Monday Feb 1, 2021

Monday, February 1, 2021

San Juan The

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DAILY

Star

Sun Records, Storied Early Rock Label, Sells Its High-Wattage Catalog

P17

‘What’s Going On?’

PDP Lawmakers Seek to Question Health, Education Chiefs on COVID Emergency Plans

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Island Teachers Union: Education Dept. Under ‘State of Emergency’ P4

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL P 16

Made a Lot of Money on GameStop?

There’s a Catch: Taxes P10

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Monday, February 1, 2021

The San Juan Daily Star

GOOD MORNING

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February 1, 2021

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.

Women’s advocate presents regulations to improve protections for victims of gender violence

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s part of its agenda to prevent gender violence in its various manifestations, the Office of the Women’s Advocate (OPM by its Spanish initials) announced the presentation late last week of two regulations through which the office seeks to improve the work of counselors and legal advocates in cases of gender violence, as well as the effectiveness of programs for aggressors.

“As part of the measures we are taking to strengthen our fight against gender-based violence, we have presented these two regulations that allow us to strengthen the work of counselors and legal advocates, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of our re-education and retraining programs,” said Women’s Avocate Lersy Boria Vizcarrondo.

“At the OPM we will continue to improve the tools and resources that we have at our disposal to fight against gender violence in its various manifestations,” the official added.

The first regulation seeks to certify counselors and legal advocates who accompany the surviving victim when requesting a protection order in cases of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Through the regulations, counselors and legal advocates in cases of gender violence will receive their authorization from the OPM, and they will be certified by the office’s Counselors and Legal Advocates Academy to guarantee compliance with legal regulations and public policy.

The second regulation, a program of the Depart-

ment of Correction and Rehabilitation known as the Diversion Regulation, seeks to evaluate and license those programs aimed at reeducating and retraining aggressors.

Boria Vizcarrondo highlighted that the diversion regulation was made based on scientific evidence and was designed in a more restrictive way so that the program can fulfill its purpose: the rehabilitation and reeducation of aggressors.

The adoption of the second regulation will allow the certification and control of its participants, in addition to providing follow-up.

The legal basis of the Regulation for the Certification and Authorization of Legal Advocates arises from the powers conferred on the OPM, created by virtue of the provisions of the Law of the Office of the Women’s Advocate, with the provisions of the Law for the Prevention and Intervention with Domestic Violence and the Uniform Administrative Procedure Law of the Government of Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, the legal basis of the Regulation for the Evaluation and Licensing of Reeducation and Retraining Programs for Aggressors arises from the powers conferred on the Regulatory Board of Reeducation and Retraining Programs for Aggressors, creating the board, with the provisions of the Law for Prevention and Intervention with Domestic Violence and the Law of Uniform Administrative Procedure of the Government of Puerto Rico.

The latter regulation is adopted with the purpose of complying with the legal obligations imposed on the regulatory board, created by virtue of the provisions of Law 449-2000.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

PDP lawmakers seek to question Health, Education secretary-designates on COVID emergency plans

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

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opular Democratic Party (PDP) Reps.

Sol Higgins Cuadrado and Deborah Soto Arroyo announced Sunday that the island House of Representatives will file two resolutions to question designated Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López and designated Education Secretary Elba Aponte Santos on their respective plans to control and manage the coronavirus pandemic in Puerto Rico.

During a press conference at the House Speaker’s Office in the Capitol, the freshman lawmakers said that if both HR 2 and HR 3 are passed Tuesday, Mellado López will be summoned for Thursday, while Aponte Santos will be summoned for Feb. 11.

Higgins, who chairs the House Health Committee, said the questioning will be done “with the best intention of letting the people of Puerto Rico know the correct information.”

“I have a 10-year-old girl and a four-yearold boy who have remained in their home for a year and have not caught even a cold, and to know that they might begin [going back to] school amid the COVID situation, it’s extremely concerning for me as a mother,” Higgins said.

“We [the House] want to know the vaccination plan, to inquire about concerns that

every citizen has regarding what is happening [with the plan], how is it being carried out, who is getting vaccinated, who is getting prioritized, who is not, what happened with the vaccine phases, were phases skipped or were they not? That’s what we want to know,” said the representative for District 35 (Humacao, Naguabo and Las Piedras).

Higgins added that every other political delegation is welcome to participate in the hearing as “this is a time to set politics aside.”

“The COVID pandemic and the school reopening issue is affecting everyone; this is not a matter for a specific sector,” she said.

“There’s no problem for children to start school again, but what are the plans to provide a sense of safety to their parents, to provide safety to our teachers, but, more importantly, to provide safety for our children, who can’t get vaccinated [against the coronavirus].”

Soto, who chairs the House Education Committee, said the hearing’s purpose is to determine if the agency has developed backto-school plans amid the pandemic and the infrastructure issues that the education system has faced since last year’s earthquakes.

“Our greatest concern is what will happen when schools begin [in-person] classes, as the governor [Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia] has expressed his belief that the best date to begin, whether staggered, would be in March,” Soto said. “We in this Education Committee

Secretary of Health Carlos Mellado reacted later on his social media platforms. The Health chief made himself available to respond to questions from the PDP lawmakers. want to sit down and listen to the appointed secretary so that she can express her feelings regarding the schools in the south [of the island]; if there is a structured plan for the infrastructure; if there is a structured plan to receive our children in the northern, eastern and western regions.”

Soto added that other issues to be covered in the inquiry are the Special Education program’s status during the pandemic, the safety protocols to be followed if schools were to reopen and a report on students’ life conditions during the public health emergency.

“We have seen recently from media outlets how Dr. Mellado stated that there is a feeling that children have to go back to school

because they are going hungry, because our children are in depression,” the District 10 (Toa Baja) representative said as she urged Aponte Santos to “present some statistics generated by the school directors, social workers, and psychologists, and finally answer the question: How many children are starving?”

Aside from the aforementioned concerns, Higgins said she would also question Mellado López on the status of the implementation of the genomic surveillance system that identifies mutations circulating in other countries and deciphers COVID-19 infection patterns, after scientists from the Ponce Health Sciences University last week detected the UK B.1.1.7 variant in three positive COVID-19 tests conducted on the island.

For his part, Mellado reacted later on his social media platforms. The secretary made himself available to respond to questions from the lawmakers.

“I recognize the great responsibility that comes with, even more so in times of pandemic, being the secretary of Health. I am available to go to any forum to explain the work done by hundreds of public employees who are attending to the world emergency day and night. The times are not of confrontation but of unity of purpose because the challenges we have are great,” he said on his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Teachers union calls on gov’t to address ‘state of emergency’ at Education Dept.

Officials: Agency mismanagement has led to million-dollar losses

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

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fter the Financial Oversight and Management Board decided on Friday to freeze $30 million of the island Education Department payroll, the Puerto Rico Teachers Association (AMPR by its Spanish initials) demanded on Sunday that Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia and designated Education Secretary Elba Aponte Santos address with haste a “state of emergency” at the agency, whose problems the union says “led to the squandering of $87 million.”

AMPR-Local Union General Secretary Grichelle Toledo Correa said the public agency has dragged its feet on a series of problems -including inefficiencies in the current system for recording teacher attendance -- that teachers have been calling attention to since 2007 and that have not been handled properly by former administrations.

Toledo Correa told the STAR that the designated secretary “has not been able to articulate a plan

to address these problems, and forthcoming ones like returning to school for in-person classes” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“For us, it is alarming that this is happening, but it doesn’t surprise us,” the general secretary said. “We, as exclusive representatives of the magisterium, have asked to be included and to be informed on the plans to get back to school.”

“At this moment, we have no knowledge of this plan,” she added.

As for the uniform attendance system, Toledo Correa said that even though the AMPR is not against the implementation of a new system, the Education Department must ensure that the system is “secure, flawless and transparent.”

“For years, we have claimed that our current attendance system has many flaws, as it depends mostly on electric power and internet service at schools,” she said. “The power would go out at schools, maybe the teacher punched in the biometric reader and thought that they actually punched in for work, yet the platform did not register their attendance, and you would see so many teachers having undue deductions in their summer pay by the end of the school year.”

“This situation not only affects our teachers’ salaries but also the accumulation of vacation

[days] and sick leave, as well as their retirement,” the union leader added. “In addition, the impression is given that teachers are not fulfilling their workday when we are doing so even under the difficult circumstances we are experiencing.”

Meanwhile, Fabián Cosme Andino, who heads the local union’s temporary teaching personnel department, said the Education Department administration “cannot be allowed to continue wasting money that could very well be used to refurbish the schools in the southern region, to provide maintenance to the campuses in preparation for the return to classes and to fill the hundreds of vacant teaching positions that currently exist.”

Moreover, Cosme Andino said, the $30 million “could be used to pay the retroactive salary owed to temporary teachers, career teachers, and the $125 raise promised by [former] governor Wanda Vázquez Garced, as well as to implement a salary scale and increase teachers’ base salary.”

AMPR-Local Union Minutes Secretary Myrna Ortiz Castillo added that “teachers are tired of empty promises.”

“We are the ones who have kept the public school system standing even after hurricanes,

earthquakes and a pandemic,” Ortiz Castillo said. “Enough is enough. It is time for the designated secretary to deliver what she fought so hard for in the union.”

Aponte Santos had served as AMPR president for a year before being tapped by Pierluisi to head the Education Department.

For his part, AMPR President Víctor M. Bonilla Sánchez said that, in recent days, a letter was sent to Pierluisi requesting a meeting with Aponte Santos to address various concerns the union has about the education system and the eventual return to in-person classes. He said the organization is well prepared to offer recommendations and possible solutions to achieve a safe and structured return to school when health and safety conditions allow it.

“We reiterate that a return to school in March is not feasible,” Bonilla Sánchez said. “In the first place, because the percentages of positivity [in coronavirus cases] are still high, the vaccination of school personnel has not yet been completed and most of the schools are not ready.”

Toledo Correa told the STAR that in order to return to school safely, the coronavirus positivity rate must drop to at least 3% and around 70% of the island’s population must get the COVID vaccine.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

5

Pierluisi calls for more ‘communicative’ relations with oversight board

By THE STAR STAFF

C

alling for a more communicative relationship between the federal Financial Oversight and Management Board and his government, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia announced Sunday that he is slated to submit

by Tuesday a draft of the FiscalYear 2022 budget that the governor said is inconsistent with the current fiscal plan because the latter does not reflect Puerto Rico’s true economic outlook because it has not been updated yet.

Pierluisi, who was serving as island resident commissioner in Washington, D.C. at the time the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) was enacted

by Congress in 2016, said the commonwealth fiscal plan, a multi-year plan on the use of public monies ordered by PROMESA, was always intended to be a “living document” that would be revised periodically depending on multiple factors, including economic factors. The oversight board has not revised the fiscal plan since May of last year although two different economic forecasts from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which are used as a baseline for the fiscal plan, have been issued and the U.S. territory has received a substantial amount of federal funds not envisioned in the current fiscal plan, he said.

“I know that in the past the board revised the plan in mid-year as needed, but what I notice now is that the board has not revised the fiscal plan since May of last year and since then there have been two different CBO forecasts, or updates by CBO, which have not resulted in any revisions of the fiscal plan,” the governor said. “We are in the middle of the [coronavirus] pandemic and Puerto Rico has been receiving a substantial amount of federal funds that also were not envisioned when the current version of the fiscal plan was designed and approved.”

“I am just alerting the board that because we don’t have a revised fiscal plan and we have to live with the current baseline, it limits the government’s flexibility to put forth a proposed budget that is real and that ensures that we have a working government,” Pierluisi said. “Next Tuesday, you’ll see I may have put out a budget that may not be totally consistent with the fiscal plan, but it is for obvious reasons. Because as I see it, the government needs a bit more flexibility and could have had it if the fiscal plan had been revised.”

Pierluisi’s remarks on the budget for the next fiscal year came about after he, oversight board member Justin Peterson and Executive Director Natalie Jaresko had an exchange

related to the board’s economic projections following an overview given by Jaresko of the process of updating the certified fiscal plan with current data and new developments. The new fiscal plan is slated to be certified by April 23.

Peterson questioned his peers as to why the economic and fiscal projections from McKinsey & Co., an adviser to the oversight board, were different from current government collections, in one case by a billion dollars. Jaresko made it clear that McKinsey & Co. is not responsible for the board’s economic projections. She stressed that the methodology and approach to designing the fiscal plan is careful and fiscally conservative, the mandate being to establish fiscal accountability. The numbers used in the fiscal plan use a wide variety of sources such as the numbers from the Puerto Rico Planning Board, the Puerto Rico Statistics Institute, local economists, the local business community, and the board’s business survey, as well as U.S. mainland forecasts produced by the CBO, which are then adjusted for Puerto Rico, she said.

The task relies on the expertise of Ernst & Young, economist Andrew Wolf, who previously worked for the International Monetary Fund, and oversight board economist Ricardo Fuentes, and is carried out in conjunction with the island Treasury Department.

Jaresko said McKinsey, which has been paid a total of $130 million in fees, provides advice and benchmarking.

“They are one of a team of advisers that works together under the staff’s direction to bring the board a fiscal plan, propose assumptions, things for you to determine what you want to include or exclude at any given time,” Jaresko said.

Oversight board member John Nixon, an expert in budget matters, argued that the exercise of economic and fiscal projections

is more “an art than a science,” especially in uncertain times such as those experienced by Puerto Rico. However, he said the 1% to 2% difference between the board’s projections and the real revenues was remarkable. Nixon said it was not up to McKinsey but rather to the oversight board to decide how conservative or aggressive it will be with the numbers.

The oversight board also approved a total of about $69 million in reapportionment requests by the Puerto Rico government, including for the Department of Education to fund therapies and related services to special education students, for the Department of Health for the construction of a hybrid cardiovascular operating room, and for the Medical Services Administration to fund the construction and operation of a new rehabilitation center within the Trauma Hospital.

However, it denied funding requested by the Ports Authority for a runway strip at the Aguadilla Airport, one of three airports that currently receive passengers and cargo, and that is essential to the economic development of the western part of the island, and for the dredging of San Juan Bay, which is essential in facilitating the maneuvering of incoming ships.

During the public meeting, Pierluisi expressed frustration that the Ports Authority request was made to the oversight board about five weeks ago and it was not until the day of the meeting that the board expressed itself on the matter.

“Those are very strategic projects,” the governor said. “You are talking about a $135 million investment, to have an air strip in Aguadilla that has multiplying effects for the purposes of tourism.”

The Federal Aviation Administration is insisting that the island government must provide matching funds and cannot wait until

the budget for the next fiscal year, which starts in July, to do so.

“When we are talking about big ticket items, we need to act with a sense of urgency,” Pierluisi said.

The governor advocated for a new working relationship between the oversight board and his administration in which the board can provide solutions that enable the government to hasten budget reallocations on important matters.

Pierluisi, who despite not having a vote in the oversight board has determined that he would participate directly in board meetings, indicated to the directors of the federal entity that ensuring the functioning of the island government is not feasible if the government is obliged to enter into a process of documentation and objections each time it requests the rescheduling of existing funds for purposes other than those budgeted. He said the best thing would be for the board’s technical staff to indicate how or what they would need to get the petitions approved.

“This should not be a clash,” the governor said. “It should be a conversation, a collaboration when we are talking about important matters. All I am asking for is a change of course. I don’t want this to be a confrontation.”

Jaresko said the oversight board rejected the Ports request because the agency was seeking to get the funding from a reserve that was separated to allow the government to have matching funds for projects paid for by federal funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She said the projects must be covered by other sources of funds and not those suggested by the government.

In the midst of the discussion, Jaresko assured the governor that the board was not interested in rejecting requests from the government, and that in the case of the Ports Authority, the board had been requesting information for the reprogramming of funds for weeks.

Peterson intervened for Pierluisi by asking the oversight board to reconsider the decision, but his motion was not seconded. He said rejecting the Ports request when the government has the money to cover the expense is inappropriate and denotes the board’s disinterest in promoting economic activity on the island.

Board member Andrew Biggs said the board was not opposed to making investments in the Aguadilla airport. He added that the board’s role is to ensure that the government has the money to cover its expenses.

The oversight board said that as soon as the government identifies a source of funding for the projects, the entity will allow the reapportionments.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

Resident commissioner co-sponsors anti-bullying legislation

By JOHN McPHAUL jpmcphaul@gmail.com

M

embers of the U.S. House of Representatives Jenniffer González Colón (R-P.R.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (DIll.) have reintroduced a measure against harassment (bullying) of LGBTTQ students called the State Task Force Opportunity Program (STOP) Bullying Act. The measure seeks to incentivize the establishment of anti-bullying task forces across the states to study, address and reduce bullying in schools. It specifically addresses the harassment of LGBTTQ students and is endorsed by GLSEN, an educational organization based in New York that works to end discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression and promote LGBTTQ cultural inclusion and awareness in schools from preschool to 12th grade.

“As speaker of the House of Representatives in Puerto Rico, I worked on legislation to promote a safe educational environment, free from bullying, and now from Congress I am promoting this initiative,” González Colón said late last week.

“The STOP Bullying Act will establish a federal grant program through the Department of Education that will provide financial assistance to states to establish anti-bullying and anti-harassment task forces,” the resident com-

missioner said. “This program will help create safe environments that foster the education of our children to meet their needs. I thank all my colleagues who are part of this effort.”

Krishnamoorthi said “[s]chools should be places of learning and growth, but that is impossible when children do not feel safe.”

“I have co-sponsored the STOP Bullying Law because bullying in schools continues to be a problem that threatens the education and well-being of our children,” he said. “The cre-

According to González Colón the measure specifically addresses the harassment of LGBTTQ students and is endorsed by GLSEN, an educational organization based in New York that works to end discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression and promote LGBTTQ cultural inclusion and awareness in schools from preschool to 12th grade.

ation of task forces against bullying is a proven answer to address these problems and the new task forces established by our legislation will help foster acceptance of all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, identity and religion.”

Specifically, the STOP Bullying Act: * Establishes a federal grant program through financial assistance to states or commonwealths to establish anti-bullying task forces. * Each task force will convene educators and community leaders to evaluate and strengthen prevention efforts in schools. * The chair of the task force will be appointed by the jurisidiction’s director of education or “chief education officer.” * The task force must be composed of at least one of each of the following: elementary, middle, or high school teachers, school administrators, parents, students, guidance counselors, child psychologists, school psychologists, attorneys, representatives, and professionals from organizations that specialize in support services for students who identify as LGBTTQ+, representatives from the jurisdiction’s education agency focused on school improvement. * Each task force should coordinate its activities with other boards and commissions within the state or commonwealth to ensure consistency and positive outcomes for students. * Each task force shall submit a final report to the chief education officer of the state or

commonwealth and the federal secretary of education with the task force’s findings and conclusions, legislative recommendations, and best practices to reduce bullying and educate parents and school personnel.

According to the representatives, the bill “will empower and provide the structure that [jurisdictions] need to create effective and longlasting anti-bullying policies to address each of the unique environments surrounding bullying on school grounds.”

The STOP Bullying Act is based on models from 13 states and the District of Columbia that have convened anti-bullying and harassment task forces to evaluate and strengthen bullying prevention programs. The STOP Bullying Act encourages the creation of an anti-bullying task force in each state or commonwealth, which makes schools safer for all children.

A spokesperson for GLSEN noted that “we continue to learn how statewide commissions or task forces can provide long-term benefits, allowing states flexibility to work on the specific needs of their school districts.”

“We applaud Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s leadership in providing communities with the resources they need to make schools safer for all students, particularly LGBTTQ+ students who are transgender, non-binary, of color, indigenous, and people with disabilities,” said GLSEN Deputy Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers.

Mayor proposes to put Camuy Caverns under public-private partnership

By THE STAR STAFF

C

amuy Mayor Gabriel “Gaby” Hernández is proposing to put the famous Camuy Caverns, a large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways that extends through the municipality, Lares and Hatillo, under a public-private partnership (P3) to serve as an economic tool for northwestern Puerto Rico.

The caves have been closed since 2017 when hurricanes Irma and Maria flattened the island. Hernández proposed the idea as a way

to reopen the caves, which were visited by hundreds of tourists in any given year.

Hernández made his proposal in Humacao late last week during a conference among the island Mayors Association and Mayors Federation, the International County and City Management Association, the National League of Cities and the Latin American Federation of Council Members and Municipalities to deal with the decentralization of government and technology.

The remarks also came as Puerto Rico Public Private Partnership Authority Executive Director Fermín Fontanés sent central government agency heads a memo asking them for new proposals for possible public-private partnerships. Fontanés said recently that he has not received any new P3 proposals since December, when he had to provide an account of the projects to officials from the incoming administration of Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia.

The agencies have until March to submit new proposals.

Pierluisi welcomed the proposal from Hernández for a public-private partnership to

reopen the Camuy caves, but noted that the creation of such a P3 must go through a process. As an alternative, he said the mayor could seek a private administrator for the facilities.

“Regarding the caverns of Camuy, the mayor is proposing to create a public-private alliance to make sure that the caverns are opened and that the people take advantage of them, and I see that as a good thing,” the governor said at a press conference. “Of course, that would be a whole process that would have to be carried out; as an alternative, it is a matter of making a request for a proposal to find a private administrator, so that it can manage those caves, but the mayor is someone who obviously must be consulted because the caves are in the municipality of Camuy.”

Pierluisi commented further that in his opinion, “functions that the state government performs should be transferred to municipalities as long as they are compensated for carrying out those services.”

Some areas that could be managed by towns instead of the central government, he said, are the maintenance of roads, administra-

tion of recreational facilities, and administration of natural spas.

Hernández replied that he was convinced that as long as all stakeholders are united in a purpose, the zone where the municipality is located will be heading toward new and great opportunities in tourism and development. The Camuy River Cave Park is home to more than 13 species of bats, and hundreds of other insect, arachnid and frog species. The Río Camuy is the world’s third-largest subterranean river.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

7

The CDC issued an order that requires masks for domestic travel

By ZACH MONTAGUE

T

he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an order requiring travelers in the United States to wear masks as part of a new initiative aimed at stemming outbreaks of the coronavirus.

According to the 11-page order issued Friday, travelers entering and transiting throughout the country will be required to wear face coverings in all transportation hubs, which the CDC defines as including any “airport, bus terminal, marina, seaport or other port, subway station, terminal, train station, U.S. port of entry or any other location that provides transportation.”

The language of the order largely puts the onus on transit operators to enforce the rule.

“Conveyance operators must use best efforts to ensure that any person on the conveyance wears a mask when boarding, disembarking and for the duration of travel,” the document said.

The new mandate, which comes as the country surpassed 26 million cases, is part of a string of executive orders and directives signed Thursday by that President Joe Biden that aim to ramp up the new administration’s ambitious efforts to contain the latest surge and accelerate vaccine distribution.

A similar order was proposed during the Trump administration, but the White House Coronavirus Task Force, led by Vice President

Mike Pence, blocked the effort.

“Requiring masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we can once again travel safely even during this pandemic,” read the order, signed by Dr. Martin Cetron, director of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. “Therefore, requiring masks will help us control this pandemic and aid in reopening America’s economy.”

A footnote in the order states that the CDC reserves the right to enforce the order “through criminal penalties.” But a spokesman for the agency said that the order relied heavily on voluntary action to enforce the mandate.

“CDC strongly encourages and anticipates widespread voluntary compliance as well as support from other federal agencies in enforcing this order, to the extent permitted by law,” he said. “CDC will be assisted with implementation by other federal partners, including DHS and DOT,” referring to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation.

The establishment of a national mask mandate for travelers was hailed by public health officials as a necessary step to fix the patchwork of local regulations that at times have let travelers move freely without facial coverings, in spite of ample data showing that mask wearing is key to preventing the spread of the virus.

“You needed this kind of coordinated response for quite some

Passengers on a bus in New York, April 22, 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an order requiring travelers in the United States to wear masks as part of a new initiative aimed at stemming outbreaks of the coronavirus. wtime,” said Dr. Melissa J. Perry, a professor of environmental and occupational health at George Washington University. “So, uniform, across the board, everyone, everywhere, being required to wear masks will get us more soon to the end of the pandemic.”

