-related information that Ambac has obtained by experts in the field reveals that the pension liability, and in turn the PayGo obligations incorporated in the Commonwealth’s Fiscal Plan, may be substantially overstated,” the firm said.

CESCO phone line now available for those without internet connection

By JOHN McPHAUL jpmcphaul@gmail.com

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ransportation and Public Works (DTOP by its Spanish acronym) Secretary Carlos M. Contreras Aponte announced Sunday that a telephone line is now available so that people who do not have access to the internet or the CESCO Digital application can call and make an appointment for any transaction at one of the 14 Driver Services Centers (CESCOs by the Spanish acronym) on the island.

“Although hundreds of thousands of people have already been able to renew their licenses and conduct countless additional transactions without the need to wait in line at a CESCO, since they were able to make their appointments easily and securely from the mobile phone application, CESCO Digital, or from the cesco.turnospr.com website, we recognize that some citizens do not have access to or have not mastered these technological platforms,” Contreras Aponte said in a written statement. “For this reason, we are making available to these citizens a telephone line through which they will be oriented and given an appointment,

according to availability of spaces, for the day, time and CESCO that suits them best.”

The number 939-545-3708 is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The DTOP secretary also announced that since the new CESCO 2.0 was released, with the CESCO Citas system, last July, hundreds of thousands of citizens have been able to carry out their transactions at CESCO in a faster, safer and zero-queue environment.

“In just five months, hundreds of thousands of people have managed to renew their official DTOP licenses and identifications, as well as carry out other transactions at CESCO without waiting in line, without crowds that constitute a threat during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in an average time of less than 15 minutes, something that

a year ago was unimaginable,” Contreras Aponte said. “Those citizens who have access and have mastered both the internet and the CESCO Digital application should continue to use these platforms to make their appointments, and leave the telephone line for those who do not have access or have not mastered [digital access]. In this way, we ensure that the lines are not oversaturated and that we can serve more citizens.”

“There are many benefits for the nearly one million citizens who have already downloaded the CESCO Digital application on their cell phone,” the DTOP chief added.

“They not only have their virtual license, unique in the jurisdiction of the United States and valid for all official transactions in Puerto Rico. An extraordinary percent can already digitally renew their license or identification from the application itself, among other functionalities that make their life easier and safer, but very soon they will be able to transfer motor vehicles without having to go physically to a CESCO or a Treasury Department collection office.”

Through the CESCO Digital application, available for free in the Apple AppStore and Google Play for iPhone and Android, the

following can already be accomplished: * Access and always have the Virtual License available. Puerto Rico is the first and only jurisdiction in the United States to have this license. * Renew your driver’s license and official DTOP IDs from the comfort of your cell phone. * Obtain your driver record instantly and for free. * Make an appointment to visit one of the 14 CESCOs around the island. * View and download notifications (licenses) of motor vehicles registered in your name. * View and download the certification of fines. * Pay traffic fines without having to go to the bank or a Treasury Department collection office and have them erased instantly. * Receive notifications of amnesties and programs that impact drivers and vehicle owners. * Receive notifications of expiration dates for licenses and tags. * Access the list of CESCOs with their schedules and locations with geo coordinates for GPS use.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

Seven suggestions on protecting pets from fireworks

By JOHN McPHAUL jpmcphaul@gmail.com

T

he noise of fireworks has terrible effects on pets, to the point that many die from heart attacks or wounds and blows while trying to flee, so we should keep them in safe and isolated spaces during the holiday season, in which unfortunately the use of pyrotechnics has increased, said Dellymar Bernal Martínez, president of the San Francisco de Asís Animal Sanctuary (SASFAPR by its Spanish initials) in Cabo Rojo.

“When that noise starts, our pets suffer from [heart] palpitations, panic, lack of air, nausea and they feel like they are going to die. Amid their despair, many escape, injure themselves or are run over in the street, and, in the case of older animals or those with heart conditions, many have a heart attack and die,” Bernal Martínez said. “Those detonations affect animals so much because their sense of hearing is so much more sensitive than ours.”

Despite the fact that they are illegal and harmful to the environment and health, many people set off fireworks during the holiday season. To avoid this, ideally, authorities should enforce laws that prohibit and/ or regulate the use of fireworks so that neither humans nor animals have to suffer from noise and smoke, Bernal Martínez pointed out.

But, given the current reality, SASFAPR is sharing some recommendations so that pet owners can help alleviate the terror that the situation causes for their pets. They include:

1. Never leave pets outside or tied up -- Never leave your pets tied up or outside the home during a fireworks episode.

2. Safe space -- The most important thing is to identify an area of the house that you can prepare to keep your pet protected during pyrotechnics. This space must be closed -- or with closed windows -- so that you can isolate your pet from noise. You can put on soft and relaxing music.

3. Prescription drugs -- If you already know that your pet is sensitive to noise, check with your vet about possible medications that might be prescribed. Do it with time so that you can get what you need and calmly clarify all your doubts.

4. Natural supplements -- Also consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of using natural supplements that help your pet relax. And if you opt for this alternative, you must test the product with your pet under normal circumstances so that you can see the effect it has and explore different options if necessary.

5. Pheromones -- There are pheromone diffusers for dogs and cats -- which plug into a wall socket -- as well as sprays and collars with soothing infusions. Some are effective and you can buy them at pet supply stores.

6. T-shirts for anxiety -- In pet stores you can find fabric T-shirts for dogs and cats that simulate a tight hug.

7. Veterinarian -- Always remember to consult with your veterinarian, who has specialized knowledge and can help you choose the best alternative depending on the age and health of your pet.

“Our dogs and cats give us their love and make our lives happier and complete,” Bernal Martínez said. “It is up to us to reciprocate that fidelity, looking for the best alternatives so that they too can have a safe and happy holiday season.”

SASFAPR is a non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare that does not euthanize -- it is a “no-kill shelter” -- and currently houses some 100 dogs and cats.

For more information about the organization you can visit their networks social: Twitter (@SASFAPR), Fanpage on Facebook (Sanctuary of Animals San Francisco de Asís Inc. / @sasfapr), Instagram (santuario. sasfapr), or visit their page web (www.sasfapr.org). You can also write to info@sasfapr.org or send text messages to 787-612-8587.

Saturn and Jupiter to be in visible conjunction for the first time in nearly 800 years

By JOHN McPHAUL jpmcphaul@gmail.com

D

ust off the telescope. The most significant astronomical event of the year, the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, occurs shortly after the sun sets on Monday, Dec. 21, when the two largest planets in the solar system can be seen looking like a double planet.

“Jupiter is much brighter than Saturn, but with the naked eye you can see Saturn close to the right side, forming a very striking view to the west-southwest while it gets dark,” the Caribbean Astronomy Society said Sunday in a written statement.

The educational organization added that although a conjunction or apparent rapprochement between the two planets occurs approximately every 20 years, most of these events are extremely close to the

horizon or during daylight hours, so they are usually not visible.

However, if weather conditions allow, the “meeting” of the two planets that occurs during sunset on Dec. 21 will be clearly visible for the first time since sunrise on March 4, 1226; that is, almost 800 years ago.

“The event is due to the fact that, as seen from our perspective, both Saturn and Jupiter will be almost aligned with the Earth, and although we will see them as being very close to each other, in reality Saturn will be located about 455 million miles (733 million kilometers) farther away or almost behind Jupiter,” said Eddie Irizarry, vice president of the Caribbean Astronomy Society.

The organization stressed that although the event will be visible with the

naked eye, it will have the peculiarity that when pointing a small telescope toward the bright planet Jupiter, Saturn will look so close to it that both planets will be visible at the same time in the

same visual field, something extremely unusual.

If weather conditions are favorable, images can be seen during the event through the Facebook.com/sociedad.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

7

‘They’re playing with our lives’: What happens next for DACA’s ‘dreamers’

By MIRIAM JORDAN and MICHALE D. SHEAR

D

espite being a college graduate, Maria Fernanda Madrigal Delgado had no choice in 2011 but to clean buildings and flip burgers in fast-food joints for cash because she was not eligible to work in the United States. She had grown up without documentation in Southern California after being brought to the country as a child from Costa Rica.

In 2012, after President Barack Obama unveiled Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program that shielded hundreds of thousands of young immigrants living without documentation from deportation and allowed them to work, she got a job as a legal assistant. In May, at 31, she will graduate from law school in San Diego.

Yet almost from the moment DACA was created, it has been dogged by legal challenges, which have kept Madrigal and other “Dreamers” on tenterhooks. Soon after President Donald Trump took office in 2017, he canceled the program. The Supreme Court ruled in June that he had done so improperly, but the administration erected new roadblocks. “It’s literally like we’re in a pingpong game,” Madrigal said. “They’re playing with our lives.”

On Friday, a federal judge ruled in favor of DACA recipients, ordering full reinstatement of the program and opening it to new applicants.

But Madrigal isn’t celebrating. “I am aware this is not the end,” she said. “There can be another challenge. We need to get something that is more permanent.”

For young adults who were brought to the United States as children without legal permission, Friday’s court ruling was a milestone — an opportunity to win security after years of whiplash, as well as facing the possibility of removal.

Yet their future, most realize, ultimately remains uncertain. For years, DACA has been a policy roller-coaster, with court rulings and administration actions every few months alternately canceling, reinstating and partially rolling back the program.

As President-elect Joe Biden takes office, he faces enormous pressure to do what so many of his predecessors could not: push through a legislative solution that once and for all addresses the fate of the “Dreamers.”

“DACA recipients cannot feel safe yet, for a variety of reasons,” said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a professor of immigration law at Cornell Law School. “The only true solution for DACA recipients is legislation offering them a path to

legalization. Given the polarization in Congress, that seems difficult to achieve.”

In his decision Friday, Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn reversed a memorandum issued in the summer

by Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of Homeland Security, that restricted the program’s protections to people who had already enrolled. As many as 300,000 new applicants now can participate, if the judge’s ruling stands.

The Department of Homeland Security attacked the decision Saturday, saying it would abide by the ruling while it worked with the Justice Department on an appeal.

“DHS wholly disagrees with this decision by yet another activist judge acting from his own policy preferences,” Chase Jennings, a department spokesperson, said, describing the judge’s ruling as “clearly not sound law or logic.”

Unless Congress acts for the “Dreamers,” DACA is likely to be entangled in litigation and legal doubt for a while.

“Unfortunately, ‘Dreamers’ may have to live with some level of doubt and anxiety for the foreseeable future,” said Michael Kagan, an immigration scholar at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

He added: “To be clear: The situation for ‘Dreamers’ is much more optimistic today than it was six months ago. DACA survived Trump.

And the incoming president is a big supporter.

The question is how far Biden will be able to go to protect them, and to make the protection permanent.”

In a separate challenge, a federal judge in Texas could rule later this month in favor of conservative state officials who are hoping to dismantle DACA. And if Biden issues a new executive order after he becomes president, Texas or other conservative states might sue to block it.

Moreover, the Supreme Court did not conclude that the president had no authority to terminate DACA, only that Trump had failed to follow the appropriate procedure in doing so.

Michael Olivas, a DACA scholar, said he believed the program would survive, at least for several more years. “The Texas challenge is lurking, but the program is safe,” said Olivas, an emeritus professor of immigration law at the University of Houston. “Having already gone to the Supreme Court, it is continuing. It would take several years to be rescinded.”

He added, “In that time, current recipients would have been renewing every two years, and hundreds of thousands might have enrolled,” creating an even larger pool of beneficiaries.

Maria Fernanda Madrigal Delgado grew up undocumented and will graduate from law school in May. The Obama administration introduced DACA after Republicans in Congress blocked the Dream Act, a bill that would have given “Dreamers” solid legal protections and a path to citizenship.

Obama viewed DACA as a stopgap measure that would be in place only until lawmakers acted. But that has not happened. In 2013, the Senate passed a comprehensive immigration bill with bipartisan support, and with the encouragement of Obama.

But the Republican-controlled House refused to take up the measure, even though it would have pumped billions into border security, because it provided a path to citizenship for the “Dreamers” and other immigrants who entered the country illegally.

Further congressional efforts to address the issue stalled during the Trump presidency as the administration demanded restrictive measures and Trump pursued his wide-ranging curbs on immigration.

One bipartisan deal brokered by Sens.

Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., collapsed after Trump ranted about immigrants from “shithole countries.”

Biden has vowed to reverse Trump’s harsh immigration policies and to embrace the DACA program until he can muscle a comprehensive immigration plan through Congress.

The Trump administration shut down the program in 2017 just before Arlette Morales of

York, Pennsylvania, turned 15, when she would have qualified to enroll.

“I had lost all hope; I was devastated,” said Morales, 18, who was brought to the United States from Mexico when she was 2 years old.

Immediately after the Supreme Court ruled in June, she prepared and submitted a DACA application, only to have it returned after the Trump administration refused to accept new applicants. Again, she felt let down.

On Saturday, her hope rekindled, Morales said that she would resubmit the application first thing Monday.

Still, for some young immigrants, Friday’s court decision was too little, too late.

After Trump’s election, Mariela Gutierrez, a DACA recipient from Los Angeles, felt increasingly pessimistic about her prospects in the United States despite having a university education and good career prospects.

“I was tired of living as a second-class citizen, two years at a time, hoping DACA would not be eliminated,” said Gutierrez, who was brought across the border as a toddler.

In 2019, she decided to apply for permanent residency in Canada, winning approval in a matter of months. She moved earlier this year to Toronto, where she is pursuing a law degree.

“Moving to Canada was difficult, because my whole life was in Los Angeles — my family and my friends,” she said, “but the decision made sense.”

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Monday, December 7, 2020

The San Juan Daily Star

Outdoor dining is a hit. What about outdoor shopping?

Khadija Tudor, center, makes bouquets on a recent Saturday outside Life Wellness Center, her business in Brooklyn, on Nov. 21, 2020. She was selling merchandise on the sidewalk before she had even heard of the Open Storefronts program.

By JAZMINE HUGHES

H

oping to survive the economic toll of the pandemic, nearly 11,000 restaurants are now part of New York City’s outdoor dining program — a program so wildly popular that Mayor Bill de Blasio made it permanent.

With that kind of success, the mayor turned his attention to another popular activity: shopping. In late October, he announced the Open Storefronts program, which allows retailers to use their sidewalk space to conduct business outdoors.

But so far, the program is a dud: As of Tuesday morning, only 563 businesses had applied. De Blasio has said 40,000 businesses are eligible to participate.

There was a lot going against it. Business owners said the program was complicated, costly and too little, too late. It was scheduled to end Dec. 31. Only 10 businesses on Staten Island had applied, and most applicants were in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Some business owners said they were turned off by the rules, including space restrictions and a prohibition on heaters, a primary draw for outdoor dining as the weather grows colder.

Others said they could not afford to pay employees to stand outside in the cold to watch over merchandise.

Several store owners said that unlike outdoor dining, the customer demand was not there.

“People have to eat, they have to socialize, but they don’t necessarily have to buy clothes,” said Liz Murphy, the owner of Slope Vintage in Brooklyn.

A spokesperson for the mayor, Mitch Schwartz, said in a statement that the city was “proud” to see that some businesses were taking advantage of the program.

“Two things have been clear throughout this pandemic: Small businesses need support, and New York City’s recovery depends on creative uses of the outdoor urban landscape,” he said. “Open Storefronts merges both.”

But using the landscape does not mean businesses will recover, some store owners said.

Murphy said she put two racks of clothing in front of her store this summer before the mayor unveiled Open Storefronts.

Her sidewalk setup increased foot traffic but did not increase her sales. She said she did not see the value.

Outdoor retail “isn’t going to save the company,” said Murphy, who did not apply to the program. “It’s not going to make my sales go up 20%. All it’s going to do is say to someone, ‘Hey, we’re open,’ but I could’ve just gotten a neon sign for the same amount of money that would’ve attracted the same number of people.”

While the program is wide-ranging — including clothing and food stores and repair shops but also personal care services and even laundromats and dry cleaners — many retailers failed to see how it made sense for their business.

“The customer experience of visiting stores on Fifth Avenue is exceptional and based on what we know about our shoppers’ habits,” Jerome Barth, president of the Fifth Avenue Association, said in an email. “They prefer the personal touch of walking into a store and enjoying that special degree of care.”

Still, some business owners were hopeful, willing to try anything to stay afloat. With the holiday shopping season underway, retailers are increasingly anxious about recouping losses incurred during the pandemic. According to a report by the Partnership for NewYork City, a nonprofit business group, approximately one-third of the city’s 240,000 small businesses may not survive the pandemic.

KhadijaTudor, who owns Life Wellness Center, a massage and acupuncture studio and apothecary in Brooklyn, has been selling merchandise outside without having heard of Open Storefronts.

In 2006, when she and her husband opened the business, they would drag a massage chair to the sidewalk and offer it to passersby, or have a table with plants and incense for sale. During the pandemic, they left the massage chair inside, but the area outside the storefront is bustling.

Tudor said sidewalk merchandise, like lush bunches of eucalyptus and sizable house plants, had always helped business. “But it’s not just outdoor sales. A big thing for us is being connected to the community,” she said. “We really consider community to be the backbone of why we’re even surviving and thriving.”

The stretch of Tompkins Avenue was particularly lively on a recent November afternoon, full of outdoor diners and shoppers.

Two more retail businesses also had wares on the sidewalk; one had clothing snaked up the scaffolding outside the shop.

Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, also in Brooklyn, happens to be on one of the city’s “open streets,” which are closed to traffic at certain times. Bars and restaurants had been taking advantage of the additional space all summer, so when Ann Cantrell, the store’s owner, heard about the retail program, she jumped at the chance to apply.

“I just want to remain relevant and top of mind for our customers,” Cantrell said. Being outside “increases awareness and opportunity to be closer to the customer.”

Doing business outdoors helped salvage the Craft Studio, a Manhattan arts studio, not because of sales but because Lindsey Peers, the owner, moved art classes and activities to the sidewalk.

That meant caregivers and children could still participate in classes.

Although the sidewalk classes were successful in the summer, Peers said she thought she would get only one or two days of sidewalk sales in before the end of the year, even though she went through the formal application process.

“I know I’m not alone when I say it’s a staffing issue,” she said. “To have a person stationed outside all day and to make up for that revenue — it’s a gamble.”

Many store owners are avoiding the program entirely. Representatives from business improvement districts in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg and SoHo and on the Upper East Side and Madison Avenue all said that it was too soon to read the success of the program because of the low rates of participation.

DianSong Yu, executive director of the Downtown Flushing Transit Hub Business Improvement District, said the program was not successful in his Queens neighborhood.

“One, local retailers are facing major competition from online retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target,” he wrote in an email. “Two, to operate outdoor retail, shops will have to hire more employees for the coverage. A risk most shop owners are not willing to take on. Three, Main Street is occupied by illegal vendors throughout the day. Tough competition for retailers.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

9

A race against time to rescue a reef from climate change

By CATRIN EINHORN and CHRISTOPHER FLAVELLE

W

hen Hurricane Delta hit Puerto Morelos, Mexico, in October, a team known as the Brigade waited anxiously for the sea to quiet. The group, an assortment of tour guides, diving instructors, park rangers, fishermen and researchers, needed to get in the water as soon as possible. The coral reef that protects their town — an undersea forest of living limestone branches that blunted the storm’s destructive power — had taken a beating.

Now it was their turn to help the reef, and they didn’t have much time.

“We’re like paramedics,” said María del Carmen García Rivas, director of the national park that manages the reef and a leader of the Brigade. When broken corals roll around and get buried in the sand, they soon die. But pieces can be saved if they are fastened back onto the reef.

“The more days that pass, the less chance they have of survival,” she said.

The race to repair the reef is more than an ecological fight; it’s also a radical experiment in finance. The reef could be the first natural structure in the world with its own insurance policy, according to environmental groups and insurance companies. And Hurricane Delta’s force triggered the first payout — about $850,000 to be used for the reef’s repairs.

The success or failure of this experiment could determine whether communities around the world start using a new tool that marries nature and finance to protect against the effects of climate change. The response to Delta was a first test.

When the Brigade laid eyes on their reef, which runs 17 miles south of Cancún and is home to critically endangered elkhorn coral, it looked ransacked. Structures the size of bathtubs were flipped upside down. Coral stalks lay like felled trees. Countless smaller fragments of broken coral coated the seafloor.

On the boat, cement mixers prepared a special paste that snorkelers ferried down to divers who spent hours underwater carefully fastening pieces back on the reef.

Divers use a ballon to right a piece of broken coral off the coast of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, on Nov. 12, 2020.

In an unusual experiment, a coral reef in Mexico is now insured against hurricanes. A team of locals known as “the Brigade” rushed to repair the devastated corals, piece by piece.

They used inflatable bags to turn over large formations rolled by the storm and collected fragments to seed new colonies.

The Brigade’s members, mostly volunteers, delighted in the bright damselfish that darted into restored crevices even before the paste had hardened. But there was so much to do and so little time.

