Thursday Feb 15, 2024

Thursday, February 15, 2024

San Juan

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Conference Honoring Literary Giant William Carlos Williams Opens Today in Mayagüez P4

A Big Step for Cruise Capacity Financing Phase of San Juan Port PPP Is Completed P3

Draft Bill Submitted to Congress Would Make PR an Incorporated Territory P5

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL P 16

Hundreds Flee Southern Gaza Hospital After Israel Orders Evacuation P12

2 Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

GOOD MORNING 3

February 15, 2024

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.

Financing phase of San Juan cruise port PPP is completed

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ublic-Private Partnerships Authority Executive Director Fermín Fontanés Gómez announced on Wednesday that the Ports Authority and San Juan Cruise Port have completed the financial closing of the public-private partnership (PPP) project for the cruise terminals in San Juan Bay. “It was a priority that the Ports Authority and San Juan Cruise Port, as contracting parties, be able to complete the phase of compliance with the foregoing conditions,” Fontanés Gómez said in a written statement. “This PPP is a way to meet the needs of port infrastructure, in the hands of the world’s largest independent port operator [and in turn] to achieve the goal of increasing the arrival of cruise ships to the island and to continue promoting the development of the tourism sector and the local economy.”

When both parties complete the process of compliance with the conditions established in the alliance contract, the entry of San Juan Cruise Port as the entity in charge of the PPP project that aims at the repair, design, construction, financing, maintenance and operation of piers 1, 3, 4, 11 to 13 and Pan American I and II will become official. The cruise port PPP agreement is for a term of 30 years and contemplates a private capital investment of over $400 million to meet the infrastructure and modernization needs of the port’s docks.

The selection of San Juan Cruise Port as an operator was announced in August 2022 with the aim of addressing the historical deterioration of the cruise ship docks, optimizing their structural condition and modernizing them to temper them to the demands of the modern cruise industry. The intent of the project is to increase port access in Puerto Rico and strengthen the positioning of the island as a maritime tourist destination in the Caribbean.

Ports Authority Executive Director Joel Pizá Batiz, meanwhile, said “it is a day of great optimism and great expectation for us at the Ports Authority, because the projects that will be underway after the signing of this alliance contract will result in improvements to the infrastructure, proper maintenance and construction of new cruise terminals, putting our ports in San Juan Bay in optimal condition.”

“With this agreement, we will also achieve stability and continuity in the management, as well as the

balance in the contracts with the cruise lines that visit us,” Pizá Batiz added. “The Ports Authority team will remain vigilant and diligent in the oversight of this alliance and in this way we will ensure that all agreements are executed effectively and for the benefit of all Puerto Ricans and visitors to the island.”

Federico González Denton, general manager of San Juan Cruise Port, said: “We’re ready to get started.

Over the past few months, even as we waited for the financial closing, we have already set up our command center in Old San Juan and begun hiring staff for our operations.”

“Ninety percent of the staff is made up of Puerto Ricans,” he said. “In addition, it is important for us to have been able to bring in some of the senior staff of the Ports Authority’s Maritime Office who used to manage the cruise ship docks. This will allow for a smooth transition as we begin to manage the ports.”

San Juan Cruise Port is a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, and consists of a team of high-caliber local professionals backed by its parent company’s global network. GPH operates 30 ports in 17 countries and annually serves more than 20 million cruise passengers worldwide, including in the Bahamas and Antigua & Barbuda in the Caribbean, and Malaga and Barcelona in Spain.

Public-Private Partnerships Authority Executive Director Fermín Fontanés Gómez

4

Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

RUM hosting William Carlos Williams conference

By THE STAR STAFF

T

he Mayagüez University Campus (RUM by its Spanish acronym) of the University of Puerto Rico is hosting the 10th Biennial Conference of the William Carlos Williams Society from today through Saturday. The conference is dedicated to honoring the memory and the literary work of the American writer and physician, whose mother was born in Mayagüez.

“It is a privilege to hold this conference in Mayagüez, the city where the mother of this illustrious writer was born,” said conference coordinator Linda M. Rodríguez Guglielmoni, a professor in the RUM English Department.

“We want to honor Williams’ legacy and the relevance of his work, as well as his Hispanic heritage.”

With the theme “Crossing Borders,” the event will focus on Williams’ Hispanic heritage and includes talks, panel discussions, poetry readings and two keynote lectures by writers Marta Aponte Alcina and Julio Marzán.

Today’s events will open at 10:30 a.m. at the Ramón Figueroa Chapel Amphitheater at RUM with the first keynote lecture by the novelist and literary critic Aponte Alcina, entitled “The Fertile Darkness: Mayagüez, the Mother and the Poet.” Aponte Alcina is the author of the

Poet and writer William Carlos Williams novel “The Happy Death of William Carlos Williams.”

Later today, at 6:30 p.m. at the Set The Bar Restaurant n Mayagüez, the second keynote lecture, entitled “William

Carlos Williams in Mayagüez: The Poet and His Work,” will be given by the novelist Marzaìn, author of “The Spanish American Roots of William Carlos Williams.”

On Friday at 6 p.m. at De Raíz Restaurant in Mayagüez, a reading of Williams’ poems will be held.

“The program includes presentations by researchers from the RUM and universities in the United States and England, highlighting the work of the modernist poet, noted in his time for his innovative poetics,” Rodríguez Guglielmoni said. “We thank the William Carlos Williams Society for giving us the honor of hosting this important event.”

“Definitely, in Williams we found a multifaceted figure, doctor and artist, who knew Spanish, English and French very well, a positive example for the young people of Puerto Rico on the island and outside of it and who, with his multilingual and multicultural background, had a permanent effect on the world history of letters,” she added.

This edition of the biennial conference is organized by the departments of English and Humanities at the RUM, with the support of the Mellon Foundation.

The full conference program can be found at: https://williamssociety.org/biennialconference/ program/

Experts reject bill easing vaccination requirements in schools

By THE STAR STAFF

T

he House Health Committee resumed public hearings Wednesday on House Bill 1948, which would ease school vaccination requirements by allowing parents to reject vaccinating their children.

Gerardo Tosca, chairman of the Puerto Rican Society

Physicians & Surgeons Association of Puerto Rico President Carlos Díaz Vélez

of Pediatrics board of directors, rejected the measure on the grounds that it would go against global efforts to eliminate preventable infectious diseases.

“This bill, contrary to Law 25, leaves our children from 0 to 4 years old without the necessary protection of vaccination requirements when science tells us that vaccines are essential from an early age,” Tosca said.

Physicians & Surgeons Association of Puerto Rico (CMC) President Carlos Díaz Vélez also opposed the measure, noting it would take Puerto Rico into a new dark age.

“The positions for repealing Law 25 are those that have caused the resurgence of previously controlled or eradicated diseases,” he said in a written statement to the panel. “For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that vaccine hesitancy is one of the main threats to global health, linked to outbreaks of measles, polio, and whooping cough.”

“This bill, in essence, inserts the State into an anti-science ideological current that has been gaining followers in what has been described as a new dark age,” the CMC president added.