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

A California college tries to shield an entire city from coronavirus

A person takes a COVID-19 test at a community testing site in Davis, Calif., Jan. 25, 2021. The University of California, Davis, is providing free testing, masks and quarantine housing to tens of thousands of people who live nearby.

By SHAWN HUBLER

T

he coronavirus test center on A Street was bustling on a recent morning.

Michael Duey was in line, as usual, with his teenage son. Margery Hayes waited for her wife in the parking lot. Dr. Elizabeth Pham hustled her children in for a quick pit stop.

Inside, each received a five-minute screening for the virus, administered and paid for by the University of California, Davis. Yet none of them are associated with the school.

All last fall, universities across the country were accused of enabling the pandemic’s spread by bringing back students who then endangered local residents, mingling with them in bars, stores and apartments. So UC Davis is trying something different.

Rather than turning the campus into a protective bubble for students and staff, as some schools have attempted, it has quietly spent the past six months making its campus bubble bigger — big enough, in fact, to encompass the entire city.

Public health experts say the initiative is the most ambitious program of its type in the country and could be a model for other universities. UC Davis has made free coronavirus tests — twice weekly, with overnight results — available to all 69,500 people in the city of Davis and hundreds of nonresidents who just work there.

It has also trained dozens of graduate students to help with contact tracing, recruited hotel and apartment owners to provide free isolation and quarantine housing to anyone in town exposed to the virus, and hired some 275 undergraduate ambassadors to combat health disinformation and hand out free masks.

The university has also recently expanded campus wastewater testing into Davis and in coming weeks plans to administer vaccinations at its coronavirus screening centers and bring screening to some public school sites.

Funded by major philanthropic donations, state and federal grants, and coronavirus relief bill money, the program, projected to cost up to $38 million, has caught more than 850 potential outbreaks in Davis since it got underway shortly before Thanksgiving, according to Brad Pollock, who chairs the university’s department of public health sciences and directs the project.

The mayor of Davis, Gloria Partida, calls the initiative “a big science project” that could help revive her pandemic-fatigued college town.

Students make up roughly one-third of the population in Davis. As they have dispersed to study remotely, the campus and the town have not only suffered financial losses but also been drained of much of their life force. Bars are closed. Streets are still.

Hotels, bereft of parents and conferences,

are generating little in bed taxes.

“I know the university felt it needed to get this right to be able to open up,” Partida said. “But for the community, this is the key to us getting back to normalcy.”

Although vaccines have begun to roll out, public health researchers say playbooks like the one in Davis — masks, distance, hygiene and, in particular, cheap, rapid tests to detect cases quickly — may be the only way to reopen schools and businesses in the near term until the nation achieves herd immunity.

Some schools last year used aggressive testing and tracing to bring students back into residence halls and classrooms, but their protocols typically stopped at the campus boundaries. Testing was so costly, slow and hampered by shortages of processing reagents that medical labs strained just to meet the demand at the universities.

Meanwhile, many students returned to their college towns even if they were not planning to live in the dorms, either because they could not break prepandemic leases or because they preferred not to study remotely from their parents’ homes.

Outbreaks erupted from off-campus parties, mass student gatherings, fraternity and sorority houses, athletic team dinners and even board games.

“We heard a lot of anxiety from our community,” Partida said, “about what a disaster it was going to be when the students came back into town.”

At the same time, the local economy was reeling. So was the university. Kelly Ratliff, its vice chancellor for finance, operations and administration, said that at last count, lost revenue stood at more than $80 million, due in part to drastically reduced room-and-board payments.

With students not scheduled to return until late September, the university decided to exploit its lead time. “We had a chance to observe some of the missteps at other universities, and we were dead set on not making those same mistakes,” said the chancellor, Gary May. Richard Michelmore, a plant geneticist who directs the UC Davis Genome Center, urged the university to let him try to create an in-house center for coronavirus testing by repurposing a $400,000 machine normally used to identify plant DNA for agricultural breeding.

Within weeks, Michelmore’s lab was able to screen thousands of samples per day

accurately, at low cost and with overnight results. That set the stage for frequent, widescale screening of asymptomatic students and inspired health experts to propose a joint public health project with the city.

“What does it mean to keep your campus well when everyone else is getting sick around you?” said Pollock, the project director. “The university is part of the community.”

By August, the university had invested in a second testing machine and drawn up a plan to cover the cost of additional personal protective equipment and screenings if the city would provide test sites and staffing.

By mid-September, Michelmore’s machine was testing incoming students — first by the hundreds and then by the thousands.

In mid-November, with the costs down to just $6 per test, the first residents were screened at the Davis senior center. Since then, the project, known as Healthy Davis Together, has opened two more large screening centers in town.

Not everyone in the community has taken advantage of the program: About 35,000 people, or roughly half the city, have come in at least once to be screened, and two-thirds of those were students or university employees, Michelmore said.

But he noted that participation had risen sharply since the holidays as more sites have opened. More than 160,000 tests have been processed, not counting diagnostic tests done for people with symptoms, and more than a half-dozen Davis residents have received free quarantine or isolation housing. The program has cost the university about $14.5 million, with about half the money spent in town and half on campus, said Ratliff, the vice chancellor. She said the school expected the initiative to continue at least through 2021.

Although Davis has about one-third of its county’s population, it has logged only about 15% of the coronavirus cases. That is partly because many in the college town can work from home. But it is also because of Healthy Davis Together, city officials and public health experts say.

“We’ve taken some 850 people off the street who were walking around, asymptomatic,” Pollock said. “Every infection caught prevents, like, three more infections. And for every one of those three, three more get prevented, and so on. That has to make a difference, right?”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

9

Trump parts ways with five lawyers handling impeachment defense

By MAGGIE HABERMAN

F

ormer President Donald Trump has abruptly parted ways with five lawyers handling his impeachment defense, just over a week before the Senate trial is set to begin, people familiar with the situation said Saturday.

Those departures include his lead lawyer, Butch Bowers, whose hiring was announced earlier this month, a person familiar with the situation said. Four other lawyers who were reported to be joining, including Deborah Barbier, a criminal defense lawyer in South Carolina, are also leaving, according to multiple people familiar with the situation.

Trump had pushed for his defense team to focus on his baseless claim that the election was stolen from him, one person familiar with the situation said. A person close to Trump disputed that that was the case but acknowledged that there were differences in opinion about the defense strategy. However, Trump has insisted that the case is “simple” and has told advisers he could argue it himself and save the money on lawyers. (Aides contend he is not seriously contemplating doing so.)

The decision for Bowers to leave was “mutual,” another person familiar with the situation said, adding that Trump and Bowers had no chemistry — a quality the former president generally prizes in his relationships.

Trump prefers lawyers who are eager to appear on television to say that he never did anything wrong; Bowers has been noticeably absent in the news media since his hiring was announced.

Jason Miller, a Trump adviser, said that the former president and his aides had “not made a final decision on our legal team.”

Bowers is the only lawyer whom Trump’s aides

Butch Bowers is well known in the insular world of South Carolina politics, where he represented two former governors, Mark Sanford and Nikki Haley.

had confirmed would defend the former president. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump’s who represents South Carolina, was said to have helped line up Bowers, a well-known figure in the political world there who was working to establish a broader team.

The departures of Bowers and Barbier were previously reported by CNN. A third lawyer, Josh Howard, of North Carolina, is also no longer part of the team, another person familiar with the situation said. And two other lawyers from South Carolina, Johnny Gasser and Greg Harris, will also no longer be involved, one of the people familiar with the situation said.

Trump is due to file a response to the House charges

by Tuesday.

The question of who will represent Trump in his Senate trial has vexed him and his advisers since it became clear that he would become the first American president to be impeached twice.

This month, Democrats in the House, joined by 10 Republicans, charged Trump with “incitement of insurrection” for his role in instigating a violent mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 as Congress convened to affirm President Joe Biden’s victory in the November election.

During various investigations while he was in office, Trump has struggled to find — or retain — lawyers to defend him, and the announcement of Bowers’ hiring capped weeks of frantic searching.

Trump’s lawyers from his impeachment trial last year are not expected to be involved this time. They include Jay Sekulow, former White House counsel Pat Cipollone and his deputy, Pat Philbin, and another lawyer who worked in the West Wing, Eric Herschmann.

Rudy Giuliani, who worked as Trump’s personal lawyer during the special counsel’s investigation into whether the Trump campaign in 2016 had colluded with Russian officials, has made no secret of wanting to defend Trump in the second impeachment trial.

But Giuliani is a potential witness because he spoke at a rally of Trump supporters on Jan. 6, hours before hundreds marched to the Capitol and rioted. Almost all of Trump’s advisers blame Giuliani, who encouraged Trump’s desire to find ways to overturn the election results and to call their legitimacy into question, for the latest impeachment.

They also blame him in part for Trump’s first impeachment, which was driven by the former president’s interest in pressuring Ukraine to investigate the Biden family. Giuliani repeatedly encouraged Trump to believe baseless allegations related to Biden’s son, Hunter, and his business activities in Ukraine.

The second impeachment trial is set to begin on Feb. 9. This past week, 45 Republican senators voted in support of a measure brought forward by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., calling the trial unconstitutional because Trump is no longer in office. That all but five Republican senators voted to challenge the constitutionality of the trial suggested a likely acquittal for Trump.

AVISO AMBIENTAL

SOBRE INTENCIÓN DE RENOVAR UN PERMISO PARA OPERAR UNA INSTALACIÓN DE DESPERDICIOS SÓLIDOS NO PELIGROSOS El Sr. Darío Rodríguez Santos, representante autorizado de Zero Medical Waste, sometió ante el Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (en adelante, DRNA) una solicitud de permiso para operar una instalación de recibo y procesamiento de desperdicios sólidos no peligrosos, que consisten en desperdicios biomédicos regulados. Esta instalación está ubicada en la Carr. 2 Km. 25.2, Bo. Espinosa, Dorado PR. El Reglamento para el Manejo y Disposición de los Desperdicios Biomédicos Regulados, establece en el Capítulo IX el requisito de solicitar un permiso como condición previa a la operación de una instalación de desperdicios biomédicos regulados, el cual es aplicable a dueños u operadores.

Luego de evaluar los documentos suministrados, el DRNA tiene la intención de emitir el permiso de operación .

Copia de la solicitud de permiso, al igual que el borrador del permiso y otros documentos relevantes al caso, están a la disposición del público para ser examinados en el Área Contaminación de Terrenos del DRNA, ubicado en la Carr. 8838 Km. 6.3, Sector El Cinco, Río Piedras de 8:00 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes.

Cualquier persona interesada podrá someter comentarios por escrito sobre el borrador del permiso y podrá solicitar una vista pública. Toda solicitud de vista pública deberá hacerse por escrito y deberá ser debidamente fundamentada y exponer la naturaleza de las cuestiones que se levantarán en la vista. El DRNA podrá celebrar una vista pública de forma discrecional.

Toda solicitud deberá ser dirigida al Área Contaminación de Terrenos, San José Industrial Park, 1375 Ave. Ponce de León, San Juan PR 00926, no más tarde de treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación de este Aviso.

Este anuncio se publica conforme a lo requerido por la Ley Núm.

38-2017, conocida como la “Ley de Procedimiento Administrativo Uniforme del Gobierno de Puerto Rico”, la Ley Núm. 416-2004 , según enmendada, conocida como “Ley sobre Política Pública Ambiental”, los reglamentos aprobados a su amparo; y las leyes y reglamentos federales aplicables.

Aprobado por la Autoridad Nominadora, Certificación CEE-SA-2020-5576 del 21 de febrero de 2020.

Este anuncio se publicó conforme a lo requerido por la Ley sobre Política Pública Ambiental, Ley Núm. 416 del 22 de septiembre de 2004, según enmendada.

Aviso pagado por solicitante.

Gobierno de Puerto Rico

Rafael A. Machargo Secretario

DEPARTAMENTO DE RECURSOS NATURALES Y AMBIENTALES

Carr. 8838 KM 6.3, Sector El Cinco, Río Piedras PR 00926 San José Industrial Park, 1375 Ave. Ponce de León, San Juan PR 00926 ' (787) 999-2200 • 6 (787) 999-2303 • www.drna.pr.gov

10

Monday, February 1, 2021

The San Juan Daily Star

So you just made a lot of money on GameStop. There’s one catch: taxes

By ANN CARRNS

I

f you’re among the army of retail investors who have made big money trading in shares of GameStop and other previously downtrodden stocks, one thing is certain: The tax man will come.

Trading by small investors caught fire in 2020, as boredom brought on by pandemic lockdowns combined with convenient, no-fee mobile investing apps like Robinhood.

In recent weeks, some of those investors, fueled by social media chatter, have driven up the price of GameStop, a brick-and-mortar video game retailer that has been losing money. Their reasons for buying the stock vary, but some wanted to thwart the big investors that were betting that the share price would fall — otherwise known as shorting the stock. Trading in other mundane stocks, like Blackberry and the AMC theater chain, has surged as well.

Some individual investors may already have notched tens of thousands of dollars in profits — even millions, if online boasting is to be believed — as share prices soared.

Here’s the thing: Those investors may have to pay hefty capital gains taxes. The gains are on paper, of course, until the holder sells the shares, said Rhonda Collins, director of tax content and government relations with the National Association of Tax Professionals. And taxes for stock sales occurring this month wouldn’t be due until April 2022.

If those investors want to cash in on their gains, they may be caught off guard by how much they owe the government, accountants say. Unlike with employment income, there’s no automatic deduction of taxes.

“That’s my concern,” said Darren Neuschwander, managing member of Green, Neuschwander & Manning, which specializes in tax compliance for traders. Younger investors new to trading, he said, may not fully consider taxes and may be tempted to spend much of their windfall. “They better be putting some aside.”

Tax calculations are complicated.

Someone who bought and sold GameStop shares quickly, in the midst of the trading frenzy that began in early January, would probably pay very high tax rates.

Short-term gains — those on shares held for less than a year — don’t get favorable tax treatment, but are taxed as ordinary income. Rates vary by your tax bracket (there are seven, depending on your income and filing status), starting at 10% and rising as high as 37%. There is also an extra 3.8 % “net investment income tax” that applies to high earners (individual filers making more than $200,000, and married couples filing jointly making more than $250,000), for a rate of 40.8%.

Say a high-income investor bought 100 shares of GameStop on Jan. 4, when the shares traded at $17.25, paying $1,725. Then, the trader sold the shares on Jan. 27, when they hit $347.51, reaping $34,751, for a gain of $33,026. The tax bill for someone in the top income

A phone shows the Robinhood app displaying Gamestop’s stock price in New York, Jan. 28, 2021. Some investors may have notched tens of thousands of dollars in profits. bracket would be an estimated $13,475.

And that’s just federal taxes. Many states and cities assess their own capital gains taxes or treat capital gains as ordinary income, which is taxed at higher rates.

Some GameStop traders have indicated that they bought shares in 2019 and have held them for more than a year. In that case, they would be eligible for favorable longterm capital gain tax rates if they realized a gain upon selling.

The top rate would be 20%; higher earners would also pay the extra 3.8%, for a rate of 23.8%.

Individual traders may also have capital losses if they sell a stock for less than they paid for it, which can be used to offset capital gains and reduce taxes, said Tony Molina, a certified public accountant and senior product specialist at Wealthfront, an online investment service.

Less experienced investors may sometimes run afoul of tax rules with so-called “wash sales.” In this scenario, an investor with a large capital gain on the sale of one company’s stock seeks to generate a loss to offset the tax bill. So the investor sells shares of a different stock at a loss — but then quickly buys back the stock. That’s a no no.

“You can’t do that,” said P. Evan Stephens, a tax partner with Sensiba San Filippo in San Jose, California, If you buy back the same or similar stock back within 30 days, he said,

you can’t use the loss generated to offset your gain.

On the radar is a proposal by President Joe Biden to eliminate the favorable long-term capital gains rate for taxpayers earning more than $1 million, and to increase the top tax rate for ordinary income. There have even been rumblings that the changes, if approved, could be made retroactive to the start of 2021. “Is it likely? No,” said Tim Speiss, a partner with EisnerAmper’s personal wealth group. “Could it happen?

We don’t know.”

Investors looking ahead to next tax year may want to consider paying taxes periodically throughout the year to avoid underpayment penalties, said Randy Abeles, a certified public accountant in Chicago and a member of the American Institute of CPAs personal financial specialist committee.

Tax documents for trades in 2020 will be arriving in inboxes soon, before tax filing season, which begins on Feb. 12. If you traded through a brokerage, you’ll probably receive a statement called a 1099-B, which typically lists information like the date shares were sold and, in many cases, the “basis,” or the value when you acquired the stock, which is used to compute your gain.

Who knows what will happen to GameStop’s stock over the next days or weeks? But if you decide to cash in on your gains, there is no doubt that there will be tax consequences.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

11 Stocks

Wall St. drops after J&J vaccine data, GameStop effect weighs

U

.S. stock indexes dropped, closing out the Friday session with the biggest weekly fall since October, as investors gauged the ramifications of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine trial results, while a standoff between Wall Street hedge funds and small, retail investors added to volatility.

Democrats won one U.S. Senate race in Georgia and led in another, moving closer to a surprise sweep in a former Republican stronghold that would give them control of Congress and the power to advance President-elect Joe Biden’s policy goals. A final outcome is not expected until later on Wednesday.

“The market is saying we can deal and live with this political decision,” said John Stoltzfus, chief investment strategist at Oppenheimer Asset Management in New York.

“It is saying if you have the potential to lose the tax reform package ... the offset to that might be more stimulus to the economy which in effect could be positive for the markets.”

Analysts generally assume a Democrat-controlled Senate, which could usher in increased fiscal spending while raising the chances of tax hikes and tougher regulation, would be a net positive for economic growth globally and thus for most risk assets.

The Russell 1000 value index, which is heavily weighted toward cyclical sectors, rose 2.5%, while the growth index, with a large tech company weighting, shed 0.1%.

Increased risk of antitrust scrutiny of Big Tech companies pressured shares of Apple Inc, Microsoft Corp, Amazon.com Inc, Google-parent Alphabet Inc and Facebook Inc to down between 0.5% and 1.7%.

Tesla Inc was the only major technology stock trading higher.

At 11:53 a.m. ET the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 481.33 points, or 1.59%, to 30,872.93, the S&P 500 gained 41.22 points, or 1.11%, to 3,768.08, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 37.89 points, or 0.29%, to 12,856.85.

The small-cap Russell 2000 index jumped 2.5% to a record high.

Hopes of a vaccine-powered economic recovery in 2021 pushed Wall Street’s main indexes to record highs in late-December, with sectors that had previously lagged, including banks, industrials and energy, fuelling the rally.

Data showed U.S. labor costs rose more than expected in the fourth quarter amid a jump in wages, supporting views that inflation could accelerate this year, while another report showed U.S. consumer spending fell for a second straight month in December.

Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 2.88-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.38-to-1 ratio favored decliners.

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12

Monday, February 1, 2021

The San Juan Daily Star

Vaccine rollout gives U.K. a rare win in battling pandemic

Francis Ennis, 74, receives the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine from Dr. Ammara Hughes at the Bloomsbury Surgery in London on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. The vaccine rollout has become the most ambitious peacetime mass mobilization in modern British history.

By MARK LANDLER and BENJAMIN MUELLER

W

hen the pizza-sized boxes of the Pfizer vaccine arrived midday Thursday, an hour behind schedule, it set off a race against the clock at Bloomsbury Surgery, a medical clinic in London’s Camden district that has been transformed during the pandemic into a humming vaccination center.

Because the vaccine could only be refrigerated for three days once it reached the clinic, health care workers knew they had to inject 400 doses a day by Sunday to use up the supply.

There was already a line of people waiting for “jabs,” so doctors swiftly diluted the vaccine, put the vials on trays and handed them out to a team of assistants.

This is the front line in what has become the most ambitious peacetime mass mobilization in modern British history.

Britain has set up dozens of vaccination centers in sports stadiums, churches, mosques, even an open-air museum in the Midlands, familiar to television views as the set for the popular crime series “Peaky Blinders.”

With nearly 8 million people, or 11.7% of the population, having already gotten their first shot, Britain’s pace of vaccination is the fastest of any large nation in the world. Only Israel and the United Arab Emirates are moving faster.

The rapid rollout is a rare success for a country whose response to the coronavirus has otherwise been bungled — plagued by delays, reversals and mixed messages. All of which have contributed to a death toll that recently surged past 100,000 and cemented Britain’s status as the worst-hit country in Europe.

Success has brought its own headaches: Doctors now worry about running short of supplies, after a vaccine war erupted between Britain and the European Union. The EU

imposed export restrictions on vaccines made in the bloc on Friday after accusing a British-based vaccine maker, AstraZeneca, of favoring its home market.

The divergence between Britain and its European neighbors has prompted some to claim an early windfall from Brexit. Britain’s divorce from the European Union helped give it the political leeway to authorize multiple vaccines before the bloc and to swiftly lock up its own production of the vaccine from AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford.

France, by contrast, has vaccinated only 1.8% of its population and Germany 2.6%, according to numbers collected

by Our World in Data. That reflects supply shortages that have rippled across the continent, as well as the slower pace of European Union regulators in approving vaccines.

But Britain’s success is also a result of back-to-basics decisions by the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Rather than contracting out the campaign to private companies or building it from scratch, as it did with its costly, ineffective contact tracing operation, the government has put vaccination in the hands of the National Health Service, which despite financial strains is still widely revered by the British public.

Beyond state hospitals, physicians are at the forefront of the program. Not only does that put trusted local doctors, who are experienced with seasonal flu inoculations, in charge, but it has also allowed these doctors to precisely target the people in the government’s highest priority groups.

That is a stark contrast to the more fragmented approach in the United States. While Americans have had to scramble for appointments on finicky online portals and overwhelmed telephone hotlines, British hospitals and physicians have directed the scheduling themselves, allowing them to begin with their oldest and most vulnerable patients.

And while U.S. states use complicated rules to dictate who is eligible for vaccines — which has contributed to slowing the rollout in some places — Britain has a clear system of prioritizing those who, because of their age, are most at risk of dying from the virus, along with the nursing home aides and health care workers who treat them.

While some observers point to Britain’s higher tolerance for risk than the European Union, they credit more of the vaccination success to the country’s strong scientific base, as well as to “good old-fashioned preparation,” said David Goodhart, a writer whose last book, “The Road to Somewhere” explored Brexit-era Britain.

It was not, in any event, typical of Britain’s broader response.

Few foreign leaders have struggled with the pandemic like Johnson. He abandoned large-scale contact tracing and resisted imposing a lockdown, then ended up in an intensive care unit himself after contracting the virus.

But during those chaotic early days, his ministers moved to invest in vaccines and secured early contracts with manufacturers. They also recruited Kate Bingham, a British venture capitalist, to lead a government vaccine task force.

In March, the government provided initial funding —

2.6 million pounds, or $3.5 million — to the Oxford research team. By May, when the vaccine was still in clinical trials, Britain reached a deal with AstraZeneca to buy tens of millions of doses, three months before the European Union negotiated its purchases.

With worries about vaccine protectionism already flaring, British officials were determined to make any homegrown vaccine quickly and easily accessible to Britons. They spoke to the Oxford team as it negotiated with Merck and other drug companies in search of a partner to mass-produce and distribute the vaccine.

Oxford eventually struck a deal with AstraZeneca, which is headquartered in Cambridge.

“They made it pretty clear to me and others that they wanted to know about the deal, and they were anxious about vaccine nationalism,” John Bell, an Oxford professor and member of the government’s vaccine task force, said last year, referring to British health officials.

Two plants in England are now manufacturing the vaccine, and a firm in Wales is preparing it for distribution. The British government has said the bulk of its shipments of AstraZeneca vaccines come from that supply chain.

On Friday, EU drug regulators authorized the AstraZeneca vaccine for all adults, sticking to the precedent set last month by Britain’s regulator.

Britain, meanwhile, may soon get yet another vaccine.