At the end of a grueling day, Tamara Adame, a diving instructor and guide, wondered if the tiny team could make a dent. “Is it actually going to make a difference that I’m here all day picking up the pieces?” she asked herself.

‘Like water in the desert’ Just as a house is insured against fire, or a car against crashes, last year a 103-mile stretch of the coast, including the reef, was insured against hurricanes with a wind speed of 115 mph or greater, which is a Category 3 storm.

It didn’t take long for the policy to pay off: Hurricane Delta slammed into the reef in October. The governor of the state of Quintana Roo announced the payout on Facebook Live: 17 million pesos.

Ideally, reefs wouldn’t need such interventions.

After all, they’ve been surviving hurricanes for millennia.

But in Quintana Roo, like so many parts of the world, humans have weakened coral, tiny tentacled animals that secrete layers of limestone to build outer skeletons for themselves. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, sewage pollution and overfishing leave coral more vulnerable to hurricane damage.

And hurricanes themselves are becoming more severe because of climate change. This year, the Atlantic has seen the most named storms on record.

Environmentalists and insurance companies behind the effort hope it becomes a model for protecting other far-flung coastlines, whether in Florida or Indonesia, insuring not just coral reefs but also mangroves, salt marshes and other natural barriers to storms. These nature-based defenses protect coastal properties and biodiversity all at once.

“Having this insurance policy is really like water in the desert,” said Efraín Villanueva Arcos, the environment secretary for Quintana Roo, who leads a trust that determines how the money gets spent. Without it, he said, the government would have struggled to fund the repair work.

Some scientists and environmentalists point to philosophical and practical concerns. They protest that the policy reduces the reef to a commodity. It diverts money to private companies that could instead be spent directly to protect the local people and environment. It can’t address longer-term threats from climate change that are killing the reef anyway.

But “if we want to move the needle on how we are impacting nature,” said Fernando Secaira, a specialist on climate risk and resilience at the Nature Conservancy who helped bring about the insurance policy, “we need to move into economic terms.”

Continues on page 10

10

Monday, December 7, 2020

From page 9 Every piece ‘a possible colony’ “Brigade, we will try to save as much as we can,” García Rivas wrote on the group’s WhatsApp chain, trying to rally her exhausted team for the next long day. “Each fragment is a possible colony, keep it up!!!!!!!”

Locals had volunteered boats, food and themselves, but she needed more of everything. And she figured they had only one short month to complete the first phase — repairing, stabilizing and collecting broken corals — before those pieces would be too far gone to save. And while she heard the insurance money was coming, how quickly would it arrive?

To cover immediate costs for fuel and food, Secaira of the Nature Conservancy had approved $1,000 from a different fund, and García Rivas fronted money from her own pocket. “Luckily I don’t have kids to feed, so I had some savings,” she said.

The Brigade was created in 2018. Its members joined as volunteers, but the idea was that if a hurricane hit, money from a payout would help tide them over while tourists stayed away.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, complicated everything. Tourism had been dead for months before Hurricane Delta struck, but just as reef restoration began, visitors started trickling back. That meant some Brigade members, such as Adame, the diving instructor, suddenly had clients again. “I couldn’t refuse the work,” she said.

“I really needed the income.”

She could spend only two days with the Brigade.

In fact, of the Brigade’s 36 members, less than half were participating on any given day.

The depleted volunteers completed 11 days of restoration work before a new hurdle stopped them: Another hurricane, Zeta, began hurtling toward the Gulf of Mexico.

It made landfall as a Category 1 storm — not enough for a payout, even though locals said it lashed the coast harder.

Then, Zeta was followed immediately by even more bad weather, keeping them out of the water for an agonizing 13 days. Brigade members feared their work would be lost.

As soon as the port reopened, they sped to the areas of the reef where they had spent the most time on repairs.

Parts were so battered that García Rivas had trouble recognizing where she was.

Divers prepare to transport a special paste that will be used to help repair a hurricane-damaged reef.

Divers work to repair hurricane-damaged coral off the coast of Puerto Morelos.

“I felt powerless,” she said, “confused by so much disaster.” But closer inspection showed that while the reef’s periphery was a mess, some of their work in the center had withstood the second hurricane. “When I saw the fragments that we had glued still standing in place, I had a feeling of hope,” she said.

They got to work again.

Would anyone buy it?

Back in 2015, Kathy Baughman McLeod, who was then director of climate risk and resilience at the Nature Conservancy, asked a profound question: Could you design an insurance policy for a coral reef?

On its face, the idea might have seemed absurd. For starters, nobody owns a reef, so who would even buy the policy? And it’s not easy assessing the damage to something that’s underwater.

But Baughman McLeod, along with Alex Kaplan, then a senior executive at Swiss Re, a leading insurance company, came up with workarounds. First, the policy could be purchased by those who benefit from the reef — in this case, the state of Quintana Roo, which is also home to Cancún and Tulum and has a tourism economy estimated at more than $9 billion.

“Without that reef, there’s no beach,” Kaplan said.

“Without that beach, there’s no tourists.”

Second, rather than basing the payout on reef damage, it could be triggered by something far easier to measure: The storm’s wind speed. The stronger the wind, the worse the assumed damage to the reef.

The idea of putting a dollar value on a reef or ecosystem by identifying a “service” that it provides has become increasingly popular. For example, coastal salt marshes protect from flooding — offering economic benefits on top of environmental ones. Peat bogs store vast amounts of carbon, keeping it out of the atmosphere where it would worsen global warming. And coral reefs reduce the energy of waves by 97%, protecting coastal properties.

But this notion of “ecosystem services” is controversial in some circles.

“It’s a popular concept because it commodifies nature and it allows people to put a dollar value on nature,” said Terry Hughes, who directs a center for coral reef studies at James Cook University in Australia. “But it’s very anthropocentric and it’s certainly not about protecting nature for

The San Juan Daily Star nature’s worth. It’s almost kind of selfish.”

If you look at it from the reef’s perspective, Hughes said, hurricanes are the least of its problems. Climate change, coastal pollution and overfishing are far greater threats.

But given the scale of the planet’s intertwined environmental emergencies — not only climate change but the collapse in biodiversity — conservationists say they must be pragmatic. More than 1 million species are at risk of extinction, including many coral species.

And in Puerto Morelos, monetizing the reef had the almost ironic consequence of helping some in the community understand that it is actually invaluable. “My experience with the Brigade has changed my thinking so much,” said Alejandro Chan, who takes tourists sport fishing and snorkeling. “I have to help the reef.”

Still, any money governments spend on insurance premiums is money that can’t go toward reducing greenhouse emissions or directly helping people prepare for the next storm, said Zac Taylor, a research fellow at KU Leuven, a university in Belgium, who studies the intersection of finance and climate risk.

Taylor also questioned whether insurers will keep offering such policies if the bigger threat, climate change, which generates worsening hurricanes, isn’t brought under control. “Will they stick around?” Taylor asked.

Setbacks and success By early December, even the corals broken by Zeta were barely healthy enough to save. Still, the Brigade pressed ahead. So far its members have braced or cemented almost 12,500 fragments, and turned over or stabilized more than 2,000 larger coral formations.

“Champion Brigade!!!!!” García Rivas cheered on WhatsApp. But their efforts exposed the scale of the challenge in responding to reefs after hurricanes. They exhausted themselves patching up vital but limited sections. Another team in Cancún performed a much smaller intervention there.

And the insurance money itself faced delays that hindered the work. It took two or three weeks for the government to receive the payout, and then almost another month for the trust, made up of government officials along with a representative from the tourism industry, to decide how to distribute it.

“If the insurance money had been available in a timely manner,” said Claudia Padilla, a researcher at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Institute in Mexico, which developed the Brigade’s hurricane response protocols and trained its members, “the results of the rescue effort could have been greatly multiplied.”

Still, the money will be put to its intended purpose of restoration, funding longer-term projects like seeding of new colonies and replenishment of reef biodiversity. And Secaira of the Nature Conservancy believes that the rest of the world will use Quintana Roo as proof of concept.

Indeed, as the Brigade was at work in Puerto Morelos, a bill in Guam’s Legislature sought to evaluate insuring a reef there. Training is underway in other locations in Mexico, Belize and Honduras.

But it won’t be easy. The training in Honduras had to be postponed when the country was hit by two hurricanes, Eta and Iota, within just two weeks. They were the Atlantic Ocean’s 28th and 30th named storms of the year.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

11

With 3 billion packages to go, online shopping faces tough holiday test

By MICHAEL CORKERY and SAPNA MAHESHWARI

E

-commerce became a lifeline for consumers and companies during the pandemic. But this holiday season, online shopping will strain the industry as never before: An estimated 3 billion packages will course through the nation’s shipping infrastructure — about 800 million more than delivered last year.

This flood of packages is hitting shipping companies at the end of a year of frenzied demand for everyday household items by a public largely stuck at home and wary of doing its buying in person. The deliveries could make or break some smaller retailers already on the edge financially because of lockdowns and fewer customers in their stores.

Packages that don’t arrive by Christmas will be a disappointment for customers but a disaster for these struggling retailers, which have been forced by the coronavirus pandemic to rebuild their business around e-commerce.

The future of retailing is increasingly online, and companies don’t want to give customers any reason to think they can’t deliver.

“Everyone is preparing for the worst and holding their breath,” said Ravi Shanker, a transportation analyst at Morgan Stanley. “It is far easier to lose at peak shipping than to win.”

To cope with the surge, the large shipping companies have expanded weekend deliveries and hired more workers. They have also played hardball with retailers, introducing steep holiday surcharges on shipments and enforcing strict limits on how many packages companies can send out each day.

FedEx and UPS, the biggest private U.S. carriers, have enormous leverage over how many packages will be delivered and when, and some retailers worry about pushing back against their demands for fear of being cut off.

But the carriers are also under pressure, largely from Amazon, which has been building out its own logistics business and is becoming increasingly independent in shipping. If more retailers falter this holiday, that only strengthens Amazon’s dominance.

By one accounting, 7.2 million more packages need to be shipped each day this holiday season than the system has the capacity to handle.

That figure came from ShipMatrix, which provides technology to the shipping industry. Its president, Satish Jindel, said expanded

Fruitcakes await pickup at Beatrice Bakery in Beatrice, Neb. on Dec. 3, 2020. The season is adding pressure on retailers, strained by a pandemic surge in e-commerce and limited by shippers, to deliver gifts on time. weekend deliveries were covering part of that shortfall, “but not all of it.”

“Demand exceeds capacity, no matter what part of the country you are in,” he said.

Many brands, both large and small, have yanked forward order deadlines for customers who want to receive items by Christmas and posted reminders on their websites to order early.

Beatrice Bakery in Beatrice, Nebraska, which expects to sell 750,000 pounds of fruitcake this holiday, set a cutoff of Dec. 9 — nearly a week earlier than last year — while the Disney Store is advertising a Dec. 10 deadline.

Typically, shipping volumes during the holidays are 30% to 40% higher than at other times of the year. But those levels were being reached this year long before people started buying Christmas gifts. Even Amazon struggled to keep up with the demand in the early days of the pandemic.

The shipping companies say they are better prepared for the holidays. FedEx said it was hiring 70,000 seasonal employees, and UPS said it would hire 100,000. That expansion pales next to the preparation at Amazon, which said it was building 100 new fulfillment warehouses, sorting centers and delivery faci-

lities across North America. The company has hired 275,000 full-time and part-time workers since the start of the year and 100,000 seasonal workers to handle the increased volume.

Major shipping companies are also preparing to distribute coronavirus vaccines, though most of those shipments are not likely to start until next year.

Some retailers are already reporting delays.

Executives at Kendra Scott, the contemporary jewelry brand, said they had discussed rising sales during the holidays with UPS but were told this past week that deliveries would be delayed because of capacity issues. On Wednesday, an alert about the delays was at the top of the Kendra Scott website.

“I don’t know how it could be as unexpected as it appears to have been,” said Tom Nolan, the brand’s president. “We are not getting what we were told we would get when we embarked on our holiday season.”

Nolan said the delays were particularly frustrating because customers tended to blame the brands, rather than the shipping companies.

“We’re paying a fee to a shipping provider to hold them to the expectations we have,” he said.

Kendra Scott employees scrambled, including moving goods to some of its 100-plus stores and warehouses that were closer to certain customers. But Nolan was uncertain about how the rest of the month would look.

“We’re trying to work that out now and anticipate, coming closer to the holidays, is this going to get better or going to get worse?” he said. “This is not a free service that we’re talking about. We pay a premium to get this done effectively, and the expectation is that it’s done effectively.”

One retailer that sells apparel and accessories has already been grappling with UPS’ capacity restrictions and surcharges, which can add several dollars to a package and increase its overall cost by 25% to 40%, according to two company executives, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing fear of retaliation from UPS. The parcel limits were based on holiday volumes from last year, even though many more people are shopping online this year.

Once a day’s quota is reached, remaining parcels must be pushed to the next day, the executives said, a move that can then snowball into other days.

Overall, delays have been relatively minimal so far, analysts say. A UPS representative said the carrier was “delivering previously agreed upon, collaboratively planned package volume, but there are limits on unplanned volume until we have capacity in our network that we can steer it toward.”

Still, many retailers are urging customers to pick up orders in stores or curbside.

The shipping calculus for the smallest retailers leaves little margin for error. Doug Haney, who owns Bike Adirondacks, a cycling business in Saranac Lake, New York, ships his products though the U.S. Postal Service. This year, the shipping rates for smaller items like T-shirts and hoodies have gone up, and Haney is absorbing some of the costs.

“A $5 price point for shipping for a small order is what people want to spend,” he said.

“Otherwise, it becomes unappealing.”

Shipping companies are walking a tightrope, too. In some past years, they were criticized for not having enough employees to handle the packages, leading to delays. But in other years, investors criticized them for hiring too many drivers and sorters, lowering profits.

“You have to match the resources with the volume,” said Shanker, the Morgan Stanley analyst. “It is easy to get that wrong.”

12

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

Stocks

Wall Street hits highs as slowing job growth spurs stimulus bets

W

all Street’s main indexes rose to all-time highs on Friday as data showing the slowest U.S. jobs growth in six months raised investors’ expectations for a new fiscal relief bill to help revive the coronavirus-hit economy.

So-called “cyclical” stocks seen as particularly sensitive to the economy, such as energy, materials and industrials, shined as most S&P 500 sectors rose.

The Labor Department’s closely watched report showed nonfarm payrolls increased by 245,000 jobs in November, below economists’ expectations of 469,000 jobs and the smallest gain since the labor recovery started in May. President-elect Joe Biden said Friday’s “grim” jobs report shows the economic recovery is stalling and warned the “dark winter” ahead would exacerbate the pain unless the U.S. Congress passes a coronavirus relief bill immediately.

“The bad news of the weakening jobs picture is potentially good news for investors because it means that the stimulus bill is much more likely to take place in a fairly short time frame,” said Ryan Detrick, senior market strategist at LPL Financial in North Carolina.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 248.74 points, or 0.83%, to 30,218.26, the S&P 500 gained 32.40 points, or 0.88%, to 3,699.12 and the Nasdaq Composite added 87.05 points, or 0.7%, to 12,464.23.

The Dow Jones Transportation Average and the small-cap Russell 2000 also posted record closing highs.

The benchmark 10-year yield hit its highest level since March at over 0.98%, helping support financial shares which are highly sensitive to interest rates.

The energy sector jumped 5.4%, bolstered by gains in oil prices. Shares of Diamondback Energy Inc surged 12.7% and Occidental Petroleum gained 13.4%.

“There is just a lot of catch-up happening with those sectors and sub-sectors that have really struggled year to date,” said Eric Freedman, chief investment officer at U.S. Bank Wealth Management.

Utilities lagged the most among major sectors, falling 1%.

Positive coronavirus vaccine updates from drugmakers have raised investor hopes for an economic recovery next year and overshadowed worries over a surge in U.S. infections, helping the major indexes to another week of gains after the benchmark S&P 500 surged over 10% in November.

In company news, Boeing shares fell 1.9% as a top company executive said the company is reducing production of its 787 Dreamliner for the fourth time in 18 months.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

13

Greek Orthodox church faces criticism as virus hits its ranks

By NIKI KITSANTONIS

T

he coronavirus has dealt a double blow to the powerful Greek Orthodox Church, with the disease spreading through its ranks while the clergy fends off criticism that it has been stoking the pandemic.

The church’s leader, Archbishop Ieronymos, declared from the outset of the pandemic in the spring that he was committed to supporting the conservative government’s public health campaign to halt the spread of the virus. On Nov. 30, the 82-year-old archbishop left an Athens hospital after 12 days of treatment for the virus, urging Greeks to “restrict yourselves, discipline yourselves, follow the rules.”

But defiance by Orthodox hard-liners and the church’s unflinching commitment to the tradition of Holy Communion, where worshippers consume sacramental bread soaked in wine from a common spoon, appears to have undercut those good intentions. Several clergy members have even gone as far as insisting that faith in the communion sacrament can shield people from the virus.

As Greek authorities struggle to contain a second wave of the virus, some of the fiercest criticism of the church is coming from within its own ranks. One bishop, Anthimos of Alexandroupolis, condemned those who, with “criminal sermons,” have urged Greeks to ignore public health restrictions.

“We believed we were supermen. We hid the fact that we’d been infected by the virus and were led to the grave,” he wrote in an article posted online last month. “Pious Egotism Kills!” he added.

Nasos Iliopoulos, spokesman for the leftist opposition party Syriza, said, “The fact that these are the words of a bishop make it clear that the church’s response to the pandemic has been questionable.”

“Let’s not forget the existence of a conservative/religious public that often appears to deny not only the measures but the very existence of the pandemic,” Iliopoulos added, saying the state must make clear that observing the coronavirus restrictions is an obligation for all.

It is not clear to what extent places of worship have contributed to the spread of the virus in a country where 8 in 10 people say religion is an important part of their lives.

Conservative government officials have chiefly blamed overcrowding in bars and restaurants and seem loath to point the finger at the church, even though the disease has clearly spread through the ranks of the clergy in recent weeks — particularly afflicting older members who are most vulnerable to the virus.

At least six of the church’s 82 bishops in Greece have caught the virus, including 62-year-old Bishop Ioannis of Lagadas in northern Greece, who died from it Nov. 15. But the actual number of infected clerics is not known, as some have not made their illnesses public, calling it “a personal issue,” church officials said.

“Some clergy, hierarchs included, seem to act as if they believe themselves to be immune to the disease,” said George Demacopoulos, a co-director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University. “We are seeing the tragic results of this sort of thinking.”

Although Greece initially fared relatively well in coping

A funeral in northern Greece last month for Bishop Ioannis of Lagadas, who died from Covid-19 at age 62. with the pandemic, the second wave has proved tougher to curb.

As of Friday, the country had 113,185 confirmed cases and 2,804 deaths, with most of the deaths recorded over the past month.

Ieronymos tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 16, two days after meeting Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis amid the country’s latest lockdown to discuss the opening of churches for Christmas. (Mitsotakis subsequently tested negative).

Other Orthodox churches in Europe have also been struck by the virus.

The Orthodox patriarch of Serbia, Irinej, 90, and the patriarch of Montenegro, Amfilohije, 82, both died from it in recent weeks. The Archbishop of Albania, Anastasios, a 91-year-old ethnic Greek, was flown in for treatment at the same Athens hospital that treated Archbishop Ieronymos last month.

Irinej had officiated at Amfilohije’s funeral in Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, on Nov. 1. The funeral drew thousands of mourners, many of them kissing the body of the deceased cleric.

Several clerics contracted the virus after that gathering.

Similar “superspreader” events appear to have fueled the transmission of the virus through the ranks of the Greek clergy, notably a dinner for the Holy Synod, the church’s governing body, in Athens and a ceremony for the patron saint of Thessaloniki in northern Greece.

Bishop Ioannis of Lagadas had been in a throng of clerics and worshippers at the saint day celebrations in late October, several weeks before his death. He was among those who claimed that the virus does not spread through Holy Communion.

A vigil for the eradication of the coronavirus at Mount Athos, a monastic community in northern Greece, also drew scores of people in a crowd last month. It followed an outbreak there in September, although monastery officials said all participants had

been tested for COVID-19.

A Greek court recently cleared a bishop, Nektarios of Corfu, of violating COVID-19 health restrictions even though he urged worshippers to defy the spring lockdown and attend church.

The Holy Synod said that it was complying with health measures, including the enforcement of social distancing and the mandatory use of face masks in churches. But at the same time, it condemned a “neurotic” focus by critics on Holy Communion.

“If you don’t believe and see it as wine and bread, you are not protected,” said Giorgos Vasileiou, head of the synod’s press office. “I see it as the body of Christ, so I am.”

Several conservative lawmakers say they continue to participate in the sacrament of communion, and a government minister was recently photographed doing so.

Opinion polls, however, indicate that 7 in 10 Greeks believe that communion spreads the virus, and a new survey found that 7 in 10 described the church’s response to the pandemic as irresponsible.