Also speaking out against the House bill was Waleska Crespo Rivera, president of the Association of Private Colleges and Universities of Puerto Rico and the Central University of the Caribbean.

“It is the Government that mainly has to protect the fundamental right to health and establish programs to strengthen

health systems,” she said.

On behalf of the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus (RCM) and its interim chancellor, Dharma Vázquez Torres, Inés Esquilín, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, also objected to the bill. RCM maintains that “vaccines are safe and go through a rigorous evaluation process by the Food and Drug Administration prior to being approved,” she said.

“Some groups allege that our immune system weakens with greater exposure to vaccine antigens,” stated the RCM interim chancellor in an explanatory memo. “This concept is not correct, nor does it have a scientific basis. On the contrary, vaccines and their simultaneous administration stimulate our immune system to produce antibodies that protect us.”

“We can talk about diet and vitamins, but there is nothing superior to vaccination, which is scientifically documented,” Esquilín said. “If Law 25 is repealed, herd immunity is lost.”

Lawyer and Catholic priest Carlos Pérez Toro, meanwhile, attended the hearing to show his support for the bill.

Based on the right to Freedom of Conscience, Pérez Toro insisted that the right of parents to refuse vaccines on behalf of their minor children should be considered fundamental.

“The lack of informing parents so that they are the ones who ultimately decide what is best for the health of their children led to government decisions about forced vaccination that were often not based on the need to protect the school community from contagious diseases,” he said.

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

5

Pro-statehood group submits draft status bill to Congress

By THE STAR STAFF

P

rominent supporters of Puerto Rico statehood have sent to all 500 members of Congress a draft bill that would make Puerto Rico an incorporated territory of the United States in the hope that the measure can gain approval.

The draft legislation, a copy of which was obtained by the STAR, notes that while Puerto Rico is legally an unincorporated territory, the island has been incorporated through a series of laws including the Foraker Act, which organized the island government into three branches, the executive, legislative and judicial, along the lines of the U.S. government; the Jones Act, which gave U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans; and the commonwealth Constitution.

All income from sources outside of Puerto Rico is subject to federal taxation, and the U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico “contribute billions of dollars to the Federal Treasury, paying more in federal taxes than residents of various regions in the fifty states without representation in Congress,” according to the draft legislation.

The draft bill notes that all persons who

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, on April 25, 2023. Draft legislation submitted to Congress notes that while Puerto Rico is legally an unincorporated territory, the island has been incorporated through a series of laws including the Foraker Act and the Jones Act, and the commonwealth Constitution. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times) have become citizens of the United States, and are residents of Puerto Rico, will be considered citizens of the “Incorporated Territory of Puerto Rico.”

The U.S. Constitution, and, except as otherwise provided, all the laws of the

United States, including laws carrying general appropriations, which are not locally inapplicable, will have the same force and effect within the aforementioned incorporated territory of Puerto Rico as elsewhere in the United States.

However, the bill says that after Puerto Rico becomes incorporated, all taxes collected under the internal revenue and customs laws of the United States in Puerto Rico, and on items produced in Puerto Rico and transported to the United States, or consumed on the island, will be deposited in the U.S. Treasury.

All taxes collected under the internal revenue laws of Puerto Rico shall be deposited in the Treasury of Puerto Rico as may be prescribed by those laws, and/or as Congress disposes from time to time, among other conditions.

Among the statehood supporters who are promoting the bill are former San Juan Mayor Hernán Padilla, former University of Puerto Rico President José Saldaña and former Sen. José Garriga Picó.

In filing the bill, the statehood supporters noted that achieving incorporation will be easier than statehood and will put Puerto Rico on the path to statehood. In December 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow Puerto Rico to hold a binding status vote on whether to become a state or gain some sort of independence, but the Senate did not consider the bill before the legislative election. Now the process has to start again.

COR3 chief praises recovery efforts using FEMA funds

By THE STAR STAFF

I

n response to a report published by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3) Executive Director Manuel Laboy Rivera said on Wednesday that, as stated in the aforementioned federal report, the reconstruction of Puerto Rico through the funds allocated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to advance.

Laboy Rivera acknowledged that the island government faces challenges in the construction sector at the local, federal and global levels.

“Thanks to the efforts of the Pierluisi Administration and the support received from the U.S. Government, reconstruction finally started in this four-year period and the numbers demonstrate the great progress made when compared to December 2020,” the COR3 chief said in a written statement. “We are on pace with disbursements and projects in the construction stage or completed; to say otherwise shows ignorance of the subject. In fact,

when we make an equitable comparison, the progress of our reconstruction versus other places such as Louisiana and the Virgin Islands, we are further ahead. The GAO’s own report recognizes the great work this administration has done since 2021.”

“Currently, COR3 has the capacity and internal controls to ensure compliance and transparency in its processes,” Laboy Rivera added. “Because of those controls, COR3 was able to reduce the potential for improper payments between 2018 and 2020 from 9% to 1%, as recognized in the federal document.”

In passing, the executive director pointed out that despite the fact that FEMA’s disbursement process is based on reimbursement, the administration of Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia managed to get FEMA in May 2022 to advance federal obligated money through the Working Capital Advance (WCA) pilot program, which allows government agencies, municipalities and nonprofit entities to obtain up to 75% of the allocation of funds in three phases so that they can execute permanent works as well as risk-mitigation projects, not only under the

Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience Executive Director Manuel Laboy Rivera Hurricane Maria emergency, but also for the earthquake and Fiona disasters.

Through the WCA advances, disbursements rose from $153 million in December 2020 to $2.389 billion as of this month, Laboy Rivera noted.

“If we add the permanent works of Fiona, the total disbursed rises to $2.556 billion for permanent projects,” the official said. “These numbers do not take into account FEMA funds already disbursed from emergency work from 2017 through 2023 totaling another $6 billion, nor funds disbursed by FEMA directly to individuals during Irma, Maria, the earthquakes, COVID and Fiona.”

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Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

IRS commissioner aims to show progress amid threats of budget cuts been eyeing additional cuts amid negotiations related to paying for other policies.

During his first year on the job, Werfel t his Senate confirmation last February, Daniel Werfel told lawmakers that if has tried to ease concerns fomented by critics given the job of IRS commissioner, he of the agency that the IRS would be hiring would work to increase “public trust” in the thousands of armed agents to harass middlebeleaguered agency and use the $80 billion class Americans and small businesses. To do that Congress had granted it to build a “more that, he has focused on efforts to make the modern and high-performing” organization. IRS more accessible by staffing up customer A year later, Werfel has overseen the service centers and making it possible for clearing of a backlog of thousands of tax filings, taxpayers to reach the agency without having shrinking wait times on the IRS telephone lines to wait for hours on the telephone.

As part of its modernization campaign, and the creation of a system that lets qualified taxpayers submit their federal returns with no the IRS also announced initiatives to crack cost. But those achievements have not been down on wealthy tax evaders, stopped its enough to satisfy Republicans, who have ac- practice of sending agents unannounced to cused Werfel of making the IRS more intrusive residences to collect unpaid taxes and started introducing artificial intelligence technology and even engaging in lawless behavior.

Hostile congressional hearings are into its audits.