Novavax, a biotechnology company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland , reported Friday that its vaccine had been shown to be 89.3% effective in a large-scale trial in Britain.

The government has secured 60 million doses, which will be made at a plant in northeast England. If British regulators approve it, the vaccine will be delivered in the second half of 2021.

All told, the British government has spent at least 11.7 billion pounds, or $16 billion, in developing, making, buying, and administering vaccines.

“Vaccination is the one thing we’ve gotten right,” said Christina Pagel, a professor of operational research at University College London.

That does not mean the rollout has been without tensions. With hospitals overrun and a more contagious variant ripping through the country, Britain has bet on giving more people the partial protection of a single dose, rather than quickly giving fewer people the complete protection of two doses.

Doctors whose booster shots have been delayed have been angered by the approach, accusing the government of making them the subjects of a risky new experiment that they worry will render vaccines less effective. Immunologists have raised concerns that a country full of people with only partial immunity could breed vaccine-resistant mutations, while Pfizer said the strategy is not supported by the data gathered in clinical trials.

But the idea of prioritizing first shots has gained some traction as countries struggling with the surging virus and shortfalls in vaccine supply look for ways to get partial protection into their population.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

13

‘Like wartime’: Canadian companies unite to start mass virus testing

By CATHERINE PORTER

A

s frustration mounts in Canada at the leaden weight of lockdowns and the glacial pace of vaccinations, a consortium of some of the country’s largest companies has launched a rapid testing program with the aim of protecting their 350,000 employees and publishing a playbook for businesses across Canada on how to reopen safely.

The program, believed to be the first of its kind among the Group of 7 industrialized nations, has already attracted the attention of the Biden administration.

The 12 companies, including Canada’s biggest airline and grocery chain, have worked together for four months, creating a 400-page operating manual on how to run rapid antigen tests in various work settings. They began piloting the tests in their workplaces this month and expect to expand the program to 1,200 small and medium-sized businesses.

They also plan to share their test results with government health authorities, greatly raising test counts in the country and providing an informal study of the virus’s spread among asymptomatic people.

“It’s like wartime — people get together to do something that’s in the interest of everybody,” said Marc Mageau, senior vice president of refining and logistics with Suncor Energy, the country’s largest oil producer, which introduced the testing to its employees this month.

While vaccines are considered the world’s best weapon for defeating the pandemic, most experts believe it will take months, if not a full year, for Canada to reach vaccination levels that allow workplaces to safely return to their preCOVID operations.

Canada is in the grip of a second pandemic wave that has driven infections to record levels and deaths to about 19,800. In response, many parts of the country are in lockdown, with restaurants, theaters and nonessential retail shops closed.

The Canadian economy has contracted about 5% during the pandemic.

Some industries, like real estate and manufacturing, have done well, but employment has plummeted at others, like entertainment and hospitality, which depend on public crowds.

The companies in the consortium were brought together in the spring by Ajay Agrawal, founder of the University of Toronto’s Creative Destruction Lab, which helps science and technology startups. They were inspired by the most Canadian of muses: author Margaret Atwood.

“How soon can we have a cheap, buy-it-at-the-drugstore, self-administered test?” Atwood asked last May during a virtual meeting of business leaders and others tasked with brainstorming ideas for economic recovery during the pandemic.

The problem, the group posited, was the “information gap” — since there was no way to tell who might be an asymptomatic carrier, everyone was treated as a potential threat.

Atwood envisioned something like a home pregnancy test.

“That would be a game changer,” she said.

Realizing that the government was overwhelmed by the health crisis, the group decided to take on the task itself, forming a consortium led by Creative Destruction Lab. The group focused on antigen tests because of their speed, price and utility: They can produce results in minutes, don’t require a laboratory and, in Canada, can cost between $5 and about $20.

But they are less accurate, and produce more false negatives, than the goldstandard polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests, which can cost 20 times as much. The three antigen tests approved for use in Canada flag between 84% and 96.7% of the people infected with the virus.

In Britain, antigen tests used in a mass testing campaign identified just two-fifths of the coronavirus cases detected by PCR tests.

For that reason, many experts in Canada and elsewhere initially argued it was wiser to expand PCR testing. But, as the pandemic stretched on and the

country failed to reach its testing targets, that thinking has changed, said Dr. Irfan Dhalla, co-chair of the Canadian advisory panel on testing and screening for COVID-19, which recommended the country increase the use of rapid tests.

“A rapid antigen test is clearly better than no test at all, as long as it is not used as a free pass,” Dhalla said.

“Whether it’s a workplace or a school, you still have to wear a mask and you still have to physically distance as much as you can.”

Consortium members hope in the long run that the testing program will help reduce infection rates enough to permit a return to crowded restaurants and boardroom meetings. But in the meantime, they plan on using the tests as an added layer of protection — on top of wearing masks, engaging in social distancing and pre-screening employees so those with symptoms stay home.

In September, more than 100 employees from the consortium began working together, at their companies’ expense, to draft a plan. Two retired generals volunteered to help manage logistics.

In November, the group registered

as a nonprofit organization called CDL Rapid Screening Consortium, with each company contributing $230,000 for operational costs.

Working in teams, the employees researched some 50 different antigen tests emerging around the world, analyzed what was needed for a screening program — from staffing to the number of gowns — and estimated the overall cost.

The resulting 400-page operating manual includes everything from an example of an employee invitation to join the program and a standard consent form, to the detailed shopping list of materials required to run a program.

In January, five of the companies began to pilot the program in settings as different as pharmacies and radio stations. So far, some 400 employees have volunteered, and almost 1,900 tests have been conducted. Only three have come back positive, according to Sonia Sennik, executive director of the Creative Destruction Lab and the enthusiastic quarterback of the project.

“They didn’t go into the workplace and potentially spread something,” Sennik said. “We broke the chain of transmission three times.”

An Air Canada employee prepares to take a COVID-19 test at the Toronto airport in Jan. 22, 2021. A consortium of some of Canada’s largest companies, representing 350,000 employees nationwide, has launched a rapid testing program aimed at reopening their economy.

14

Monday, February 1, 2021

The San Juan Daily Star

At elite French universities, students demand environmental action

A young couple rides a carousel in Paris’ Tuileries Park, Jan. 26, 2021. At French schools known for ambition, not activism, students are calling for climate change to be at the heart of the curriculum, and telling the companies that recruit them to change their ways.

By CONSTANT MÉHEUT

T

he sprawling campus of the École Polytechnique, one of the world’s finest engineering schools, has long been a magnet for major French industrial and energy companies eager to attract some of France’s brightest minds.

So when it was announced last year that oil and gas giant Total would establish a research center on campus, located southeast of Paris, it seemed like a natural fit.

Instead, it sparked an uproar. Hundreds of students voted against the research center. At a time when engineers and scientists should be leading the way to a more sustainable world, they argued, among other things, the project gave undue influence to a company that remains a world leader in fossil fuels.

“I find it disturbing to be influenced by Total, which has a rather biased vision of the energy transition,” said Benoit Halgand, 22, who is in his final year at the school. He added that the company “will always want to use oil and gas for many years to come.”

A spokesperson for Total said in a written response that the group is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and that its research center has “the sole objective of accelerating innovation and research on low-carbon energies.”

The clash at the École Polytechnique was just the latest of the clashes taking place at France’s elite campuses, long seen by ambitious students as the path to success. Now students alarmed by a warming planet are challenging the corpo-

rations that see them as potential future employees.

“By going to class, by working, we take part in a world that we denounce,” said Caroline Mouille, a 23-year-old engineering student in Toulouse, in southern France. “Cognitive dissonance is huge.”

Frustrated by the disparity between the world they dream of and the one they are offered, students are pressuring universities to put climate change and other environmental issues at the core of their curricula. Some schools have taken steps in that direction, but critics say it is not nearly enough.

The environment has become a primary concern in France, a country where climate change protests drew thousands of teenagers to the streets in 2019 and where President Emmanuel Macron recently announced a referendum to add environmental protection to the Constitution.

The growing environmental movement at France’s most prestigious universities, or “Grandes Écoles,” the traditional training ground for corporate executives and top civil servants, has profound implications for the next generation of the country’s elite. The conflict has pitted students against consumerism and against what they consider to be the profit-driven nature of some of France’s largest corporations, including L’Oréal.

Student activism at the Grandes Ecoles has been rare in the past, so the calls for change have surprised many people, particularly at the École Polytechnique, which is overseen by the defense ministry and where students, considered members of the armed forces, are normally bound to confidentiality.

Halgand said that environmental concerns had given

birth to “a fairly new criticism” among young people of today’s economic and social systems.

“In the past, among engineers, there was often this idea of doing technical feats,” he said. “Today, we ask ourselves, ‘Why? What is the environmental and societal impact behind it?’”

In 2018, a “Manifesto for an ecological awakening,” written by students at top universities, called for placing “the ecological transition at the core of our social project” and collected some 30,000 student signatures in just a few weeks.

Central to their demands was a stark reality: Environmental issues remain largely under-taught in higher education.

A 2019 study by the think tank The Shift Project showed that at 34 French universities, less than one-quarter of degree programs offered any courses in climate and energy issues, and most of those did not make such a class mandatory.

A flurry of open letters from students have called on universities to rethink their teaching from top to bottom — in often unsparing terms.

“Our education,” read a recent letter signed by some 2,000 students and alumni of HEC Paris, one of Europe’s top business schools, “does not sufficiently integrate ecological and social issues, reducing them at best to ‘negative externalities’ and at worst to marketing opportunities.”

Responding to student demands, some universities have started revising their curricula. A mandatory three-day seminar on climate change for every new student was introduced at the École Polytechnique two years ago, and the National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon has committed to overhauling its teaching to educate all students about environmental issues.

Matthieu Mazière, director of studies at the Mines ParisTech engineering school, said that students have challenged the content of courses, in addition to the air travel of professors.

“They force us to question ourselves,” he said.

Critics, however, say that the questioning hasn’t gone far enough.

“We feel like we’ve understood and they haven’t,” said Lise-Marie Dambrine, a recent graduate from a political studies institute.

Cécile Renouard, a philosopher who teaches at several universities, said that courses on the environment in higher education “are not always radical enough and not systemic enough.”

“The challenge is also to show how ecological questioning invites us to revisit all our subjects,” she added.

In 2018, Renouard founded the Campus de la Transition, or the Transition Campus, an alternative academic institution where a range of subjects, from economics to law, is taught through environmental lenses.

It has drawn some 700 students to its campus, an 18thcentury chateau about 40 miles southeast of central Paris, surrounded by gardens where students grow leeks and gourds that will eventually end up in the pots of the campus canteen.

The Transition Campus has partnered with several universities to train students and has recently published “The Great Transition Manual,” commissioned by France’s minister of higher education, on putting environmental and social justice issues at the heart of university programs.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

15

The pandemic’s gift to radicalism

By ROSS DOUTHAT

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his past week, the San Francisco School Board of Education voted 6-1 to proceed with a plan to rename 44 of the city’s currently shuttered schools, wiping away notables like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Paul Revere, Robert Louis Stevenson and even Dianne Feinstein, California’s senior senator, for various forms of cooperation with white supremacy and patriarchy.

After the vote, I spent some time reading the Google spreadsheet helpfully compiled by the renaming effort, which listed the justification for each erasure: for Washington, slave-owning; for Revere, helping to command a doomed Revolutionary War military operation on the Maine coast that nonetheless supposedly contributed to the “colonization” of the Penobscot tribe; for Stevenson, writing a “cringeworthy poem” that includes words like “Eskimo” and “Japanee.” (It may not surprise you that some of these justifications, often pulled from Wikipedia, included significant errors of historical fact.)

As interesting as the spreadsheet, in its way, was the displeased statement from San Francisco’s mayor, London Breed. Though there was liberal opposition to

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the renaming project, the pressures of the mayor’s position apparently made it impossible for her to argue straightforwardly that Lincoln still deserves to have a school named after him. Instead, her ire focused on the fact that the school board is busy renaming schools when it hasn’t actually found a way to open them: “What I cannot understand is why the School Board is advancing a plan to have all these schools renamed by April, when there isn’t a plan to have our kids back in the classroom by then.”

On one level, this objection is reasonable; on another, though, it misses what’s been happening in America over the past year. It is precisely because the city’s public school classrooms are closed, precisely because normal educational tasks and interactions have been suspended, that radical projects find themselves more easily and naturally fast-tracked. If there’s anything we’ve learned about pandemic life, it’s that suspense of ordinary life creates a vacuum that ideology rushes in to fill.

For the last month, we’ve been focused on the particularly poisonous way that’s happened on the American right: how the online drama of QAnon and its stepchild #StoptheSteal became powerful enough and immersive enough to help inspire a riot at the U.S. Capitol. Yes, QAnon predated the pandemic and former President Donald Trump would have claimed voter fraud no matter what. But the pandemic months still felt like they worked a fundamental change on many conservatives’ relationship to political reality, pushing normal people deeper into certain kinds of very-online fantasy.

What’s happened on the far left is somewhat different. The right’s pandemic-era dreamscape reflects a fear of growing powerlessness, with paranoia about malignant and all-powerful elites coupled with a fantasy of eucatastrophic victory. The left’s pandemic ambitions, though, are all about using newfound power to transform institutions in which their influence has been increasing. That makes them utopian but not fantastical, extreme but not a fever dream.

For instance, the San Francisco school board’s grasp of history may be shaky and its history-erasing ambitions radical, but it really does have the power to carry out a school-renaming project or a dramatic curricular review or any other step deemed necessary to instantiate the new era of awokened liberalism.

No other progressive city is quite like San Francisco, and there are lots of political impediments to things the far left would wish to do. But there is still a programmatic ambition that unites activists trying to

Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco. play ideological commissar at universities with activists trying to defund the police with activists trying to get Washington and Lincoln canceled. The goals in each case are all things you could do, under certain circumstances — in a way that you can’t expose a Venezuelan voter fraud conspiracy that isn’t real, or defeat a pedophile cabal that doesn’t actually exist.

So an interesting question is which sort of radicalism is more likely to persist once the pandemic is gone and semi-normality returns. Does the fantasy aspect of right-wing radicalism make it more resilient and dangerous post-COVID — or more likely to dissolve, like an enchantment after midnight? Do the more realistic ambitions of left-wing radicalism enable its entrenchment, or inspire a swifter backlash against its overreach?

Both forms of radicalism, it’s worth noting, are currently presiding over broken systems. The liberal city, in the time of a radical ambition, has been disfigured by a homicide spike and devastated by the collapse of in-person education. The Republican Party, under an ascendant conspiracism, has lost its hold on the Senate and the White House.

In a healthy society that brokenness would weaken radicalism’s appeal. In our society — well, we can live in hope.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

Vivienda orienta sobre Programa de Asistencia al Comprador Por THE STAR

E

l secretario del Departamento de la Vivienda (DV), William Rodríguez Rodríguez, participó del “Puerto Rico Real Estate Forum: 2021 and Beyond” de la “National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals” (NAHREP), dónde tuvo la oportunidad de ofrecer detalles sobre el programa de Asistencia Directa al Comprador (HBA, por sus siglas en inglés), así como escuchar las preocupaciones de la industria de Bienes Raíces.

“Nuestra misión en el DV es proveer asistencia a individuos y familias de bajos o medianos recursos que les permita contar con un hogar digno, seguro y propio que contribuya al mejoramiento de su calidad de vida y autosuficiencia”, sostuvo Rodríguez Rodríguez este domingo en una comunicación escrita.

Asimismo, el secretario añadió que “iniciativas como la de NAHREP son de suma importancia pues nos permite educar a los profesionales de la Industria de Bienes Raíces para proveer las herramientas

que ayuden a las familias a adquirir su propio hogar.

De igual forma, escuchar las preocupaciones y recomendaciones de los profesionales de esta industria es imprescindible para nosotros, pues nos permite agilizar los procesos en beneficio de la ciudadanía”.

En el evento, participaron los profesionales de la industria bancaria y bienes raíces de Puerto Rico e invitados de diferentes estados de Estados Unidos.

En el mismo, se resumieron los retos del año 2020 y se discutió la perspectiva de la Industria y nuevas oportunidades en Puerto Rico para este año 2021.

HBA es un programa de CDBG-DR con una asignación de 350 millones de dólares y administrado por la Autoridad para el Financiamiento de la Vivienda (AFV) que ofrece asistencia a las personas que compran su primer hogar o que no hayan sido propietarios por los pasados tres años para cubrir la diferencia entre los gastos de cierre y el pronto de una primera hipoteca que se obtiene de una institución financiera participante.

El programa puede proveer hasta $25,000 para familias de ingresos bajos o moderados —o hasta $35,000 para familias de ingresos bajos o moderados que contengan algún miembro del personal esencial de recuperación— en la adquisición de su vivienda principal que no exceda los límites actuales de las hipotecas FHA, ni el valor indicado en la tasación. Además, hay un incentivo adicional de $5,000 si la vivienda se encuentra en un centro urbano.

Instan a vacunarse contra el cáncer cervical Por THE STAR

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l secretario del Departamento de Salud (DS), Carlos Mellado López, urgió este domingo a la población entre los 11 y 18 años a vacunarse contra el virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH) y a realizarse las pruebas de detección periódicas para prevenir el cáncer cervical.

Mellado López aseguró que el cáncer cervical es prevenible y puede detectarse a tiempo. Este cáncer es el séptimo más común en la población de mujeres en Puerto Rico.

Conoce más sobre el cáncer cervical “La prevención es la clave y tenemos la vacuna para evitar el cáncer cervical. Las pruebas de detección periódicas son vitales para la detección temprana, diagnóstico y tratamiento en ésta y cualquier otra enfermedad. Cuando se trata del cáncer cervical, es importante que toda fémina acuda a su ginecólogo, consulte sus inquietudes y siga sus indicaciones médicas. Definitivamente tenemos que invertir más en la prevención de enfermedades en nuestras poblaciones”, expresó el Secretario en una declaración escrita.

Algunos de los factores de riesgo relacionados con el cáncer cervical son: infección con el VPH, múltiples parejas sexuales, historial de infecciones de transmisión sexual, sistema inmunológico debilitado y múltiples partos. Asimismo, el dolor pélvico, el aumento de las secreciones o flujos vaginales y el sangrado vaginal anor-

mal son algunos de los signos y síntomas de este cáncer.

Esta prueba se debe hacer no más tarde de los 21 años de edad. Todas las mujeres de 21 a 29 años deben someterse a la prueba de citología convencional o líquida cada tres años. A partir de los 30 años puede realizarse la prueba cada tres a cinco años. Algunas mujeres con ciertos factores de riesgo

necesitarán someterse a la prueba anualmente.

Según el Informe del Registro Central de Cáncer en Puerto Rico, de 2016, el 18.5 por ciento de las mujeres en la Isla presentaron cáncer cervical. La presencia de células malignas en la superficie de la cérvix o cuello uterino, que es parte del sistema reproductor femenino, es una de las características de este tipo de cáncer.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

17

Sun Records, storied early rock label, sells its high-wattage catalog

Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk the Line” are included in the sale of Sun Records’ catalog to Primary Wave Music.

By BEN SISARIO

I

n the 1950s, Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, became one of the most dynamic forces in American music, releasing the first recordings by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others, helping define rockabilly and rock ’n’ roll.

Even its yellow sunburst label, with a crowing rooster, has become part of the iconography of early rock.

Now, Sun has become the latest plum property to change hands in the music industry’s catalog gold rush.

Primary Wave Music, an independent music company in New York, has acquired the label’s assets, including its recordings, logo and brand, from Sun Entertainment Corp., the family-run company that bought it from Sam Phillips, Sun’s founder, in 1969.

The deal includes every recording made by Sun — with the exception of Presley’s releases, which are owned by Sony — along with those of a handful of other small labels, like Red Bird and Blue Cat, and

some songwriting copyrights. In total, about 6,000 recordings are part of the deal, among them some epochal classics: Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk the Line,” Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes” and the Dixie Cups’ “Chapel of Love.”

“Sun is as iconic a record label as there is,” said Larry Mestel, the founder of Primary Wave. “Its legacy needs to be nurtured.”

The price of the overall deal was not disclosed, but it is estimated at $30 million.

As streaming has revitalized the music industry and new investors have been drawn to music royalties as a source of steady returns, the value of catalogs has skyrocketed. Bob Dylan stunned the industry last month by selling his songwriting rights to Universal Music for more than $300 million. A busy market has developed among companies that specialize in buying music assets, like Hipgnosis Songs Fund, which has spent more than $1.7 billion for rights to songs by artists like

Neil Young and Blondie.

Primary Wave has been one of the most aggressive buyers in this space, with a strategy of promoting its catalogs through branding deals and entertainment tie-ins. The company’s portfolio includes songs

by Stevie Nicks, Smokey Robinson, Burt Bacharach and Bob Marley; it also owns half of the estate of Whitney Houston. Mestel said the Sun deal was one of seven it wrapped up in the closing weeks of 2020.

Sun’s story began in 1949, when Phillips rented a storefront on Union Avenue in Memphis that he turned into a recording studio. Among the early recordings he made there, for other labels, was “Rocket 88” in 1951, by Jackie Brenston — backed

by Ike Turner’s band — which is sometimes called the first rock ’n’ roll record for its driving beat and distorted guitar.

The first Sun records were released in 1952, and two years later Phillips recorded Presley’s debut single, “That’s All Right”; in late 1955, RCA bought out Presley’s contract for $40,000. (RCA is now a division

A young Roy Orbison, one of the artists who made music with Sun Records’ founder, Sam Phillips. The label’s first records were released in 1952.

of Sony.) Phillips continued to make records with Cash, Lewis, a young Roy Orbison and rockabilly cult favorites like Billy Lee Riley, whom Dylan has called “a hero of mine.”

Sun’s operations slowed down by the mid-60s, and in 1969 Phillips sold the label to Shelby Singleton, a producer and entrepreneur who moved its operations to Nashville and spent successive decades marketing Sun’s catalog through reissues and licensing deals. Phillips died in 2003. Since Singleton’s death in 2009, the label and its assets have been managed by his brother, John A. Singleton.

In an interview, Singleton, 80, said he chose to sell in part because “we don’t have a succession in the family after I’m no longer around.”

He chose Primary Wave, he said, for its reputation in managing and marketing the legacies of famous acts.

Pointing to the frothy market for music catalogs, Singleton also said the timing might be right: “It’s one of those bubbles that might eventually burst. So we thought, well, let’s get in before that happens.” Singleton is to continue with Sun as a consultant.

The deal also includes rights to the Sun Diner, a comfort-food eatery that opened in downtown Nashville in 2016, which is filled with Sun memorabilia and merchandise for sale.

Mestel said that Primary Wave intends to expand that business, too.

“I can envision a Sun Diner in every major city in America,” he said.

But the deal’s primary asset, Mestel said, is Sun’s music, and the company plans further marketing.

As many as half the recordings in the catalog, like outtakes, Mestel said, have never been made available on digital music services.

And Primary Wave is still hunting for more deals, with $1.5 billion in cash and assets under management, Mestel said.

“Historically great music,” he said, “does not really go out of vogue.”

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Monday, February 1, 2021

The San Juan Daily Star

While you weren’t looking: Revised airline policies may make flying better

By JULIE WEED

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our years ago, David Dao, a 69-year-old Kentucky doctor, was forcibly dragged from his seat on a United Airlines flight that was about to depart from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport because the airline wanted to give his seat to a transiting crew member. Dao ended up being carried out on a stretcher. The incident made headlines across the country, and people were outraged. Cramped seats may be expected by the flying public, but concussions and broken noses are not.

While the nation was distracted by the Washington riots and the pandemic, the skies got a little friendlier for the likes of Dao. On Jan. 13, the Department of Transportation amended its rules to ensure no other passenger has to experience the ordeal he did.

Once the new rules take effect, beginning April 21, a ticketed passenger who boards an airplane cannot be involuntarily bumped from an overbooked flight.

Additional consumer-friendly rules will also be enacted on that date, and all will apply to flights originating in the United States that can hold more than 30 passengers. The maximum required compensation paid to passengers who are involuntarily bumped from a flight will increase from $675 to $775 for delays of up to two hours (or 200% of the ticket price, if it is less), and from $1,350 to $1,550 for longer delays (or 400% of the ticket price, if it is less). Foreign carriers must abide by these rules as well.