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14

Monday, December 7, 2020

The San Juan Daily Star

For Boris Johnson, a week to exorcise the demons of 2020

By MARK LANDLER

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ritain’s approval of a coronavirus vaccine this week, beating every other Western country, would be a political gift for any leader. But perhaps none needs it as much as Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

A successful vaccine rollout could be the last chance for Johnson’s government to show competence, after botching virtually every other step of its response to the pandemic, from tardy lockdowns to a costly, ineffective testand-trace program — all of which contributed to the country having the highest death toll in Europe.

It also comes just as Britain has reached a climactic stage in its long negotiations with the European Union for a trade relationship after having left the People drink outside a pub in London’s West End, on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. The bloc this year. Allies of Johnson were government’s second lockdown ended this week. quick to claim that the swift approval of the vaccine vindicated the Brexit proj- be fortuitous, allowing the beleaguered entists at a German biotechnology firm, ect. prime minister to resolve an issue that produced by an American pharmaceuThat claim was quickly debunked. has divided Britain for more than four tical company and manufactured in a Nevertheless, the mass vaccination pro- years at the very moment that relief fi- plant in Belgium. gram will be an early test of how well nally begins to arrive for a country ravBrexit has colored Johnson’s hanBritain works once it is fully untethered aged by the virus. dling of the pandemic in ways obvious from Europe.

Pro-Brexit politicians struck a and subtle. Britain declined to join a “The British government is look- bluntly nationalistic chord, saying Brit- multibillion-dollar EU vaccine purchasing for ways to claim a victory because ain’s early approval of the vaccine was ing fund and shunned a European conthey’ve made such a bloody mess of the the first of many triumphs — though sortium to buy ventilators. The latter epidemic,” said David King, a former for all the fanfare, it may be only days decision provoked anxiety in the early chief scientific adviser to the govern- ahead of U.S. authorization and a few days of the pandemic, when it looked as ment who has become a vocal critic of weeks ahead of the EU. if hospitals might not have enough maits performance. “The nationalistic reStill, the optics of Britain striking chines for their patients. sponse is brutish and rather distasteful.” out on its own, ahead of France and In the end, the hospitals were able Still, it is difficult to separate poli- Germany, are appealing because they to cope with the demand. On Monday, tics from public health. As the first vials play into the pro-Brexit argument that Johnson boasted that Britain, acting on of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine rolled a Britain unshackled from Brussels will its own, was the first country to preorder into Britain in refrigerated trucks from be more agile and flexible, able to act supplies of the Pfizer vaccine, securing Belgium this week, negotiators in Lon- as a free agent in the global market for 40 million doses. All told, it has ordered don were in the last stages of trying to everything from vaccines to ventilators. more than 350 million doses of seven stitch together a long-term, EU-British “No one is very proud of our re- vaccine candidates, hedging its bets in trade agreement. The talks were paused cord on the pandemic,” said Jonathan case some do not pan out.

Friday evening, amid signs that a break- Powell, a former chief of staff to Prime But Johnson diverged from other through would require personal inter- Minister Tony Blair. “But they believe European leaders in waiting until late vention by Johnson. we’re magically going to become a bet- March to impose a lockdown. This fall, The pandemic has raised the pres- ter country by being outside of Europe.” amid a second wave of the virus, he sure on Johnson to strike a deal, since If anything, Powell said, the Pfizer again moved more tentatively than leada failure could deepen the economic vaccine was a testament to the value of ers on the Continent, imposing a nationdamage caused by multiple lockdowns. pre-Brexit, cross-border collaboration: wide lockdown only in November. CritYet the convergence of events could also It was developed by Turkish-born sci- ics say those delays cost lives; Britain’s

death toll just surpassed 60,000.

“While we were in lockdown, we appeared to do nothing about a testtrace-and-isolate system,” King said.

“We still don’t have a system that has anywhere near the capacity we need.”

He and other experts expressed less concern about the British regulator’s rapid approval of the Pfizer vaccine. Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, they said, had a history of independence and a reputation across Europe for thoroughly vetting new drugs.

They also expressed confidence that the vaccine will be distributed through Britain’s National Health Service, not by private contractors, like the companies involved in the troubleprone test-and-trace system.

Even so, there are worries about how to distribute the vaccine, which needs to be stored at ultracold temperatures. Before the first injections, the government abruptly changed the priority for who would get the shot first, ruling out those in nursing homes in favor of nursing home staff and people 80 and over in hospitals or with appointments there.

The government’s muddled messaging has damaged Johnson, not just with the public but also with members of his own Conservative Party. He had to fend off a rebellion among Conservatives in Parliament this week over tiered restrictions that replaced the nationwide lockdown lifted Tuesday.

Experts said they were hopeful that the arrival of a vaccine would leach some of the vitriol out of the debate over lockdowns. But the government’s messaging could be a weakness in winning broad public acceptance of the vaccine.

In addition to anti-vaccination activists, experts said it would confront wariness from people who will question whether Britain rushed its approval.

“They need to think about people who are saying, ‘Why is this being pushed so quickly?’” said Devi Sridhar, director of the global health program at the University of Edinburgh, who added she would take it “tomorrow, if I could.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

15

After perilous Atlantic journey, migrants await their fate in Canary Island hotels

By RAPHAEL MINDER

A

fter braving the Atlantic on a rickety and overcrowded fishing boat for six days, a group of young Senegalese has spent the past three weeks in a three-star hotel in the Canary Islands, overlooking a spectacular beach lapped by pristine waters.

While relieved to have survived their perilous journey to the Canary Islands, which has become the most deadly crossing from Africa into Europe for migrants, the six young men also know that their hotel stay is not a fairy-tale end to their odyssey.

“After this crazy trip, I am happy to be alive, but I really have no idea how long I can stay here and where I can go next,” said Ousseynou Diop, 19, who boarded the fishing boat in the Senegalese port of Saint-Louis on Nov. 1.

About 20,000 migrants have reached the Canary Islands so far this year, despite several deadly shipwrecks off Senegal and other African countries as well as some that occurred just as the boats were reaching the shores of the Spanish archipelago. At least 568 people have died while crossing from Africa to the Spanish islands between January and late November, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The sudden influx of migrants has caught Spanish authorities flat-footed, even though rights activists and other experts had been warning that traffickers were likely to divert to the Canary Islands after an increase in patrols virtually shut down many Mediterranean routes into Europe, notably from Libya.

Instead, Spain is now pressuring its partners in the European Union to establish a system to distribute migrants equitably across member countries and asking Morocco and other African nations to take back those without a legal claim to remain, at a time when travel restrictions related to the coronavirus have greatly complicated deportations.

“We are the southern border of Europe, not of Spain,” Hana Jalloul, Spain’s amigration secretary, said in a video conference call with a group of foreign correspondents late last month. Other European countries that receive fewer migrants “should take into account our situation,” she added.

The steady influx of migrants is hitting Spain as the coronavirus has stifled its economy — particularly its cornerstone, tourism. Since March, the Canary Islands have only seen a fraction of the 13 million tourists who came last year for the beaches and the mild climate, much in demand during the European winter. In October, there were 88% fewer foreign visitors than in the same month last year.

Since the summer, as an emergency solution, the Spanish government has moved about 6,000 migrants from tents in Arguineguín — a port on Gran Canaria, one of the main islands of the archipelago — to 17 hotels that have been shuttered by the pandemic, several of them in the beach town of Puerto Rico.

The move was initially welcomed by local hoteliers, who received about 45 euros, or $55, a day from authorities in return for providing food and lodgings for each migrant, but tensions have built up as the flow of arrivals has shown no sign of easing.

Late last month, hundreds of residents demonstrated to demand the departure of the migrants, saying that their presen-

ce could deter European tourists as the winter season starts.

“We should put them on planes and send them home because we have people living here who have invested a lot of money to fill this beautiful place with tourists, and certainly not migrants,” said one of the protesters, Teresa García Llarena, a pensioner and former employee of a car rental company.

The island’s main association of hoteliers did not back the protest, but its Dutch president, Tom Smulders, said that “this crisis situation has got as far as it could go,” and he urged Spain’s government to evacuate all migrants from hotels by the end of the year.

Spain’s government is led by a socialist prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, and the regional government of the Canary Islands is also socialist-led. But the politicians have struggled to coordinate their response to the islands’ migration crisis. The archipelago’s politicians say the central government reacted too late and is now scrambling to rebuild infrastructure that was unnecessarily dismantled after 2006, when the islands last witnessed a mass influx, with about 36,000 arrivals that year.

Once the Mediterranean became harder to cross for migrants, “we had the capacity to do a lot more to prepare for this, but I think that somebody in Madrid thought that the Canary Islands had somehow magically changed their location on the map and migrants would never get here again,” Noemí Santana, the regional minister for social rights in the Canary Islands, said in an interview.

While adult migrants are the responsibility of the central

government, Santana and her officials act as legal guardians for about 2,000 underage and unaccompanied migrants scattered across several youth centers.

Their number has quadrupled since January, and like the adults, the children are mostly Moroccans. Many first traveled from inland Morocco to the shores of the Western Sahara, a long-standing territorial conflict area where hostilities recently resumed.

Saïd, 16, and his cousin Mohamed, 17, left their town of El Kelaa des Srarhna, northeast of the tourism hub of Marrakech, to reach Dakhla, in the Western Sahara, where they then boarded a boat bound for the Canary Islands.

Saïd said his elder brother paid traffickers about 1,000 euros (about $1,212) for his trip. “The young people in Morocco can now only look forward to misery, because there is the coronavirus, so really no way to work and earn money,” said Saïd, whose full name cannot be disclosed under Spanish rules that protect underage migrants.

Saïd and his cousin are in a youth center with a makeshift prayer area, a soccer pitch and leafy surroundings, in the grounds of an abandoned farmhouse.

One of the directors of the local nongovernment association running the center, Enrique Quintana, said his job at times felt like “looking after vulnerable babies,” because “migrating to another country with a different language and culture means that you really start again from zero, whatever you might have achieved before in your life.”

A staff member serves lunch to teenage boys from Mali at a center for unaccompanied minors in Gran Canaria island, Spain on Nov. 25, 2020. The Spanish government has put migrants up in hotels as the islands struggle to cope with a rise in arrivals from Africa, but tensions are fraying with locals who fear they’ll scare off tourists.

16

Monday, December 7, 2020

The San Juan Daily Star

NEW YORK TIMES EDITORIAL

Learn to stop worrying and love debt

By PAUL KRUGMAN

A

mid all the wild swings in U.S. politics over the past decade, one thing has remained constant: the GOP position on government debt. The party considers high levels of debt an existential threat — if a Democrat is sitting in the White House. If a Republican president presides over big deficits, well, as Donald Trump’s budget director reportedly told supporters last year, “nobody cares.”

So it’s a completely safe prediction that once Joe Biden is sworn in, we will once again hear lots of righteous Republican ranting about the evils of borrowing. What’s less clear is whether we’ll see a repeat of what happened during the Obama years, when many centrists — and much of the news media — both took obvious fiscal phonies seriously and joined in the chorus of fearmongering.

Let’s hope not. For the fact is that we’ve learned a lot about the economics of government debt over the past few years — enough so that Olivier Blanchard, the eminent former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, is talking about a “shift in fiscal paradigm.” And the new paradigm suggests both that

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public debt isn’t a major problem and that government borrowing for the right purposes is actually the responsible thing to do.

Why are economists thinking differently about debt? Part of the answer is that we’ve discovered some things about how the world works; the rest of the answer is that the world has changed.

It made some sense, nine or 10 years ago, to worry that the financial crisis in Greece was a harbinger of potential debt crises in other countries (although I never bought it). As it turned out, however, the full list of countries that ended up looking like Greece is …

Greece. What briefly seemed like a spread of Greekstyle problems across southern Europe turned out to be a temporary investor panic, quickly ended by a promise from the European Central Bank that it would lend money to cash-short governments if necessary.

In other words, those dire warnings we used to hear (and will soon be hearing again) that America faces imminent disaster once government debt crosses some red line were always misguided. We weren’t and aren’t anywhere close to that kind of crisis and probably never will be.

But what about the longer term? Doesn’t debt impose a burden on future generations, who will have to spend money paying interest that could have been put to better uses?

Here’s where it becomes crucial to realize that the world has changed: Interest rates are much lower than they were in the past, and all indications are that they’ll stay low for years to come.

One key indicator is the real interest rate on longterm government bonds — the interest rate minus in-

flation, which is a better measure of true borrowing costs than the headline rate. The real rate on 10-year bonds averaged around 4% in the 1990s; it has been generally less than 1%, and sometimes negative, for the past decade.

Why are interest rates so low? That’s a longish story, probably mainly involving demography and technology. Basically, the private sector doesn’t seem to see many opportunities for productive investment, and savers who have no place else to go are willing to buy government debt even though it doesn’t pay much interest. The important point for current discussion is that government borrowing costs are now very low and likely to stay low for a long time.

As a result, the burden of debt — which was always exaggerated and was misunderstood in any case — isn’t what it used to be.

One measure of how much things have changed: On the eve of the pandemic, federal debt as a percentage of gross domestic product was twice its level in 2000.

But federal interest payments as a percentage of GDP were actually down.

The bottom line is that government debt just isn’t a major problem these days. Which brings us back to the politics.

Biden has promised to “build back better,” a slogan that translates into proposals to spend big sums on infrastructure, climate policy, education and more, largely with borrowed money. And that’s very much the right thing to do; business may see only limited returns to investment, but we’re in desperate need of more public investment, broadly defined (for example, including spending on children).

Yet Republicans will surely oppose these proposals. Indeed, if they hold the Senate, they may well do what they did to Barack Obama and try to force Biden to cut spending. And they’ll justify their intransigence by railing against the evils of debt.

So how should we push back against this predictable attempt to stonewall the Biden agenda? It will be tempting to emphasize Republican hypocrisy. But the biggest problem with the debt-scare politics we all know is coming isn’t the hypocrisy or the bad faith; it’s the fact that it’s wrong on the merits.

For given what we’ve learned and where we are, it’s clear that the U.S. government should be investing heavily in the nation’s future and that it’s OK — indeed, desirable — to borrow the money we need to make those investments. That is, to act responsibly, we must stop worrying and learn to love debt.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

17

Semana de recuentos en la Comisión Estatal de Elecciones Por THE STAR

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os municipios de Aguadilla y Guánica, así como el distrito representativo 18, integrado por Aguada, Rincón, Añasco y sectores de Moca y Mayagüez, son algunos de los recuentos que se llevarán a cabo esta semana en el Escrutinio General que realiza la Comisión Estatal de Elecciones (CEE).

Así lo informó este domingo el comisionado electoral del Partido Popular Democrático (PPD), Gerardo Cruz Maldonado, quien también confirmó que el representante del distrito representativo 2, Luis Raúl Torres Cruz, es el ganador en esa contienda en San Juan.

“Esta semana tenemos recuentos muy importantes. Aguadilla, el Distrito Representativo 18 y Guánica, los cuales esperamos atender a mediados de la semana. Cada uno de esos municipios se encuentran en disputa por menos de 100 votos y en el caso del distrito representativo (18) por el .50 por ciento o menos”,

dijo Cruz Maldonado en una declaración escrita.

“El equipo electoral del PPD está listo para defender esos votos al igual que lo hizo en los pasados días con el escaño de Luis Raúl. Hoy, vemos el resultado de ese esfuerzo con la victoria en algunos escaños que son medulares para el Partido”, afirmó Cruz Maldonado.

Con relación al distrito representativo 2 de San Juan, el cual estuvo bajo la atención pública porque se desconocía quién prevalecería en la contienda, el comisionado Cruz Maldonado afirmó: “Me place informarle al pueblo de Puerto Rico, en especial a los electores del distrito representativo 2, que Luis Raúl Torres prevalece en su escaño representativo. Esto significa que, hasta el momento, la Cámara de Representantes continúa bajo la mayoría del PPD. Esto a pesar de las expresiones de Edwin Mundo, quien en la prensa del país aseguraba que ese escaño lo ganaría el PNP (Partido Nuevo Progre-

sista). Lo dije y lo repito, tenemos que esperar a contar hasta el último voto para poder adjudicar victorias o derrotas”.

Cruz Maldonado confirmó que los trabajos en calendario para esta semana en la CEE continúan con el

Distrito Senatorial de Arecibo, que también está sujeto a recuento para el cargo a senador número 2. “No espero cambios en el ganador de este escaño. Los cambios han sido insignificantes y ya estamos a punto de culminar ese distrito senatorial”.

Presidenta del Supremo anuncia estudios jurídicos sobre casos de agresión sexual Por THE STAR

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on el propósito de ampliar la capacitación que se ofrece a la Judicatura en el tema de la agresión sexual, la Jueza Presidenta del Tribunal Supremo, Maite D. Oronoz Rodríguez, anunció este domingo el desarrollo de Módulos sobre Asuntos Fundamentales en los Casos de Agresión Sexual por parte de la Academia Judicial Puertorriqueña.

Estos módulos son documentos guías –en temas como La respuesta legal y judicial ante la violencia sexual, La agresión sexual en poblaciones en condición de vulnerabilidad y Agresión sexual en la comunidad LGBTTQI+– que servirán de referencia y estudio para jueces y juezas del Tribunal General de Justicia.

“El Poder Judicial realiza una función trascendental para la seguridad pública y para la protección de poblaciones vulnerables. Es por ello que, en momentos de crisis, hemos garantizado la continuidad de los servicios y la atención de estos asuntos urgentes. Durante los próximos meses, la Academia

Judicial Puertorriqueña iniciará un nuevo ciclo del Aula de Estudios Jurídicos, esta vez enfocada en los Módulos sobre Asuntos Fundamentales en los Casos de Agresión Sexual, para continuar capacitando a nuestros jueces y juezas en asuntos de violencia de género y ahora particularmente en la modalidad de violencia sexual, problema que afecta desproporcionadamente a las mujeres, los niños y las niñas y otros sectores vulnerables”, destacó la Jueza Presidenta en una declaración escrita.

Oronoz Rodríguez explicó que lo que se procura es ampliar la capacitación de la Judicatura para identificar y responder de manera más efectiva ante los crímenes de violencia sexual, así como reconocer la importancia de los esfuerzos multidisciplinarios, formales e informales, para coordinar la respuesta de las agencias a los crímenes violentos contra las mujeres y otros grupos vulnerables, con un enfoque que garantice el acceso a la justicia. Además, la Jueza Presidenta recalcó que estos módulos servirán para desarrollar y fortalecer políticas, protocolos y mejores prácticas en el manejo de los casos de violencia

sexual, particularmente en lo referente a la investigación y el enjuiciamiento de los casos de agresión sexual y el tratamiento adecuado de las víctimas de estos actos de violencia, con la meta de evitar que el sistema judicial les revictimice.

Este proyecto fue subvencionado por fondos federales del programa STOP VAW (Violence Against Women) luego de que la Oficina de la Procuradora de las Mujeres acogiera una propuesta elaborada por el personal de la Directoría de Programas Judiciales de la Oficina de Administración de los Tribunales.

Para la elaboración de los módulos, la Rama Judicial identificó profesionales expertos en el área de agresión sexual como lo son la doctora Ilia Vázquez Gascot, Linda Laras García y Aleida Varona Méndez.

Las capacitaciones a los jueces y las juezas, que se llevarán a cabo de manera virtual, comenzarán el 10 de diciembre de 2020, en el marco de la campaña internacional 16 días de activismo contra la violencia de género, y se extenderán hasta el mes de abril.

18

Monday, December 7, 2020

The San Juan Daily Star

Remembering Miguel Algarín, a founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe

By ED MORALES

B

ack in 1973, often remembered as the bad old days of the Lower East Side, Miguel Algarín, focusing on the light he saw shining from an emerging New York Puerto Rican community, began hosting a series of informal poetry readings in his apartment on East Sixth Street that brought together poets, theater types and musicians.

The gatherings soon outgrew his living room. Together with several contemporaries, Algarín went on to found the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, which opened down the block from his apartment in a former Irish bar on East Sixth Street. A new literary movement was taking shape.

Algarín, who died Monday at age 79, helped forge that movement, playing a central role in creating Nuyorican poetry and in popularizing the term Nuyorican to describe the bilingual, bicultural reboot of Puerto Ricanness blossoming in the neighborhoods of New York.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and raised on the Lower East Side, Algarín attempted to merge the highbrow culture of his working-class parents with a Rabelaisian Everyman rebellion from below. He had a fearless sense of pride and was a champion of the underprivileged. The passion for Shakespeare he displayed as a professor at Rutgers University seamlessly fused with the Africanist urgency of his own poetry, producing a body of work that reflected his fluid use of Spanglish and shifting sexual identity.

That first incarnation of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe acted as the headquarters of a generation of young poets who broke from the folkloric stereotypes of islander passivity to be reincarnated as “Super Fly” rhymers. The path was blazed by a cadre of poets including Miguel Piñero, whose play “Short Eyes” was championed by Joseph Papp’s Public Theater; Pedro Pietri, who read his epic poem, “Puerto Rican Obituary,” in 1969 when the activists of the Young Lords occupied a church in Spanish Harlem; Sandra María Esteves, who was one of the pioneering women of the movement; Lucky Cienfuegos; and Jesús Papoleto Meléndez.