But top Republicans have argued that routine for IRS commissioners, and when Werfel testifies before the House Ways and any signs of progress at the IRS are overshadMeans Committee today, he will receive a owed by lingering problems. They insist that frosty reception as he fends off efforts to cut Werfel’s agency, which they believe has a hishis agency’s budget. tory of targeting conservatives, is influenced For Werfel, the faceoff is an opportunity by politics and favors Democrats. to explain why even skeptics would benefit Those concerns have been inflamed by from a well-funded IRS. recent security breaches. The IRS has been “I think the most powerful statement under pressure to improve its data security the IRS can make, when there’s a proposal protocols after a former contractor who was to significantly cut our budget, is to show accused of leaking the tax documents of our work and to demonstrate that we’re on Donald Trump and other wealthy Americans a strong path to improving tax operations in was sentenced to five years in prison. A report a way that benefits taxpayers,” Werfel said in published last week by the Treasury Inspector an interview this week.

General for Tax Administration found that as The IRS was supposed to get $80 bil- of July, more than 200 former IRS employees lion as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of or contractors still had access to sensitive 2022, and that money was expected to help information.

Members of the tax committee are exthe agency beef up its enforcement abilities to crack down on tax cheats and modernize its pected to press Werfel on Thursday about why antiquated technology. As part of an agreement he delayed enforcement of a contentious tax to raise the debt limit last year, Democrats policy that would require users of digital walwent along with Republicans’ demands to lets and e-commerce platforms like Venmo, claw back $20 billion of those funds. And PayPal, Cash App, StubHub and Etsy to start Republican lawmakers have in recent months reporting small transactions to the tax collection agency. The policy was enacted as part of the American Rescue Plan of 2021 and has faced criticism because Jorge L. Calderón MD it would increase scrutiny of Medicina General lower- and middle-class taxpayers. Although Republicans Adultos y Adolescentes loathe the policy, they contend Visitas al Hogar y Centros de Envejecientes that Werfel’s delays are floutLunes, Miércoles y Jueves 8:00am -2:00pm ing the law.

Martes 10:00am - 6:00pm “The IRS should not be shielding Democrats from the Tel. 787.739.9922 • Fax. 787.520.7116 consequences of their own

By ALAN RAPPEPORT

A

Daniel Werfel, the Internal Revenue Service commissioner, during a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 19, 2023. Werfel will try to persuade skeptical Republicans on Thursday, Feb. 14, that funding the tax agency is a good investment. (Shuran Huang/The New York Times) bad lawmaking,” Rep. Jason Smith, the Republican chair of the Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement. “The IRS cannot sidestep the Constitution and simply rewrite laws.”

Werfel said he planned to argue that he was within his rights to delay the so-called Venmo tax because the law, as written, would cause widespread confusion and potentially harm taxpayers. And he would make the case that data security at the agency had significantly improved in the past year. Such incidents, however, have provided critics of the IRS with fodder to argue that it does not deserve the additional funding that it has received.

“Whenever you have some negotiation about budget things, you want money for Ukraine or Israel or something, we’ll take it out of the IRS piggy bank,” said Grover Norquist, founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform, an advocacy group that promotes lower taxes. “Because they’ve shown no seriousness about being better about anything.”

The Biden administration has said that the continuing attacks on the IRS are part of a strategy to weaken the agency so that it does not have the capacity to catch wealthy taxpayers who evade paying what they owe.

The Treasury Department estimates that the United States has a nearly $700 billion “tax gap” of revenue that is uncollected every year

and argues that stronger enforcement of the tax code is critical for reducing America’s reliance on borrowed money.

“There are those who have power and those who have wealth who would like nothing more than for the IRS to not have the resources to go after them and make them pay their fair share,” Wally Adeyemo, the deputy Treasury secretary, said in an interview.

The frequent discussions about chipping away at the agency’s funding has left Werfel looking over his shoulder as he tries to carry out the priorities in the ambitious multiyear operating plan that the agency produced last year.

Werfel said that the barrage of criticism that had been directed at the IRS over the years had taken a toll on its staff but that he believed that morale was starting to improve. He likens the role of the agency to that of an impartial referee who is necessary for government to function, but he acknowledges the challenge of staying out of politics.

“I think most people see us as the tax collector, and that is not the most popular action that the government takes,” Werfel said.

“It becomes the reality that when the debate is about the role of government, the size of government, the actions of government, that the IRS is going to be front and center in that debate.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

7

House Republicans impeach Mayorkas for border policies

By KAROUN DEMIRJIAN

T

he U.S. House of Representatives voted narrowly on Tuesday to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a precedent-shattering vote that charged him with willfully refusing to enforce border laws and breaching the public trust.

In a 214-213 vote, Republicans barreled past the solid opposition of Democrats and reservations in their own ranks to make Mayorkas the first sitting Cabinet secretary in U.S. history to be impeached.

It amounted to a partisan indictment of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies by the GOP, which is seeking to use a surge in migration across the United States border with Mexico during his tenure as a political weapon against him and Democrats in this year’s elections.

Biden condemned the House’s vote in a statement Tuesday night.

“History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games,” he said.

The vote came a week after the House rejected the charges against Mayorkas when Republicans, who control the House by a razorthin margin, tried and failed to muster a majority to approve them.

It put Mayorkas in the company of past presidents and administration officials who have been impeached on allegations of personal corruption and other wrongdoing.

But the charges against him broke with history by failing to identify any such offense, instead effectively declaring the policy choices Mayorkas has carried out a constitutional crime.

The approach threatened to lower the bar for impeachments — which already has fallen in recent years — reducing what was once Congress’ most potent tool to remove despots from power to a weapon to be deployed in political fights.

Democrats, former secretaries of homeland security, the country’s largest police union and a chorus of constitutional law experts — including conservatives — have denounced the impeachment as a blatant attempt to resolve a policy dispute with a constitutional punishment.

They said Republicans had presented no evidence that Mayorkas’ conduct rose to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors, the standard for impeachment laid out in the Constitution.

The charges against Mayorkas are expected to be rejected in the Democratic-led Senate, where conviction would require a two-thirds majority and where even some Republicans have

Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, walks to a hearing room at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Nov. 15, 2023. Mayorkas was impeached by House Republicans on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times) called the effort dead on arrival. The House is expected to deliver the impeachment articles to the Senate in the last week of February, according to the office of Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the majority leader, and senators would be sworn in as jurors the next day.

“The one and only reason for this impeachment is for Speaker Johnson to further appease Donald Trump,” Schumer said in a statement, adding that House Republicans “failed to present any evidence of anything resembling an impeachable offense.”

But House Republicans insisted that Mayorkas had failed to carry out his duties under the Constitution, and they defended the impeachment as necessary.

“Congress has taken decisive action to defend our constitutional order and hold accountable a public official who has violated his oath of office,” Rep. Mark E. Green, R-Tenn., chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, which prepared the charges against Mayorkas, said in a statement. The proceedings, he added, “demonstrated beyond any doubt that Secretary Mayorkas has willfully and systemically refused to comply with the laws of the United States, and breached the public trust.”