There are also stricter requirements regarding notifying passengers about oversold flights. Previously, airlines often

chose which incentive, such as mileage or travel vouchers, to communicate to volunteers willing to give up their seats. They now must include a cash offer. Specifying this is necessary, said Bill McGee, the aviation adviser for the advocacy arm of the nonprofit consumer organization Consumer Reports, because “statistically, most Americans fly less than once a year, even before COVID, so may not be aware of all these rules.”

The maximum liability for lost, pilfered, damaged or delayed baggage was also raised from $3,500 to $3,800.

The new rules were announced during the Trump administration, a few days after Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao resigned in the wake of the Jan. 6 riots.

The practice of overbooking — when airlines sell more tickets to a flight than there are seats — stems from an estimation that some passengers will change their plans before the flight and not show up. If too many ticket holders do arrive at the gate, airlines offer incentives to those who voluntarily give up their seat, and in rarer cases bump passengers involuntarily.

McGee testified before Congress on this issue four years ago, representing the voice of the consumer. The new rules are important, McGee said, because they shift the burden of an overbooked flight to the airline from the passenger. “If a carrier operates a flight with 100 seats, and they sell 103 tickets,” that’s a business decision, he said. “Now it’s their problem to deal with those extra three tickets, not the passengers’.”

The vast majority of airline passengers are not bumped, and especially now, while most flights are less than full because of the pandemic, the new rules won’t have much of an effect. It is possible that the scenario will present itself, howe-

ver. Some flights are full despite the decrease in overall passenger numbers because airlines are operating fewer of them.

As air travel picks up, the new rules will likely affect the airlines more than originally planned, said Helane Becker, the senior research analyst covering airlines at the investment bank Cowen. “When passengers had to pay change fees and rebooking fees, the airlines were somewhat reluctant to overbook because most passengers would show up for their flight,” she said. During the pandemic, airlines have eliminated many of their change and cancellation fees, and passengers, freed from these financial penalties, will be changing plans more often at the last minute. That makes passenger loads for each flight less predictable.

Airlines will need to calculate how to maximize total ticket revenue, Becker said, weighing the missed income of leaving a seat empty against the chance they may need to pay passengers to move from overbooked flights.

Consumer Reports is ready to present the Biden administration with a list of additional consumer advocacy requests for airline passengers. Among those is securing refunds for airline passengers who canceled travel plans during the pandemic and are being offered only credit toward another flight.

McGee’s organization received thousands of emails from consumers “angry that airlines are getting money from the government, paid for with tax dollars, but weren’t giving refunds to their customers,” he said.

There’s also a need for more complete ticket price transparency, McGee said. “A family of four that buys tickets for a vacation may get surprised by an extra fee they need to pay to choose seats so they can sit together.” That is not fair, he said. The advocacy group also has concerns about the safety of outsourced airplane maintenance in foreign countries.

“It’s a laundry list that has frankly been ignored for the last four years,” he said.

The other critical area of concern is the airline industry’s COVID health protection policies regarding mask-wearing, cleaning protocols and social distancing in airports, McGee said. “We begged repeatedly and publicly for Secretary Chao to implement mandatory rules on masks, but the response was, ‘No, it’s up to the market,’” he said.

Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration did begin allowing airports to spend federal dollars to screen passengers for the coronavirus; Iowa’s Cedar Rapids airport, for example, recently began taking the temperature of outbound passengers. (Asymptomatic people can still carry COVID, so the procedure is not completely effective at finding those who might have the virus.)

And the situation is now looking brighter given President Joe Biden’s new mask mandate, which applies to people in an airport or airplane. The new rule protects the health of the crew and also protects them from anti-mask passenger harassment.

“The last four years have been very bleak for airline passenger protections,” McGee said, “but I am hopeful that we will be seeing more consumer protections under the new administration because there is a lot more to be done.”

The San Juan Daily Star LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA.

ORIENTAL BANK Demandante vs.

ANGEL ANIBAL NEVAREZ RAMOS y su esposa YUDELKA IDANIA SORIANO y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos

Demandados CIVIL NÚM. CA2019CV04076 (409). SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO (Ejecución de Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria). EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: Público en General A: ANGEL ANIBAL NEVAREZ RAMOS y su esposa YUDELKA IDANIA SORIANO y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos

Yo, MANUEL VILLAFAÑE BLANCO, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 16 de febrero de 2021 a las 2:15 de la tarde en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, Carolina, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Carolina 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 23 de febrero de 2021, a las 2:15 de la tarde; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 3 de marzo de 2021, a las 2:15 de la tarde en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número Tres (3) de la Manzana Cinco guión DD (5-DD), radicado en la URBANIZACIÓN VILLA FONTANA, situado en el Barrio Sabana Abajo del término muni-

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cipal de Carolina, Puerto Rico, con un área de TRESCIENTOS ONCE PUNTO OCHENTA Y OCHO (311.88) METROS CUADRADOS. En lindes por el NORTE, con la Calle número Cinco guión Dieciocho (5-18), en distancia de trece punto ochocientos (13.800) metros; por el SUR, con los solares número Veintinueve (29) y Veintiocho (28), en distancia de trece punto ochocientos (13.800) metros; por el ESTE, con el solar número Cuatro (4), en distancia de veintidós punto seiscientos (22.600) metros; y por el OESTE, con el solar número dos (2), en distancia de veintidós punto seiscientos (22.600) metros. Contiene una vivienda de concreto para una sola familia. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 87 vuelto del tomo 1040 de Carolina Norte, Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina, Sección Primera, finca número 13,693, inscripción décimo tercera. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Villa Fontana, 5DD3, Parque Napoleón, Carolina, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $89,663.99 de principal, intereses al 4% anual, desde el día 1ro. de mayo de 2019, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $9,818.80, estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será la suma de $98,188.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $65,458.67 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $49,094.00. 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 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 a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 22 de diciembre de 2020. MANUEL VILLAFAÑE

Monday, February 1, 2021 BLANCO, ALGUACIL TRIBU- giro postal o cheque certificado NAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia.

CAROLINA. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al proceLEGAL NOTICE dimiento incoado, estarán de ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO manifiesto en la Secretaría del DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUTribunal de Carolina durante NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA horas laborables. Que en caso SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROde no producir remate ni adjuLINA. dicación en la primera subasta BANCO POPULAR DE a celebrarse, se celebrará una PUERTO RICO segunda subasta para la venta Demandante vs. de la susodicha propiedad, el día 23 de febrero de 2021, a las Sucesión de LUIS 2:30 de la Tarde y en caso de no RAFAEL O’NEILL producir remate ni adjudicación, ROSARIO también se celebrará una tercera subasconocido como LUIS ta el día 3 de marzo de 2021, a R. O’NEILL ROSARIO las 2:30 de la Tarde en mi oficompuesta por CARMEN cina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse MARÍA ROSARIO en pública subasta se describe MIRANDA también como sigue: URBANA: Solar conocida como CARMEN número Veintidós (22) del BloM. ROSARIO MIRANDA y que “L” del plano de inscripción como CARMEN ROSARIO del Proyecto FC guión Dos (FC2) denominado VILLA COOPEMIRANDA por sí y en RATIVA, radicado en el Barrio cuanto a la cuota viudal Hoyo Mulas de Carolina, Puerto usufructuaria; FULANO Rico, con una cabida superficial DE TAL y ZUTANO DE de DOSCIENTOS CINCUENTA Y DOS PUNTO CERO CERO TAL como herederos (252.00) METROS CUADRAdesconocidos DOS. En lindes por el NORTE, Demandados con la Calle número Diez (10) CIVIL NÚM: CA2018CV01976 de dicho Proyecto, distancia de (406). SOBRE: COBRO DE DI- DOCE PUNTO CERO CERO NERO (Ejecución de Hipoteca (12.00) METROS; por el SUR, por la Vía Ordinaria). EDICTO con el solar número Treinta y DE SUBASTA. Uno (31) de dicho bloque, disAl: Público en General tancia de DOCE PUNTO CERO CERO (12.00) METROS; por A: Sucesión de LUIS el ESTE, con el solar número RAFAEL O’NEILL Veintiuno (21) de dicho bloROSARIO, también que, distancia de VEINTIUNO conocido como LUIS PUNTO CERO CERO (21.00) R. O’NEILL ROSARIO METROS; y por el OESTE, compuesta por CARMEN con el solar número Veintitrés (23) de dicho bloque, distancia MARÍA ROSARIO de VEINTIUNO PUNTO CERO MIRANDA también CERO (21.00) METROS. Enclaconocida como CARMEN va una estructura de hormigón M. ROSARIO MIRANDA y y bloques dedicada a vivienda, como CARMEN ROSARIO con un reparto de tres (3) dormitorios, sala, comedor, cocina MIRANDA por sí y en y baño. En el lado Sur se grava cuanto a la cuota viudal una servidumbre a favor de la usufructuaria; FULANO Puerto Rico Telephone ComDE TAL y ZUTANO DE pany. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 27 TAL como herederos vuelto del tomo 1403 de Carolidesconocidos na, Registro de la Propiedad de Yo, MANUEL VILLAFAÑE Carolina, Sección Segunda, finBLANCO, Alguacil de este Tri- ca número 37,409, inscripción bunal, a la parte demandada y a Cuarta. La dirección física de los acreedores y personas con la propiedad antes descrita es: interés sobre la propiedad que Urbanización Villa Cooperativa, más adelante se describe, y al L-22, Calle Trinitaria, Carolina, público en general, HAGO SA- Puerto Rico. La subasta se lleBER: Que el día 16 de febrero vará a efecto para satisfacer a de 2021 a las 2:30 de la Tarde la parte demandante la suma en mi oficina, sita en el Tribu- de $78,581.26 de principal, nal de Primera Instancia, Sala intereses al 6.625% anual, Superior de Carolina, Carolina, desde el día 1ro. de junio de Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública 2017, hasta su completo pago, Subasta la propiedad inmueble más la cantidad de $9,150.00 que más adelante se describe y estipulada para costas, gastos cuya venta en pública subasta y honorarios de abogado, más se ordenó por la vía ordinaria recargos acumulados, todas cual mejor postor quien hará el yas sumas están líquidas y exipago en dinero en efectivo, gibles. Que la cantidad mínima

staredictos@thesanjuandailystar.com

(787) 743-3346

19 de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será de $91,500.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $61,000.00 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $45,750.00. Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. 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 y que todo licitador acepta como suficiente la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, 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 a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Podrán concurrir como postores a todas las subastas los titulares de créditos hipotecarios vigentes y posteriores a la hipoteca que se cobra o ejecuta, si alguno o que figuren como tales en la certificación registral y que podrán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de alguno en sus ofertas. Si la oferta aceptada es por cantidad mayor a la suma del crédito o créditos preferentes al suyo, al obtener la buena pro del remate, deberá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o en cheque de gerente, la totalidad del crédito hipotecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro créditos posteriores al que se ejecuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 22 de diciembre de 2020. MANUEL VILLAFAÑE BLANCO, ALGUACIL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante vs.

MELVIN ROSARIO CRESPO; MARIA TERESA MORELL TALAVERA; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados CIVIL NÚM: CN2019CV00159 (409). SOBRE: Ejecución de Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria “IN REM”. EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: Público en General A: MELVIN ROSARIO CRESPO; MARIA TERESA MORELL TALAVERA; DORAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION o sucesor en derecho, por tener Hipoteca en Garantía de Pagaré a su favor por la suma de $47,850.00; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA, por tener Embargo Federal anotado a su favor por la suma de $8,088.45

Yo, MANUEL VILLAFAÑE BLANCO, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 16 de febrero de 2021 a las 2:45 de la tarde en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, Carolina, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Carolina 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 23 de febrero de 2021, a las 2:45 de la tarde y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 3 de marzo de 2021, a las 2:45 de la tarde en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Parcela identificada en el plano de inscripción como el solar número Once (11) del Bloque “G” de la URBANIZACIÓN RIVER GARDEN, localizada en el Barrio Canóvanas del Municipio de Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de TRESCIENTOS DIECINUEVE PUNTO OCHO-

CIENTOS (319.800) METROS CUADRADOS. En lindes: por el NORTE, con la Calle Heliconia; por el SUR, con facilidades vecinales; por el ESTE, con el solar número Doce (12) del Bloque “G”; y por el OESTE, con el solar número Diez (10) del Bloque “G”. Enclava en dicho solar una residencia de concreto de dos plantas. Afecta a dos servidumbres: de uno punto cincuenta y dos (1.52) metros cada una a favor de Centennial de Puerto Rico y otra a favor de la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica de Puerto Rico que discurre a todo lo largo de su colindancia Norte. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 64 del tomo 429 de Canóvanas, Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina, Sección Tercera, finca número 17,021, inscripción cuarta. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización River Garden, G-11, Flor de Lluvia, Canóvanas, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $220,826.54 de principal, intereses variables desde el día 1ro. de septiembre de 2017, al 4.00% anual hasta el 31 de julio de 2018 y al 4.50% desde el 1ro. de agosto de 2018, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $25,520.00 estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será de $255,200.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $170,133.33 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $127,600.00.

Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. 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 y que todo licitador acepta como suficiente la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, 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 hipotecada a ser vendida en

pública Subasta se encuentra afecta a los siguientes gravámenes posteriores: Hipoteca en Garantía de Pagaré a favor de Doral Mortgage Corporation, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $47,850.00, con intereses al 6.95% anual, vencedero el día 1ro. de octubre de 2020, según consta de la Escritura Número 556, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 23 de septiembre de 2005, ante la Notario Público Jacqueline Feliciano Archilla; inscrita al folio 64 del tomo 429 de Canóvanas, Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina, Sección Tercera, finca 17,021, inscripción 5ta.

Embargo Federal, por la suma de $8,088.45, contra María T. Morell Talavera, seguro social número xxx-xx-4015, notificación número 334765806, presentado el día 22 de enero de 2007, renovable el día 19 de octubre de 2015, anotado al folio 205, Asiento 4 del libro de Embargos Federales, Número 3. Registro de Carolina, Sección Tercera. La propiedad a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Podrán concurrir como postores a todas las subastas los titulares de créditos hipotecarios vigentes y posteriores a la hipoteca que se cobra o ejecuta, si alguno o que figuren como tales en la certificación registral y que podrán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de alguno en sus ofertas. Si la oferta aceptada es por cantidad mayor a la suma del crédito o créditos preferentes al suyo, al obtener la buena pro del remate, deberá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o en cheque de gerente, la totalidad del crédito hipotecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro créditos posteriores al que se ejecuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 22 de diciembre de 2020. MANUEL VILLAFAÑE BLANCO, ALGUACIL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante vs.

JUAN EMILIO MORALES ROSADO y su esposa VILMARY SANTIAGO MARCANO y la Sociedad

20 Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos

Demandados CIVIL NÚM. CA2019CV02529 (407). SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO (Ejecución de Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria). EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: Público en General A: JUAN EMILIO MORALES ROSADO y su esposa VILMARY SANTIAGO MARCANO y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos

Yo, MANUEL VILLAFAÑE BLANCO, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 16 de febrero de 2021 a las 3:00 de la tarde en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, Carolina, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Carolina 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 23 de febrero de 2021, a las 3:00 de la tarde y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 3 de marzo de 2021, a las 3:00 de la tarde en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número Cinco (5) del Bloque “A” del plano de inscripción del Proyecto VBC guión Cincuenta y Siete (VBC-57) denominado LOMAS DE TRUJILLO ALTO, radicado en el Barrio Las Cuevas del término municipal de Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de CIENTO CINCUENTA Y CUATRO PUNTO NUEVE NUEVE SIETE CUATRO (154.9974) METROS CUADRADOS. En lindes por el NORTE, con el solar marcado con el número Cuatro (4), en una distancia de veinticinco punto cincuenta y dos (25.52) metros; por el SUR, con el solar marcado con el número Seis (6), en una distancia de veinticuatro punto cuarenta y dos (24.42) metros; por el ESTE, con la calle marcada con el número Uno (1), en una distancia

de seis punto setenta y cinco (6.75) metros; y por el OESTE, con los solares número Quince (15) y Dieciséis (16), en una distancia de cinco punto setenta y uno (5.71) metros. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 101 del tomo 792 de Trujillo Alto, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección Cuarta, finca número 9,039, inscripción séptima. Modificada la hipoteca de la inscripción 7ma., en cuanto al principal que será por $113,273.52 y al interés que será al 2.00% anual, comenzando el día 1ro. de enero de 2011; al 3.0% comenzando el 1ro. de enero de 2016, al 4.0% comenzando el día 1ro. de enero del 2017; y al 4.75% comenzando el día 1ro. de enero del 2018, vencedero el día 1ro. de agosto de 2047, según la escritura número 419, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 29 de diciembre de 2010, ante la Notario Público Denisse Marie Ocasio Rivera, inscrita al folio 101 del tomo 792 de Trujillo Alto, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección Cuarta, finca 9,039, Anotación A. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Lomas de Trujillo Alto, A-5, Calle 1, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $93,396.88 de principal, intereses variables desde el 1ro. de agosto de 2017, a razón de 4% anual, hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2017, y al 4.75% desde el 1ro. de enero de 2018, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $11,200.00 estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado y recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será de $112,000.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $74,666.67 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $56,000.00. Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente.

Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. 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 y que todo licitador acepta como suficiente la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabi-

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

lidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Podrán concurrir como postores a todas las subastas los titulares de créditos hipotecarios vigentes y posteriores a la hipoteca que se cobra o ejecuta, si alguno o que figuren como tales en la certificación registral y que podrán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de alguno en sus ofertas. Si la oferta aceptada es por cantidad mayor a la suma del crédito o créditos preferentes al suyo, al obtener la buena pro del remate, deberá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o en cheque de gerente, la totalidad del crédito hipotecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro créditos posteriores al que se ejecuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 22 de diciembre de 2020. MANUEL VILLAFAÑE BLANCO, ALGUACIL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA. ***

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO.

DELTA PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC. Plaintiff, v.

VERLAN INC., EDUARDO ARIEL VERA RAMÍREZ, WANDA PéREZ áLVAREZ, EILEEN LANDRÓN GUARDIOLA,

Defendants Civil No. 17-CV-01733 (WGY).

COLLECTION OF MONIES AND FORECLOSURE O F MORTGAGE AND OTHER COLLATERAL. NOTICE OF SALE.

TO: DEFENDANTS AND GENERAL PUBLIC

Judgment was entered in favor of plaintiff in the amount of $951,424.32, which is composed of $601,342.83 in principal, $332,308.73 in accrued interests, and $17,772.76 in late fees plus the amount of $121,103.76 per diem until full payment of the judgment.

Pursuant to the said judgment and/or the Order of Execution of Judgment, the undersigned appointed Special Master was ordered to sell, at public auction for U.S. currency in cash or certified check, without appraisement or right to redemption, to the highest bidder, at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 - Federal Building, Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, or at any other place designa-

ted by said Clerk, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the plaintiff, the following property: COMERCIAL: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Unidad de Oficina marcado con el número seiscientos once, ubicado en el Sexto Piso, del Condominio Centro Internacional de Mercadeo, Torre I, gobernado por el régimen de propiedad horizontal y localizado en el Barrio Pueblo Viejo, del Municipio de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Tiene una cabida de MIL NOVECIENTOS DOCE PUNTO CIENTO CINCUENTA Y CUATRO (1,912.154) pies cuadrados, equivalentes a CIENTO SETENTA Y SIETE PUNTO SEISCIENTOS CUARENTA Y CINCO (177.645) metros cuadrados. Su entrada principal se encuentra en el lado Este que la conecta con el corredor común del piso. Colinda por el Norte, en una extensión de cuarenta y tres pies cinco y media pulgada (43’5 ½”) equivalentes a trece punto doscientos cuarenta y seis (13.246) metros con la Oficina seiscientos doce (612); por el Sur, en una extensión de cuarenta y tres pies cinco y media pulgada (43’ 5 ½”) equivalentes a trece punto doscientos cuarenta y seis (12.346) metros con la Oficina seiscientos diez (610); por el Este, en una extensión de cuarenta y cuatro (44’) pies, equivalentes a trece punto cuatrocientos once (13.411) metros, con corredor de uso común del piso; y por el Oeste, en una extensión de cuarenta.

It is recorded at page 13 of volume one 1,440 of Guaynabo, Lot number 46,842, Guaynabo Property Registry. Physical Address: Centro Internacional de Mercadeo, 100 Road 165, Suite 611, Tower I, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. The property is subject to the following liens: A. Perpetuity easement in favor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico assigned to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, easements for the installation of underground and potable water pipes and for the installation of the electrical system and telephone lines, and easement. By itself: MORTGAGE in favor of Doral Bank, or its order, for the amount of $680,000.00, with an annual interest of 7.25% and due on March 1, 2021, as per deed #32, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on February 21, 2006, before the Notary Public Alexandra M. Serracante Cadilla, recorded at page 13 of volume 1440 of Guaynabo, third and last inscription. MODIFICATION OF MORTGAGE which arises from the third inscription, as per deed #532, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November, 2009, before the Notary Public Magda V. Alsina Figueroa, as per deed executed on September 23, 2010, before the same notary.

At entry 2017-108555-GU01 on December 4, 2017, Complaint

dated May 31, 2017 was filed before the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Civil Case #CV-01733WGY, Collection of Money and Execution of Mortgage, Bautista Cayman Asset Company, plaintiff v. Verlan, Inc.; Eduardo Ariel Vera Ramírez, Eileen Landrón Guardiola, defendants, for the sum of $601,342.83 principal, plus interest and other sums, or the sale of this farm in public auction. FEDERAL EMBARGO against Eduardo A. Vera Ramírez, address 100 Road 165, Tower I, Suite 203, Guaynabo, P.R. 00968, under the number 107828314, filed and noted on July 15, 2014, at page 227 of entry 2 of book #12 for the amount of $13,484.78.

FEDERAL EMBARGO against Eduardo A. Vera Ramírez, address 100 Road 165, Tower I, Suite 203, Guaynabo, P.R. 00968, under the number 107828114, filed and noted on July 16, 2014, at page 65 of entry 3 of book #7 for the amount of $13,484.78. FEDERAL EMBARGO against Eduardo A. Vera Ramírez, address 100 Road 165, Tower I, Suite 203, Guaynabo, P.R. 00968, under the number 107828414, filed and noted on August, 2014, at page 88 of entry 5 of book #6 for the amount of $13,484.78.

FEDERAL EMBARGO against Eduardo A. Vera Ramírez, S.S. XXX-XX-9817, address 100 Road 165, Tower I, Suite 203, Guaynabo, P.R. 00968, under the number 107828214, filed and noted on September 25, 2014, at page 138 of entry 5 of book #4 for the amount of $13,484.78. Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any property tax, liens, (express, tacit, implied or legal), shall continue in effect. It being understood further that the successful bidder accepts them and is subrogated in the responsibility for the same and that the bid price shall not be applied toward their cancellation. The first lien executed over the property and for the purposes of the first judicial sale the minimum bid amount is as follows: The amount of $680,000.00, as set forth in the mortgage deed, shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the first public sale. Should the first public sale fail to produce an award or adjudication, two-thirds of the aforementioned amount or $453,333.33 shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the second public sale. Should there be no award or adjudication at the second public sale, the minimum bidding amount for the third public sale shall be $340,000.00. Said sale to be made by the appointed Spe-

cial Master is subject to confirmation by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the deed of conveyance and possession to the property may be executed and delivered after the judicial sale. Upon confirmation of the sale, an order shall be issued canceling all junior liens. THEREFORE, public notice is hereby given that the appointed Special Master, pursuant to the provisions of the Judgment herein before referred to, will, on the 19th day of February, 2021, at 10:15 a.m., on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder the property described herein, the proceeds of said sale to be applied in the manner and form provided by the Court’s Judgment. Should the first judicial sale set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the second judicial sale of the property described in this Notice will be held on the 26th day of February, 2021, at 10:15 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Should the second judicial sale set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the third judicial sale of the property described in this Notice will be held on the 5th day of March, 2021, at 10:15 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

The records of the case and of these proceedings may be examined by the parties at the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 4th day of January, 2021. ÁGUEDO DE LA TORRE, APPOINTED SPECIAL MASTER.