In an era that would soon give birth to hip-hop, the Nuyoricans embraced a declaiming style that was shaped by contemporaries including The Last Poets; many were influenced by Ntozake Shange, one of the cafe’s founding poets, and her Obie-winning play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.” The cafe also had visits from beat writers, including Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs, whose “pale, inflected voice,” Algarín once told me in an interview, “still could reach us through his humor.”

“The poet blazes a path of fire for the self. He juggles with words. He lives risking each moment. Whatever he does, in every way he moves, he is a prince of the

Poet Miguel Algarin at his home in New York, Feb. 11, 2000. Algarin, who died on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, at age 79, played a central role in creating Nuyorican poetry, and in popularizing the term Nuyorican to describe the bilingual, bicultural reboot of Puerto Rican-ness blossoming in the neighborhoods of New York. inner-city jungle. He is the philosopher of the sugar cane that grows between the cracks of concrete sidewalks.”

When I read those words, written by Algarín in his introduction to “Nuyorican Poetry: An Anthology of Puerto Rican Words and Feelings,” in a corner of St. Mark’s Bookshop, it was as if time had stopped for me. I had become fascinated with beat poetry in high school and college, once daring to read the work of Amiri Baraka at a campus cafe, but this was life-changing. Here was that same spirit of rebellion and anarchic emotion, translated through a code-switching working-class eloquence, that spoke to me and to a generation of New York-bred Puerto Rican migrants.

In that 1970s period of identity-based nationalism, as sensuous salsa mined nostalgia while the Young Lords reveled in the militancy of the present, Nuyorican poetry looked toward the future — or, as Algarín wrote, “the street burning up with its vision of times to be.”

Miguel Algarin, left, with fellow poets outside the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York, April 7, 1976.

I didn’t get to meet Algarín until years later, when I took part in the Nuyorican Cafe’s rebirth in the 1990s, at its new home on East Third Street. I expected to meet someone more like Piñero, whose wiseguy Spanglish hipsterism had defined the genre for me. But if Piñero was a Lower East Side Jean Genet, Algarín’s bellowing voice rang down on me like James Earl Jones mixed with James Baldwin — imperious yet somehow vulnerable.

His first lesson was about breathing and performance, when I had expected a line-edit. And while he seemed ambivalent about my poetry, he accepted me into his community, like the prince of the Nuyorican kingdom that he was.

That second phase of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe had begun after Piñero, a tragic figure who was very close to Algarín, died in 1988. It was during Piñero’s wake at a funeral home on the Bowery that Algarín, already reeling from the earlier death of Cienfuegos, was approached by Bob Holman, who had been working with the St. Mark’s Poetry Project.

“Bob whispered, ‘Mike is saying, wake up, reopen the cafe,’” Algarín later told me in an interview.

The cafe reopened a little more than a year later, and this time, things would be different.

Under the direction of Algarín and Holman, the cafe expanded its mission, reflecting a time of change in the gentrifying East Village as well as a new era of identity politics. Holman brought in the idea of a competitive poetry slam, which created packed houses and caught the attention of MTV’s “Real Life,” which featured Kevin Powell, a cafe poet, as one of its original cast members.

No longer an ethnic-specific venue, the Nuyorican Café embraced proto-hip-hop African American poets, NYUish white poets, feminist poets and LGBTQ poets.

Today, spoken word theater is universal, and the legacy of Algarín and the generation that founded the Nuyorican Poets Cafe has stretched across the globe.

In a sense, Algarín — who tested positive for HIV in the late 1980s, writing, “Can it be that I am the bearer of plagues?” in his 1994 poem “HIV” — was the ultimate survivor, outliving most of his contemporaries and maintaining a quiet presence on the Lower East Side, even as the cafe became a nonprofit corporation with a new board of directors. With a seemingly endless expression of varied sexuality, much of his work centered on the body.

As Ishmael Reed wrote in his introduction to the volume of poetry “Love Is Hard Work,” Algarín “believes with García Lorca that the poet is the professor of the five senses.” Ennobled by an unbridled spark that crossed borders, he left a legacy that will live long into the future, his brash street edge now at rest alongside his gentle love for his people. there is a pleasure in living,there is no shame in beingfull of love — From “Sunday, August 11, 1974”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

19

‘Selena: The Series,’ dreaming of her

By ALEXIS SOLOSKI

labels until signing with EMI Latin in 1989. rammy-winning singer In 1992, Selena eloped with Selena Quintanilla-Pérez Chris Perez, a former guitarist in died in 1995, at 23, at a her band. They moved into an unassuming brick house next door to Days Inn in Corpus Christi, Texas, her parents and sister, two down shot in the back by the president from her brother, who wrote many of her first fan club. Her unfinished of her songs. She booked a few actfifth album, “Dreaming of You,” ing roles, signed as a spokespertopped the Billboard 200 three son for soft drinks and shampoo, months later. opened two boutiques that carried An artist who recorded mostly Tejano music — a regional fuher rhinestone-studded designs. On sion of corrido, mariachi and polka March 31, 1995, in the midst of recording her “crossover” album, she rooted in South Texas — and who was murdered by Yolanda Saldivar, died on the verge of broader success, Selena is arguably as popular a former nurse with a history of embezzlement. Tens of thousands of in 2020 as at any moment during fans viewed her coffin during a 12her life. In her first hit song, “Como hour visitation at the Corpus Christi La Flor” (1992), she compares her- Christian Serratos stars in a series that aims to reconstitute Selena, killed at 23, self to a withering flower. But more convention center. than 25 years after her death, Sele- as a person instead of a tragic parable.

“Her death and her tragedy na fandom blooms and blooms and helped Latinx communities in the blooms.

1990s really make sense of the tragedies that were affecting Drake wears her airbrushed face on a T-shirt. Cardi B their own lives,” said Deborah Paredez, an ethnic studies covers her songs. Beyoncé identifies as a fan. In downtown scholar and author of “Selenidad: Selena, Latinos, and the Corpus Christi stands a life-size bronze statue of Selena, Performance of Memory.” “And the promise of her life also dressed in bustier and motorcycle boots — an outfit much provided a way for many Latinx communities to articulate like the one the Smithsonian sometimes displays. their dreams.”

Selena’s signature style — long bangs, red lips, arched Jaime Dávila, an executive producer on the series, brows — has become as archetypical as the looks of other spent his childhood in McAllen, Texas, listening to Selena’s pop mononyms, like thin Elvis or “Purple Rain” Prince or songs at birthdays and weddings.

“Blonde Ambition” Madonna. Earlier this year, MAC Cos“It’s been special my entire life, her story,” he said. A metics announced its second Selena-inspired collection. few years ago, a colleague introduced him to Suzette Quintanilla and they agreed to collaborate on Selena’s story.

Pieces from the release sold out in one minute.

Dávila’s production company, Campanario, then On Friday, Netflix released the first part of “Selena: The Series,” nine episodes — of a planned 18 — that follow pitched the series to Francisco Ramos, Netflix’s vice presithe singer’s tour-bus-driven journey. A gentle show, tailored dent for content for Latin America.

“They had a very, very good pitch,” he recalled, to the rhythms of a family dramedy, it takes Selena (Madison Taylor Baez as child Selena, Christian Serratos as the “which was, let’s do it as a family series, like if she were a young adult) from baby crooner to bedazzled pop idol. Of- normal person. But it turns out that she’s Selena.” fering intimate details of her childhood and family life, the Of course, Selena has already received the onscreen show portrays Selena as both a typical American girl and a biographical treatment, in a beloved 1997 movie that born superstar. launched the career of Jennifer Lopez, which the family “This is not a documentary,” Suzette Quintanilla, also authorized. But this version — 18 episodes of about Selena’s sister and an executive producer, said cheerfully. 40 minutes each — provides more detail and answers some “It’s sprinkled with a little bit of glitter.” of the fan questions that have accumulated over the years.

Selena’s career burned bright and brief, like a back- “Like, ‘How did this happen?’ or ‘How did this song get creyard sparkler. Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1971, to ated?’” Quintanilla said. She shared stories and memorabilsecond-generation Mexican American parents (her mother, ia with the writers, creating a series — with its occasional Marcella Quintanilla, also has Native American ancestry), scenes of financial hardship and shopping with food stamps Selena was the youngest of three children. In 1981, she and — that feels less “sugarcoated” than the film, she said.

Still, the scripts never center on any particular struggle her siblings, Suzette and A.B. Quintanilla, began to perform at their parents’ restaurant as Selena y Los Dinos. Selena for long. Tensions resolve. Obstacles crumble. The episodes learned Spanish phonetically to sing Tejano music. The underscore hard work, familial loyalty, the glittery gift of band released its first album in 1984, recording on small Selena’s talent. The show takes a few liberties with fact and

G

timeline, Dávila admitted. “But I would say the emotions of it are 100% authentic — that’s what we were going for.”

The series, which was shot at Baja Studios in Rosarito, Mexico, splits the biographical difference between extraordinary and ordinary. If the show makes the most of Serratos’ charisma and glow, episodes emphasize the day-to-day grind of gigging musicians: rehearsing, traveling, performing for crowds small and large, humping gear back to the bus.

“We were just a normal family,” Quintanilla said.

“The only difference really is that we all came together to create music.”

The emphasis on the everyday has another purpose.

Selena’s early death and her public mourning reduced her to a particular iconography — an airbrushed face, an empty jacket. Scenes of home perms and family dinners and tour bus goofing off reconstitute her as a person, not a tragic symbol.

“People don’t understand the Latino community in the United States,” Dávila said. “They don’t get us. One of the reasons is because you don’t see us onscreen.” He started Campanario and produced “Selena” to help change that.

Suzette Quintanilla understands her family’s cultural identity this way: “Our ancestors are from Mexico, but we are born and raised third-generation here in the U.S. and we are American. It’s OK to embrace both sides.”

“Selena: The Series” portrays Selena as both a typical American girl and a born superstar.

20

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

A COVID-free cruise takes planning, but the strip show goes on

Passengers enjoy the view as the World Dream cruise ship departs Marina Bay Cruise Center in Singapore, Nov. 19, 2020.

By SUI-LEE WEE

T

he drinks were virgin and the distancing was social when the Dream Boys strippers stormed the stage. Masks at poolside were mandatory. Hand sanitizer stations stood within easy reach of the slot machines.

And in a vision of the future of the global cruise industry, passengers aboard the World Dream cruise liner wore small pink contacttracing pods that monitored their locations and recorded the names of everybody they met with.

“We aboard the World Dream are doing our utmost to keep your cruise with us healthy,” Robert Bodin, the ship’s captain, told his 1,400 passengers as they set sail, in a departure from his usual invitation to relax and enjoy the journey.

The World Dream departs from Singapore two or three times a week on a cruise to nowhere, a rare beacon of hope for an industry under mortal threat. In February, the world watched in horror as the coronavirus infected more than 200 people aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, trapping its 3,600 passengers and crew. Governments banned cruises; crews were sent home; and passengers canceled their bookings, idling an industry that employed more than 1 million people.

Singapore, along with several countries in Europe as well as Japan, has extended the cruise business a lifeline. As many ships sit

idle around the world, the city-state has encouraged voyages on a limited and highly controlled basis.

To find out how this was possible, I booked a three-day voyage on the World Dream. Friends and colleagues wondered why I would want to go on what some of them called “a floating petri dish.” Their fears weren’t baseless. U.S. health officials suggest people avoid cruise ships and have said operators must set out a framework for how cruising could restart. Most major cruise lines in the United States have announced that they will not resume operations until 2021. A week before I set sail, a Caribbean liner from Barbados was forced to turn back after five people tested positive for the coronavirus.

I contacted infectious disease experts to ask about the risks.

“When I first saw your email, I thought: ‘Bad idea,’” said Dr. Edward Ryan, director of global infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Still, he and others told me that Singapore’s restrictions made cruises look safe.

“When I look at what they are doing,” Ryan said, “they are effectively creating a reasonable bubble.”

Demand is still there. Genting Cruise Lines, the World Dream’s operator, said it had received 6,000 bookings within five days.

Bookings for Royal Caribbean, which is preparing to sail from Singapore this month, were

six times higher than the company would normally get in October, the cruise line said.

The World Dream offers just about everything it did before the coronavirus struck, said Genting, including a zip line, two pools, a casino, 11 restaurants and cafes, and various shows. Only the karaoke room was closed, per Singaporean government guidelines.

Singapore requires passengers to take a coronavirus test before boarding. Instead of Hong Kong, Okinawa or another sunny destination, the ship would dock nowhere but Singapore. Capacity has been slashed in half, to a limit of 1,700 guests.

Following Singapore’s guidelines, the cruise lines upgraded their air filters and enforced social distancing. They required passengers to carry the contact-tracing devices, which link to Singaporean monitoring systems.

They staged drills for what to do if a passenger showed symptoms: test, contact-trace, isolate any infected people, tell passengers to return to their cabins and sail home.

Royal Caribbean plans to buy COVID-19 insurance for each passenger that will cover costs of up to $19,000 if the guest is infected, said Angie Stephen, the line’s AsiaPacific managing director.

The measures drove costs about 40% higher, said Michael Goh, Genting Cruise Lines’ head of international sales, at a news conference. But they make cruising “one of the safest holidays at this point in time,” he said.

Genting is playing up its health efforts.

“Cruise with confidence,” says the World Dream’s website, which highlights the ventilation systems (“100% external fresh air”) and food hygiene practices (“Self-service at buffet restaurants will be suspended”).

Probably the biggest reason I felt safe on the cruise was that, when I boarded the ship, Singapore had gone seven straight days without any known coronavirus cases.

I had to take a rapid antigen test, administered by a medical worker gently flicking a short swab around my nostrils. It was not as invasive as the long swabs used for what are known as PCR tests, the standard way of detecting the coronavirus. Antigen tests are easy to administer to large groups of people, but experts warn that they may not catch everyone who is infected.

So Genting takes other steps. Following Singapore’s rules, it has dispatched 40 “cruise ambassadors” in dark blue polo shirts to en-

sure guests keep their distance from one another. You get accustomed to hearing them say, “Please stand 1 meter apart.”

Almost all passangers comply, “but there’s always that 1%,” said Zulkifli bin Ibrahim, a cruise ambassador. One passenger, Zulkifli said, shouted at him after he reminded the passenger to wear a mask after swimming.

The casino was a major draw. Dozens of gray-haired passengers sat at the rows of slot machines, also 3 feet apart. There were several tables for mahjong. A group of elderly women, wearing masks, shuffled tiles.

I’m sure I wasn’t the only one worried about the risks. A cough would make me wonder whether the woman two tables down from me was a germ vector.

Still, the passengers seemed grateful for the chance to go somewhere else for the first time since the outbreak, even if “somewhere else” was a cruise ship sailing in the middle of the water.

The last night of the cruise, I attended the Dream Boys male burlesque show in a Chinese restaurant. It was billed as a “ladies night where your fantasies really will come to life.” The room appeared full, even as the audience sat at least 3 feet apart at a series of round tables. Because the show began after 10:30 p.m., no alcohol was served, per Singapore’s COVID-19 restrictions.

The dancers’ routines — a military display with presumably fake weaponry and another performance with captain’s hats and not much else — were met with catcalls, barely muffled even by masks. At the curtain call, the audience was clapping and cheering, with one woman shouting, “Encore!”

Fun and relaxation take some planning on a COVID-19 cruise. Shows must be booked in advance. Swimmers must do the same; the main pool allows 26 swimmers at a time, and they can swim for only an hour.

With a bit of planning, Raymond Lim and his wife managed to swim, hit the Jacuzzi and take ballroom and line dancing classes (“Quite fun”). He also took a class on how to paint on pebbles (“A bit lame”).

Lim, who works for the Singapore Tourism Board, called it a “good break” but “a muted cruise experience.” Compared with his past cruises, he said later, he couldn’t find a lounge to chill out, and there was “no spontaneous dance.”

“Overall,” Lim said, “you don’t really get to loosen up.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

21

Their teeth fell out. Was it another COVID-19 consequence?

By WUDAN YAN

E

arlier in November, Farah Khemili popped a wintergreen breath mint in her mouth and noticed a strange sensation: a bottom tooth wiggling against her tongue.

Khemili, 43, of Voorheesville, New York, had never lost an adult tooth. She touched the tooth to confirm it was loose, initially thinking the problem might be the mint. The next day, the tooth flew out of her mouth and into her hand. There was neither blood nor pain.

Khemili survived a bout with COVID-19 this spring, and has joined an online support group as she has endured a slew of symptoms experienced by many other “long haulers”: brain fog, muscle aches and nerve pain.

There’s no rigorous evidence yet that the infection can lead to tooth loss or related problems. But among members of her support group, she found others who also described teeth falling out, as well as sensitive gums and teeth turning gray or chipping.

She and other survivors unnerved by COVID’s welldocumented effects on the circulatory system, as well as symptoms such as swollen toes and hair loss, suspect a connection to tooth loss as well. But some dentists, citing a lack of data, are skeptical that COVID-19 alone could cause dental symptoms.

“It’s extremely rare that teeth will literally fall out of their sockets,” said Dr. David Okano, a periodontist at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

But existing dental problems may worsen as a result of COVID-19, he added, especially as patients recover from acute infections and contend with their longterm effects.

And some experts say that doctors and dentists need to be open to such possibilities, especially because more than 47% of adults 30 years or older have some form of periodontal disease, including infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround teeth, according to a 2012 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We are now beginning to examine some of the bewildering and sometimes disabling symptoms that patients are suffering months after they’ve recovered from COVID,” including these accounts of dental issues and teeth loss, said Dr. William W. Li, president and medical director of the Angiogenesis Foundation, a nonprofit that studies the health and disease of blood vessels.

While Khemili had become more diligent about her dental care, she had a history of dental issues before contracting the coronavirus. When she went to the dentist the day after her tooth came out, he found that her gums were not infected but she had significant bone loss from when she used to smoke. He referred Khemili to a specialist to handle a reconstruction. The dental procedure is likely to cost her just shy of $50,000.

The same day Khemili’s tooth fell out, her partner

Some Covid survivors say loose teeth have fallen out without bleeding. Others claim their gums are more sensitive, or that their teeth are turning grey or chipping. went on Survivor Corp, a Facebook page for people who have lived through COVID-19. There, he found that Diana Berrent, the page’s founder, was reporting that her 12-year-old son had lost one of his adult teeth, months after he had a mild case of COVID-19. (Unlike Khemili, Berrent’s son had normal and healthy teeth with no underlying disease, according to his orthodontist.)

Others in the Facebook group have posted about teeth falling out without bleeding. One woman lost a tooth while eating ice cream. Eileen Luciano of Edison, New Jersey, had a top molar pop out in early November when she was flossing.

“That was the last thing that I thought would happen, that my teeth would fall out,” Luciano said.

Teeth falling out without any blood is unusual, Li said, and provides a clue that there might be something going on with the blood vessels in the gums.

The new coronavirus wreaks havoc by binding to the ACE2 protein, which is ubiquitous in the human body. Not only is it found in the lungs, but also on nerve and endothelial cells. Therefore, Li said, it’s possible that the virus has damaged the blood vessels that keep the teeth alive in COVID-19 survivors; that also may explain why those who have lost their teeth feel no pain.

It’s also possible that the widespread immune response, known as a cytokine storm, may be manifesting in the mouth.

“If a COVID long hauler’s reaction is in the mouth, it’s a defense mechanism against the virus,” said Dr. Michael Scherer, a prosthodontist in Sonora, California.

Other inflammatory health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, he said, also correlate with gum disease in the same patients.

“Gum disease is very sensitive to hyper-inflammatory reactions, and COVID long haulers certainly fall into that category,” Scherer said.

Dentists haven’t seen many of these cases, and some dismiss these individual claims. But physicians like Li say COVID-19’s surprises require that the profession be on the lookout for unexpected consequences of the disease.

“Patients may be bringing in new findings,” he said, and physicians and dentists need to cooperate on understanding the effects of long-term COVID-19 on teeth.

For now, Khemili hopes her story may serve as a cautionary tale. If people aren’t taking the proper precautions to protect themselves from the coronavirus, “they could be looking at something like this.”