Three Republicans — Reps. Ken Buck of Colorado, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Tom McClintock of California — lined up with Democrats against the charges. They warned that impeaching a Cabinet secretary for the way he did his job would weaken a weighty constitutional penalty and do nothing to address serious immigration issues.

“We have to stop using these impeachments — if you have policy differences, we have other tools,” Buck said in an interview following the vote, adding that impeachment had “become a partisan game that, when it comes to constitutional interpretation, really should be above this.”

In approving the charges, the House also appointed 11 Republicans to serve as impeachment managers, including Green and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, the right-wing lawmaker who has led the charge against Mayorkas.

Green’s panel produced a report in which they said of the Cuban-born secretary that they were “deporting Secretary Mayorkas from his position.”

The first of the two charges approved Tuesday accuses Mayorkas of replacing Trumpera policies, such as the program commonly called Remain in Mexico, which required many migrants to wait at the southwestern border for their court dates, with “catch and release” policies that allowed migrants to roam free in the United States. Republicans charge that Mayorkas ignored multiple mandates of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which states that migrants “shall be detained” pending decisions on asylum and removal orders, and acted beyond his authority to parole migrants into the country.

Democrats have pushed back forcefully, noting that Mayorkas, like any homeland security secretary, has the right to set policies to manage the waves of migrants arriving at the border.

That includes allowing certain migrants into the country temporarily on humanitarian grounds

and prioritizing which migrants to detain, particularly when working with limited resources.

The second article accuses Mayorkas of breaching the public trust by misrepresenting the state of the border and stymieing congressional efforts to investigate him. Republicans base those accusations on an assertion by Mayorkas in 2022 that his department had “operational control” over the border, which is defined under a 2006 statute as the absence of any unlawful crossings of migrants or drugs. Mayorkas has said he was referring instead to a less absolute definition used by the Border Patrol.

They also accuse Mayorkas of having failed to produce documents, including materials he was ordered to give them under subpoena, during an investigation into his border policies and evading their efforts to get him to testify as part of their impeachment proceedings.

Administration officials have countered that Mayorkas has produced tens of thousands of pages of documents in accordance with the panel’s requests. He offered to testify in person, but Republicans on the panel rescinded their invitation for him to appear after the two sides encountered scheduling problems.

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Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Democrats flip Santos’ House seat in early election-year test

By NICHOLAS FANDOS

T

om Suozzi, a former Democratic congressman, won a closely watched special House election in New York on Tuesday, narrowing the Republican majority in Washington and offering his party a potential playbook to run in key suburban swing areas in November.

His victory in the Queens and Long Island district avenged a year of humiliation unleashed by the seat’s former occupant, George Santos, and stanched a trend that had seen Republicans capture nearly every major election on Long Island since 2021.

Suozzi, 61, fended off the Republican nominee, Mazi Pilip, in a race that became an expensive preview of many of the fights expected to dominate November’s general election, especially over the influx of migrants at the border and in New York City.

A well-known centrist, Suozzi distanced himself from his party, calling for harsher policies at the border and vowing to work with Republicans to fix a broken immigration system. Polls suggested the independent approach helped narrow Pilip’s advantage on the issue, as Democratic super political action committees deluged her with ads attacking her as anti-abortion.

In the end, the race also became an old-fashioned local contest over turnout as a rare election day snowstorm blanketed Long Island. The 11th-hour twist most likely helped Democrats, who had turned out in larger numbers during early voting despite Republicans’ vaunted Nassau County machine.

With 93% of votes counted, Suozzi had won 54% of the vote compared with 46% for Pilip, according to The Associated Press.

Suozzi’s comeback will have an immediate impact in Washington. After he is seated, Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose only two votes on any partisan bill, an unwieldy margin that could limit Republicans’ election-year legislative agenda.

Addressing supporters in Woodbury, New York, on Long Island, Suozzi said his victory was an endorsement of the moderate approach he has championed for decades as a mayor, county executive and congressman.

“This race was fought amidst a closely divided electorate, much like our whole country,” Suozzi said. “We won because we addressed the issues and we found a way to bind our divisions.”

It was also a personal vindication for Suozzi, an ambitious career politician who has watched his fortune rise and fall over three decades in office. He gave up his House seat after three terms in 2022 to run for governor of New York, only to finish in a distant third place in the Democratic primary.

The cost of that decision became more clear as Santos was exposed as a serial liar and was ultimately charged by federal prosecutors with 23 criminal counts of campaign fraud and other charges. The House expelled him in December, after he had served nearly a year.

“Thank God,” Suozzi reveled at his victory party, boasting that he had overcome “all the lies about Tom Suozzi and the Squad, about Tom Suozzi being the godfather of the migrant crisis, about ‘Sanctuary Suozzi,’ ” and despite the Republican machine’s best efforts.

Republicans in New York and Washington always knew that retaining the seat vacated by Santos would be somewhat challenging given the Democrats’ modest advantage in registered voters and Suozzi’s name recognition. But party leaders were

Tom Suozzi, a Democrat and former three-term congressman running to replace George Santos in the House, speaks to reporters on Election Day in the special election in Glen Cove, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2024.

(Anna Watts/The New York Times) confident that they could prevail in a district that includes some of the nation’s wealthiest suburban enclaves.

But barely an hour after the polls had closed, they were conceding. Pilip, a 44-year-old county legislator, did not directly say whether she would run again against Suozzi in the fall, but implied she was not ready to step off the political stage.

“Yes we lost, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to end here,” Pilip told supporters at a watch party. “We’re going to continue the fight.”

There was little reason to believe the outcome would alter former President Donald Trump’s determination to make immigration a mainstay of his own campaign. But it is likely to force Republican leaders and strategists mapping out the race for the House and Senate to reconsider the potency of the border issue that Pilip made the centerpiece of her campaign.

The issue was especially resonant here at the outskirts of New York City, and Democrats had privately warned in the race’s final weeks that it could be enough to defeat Suozzi. Voters were confronted with daily headlines about the spike in illegal border crossings and the more than 170,000 migrants who have arrived in New York. Just a week before election day, the New York City police commissioner warned that a “wave of migrant crime” had “washed” over the city.

Rather than write it off as an issue that favored Republicans, though, Suozzi made the migrant crisis a daily focus, along with cutting taxes, fighting crime and protecting abortion rights. He called for Biden to temporarily close the southern border and sought to show voters that he, too, saw the problem and wanted it fixed.

So when Pilip joined her party earlier this month in denouncing a bipartisan border deal that included many of the provisions they had demanded, such as expediting deportations and making it more difficult to claim asylum, Suozzi went on the offensive.

“Ms. Pilip points out there’s a problem! A problem! A problem!” he said during the race’s only debate. “But she has no solution.”

Voters took notice.

“He’s someone who doesn’t have to start from scratch,” said Rachelle Ocampo, 36, a health care communications director from Queens. “He has experience and he knows how to deal with local and federal issues.”

Suozzi sought to draw that contrast on issue after issue.

He cast himself as a seasoned veteran ready to step in and find solutions: to reinstate the full state and local tax deduction sacrosanct to suburban homeowners, and to defend Israel amid its war with Hamas.