LEGAL NOTICE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO.

XUANLU MUSIC LLC Plaintiff v.

C&C ELLEGANZA, INC.; PARAISO TERRENAL, INC.; CARLOS I. CUMBAS ORTIZ, EDNA N. PEÑA TORRES AND THE CUMBAS-PEÑA LEGAL CONJUGAL PARTNERSHIP

Defendants CIVIL NO. 16-01786 (SCC).

COLLECTION OF MONIES, FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGES AND OTHER COLLATERAL. NOTICE OF SALE.

TO: DEFENDANTS AND GENERAL PUBLIC

Judgment was entered in fa-

vor of plaintiff in the amount of (a) $2,195,620.58 under Loan Agreement I, which is divided as follows: $1,487,933.43 in principal, $539,215.66 in accrued interests, plus the amount of $7,113.99 in late fees, and $1,357.50 in valuation expenses. These sums accrue at a rate of $216.99 per day for interest for each day from February 29, 2017, through the date of payment in full. In addition to this sum and pursuant to the terms of Mortgage Note I, Defendants owe Xuanlu $160,000.00 in legal costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees; (b) $567,998.49 under Loan Agreement II, which is divided as follows: $346,234.47 in principal, $185,004.90 in accrued interests, plus the amount of $1,759.12 in late fees. These sums accrue at a rate of $43.28 per day for interest for each day from February 29, 2017, through the date of payment in full. In addition to this sum and pursuant to the terms of Mortgage Note II, Defendants owe Xuanlu $35,000.00 in legal costs and attorney’s fees.

Pursuant to the said judgment and/or the Order of Execution of Judgment, the undersigned appointed Special Master was ordered to sell, at public auction for U.S. currency in cash or certified check, without appraisement or right to redemption, to the highest bidder, at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 - Federal Building, Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, or at any other place designated by said Clerk, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the plaintiff, the following property: URBAN: Lot in the Monacillos Ward of the municipality of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, marked with the number forty-one (41) of Block ED of the Puerto Nuevo Development, property of the Everlasting Development Corporation, with a Surface area of four hundred twenty point eighty square meters (420.80 sq.m.). Bordering on the NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST with lands property of the Everlasting Development Corporation and facing on the South with a street called Roosevelt Avenue of the Development. Embedded on this lot is a two-story cement blocks and reinforced concrete house dedicated to housing and commerce. Property Number 6,344, recorded at page 206 of volume 975 of Monacillos, Registry of Property of Puerto Rico, Section III of San Juan. Physical Address: 1119 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Ave., San Juan, Puerto Rico. The property is subject to the following liens: Traffic conditions by its origin. By itself: MORTGAGE in favor of Western Bank, or its order, for the amount of $1,600,000.00, with an annual interest of 8.99% and due on

presentation, as per deed #579, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on August 4, 2006, before the Notary Public Juan Carlos Ortega Torres, recorded at page 207 of volume 975 of Monacillos, 12th inscription.

MORTGAGE in favor of Western Bank, or its order, for the amount of $350,000.00, with an annual fluctuant interest announced for Citibank and due on presentation, as per deed #579, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on August 4, 2006, before the Notary Public Juan Carlos Ortega Torres, recorded at page 207 of volume 975 of Monacillos, 12th inscription. COMPLAINT ANNOTATION dated May 17, 2017, filed before the United States, District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Civil case number 16-01786, Collection of Money and Foreclosure of Mortgage, Triangle Cayman Asset Company 2, LLC v. C&C Elleganza, Inc., Paraíso Terrenal, Inc., Carlos I. Cumbas Ortiz and Edna N. Peña Torres and the Legal Conjugal Partnership between them, requesting the payment of the mortgages that result from the 12th and 15th inscriptions in the amount of $2,440,026.00 in principal or the sale of the property at public auction, filed on Karibe, annotation A, dated March 27, 2018.

Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any property tax, liens, (express, tacit, implied or legal), shall continue in effect.

It being understood further that the successful bidder accepts them and is subrogated in the responsibility for the same and that the bid price shall not be applied toward their cancellation. The first lien executed over the property and for the purposes of the first judicial sale the minimum bid amount is as follows: The amount of $1,600,000.00, as set forth in the mortgage deed, shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the first public sale. Should the first public sale fail to produce an award or adjudication, two-thirds of the aforementioned amount or $1,066,666.67 shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the second public sale. Should there be no award or adjudication at the second public sale, the minimum bidding amount for the third public sale shall be $800,000.00.

Said sale to be made by the appointed Special Master is subject to confirmation by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the deed of conveyance and possession to the property may be executed and delivered after the judicial sale. Upon confirmation of the sale, an order shall be issued canceling all junior liens.

The San Juan Daily Star THEREFORE, public notice is hereby given that the appointed Special Master, pursuant to the provisions of the Judgment herein before referred to, will, on the 19th day of February, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder the property described herein, the proceeds of said sale to be applied in the manner and form provided by the Court’s Judgment. Should the first judicial sale set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the second judicial sale of the property described in this Notice will be held on the 26th day of February, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Should the second judicial sale set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the third judicial sale of the property described in this Notice will be held on the 5th day of March, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

The records of the case and of these proceedings may be examined by the parties at the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 4th day of January, 2021. ÁGUEDO DE LA TORRE, APPOINTED SPECIAL MASTER.

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO.

BAUTISTA REO PR CORP. Plaintiff, v.

JOSUÉ CARRIÓN CARRERO

Defendant Civil No.: 15-3038 (ADC). COLLECTION OF MONIES AND FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE IN REM. NOTICE OF SALE.

TO: DEFENDANT AND GENERAL PUBLIC

Judgment was entered in favor of plaintiff, as of August 15, 2018, in the total amount of $245,750.69, composed of: (i) the principal amount of $171,374.60 (ii) interests in the amount of $42,903.11, which continue to accrue until full payment of debt at the annual rate of 7.5% (and at a per diem rate of $35.70); (iii) accrued late charges in the amount of $2,149.23 in late charges, (iv) additional agreed upon charges for valuation, environmental costs and insurance in the amount of $9,723.75, and (v) $19,600.00 in contractually agreed-upon attorney’s fees

and legal costs. Pursuant to the said judgment and/or the Order of Execution of Judgment, the undersigned appointed Special Master was ordered to sell, at public auction for U.S. currency in cash or certified check, without appraisement or right to redemption, to the highest bidder, at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 - Federal Building, Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, or at any other place designated by said Clerk, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the plaintiff, the following property: URBANA: Solar radicado en la Urbanización Villa Fontana situada en el Barrio Sabana Abajo del término municipal de Carolina, Puerto Rico, que se describe con el número, área y colindancias que se describen a continuación: Número del solar: 116 de la manzana 2 AL. Área de 341.55 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el Norte, con la Avenida Monserrate en una distancia de 13.50 metros; por el Sur, con la calle número 52 en una distancia de 13.50 metros; por el Este, con el solar número 115, en una distancia de 25.30 metros; por el Oeste, con el solar número 117, en una distancia de 25.30 metros.

Enclava una casa. The Property is described in the Spanish language as follows: URBAN: Lot located at Villa Fontana Development, situated in Sabana Abajo Ward of the Municipality of Carolina, that is described with the Number 116 of Block 2 AL, with an area of 341.55 square meters. Bounded by the North, with Monserrate Avenue, distance of 13.50 meters; by the South with Street No. 52, distance of 13.50 meters; by the East, with Lot no. 115, distance of 25.30 meters and by the West, with Lot No. 117 distance of 25.30 meters. The property described above is recorded at page 176 of volume 229 of Carolina, property number 8,683, Registry of Property of Carolina, First Section. The property is subject to the following liens:

BY ITS ORIGIN: Easements in favor of Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority; Puerto Rico Railroad Light and Power Authority; Puerto Rico Telephone Company; Municipality of Carolina; Restrictive Conditions; easements in favor of the Property #11120 Property of the Sabana Corporation. By itself: MORTGAGE in guarantee of note in favor of Centro Hipotecario de Puerto Rico, or to its order, in the principal amount of$ 196,000.00, with a yearly interest rate of 7½ %, as per Deed No. 306, on December 23rd, 2005 in San Juan, Puerto Rico before Notary Public Magaly Rodríguez Batista, recorded at page 206vto of volume 968 of Carolina, property 8683, 6th inscription. COMPLAINT ANNOTATION: The object of

Monday, February 1, 2021 this annotation is the Mortgage in favor of Centro Hipotecario de Puerto Rico, Inc. for the sum of $196,000.00 that arises from registration #6th.

PLAINTIFF: Bautista Cayman Asset Company DEFENDANT: Josué Carrión Carrero, Amount owed $171,374.60 for principal plus interest, according to LAWSUIT ISSUED by the United States Bankruptcy District of Puerto Rico in the civil case #15-3038 on December 10, 2015. Registered to the volume Karibe ANNOTATION A, dated the April 3rd, 2018.

Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any property tax, liens, (express, tacit, implied or legal), shall continue in effect.

It being understood further that the successful bidder accepts them and is subrogated in the responsibility for the same and that the bid price shall not be applied toward their cancellation. The liens executed are over the property, and for the purposes of the first judicial sale the minimum bid amount is as follows: The amount of $196,000.00, as set forth in the mortgage deed, as amended, shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the first public sale. Should the first public sale fail to produce an award or adjudication, two-thirds of the aforementioned total amount or $130,666.67, shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the second public sale.

Should there be no award or adjudication at the second public sale, the minimum bidding amount for the third public sale shall be $98,000.00. Said sale to be made by the appointed Special Master is subject to confirmation by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the deed of conveyance and possession to the property may be executed and delivered after the judicial sale. Upon confirmation of the sale, an order shall be issued canceling all junior liens. THEREFORE, public notice is hereby given that the appointed Special Master, pursuant to the provisions of the Judgment herein before referred to, will, on the 19th day of February, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder the property described herein, the proceeds of said sale to be applied in the manner and form provided by the Court’s Judgment. Should the first judicial sale set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the second judicial sale of the property described in this

Notice will be held on the 26th day of February, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

Should the second judicial sale set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the third judicial sale of the property described in this Notice will be held on the 5th day of March, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

The records of the case and of these proceedings may be examined by the parties at the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 4th day of January, 2021. ÁGUEDO DE LA TORRE, APPOINTED SPECIAL MASTER.

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO.

BAUTISTA REO PR CORP.; Plaintiff, v.

DARÍO EVANGELISTA ORTIZ DE LEÓN a/k/a DARÍO ORTIZ DE LEÓN a/k/a DARÍO ORTIZ LEÓN;

Defendant Civil No. 16-3009 (JAG). COLLECTION OF MONIES AND FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGES. NOTICE OF SALES.

TO: DEFENDANT AND GENERAL PUBLIC

Judgment was entered in favor of plaintiff, as of November 15, 2016, in the sum of i)$198,786.97, comprised of: $141,663.89 in principal; interests in the amount of $36,183.32 which continues to accrue until full payment of the debt at $29.52 per diem; accrued late charges in the amount of $2,188.76; valuation expenses in the amount of $2,800.00; $75.00 in legal expenses, $276.00 in insurance costs, and any other advance, charge, fee or disbursements made by Bautista, on behalf of Defendant, under the Loan Agreement I, the Mortgage I and Mortgage Note I, plus costs and agreed attorney’s fees in the amount of $15,600; ii) as of November 15, 2016, Defendant owes Plaintiff the total sum of $380,531.13, comprised of: $281,372.14 in principal; interests in the amount of $60,284.70 which continues to accrue until full payment of the debt at $54.71 per diem; accrued late charges in the amount of $3,128.54; valuation expenses in the amount of $4,000; $210.00 in legal expenses, $35.75 in title costs, and any other advance, charge, fee or disbursements made by Bautis-

ta, on behalf of Defendant, the under the Loan Agreement II, the Mortgage II and Mortgage Note II, plus costs and agreed attorney’s fees in the amount of $31,500.00. Pursuant to the said judgment and/or the Order of Execution of Judgment, the undersigned appointed Special Master was ordered to sell, at public auction for U.S. currency in cash or certified check, without appraisement or right to redemption, to the highest bidder, at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 - Federal Building, Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, or at any other place designated by said Clerk, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the plaintiff, the following properties: Property No. 8,398. URBAN: Plot of land with house located on Bartolomé Las Casas Street in the North Section of the Santurce Ward in the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with an area of 316.50 square meters.

Bounded by the NORTH, at 21.09 meters with property of Elisa Raldiris; by the SOUTH, at 20.944 meters, with property of Víctor López Nussa with the rest of principal lot segregated of Mr. López Nusa; by the EAST, at 15.04 meters, with property of Ruquis Rolla Lutz; and by the WEST, at 15.13 meters with Las Casas Avenue.

Recorded at page 7 of volume 209, property number 8,398 of Santurce North, Puerto Rico Property Registry, First Section of San Juan. Physical Address: 527 Bartolomé Las Casas Street, Santurce Norte Ward, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936.

The Property is described in the Spanish language as follows: URBANA: Solar con casa situado en la Calle Bartolomé Las Casas en la sección norte del Barrio Santurce de San Juan, Puerto Rico, con un área de 316.50 metro cuadrados. Colindando por el NORTE, en 21.09 metros, con solar de doña Elisa Raldiris; por el SUR, en 20.944 metros, con el resto de la finca principal de que se segrega del Señor López Nusa; por el ESTE, en 15.04 metros, con Ruquis Rolla Lutz; y por el OESTE, en 15.13 metros con Avenida Las Casas. Inscrita al folio 7 del tomo 209 de Santurce Norte, finca número 8,398, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección Primera de San Juan.” Dirección Física: Calle Bartolomé Las Casas 527, Barrio Santurce Norte, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936.

The property is subject to the following liens: Free of charge due to its origin. By itself: MORTGAGE in favor of Sana Investment Mortgage Bankers, Inc., for the amount of $156,000.00, with annual interest at 7½% and due on November 1, 2012, as per Deed #532, executed on October 31, 2005, before Public Notary Pylar Gó-

21

mez Vélez, recorded at page 475 of volume 1235 of Santurce Norte, 21st inscription. PENDING for recorded at entry 2016-122516-SJ01, on December 5, 2016, Complaint dated November 22, 2016, Civil Case #16-CV-03009, in the US District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Bautista Cayman Asset Company v. Darío Evangelista Ortiz de León a/k/a Darío Ortiz de León a/k/a Darío Ortiz León. Amount claimed $198,435.97. of November 22, 2016, about mortgage foreclosure and monies collection, followed, JAG in favor of, in which it is claimed the amount of $198,435.97. for the mortgage of $156,000.00. Property No. 8,531. URBAN: Plot of land located at Monacillos Ward in the Municipality of Río Piedras, now San Juan, Puerto Rico, marked with #8-A of LB block of the Caparra Terrace Development, with a surface area of 237.50 square meters more or less. Its boundaries are: by the NORTH, in LB block; by the SOUTH, in 25.00 meters, with lot #9 of LB block; by the EAST, in 9.50 meters, with San Fernando Avenue (South) of the Development; and by the WEST, in 9.50 meters, with lot #13 of LB block. It contains a reinforced, flattop roof and floor slabs, independent dwelling, comprising of 3 bedrooms with its closets, living-dining room, a kitchen with a closet, a balcony and one bathroom. Recorded at mobile volume 10 of Monacillos, property number 8,531, Puerto Rico Property Registry, Third Section of San Juan. Physical Address: 760 Ave. De Diego, Caparra Terrace, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00921. The Property is described in the Spanish language as follows: URBANA: Solar sito en el Barrio Monacillos de la Municipalidad de Río Piedras, antes, hoy San Juan, Puerto Rico, marcado con el #8-A de la manzana LB, de la urbanización Caparra Terrace, con un área superficial de 237.50 metros cuadrados más o menos, el cual colinda por el NORTE, en la Manzana LB; por el SUR, en 25.00 metros con el Solar #9 de la Manzana LB; por el ESTE, en 9.50 metros con San Fernando Avenue (South) de la Urbanización; y por OESTE, en 9.50 metros con el Solar #13 de la Manzana LB; Enclava una casa de concreto armado con techo de azotea y piso de lozas del país, de una sola planta que constituye una vivienda independiente, consistiendo de tres dormitorios con sus closets, sala-comedor, en una sola unidad, cocina con su closet, balcón y cuarto de baño. Inscrita al folio móvil 10 de Monacillos, finca número 8,531, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección Tercera de San Juan, inscripción 10ma.” Dirección Física: Ave. De Diego #760, Caparra Terrace, San Juan, Puerto Rico

00921. The property is subject to the following liens: By its origin: A. Puerto Rico Railroad Light and Power Authority. B. Government of the Capital. C. Restrictive Convenants and Median Wall Easement. By itself: MORTGAGE in favor of Sana Mortgage Corporation, or to its order, for the amount of $315,000.00, 7% annual interest rate, due on February 1, 2016, as per Deed #217, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on December 30, 2005, before Notary Public Xana M. Connelly Pagán, recorded at page 111 of volume 1067 of Monacillos, 9th inscription. COMPLAINT ANNOTATION: Filed on November 22, 2016 before the US District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, civil case #3:16-CV03009-JAG, about Collection of Monies and Mortgage Foreclosure, in favor of Bautista Cayman Asset Company, in which is claimed the amount of $380,285.38 for the mortgage of $315,000.00, guaranteed by this property and the amount of $198,435.97 for another mortgage of $156,000.00, guaranteed by property 8398 of Santurce Norte, recorded on December 15, 2016, to the Karibe Volume, annotation A. (2016-122517-SJ03). Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any property tax, liens, (express, tacit, implied or legal), shall continue in effect. It being understood further that the successful bidder accepts them and is subrogated in the responsibility for the same and that the bid price shall not be applied toward their cancellation. The liens executed are over the properties, and for the purposes of the first judicial sales the minimum bid amount is as follows: a) Property No. 8,398 - The amount of $156,000.00, as set forth in the mortgage deed, shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the first public sale. Should the first public sale fail to produce an award or adjudication, two-thirds of the aforementioned amount or $104,000.00 shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the second public sale. Should there be no award or adjudication at the second public sale, the minimum bidding amount for the third public sale shall be $78,000.00. b) Property No. 8,531 - The amount of $315,000.00, as set forth in the mortgage deed, shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the first public sale. Should the first public sale fail to produce an award or adjudication, two-thirds of the aforementioned amount or $210,000.00 shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the second

public sale. Should there be no award or adjudication at the second public sale, the minimum bidding amount for the third public sale shall be $157,500.00.

Said sales to be made by the appointed Special Master is subject to confirmation by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the deed of conveyance and possession to the properties may be executed and delivered after the judicial sales. Upon confirmation of the sales, an order shall be issued canceling all junior liens. THEREFORE, public notice is hereby given that the appointed Special Master, pursuant to the provisions of the Judgment herein before referred to, will, on the 19th day of February, 2021, at 10:45 a.m. for Property 8,398; at 11:00 a.m. for Property 8,531, on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court, Room 150, Federal Building, Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder the properties described herein, the proceeds of said sales to be applied in the manner and form provided by the Court’s Judgment. Should the first judicial sales set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the second judicial sales of the properties described in this Notice will be held on the 26th day of February, 2021, at 10:45 a.m. for Property 8,398; at 11:00 a.m. for Property 8,531 on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court located at the address indicated above.

Should the second judicial sales set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the third judicial sales of the properties described in this Notice will be held on the 5th day of March, 2021, at 10:45 a.m. for Property 8,398; at 11:00 a.m. for Property 8,531, on the sidewalk in front of the main gate entrance of the United States District Court located at the address indicated above. The records of the case and of these proceedings may be examined by the parties at the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 4th day of January, 2021. Águedo De la Torre Alma, APPOINTED SPECIAL MASTER.

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

FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO Demandante v.

LBR GROUP, INC.; REYNALDO LUIS LANDA RODRIGUEZ, MARIA DE LOURDES

22 ROSADO RODRIGUEZ Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS: REYNALDO LUIS LANDA FERNANDEZ, MAYRA BARBARA BARBARA LEON Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Demandados CIVIL NUM.: FCD2017-0510 (401). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. Yo, Manuel Villafañe Blanco, Alguacil del Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala de Carolina, al Público HAGO SABER: Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que se me libró con fecha 15 de septiembre de 2020, por la Secretaria de este Tribunal, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor con dinero en efectivo, cheque de gerente o letra bancaria con similar garantía, todo título, derecho o interés de la parte demandada de epígrafe sobre la siguiente propiedad perteneciente a la parte demandada, la cual se describe a continuación: URBAN: Lot located at Sabana Gardens Development in Sabana Abajo Ward of Carolina, Puerto Rico, described as follows: lot six of Block one, with an area of six hundred twenty three point forty five square meters, bounded by the NORTH, in thirty three point sixty three meters, with Campo Rico Main Street; on the SOUTH, by lot seven and Street number two, distance of twenty four meters and nine point fifty meters; on the EAST, by lot number five, Street number two, distance of seventeen point thirteen meters and four meters; and on the WEST, by mall, distance of eighteen point twenty three meters. Consta inscrita al folio 90 del tomo 299 de Carolina, finca núm. 11,332, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de Carolina. Dirección física: # I-6 Ave. Campo Rico, Bo. Sabana Gardens, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00926. Finca 11,332. Por su procedencia está afecta a: a. Servidumbre a favor de la finca número 6,904, propiedad de Torrecillas Realty Corp. b. Servidumbre a favor de la Autoridad de Fuentes Fluviales de Puerto Rico. c. Servidumbre a favor de la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados de Puerto Rico. d. Servidumbre a favor del Municipio de Carolina. e. Condiciones restrictivas.

Por sí estará afecta a: a. Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Firstbank Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $249,000.00, con intereses al 5% anual sobre el

“Prime Rate”, vencedero el día 1 de agosto de 2029, constituida mediante la escritura número 83, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 24 de abril de 2004, ante el notario Jorge L. Mendin, e inscrita al folio 124 del tomo 974 de Carolina, finca número 11,332, inscripción 9na. Sujeta a cláusulas que aceleraran su vencimiento. b.

Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor del Portador, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $181,000.00, con intereses al 3% anual sobre el “Prime Rate”, vencedero el día 24 de abril de 2029, constituida mediante la escritura número 10, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 24 de abril de 2009, ante el notario Miguel Ricardo Garay Auban, e inscrita al folio 124 del tomo 974 de Carolina, finca número 11,332, inscripción 10ma. y última. Sujeta a cláusulas que aceleran su vencimiento. c. Aviso de Demanda de fecha 8 de junio de 2017, expedido en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina, en el Caso Civil número FCD2017-0510, seguido por Firstbank Puerto Rico versus LBR Group, Inc.; Reynaldo Luis Landa Rodríguez; María De Lourdes Rosado Rodríguez y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos; Reynaldo Luis Landa Fernández; Mayra Bárbara Bárbara León y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos, por la suma de $200,859.40, más intereses y otras sumas adicionales, anotado el día 13 de junio de 2017, al tomo Karibe de Carolina, finca número 11,332, Anotación “B”. La venta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer a FirstBank Puerto Rico el importe de la Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, ascendente al 1 de junio de 2017 la suma total de $200,859.40, dividido de la siguiente manera: $193,744.23 de principal,$6,726.72 en intereses y $388.45 por concepto de cargos por mora, más los intereses y cargos que en adelante se acumulen a la tasa de interés pactada hasta su total y completo pago a razón de $37.67 “per diem” y honorarios de abogado equivalentes al 10% del importe inicial del pagaré, entiéndase $24,900.00.