22 Liana, finca 10651, inscripción 11, Registro de la Propiedad de ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO San Juan, Sección V. La hipoteDE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL ca objeto de esta ejecución es GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRI- la que ha quedado descrita en BUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTAN- ci inciso (i). Será celebrada la CIA SALA DE SAN JUAN. subasta para con ci importe de LUNA ACQUISITION, LLC la misma satisfacer la sentencia dicta el 31 de octubre de 2019, Demandante V. mediante la cual se condenó a LORNA IVELISSE la parte demandada pagar a la SERRANO NIEVES parte demandante la suma de Demandada $49,396.29 de principal, más CIVIL NUM.: SJ2019CV06300. intereses que continuarán acuSOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO mulándose desde el dIa 1 de Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA febrero de 2018 hasta el saldo (VIA ORDINARIA). LOS EStotal a! 6.125% anual, $107.36 TADOS UNIDOS DE AMERIde cargos por atraso, $6,370.00 CA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS de costas, gastos y honorarios EE.UU. EL ESTADO LIBRE de abogado, más cualquier otro ASOCIADO DE P.R. SS. AVIdesembolso que haya efectuaSO DE PUBLICA SUBASTA. do o efectúe la parte demanEl que suscribe, Alguacil del dante durante la tramitación de Tribunal de Primera Instancia, este caso para otros adelantos Sala de San Juan, hago saber de conformidad con el Contrato a la parte demandada LORNA Hipotecario, incluyendo primas IVELISSE SERRANO NIEVES, de seguro de hipoteca, prima y al PUBLICO EN GENERAL; de seguro de siniestro y cargos que en cumplimiento del Manpor demora. La PRIMERA SUdamiento de Ejecución de BASTA será celebrada ci dIa 12 Sentencia expedido el dIa 20 de enero de 2021 a las 11:30 de febrero de 2020, por la Sede la mañana, en la oficina del cretarla del Tribunal, procederé Alguacil, sita en el Tribunal de a vender y venderé en pública Primera Instancia, Sala de San subasta por el precio mínimo Juan, Puerto Rico. Servirá de de $63,700.00 y a! mejor postipo mínimo para la misma Ia tor, pagadero en efectivo, checantidad de $63,700.00, sin que de gerente o giro postal, a admitirse oferta inferior. De no nombre del alguacil del tribunal, haber remate ni adjudicación, a la propiedad que se describe celebraré SEGUNDA SUBASa continuación, URB. MATIENTA el dIa 20 de enero de 2021 ZO CINTRON, 520 CALLE a las 11:30 de Ia mañana, en el PEÑARUBIA, SAN JUAN, PR mismo lugar, en la que servirá 00923: URBANA: Solar marcacomo tipo mínimo, dos terceras do con ci #100 en ci piano de (2/3) partes del precio pactainscripción de la Urbanización do para la primera subasta, o Doctor Lopez saciado, radicado sea, $42,466.67. Si no hubieen ci barrio Sabana Liana, del se remate ni adjudicación en sitio denominado Rio Piedras, la segunda subasta, celebraré del término municipal de la TERCERA SUBASTA ci dIa 27 capital de Puerto Rico, con un de enero de 2021 a las 11:30 área superficial de 330.29 mede la mañana, en ci mismo lutros cuadrados, y colinda por el gar en la que regirá como tipo Norte, en 13.09 metros con la mínimo, la mitad del precio paccalle Peñarubia de la Urbanizatado para la primera subasta, o ción Doctor Lopez Sicardó, por sea, $31,850.00. El Alguacil ci Sur, en 13.09 metros con teque suscribe hizo constar que rrenos de Charles Pennock, por toda licitación deberá hacerel Este, en 25.27 metros con el se para pagar su importe en solar #101 de la Urbanización moneda legal de los Estados Doctor Lopez Sicardó, por el Unidos de America, de acuerdo Oeste, en 25.21 metros con el con la Ley y de acuerdo con solar #99 de la Urbanización lo anunciado en este Aviso de Doctor Lopez Sicardó. ContieSubasta. Que se entenderá ne una casa de una sola planta, que todo licitador acepta como para fines residenciales. Finca bastante la titularidad y que las 10651 inscrita a! folio 88 del cargas y gravámenes anteriotomo 238 de Sabana Liana, Reres y los preferentes, si los hugistro de la Propiedad de San biere, al crédito del ejecutante Juan, Sección V. La finca antes continuarán subsistentes. Se descrita se encuentra afecta a entenderá, que el rematante los siguientes gravámenes: (i) los acepta y queda subrogado Hipoteca en garantía de pagaré en la responsabilidad de los a favor de AAA Concordia Mortmismos, sin destinarse a su gage Corporation, o a su orden, extinción ci precio del remate. por la suma de $63,700.00 con Que los autos y todos los dointereses al 6 1/8% anual y vencumentos correspondientes al cimiento 1 de mayo de 2035. procedimiento incoado estarán Constituida por la Escritura 336 de manifiesto en la secretarla otorgada en San Juan ci 26 de del tribunal durante las horas abril de 2005 ante la notario laborables. La propiedad a ser Luis 0. Dávila Alemán, e inscriejecutada se adquirira libre de ta al sistema karibe de Sabana

LEGAL NOTICE

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cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Se entiende que cualquier carga y/o gravamen anterior y/o preferente, si la hubiere a! 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 cualquier parte del remanente del precio de licitación. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados suS derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuestos al gravamen del actor y a los dueflos poseedores, tenedores de, o interesados en tItulo transmisible por endoso al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad a! crédito del actor, y con los cuales no hubiese tenido el efecto Ia notificación del escrito inicial y del Mandamiento de requerimiento de pago para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviene o satisficiera antes del remate el importe del crédito de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados, asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante.

Vendida o adjudicada la finca o derecho hipotecado y consignado el precio correspondiente, una vez confirmada la venta o adjudicación, el alguacil que celebrO la subasta procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura pública de traspaso en representación del dueño o titular de los bienes hipotecados, ante el notario que elija el adjudicatario o comprador, quien deberá abonar el importe de tal escritura. El alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si asI se Jo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días a partir de la confirmación de la venta o adjudicación. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Y PARA CONOCIMIENTO DE LOS LICITADORES Y DEL PUBLICO EN GENERAL y para su publicación de acuerdo con la Ley, expido el presente Edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy 23 de noviembre de 2020. PEDRO HIEYE GONZALEZ, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE SAN JUAN.

LEGAL NOTICE

staredictos@thesanjuandailystar.com

Monday, December 7, 2020

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA SALA SUPERIOR.

E.M.I. EQUITY MORTGAGE, INC DEMANDANTE VS.

JUANITA RIVERA GARCÍA T/C/C JUANITA GARCÍA (DEUDOR HIPOTECARIO), WANDA IVONNE SALDAÑA RIVERA, YADIRA JOHANNA SALDAÑA RIVERA Y EDDIE SALDAÑA ALEMÁN (TITULARES REGISTRALES)

DEMANDADOS CIVIL NUM.: CA2018CV01776.

SOBRE: EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA “IN REM” (VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente CERTIFICA, ANUNCIA y hace CONSTAR: Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que le ha sido dirigido al Alguacil que suscribe por la Secretaría del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA, SALA SUPERIOR, en el caso de epígrafe procederá a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor en efectivo, cheque certificado en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América el 12 DE ENERO DE 2021, A LAS 11:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en su oficina sita en el local que ocupa en el edificio del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA, SALA SUPERIOR, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble de su propiedad que ubica en: A-97 CALLE ANAMÚ URB. CIUDAD JARDÍN DE CANÓVANAS, SEGUNDA SECCIÓN CANÓVANAS, PR 00729 y que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar #A97 de la Urbanización Ciudad Jardín de Canóvanas, Segunda Sección, localizado en el Barrio Canóvanas del municipio de Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 1,072.76 metros cuadrados. En lindes: por el Norte, en una distancia de 29.112 metros con un área denominada “Remanent”; por el Sur, en cuatro alineaciones distintas, en una distancia de 42.84 metros en un arco de longitud de 5.498 metros, en otra distancia de 3.50 metros y otra distancia de 8.00 metros con la Calle Anamú de dicha urbanización; por el Este, en una distancia de 25.00 metros con el solar #A-98 y por el Oeste, en una distancia de 30.991 metros con el área denominada “Green Area”; todos estos solares y la calle pertenecientes al referido

(787) 743-3346

desarrollo urbano. ENCLAVA: Una casa de concreto diseñada para una sola familia. La propiedad antes relacionada consta inscrita al Folio 186 del Tomo 414 de Canóvanas, finca número 16,468, Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina, Sección Tercera (3ra). El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta del inmueble antes relacionado, será el dispuesto en la Escritura de Hipoteca, es decir la suma de $328,500.00. Si no hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta del inmueble mencionado, se celebrará una segunda subasta en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 20 DE ENERO DE 2021, A LAS 11:15 DE LA MAÑANA. En la segunda subasta que se celebre servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes (2/3) del precio pactado en la primera subasta, o sea la suma de $219,000.00. Si tampoco hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta se celebrará una tercera subasta en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 27 DE ENERO DE 2021, A LAS 11:15 DE LA MAÑANA. Para la tercera subasta servirá de tipo mínimo la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado para el caso de ejecución, o sea, la suma de $164,250.00. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura de hipoteca número 382 otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 15 de agosto de 2014, ante el Notario Jaime E. Dávila Santini, y consta inscrita al Folio 115 del tomo 435 de Canóvanas, finca número 16,468, en el Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina, Sección Tercera (3ra), inscripción Séptima (7ma). Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer al Demandante total o parcialmente según sea el caso el importe de la Sentencia que ha obtenido contra la parte co-demandada Juanita Rivera García t/c/c Juanita García (Deudor Hipotecario) ascendente a la suma de $307,742.70 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de marzo de 2018, más intereses al tipo pactado de 4.00% anual.

Dichos intereses continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además, la parte co-demandada Juanita Rivera García t/c/c Juanita García (Deudor Hipotecario), adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $32,850.00.

Además, la parte co-deman-

dada Juanita Rivera García t/c/c Juanita García (Deudor Hipotecario), se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $32,850.00 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al Procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la SECRETARIA DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA, SALA SUPERIOR durante las horas laborables. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación del inmueble y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio de remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores ni preferentes según las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores conocidos y desconocidos que tengan inscritos, no inscritos, presentados y/o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad objeto de ejecución y descrita anteriormente se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores una vez el Honorable Tribunal expida la correspondiente Orden de Confirmación de Venta Judicial. Y para conocimiento de licitadores del público en general se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley por espacio de dos semanas en tres sitios públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Este Edicto será publicado dos veces en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas. Expido el presente Edicto de subasta bajo mi firma y sello de este

The San Juan Daily Star Tribunal en Carolina, Puerto Rico, hoy día 18 de noviembre de 2020. Manuel Villafañe Blanco, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA SALA SUPERIOR.

E.M.I. EQUITY MORTGAGE, INC DEMANDANTE VS.

VANESSA BETANCOURT GONZÁLEZ

DEMANDADOS CIVIL NUM.: CA2019CV02696.

SOBRE: EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA “IN REM” (VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente CERTIFICA, ANUNCIA y hace CONSTAR: Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que le ha sido dirigido al Alguacil que suscribe por la Secretaría del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA, SALA SUPERIOR, en el caso de epígrafe procederá a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor en efectivo, cheque certificado en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América el 12 DE ENERO DE 2021, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA en su oficina sita en el local que ocupa en el edificio del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA, SALA SUPERIOR, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble de su propiedad que ubica en: APT. K-101 COND. VISTA SERENA TRUJILLO ALTO, PR 00976 y que se describe a continuación: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento #K-101, localizado en el primer piso del Edificio III del Condominio Vista Serena, ubicado en el barrio Carraízo del término municipal de Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial aproximada de 1,002.35 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 93.12 metros cuadrados; en lindes por el NORTE, con elemento común exterior, en 27’6”; por el SUR, con elemento común exterior y patio en 27’6”; por el ESTE, con elemento común exterior en 45’9” y por el OESTE, con el apartamento K-102 y escalera de acceso en 35’5”. Consta de tres cuartos dormitorios con closet, sala, comedor, cocina, dos baños, área de recibidor (“foyer”), área de lavado de ropa y “linen closet” en pasillo.

La puerta de entrada de este apartamento está situada en

el lindero Este. PORCENTAJE: Elementos Comunes Generales: .004581%. ESTACIONAMIENTO: Le corresponde 2 estacionamientos marcados #K-101. La propiedad antes relacionada consta inscrita al Folio 93 del Tomo 750 de Trujillo Alto, finca número 31745, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan Sección Cuarta. El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta del inmueble antes relacionado, será el dispuesto en la Escritura de Hipoteca, es decir la suma de $137,606.00. Si no hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta del inmueble mencionado, se celebrará una segunda subasta en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 20 DE ENERO DE 2021, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. En la segunda subasta que se celebre servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes (2/3) del precio pactado en la primera subasta, o sea la suma de $91,737.33. Si tampoco hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta se celebrará una tercera subasta en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 27 DE ENERO DE 2021, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. Para la tercera subasta servirá de tipo mínimo la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado para el caso de ejecución, o sea, la suma de $68,803.00. Las hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura de hipoteca número 272 otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 26 de septiembre de 2016, ante el Notario Ricardo Marín Arias y consta inscrita al Tomo Karibe de la Cuarta Sección de San Juan, finca número 31745, en el Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan Sección Cuarta, inscripción tercera (3ra). Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer al Demandante total o parcialmente según sea el caso el importe de la Sentencia que ha obtenido ascendente a la suma de $126,466.70 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de marzo de 2019, más intereses al tipo pactado de 3.75% anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además la parte demandada adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $13,760.60.

Además la parte demandada se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $13,760.60 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de

The San Juan Daily Star NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA Sección Segunda. Dicha hipoCENTRO JUDICIAL DE CA- teca fue modificada en cuanGUAS SALA SUPERIOR . to a su principal que será de $103,685.16; en cuanto a su inE.M.I. EQUITY terés que será de 5.00% anual; MORTGAGE, INC. en cuanto a su pago mensual DEMANDANTE VS. de principal e interés será por la BRADIER JESÚS cantidad de $588.13, en cuanto SÁNCHEZ DÍAZ a su vencimiento que será el DEMANDADOS primero (1ro) de mayo de 2040; CIVIL NUM.: CG2019CV03482. en cuanto al tipo mínimo en SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO caso de ejecución de hipoteca Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTE- será de $103,685.16; y en caso CA (VÍA ORDINARIA). EDIC- de reclamación judicial la canTO DE SUBASTA. El Alguacil tidad líquida y estipulada para que suscribe por la presente costas, gastos y honorarios de CERTIFICA, ANUNCIA y hace abogado será de $10,368.52, CONSTAR: Que en cumpli- según consta de la escritura miento de un Mandamiento de de modificación de hipoteca Ejecución de Embargo que le número 567, otorgada el día ha sido dirigido al Alguacil que 13 de septiembre de 2013, en suscribe por la Secretaría del San Juan, Puerto Rico ante la TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INS- Notario Público David Cardona TANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL Dingui y consta presentada al DE CAGUAS, SALA SUPE- Asiento 1478 del Diario 672, RIOR, en el caso de epígrafe finca 9,319, Registro de la Proprocederá a vender en públi- piedad de Caguas, Sección Seca subasta al mejor postor en gunda. Dicha subasta se llevaefectivo, cheque certificado o rá a cabo para con su producto giro postal en moneda legal de satisfacer al Demandante total los Estados Unidos de Amé- o parcialmente según sea el rica a nombre del Alguacil del caso el importe de la Sentencia Tribunal, el día 14 DE ENERO que ha obtenido contra la parte DE 2021, A LAS 11:15 DE LA demandada, ascendente a la MAÑANA, en su oficina sita en suma principal de $91,854.16 el local que ocupa en el edificio de principal, intereses al tipo del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA pactado de 5.00% anual, carINSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDI- gos por demora equivalentes a CIAL DE CAGUAS, SALA SU- 5.00% de la suma de aquellos PERIOR, todo derecho, título pagos con atrasos en exceso e interés que tenga la parte de 15 días calendarios de la demandada de epígrafe en el fecha de vencimiento; los crédiinmueble de su propiedad que tos accesorios y adelantos heubica en A-15 CALLE 2 URB. chos en virtud de la escritura de JARDINES DE CEIBA NORTE hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y JUNCOS, PR 00777-3821 y honorarios de abogado equivaque se describe a continuación: lentes a $10,368.52. Además, URBANA: Solar #15, Bloque la parte demandada se comA, según Plano de Inscripción prometió a pagar una suma del Proyecto denominado Ur- equivalente a $10,455.00 para banización Jardines de Ceiba cubrir cualquier otro adelanto Norte, radicado en Barrio Ceiba que se haga en virtud de la esNorte del término municipal de critura de hipoteca y una suma Juncos, Puerto Rico. Dicho so- equivalente a $10,455.00 para lar tiene un área superficial de cubrir intereses en adición a los 325.00 metros cuadrados, co- garantizados por ley. Por razón lindando por el NORTE, con el de dicho incumplimiento, y al solar A-14 en una distancia de amparo del derecho que le con25.00 metros; por el ESTE, con fiere el Pagaré, el demandante la calle #2, en una distancia de ha declarado tales sumas ven13.00 metros; por el SUR, con cidas, líquidas y exigibles en su el solar A-16, en una distancia totalidad. Que los autos y todos de 25.00 metros y por el OES- los documentos correspondienTE, con el canal, en ENCLAVA: tes al Procedimiento incoado Una casa. El inmueble antes estarán de manifiesto en la SEdescrito consta inscrito al Folio CRETARIA DEL TRIBUNAL DE 163 del Tomo 238 de Juncos, PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENfinca 9,319, Registro de la Pro- TRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS, piedad de Caguas, Sección Se- SALA SUPERIOR durante las gunda. El embargo a ejecutarse horas laborables. Se entenes por la suma de $109,887.71 derá que todo licitador acepta y consta presentado al Asiento como bastante la titulación del 2020-040822-CA02 del Sis- inmueble y que las cargas y tema Karibe de Juncos, finca gravámenes anteriores y los 9,319, Registro de la Propiedad preferentes, si los hubiere, al de Caguas Sección Segunda. crédito del ejecutante continuaLa hipoteca objeto del embargo rán subsistentes entendiéndoa ejecutarse en el caso de epí- se que el rematante los acepta grafe fue constituida mediante y queda subrogado en la resla escritura número 70 otorga- ponsabilidad de los mismos, da en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el sin destinarse a su extinción el día 30 de abril de 2010, ante el precio de remate. La propiedad Notario Julián Antonio Parrilla no está sujeta a gravámenes Boria y consta inscrita al Folio anteriores y/o preferentes se37 del Tomo 404 de Juncos, gún surge de las constancias LEGAL NOTICE finca número 9,319, inscripción del Registro de la Propiedad en ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO sexta (6ta) y última, Registro un estudio de título efectuado DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- de la Propiedad de Caguas, la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $13,760.60 para cubrir intereses en adición a los garantizados por ley. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al Procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la SECRETARIA DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA, SALA SUPERIOR durante las horas laborables. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación del inmueble y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio de remate.

La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores desconocidos, no inscritos o presentados que sus acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad objeto de ejecución y descrita anteriormente se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores una vez el Honorable Tribunal expida la correspondiente Orden de Confirmación de Venta Judicial. Y para conocimiento de licitadores del público en general se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley por espacio de dos semanas en tres sitios públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Este Edicto será publicado dos veces en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas. Expido el presente Edicto de subasta bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal en Carolina, Puerto Rico, hoy día 18 de noviembre de 2020. Manual Villafañe Blanco, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA, SALA SUPERIOR.

Monday, December 7, 2020 a la finca antes descrita. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores desconocidos, no inscritos o presentados que sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad objeto de ejecución y descrita anteriormente se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores una vez el Honorable Tribunal expida la correspondiente Orden de Confirmación de Venta Judicial. Y para conocimiento de licitadores del público en general se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley por espacio de dos semanas en tres sitios públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Este Edicto será publicado dos veces en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas. Expido el presente Edicto de subasta bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal en Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy día 23 de NOVIEMBRE de 2020. EDGARDO ALDEBOL MIRANDA, PLACA 282, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS SALA SUPERIOR.

E.M.I. EQUITY MORTGAGE, INC. DEMANDANTE VS.

CARLOS RUBEN ORTIZ MARTINEZ

DEMANDADOS CIVIL NUM.: CG2020CV01317.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA (VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente CERTIFICA, ANUNCIA y hace CONSTAR: Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que le ha sido dirigido al Alguacil que suscribe por la Secretaría del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS, SALA SUPERIOR, en el caso de epígrafe

procederá a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor en efectivo, cheque certificado en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América el día 14 DE ENERO DE 2021, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en su oficina sita en el local que ocupa en el edificio del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS. SALA SUPERIOR, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble de su propiedad que ubica en 329 CALLE LOS CORDOVA URB. LA MESETA CAGUAS, PR 00725 y que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar número veinte (20) de la Urbanización Residencial La Meseta, localizado en el Barrio Tomás de Castro de Caguas, con una cabida de novecientos noventa y cuatro punto noventa metros cuadrados y colindando por el NORTE, en veinticuatro punto ocho siete dos metros con la Calle Los Córdova; por el SUR, en cuarentiuno punto cero nueve ocho metros con el solar número dieciséis; por el ESTE, en dos alineaciones de dieciseis punto dos tres tres metros en arco y otro de ocho punto cero cero tres metros con la Calle Los Córdova; y por el OESTE, en cuarentiuno punto siete siete seis metros con los solares número dieciocho y diecinueve. Según inscripción 6ta., en este solar enclava una casa de concreto para fines residenciales. La propiedad antes relacionada consta inscrita en el Folio 57 del Tomo 1029 de Caguas, finca número 35,194, en el Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas Sección Primera.