Republicans chose Pilip even though she was virtually untested, with few known policy positions and little experience navigating a nationally scrutinized race. It was a gamble that her life story as an Ethiopian-born former Israeli soldier would perfectly meet the political moment.

But Pilip’s inexperience showed throughout the campaign.

She held vanishingly few public campaign events and declined invitations to the kind of forums and debates that would have introduced her to voters. In the one she did take part in, the Republican repeatedly raised her voice and left the moderator struggling to pin down her position on major issues like abortion and gun rights.

Although Suozzi did not make those issues a focal point of his own messaging, the Democrats’ main House campaign committee and House super PAC seized on the ambiguity in Pilip’s positions, burying her with $10 million in attack ads about abortion.

Democrats ultimately outspent Republicans on TV two to one.

And Suozzi attacked Pilip over her evasiveness and qualifications, suggesting she was untested and unready for such a significant role.

“How can you run for Congress in this post-George Santos world and not be completely transparent?” he demanded on the debate stage.

Pilip, who forcefully broke with Santos a year ago, tried to reassure voters that she was a model of personal and public ethics.

Many voters ultimately concluded she was just too much of a risk.

“We couldn’t have someone like Santos in again,” said Pierre Vatanapradit, an IT worker, as he cast his ballot for Suozzi on Saturday in Bayside, Queens. “We can’t let that happen again.”

But after weeks of campaigning, it was the most local of issues, a snowstorm, that electrified the race’s closing day, as both parties raced to turn out voters stuck at home.

This being Long Island, a suburban expanse where politics and public works have a history of mixing, Democrats were suspicious that Republicans who control the Nassau County government and each of its three townships might selectively clear paths for their voters.

“Of course we’re worried about where they plow the roads,” Jay Jacobs, the state Democratic Party chair, said Monday.

Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County’s Republican executive, said he was “personally offended” that Democrats would question his administration’s integrity, and vowed to clear the streets equitably.

That apparently was not good enough for Republicans.

The Congressional Leadership Fund, the House Republicans’ main super PAC, hired private snow plows to help clear the party’s best precinct areas faster, according to its spokesperson.

In the end, it was not enough to close the gap.

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

9

Wildfire smoke will worsen, new study shows, and protections are few

By CHRISTOPHER FLAVELLE

M

ore than 125 million Americans will be exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution by the middle of the century, largely because of increased smoke from wildfires, according to estimates released earlier this week.

Yet there are few good ways to protect communities, experts said. The United States has gotten better at coping with other climate perils, like floods, hurricanes and even wildfires themselves. Smoke is different: It’s more challenging to anticipate, to get people to take seriously and to keep out of people’s homes.

“With wildfire smoke in particular, we are not going to adapt our way out of the problem,” said Brian G. Henning, director of the Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. “It’s really hard to address.”

In the 1950s, U.S. air pollution began to steadily improve, largely because of increased regulation, according to the First Street Foundation, the research group that released the report. Then, starting around 2016, the trajectory reversed.

That shift can be seen in the Air Quality Index, which measures the concentration of tiny particles in the air, which can be absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream, as well as ozone, another harmful pollutant.

For almost a decade, average air-quality readings have been getting worse.

Two main causes explain that shift, according to First Street, both tied to climate change. First, more extreme heat has increased the levels of ozone in the air. Second, and more consequential: An increase in heat and drought has made wildfires worse, causing more smoke to reach more of the United States.

That can bring severe health dangers.

Inhaling the tiny particles in wildfire smoke is associated with strokes, heart disease, respiratory disease, lung cancer and early death, according to Susan Anenberg, director of the Climate and Health Institute at George Washington University. “The higher the pollution level and the longer the duration of exposure,” she said, “the more risk there is.”

‘Staggering’ projections That pollution level is expected to get significantly worse.

First Street projected changes in air pollution, based on models that predict extreme

Pedestrians cross the Brooklyn Bridge as smoke from wildfires in Canada’s Quebec province blanketed New York on June 7, 2023. More than 125 million Americans will be exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution by the middle of the century, largely because of increased smoke from wildfires, according to new estimates. (Dave Sanders/The New York Times) heat and wildfires. The group estimated that by 2054, more than 125 million Americans each year will be exposed to at least one day of “red” air quality, the level that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes as unhealthy. That’s a 50% jump over this year.

Eleven million Americans are expected to face at least one day that reaches purple on the index, which the EPA characterizes as “very unhealthy.” The highest risk level, maroon, is what the EPA calls “hazardous,” and according to First Street’s projections, almost 2 million Americans will be exposed to at least one such day by 2054.

“Parts of the country are set to see months’ worth of unhealthy air quality days,” said Jeremy R. Porter, head of climate implications at First Street and the report’s lead author. “That statistic is staggering, and is going to slowly make some parts of the country relatively unlivable.”

By 2054, New York City is projected to see eight days a year when the Air Quality Index is orange or worse, meaning the air is unhealthy for at least some sensitive groups.

That’s up from six days this year.

Los Angeles County, the nation’s most populous, is projected to hit 54 days that are orange or worse, compared with 47 this year.

A different threat The best way to address wildfire smoke,

experts note, is to stop warming the planet, which would entail drastically reducing the amount of oil, coal and natural gas that humans burn. But that remains far from reach: While U.S. greenhouse gas emissions have dipped in recent decades, global emissions continue to rise.

The Biden administration is also trying to limit wildfires by reducing the amount of flammable vegetation on federal lands, through prescribed burns and other strategies. But those treatments are costly and tend to cover relatively small areas, limiting their effect.

That leaves state and local governments with one main option: to try to protect residents against the smoke that will increasingly reach their communities. But the barriers are enormous.

Wildfire smoke is different.

As last year’s wildfires in Canada showed, smoke can travel great distances with little warning. Unlike flooding, smoke’s movement through a community can’t easily be guessed by mapping the local topography, and it can’t be blocked or diverted.

That makes wildfire smoke more akin to extreme heat. But unlike heat waves, people can’t respond by moving their activities to dawn or evening hours. And people may not know when they’re being exposed to

dangerous levels of air pollution.

“You can’t always see it,” said Paige Fischer, a professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability who is studying responses to extreme smoke.

“You don’t really experience the advanced health impacts necessarily until much later.”

Not safe inside Governments are working to improve their warning systems, for example by sending notifications to people’s phones. But those most at risk are often older or don’t speak English, according to Crystal Raymond, a climate adaptation specialist at the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group.

“There’s a really big communications challenge,” Raymond said.

Even if people know the air is dangerous, their options are limited. The most common guidance is to take shelter in homes or other buildings. Yet not all structures provide protection.

“Unless you have central air, and central air with a good filter, there’s no reason to believe that the indoor air quality is significantly better than the outdoor air quality,” Henning said. Without a filtration device, he added, “the only thing that’s filtering that indoor air is your lungs.”

Lori Moore-Merrell, the U.S. fire administrator, is in charge of fire research and public education. In a statement, she said that local officials should give people without air filters at home, or those who are homeless, information about where they can find what she called “cleaner air shelters.”

Henning’s team is using an EPA grant to set up such a shelter, installing an expensive air-filtration system at a community center in Spokane, Washington. But his worry is that some people won’t recognize the danger they’re in, and will stay in homes that have become unsafe.