El tipo 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 9 de marzo de 2021, a las 9:00 de la mañana. Tipo mínimo: $249,000.00. Si no produjere remate o adjudicación la primera subasta, se procederá a una segunda subasta y servirá de tipo mínimo 2/3 partes del valor de la transacción. Segunda Subasta: Se celebrará el día 16 de marzo de 2021, a las 9:00 de la mañana. Si tampoco hubiere remate ni adjudicación en esta segunda subasta, se procederá a una tercera subasta,

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

en esta el tipo mínimo será la ½ del valor de tasación. Tercera Subasta: Se celebrará el día 24 de marzo de 2021, a las 9:00 de la mañana. 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 Carolina, 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, siendo éste el mejor postor. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante el título del inmueble y las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistiendo, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. 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 Superior de San Juan, durante horas laborables.

Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda persona que tenga interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, si alguna, y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general el presente edicto se publicará en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico dos (2) veces por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones.

Se fijará, además, por espacio de dos (2) semanas mediante avisos por escrito visiblemente colocados en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio donde ha de celebrarse la subasta, estos lugares serán la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía de dicho Municipio. Se notificará a la parte demandada copia del edicto de subasta mediante correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida. Se expresa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Expido el presente edicto bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina.

En Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 22 de diciembre de 2020. Manuel Villafañe Blanco, ALGUACIL SUPERIOR.

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

LUNA ACQUISITION, LLC Demandante vs.

RONALD ALVAREZ LUNA, SONIA

SANTIAGO COLON Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados CIVIL NÚM.: ECD2016-0703 (802). SALON NÚM.: SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA 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, Angel Gomez Gomez, Alguacil del Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala de Caguas, al Público HAGO SABER: Que en cumplimiento de la Sentencia dictada el 12 de octubre de 2016, notificada el 17 de octubre de 2016, de la cual surge que la parte demandada adeuda a la demandante la suma principal de $113,218.84, intereses vencidos que al 15 de septiembre de 2016, ascienden a $5,582.32 y los que se continúen acumulando al tipo pactado hasta el pago total y completo de la obligación, la suma de $620.59 por concepto de cargos por demora, la suma de $110.24 por concepto de otros cargos, la suma de $3.60 por concepto de “escrow balance”, más la suma de $13,705.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado y a tenor con el Mandamiento Enmendado de Ejecución de Sentencia In Rem que se me libró con fecha de 13 de marzo de 2020, por la Secretaría de este Honorable Tribunal de Caguas, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor, la siguiente propiedad inmueble, la cual se describe a continuación: RUSTICA: Solar número tres (3) localizado en el Barrio Ceiba del término municipal de Cidra, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de ochocientos sesenta punto cero cero dos metros cuadrados (860.002mc). Colindando por el NORTE, en veintisiete punto seiscientos noventa y cuatro metros (27.694m) con el solar número dos (2); por el SUR, en treinta y cuatro punto seiscientos treinta y ún metros (34.631m) con terrenos de Don Gilberto Ferrer López; por el ESTE, en tres (3) alineaciones de quince punto cuatrocientos noventa y ún metros (15.491m), cinco punto cero cero metros (5.00m) y ocho punto cero cero metros (8.00m) con área dedicada a uso público; y por el OESTE, en treinta punto ochocientos doce metros (30.812m), con terreno de finca principal.

Inscrita al folio 46 del tomo 305 de Cidra, finca número 11,927, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección II de Caguas. Por su procedencia está afecta a: Servidumbre como Predio Sirviente. Esta propie-

dad tiene el siguiente número de catastro en el Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM) 442-750-140-8416-001. La dirección física del inmueble anteriormente descrito es: 87 CALLE TOPACIO, CIDRA, PR 00739. Sobre la antes descrita propiedad se encuentra inscrito el siguiente gravamen posterior: i. “EMBARGO FEDERAL contra Ronald Alvarez Luna, Seguro Social xxx-xx-5050, por la suma de $8,858.85, notificación número 719974410, presentado el día 12 de agosto de 2010, Renovado el día 1 de julio de 2019, anotado al Folio 41, Asiento 5, del Libro de Embargos Federales Número 5. ii. EMBARGO FEDERAL “Refilling” contra Ronald Alvarez Luna, seguro social xxx-xx-5050, por la suma de $2,742.58, notificación número 330819018, Certificación de fecha 26 de octubre de 2018, anotado el día 28 de noviembre del 2018, al Asiento 2018-010355-FED del Sistema Karibe. iii. Aviso de demanda del día 16 de junio de 2016, expedido en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Caguas, en el Caso Civil número ECD2016-0703, seguido por Oriental Bank, contra Ronald Alvarez Luna y su esposa Sonia Santiago Colón por la suma de $113,218.84, anotado el día 27 de diciembre de 2016, al tomo Karibe de Cidra, finca número 11,927, Anotación A y última. Esta anotación 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 24 de FEBRERO de 2021, a las 9:45 de la _MAÑANA. Precio Mínimo: $137,050.00. SEGUNDA SUBASTA: Se celebrará el día 4 de MARZO de 2021, a las 9:45 de la MAÑANA. Precio Mínimo: $91,366.66. TERCERA SUBASTA: Se celebrará el día 11 de MARZO de 2021, a las 9:45 de la MAÑANA_. Precio Mínimo: $68,525.00. 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 Caguas, 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 pro-

ducto 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 Caguas 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, Alcaldía y la Colecturía de Rentas Internas 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 Caguas, Puerto Rico, a 19 de enero de 2021. Angel Gomez Gomez, ALGUACIL SUPERIOR. ****

LEGAL NOTICE

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Y SUNWEST MORTGAGE COMPANY, INC. COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO Demandante v.

SUCN DE RAMON MELENDEZ COLON COMPUESTA POR SU VIUDA LILLIAM ANTONIA ANZALOTA RIVERA POR SI; SU HEREDERA CONOCIDA MEILING MELENDEZ ARZALOTA, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE

TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERES EN DICHA SUCESION; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandado(a) Civil: BY2020CV02937. SALA: 703. Sobre: EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: SUCESION DE RAMON MELENDEZ COMPUESTA POR SU VIUDA LILLIAN ANTONIA ANZALOTA RIVERA; POR SI, SU HEREDERA CONOCIDA MELING MELENDEZ ANZOLOTA; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERES DE DICHA SUCESION

(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 22 de enero de 2021, 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 25 de enero de 2021. En BAYAMON, Puerto Rico, el 25 de enero de 2021. LCDA. LAURA I SANTA SANCHEZ, Secretaria. f/MARIA E. COLLAZO, Sec Auxiliar.

Demandado(a) Civil: BY2020CV03136 (402).

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: SUCESION DE CARMEN ORTIZ DELGADO COMPUESTA POR FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERES DE DICHA SUCESION

(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 22 de enero de 2021, 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 25 de enero de 2021. En BAYAMON, Puerto Rico, el 25 de enero de 2021. LCDA. LAURA I SANTA SANCHEZ, Secretaria. f/ELIBETH M. TORRES ALICEA, Sec Auxiliar.

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

ORIENTAL BANK Demandante v.

A/C INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, CORP., ET AL

Demandado CIVIL NÚM: FCD2011-0933 (402). SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN Estado Libre Asociado de Puer- DE HIPOTECA. ESTADOS to Rico TRIBUNAL GENERAL UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL DE JUSTICIA Tribunal de Pri- PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTAmera Instancia Sala Superior DOS UNIDOS ESTADO LIBRE de BAYAMON. ASOCIADO DE PUERTO ORIENTAL BANK RICO. SS. EDICTO DE SUDemandante v.

BASTA. Yo, Manuel Villafañe SUCESION DE CARMEN Blanco, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, al público en ORTIZ DELGADO general: CERTIFICO Y HAGO COMPUESTA POR SABER En cumplimiento de un FULANO DE TAL Mandamiento de Ejecución de Y SUTANO DE TAL Sentencia fechado el 16 de diciembre de 2020, que me ha COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera InstanPARTES CON INTERES cia, Sala Superior de Carolina,

LEGAL NOTICE

DE DICHA SUCESION

The San Juan Daily Star 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 Carolina, 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 A/C INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, CORP., ET AL.: Inscrita al folio 225 del tomo 491 de Carolina, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Carolina II, finca número 20,103. URBANA: Parcela de terreno radicada en el Barrio Canovanillas de Carolina, Puerto Rico marcado con el número once del plano de inscripción del Proyecto Heaven Hills, compuesto de tres mil doscientos cuerentiocho metros cuadrados con seiscientos treinticinco milésimas de metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en setenticuatro metros con el solar creado por la Junta de Planificación en el caso número cinco guion sesenta y ocho guion cero quinientos cincuentiocho LS; por el SUR, en sesentitres metros con veintiséis centímetros con la carretera de la finca principal; por el ESTE, en treintisiete metros con veinticinco centímetros con terrenos de Gloria Mojica; y por el OESTE, en treintinueve metros cincuenta centímetros con camino municipal. Enclava una casa. Es el Remanente de esta finca luego de deducida la nota de segregación al margen de la inscripción 1ra., según la escritura número 11, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 10 de mayo del 1977, ante el notario Rafael A. Soto Silva, e inscrito al folio 226 vuelto del tomo 491 de Carolina, finca número 20,103, inscripción 3ra.

ORIGEN REGISTRAL: Se segrega de la finca número 6,023, inscrita al folio 188 del tomo 139 de Carolina. PLENO DOMINIO: Consta inscrito al folio 152 del tomo 1356 de Carolina, a favor de A/C Industrial Services, Corp., cuya entidad lo adquirió por compraventa a Jose Luis Guzman Alvarez y su esposa Alba Nydia Torres Gotay, por el precio de $320,000.00, mediante la escritura número 127, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 19 de agosto de 2005, ante el notario Mariluz Cardona Soto, finca número 20,103, inscripción 10ma. GRAVÁMENES: i. Por su procedencia está: LIBRE DE CARGAS. ii. Por sí está afecta a: 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 $320,000.00, con intereses al 12% anual, vencedero a la presentación, constituida mediante la escritura número 128, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico,

el día 19 de agosto de 2005, ante el notario Mariluz Cardona Soto, e inscrita al folio 152 del tomo 1356 de Carolina, finca número 20,103, inscripción 11va. b. Aviso de Demanda de fecha 15 de junio de 2011, expedido en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, Caso Civil número FCD2011-0933, por concepto de Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca, por la Vía Ordinaria, seguido por Scotiabank de Puerto Rico, versus A/C Industrial Services, Corp., por la suma de $320,000.00 y otras sumas, anotado el día 6 de octubre de 2011, al folio 152 del tomo 1356 de Carolina, finca número 20,103, Anotación A. OBSERVACIÓN: Embargo Federal contra A/C Industrial Services, Corp., seguro social xxxxx3201, dirección Carretera 858 km 2.6, Bo. Alta Cruz, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00987, por la suma de $57,905.65, notificación número 730851810, presentado el día 29 de diciembre de 2010, anotado al folio 14, Orden número 4, del libro de Embargos Federales número 6. Embargo Federal contra A/C Industrial Services, Corp., seguro social xx-xxx3201, dirección Carretera 858 km 2.6, Bo. Santa Cruz, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00987, por la suma de $85,192.38, notificación número 211126616, presentado el día 2 de mayo de 2016, al Asiento 2016-004087-FED. Embargo Federal contra A/C Industrial Services, Corp., seguro social xx-xxx3201, dirección Carretera 858 km 2.6, Bo. Santa Cruz, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00987, por la suma de $19,025.99, notificación número 825452911, presentadoel día 9 de noviembre de 2011, anotado al folio 72, Asiento 5, del libro de Embargos Federales número 6. Embargo Federal contra A/C Industrial Services, Corp., seguro social xxxxx3201, dirección Carretera 858 km 2.6, Bo. Santa Cruz, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00987, por la suma de $27,223.95, notificación número 757447411, presentado el día 1 de marzo de 2011, anotado al folio 46, Asiento 2, del libro de Embargos Federales número 6. Embargo Estatal contra A/C Industrial Services, Corp., seguro social xx-xxx3201, número de embargo CAR-15-872, por la suma de $39,916.11, Certificación fecha de 8 de octubre de 2015, presentado el día 13 de octubre de 2015, anotado al folio 40, Orden número 4461, del libro de Embargos Federales número 20. Embargo Estatal contra A/C Industrial Services, Corp., seguro social xxxxx3201, número de embargo CAR-15-871, por la suma de $32,134.76, Certificación fecha de 8 de octubre de 2015 presentado el día 13 de octubre de 2015, anotado al folio 39, Orden número 4460, del libro de Embargos Federales número

Monday, February 1, 2021 20. El precio mínimo de este remate con relación a la Finca 20,103 antes descrita y la fecha de cada subasta serán la siguiente: Primera Subasta: 5 de marzo de 2021, Hora: 1:45pm, Precio Mínimo: $320,000.00, Hipoteca: Hipoteca constituida por la escritura número 128 otorgada el 19 de agosto de 2005 en San Juan, Puerto Rico ante la Notario Público Mariluz Cardona Soto. Segunda Subasta: 12 de marzo de 2021, Hora: 1:45pm, Precio Mínimo: $213,333.33. Tercera Subasta: 19 de marzo de 2021, Hora: 1:45pm, Precio Mínimo: $160,000.00. 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 1 de abril de 2016, y archivada den autos el 12 de mayo de 2016, 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 en el agregado de $491,044.87 la cual inlcuye principal, intereses acumulados, cargos por demora y cuenta de reserva, mas la suma de $32,000.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, pactados con el pagaré y en la escritura de hipoteca. 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 Carolina, Puerto Rico, hoy día 13 de enero de 2021. Manuel VIllafañe Blanco, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE VEGA BAJA.

ORIENTAL BANK Demandante vs.

JAIME TOMAS ROSARIO JUSTICIA y su esposa MICHELLE MARIE CACHO GOMEZ y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos

Demandados CIVIL NÚM. D4CD2016-0086 (201). SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO (Ejecución de Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria) “IN REM”.

EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: Público en General A: JAIME TOMAS ROSARIO JUSTICIA y su esposa MICHELLE MARIE CACHO GOMEZ y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos; LA AUTORIDAD PARA EL FINANCIAMIENTO DE LA VIVIENDA DE PUERTO RICO, por tener Hipoteca en Garantía de Pagaré a su favor por la suma de $4,500.00.

Yo, ALG. FREDDY OMAR RODRIGUEZ COLLAZO, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el 17 DE FEBRERO DE 2021 a las 11:15 de la mañana en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Vega Baja, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia.

Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Vega Baja 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 24 de febrero de 2021, a las 11:15 de la mañana; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 3 de marzo de 2021, a las 11:15 de la mañana en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: RUSTICA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento número Setecientos Veintiuno (721), localizado en el Edificio número Siete (7), piso dos del CONDOMINIO VISTAS DE LA VEGA, el cual esta situado en el Barrio Espinosa del término municipal de Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. Unidad individual de vivienda de un nivel de altura construída de hormigón reforzado y bloques de concreto, con puertas de madera y ventanas de aluminio y cristal. Según detalla en el plano, colinda por el NORTE, con “planting”, acera, área de estacionamiento y la calle interior del complejo; por el SUR, con el patio posterior del Edificio; por el ESTE, con el área verde del proyecto; y por el OESTE, con la unidad de apartamento número Setecientos Veintidós (722). Esta unidad consta de un área de construcción bruta de OCHOCIENTOS CINCO (805) PIES CUADRADOS, equivalentes a SETENTA Y CUATRO PUNTO SETENTA Y OCHO CUARENTA Y CINCO (74.7845) METROS CUADRADOS. Como área privada de vivienda, dividida como sigue: incluye sala, comedor, cocina, un baño, área de lavandería, tres dormitorios con closet y una terraza exterior techada. A esta unidad le corresponde el cero punto seiscientos veinticinco porciento (0.625%) en los elementos comunes generales del Condominio Vistas de la Vega.

A esta unidad le corresponde para su único y exclusivo uso como elemento común limitado un área de estacionamiento de dos punto cincuenta (2.50) metros de ancho y cuyo número de estacionamiento asignado es el Setecientos Veintiuno (721). La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al Sistema Karibe de Vega Alta, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Tercera, finca número 19,856, inscripción cuarta. Subordinada la hipoteca de la inscripción 3ra., a favor de Scotiabank de Puerto Rico, para que esta última se inscriba como Primera Hipoteca, según consta de la Escritura Número 386, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 23 de noviembre de 2010, ante el Notario Público Héctor Moyano Noriega, inscrita al tomo Karibe de Vega Alta, Registro de la Propiedad, Seccion Tercera, finca número 19,856, nota marginal 4.1. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Condominio

23

Vistas de la Vega, Apartamento 721, Edificio Número 7, Piso 2, Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $80,090.00 de principal, intereses al 4 1/2% anual, desde el día 1ro. de junio de 2016, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $8,899.80 estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será de $88,998.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $59,332.00 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $44,499.00. Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. 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 y que todo licitador acepta como suficiente la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, 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 hipotecada a ser vendida en pública Subasta se encuentra afecta al siguiente gravamen posterior: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de La Autoridad para el Financiamiento de la Vivienda de Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $3,000.00, sin intereses, vencedero el día 1ro. de mayo de 2014, según consta de la escritura número 111, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 8 de mayo de 2008, ante la Notario Público Ruth Castro Algarín, inscrita al folio 185 del tomo 323 de Vega Alta, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Tercera, finca número 19,856, inscripción 3ra. Sujeta a Condiciones bajo el Programa La Llave para tu Hogar por el término de 6 años.

Instancia del 20 de septiembre de 2019, ante el Notario Baldomero A. Collazo Torres, solicitando corregir la escritura número 111, aclarando que la cantidad correcta de la hipoteca de $3,000.00 es por $4,500.00, presentada al Asiento 2019103542-BY03 del Sistema Karibe, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Tercera. La

propiedad a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Podrán concurrir como postores a todas las subastas los titulares de créditos hipotecarios vigentes y posteriores a la hipoteca que se cobra o ejecuta, si alguno o que figuren como tales en la certificación registral y que podrán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de alguno en sus ofertas.

Si la oferta aceptada es por cantidad mayor a la suma del crédito o créditos preferentes al suyo, al obtener la buena pro del remate, deberá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o en cheque de gerente, la totalidad del crédito hipotecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro créditos posteriores al que se ejecuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, a 15 de enero de 2021.

ALG. FREDDY OMAR RODRIGUEZ COLLAZO, ALGUACIL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE VEGA BAJA.

INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (“CRIM”); BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, por tener Aviso de Demanda anotada a su favor por la suma de $33,763.68.

Yo, LUIS E. ROMAN CARRERO, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 17 de febrero de 2021 a las 9:00 de la mañana en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Camuy, Camuy, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Hatillo durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta LEGAL NOTICE a celebrarse, se celebrará una ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO segunda subasta para la venDE PUERTO RICO TRIBUta de la susodicha propiedad, NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA el día 24 de febrero de 2021, SALA SUPERIOR DE QUEa las 9:00 de la mañana; y en BRADILLAS EN HATILLO. caso de no producir remate ni BANCO POPULAR DE adjudicación, se celebrará PUERTO RICO una tercera subasta el día 4 de Demandante vs. marzo de 2021, a las 9:00 de la SUCESION DE BARBARA mañana en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propieTHACKER SAYLE, a venderse en pública sutambién conocida como dad basta se describe como sigue: BARBARA TACKER RUSTICA: Predio de terreno STAYLE, como BARBARA sito en el BARRIO CACAO de Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, THACKER y como BARBARA E. THACKER compuesto de DOSCIENTOS VEINTE PUNTO CERO CERO STAYLE, ET AL. (220.00) METROS CUADRADemandados DOS de superficie, equivalenCIVIL NÚM: HA2018CV00003 tes a 2 (2) áreas con Veinte (101). SOBRE: Ejecución de (20) centiáreas; en lindes por Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria el NORTE, con Andrés Var“IN REM”. EDICTO DE SUgas; por el SUR, con carretera BASTA. municipal; por el ESTE, con Al: Público en General Juan Lasalle; y por el OESTE, A: SUCESION DE con Andrés Vargas. Teniendo DIEZ (10) METROS de frente BARBARA THACKER SAYLE, también conocida por VEINTIDÓS (22) METROS de fondo. Contiene una casa como BARBARA de concreto armado techada TACKER STAYLE, como de concreto de una sola planta, dedicada a vivienda, de BARBARA THACKER cuatro (4) habitaciones, sala y y como BARBARA E. cocina. La escritura de hipoteTHACKER STAYLE, ca se encuentra inscrita al folio compuesta por JANE 100 del tomo 200 de QuebradiDOE; JOHN DOE y llas, Registro de la Propiedad de Arecibo, Sección Segunda, RICHARD DOE como herederos desconocidos finca número 4,952, inscripción Sexta. La dirección física de con posible interés; la propiedad antes descrita RICARDO RODRIGUEZ es: Barrio Cacao 607, Calle REILLO, por sí y en Susano Lasalle, Quebradillas, cuanto a la cuota viudal Puerto Rico. La subasta se lleusufructuaria; CENTRO vará a efecto para satisfacer a parte demandante la suma DE RECAUDACION DE la de $33,763.68 de principal,

24 interés al 8.125% anual, desde el día 1ro. de diciembre de 2016, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $4,800.00 estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será la suma de $48,000.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $32,000.00 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $24,000.00.

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 y que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad 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 hipotecada a ser vendida en pública subasta se encuentra afecta al siguiente gravamen posterior: Aviso de Demanda, del día 21 de junio de 2017, expedida en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Quebradillas, en el Caso Civil número CICD 2017-0024 sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca seguido por Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, versus Ricardo Rodríguez Reillo y su esposa Barbara Thacker Sayle, también conocida como Barbara Tacker Stayle, por la suma de $33,763.68, más costas, gastos e intereses, anotado el día 14 de julio de 2017, al tomo Karibe de Quebradillas, Registro de la Propiedad de Arecibo, Sección Segunda, finca 4,952, Anotación B. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteirores. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Camuy, Puerto Rico, a 15 DE FEBRERO de 2021.

WILFREDO OLMO SALAZAR, ALGUACIL REGIONAL. POR: LUIS E. ROMAN CARRERO, ALGUACIL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE CAMUY.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE VEGA BAJA.

ORIENTAL BANK Demandante vs.

CARLOS JOEL VEGA PEREZ y su esposa

ALENIS RAMOS VALLE y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos

Demandados CIVIL NÚM. BY2019CV06194.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO (Ejecución de Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria). EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: Público en General A: CARLOS JOEL VEGA PEREZ y su esposa ALENIS RAMOS VALLE y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos

Yo, ALG. FREDDY OMAR RODRIGUEZ COLLAZO, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 17 DE FEBRERO DE 2021 a las 11:00 de la mañana en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Vega Baja, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Vega Baja 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 24 de febrero de 2021, a las 11:00 de la mañana; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 3 de marzo de 2021, a las 11:00 de la mañana en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar identificado con el número Seis (6) del Bloque “J”, localizado en la Calle número Diez (10), situado en la URBANIZACIÓN VELOMAS en el término municipal de Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, con un área de TRESCIENTOS UNO PUNTO CERO CERO (301.00) METROS CUADRADOS. Colinda por el NORTE, en catorce punto cero cero (14.00) metros, con la Colonia Monserrate; por el SUR, en catorce punto cero cero (14.00) metros, con la Calle número Diez (10); por el ESTE, en veintiuno punto cincuenta (21.50) metros, con el solar número J guión Cinco (J5); y por el OESTE, en veintiuno punto cincuenta (21.50) metros, con el solar número J

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

guión Siete (J-7). Sobre dicho solar enclava una casa de una planta para fines residenciales.

La casa consta de tres dormitorios, sala, comedor, cocina, dos baños, “laundry” y marquesina doble. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 145 del tomo 436 de Vega Baja, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Cuarta, finca número 31,562, inscripción tercera. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Velomas, J-6, Calle 10, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $120,837.57 de principal, intereses al 5.00% anual, desde el día 1ro. de septiembre de 2017, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $14,075.00, estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será la suma de $140,750.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $93,833.33 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $70,375.00. 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 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 a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, a 15 de enero de 2021. ALG. FREDDY OMAR RODRIGUEZ COLLAZO, ALGUACIL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE VEGA BAJA.