El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta del inmueble antes relacionado, será el dispuesto en la Escritura de Hipoteca, es decir la suma de $201,261.00.

Si no hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta del inmueble mencionado, se celebrará una segunda subasta en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 21 DE ENERO DE 2021, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. En la segunda subasta que se celebre servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes (2/3) del precio pactado en la primera subasta, o sea la suma de $134,174.00. Si tampoco hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta se celebrará una tercera subasta en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 28 DE ENERO DE 2021, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. Para la tercera subasta servirá de tipo mínimo la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado para el caso de ejecución, o sea, la suma de $100,630.50.

La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura número 193 otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 27 de abril de 2018, ante el Notario David Cardona Dingui, y consta inscrita al Tomo Karibe de Caguas, finca número 35,194, en

23

el Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas, Sección Primera, inscripción Décimo Quinta (15ta).

Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer al Demandante total o parcialmente según sea el caso el importe de la Sentencia que ha obtenido ascendente a la suma de $196,411.25 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de noviembre de 2019, más intereses al tipo pactado de 4.25% anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además la parte demandada adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $20,126.10. Además la parte demandada se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $20,126.10 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $20,126.10 para cubrir intereses en adición a los garantizados por ley. Por razón de dicho incumplimiento, y al amparo del derecho que le confiere el Pagaré, el demandante ha declarado tales sumas vencidas, líquidas y exigibles en su totalidad. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al Procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la SECRETARIA DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS, SALA SUPERIOR durante las horas laborables. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación del inmueble y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio de remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores desconocidos, no inscritos o presentados que sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se

les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad objeto de ejecución y descrita anteriormente se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores una vez el Honorable Tribunal expida la correspondiente Orden de Confirmación de Venta Judicial.

Y para conocimiento de licitadores del público en general se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley por espacio de dos semanas en tres sitios públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Este Edicto será publicado dos veces en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas. Expido el presente Edicto de subasta bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal en Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy día 23 de noviembre de 2020.

EDGARDO ALDEBOL MIRANDA, PLACA 282, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, C E N TRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS, SALA SUPERIOR. *****

LEGAL NOTICE

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 2 de diciembre de 2020. En CAGUAS , Puerto Rico, el 2 de diciembre de 2020. CARMEN ANA PEREIRA ORTIZ, Secretaria. LILI RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, Secretario(a) Auxiliar.

LEGAL NOT ICE IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO.

MMG I PR CFL, LLC, Plaintiff, V.

MAMA ESTHER FERREIRA-SANCHEZ; FERNANDO RAUL MONTIVEROS-FERREIRA,

Defendants Civil No. 19-1731 (DRD). NOTICE OF JUDGMENT BY PUBLICATION.

TO: Maria Esther Ferreira Sanchez Fernando Raul Montiveros-Ferreira Urd. Levittown P-18 Calle Luz Oeste Toa Baja, P.R. 00949

Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA Tribunal de THE CLERK OF THIS COURT Primera Instancia Sala Superior hereby notifies you that on de CAGUAS. November 10,2020, the Court entered Judgment in favor of ELECTROCABLES MMG I PR CFL, LLC (“Plaintiff) DEL CARIBE, CORP in the instant case. Said JudgDemandante V. ment has been duly registered CONDADO ELECTRICAL and the terms of said Judgment & PLUMBING SUPPLIES, are available for review in the Clerks’ office. THEREFORE, lNC; et als this Notice of Judgment by Demandado(a) Civil: CG2020CV00287. Sobre: Publication (“Notice”) is hereby COBRO DE DINERO POR LA given to Maria Esther Ferreira VIA ORDINARIA E INCUMPLI- Sanchez and Femando Raul (“DefenMIENTO DE CONTRATO. NO- Montiveros-Ferreira TIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA dants”) that Judgment has been entered against them in the POR EDICTO. instant proceedings. Notice will MARÍA DOLORES deemed effective, and the CAMACHO por si y en be thirty (30) day term to file the representación legal de la notice of appeal will begin the Sociedad Legal de Bienes day this Notice is published in Gananciales compuesta a newspaper of general circucon Rafael Garcia Rosario lation in Puerto Rico. A copy of (Nombre de las partes a las que se le the Notice and Judgment in this case will be sent by Plaintiff to notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus- Defendants last known address cribe le notifica a usted que 13 by certified mail, return receipt de noviembre de 2020 , este requested within ten (10) days Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, of the one and only publication Sentencia Parcial o Resolución of this Notice of Judgment by en este caso, que ha sido debi- Publication. Issued under my damente registrada y archivada signature and with the seal en autos donde podrá usted of the Court, this 24th day enterarse detalladamente de of November, 2020. MARIA JORDAN. los términos de la misma. Esta ANTONGIORGI notificación se publicará una ESQ., CLERK OF THE U.S. sola vez en un periódico de DISTRICT COURT. By: Ana E. circulación general en la Isla Duran-Capella, Deputy Clerk. de Puerto Rico, dentro de los LEGAL NOTICE 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando UNITED STATES DISTRICT usted una parte en el procedi- COURT FOR THE DISTRICT miento sujeta a los términos OF PUERTO RICO. de la Sentencia, Sentencia UNITED STATES OF

24 AMERICA, acting through the United States Department of Agriculture

Finance of America Reverse, LLC DEMANDANTE VS.

Aida Esther Allende Colón Alberto Robles Adorno, t/c/c Aida E. Allende Colón His Wife Madeline t/c/c Aida Esther Allende Rodriguez Ortiz And The t/c/c Aida E. Allende t/c/c Conjugal Partnership Aida Allende Colón t/c/c Constituted Between Aida Allende t/c/c Aida E. Them Allende De Rivera t/c/c Defendants Aida E. Rivera t/c/c Aida CIVIL NO. 20-1466 (JAG) ForeEsther Allende De Rivera; closure of Mortgage [ACTION y ·a los Estados Unidos IN REM]. SUMMONS BY PUde América.

BLICATION. DEMANDADOS TO: CO-DEFENDANTS CIVIL NUM.: SJ2018CV10810.

ALBERTO ROBLES SOBRE: Cobro de Dinero y ADORNO, MADELINE Ejecución de Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria. EDICTO DE SURODRIGUEZ ORTIZ, AND THE CONJUGAL BASTA. Al: Público en General PARTNERSHIP A: AIDA ESTHER CONSTITUTED BETWEEN ALLENDE COLÓN T/C/C THEM Pursuant to the Order for Ser- AIDA E. ALLENDE COLÓN vice by Publication entered on T/C/C AIDA ESTHER November 17, 2020, by the HoALLENDE T/C/C AIDA E. norable Jay A. Garcia-Gregory, ALLENDE T/C/C AIDA United States District Judge (Docket No. 10), you are hereby ALLENDE COLÓN T/C/C SUMMONED to appear, plead AIDA ALLENDE T/C/C or answer the Complaint filed AIDA E. ALLENDE DE herein no later than thirty (30) RIVERA T/C/C AIDA days after publication of this E. RIVERA T/C/C AIDA Summons by serving the origiESTHER ALLENDE nal plea or answer in the United States District Court for the DisDE RIVERA; Y A LOS trict of Puerto Rico, and serving ESTADOS UNIDOS DE a copy to counsel for plaintiff: AMÉRICA. Attorney Juan C. Fortune Fas, Plaintiff V.

Yo, EDWIN E. LÓPEZ MULERO, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, a los demandado, acreedores y al público en general con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe , y al público en general, por la presente CERTIFICO, ANUNCIO y HAGO CONSTAR : Que el día 20 de enero de 2021, a las 11:30 de la mañana, en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico·, procederé a vender en Pública Subasta, al mejor postor , la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria mediante Sentencia dictada en el’c aso de epígrafe, la cual se notificó y archivó en autos el día 24 de septiembre de 2019. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaria durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una segunda subasta para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el día 27 de enero de 2021, a las 11:30 de la mañana; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 3 de febrero LEGAL NOTICE de 2021, a las 11:30 de la maESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO ñana en mi oficina sita en el luDE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- gar antes indicado. Que en NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA cumplimiento de un MandaSALA DE SAN JUAN. miento de Ejecución de Sentenat PO Box 3908 Guaynabo, PR 00970, telephone numbers 787-751-5290 and 787-7515616. This Summons shall be published by edict only once in a newspaper of general circulation in the island of Puerto Rico.

Within ten (10) days following publication of this Summons, a copy of this Summons and the Complaint will be sent to co-defendants Alberto Robles Adorno, Madeline Rodriguez Ortiz, and the conjugal partnership constituted between them by certified mail/return receipt requested, addressed to their last known address. Should you fail to appear, plead or answer to the Complaint as ordered by the Court and noticed by this Summons, the Court will enter default against you and proceed to hear and adjudicate this cause based on the relief demanded in the Complaint.

BY ORDER OF THE COURT, summons is issued pursuant to Federal Rules Civil Procedure 4(e) and Rule 4.6 of the Rules of Civil Procedure for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 20th of November, 2020. MARIA ANTORGIORGI-JORDAN, ESQ., CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT. By: Ana E. Duran-Capella, Deputy Clerk.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

cia que ha sido liberado por la Secretaria del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, en el caso de epígrafe con fecha de 1 de noviembre de 2019, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble de su propiedad ubicado en: Country Club Dev 824 Mindanao St., San Juan PR 00924., y que se describe a continuación: “---URBANA: Solar marcado con el número dieciséis (16) del Bloque KG del Plano de Inscripción de la cuarta (4ta) extensión primera (lera) etapa de la urbanización Country Club situada en el barrio Sabana Llana del Municipio de Río Piedras, con una cabida superficial de trescientos veintidós (322) metros cuadrados y colinda por el Noreste en veintitrés (23) metros con el solar quince (15); por el Suroeste, en veintitrés (23) metros con el solar diecisiete (17); por el Sureste, en catorce (14) metros con la calle trescientos nueve (309); por el Noroeste, en catorce (14) metros con el solar once (11).

Finca número 10,395, inscrita al folio 51 del tomo 233 de Sabana Llana. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección V de San Juan. La subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer, hasta donde alcance, el importe de las cantidades adeudadas a la parte demandante conforme a la sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: $85,486.00, de principal, intereses pactados y computados sobre esta suma al tipo de 5.060% anual hasta su total y completo pago, contribuciones, recargos y primas de seguro adeudados y la suma de $19,050.00, estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles .. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura número 208, otorgada el día 13 de abril de 2012, San Juan, Puerto Rico, ante el Notario Público Laura Mía González Bonilla y consta inscrita al tomo Karibe de Sabana Llana, finca número 10,395, Sección V de San Juan. La propiedad se encuentra afecta al siguiente gravamen posterior: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor del Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano, o a su orden por la suma principal de $190,500.00, con intereses con intereses al 5.060% anual, vencedero el 4 de mayo de 2087,, constituida mediante la escritura número 209, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 13 de abril de 2012, ante la notario Laura Mia González Bonilla, e inscrita al tomo Karibe de Sabana Llana, finca número 10,395, Sección V de San Juan. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta del inmueble antes descrito será la suma de $190,500

.00 según se establece en la escritura de hipoteca antes relacionada . En caso de que el inmueble a ser subastado no fuera adjudicado en su primera subasta se ordena la celebración de una segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, en la cual, la cantidad mínima será una equivalente a 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la suma de $127,000 .00; desierta también la segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, se ordena la celebración de una tercera subasta en la cual, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado para la primera subasta, es decir la suma de $95,250.00. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación, entiéndase efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia , y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito , de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Entiéndase: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor del Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano , o a su orden, por la suma principal de $190,500.00, con intereses al 5.060 % anual, vencedero el día 4 de mayo de 2087 constituida mediante la escritura número 209, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 9 de abril de 2012, ante el notario Laura Mía González Bonilla, e inscrita al tomo Karibe de Sabana Llana finca 10395 inscripción 13ma. Una vez efectuada la venta de dicha propiedad, el Alguacil procede-

rá a otorgar la escritura de traspaso al licitador victorioso en subasta, quien podrá ser la parte demandante , cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la sentencia dictada en este caso. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Si el producto de la venta fuere insuficiente para satisfacer la cantidad reclamada , se procederá a la ejecución de la sentencia en contra de la parte demandada por el remanente de las sumas no satisfechas, mediante embargo y venta en ejecución de cualesquiera otros bienes propiedad de la parte demandada en cantidad suficiente para dejar cubierta y totalmente satisfecha a la parte demandante cualquier deficiencia o parte insoluta de la sentencia dictada a su favor según dispuesto en la sentencia dictada en este caso. Se dispone, conforme con la sentencia dictada en este caso que, una vez efectuada la subasta y vendido el bien inmueble, los adjudicatarios sean puestos en posesión del mismo dentro del término de veinte (20) días por el Alguacil de este Honorable Tribunal y los actuales poseedores lanzados del referido inmueble. De ser ello necesario , el Alguacil podrá diligenciar el Acta de Subasta que se expida en horas laborales, de día, los 5 días de la semana. Y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general , se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley, mediante edicto, en un periódico de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, una vez por semana, por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones , y para su fijación en tres (3) lugares públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta , tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía, y se le notificará además a la parte demandada vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto de Subasta para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, a 30 de noviembre de 2020. EDWIN E. LOPEZ MULERO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE SAN JUAN.

RODRÍGUEZ ROSADO t/c/c SANTOS RODRÍGUEZ ROSADO, GRISELLE SANTIAGO TORRES t/c/c GRISEL SANTIAGO TORRES Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Demandado CIVIL NÚM: SJ2019CV06456.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE GARANTÍAS. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. Yo, Pedro Hieye González_, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, al público en general. CERTIFICO Y HAGO SABER: Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia fechado el 10 de marzo de 2020 que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, en el caso arriba indicado, venderé en la fecha o fechas que más adelante se indican, en pública subasta al mejor postor, en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América, en efectivo, cheque certificado o giro postal, en mi oficina sita en el local que ocupa en el Centro Judicial de San Juan, Puerto Rico, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada, en el inmueble que se describe a continuación, propiedad de la parte demandada, SANTOS MANUEL RODRIGUEZ ROSADO T/C/C SANTOS M. RODRIGUEZ ROSADO T/C/C SANTOS RODRIGUEZ ROSADO, GRISELLE SANTIGO TORRES T/C/C GRISEL SANTIAGO TORRES Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS. Dirección Física: 1140 Calle 10 SE, Caparra Terrace, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00921. Finca 8,938, al folio 137 del tomo 741 de Monacillos, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección III de San Juan. URBANA: Solar sito en el Barrio Monacillos de la municipalidad de Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, con casa, marcado con el número seis B (6B) de la manzana JT de la Urbanización Caparra Terrace con un área superficial de doscientos treinta y siete metros cuadrados con cincuenta centímetros cuadrados (237.50 m.c.). En lindes por LEGAL NOTICE el NORTE, con la calle sesenta ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO y dos (62) de la Urbanización; DE PUERTO TRIBUNAL DE por el SUR, con el solar trece PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA (13) de la manzana JT; por el SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN. ESTE, propiedad seis A (6A) de la manzana JT; y por el OESORIENTAL BANK TE, con el solar número cinco Demandante v.

(5) de la manzana JT. Sobre SANTOS MANUEL solar número cinco (5) RODRÍGUEZ ROSADO dicho de la manzana JT. Sobre dicho t/c/c SANTOS M. solar enclava una casa de con-

creto armado. Finca 8,938. Por su procedencia está: a. Servidumbre a favor de la Autoridad de Fuentes Fluviales de Puerto Rico. b. Condiciones restrictivas sobre edificación y uso.

Por sí está afecta a: a. Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de RM Actual Mortgage, Inc., haciendo negocios como Actual Mortgage Bankers, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $96,000.00, con intereses al 7.95% anual, vencedero el día 1 de diciembre de 2037, constituida mediante la escritura número 101, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 9 de noviembre de 2007, ante el notario Rey Javier De Lenón Colón, e inscrita al folio 103 del tomo 926 de Monacillos, finca número 8,938, inscripción 12da. b. Aviso de Demanda, caso número SJ2019CV06456, seguido por Scotiabank de Puerto Rico versus Santos Manuel Rodríguez Rosario, también conocido como Santos M. Rodríguez Rosado y como Santos Rodríguez Rosado; Grisel Santiago Torres, también conocida como Griselle Santiago Torres y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales, compuesta por ambos, por la suma de $82,648.13, más intereses y otras sumas adicionales, anotado el día 15 de julio de 2019, al tomo Karibe de Monacillos, finca número 8,938, Anotación “A”. El precio mínimo de este remate con relación a la Finca 8,938 antes descrita y la fecha de cada subasta serán la siguiente: Primera Subasta: 13 de enero de 2021, Hora: 10:00am. Precio Mínimo: $96,000.00. Hipoteca: Escritura Número 101, sobre Hipoteca, otorgada el 9 de noviembre de 2007, ante el Notario Rey Javier de León Colón. Segunda Subasta: 21 de enero de 2021, Hora: 10:00am, Precio Mínimo: $64,000.00. Tercera Subasta: 28 de enero de 2021, Hora: 10:00am, Precio Minimo: $48,000.00. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación que se transmite y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y las preferentes, si las hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante las acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de las mismas, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Conforme a la Sentencia dictada el día 9 de agosto de 2019 y archivada en los autos el 7 de noviembre de 2019, la anterior venta se hará para satisfacer las sumas adeudadas por concepto del préstamo garantizado por la hipoteca antes mencionada y las sumas que se mencionan a continuación: La suma principal de $82,648.13, más intereses a razón de 7.95%, desde el 1 de

enero de 2019 y hasta su total y completo pago, contribuciones, recargos y primas de seguro según acordadas, y la suma de $9,600.00, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado hipotecariamente asegurados. Se notifica por la presente a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los inmuebles a ser subastados con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen del ejecutante descrito anteriormente, o acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubieren pospuesto al gravamen del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizado hipotecariamente con posterioridad al gravamen del actor para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si así lo interesan o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogado, quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Y, para conocimiento de licitadores, del público en general, y para su publicación de acuerdo con la ley en un periódico de circulación general de la isla de Puerto Rico y en tres sitios públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía y vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida de la parte demandada, expido el presente edicto bajo mi firma y el sello de este Tribunal en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día _23_de noviembre de 2020. PEDRO HIEYE GONZALEZ, ALGUACIL SUBASTA, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN.

BOSCO IX OVERSEAS, LLC, BY FRANKLIN CREDIT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AS SERVICER Demandante v.

LA SUCESION DE BERNARD PAUL BANDELIER COMPUESTA POR FULANO Y MENGANO DE TAL, COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ROSA RAMOS ROSARIO (COMO TITULAR REGISTRAL)

Demandado CIVIL NÚM: SJ2019CV03698.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE GARANTÍAS. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE

The San Juan Daily Star DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS . EDICTO DE SUBASTA. Yo, Pedro Hieye González, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, al público en general. CERTIFICO Y HAGO SABER: Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia fechado el 20 de agosto de 2020, que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, en el caso arriba indicado, venderé en la fecha o fechas que más adelante se indican, en pública subasta al mejor postor, en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América, en efectivo, cheque certificado o giro postal, en mi oficina sita en el local que ocupa en el Centro Judicial de San Juan, Puerto Rico, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada, en el inmueble que se describe a continuación, propiedad de la parte demandada, Sucesión de Bernard Paul Bandelier compuesta por Fulano y Mengano de Tal , como posibles herederos desconocidos; Rosa Ramos Rosario (Titular Registral).

Dirección Física: Apt. 1402, Condominio Bahía I, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907.

Finca 7,292, inscrita al folio 211 del tomo 234 de Santurce Sur, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de San Juan. URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Apartamento residencial número A-mil cuatrocientos dos (A-1402) ubicado en el Condominio Bahía (V.B.C. 56), localizado en la calle Las Palmas , esquina Cerra, barrio Tres Talleres, Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico, con un área privada de ochocientos veintitrés punto noventa (823.90) pies cuadrados, equivalentes a setentiséis punto cincuenticuatro (76.54) metros cuadrados, el cual contiene sala-comedor, baño, tres (3) dormitorios y balcón; colindando por el NORTE, con parte del solar donde enclava el Edificio que da frente a la calle Las Palmas; por el SUR, con el pasillo exterior del exterior del Edificio con el pozo de ventilación y servicio y con el apartamento número A-mil cuatrocientos uno (A-1401) (pared medianera); por el ESTE, con el pozo de ventilación y servicio y con el apartamento A-mil cuatrociento tres (A-1403) (pared medianera); y por el OESTE, con el pozo de ventilación y servicio y con el apartamento número A-mil cuatrocientos uno (A-1401) (pared medianera).