Risk to working outdoors Those who need to work outside are also particularly difficult to protect. MooreMerrell said outdoor workers should use equipment like N95 masks, which filter out smoke.

But that’s not as easy as it might sound, according to Natalie Herbert, a research scientist at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability who has studied community responses to smoke. For the masks to work, they need to fit securely and be worn constantly. “When it’s really hot and when there’s smoke, it is going to be uncomfortable,” Herbert said.

10 Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

This Arctic Circle town expected a green energy boom. Then came Bidenomics.

A factory for Freyr, the electric battery company, at an industrial park near Mo I Rana, Norway, Jan. 23, 2024.

Generous subsidies are helping the United States steal green industries from Europe, as countries race to secure the energy supplies of the future. (Thomas Ekstrom/The New York Times)

By JEANNA SMIALEK and ANA SWANSON

I

n Mo i Rana, a small Norwegian industrial town on the cusp of the Arctic Circle, a cavernous gray factory sits empty and unfinished in the snowy twilight — a monument to unfulfilled economic hope.

The electric battery company Freyr was partway through constructing this hulking facility when the Biden administration’s sweeping climate bill passed in 2022. Perhaps the most significant climate legislation in history, the Inflation Reduction Act promised an estimated $369 billion in tax breaks and grants for clean energy technology over the next decade. Its incentives for battery production within the United States were so generous that they eventually helped prod Freyr to pause its Norway facility and focus on setting up shop in Georgia.

The startup is still raising funds to build the factory as it tries to prove the viability of its key technology, but it has already changed its business registration to the United States.

Its pivot was symbolic of a larger global tug of war as countries vie for the firms and technologies that will shape the future of energy. The world has shifted away from decades of emphasizing private competition and has plunged into a new era of competitive industrial policy — one in which nations are offering a mosaic of favorable regulations and public subsidies to try to attract green industries like electric vehicles and storage, solar and hydrogen.

Mo i Rana offers a stark example of the competition underway. The industrial town is trying to establish itself as the green energy capital of Norway, so Freyr’s decision to invest elsewhere came as a blow. Local authorities had originally hoped that the factory could attract thousands of employees and new residents to their town of about 20,000 — an enticing promise for a region struggling with an aging population.

Instead, Freyr is employing only about 110 people locally at its

testing plant focused on technological development.

“The Inflation Reduction Act changed everything,” said Ingvild Skogvold, the managing director of Ranaregionen Naeringsforening, a chamber of commerce group in Mo i Rana.

She faulted the national government’s response.

“When the world changes, you have to adapt,” she said, “and we haven’t been efficient enough in our response to the IRA.” A clean energy race The implications extend beyond Mo i Rana. There is a growing sense that both the European Union and Norway, which is not an official member but which follows many of the EU’s policies, could fall behind in the sprint for clean energy.

The batteries that are essential for green energy grids and electric cars offer an important case study. China has 80% of the world’s capacity to produce batteries. That has left nations with “an increasing sense of vulnerability over concentration of supply,” said Antoine Vagneur-Jones, the head of trade and supply chains at Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Timing is critical. The nations and companies that build up capacity first could snap up critical minerals and talent, pulling so far ahead that it is hard to catch up.

Companies were steadily adding battery capacity to the pipeline in Europe before the announcement of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022, tracking of company announcements by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence shows. But after the law was announced, European capacity largely plateaued, and expected U.S. capacity shot up and eventually overtook it.

“This is extremely fast that you’re starting to see these effects,” said Fredrik Persson, the president of BusinessEurope, the continent’s largest business group.

He said businesses were being driven by a variety of factors, including higher energy prices and more red tape in Europe, and greater certainty in the United States about the future of the clean energy market.

For countries like Norway, falling behind could mean remaining economically dependent on an oil and gas sector that appears headed for decline as the world pivots toward clean power.

“We see on the horizon that oil and gas will be going down,” said Ole Kolstad, the administrative director at Rana Utvikling, a business development office in Mo i Rana. “We have to be part of that transition.”

A global subsidy push Most capitalist countries have spent recent decades trying to even out competitive playing fields and tearing down, not erecting, barriers to trade. But then the Trump administration imposed steep tariffs — including some directed at allies in Europe and elsewhere. And the Biden administration upped the ante with its climate bill, giving preference to some U.S.made products and trying to spur domestic production.

The recent turn toward more protectionist policies aimed at building up national industries has presented a particular conundrum for the European Union, which sees the principles of fair and open trade as critical to its project of European integration.

European officials have long tried to discourage their in-

dividual member countries from competing with one another for company investments and provoking an expensive subsidy war. They are also enthusiastic supporters of similar principles at the World Trade Organization, which requires its members to treat all foreign and local goods equally to try to eliminate hidden barriers to trade.

But the resurgence of targeted subsidies in the United States and elsewhere is testing commitments to those rules.

In response to the Inflation Reduction Act, Europe loosened its tight restrictions on state aid last year, allowing national governments to offer more subsidies to the clean energy industry. Nations are now offering packages on a case-by-case basis: Germany is giving battery producer Northvolt about $980 million in state aid.

Not competitive But even a package like the one Northvolt received from Germany would struggle to compete with the U.S. tax credit, said Freyr’s CEO, Birger Steen.

“It wouldn’t be a match, but it would be a very good start,” he said. Freyr has kept its half-built factory ready to come online — heated to 12 degrees Celsius, or about 54 degrees Fahrenheit — to ensure that it can put production in Norway should policy swing its way.

European subsidies still total only perhaps 20% to 40% of a firm’s investment cost, compared with more than 200% in the United States, said Jonas Erraia, a partner at Menon Economics who studies the battery industry. The Norwegian government specifically has pushed back on requests for more, he added.

“The Norwegian government basically said they were not in the business of subsidizing industries,” Erraia said.

There is reason for the hesitance. Countries do not want to touch off a wasteful subsidy war, one where they end up propping up companies that cannot stand on their own two feet.

“The market decides which of the projects that will make it, our ambition as a government is to mobilize as much private capital as possible,” Anne Marit Bjornflaten, the Norwegian state secretary to the minister of trade and industry, said in an email.

In Mo i Rana, business groups remain fearful of falling behind.

Skogvold, the managing director at the chamber of commerce group, hosted an onstage interview with Jan Christian Vestre, Norway’s minister of trade and industry, at an event focused on green energy in the town on Jan. 26. It came a year and a half after Vestre visited the town to announce Norway’s battery strategy during a celebration held at Freyr’s research plant.

The tone was different this time.

Skogvold asked the minister, in Norwegian, why the government had not been more aggressive with green incentives.

“We will not reintroduce subsidies on production,” he said. But he later added that the world would have lots of demand for battery factories and that he hoped that “if we can make it profitable in Norway, and if private capital leads the way, that we can succeed with this in Norway.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

11 Stocks

Investors hope strong US economy can insulate stocks from yield surge

A

s Treasury yields march higher, some investors are betting a resilient U.S. economy and moderating inflation can shield stocks from their deleterious effects this time around.