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

MIGUEL TANUZ GARCIA Demandante V.

CITIBANK N.A.; JUAN DEL PUEBLO Y JUAN PUEBLO y cualesquier persona desconocida con posible interés en la obligación cuya

cancelación por decreto judicial se solicita.

Demandados CIVIL NUM. CA2021CV00047.

SOBRE: CANCELACION DE PAGARE EXTRAVIADO. EMIPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNID0S, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS.

A: JUAN DEL PUEBLO Y JUANA DEL PUEBLO COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES Y CUALESQUIER PERSONA DESCONOCIDA CON POSIBLE INTERES EN LA OBLIGACION CUYA CANCELACION POR DECRETO JUDICIAL SE SOLICITA.

Por Ia presente se le notifica que ha sido presentada en este Tribunal una Demanda en su contra en el pleito de epígrafe. En este caso Ia parte demandante ha radicado una Demanda para que se decrete judicialmente el saldo de un (1) pagaré hipotecario a favor de Citibank N.A., por Ia suma de $205,600.00. Dicho pagaré fue suscrito el dIa 15 de julio de 2004, ante el notario Raul Rivera Burgos, garantizado por hipoteca constituida mediante la Escritura numero 542 otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, inscrita al folio 32 del tomo 1051 de Carolina, finca numero 27,443, inscripción 7ma. Se describe Ia propiedad a continuación: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamiento Doce El Este.

Apartamiento de dos dormitorios, localizado en el lado Oeste del ala Norte de la duodécima planta residencial de Edificio Este del Condominio Los Pinos, cuyo condominio ubica en un solar de tres cuerdas con cuatrocientas cincuenta y seis milésimas, equivalentes a trece mu quinientos ochenta y cuatro punto cero cinco metros cuadrados, cuyo solar colinda por el Norte, que es su rente, en ci kilometro uno punto dos de la Carretera Estatal numero ciento ochenta y siete, estando dicho solar localizado en el Barrio Cangrejo Arriba del Municipio de Carolina, Puerto Rico.

El apartamiento tiene un area superficial de mil ciento cincuenta y siete pies cuadrados, equivalentes a ciento siete punto cincuenta metros cuadrados; colindando ci mismo; por ci por ci NORTE, con el area comunal ocupado por las escaleras Norte del Edificio; SUR, con ci Apartamiento Doce “F” Este; por el OESTE, con ci espacio abierto sobre el patio central Norte del condominio; y por ci ESTE, con el pasillo central del piso, por donde tiene su puerta de entrada ci Apartamiento, cuyo pasillo lo conecta a su vez con los elevadores y las esca-

leras del edificio a través de los cuales el apartamento tiene acceso al vestíbulo central y a las demás áreas comunes del piso terrero de ambos edificios del condominio y sus patios circundantes y a la calle en la colindancia Norte del solar. Las dependencias de este apartamiento se describen en ci documento. Le corresponde en los elementos comunes generales ci 0.312%. Finca numero 27,443, inscrita al folio 197 del tomo 547 de Carolina, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de Carolina. La parte demandante alega que dicho pagaré ha sido saldado según más detalladamente consta en Ia Demanda radicada que puede examinarse en Ia Secretarla de este Tribunal. Por tratarse de una obligación hipotecaria y pudiendo usted tener interés en este caso o quedar afectado por el remedio solicitado, se le emplaza por este edicto que se publicará una vez en un periódico de circulación diana general de Puerto Rico. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando Ia siguiente dirección electrónica: https//unired. ramajudicial.pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, y notifique con copia de ella a Ia abogada de Ia parte demandante Ia Lcda. Zilmarie Delgado Pieras, 33 Calle Resolución, Suite 302, San Juan, PR 00920-2727; Tel. (787) 7826500, dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto, apercibiéndole que de no hacerlo asi dentro del término indicado, el Tribunal podrá anotar su rebeldía y dictar sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado en Ia Demanda sin más citarle ni oIrle.

EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, hoy dia 19 de enero de 2021. Lcda Marilyn Aponte Rodriguez, Secretaria RegonaI. Rosa M. Viera Velazquez, SubSecretaria.

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

MWPR, LLC

Demandante, v.

SUCESION DE GLORIA MILAGROS FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ T/C/C GLORIA FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ T/C/C GLORIA FERNANDEZ DE BALBOA COMPUESTA POR FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL; COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ADMINISTRACION PARA EL SUSTENTO DE

MENORES Y CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

conforme a lo que dispone el Artículo 957 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. 2785; Banco Comercial de P.R., v. García, supra; Berríos v. Rivera, 69 D.P.R. 560 (1949); B.B.V.A. v. Latinoamericana, supra. EXPEDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA Y SELLO DE ESTE TRIBUNAL. En Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy día 19 de ENERO de 2021. CARMEN ANA PERElRA ORTIZ, SECRETARIA. ENEIDA ARROYO VELEZ, SECRETARIA DE SERVICIOS.

de San Juan Puerto Rico, que mide 39’3” de largo por su parte mas larga, medida desde la puerta de entrada hacia el Demandados. fondo por 24’ 9 112” de ancho CIVIL NÜM. CG2020CV02208. por su parte mas ancha que SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO hacen un área de 973.30 pies Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA. cuadrados aproximadamente EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDIC, equivalentes a 90.3Q metros TO. LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS cuadrados . Sus linderos y disDE AMERICA EL PRESIDENtancias son los siguientes: Por TE DE LOS EE.UU. EL ESTAel Oeste en una distancia de 39’ DO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R. 3” pulgadas con el ApartamenSS. to 1-A separado por pared; por ‘ A: FULANO DE TAL Y el Norte en una distancia total LEGAL NOTICE de 24’ 9 112”, con el corredor SUTANA DE’ TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO comun separado por pared inPUERTO RICO TRIBU- terior, conducto de ventilación DESCONOCIDOS DE LA DE NAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA y la puerta de entrada ; por el SUCESION DE GLORIA REGION JUDICIAL DE SAN Este en una distancia total de MILAGROS FERNANDEZ JUAN SALA SUPERlOR DE 39’ 3”, con el apartamento 1-C SAN JUAN. separado por pared y conducto RODRIGUEZ T/C/C de ventilación; por el Sur en una ROBERTO RUIZ GLORIA FERNANDEZ distancia total de 24’ 9 1/2” con LOPEZ, LOURDES RODRIGUEZ T/C/C el espacio exterior separado por LOPEZ GALARZA Y LA GLORIA FERNANDEZ DE pared y baranda de la terraza .

SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE --Este apartamento consta de BALBOA Queda emplazada y notificada sala-comedor, terraza , una haGANANCIALES POR que en este Tribunal ha radicaESTOS CONSTITUIDA bitación con closet, un baño, lido Demanda sobre Cobro de nen closet, cocina con closet. El Parte Demandante v.

Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteesta equipado con bañera, LAS AMERICAS TRUST baño ca en su contra. Se le notifica lavamanos y servicio sanitario .

COMPANY, ORIENTAL para que comparezca ante el La cocina tiene fregadero, esTribunal dentro del término de BANK COMO SUCESOR tufa , gabinetes, calentador de treinta (30) días a partir de la EN INTERES DE BBV A, agua. La puerta de entrada de publicación de este edicto y JOHN DOE Y RICHARD este apartamento esta situada exponer lo que a sus derechos en su lindero Norte y por ella se ROE, convenga, en el presente caso. sale al corredor o pasillo central Parte Demandada Usted deberá presentar su aledel piso, por el cual se sale al CASO NÚM. SJ2021CV00137. gación! responsiva a través del exterior. Le corresponde Un EsSOBRE: CANCELACIÓN DE Sistema Unificado de Manejo y tacionamiento identificado con PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EDICAdministración de Casos (SUel # GF-B . Consta inscrita al TO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE MAC), al cual puede acceder folio 71 del tomo 200 de MonaAMERICA EL PRESIDENTE utilizando la siguiente dirección cillos Este y El Cinco, Registro DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS electrónica: https://unired.rade la Propiedad , Sección 5ta EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIAmajudicial.pr/sumac/, salvo que de San Juan. Se le advierte que DO DE PUERTO RICO. represente por derecho propio, este edicto se publicará en un y notificando copia de dicha A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD periódico de circulación general contestación a los abogados ROE o sea, las personas una sola vez y que si no compade la parte demandante: Lcdo. ignoradas que puedan rece a contestar dicha DemanFrancisco Fernández Chiqués da dentro del término de treinta ser tenedores del a: Fernández Chiqués, LLC, (30) días, contados a partir de pagaré extraviado y P.O. Box 9749, San Juan, P.R. la publicación de este edicto, LAS AMERICAS TRUST el tribunal podrá dictar senten00908; Teléfono 787-722-3040; COMPANY. Fax (787) 722-3317 dentro del cia en rebeldía en su contra y término de Treinta (30) días Por la presente se les notifi- conceder el remedio solicitado de hacerse publicado este ca que se ha presentada ante en la demanda o cualquier otro, edicto, descontando la fecha este tribunal una Demanda, en si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de la publicación del edicto. el caso de epígrafe, en la cual de su discreción, lo entiende Se le advierte que, si usted se solicita la cancelación de un procedente. Usted deberá predeja de presentar su alegación pagaré por la suma principal sentar su alegación responsiva responsiva dentro del referido de $44,000.00, a favor de Las a través del Sistema Unificado término, el tribunal podrá dic- Americas Trust Company , o a de Manejo y Administración de tar sentencia en rebeldía en su su orden, con intereses al 9% Casos (SUMAC), el cual puede contra y conceder el remedio anual y vencimiento el 5 de ene- acceder utilizando la siguiente solicitado en la demanda, o ro de 2017, suscrito el 26 de di- dirección electrónica: https:// cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en ciembre de 1986, ante el notario unired.ramajudicial.pr, salvo ejercicio de su sana discreción Manuel l. Vallecillo , testimonio que se represente por derecho lo entiende procedente.

Se número 2075. Para garantizar propio. El abogado de la parte le ORDENA ademas a usted dicho pagaré se constituyó en demandante es: Ledo. Raúl Ria que dentro del termino legal esa misma fecha y ante dicho vera Burgos, RUA 8879, cuya de treinta (30) días, contados notario una hipoteca mediante dirección postal es la siguiente: de la fecha de la publicación la Escritura número 23, inscrita Estancias de San Femando , de la presente notificación, al folio 72 vto. del tomo 200 de Calle 4, Número A-35, Carolidescontando la fecha de la Monacillos Este y El Cinco, finca na, P.R. 00985, Tel. (787) 238publicación del edicto, acepte No. 6324 inscripción 3ra. y que 7665 , Email: raulrblaw@gmail. o repudie la participación que grava la propiedad que se des- com. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma le corresponda en la herencia cribe a continuación: URBANA: y sello de este Tribunal de San HORIZONTAL: Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 12 de Gloria Milagros Fernandez PROPIEDAD Rodriguez t/c/c Gloria Fernan- APARTAMENTO No. 1-B. Es de enero de 2021. GRISELDA dez t/c/c Gloria Fernandez un apartamento residencial de RODRIGUEZ COLLADO, Sec de Balboa. Se les APERCIBE forma irregular que esta locali- Regional. LOYDA M. COUVERque de no expresarse dentro zado en el ground floor del Edi- TIER REYES, Sec Serv. a Sala. de este término de treinta (30) ficio CONDOMINIO JARDINES LEGAL NOTICE días en torno a su aceptación o METROPOLITANOS TORRE repudiación de herencia, la he- II ubicado en el Barrio Monaci- Estado Libre Asociado de Puerrencia se tendrá por aceptada, llos de Rio Piedras, Municipio to Rico TRIBUNAL GENERAL

The San Juan Daily Star DE JUSTICIA Tribunal de Primera Instancia Sala Superior de San Juan.

COOPERATIVA DE AHORRO Y CRÉDITO DE MÉDICOS Y OTROS PROFESIONALES DE LA SALUD (MEDICOOP) Parte Demandante VS.

VÍCTOR RODRÍGUEZ COLLAZO

Parte Demandada CIVIL NÚM: SJ2020CV04572 (503). SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: VÍCTOR RODRÍGUEZ COLLAZO

LA SECRETARIA que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 20 de enero de 2021, 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 25 de enero de 2021.

En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 25 de enero de 2021. Griselda Rodríguez Collado, Secretaria Regional. f/Marily López Martínez, Secretaria Confidencial del Tribunal I.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMON SALA SUPERIOR,

LUNA ACQUISITION, LLC Demandante Vs.

FIRST FINANCIAL CARIBBEAN CORPORATION H/N/C HF MORTGAGE BANKERS, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL, ORIENTAL BANK

Demandados CIVIL NUM. GB2020CV00716.

SOBRE: CANCELACION DE PAGARE EXTRAVIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTOS POR EDICTOS. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS E.E. U.U. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS:

A: FIRST FINANCIAL CARIBBEAN

CORPORATION H/N/C HF MORTGAGE BANKERS

Queden ustedes notificados que Ia parte demandante de epígrafe ha radicado en este Tribunal una demanda contra ustedes como demandados, en Ia que se solicita Ia cancelación judicial del siguiente pagare hipotecario: Pagaré a favor de FIRST FINANCIAL CARIBBEAN CORP.; haciendo negocios como H.F. MORTGAGE BANKERS, o su orden, por Ia suma de SETENTA Y UN MIL CUATROCIENTOS DOLARES ($71,400.00) de principal, intereses al nueve por ciento (9%) anual y vencedero el día primero (1ro) de junio de dos mu diecinueve (2019), según consta de Ia escritura nUmero quinientos treinta y siete (537), otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el dIa seis (6) de junio de mil novecientos noventa y cuatro (1994) ante el Notario David U. Barbosa Alameda, e inscrita al folio cuatro vuelto (4vto) del tomo cuatrocientos treinta y cinco (435) de Guaynabo, finca nUmero diecinueve mil quinientos setenta y uno (19,571), inscripción cuarta (4ta), sobre Ia siguiente propiedad. URBAN: Apartment number seven “A” (7-A) on the seventh floor of Villa Caparra Executive Condominium located between street “A” of Urbanización Villa Caparra and State road number two (2) in Pueblo Viejo Ward, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. This apartment measures approximately one thoursand one hundred ninety three point twenty square feet I.193.20sf), equivalent to approximately one hundred ten point eighty nine square meters (110.895m) and consists of two (2) bedrooms, two (2) bathrooms, dressing and closet area, living dining area, kitchen launtry with storage closet, terrace and foyer.

It is bounded on the EAST, by the exterior wall of the building; on the WEST, by which side is the entrance way, by an exterior wall, the wall separating it from apartment number seven “B” (7-B) and the corridor through which it communicates with the rest of the building; on the SOUTH, with the wall separating it from the elevator lobby which is part of the aforesaid corridor and an exterior wall,and on the NORTH, with the exterior wall which faces state road number two (2). To this apartment belongs one 1) underground basement parking number five (5). The apartment has a share of zero point seven hundred ten percent (0.710%) in the expenses and profits of and rights in the general common elements of Villa Caparra Executive Condominium”. lnscrita al folio 61 del Tomo 1,397 de Guaynabo, Finca 19,571 Registro de Ia Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Secciôn de Guaynabo. Se les advierte que de no contestar Ia Demanda, radican-

Monday, February 1, 2021 do el original de su contestaciôn en este tribunal y enviando copia de Ia misma a Ia LCDA. EDDA IVETTE RODRIGUEZ, con su oficina en ENRIQUE NASSAR RIZEK & ASSOCIATES, PO BOX 191017, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00919-1017.

Teléfono (787) 754-1313, Fax: (787) 754-8760, en un término de treinta (30) días contados desde Ia publicación del edicto, excluyéndose el dIa de Ia publicación, se le anotará Ia rebeldía y se dictará sentencia en su contra, concediéndose el remedio solicitado sin más citarles ni oIrles. Usted deberé presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Administración y manejo de casos (SUMAC) al cual puede acceder utilizando Ia siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en Ia secretaria del Tribunal. SE LE ADVIERTE que al ser una parte o su representante legal en el caso sujeto a esta ORDEN usted puede presentar un recurso de apelación, revisión de conformidad con el procedimiento y en el término establecido por ley, regla o reglamento. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a 19 de enero de 2021. Lcda. Laura I Santa Sanchez, Secretaria.

Maireni Trinta, SubSecrearia.

LEGAL NOT ICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS.

HIBISCUSPR LENDCO, LLC

DEMANDANTE v.

JESÚS CARABALLO VÉLEZ Y SU ESPOSA ELSIE CRUZ CALDERÓN Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS H/N/C PINCEL AUTO REPAIR

DEMANDADOS CIVIL NÚM.: ECD2003-0061 (612). SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE PRENDA Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. AVISO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PUEBLO DE PUERTO RICO. SS. YO, el(la) Alguacil que suscribe, por la presente anuncia y hace constar, que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido por la Secretaría de este Tribunal, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, quien pagará el importe de la venta en dinero efectivo o en cheque certificado o de gerente, a la

orden del Alguacil suscribiente, en moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América, el día 23 de febrero de 2021, a las 10:15 a.m., en mi oficina localizada en el Tribunal de Caguas, todo título, derecho o interés que corresponda a la parte demandada sobre el inmueble que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Predio de terreno que sin nombre conocido radica en el Barrio Hato Nuevo de Gurabo, Puerto Rico, compuesto de 2819.4712 metros cuadrados, equivalentes a 0.7174 cuerdas. En lindes por el NORTE, en una distancia de 49.4433 metros lineales, con el solar segregado identificado con el #1 en el plano de inscripción; por el SUR, en una distancia de 37.2666 metros lineales, con Porfirio Cruz; por el ESTE, en varias distancias que suman 61.9585 metros lineales, con carretera estatal # 944; y por el OESTE, en una distancia de 68.7853 metros lineales, con terrenos de la Urbanización Alturas de Hato Nuevo. Inscrita al folio 83 del tomo 162 de Gurabo, Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas II, finca número 6,118. Dirección Física: Barrio Hato Nuevo, Carretera 944, Kilómetro 2.10, Gurabo, Puerto Rico. La propiedad descrita anteriormente está afecta a los siguientes gravámenes: Por su procedencia está libre de cargas. Por sí afecta a: HIPOTECA: En garantía de pagaré a favor del PORTADOR, o a su orden, por la suma de $640,000.00, con intereses al 12% anual y vencimiento a la presentación, según consta de la escritura #184, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 8 de diciembre de 2000, ante el Notario Público Ernesto A. Meléndez Pérez, inscrita al folio 53 del tomo 366 de Gurabo, inscripción 11ra. ANOTACIÓN DE DEMANDA: Radicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala de Caguas, caso Civil Núm. ECD2003-0061 sobre Cobro de Dinero, Ejecución de Prenda y Ejecución de Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria, seguido por FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO, expresando que el pagaré que se ejecuta es por $800,000.00, respondiendo esta finca por $640,000.00.

En la cual se reclama la cantidad de $793,034.85, inscrita bajo la Ley 216 del 2010 para Agilizar el Registro de la Propiedad el 31 de octubre de 2013 al folio 53 del tomo 366 de Gurabo, inscripción 10ma.

EMBARGO FEDERAL: Contra Jesús Caraballo Vélez, por la suma de $5,710.43, notificación #450658308, presentado el 25 de junio de 2008 al asiento 3 del folio 244 del Libro #3. Servirá como tipo mínimo para la primera subasta en ejecución de la Finca Número 6,118 antes descrita la suma de $640,000.00, conforme a lo estipulado en la escritura de Hipoteca número 184, otorgada

en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 8 de diciembre de 2000 ante el Notario Público Ernesto A. Meléndez Pérez. De no adjudicarse la propiedad en la primera subasta, se celebrará una segunda subasta, en las mismas oficinas de este Alguacil, el día 3 de marzo de 2021, a las 10:15 a.m., El tipo mínimo para la segunda subasta será dos terceras partes (2/3) del tipo mínimo de la primera subasta, o sea, $426,666.67. De no adjudicarse la propiedad en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una tercera subasta en las mismas oficinas de este Alguacil, el día 10 de marzo de 2021, a las 10:15 a.m. El tipo mínimo para la tercera subasta será la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo que se pactara para la primera subasta, o sea, $320,000.00. Esta subasta se hará para satisfacer a la parte demandante, hasta donde alcance, el importe adeudado a HIBISCUSPR LENDCO, LLC, ascendente al 30 de junio de 2020, a la suma de $211,878.46 de principal; más $46,558.26 de intereses; más $3,125.00 de cargos por mora, más la suma de $80,000.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado expresamente pactados. La venta en pública subasta de la propiedad descrita anteriormente se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte dicha propiedad. Se entiende que cualquier carga y/o gravamen anterior y/o preferente, si lo hubiera, al crédito que da base a esta ejecución, continuará subsistente, entendiéndose además, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate.

Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría de este Tribunal durante horas laborables. El Alguacil procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. POR LA PRESENTE, se les notifica a los titulares de créditos y/o cargas registrales posteriores, si alguno, que se celebrará la SUBASTA en la fecha, hora y sitio anteriormente señalados, y se les invita a que concurran a dicha subasta, si les conviniere, o se les invita a satisfacer, antes del remate, el importe del crédito, sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del Acreedor ejecutante, siempre y cuando reúnan los requisitos y cualificaciones de Ley para que se pueda efectuar tal subrogación. Y PARA SU PUBLICACIÓN en el tablón de edictos de este Tribunal y en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio donde se celebrará la subasta

25

señalada. Además, en un periódico de circulación general en dos (2) ocasiones y mediante correo certificado a la última dirección conocida de la parte demandada.

EXPEDIDO el presente EDICTO DE SUBASTA en Caguas, Puerto Rico, a13 de enero de 2021. Ángel Gómez Gómez, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE CAGUAS.

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

OSP CONSORTIUM LLC Demandante v.

E. MENDOZA & CO., INC.; EDUARDO MENDOZA CORPORATION; E.M.T. SHIRTS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.; EDUARDO MENDOZA VIDAL, MARTA FERNáNDEZ TORRES Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA ENTRE AMBOS

Demandados CIVIL NÚM. BY2019CV05361.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECAS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PUEBLO DE PUERTO RICO. SS. YO, el(la) Alguacil que suscribe, por la presente anuncia y hace constar, que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia sobre Bienes Muebles e Inmuebles, expedido el 19 de diciembre de 2019 por la Secretaría de este Tribunal, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, quien pagará el importe de la venta en dinero efectivo o en cheque certificado o de gerente, a la orden del Alguacil suscribiente, en moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América, el día 23 de febrero de 2021, a las 10:30 a.m., en mi oficina localizada en el Tribunal de Caguas, todo título, derecho o interés que corresponda a la parte demandada sobre el inmueble que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número dieciséis (16) del bloque “A” del plano de inscripción de la Urbanización Reparto Villa Blanca, radicado en el Barrio Bairoa del término municipal de Caguas, Puerto Rico, con un área superficial de cuatrocientos veintiocho punto noventa y dos (428.92) metros cuadrados. En lindes por el Norte, en una distancia de veintiocho punto setecientos sesenta y cinco (28.765) metros, con el solar número quince (15) del bloque “A” del mencionado plano; por el Sur, en una distancia de veintiocho punto doscientos cincuenta y cinco (28.255) me-

tros, con el solar número diecisiete (17) del bloque “A”; por el Este, en una distancia de quince (15.00) metros, con el solar número treinta y ocho (38) del bloque “A”; y por el Oeste, en una distancia de quince (15.00) metros, con la calle Marginal de la Urbanización Reparto Villa Blanca. Enclava una casa.” Finca número 8,649 inscrita al folio 202 del tomo 313 de Caguas, Registro de Caguas, Primera (I) Sección. Dirección Física: Solar 16-A, Urbanización Reparto Villa Blanca, Caguas, Puerto Rico. La propiedad descrita anteriormente está afecta a los siguientes gravámenes: Por su procedencia está afecta a servidumbre a favor de Autoridad de Fuentes Fluviales de Puerto Rico y Condiciones Restrictivas de Edificación y Uso. Por sí afecta a: HIPOTECA en garantía de un pagaré a favor de BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, o a su orden, por la suma de $200,000.00, intereses al Prime Rate the Wall Street Journal y vencedero a la presentación, según consta de la escritura número 149, otorgada en Caguas, Puerto Rico, el 7 de noviembre de 2001, ante el Notario Público Feliberto Ramírez Toro, inscrita al folio 1588 del tomo 50 de Caguas, finca 8649, inscripción 12da. HIPOTECA a favor del WESTERN BANK, por la suma de $120,000.00, intereses al 15% anual, vencedero a la presentación, según consta de la escritura número 62, otorgada en Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, el 15 de septiembre de 2008, ante el Notario Público Herman Cestero Rodríguez, inscrita al folio 440 del tomo 1793 de Caguas, finca número 8649, inscripción 13ra. Según pactado en la Escritura número 149, otorgada en Caguas, Puerto Rico, el 7 de noviembre de 2001, ante el Notario Público Feliberto Ramírez Toro que es objeto de este procedimiento, servirá de tipo mínimo para la primera subasta de la Finca número 8,649 la suma de $200,000.00. De no adjudicarse la propiedad en la primera subasta, se celebrará una segunda subasta, en las mismas oficinas de este Alguacil, el día 3 de marzo de 2021, a las 10:30 a.m. El tipo mínimo para la segunda subasta será dos terceras partes (2/3) del tipo mínimo de la primera subasta, o sea, $133,333.33. De no adjudicarse la propiedad en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una tercera subasta en las mismas oficinas de este Alguacil, el día 10 de marzo de 2021, a las 10:30 a.m. El tipo mínimo para la tercera subasta será la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo que se pactara para la primera subasta, o sea, $100,000.00.