Corresponde a este apartamento en los gastos, ganancias y derechos con relación a; y sobre los elementos comunes generales una participación de punto cuarenticuatro cinco veintitrés por ciento (.44523%) de un por ciento (1%). Finca 7,292. Por su procedencia está afecta a: a) Servidumbre a favor de la Autoridad de Fuentes

Fluviales de Puerto Rico. b) Servidumbre a favor de la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados de Puerto Rico. Por sí está: a) Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de RG Premier Bank of Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $45,500.00, con intereses al 7% anual, vencedero el día 1 de octubre de 2037, constituida mediante la escritura número 922, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 29 de septiembre de 2007, ante la notario Georgette M. Rodríguez Figueroa, e inscrita al folio 92 del tomo 389 de Santurce Sur, finca número 7,292, inscripción 9na. b) Aviso de Demanda de fecha 15 de mayo de 2019, expedido en el Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala de San Juan, en el Caso Civil número SJ2019CV03698, seguido por el Bosco IX Overseas, LLC by Franklin Credit Management Corporation as Servicer versus Bernard Paul Bandelier y Rosa Ramos Rosario, por la suma de $38,275.69, más intereses y otras sumas adicionales, anotado el día 14 de enero de 2020, al tomo Karibe de Santurce Sur, finca número 7,292, Anotación “A”. El precio mínimo de este remate con relación a la Finca 7,292 antes descrita y la fecha de cada subasta serán la siguiente: Primera Subasta: 13 de enero de 2021, Hora: 10:30am, Precio Minimo: $45,500.00, Hipoteca: Escritura Número 922 sobre Primera Hipoteca, otorgada el día 29 de septiembre de 2007, ante la notario Georgette M. Rodríguez Figueroa.. Segunda Subasta: 21 de enero de 2021, Hora: 10:30am, Precio Mínimo: $30,333.33. Tercera Subasta: 28 de enero de 2021, Hora: 10:30am, $22,750.00.

Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación que se transmite y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y las preferentes, si las hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante las acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de las mismas, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Conforme a la Sentencia dictada el día 23 de septiembre de 2019 y archivada en los autos el 13 de marzo de 2020, la anterior venta se hará para satisfacer las sumas adeudadas por concepto del préstamo garantizado por la hipoteca antes mencionada y las sumas que se mencionan a continuación: La suma principal de $38,275.69, más intereses a razón de 7%, desde el 1 de septiembre de 2018, que se acumulan diariamente hasta su total y completo pago, más la suma de $486.20 por

Monday, December 7, 2020 cargos por mora, más la suma de $11.15 en conexión con la cuenta de reserva, más la suma de $4,550.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado hipotecariamente asegurados. Se notifica por la presente a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los inmuebles a ser subastados con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen del ejecutante descrito anteriormente, o acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubieren pospuesto al gravamen del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizado hipotecariamente con posterioridad al gravamen del actor para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si así lo interesan o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogado, quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores.

Y, para conocimiento de licitadores, del público en general, y para su publicación de acuerdo con la ley en un periódico de circulación general de la isla de Puerto Rico y en tres sitios públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía y vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida de la parte demandada, expido el presente edicto bajo mi firma y el sello de este Tribunal en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 23 de noviembre de 2020. PEDRO HIEYE GONZALEZ, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN.

por este y MARIA Urbanización Lomas LAUREANO COLLADO de Trujillo, 145 Calle 6, Urbanización Lomas Trujillo Alto PR 00976. de Trujillo, 145 Calle 6, (787) 292-2342, (787) 454Trujillo Alto PR 00976.

6041.

(787) 292-2342, (787) 454- Por la presente se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal 6041.

Por la presente se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los 30 días de haber sido publicado y notificado este emplazamiento. Usted deberá presentar su legación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la dirección electrónica httts://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretarIa del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido termino, 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. POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que notifique a: LCDA. RAQUEL DESEDA BELAVAL E-mail: rdeseda@delgadofernandez.com DELGADO & FERNANDEZ, LLC P.O. Box 11750, Fernández Juncos Station San Juan, Puerto Rico 009 10-1750 Tel. [787] 274-1414 / Fax [787] 764-8241 Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, hoy 24 de noviembre de 2020. Lcda. Marilyn Aponte Rodriguez, Secretarie Regional. IDA FERNANDEZ RODRiGUEZ, Sec Auxiliar del Tribunal.

su alegación responsiva dentro de los 30 días de haber sido publicado y notificado este emplazamiento. Usted deberá presentar su legación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la dirección electrónica httts://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretarIa del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido termino, 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. POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que notifique a: LCDA. RAQUEL DESEDA BELAVAL E-mail: rdeseda@delgadofernandez. com DELGADO & FERNANDEZ, LLC P.O. Box 11750, Fernández Juncos Station San Juan, Puerto Rico 009 10-1750 Tel. [787] 274-1414 / Fax [787] 764-8241 Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, hoy 24 de noviembre de 2020. Lcda. Marilyn Aponte Rodriguez, Secretarie Regional. IDA FERNANDEZ RODRiGUEZ, Sec Auxiliar del Tribunal.

LEGAL NOTICE

Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico TRIBUNAL GENERAL LEGAL NOTICE DE JUSTICIA Tribunal de PriESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO LEGAL NOTICE mera Instancia Sala Superior DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO de BAYAMON. NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUMIDLAND CREDIT SALA DE SAN JUAN. NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA MANAGEMENT PUERTO LUNA SALA DE SAN JUAN.

LUNA ACQUISITIONS LLC., Parte Demandante V.

FRANCISCO GUZMAN ALMANZAR, MARIA LAUREANO COLLADO y la SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES compuesta por ambos

Parte Demandada CIVIL NUM.: SJ2020CV04626.

Sobre: Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: FRANCISCO GUZMAN ALMANZAR por si y en representación de la Sociedad Legal de Gananciales compuesta

ACQUISITIONS LLC., Parte Demandante V.

FRANCISCO GUZMAN ALMANZAR, MARIA LAUREANO COLLADO y la SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES compuesta por ambos

Parte Demandada CIVIL NUM.: SJ2020CV04626.

Sobre: Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: MARIA LAUREANO COLLADO por si y en representación de la Sociedad Legal de Gananciales compuesta por esta y FRANCISCO GUZMAN ALMANZAR

RICO, LLC., COMO AGENTE DE MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC. Demandante v.

PEDRO L. COLÓN VEGA

25

to 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 1 de diciembre de 2020. En BAYAMON, Puerto Rico, el 1 de diciembre de 2020. LCDA. LAURA I SANTA SANCHEZ, Secretaria. VERONICA RIVERA RODRIGUEZ, Sec Auxiliar.

LEGAL NOTICE

LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS, MARIA ANTONIA GUTIERREZ MORALES.

Demandado(a) Civil: Núm. BY2019CV001423.

Demandante v.

SALA: 402. Sobre: EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA POR LA JOHN DOE & VIA ORDINARIA IN REM. NORICHARD ROE TIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA Demandado(a) Civil Núm. SG2020CV00307. POR EDICTO. A: MIGUEL ANGEL Sobre: CANCELACION DE PAGARE EXTRAVIADO. NO- TOLEDO RIVERA, MARIA TIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA ANTONIA RONDON POR EDICTO.

ORIENTAL BANK

A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE, COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES O PERSONAS QUE HAYAN ADQUIRIDO ALGUN DERECHO SOBRE EL PAGARE O LA HIPOTECA OBJETO DE ESTE PLEITO

Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA Tribunal de Pri- (Nombre de las partes a las que se le mera Instancia Sala Superior notifican la sentencia por edicto) de GUAYAMA. EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el ORIENTAL BANK 23 de noviembre de 2020, este Demandante v.

SENIOR MORTGAGE Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, BANKERS, INC. Y OTROS Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debiDemandado(a) damente registrada y archivada Civil Núm.: GM2019CV00910. en autos donde podrá usted enSobre: CANCELACION DE PAterarse detalladamente de los GARE EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFItérminos de la misma. Esta noCACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR tificación se publicará una sola EDICTO. vez en un periódico de circulaA: JOHN DOE, RICHARD ción general en la Isla de PuerROE, SECRETARIO DE to Rico, dentro de los 10 días DESARROLLO URBANO siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted Y VIVIENDA DE LOS una parte en el procedimiento ESTADOS UNIDOS sujeta a los términos de la Sen(Nombre de las partes a las que se le tencia, Sentencia Parcial o Renotifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus- solución, de la cual puede estacribe le notifica a usted que el blecerse recurso de revisión o 16 de octubre de 2020, este apelación dentro del término de Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, 30 días contados a partir de la Sentencia Parcial o Resolución publicación por edicto de esta en este caso, que ha sido debi- notificación, dirijo a usted esta damente registrada y archivada notificación que se considerará en autos donde podrá usted en- hecha en la fecha de la publicaterarse detalladamente de los ción de este edicto. Copia de términos de la misma. Esta no- esta notificación ha sido architificación se publicará una sola vada en los autos de este caso, vez en un periódico de circula- con fecha de 01 de diciembre ción general en la Isla de Puer- de 2020. En Mayaguez, Puerto to Rico, dentro de los 10 días Rico , el 01 de diciembre de siguientes a su notificación. Y, 2020. LCDA NORMA G SANsiendo o representando usted TANA IRIZARRY, SEC REG una parte en el procedimiento INT. F/BETSY SANTIAGO sujeta a los términos de la Sen- GONZALEZ, Secretario(a).

Demandado(a) Civil: Núm. BY2020CV02077.

SALA 502. Sobre: COBRO DE tencia, Sentencia Parcial o ReDINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE solución, de la cual puede esSENTENCIA POR EDICTO. tablecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término A: PEDRO L. de 30 días contados a partir COLÓN VEGA (Nombre de las partes a las que se le de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus- esta notificación que se consicribe le notifica a usted que el derará hecha en la fecha de la 30 de noviembre de 2020, este publicación de este edicto. CoTribunal ha dictado Sentencia, pia de esta notificación ha sido Sentencia Parcial o Resolución archivada en los autos de este en este caso, que ha sido debi- caso, con fecha de 1 de diciemdamente registrada y archivada bre de 2020. E n GUAYAMA, en autos donde podrá usted en- Puerto Rico, el 1 de diciembre terarse detalladamente de los de 2020. MARISOL ROSADO Secretario(a). términos de la misma. Esta no- RODRÍGUEZ, tificación se publicará una sola F/ ILEANA CRUZ VAZQUEZ, vez en un periódico de circula- ecretario(a) Auxiliar. ción general en la Isla de Puer-

LEGAL NOTICE Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA Tribunal de Primera Instancia Sala Superior de Mayaguez.

LEGAL NOTICE

Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA Tribunal de Primera Instancia Sala Superior de BAYAMON.

U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR BLUEWATER INVESTMENT TRUST 2018-A Demandante v.

MIGUEL ANGEL TOLEDO RIVERA, MARIA ANTONIA RONDON HERNANDEZ Y

HERNANDEZ Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES

(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 30 de noviembre de 2020, 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 1 de diciembre de 2020. En BAYAMON, Puerto Rico , el 1 de diciembre de 2020. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SANCHEZ, Secretario(a). LUREIMY ALICEA GONZALEZ, Secretario(a) Auxiliar.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN.

BOSCO IX OVERSEAS, LLC, BY FRANKLIN CREDIT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AS SERVICER Demandante v.

LILIA ESTHER OTERO HERNÁNDEZ, ADVANCE PROFESSIONAL FORMULA, INC. (TITULAR REGISTRAL)

Demandado CIVIL NÚM: SJ2020CV00599.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE GARANTÍAS. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO

26 DE PUERTO RICO. SS. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. Yo, Pedro Hieye González, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, al público en general. CERTIFICO Y HAGO SABER. Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia fechado el 24 de agosto de 2020, que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, en el caso arriba indicado, venderé en la fecha o fechas que más adelante se indican, en pública subasta al mejor postor, en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América, en efectivo, cheque certificado o giro postal, en mi oficina sita en el local que ocupa en el Centro Judicial de San Juan, Puerto Rico, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga Advance Professional Formula Inc. (Titular Registral), en el inmueble que se describe a continuación, y/o Lilia Esther Otero Hernández.

Dirección Física: Apt. 2306, Condominio Plaza Inmaculada II, Santurce, Puerto Rico 00912. Finca 46,219, inscrita al folio 135 del tomo 1205 de Santurce Norte, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de San Juan. URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Espacio de estacionamiento señalado con el número 35, ubicado en el sótano del Condominio La Inmaculada Plaza 11, el cual está localizado en la Avenida Ponce de León mil setecientos quince (1715), del Barrio Santurce de la ciudad de San Juan, Puerto Rico. Contiene un área superficial de ciento cuarenta y ocho punto cincuenta (148.50) pies cuadrados equivalentes a trece punto ochenta (13.80) metros cuadrados producto de dieciocho (18) pies de largo equivalentes a cinco punto cuarenta y nueve (5.49) metros por ocho pies tres pulgadas (8’3”) de ancho equivalente a dos puno cincuenta y dos (2.52) metros. Su acceso o entrada se encuentra situada al rumbo Oeste. Colinda por el NORTE, con el estacionamiento número 36; por el SUR, con el estacionamiento número 34; por el ESTE, con área pública del condominio; y por el OESTE, con área de circulación. Le corresponde un por ciento de participación en los elementos comunes limitados igual 0.10867571%.

Finca 46,219. Por su procedencia está afecta a: LIBRE DE CARGAS. Por sí está: a) Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de R&G Premier Bank of Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $117,500.00, con intereses al 8.00% anual, vencedero el día 1 de enero de 2027, constituida mediante la escritura número 519, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 12 de diciembre de 1996, ante el notario Alfonso Prats Lazzarini, e inscrita al folio 135 del tomo 1205 de Santurce Norte, finca

número 46,219, inscripción 2ª. b) Demanda de fecha 23 de enero de 2017 expedida en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Centro Judicial de San Juan, Sala Superior, en el Caso Civil número KCD2017-0141 seguido por Scotiabank contra Lilia Esther Otero Hernández también conocida como Lilia Otero Hernández, y Advance Professional Formula Inc., por la suma de $72,919.56 más intereses y otras sumas, anotada el 29 de enero de 2020, al tomo Karibe de Santurce Norte, finca número 46,219, Anotación A. c) Demanda de fecha 23 de enero de 2020, expedida en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, en el Caso Civil Número SJ2020CV00599, sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de garantías, seguido por Bosio IX Overseas, LLC by Franklin Credit Management Corp., as Services, contra Lilia Esther Otero Hernández, Advance Profesional Formula, Inc., por la suma de $72,919.56, anotada el 29 de enero de 2020, al tomo Karibe de Santurce Norte, finca número 46,219, Anotación B. El precio mínimo de este remate con relación a la Finca 46,219 antes descrita y la fecha de cada subasta serán la siguiente: Primera Subasta: 13 de enero de 2021, Hora: 11:30am, Precio Mínimo: $117,500.00, Hipoteca: Escritura Número 519 sobre Hipoteca, otorgada el día 12 de diciembre de 1996, ante el notario Alfonso Prats Lazzarini.

Segunda Subasta: 21 de enero de 2021, Hora: 11:30am, Precio Mínimo: $78,333.33. Tercera Subasta: 28 de enero de 2021, Hora: 11:30am, Precio Mínimo: $58,750.00. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables.

Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación que se transmite y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y las preferentes, si las hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante las acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de las mismas, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate.

Conforme a la Sentencia dictada el día 15 de junio de 2020 y archivada en los autos el 17 de junio de 2020, la anterior venta se hará para satisfacer las sumas adeudadas por concepto del préstamo garantizado por la hipoteca antes mencionada y las sumas que se mencionan a continuación: La suma principal de $72,919.56, más intereses a razón de 8%, desde el 1 de agosto de 2016, que se acumulan diariamente hasta su total y completo pago, más la suma de $8,266.98 por cargos por mora, más la suma de $11,750.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

de abogado hipotecariamente asegurados. Se notifica por la presente a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los inmuebles a ser subastados con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen del ejecutante descrito anteriormente, o acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubieren pospuesto al gravamen del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizado hipotecariamente con posterioridad al gravamen del actor para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si así lo interesan o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogado, quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante.

La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Y, para conocimiento de licitadores, del público en general, y para su publicación de acuerdo con la ley en un periódico de circulación general de la isla de Puerto Rico y en tres sitios públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía y vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida de la parte demandada, expido el presente edicto bajo mi firma y el sello de este Tribunal en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 23 de noviembre de 2020. PEDRO HIEYE GONZALEZ, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE GUAYNABO SALA SUPERIOR.

LUNA ACQUISITION, LLC Demandante vs.

JUAN EUGENIO VARGAS GARRIDO T/C/C JUAN E. VARGAS GARRIDO

Demandado (s) CIVIL NÚM. GB2018CV00407 (201). SALON NÚM.: SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA ViA ORDINARIA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS E.E. U.U. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS: Yo, Jesus M. Perez, Alguacil del Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala de Guaynabo , al Público HAGO SABER: Que en cumplimiento de la Sentencia dictada el 20 de noviembre de 2019, notificada el 2 de diciembre de 2019, de la cual surge que la parte demandada adeuda a la demandante la suma principal de $417,135.52 , intereses vencidos , que a la fecha del 19 de junio de 2019, ascienden a la suma $45,239.20 y los que se conti-

núen acumulando al tipo pactado hasta el pago total y completo de la obligación, la suma de $1,825.89 por concepto de cargos por demora, más la suma de $49,900.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado según pactados y a tenor con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que se me libró con fecha de 13 de febrero de 2020, por la Secretaría de este Honorable Tribunal de Guaynabo, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor, la siguiente propiedad inmueble, la cual se describe a continuación: “URBANA” : PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento residencial de forma irregular localizado en la primera planta del Edificio trece (13) del Condominio Murano Luxury Apartments , localizado en el Barrio Santa Rosa 111 , del término municipal de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, el cual se describe en la Escritura Matriz de Dedicación al Régimen de la Propiedad Horizontal del Condominio Murano Luxury Apartments con el número, área y colindancias que se relacionan a continuación : Apartamento número trece “A” uno (13-A-1 ). Área del apartamento: mil ochocientos treinta y cinco pies cuadrados (1,835pc), equivalentes a ciento setenta punto cincuenta y tres metros cuadrados (170.53mc). En lindes: por el NORTE, en sesenta y dos pies once pulgadas (62’11 “), con área verde del Condominio; por el SUR, en sesenta y dos pies once pulgadas (62’11 “), con su pared medianera con el apartamento trece “B” uno (13-B-1 ), con caja de los elevadores y con el vestíbulo del edificio y área 1 abierta; por el ESTE, en cuarenta pies tres pulgadas (40’3”) con muro que lo separa de la Urbanización Colinas Metropolitanas; y por el OESTE, en cuarenta pies tres pulgadas (40’3”}, con vestíbulo del edificio y área abierta. Tiene su puerta de entrada y salida por su lado Sur, que da al área de pasillo que conduce a las escaleras y elevadores que le brindan acceso al edificio . Consta de balcón, sala-comedor, cocina, family room, dos (2) dormitorios con closet cada uno área de lavandería, área de instalación de aires acondicionados, un (1) baño completo de uso general, un (1) medio baño, closet en el pasillo y una tercera habitación que es el dormitorio principal (master bedroom), en la cual también se encuentra una área de walk in closet y un baño completo. También consta de un (1) patio delimitado por las verjas que figuran en los planos del Condominio. Área de patio: quinientos treinta y cinco pies cuadrados con cincuenta y ocho centésimas (535.58pc), equivalentes a cuarenta y nueve metros cuadrados con setenta y seis centésimas de otro (49.76mc). Área de

estacionamiento: doscientos noventa y siete pies cuadrados (297.00pc), equivalentes a veintisiete metros cuadrados con cincuenta y nueve centésimas de otro (27.59mc). Le corresponde a este apartamento, como anejos dos (2) espacios de estacionamiento, ambos identificados con el número del apartamento, ubicados en las áreas de estacionamiento del Condominio, según ilustrados en los planos del Condominio.