Rising yields are often viewed as a hindrance to stocks since they increase the allure of bonds compared to equities while raising the cost of capital. The S&P 500 index plunged 19.4% in 2022 when yields soared as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to head off a surge in inflation and wobbled again when yields spiked to 16-year highs last year - though stocks came screaming back once the move reversed.

That relationship was evident again on Tuesday after hotter-than-expected consumer price data for January undercut the case for imminent Fed rate cuts and sent Treasury yields soaring. The benchmark 10-year yield, which moves inversely to bond prices, rose to a 10-week high of 4.297%. The S&P 500 closed down 1.36%, although it stands near record highs hit earlier this week.

Some investors, however, believe stocks are now in a better position to withstand another climb in yields. One reason is a U.S. economy that has proven far more resilient than many expected in the face of higher interest rates, softening concerns about whether tighter monetary policy will hurt growth.

And while investors have curtailed their expectations for how much the Fed will cut borrowing costs, most believe that cooler inflation means U.S. central bank policymakers are still likely to lower rates this year. Consumer prices have risen 3.1% on a 12-month basis, moderating from a four-decade peak of 9.1% in June 2022.

“Rates are higher, but that means that the economy is in pretty good shape,” said Michael Purves, head of Tallbacken Capital Advisors. Meanwhile, inflation is “broadly a lot less scary than it was before.”

Purves expects the 10-year Treasury yield to drift up to a range between 4.25% and 4.75%, while equities continue to rally, though at a slower pace. The yield hit a high of just over 5% last year.

“If it’s a non-violent rate move higher, the market and the economy can accommodate it,” he said.

Futures tied to the Fed’s main policy rate show investors pricing in around 90 basis points in cuts this year. That’s down from 150 basis points that markets had priced in last month, though still above the 75 basis points in cuts projected by Fed policymakers at their Dec. 12-13 meeting.

Investors’ buoyant mood was reflected in BofA’s latest fund manager survey, which showed allocations to global stocks at a two-year high. Optimism about the economy was at its highest level since early 2022.

Many investors have also taken heart from an earnings season that so far has been stronger than expected.

With results in from about two-thirds of companies, fourth-quarter earnings growth for the S&P 500 is now

MOST ASSERTIVE STOCKS

PUERTO RICO STOCKS

COMMODITIES

CURRENCY

seen at 9.2%, almost double a Jan. 1 forecast for 4.7% growth, according to LSEG data on Friday.

“Earnings season was quite good,” said Wei Li, global chief investment strategist at BlackRock. “Across the whole equity market there were more sectors delivering positive earnings, and that was trumping rate repricing.”

A slow move higher in yields over the last couple of weeks has also allowed the market to better digest them, she added.

“Speed sometimes matters more than levels,” she said.

Investors could make an argument for selling if yields keep pushing higher. The S&P 500 is up 20% from its October lows in an advance led mainly by the so-called “Magnificent Seven,” the massive growth and technology stocks that have a heavy weighting in the index.

Persistently strong economic data could also stoke fears of an inflationary rebound that would force the Fed to keep rates higher for longer than investors were expecting.

That could be “very negative for stocks that are interest rates sensitive, particularly small stocks that are facing a requirement to refinance their debt,” said Michael Green, chief investment strategist at Simplify Asset Management.

12 Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Hundreds flee southern Gaza hospital after Israel orders evacuation

By RAJA ABDULRAHIM

H

undreds of displaced Palestinians were fleeing a major hospital in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, according to doctors and videos from the scene, after Israeli forces ordered them to leave and threatened military action to stop what it said was Hamas activity at the hospital.

Thousands of Palestinians have been sheltering at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis for weeks, having been forced to flee their homes and other parts of Gaza by Israel’s intense bombardment of the territory and military orders to leave their towns and cities. Hospitals have become places of refuge during the war, even as they have often become a focus of Israel’s military offensive.

Inside Nasser, which is one of the last functioning hospitals in Gaza, there was terror that Israeli forces would bombard or storm the complex, said Mohammed Abu Lehya, a doctor there. Previous Israeli warnings to evacuate hospitals, including Shifa, the largest in Gaza, have often preceded military raids on the facilities.

“The situation is very difficult, difficult, difficult, difficult,” Dr. Abu Lehya said in a WhatsApp message Wednesday morning. “It’s beyond the imagination or description.”

A video shared on social media Wednesday and verified

by The New York Times shows crowds of people carrying belongings and bedding leaving the hospital as explosions are heard in the background. The Israeli military called for those sheltering to evacuate but said it had not called on patients and medical staff to leave the hospital.

Israel accuses Hamas, the armed Palestinian group that

ran Gaza, of using hospitals for its military operations. Hamas and hospital administrators have previously denied such claims. Classified Israeli intelligence obtained and reviewed by the Times suggests Hamas operated under Shifa, but falls short of proving Israel’s early claims that there was a command center there.

Doctors at the hospital and the Gaza Health Ministry said that some people who tried to flee the Nasser medical compound Tuesday were shot at by Israeli soldiers, who killed some and wounded others.

In response to questions, the Israeli military said it had “opened a secure route to evacuate the civilian population taking shelter in the area of the Nasser Hospital toward the humanitarian zone.” It did not respond to questions about reports that it had shot at Palestinians trying to leave the hospital.

In a statement Wednesday, the Israeli military accused Hamas of conducting military activity inside the hospital grounds and said it “was used to hold hostages.” The claims could not be independently verified, but they signaled the Israeli military’s intensifying focus on the hospital, which its forces have surrounded for weeks.

“We demand the immediate cessation of all military activity in the area of the hospital and the immediate departure of military operatives from it,” the Israeli military said. It called for civilians sheltering at the hospital to leave for “safer spaces” in southern and central Gaza.

It was unclear where those who left the complex could find safety, as Israel’s military has often bombarded areas of Gaza that it had previously said were safe. Israeli leaders have

also vowed to invade Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, which is sheltering more than 1 million people.

Inside the hospital, some medical staff were packing their belongings and preparing their families to flee.

“We are all scared,” said Dr. Mohammad Abu Moussa, a radiologist at Nasser. He added that even though he worried about an assault on the hospital, he and his wife had made the difficult decision to stay for now. They and their two surviving children — a third was killed in an airstrike in October — have been staying at the hospital for weeks.

“I have no other choice,” Abu Moussa said. “I don’t have anywhere to go in Rafah, and I have young children, and they can’t walk long distances like that.”

Hanin Abu Tiba, 27, an English teacher sheltering at the hospital, described dire conditions inside, with food running out and aid convoys all but unable to deliver supplies. In text messages overnight, she said that she had seen an Israeli military vehicle outside the hospital gate.

“I’m terrified to leave the hospital and get shot,” she said.

But inside the complex, she said, “the electricity is cutting out, and the water, and the canned food is almost gone. We don’t know what to do.”

Throughout the four-month war, the Israeli military has stormed other Gaza hospitals, detaining medical staff, according to the Health Ministry.

“We are very concerned about the situation developing at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis,” the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders said on social media Wednesday.