Esta subasta se hará para satisfacer a la parte demandante, hasta donde alcance, el importe adeudado a OSP CONSORTIUM LLC, ascendente a las siguientes sumas

al 12 de septiembre de 2019: A. $2,999,548.59, la cual se compone de: (i) $2,687,580.67 por concepto de principal; más (ii) $293,484.16 por concepto de intereses acumulados y no pagados, los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 9.5% anual; (iii) y $18,483.76 por concepto de mora, en virtud del Préstamo Original; más B. $69,468.81, la cual se compone de: (i) $50,504.74 por concepto de principal; más (ii) $1,887.64 por concepto de intereses acumulados y no pagados, los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 10.42% anual; (iii) más $17,076.43 por concepto de mora; más C. Una suma agregada no menor a $144,500.00 cargos por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado pactados.

La venta en pública subasta de la propiedad descrita anteriormente se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte dicha propiedad. Se entiende que cualquier carga y/o gravamen anterior y/o preferente, si lo hubiera, al crédito que da base a esta ejecución, continuará subsistente, entendiéndose además, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate.

Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría de este Tribunal durante horas laborables. El Alguacil procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. POR LA PRESENTE, se les notifica a los titulares de créditos y/o cargas registrales posteriores, si alguno, que se celebrará la SUBASTA en la fecha, hora y sitio anteriormente señalados, y se les invita a que concurran a dicha subasta, si les conviniere, o se les invita a satisfacer, antes del remate, el importe del crédito, sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del Acreedor ejecutante, siempre y cuando reúnan los requisitos y cualificaciones de Ley para que se pueda efectuar tal subrogación. Y PARA SU PUBLICACIÓN en el tablón de edictos de este Tribunal y en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio donde se celebrará la subasta señalada. Además, en un periódico de circulación general en dos (2) ocasiones y mediante correo certificado a la última dirección conocida de la parte demandada.

EXPEDIDO el presente EDICTO DE SUBASTA en Caguas, Puerto Rico, a 13 de enero de 2021. Ángel Gómez Gómez, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE CAGUAS.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

The Australian Open will allow up to 30,000 spectators a day.

By MATTHEW FUTTERMAN

W

hen the Australian Open begins, the grandstands may offer the closest thing to sports normalcy that the world has seen in nearly

a year.

Up to 30,000 spectators a day will be allowed to attend the tennis tournament in Melbourne when it begins Feb. 8, the sports minister of the state of Victoria said Saturday. Melbourne is Victoria’s capital.

While a crowd of 30,000 is a rarity in international sports these days, overall attendance figures at the Australian Open will ultimately be down by about half from a normal year. Some 820,000 spectators attended the two-week tournament in 2020.

This year, organizers have created an intricate system in which spectators will only be allowed to travel within one of three zones at Melbourne Park, a move aimed at limiting social contact.

Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia, has been ne-

gotiating for months with health officials about letting spectators into the event. He said Friday that the tournament would begin at 50% capacity. That could grow to 75% in the final week, he added, when action is limited to stadium courts.

The announcement by Victoria’s sports minister, Martin Pakula, came as hundreds of players who had traveled from overseas for the tournament entered their final days of quarantine. Most of them were allowed out of their hotel rooms for five hours a day for training and practice.

But 72 players who were forced to endure a hard 14-day lockdown were only able to begin practicing this weekend. That lockdown was imposed after testing revealed 10 acute positive cases among more than 1,000 people who traveled to Australia for the event, including one player.

Tiley said that ticket sales had begun to pick up in recent days, after coming to a standstill following the handful of positive tests and a backlash in the com-

Australian Open players at Melbourne Park on Wednesday. munity against players who complained about having to stay in quarantine even though they continued to test negative.

Mets’ owner deletes Twitter account after threats

By KEVIN DRAPER

F

or almost three months since he bought the New York Mets, Steve Cohen engaged in surprisingly lively banter with the team’s fans on Twitter, entertaining their outlandish trade suggestions and showcasing a sense of humor and genuine interest in their thoughts that was rare for a billionaire team owner.

That all came to a crashing halt Friday night, when Cohen deactivated his Twitter account and released a statement through the Mets in which he said his family had received unspecified threats on the social media service. The move came a day after Cohen’s hedge fund — and Cohen himself, through his Twitter account — had been swept into the venomous rich-vs.-poor battle over the struggling video game retailer GameStop.

“I’ve really enjoyed the back and forth with Mets fans on Twitter which was unfortunately overtaken this week by misinformation unrelated to the Mets that led to our family getting personal threats,” Cohen said in a statement. “So I’m going to take a break for now.”

The misinformation and personal threats appeared to be related not to Cohen’s ownership of the Mets or his

Steven Cohen had shown a playful side on Twitter that runs counter to his reputation as a secretive hedgefund titan. online banter about the team, but to his connections to the frothy trading in GameStop stock.

Last week, an unknown but sizable number of small investors, whipped into a frenzy on places like Reddit’s WallStreetBets forum, drove up the stock price of GameStop in part, in an effort to punish deep-pocketed investors who had bet heavily that its value would fall.

The surge of small investors quickly sent GameStop’s stock price from

less than $20 a share to about $325 a share as of Friday. For hedge funds that had taken positions against GameStop, expecting that the value of the shares would fall (in what is known as shorting the stock), the stock’s sudden rise cost them billions.

One of the biggest losers may have been Cohen.

Cohen’s hedge fund, Point72, had invested nearly $1 billion in Melvin Capital, another hedge fund led by a former Point72 employee. Melvin Capital had shorted GameStop stock, and so as its value rose Melvin Capital sustained losses so large that it required a $2.75 billion rescue from other investors, including another $750 million from Point72.

Point72 has lost 15% of its value this year, The New York Times has reported.

All of this led some Twitter users to question if Cohen was really their deep-pocketed savior, or whether his hedge fund’s losses would reduce his willingness to spend on the team.

“Why would one have anything to do with the other,” he replied to one Mets fan, a departure from the everyman persona that had been his account’s hallmark.

For months, Cohen had engaged

with Mets fans, fielding trade proposals, answering questions and making jokes.

But Thursday, Cohen got into a Twitter back-and-forth with Dave Portnoy, the acerbic founder of the sports and culture website Barstool Sports, which has a long history of racist and misogynistic behavior. Portnoy, who in recent months has styled himself as a day trader, accused Cohen of being involved in stock trading apps like Robinhood, which had been restricting users from buying GameStop stock. Portnoy, without evidence, labeled such conduct “criminal.”

“I had zero to do with what happened today … chile out,” Cohen replied in one Tweet, seeming to misspell the word chill.

But fans of Barstool Sports are notorious for going after critics, especially those who draw the ire of Portnoy, on social media. In a separate incident last week, the National Women’s Hockey League released a statement rebuking Barstool and its chief executive after she released a video that had subjected reporters who cover the NWHL and league employees to online harassment.

After his brief exchange with Portnoy, Cohen came under the same kind of fire. In response, he simply shut down his account.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

27

How a horrifying cycling crash set up a battle over safety

By NICK BUSCA

D

utch cyclist Fabio Jakobsen was battling for the lead near the end of the Stage 1 sprint at the Tour of Poland last summer. A sudden shift in direction by his closest rival, Dylan Groenewegen, forced Jakobsen to swerve, starting a gruesome crash that stunned even observers accustomed to the extreme hazards of the sport.

Going close to 50 mph, Jakobsen collided with the roadside barriers, and then ran into a finish-line official. As the barriers scattered they knocked down a half-dozen other riders, with three too injured to start again the next day.

Jakobsen was airlifted to a hospital and in an induced coma for two days.

His injuries included a brain contusion, a fractured skull, a broken nose and a torn palate. For a few days, Jakobsen said later, he thought he would die.

Groenewegen was barred from competition for nine months by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), cycling’s governing body, which cited him for “aggressive behavior” — specifically that “he deviated from his line and committed a violation of the UCI Regulations.”

But in the aftermath of the crash, and a few other serious ones that followed, cyclists have increased pressure on the governing body to do more to ensure their safety.

The UCI acknowledged their worries shortly after the crash in Poland, saying in a statement that it was “extremely concerned about safety, with the multiplication of serious crashes” and that “too many serious crashes have occurred recently.” The governing body said it would begin reforming safety conditions.

It is unclear whether the dangers of cycling have become more pronounced in the past year, but by the end of 2020, the UCI had, as promised, revised its safety measures and had pledged to establish a database to better track accidents. At the same time, a new riders’ union rose up to demand more changes.

Laurens ten Dam, a former professional cyclist from the Netherlands, said that social media had helped turn ugly crashes into catalysts for change.

Dutch cyclist Dylan Groenewegen, left, crashed to the ground after colliding with Fabio Jakobsen during the Tour of Poland race in Katowice, Poland, in August. Jakobsen collided with the roadside barrier, and his bike flew into the air.

“Everybody saw Jakobsen crash on their phone,” he said, “whereas 10 to 15 years ago you had to watch the sports news on TV.” In December, a UCI council made up of team managers, race organizers and riders presented a list of 14 measures to improve safety during races. The suggested steps, which still need to be translated into rules, included improving safety in risky areas (especially barriers at the finish) and introducing a risk-assessment tool for race routes.

A spokesperson for the UCI declined to comment for this story. The organization has also presented new protocols to assess and address cycling-related concussions.

The governing body also said there would be stricter rules for race convoy drivers and stronger regulation of other dangerous conduct, such as riders tossing their used water bottles while racing or using unsafe positions on the bike.

But setting rules is one thing; enforcing them is another. In the past, a union of professional cyclists known by its French acronym CPA, for Cyclistes Professionnels Associés, has threatened legal action against the UCI, supported riders’ protests, and asked that routes steer clear of dangerous conditions or not count as part of the race, said Laura

Mora, the secretary-general of the CPA, which is a part of the UCI. Race organizers are supposed to abide by safety measures set by the UCI, but there has been a lack of enforcement, Mora said.

Some riders, however, see the CPA as compromised by its relationship with the UCI. As a result, an alternative for professional cyclists, The Riders Union, was launched in November. The new union, which is not recognized by the UCI, has set improved safety measures as one of its main goals.

“The Riders Union is the big step forward in achieving something because, at the moment, the CPA is useless,” said Jos van Emden, one of Groenewegen’s teammates. “It’s not independent,” he added, “and the UCI is pulling the strings.” Van Emden submitted a list of safety features to be implemented.

Separately, another organization, the Cyclists’ Alliance, the de facto union for female cyclists, is also accusing the UCI and CPA of not sufficiently protecting athletes. It represents 160 riders and, like the Riders Union, is not recognized by the UCI. On top of safety measures, the alliance has pressed for measures like a minimum salary and maternity leave.

“They’re not really transparent organizations,” Iris Slappendel, a former pro-

fessional rider and the executive director of the alliance, said of the governing body and the union embedded in it.

To establish and enforce better safety measures, Van Emden said it was important to have more stakeholders, particularly organizations, involved in conversations. Ten Dam, on the other hand, said having so many different parties involved was “part of the problem,” because that made it harder for riders to speak in unison.

But both cyclists concur on one issue: They say races have become more dangerous.

“Nowadays, there is more road furniture and obstacles on the roads,” Ten Dam said. “When I was racing, and raced in the U.S., I was so happy that there were no roundabouts. They slow down traffic, but it’s dangerous for the riders. It’s like taking three corners instead of going straight in a crossing.”

In the 1980s, the peloton was more stretched out, he said, while now riders are closer to one another, and they ride faster. “Maybe not the average speeds, but the top speeds,” he said.

Speeds have increased because the gear and technology have evolved and because a more scientific approach to training has, in part, leveled the field.

And, Van Emden said, riders have “become more aggressive.” They’re less conscious of one another, he said, “a bit like in society.”

Many people in the cycling community said that the barriers at the Tour of Poland had been inadequate and that the sprint, which took place on a slight descent, should have been on flat ground.

Jakobsen, who has had several reconstructive surgeries since his crash, is now training again on his bike — but he doesn’t know when he’ll be able to race next.

In a recent interview with the Dutch publication AD that was translated to English, he said his “injuries were also caused by the high speed and the barriers. The barriers didn’t break my fall, they just folded up.”

He added: “Dangerous finishes like the one in Poland must be banned. Speaking for myself, from now on I will not join in a bunch sprint if the barriers are no good.”

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

John Chaney’s message was always clear, in support of Black athletes

By WILLY WITZ

I

n the early 1980s, Gary Charles showed up for his final exam in a physical education class at Cheyney University with a dislocated elbow in a cast. He expected his instructor to look at the state of his right arm and give him a pass on the portion of the test where he would have to shoot baskets.

Instead, John Chaney told him there was nothing wrong with his left hand. Use that to shoot.

“He said, ‘Life ain’t going to be easy, either,’” said Charles, who became an influential youth basketball coach. “‘He was trying to get me ready for the real world.”

Chaney, the Hall of Fame basketball coach, died Friday at age 89. He spent a decade at the eponymous-sounding Cheyney, the historically Black college outside Philadelphia, where he won a Division II national championship. He spent the next 24 years at Temple, which may as well have been named Chaney U. for the way he built the basketball program’s national profile in his image: as an uncompromising underdog.

Chaney’s raspy voice, dark undereye circles and perpetually loosened tie projected the image of someone who’d endured a long day at the office. (And typically he had — his practices ritually began at 5:30 in the morning.) His appearance also served as an apt reminder of his role as a fierce advocate for Black opportunity — jobs for coaches and education for players who grew up poor.

His death comes just months after that of John Thompson Jr., the former Georgetown coach, with whom Chaney teamed to protest NCAA regulations that made freshmen ineligible if they did not meet academic requirements and later made them pay their own way the first year. Basketball coaches who recruited players from inner cities in the late 1980s knew it would close off doors to a college education.

Thompson, a bear of a man who could use his 6-foot-10 frame to send a message, famously walked off the court before a game to protest. Chaney used his words: He called the regulations a “racist rule” enacted by “racist presidents.”

“If the history books could say one thing about any one of us it’s that we weren’t afraid to say what was on our minds

Chaney retired in 2006, with more than 500 wins at Temple and 17 N.C.A.A. tournament appearances. and what we thought was wrong,” said Nolan Richardson, who became the second Black coach — after Thompson — to win a national championship at Arkansas. “We didn’t have to rehearse it.”

That came from shared experience. Richardson, who grew up in El Paso, Texas, couldn’t stay in the same hotel with his white teammates when his high school baseball team would play in towns like Odessa, Abilene and Midland in the late 1950s. When he played basketball at Texas-Western, he was left behind on the team’s trip to Louisiana State. Chaney was a high school star in Philadelphia, but none of the city’s colleges would recruit him so he went to Bethune-Cookman, a Black college in Daytona Beach, Florida, not far from where he was born. He starred there, but never got an opportunity to play in the NBA. “I grew up with the fact that I wasn’t wanted; that never changed,” Richardson said. “I saw the same thing in John Thompson and in John Chaney.”

Chaney returned home to Philadelphia after playing and first coached at a middle school. By 1988, he had taken Temple to No. 1 in the country, at a time when the Owls were playing in McGonigle Hall, a 4,500-seat band box, and took on all comers, traveling to Duke, UNLV, North Carolina, UCLA and whatever the powerful Big East had to offer. The coach, like his teams composed largely of hometown talent from Philadelphia, embodied a city that easily wraps its arms around a gritty

long shot.

It should come as little surprise that one of his favorite movies was the classic western “High Noon” — he identified with the sheriff who fights off a band of bandits alone.

Chaney would often stroll into the practice gym before dawn, a scarf around his neck, a winter cap on his head and a cup of coffee in his hand. If he had found himself in a buoyant mood on the drive over, he would listen to the news on the radio to find something to get agitated about. Inevitably, a pass would be delivered at somebody’s ankles or a jumper wouldn’t hit the rim and practice would come to a screeching halt.

Players would sit along the baseline and a lesson would unfold. It might be about a game he watched the night before, politics, or a recitation of a Langston Hughes poem.

“Sometimes you didn’t know where he was going,” said Dan Leibovitz, an associate Southeastern Conference commissioner who served as an assistant under Chaney for 10 years. “He’d tie it into life, tie it into basketball. I’d hear a story 100 times and the 99th time I’d be all in.”

The metaphors and the stories would find a particular resonance in the homes of recruits who were raised by their grandparents, those who could nod knowingly about a college degree — more so than basketball — being a route out of poverty.

While visiting a recruit, Chaney would ask for a show of hands for anybody

in the family who had attended college.

Invariably, the only one would be the prospect. Chaney readily took players who had to sit out a year because they did not qualify academically under the rule he protested. Some were like Eddie Jones, who had a lengthy NBA career, and others were like Ernie Pollard, who became a cop and runs a Police Athletic League basketball program in North Philadelphia. Another, Aaron McKie, is now Temple’s coach.

“If grandparents were in the home and they were strong with the recruit, you felt like it was over before it began,” Leibovitz said. “He’d be in the kitchen talking about the South or gumbo recipes. He promised that they’d be pushed and have a chance to graduate. He’d say, ‘I’m not going to stick a lollipop in your mouth, I’m going to coach you like a man.’”

Those old-school sensibilities, though, sometimes veered over the line.

Chaney made national news when he stormed into a news conference after Temple had narrowly lost to Massachusetts and charged at the opposing coach, John Calipari, shouting “I’ll kill you,” before he was restrained. Years later, he was suspended for sending a player into the game to rough up rival St. Joseph’s — leading to a St. Joseph’s player breaking an arm in a hard fall, which enraged Hawks coach Phil Martelli.

A Philadelphia sports writer brokered a meeting between the two coaches.

“We had a real long conversation and that was that,” Martelli said. “It was very similar to Cal — ‘Oh, my god. They could never have reconnected.’”

Martelli said in the years after Chaney retired in 2006, they would occasionally run into each other — sometimes on the golf course — and that he marveled at Chaney’s gift for communicating. It was visible in the way Temple played — a hallmark zone defense and a principle of not turning the ball over — and in Chaney’s eyes, at rest tired and sorrowful, and then alive with energy.

“He had the passion and the fire of a preacher,” Martelli said. “He had such vivid descriptions of the only way young people are going to reach their ceiling is to raise the floor. When he spoke, your eyes went nowhere else in the room. He almost spoke through your skin and to your heart and to your mind.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, February 1, 2021

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, February 1, 2021

(Mar 21-April 20)

While the Moon in Virgo might encourage you to ignore your feelings so that business can be done, there is a more ethereal energy on the cards that could see you embracing your humanity and be willing to reach out to others if they need help. You may swing between both over the next day or so Aries, but know that someone somewhere could be very grateful for your kindness.

Libra

(Sep 24-Oct 23)

The idea of connecting with friends for a light-hearted chat, could be the way to put recent frustrations behind you. If romantic issues have stressed you, then some downtime may help you see things from a fresh perspective. In fact, a break might help you disentangle yourself from another so that you can get to know your own mind, and act from a place of strength.

Taurus

(April 21-May 21)

Scorpio

Gemini

(May 22-June 21)

Sagittarius

(Nov 23-Dec 21)

Capricorn

(Dec 22-Jan 20)

Things may not be as clear cut as they should be Taurus, as you could misunderstand someone’s motives. Your perspective might be skewed due to a dreamy Moon/Neptune tie, so it’s best not to make any snap judgements, especially if you’ve had a few differences. Even so, if you can let go of overthinking this and turn your attention elsewhere, things might soon return to normal.

You can try ignoring an issue by pretending that it doesn’t exist, but that will only make things worse, Gemini. A Moon/Neptune tie could find you burying your head in the sand, when the only way to resolve it, is to do something. If you feel stuck and are eager for change, then success might be achieved by letting go of old ways and opting for something that’s new and fresh.

Cancer

(June 22-July 23)

(Oct 24-Nov 22)

Thoughts of happier times at a place where you felt at peace with life, could bring on a yearning to reexperience it. It may be that talking about any lovely memories with a close friend is the perfect antidote, and leaves you feeling much better. While these times are now gone, look for beauty in each moment of the day, as this can be enchanting and deeply enriching too.

With a lively focus on your communication zone, being with people who are on your wavelength can be good for you. Someone’s intellect and wit, and their ability to talk about things that interest you, could be a big draw. With a powerful angle on the go and Mercury rewinding, you’ll need to choose your words carefully if there is something you want from them, Archer.

If someone gives you advice, should you listen? Take note, but you’d also be wise to get a second or perhaps even a third opinion. You may be convinced by a person’s air of confidence and be taken in by them too, which could be a mistake. However, if you do your own research, you’ll be less likely to take a wrong turn, and what you discover yourself might be invaluable Cancer.

There may be more than one way to fulfil a dream, so don’t feel you have to stick to a definite plan. You might even find that by varying your methods you discover ways to achieve your outcome even faster.

Even so, it’s not about getting there quickly, but more about what you learn along the way, as something you discover could turn out to be quite priceless to you, Capricorn.

Leo

Aquarius

(July 24-Aug 23)

Tread carefully concerning new developments if they seem too good to be true. Your perception of what’s happening around you could be distorted. It’s not only you that might be lulled into a false sense of security, as others may not be seeing too clearly either. Still, an ongoing but edgy Saturn/Uranus link can pierce the fog, enabling the truth to be known, Leo.

Virgo

(Aug 24-Sep 23)

As sobering Saturn angles towards Uranus, you may be offered a chance to broaden your horizons. While the first tentative efforts can be a step into the unknown, you’ll soon enjoy the exhilaration that comes with every new experience, as you overcome challenges and gain in confidence. It’s time to experiment with new ways and means that could be gamechanging.

(Jan 21-Feb 19)

Ready to give your kitchen a makeover? Doing so could change the way you eat, and be an aid to better health in general. Most of all though, the cosmos is encouraging you to give some thought to looking after yourself. A little self-care can make a world of difference to the way you feel. As someone who often gives a lot to others, this is a chance to do something nice for yourself.

Pisces

(Feb 20-Mar 20)

The desire to do something you enjoy may be countered by thoughts of whether you can afford it, or not. However, if you want it that much, this urge might push you to think of ways you could boost funds. With an innovative blend of energies showing, it’s possible the answer lies in a direction you hadn’t truly considered, and that with some lateral thinking, you may succeed.

Answers to the Sudoku and Crossword on page 29

Monday, February 1, 2021

31

CARTOONS

Herman

Speed Bump

Frank & Ernest

BC

Scary Gary

Wizard of Id

For Better or for Worse

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Ziggy

32

Monday, February 1, 2021

The San Juan Daily Star