A este apartamento le corresponde una participación en los elementos comunes del Condominio de punto cincuenta y cinco por ciento (.55%). Inscrita al folio 6 del tomo 1312 de Guaynabo, Finca Número 45,588, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Guaynabo. Por su procedencia está afecta a: Servidumbre a perpetuidad constituida en la finca número 29,445 para acceso a favor de la finca número 31,803; Servidumbre constituida en la finca número 1,427 a favor del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico; Servidumbre perpetua constituida en la finca número 1,434 a favor de la Autoridad de Fuentes Fluviales de Puerto Rico; Servidumbre en la finca número 8,537 a favor del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico; a perpetuidad, cedida a la Autoridad de Fuentes Fluviales de Puerto Rico; Servidumbre de Paso de carácter real a perpetuidad constituida en la finca 1,439 como predio sirviente a favor de la finca número 6,936 propiedad de la Central San José; Servidumbre perpetua para la localización, constituida en la finca número 1,439 como predio sirviente originalmente a favor de los Estados Unidos de América, cedida a favor de la Puerto Rico Acqueduct and Sewer Service; Servidumbre a favor de la Autoridad de Fuentes Fluviales de Puerto Rico constituida en la finca número 1,439; Servidumbre a perpetuidad constituida en la finca número 1,884 a favor de la Autoridad de Fuentes Fluviales; Servidumbre a favor de los Estados Unidos de América sobre la finca número 135, cedida a favor de la Puerto Rico Acqueduct and Sewer Service. Condiciones Restrictivas sobre Edificación y Uso. Esta propiedad tiene el siguiente número de catastro en el Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM): 16-113-030-326-87161. La dirección física del inmueble anteriormente descrito es: CONDOMINIO MURANO LUXURY APARTMENTS 13 A1, GUAYNABO PR 00 00969.

Sobre la antes descrita propiedad se encuentra inscrito el siguiente gravamen posterior: “Aviso de Demanda del día 5 de julio de 2018, expedida en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Guaynabo en el Caso Civil número GB2019CV00407, Sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca seguido por

ORIENTAL BANK VS JUAN EUGENIO VARGAS GARRIDO T/C/C JUAN E. VARGAS GARRIDO, por la suma de $417,135.52 más otras sumas, anotado el día 24 de agosto de 2018 al Tomo Karibe de Guaynabo, finca número 45,588.

Anotado “A” y Última.” Este Aviso De Demanda Corresponde al caso de epígrafe. Se apercibe a los licitadores para que procedan con la inspección física del inmueble objeto de ejecución previo a la celebración de la subasta. El precio mínimo de licitación con relación a la antes descrita propiedad y la fecha y hora de cada subasta es como sigue. PRIMERA SUBASTA: Se celebrará el día 22 de febrero de 2021, a las 2:00 de la tarde. Precio Mínimo: $499,000.00 SEGUNDA SUBASTA: Se celebrará el día 1 de marzo de 2021, a las 2:00 de la tarde. Precio Mínimo: $332,666.67 TERCERA SUBASTA: Se celebrará el día 8 de marzo de 2021, a las 2:00 de la tarde. Precio Minimo: $249,500.00 Las subastas de dicha propiedad se llevarán a efecto en mi oficina situada en el local que ocupa este Tribunal en el Centro Judicial de Guaynabo, advirtiéndose que el que obtuviere la buena pro de dicha propiedad consignará en el acto del remate el importe de su oferta en moneda legal, en adición a los gastos de la subasta, en cheque certificado, dinero en efectivo o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal, siendo éste el mejor postor. En cualquier momento luego de haberse comenzado el acto de la subasta, el Alguacil podrá requerir de los licitadores que le evidencien la capacidad de pago de sus posturas. Del producto obtenido en dicha venta, el Alguacil pagará en primer término los gastos del Alguacil, en segundo término las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado hasta la suma convenida, en tercer término los intereses devengados hasta la fecha de la sentencia, en cuarto término las sumas establecidas en la Sentencia para el pago de recargos por demora , contribuciones , seguros y en quinto término la suma principal adeudada conforme con la sentencia dictada.

Disponiéndose que si quedara algún remanente luego de pagarse las sumas mencionadas, el mismo deberá ser depositado en la Secretaría del Tribunal para ser entregado a la parte demandada , previa solicitud y orden del Tribunal. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento del caso de epígrafe están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala de Guaynabo durante horas laborables. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. 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 . Y PARA LA CONCURRENCIA , de los licitadores expido el presente Edicto que se publicará en el Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Colecturía de Guaynabo , Alcaldía y Cuartel de la Policía del Municipio donde se celebrará la subasta por espacio de dos semanas y en un periódico de circulación general del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico por espacio de dos semanas y por lo menos una vez por semana. En Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, a 25 de noviembre de 2020. JESUS PEREZ, Placa 951, Alguacil Superior.

solicitado en la Demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

El abogado de la parte demandante es: Jaime Ruiz Saldaña, RUA número 11673; Dirección: PMB 450, 400 Calle Calaf, San Juan, PR 00918- 1314; Teléfono: (787) 7 59-6897; Correo electrónico: legal@jrslawpr. com. Se le advierte que dentro de los diez (10) días siguientes a la publicación del presente edicto, se le estará enviando a usted por correo certificado con acuse de recibo, una copia del emplazamiento y de la demanda presentada al lugar de su última dirección conocida: Urb. Santa Juana, Q4 Calle 18, Caguas, PP 00725-2048. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal en Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy día 3 de septiembre de 2020. CARMEN ANA PELEGAL NOTICE REIRA ORTIZ, Secretaria. YAESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO MAIRA M. RIOS CARRASCO, DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- SubSecretaria.

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE CAGUAS. LEGAL NOTICE

ORIENTAL BANK, Demandante, v.

KARLA VILLEGAS FIGUEROA,

Demandada CIVIL NUM.: CG2020CV00315.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS.

A: KARLA VILLEGAS FIGUEROA

POR MEDIO del presente edicto se le notifica de la radicación de una demanda en cobro de dinero por la vía ordinaria en la que se alega que usted adeuda a la parte demandante, Oriental Bank, ciertas sumas de dinero, y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado de este litigio.

El demandante, Oriental Bank, ha solicitacto que se dicte sentencia en contra suya y que se le ordene pagar las cantidades reclamadas en la demanda.

POR EL PRESENTE EDICTO se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda 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/sumac/, 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

“AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to construct a 34-foot overall height small cell pole telecommunications support structure off PR5, Rio Hondo Highway, Bayamon, Puerto Rico (N18° 24’ 2”; W66° 9’ 13.3”). AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the tower may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Comments may be sent to Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Annamarie Howell, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004. Comments must be received within 30 days. For questions please call Annamarie Howell 770667-2040. CMJ/W1569” **** AT&T Mobility, LLC propone construir una estructura de telecomunicaciones de poste celular de 34 pies de altura total cerca PR-5, Rio Hondo, Bayamon, Puerto Rico (N18° 24’ 2”; W66° 9’ 13.3”). AT&T Mobility, LLC, invita a los comentarios de cualquier parte interesada sobre el impacto que la propuesta puede tener en cualquier distrito, sitio, edificio, estructura u objeto significativo en la historia americana, arqueología, ingeniería o cultura que esté en la lista o sea elegible para la lista en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos, de conformidad con la Sección 106 de la Ley Nacional de Preservación Histórica. Los comentarios relacionados específicamente con los recursos históricos pueden enviarse a Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Annamarie Howell, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004. Los comentarios deben recibirse dentro de los 30 días de la fecha de este aviso. Para preguntas, llame a Annamarie Howell 770-667-2040. CMJ/W1569”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

27

As Premier League gates reopen, a soothing soundtrack returns

By RORY SMITH

T

he stillness spoke volumes. There were 12 minutes left to play, but the game was over. Manchester United’s players were swarming around Marcus Rashford, scorer of his team’s third goal, the one that had settled matters. West Ham’s were staring blankly at the turf, unsure of quite how things had slipped away from them.

In the Billy Bonds stand, though, nobody moved. In ordinary circumstances, more than a handful would have picked themselves up with a shake of the head and a flash of anger, and made their way to the exits. A bitterly cold evening, a long trudge away from the stadium ahead, most reasonable hope extinguished. Why put yourself through any more?

But of course, this was not an ordinary circumstance. It has been 271 days since fans were allowed to watch a Premier League game in the flesh. The 2,000 West Ham supporters inside the London Stadium were the first to attend a game since March 9: another season, another world. These were the lucky few. Their reward was to sit and endure seeing their team beaten, 3-1.

There is a fairly brutal metaphor there, a reminder that sports is not a game of guarantees. There is no guarantee you will leave satisfied. There is no guarantee that your support will have any effect.

As this game proved for at least half an hour — before West Ham sparked to life and scored the opening goal and before Manchester United, belatedly, decided to join in — there is no guarantee that this form of entertainment will even be entertaining.

Perhaps, though, there is one exception. Soccer’s last nine months have been marked, indelibly, by absence: first, for two months, of the sport as a whole, and then, for far longer, of the sport as it ought to be, not just a game but a spectacle, a conduit for contact and community and family and all those other things that have been lost, have been sacrificed, in far more significant ways over the course of this year.

Soccer has found a way through, to

The players were allowed to ignore social distancing rules on Saturday. The 2,000 fans were not. its credit, playing games in empty stadiums with vast banners draped over vacant seats and artificial soundtracks piped onto television feeds. It has made it work, as it had to do. But every goal that has been scored has brought a sense of regret, too, a sense that something was missing, a sense that nothing was the same.

To witness the return of fans, though, was to realize how much deeper the absence ran. Fans are, in a sincere but intangible way, the meaning of soccer, the meaning of sports. It is fans who define and determine what all of this means. In a more immediate sense, though, they provide the texture of the occasion, that bring all of this to life in vivid Technicolor.

The roar after a goal, of course, is the clearest example, but the soundscape is far richer, far more diverse than that, and often not necessarily especially logical.

The loudest cheer here on Saturday was not, for example, the one that greeted Tomas Soucek’s goal that put West Ham

ahead. It was for a tackle by Declan Rice on Rashford.

Then there are all the sounds that are so much part of the tableau that they are easily forgotten — the ripple of applause after a well-executed cross-field pass; the mocking jeer that accompanies a wayward touch; the raucous applause for a throw-in — and the noises that no algorithm or soundboard could hope to capture: the flow and ebb of excitement as a player dallies on the ball and an attack breaks down; the switch from cheer to groan as the referee halts a counterattack because of a supposed injury. It is only when you hear them all again that you realize how much has been missing.

This is not the end of the journey, of course. Two thousand fans in a stadium that can hold 30 times that number can still be easily lost; the noise they generate is less a thunderclap and more a rain squall.

The Premier League has been lobb-

ying the British government for months, insisting it has protocols in place that can safeguard far more fans than this. (It might, if it wishes to strengthen its case, point out that the vast mall that sits adjacent to the London Stadium was packed with Christmas shoppers Saturday evening, making the most of the capital’s exit from the country’s most onerous lockdown restrictions this past week.)

Those who had been allocated tickets to United’s visit in West Ham’s random lottery were greeted outside the stadium by staff members handing out free face masks — adorned with an antiracism message — and welcoming them back to the club. There were temperature checks on the way in, one-way systems in place to move around the arena, all those things that might once have been so alien but are now ruefully familiar.

The hope, of course, is that these early games will provide proof that the numbers of fans allowed inside can grow, gradually and carefully, although seeing places like this full again remains a distant prospect.

Only four of the weekend’s nine Premier League fixtures were to be played in front of any fans at all; the fact that the 10th game, Newcastle’s trip to Aston Villa, was postponed after an outbreak of coronavirus among Newcastle’s players and staff members offers a warning that the road ahead is not a straight one.

That at least one game on this weekend — at Millwall, not too far from this part of east London — was marred by fans’ booing the sight of players taking the knee, part of soccer’s ongoing response to the Black Lives Matter movement, is a troubling reminder that every silver lining risks attracting a cloud.

But this is, without question, a start.

After 271 days, fans are finally back in Premier League stadiums. The game feels just a little more real, a little more like its old self again. It has missed them and they, in turn, have missed it. Nobody moved when Rashford scored Manchester United’s third. That is the lot of the fan: There are no guarantees that you will like what you see. But sometimes, just seeing it is enough.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

Rights group demands end to sex testing of female track athletes

By JERÉ LONGMAN

W

ith the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics approaching in July, Human Rights Watch demanded late last week that track and field officials halt sex testing of female athletes, describing the practice of measuring and restricting their natural testosterone levels as abusive and harmful.

Sex testing has been a deeply contentious issue in sports for decades, but the dispute has been heightened since 2018, when track and field’s world governing body instituted its latest rules regarding intersex athletes like Caster Semenya of South Africa, a two-time Olympic champion runner at 800 meters. The sport’s regulations have inflamed debates about biological sex, gender identity and fair play.

Semenya and others who have what are called differences of sexual development, or DSDs, are required to suppress naturally elevated testosterone levels — through hormonal therapy or surgery — before competing internationally in women’s running races at distances from the quarter mile to the mile.

World Athletics, track and field’s governing body, acknowledges that the restrictions are discriminatory but says they are necessary to ensure a level playing field.

Semenya, who identifies as a woman and has declined to undergo testosterone suppression, has lost appeals before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is based in Switzerland, and the Swiss Supreme Court. Last month, her lawyers said she would take her case to the European Court of Human Rights, though it is unclear if any decision can be reached before the Tokyo Games, scheduled to start July 23. Otherwise, Semenya, 29, has suggested she will try to run the 200, an event free of the recently introduced testosterone restrictions, at the Olympics.

In a 120-page report issued Friday, New York-based Human Rights Watch amplified with athletes’ voices what critics of the current testosterone regulations have long argued: that they are medically unnecessary and humiliating; encourage coerced medical intervention; can result in physical and psychological injury and the loss of careers; violate fundamental

Caster Semenya, of South Africa, who is an intersex athlete, won the 800-meter race at the 2016 Olympics, while Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi (in the red shorts) finished second. Niyonsaba is also impacted by track and field’s testosterone regulations. rights to privacy, dignity, health, nondiscrimination and employment; and adhere to standards of femininity that are racially biased, disproportionately affecting women of color from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.

“Whether it is hormone therapy or surgery, why should a perfectly healthy woman agree to do so to compete in sports?” Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi in East Africa said in an email to The New York Times. She finished second to Semenya in the 800 at the 2016 Olympics and is also affected by the testosterone regulations.

Like Semenya, Niyonsaba has refused to undergo hormone suppression and is training to run the 5,000 meters, a distance at which the biological restrictions do not apply.

“They treat us as if we are cheats,” Niyonsaba said. “We deserve to be respected as athletes, as champions.”

The report was based on interviews last year with 13 female athletes from African and Asian countries, as well as input from lawyers, doctors, academics and medical ethicists. Annet Negesa, an intersex middle-distance runner from Uganda, told researchers that an operation to re-

move her internal testes was performed in 2012 without her consent. The operation, she said, left her battling headaches and achy joints and ruined her career.

Another athlete, identified by her initials as J.G., said in the report that once she was declared ineligible because of testosterone regulations, she lost her career, could not get a job and struggled to eat. “My life is over,” she said.

Payoshni Mitra, an Indian scholar and athletes’ rights advocate who was a coauthor of the report, said in a telephone interview from London that “regulating fair play is understandable. Committing human rights violations in the process is not acceptable. And that is what World Athletics is doing.”

Human Rights Watch called on World Athletics to immediately rescind its testosterone regulations. And it implored the International Olympic Committee to uphold the Olympic Charter, which prohibits discrimination of any kind, and to develop guidelines that meet the standards of international human rights and medical ethics.

In a statement, World Athletics rejected the accusation that biological limits set on athletes competing in certain

women’s events were based on race or gender stereotypes. Rather, the governing body said, the testosterone regulations provide “an objective and scientific measure” to preserve equitable competition.

The International Olympic Committee said it was working on inclusivity guidelines to “ensure fairness, safety and nondiscrimination of athletes on the basis of gender identity and sex characteristics.”

A 2017 study, commissioned by World Athletics and later challenged by independent researchers, said that women with DSDs tended to have distinct advantages in races from a quarter mile to a mile, distances that require a combination of speed and endurance.

In 2018, track’s governing body instituted regulations governing female athletes who have a disorder of sexual development and both X and Y chromosomes, the standard male pattern. Intersex athletes with testosterone in the male range, the governing body argued, possess an unfair advantage in lean muscle mass, strength and oxygen-carrying capacity in certain events. The lowest level of testosterone in the typical male range is four times greater than the highest level in the typical female range, according to World Athletics.

But critics of the regulations have contested the science underpinning the World Athletics rules and noted that there was no scientific consensus on the precise impact of testosterone on athletic performance.

In June, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that sports officials should revoke regulations regarding intersex athletes. And the World Medical Association last year urged doctors not to implement the regulations, saying they were based “on weak evidence.”

It is a mistake to view this issue in scientific terms alone, said Katrina Karkazis, a co-author of the Human Rights Watch report and a visiting professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Emory University.

“In doing that, you obfuscate or ignore the very real harms done to women,” Karkazis said. “That is the importance of the report.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

29

Sudoku How to Play: Fill in the empty fields with the numbers from 1 through 9.

Sudoku Rules: Every row must contain the numbers from 1 through 9 Every column must contain the numbers from 1 through 9 Every 3x3 square must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Crossword

Answers on page 30

Wordsearch

GAMES

HOROSCOPE Aries

30

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

(Mar 21-April 20)

Libra

(Sep 24-Oct 23)

Much as you might want to hurry things along when it comes to matters of the heart, you may have no option but to go with the flow. Mars in your sign hints at impatience, and a desire to have what you want now. But with Venus aligning with ethereal Neptune, the key to making a great impression is to show your sensitive side, and be aware of the subtleties in your interactions.

Forging new relationships and connections can be very fruitful, and a good investment of time and energy Libra. Networking, whether online or off, could assist you in finding new opportunities, and you’ll benefit from liaising with those on your wavelength.

Still, with a very caring influence peaking today, you may feel like giving and giving, and find it hard to stop.

Taurus

Scorpio

(April 21-May 21)

With lovely Venus your personal planet, lining up with dreamy Neptune, it’s easy to be caught up in unrealistic feelings for someone. Even if you didn’t have much to do with them in the past, this aspect could inspire you to see them in a new and more attractive light. Will this work out though? In a few days, your thoughts about them can shift again, so tread with care Taurus.

(Oct 24-Nov 22)

Looking to enhance your income or perhaps find a new job? Dynamic energies in your money and lifestyle zones, can encourage a new way of thinking and acting that might net you specific results. Your confidence may be higher than usual, and this in itself could make it easier to get the outcome you are after.

Ready for a meeting of minds and hearts Scorpio? It might well happen.

Gemini

(May 22-June 21)

Sagittarius

(Nov 23-Dec 21)

Cancer

(June 22-July 23)

Capricorn

(Dec 22-Jan 20)

Your caring and compassionate side may be to the fore, so you might be ready to give a helping hand to anyone who needs it. If you are in business, this can include a competitor, or in your work place, someone you might not have seen eye-to-eye with. Still, it helps to be practical too, and to make sure that any new commitments or negotiations work out well for you, as well as others.

A fiery focus might encourage you to get to grips with issues that have been holding you back for some time. If you need to talk to certain people, you’ll have the courage to face them, and discuss matters that have been at the heart of any conflicts.

Even so, you may find yourself yearning for the ideal life, and one in which there are fewer difficulties and more happiness.

Leo

(July 24-Aug 23)

Your resolve to get things done may be strong, and you’ll have the energy to accomplish much, especially regarding any new projects that require vision and creativity. If you’re at the starting point, the coming weeks can see you making great strides. However, a more subtle aspect could find you drawn to things or people that might make your life complete, if only they were yours.

Virgo

(Aug 24-Sep 23)

Your down-to-earth focus may give way to more spiritual thoughts, so you might be inclined to see the best in others and to excuse their faults and failings.

If you’ve had issues with another, a soothing Venus/ Neptune link can encourage you to forgive and forget, and you could experience a sense of relief from doing so. In a romantic mood? An encounter can seem so very inviting.

With a dynamic focus ongoing, you may be ready to explore new options and take the world by storm.

Plans and projects can take on a new urgency, and yet you will enjoy bringing them to a successful conclusion. Interested to know more about your roots and ancestry? Fresh discoveries might reveal how they have contributed in a profound and subtle way to the person you are today.

Sometimes the way to feel better about life can be to spend some time recharging your batteries, and considering ways to resolve issues that might be a drain on your energy. If you need time to yourself to do this, then do take it. You could also find that practices such as yoga or tai chi, help you feel more self-contained, enabling you to say no when necessary, and mean it.

Aquarius

(Jan 21-Feb 19)

Mercury and the Sun in your social zone, can enhance your desire to connect with people who are on your wavelength. You may be drawn by someone’s intellect and lively wit, and their ability to talk about things that really interest you. You have a great sense of fun, so if a new friend makes you laugh, then so much the better. Indeed, this bond could develop in strength over time.

Pisces

(Feb 20-Mar 20)

You may be all fired up by an idea, which might be the reason you impress someone who is in a position to help you, or who is an authority on this subject. Ideas can percolate, and you might be drawn to collaborate on a project that could put you in the spotlight. Mind, a very soulful and romantic aspect may also find you and another gaining a deeper understanding of each other.

Answers to the Sudoku and Crossword on page 29

Monday, December 7, 2020

31

CARTOONS

Herman

Speed Bump

Frank & Ernest

BC

Scary Gary

Wizard of Id

For Better or for Worse

The San Juan Daily Star

Ziggy

32

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, December 7, 2020

DESDE EL

07.DIC.2020

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10PM

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