It called on Israeli forces “to ensure the safety of all medical staff, patients and displaced people.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

13

As US weighs aid, Ukraine turns to European allies for support

By MARC SANTORA

P

resident Volodymyr Zelenskyy is redoubling his diplomatic outreach to Europe in the hopes of starting to fill the void left by months of U.S. indecision, as the debate over providing renewed military assistance for Ukraine continues to play out in Washington.

The Ukrainian leader was quick to praise the bipartisan group of U.S. senators who approved $60 billion in assistance for his nation at a moment when Ukrainian soldiers are struggling with a shortage of weapons and ammunition, saying “continued U.S. assistance helps to save human lives from Russian terror.”

Reaction across the Ukrainian political spectrum was similar — seeking to express gratitude to those who are standing by the government in Ukraine, while being cautious not to say anything that could in any way jeopardize the debate going forward. The aid package must still make it through the Republican-led House, where Speaker Mike Johnson said he would ignore it.

“We hope that as a result of constructive debate and dialogue, the bill will also receive bipartisan support and be adopted in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Olena Kondratyuk, the vice speaker of the Ukrainian parliament. “We need this support to continue to fight for our freedom and independence. A clear message must also be sent to the aggressor country of Russia about the unity of the democratic world and the continued U.S. leadership in providing comprehensive assistance to Ukraine.”

But Ukrainians are keenly aware that the bill will face stiff resistance from a powerful faction of Republicans encouraged by former President Donald Trump to kill the bill. So the Zelenskyy government is also increasingly turning to friends closer to home. A senior Ukrainian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal diplomatic discussions, said that a victory in Ukraine by President Vladimir Putin of Russia “would be disastrous for Europe.”

“It could lead to him expanding his aggression into other countries in the region,” the official said of Putin. “Europeans understand this, and it motivates

Destroyed armored vehicles in the formerly Russian-occupied town of Sviatohirsk in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, Jan. 2, 2024. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine is redoubling his diplomatic outreach to Europe in the hopes of starting to fill the void left by months of American indecision. (Finbarr O’Reilly/The New York Times) them to act despite the turmoil across the Atlantic.”

Zelenskyy will most likely push for more military assistance on visits to Berlin, Paris and possibly London as part of a whirlwind tour this week meant to coincide with the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of leaders focused on international security, the Ukrainian official said. The president’s office does not comment on his travel plans for security reasons and cautioned that nothing was finalized, but Zelenskyy alluded to the diplomatic outreach in a recent speech, saying his team was preparing for the conference in Munich.

“Ukraine will present its vision for this year,” Zelenskyy said. “A decisive year in many ways.”

Russia has seized the initiative across the front and is using its growing advantage in artillery and air power to bolster waves of its soldiers.

So far, the Russians have failed to score a major break through Ukrainian lines, but senior Western officials have warned that without U.S. aid, it could become impossible for Ukraine to withstand the onslaught and it could start slowly losing the war.

While Russian losses continue to mount — at least 8,800 armored fighting vehicles have been destroyed since the

Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion two years ago — Moscow “has been able to keep its active inventory numbers stable,” the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a British research group that studies military stockpiles globally, said in a new report.

“It is our assessment, therefore, that Russia will be able to sustain its assault on Ukraine at current attrition rates for another 2-3 years, and maybe even longer,” the group estimated.

The resilience of Russia’s military industrial complex in the face of sprawling Western sanctions has surprised some analysts and heightened concerns among countries along the eastern flank of NATO, with a growing number of Western officials warning of the need to urgently step up their own weapons production given the threat that Putin poses beyond Ukraine.

Kaupo Rosin, director general of the Estonian intelligence agency, said Tuesday, before the release of the agency’s annual security assessment, that it was highly unlikely that Russia would conduct any military actions directed at a NATOaligned nation while it is bogged down in Ukraine. But he warned that “we see that the Russians in their own thinking are calculating that military conflict with NATO is possible in the next decade.”

“Russians are planning to increase the military force along the Baltic States’ border, but also the Finnish border,” Rosin said. “We will highly likely see an increase of manpower — about doubling, perhaps.

We will see an increase in armed personnel carriers, tanks, artillery systems over the coming years.”

Ukraine’s supporters have argued that investing in the fight against Russia in Ukraine would save lives down the line — an argument Zelenskyy himself made two years ago in Munich, on the eve of Russia’s invasion.

In that speech on Feb. 19, 2022, he recalled how, when Germany invaded Poland at the outbreak of World War II, many asked, “Why die for Danzig?”

That question, he said that day, “turned into the need to die for Dunkirk and dozens of other cities in Europe and the world.

At the cost of tens of millions of lives.”

“We appreciate any help, but everyone should understand that these are not charitable contributions,” he said at the time. “These are not noble gestures for which Ukraine should bow low. This is your contribution to the security of Europe and the world.”

When he made that speech, war was not certain. Putin insisted he had no plans to invade Ukraine, and even Zelenskyy was not sure if he should believe the dire warnings of Western allies.

Two years later, dozens of Ukrainian towns and cities are in ruins. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded. And both armies continue to battle, despite hundreds of thousands of casualties.

Ukraine’s message to its European allies will most likely be much the same this week as it was just before the war. But now, Ukraine hopes, many of the illusions about Russia’s intent have been shattered, and the danger Russian poses to the continent has become evident in the carnage wrought in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy also held out hope Tuesday after the Senate vote that the United States would continue to play its vital role as the arsenal for democracy.

“The world is waiting for American leadership to remain steadfast and help protect lives and preserve freedom,” he said.

14

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

How John Travolta became the star of Carnival

By JACK NICAS

I

t was near the start of one of Brazil’s most famous Carnival celebrations, in the northern seaside city of Olinda, and the town plaza was jammed with thousands of revelers.

They were all awaiting their idol.

Just before 9 p.m., the doors to a dance hall swung open, a brass band pushed into the crowd and the star everyone had been waiting for stepped out: a 12-foot puppet of John Travolta.

Confetti sprayed, the band began playing a catchy tune and the crowd sang along: “John Travolta is really cool. Throwing a great party.

And in Olinda, the best carnival.” (It rhymes in Portuguese.)

The giant John Travolta, perched on the head of a puppeteer, then led a parade through the cobblestone streets.

The “boneco,” as such giant puppets are known in Brazil, wore a bedazzled disco-era turtleneck and suit, with a black pompadour, a la John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever.” Celebrating its 45th birthday this year, the boneco is about as old as that film.

But its resemblance to the real Travolta?

“It looks nothing like him,” said the man who made the puppet more than four decades ago, Silvio Botelho, 65, in his workshop in the shade of a mango tree. The clay and papiermâché face has morphed over time, setting the eyes a bit off-kilter. “The humidity took over,” he said. “Everything is warped.”

Botelho has begged to remake it, but the family who owns the boneco says they — and thousands of their neighbors — love it exactly the way it is.

“The people are in love with this boneco,” said Eraldo José Gomes, 56, a grandfather who was among the group of disco-crazed boys who had the idea to create a John Travolta puppet in 1979. “We’re afraid to mess with it.”

The John Travolta boneco (pronounced BO-neh-koh) is one of hundreds of giant puppets that parade through Olinda for four days every February, becoming the calling card of this city’s renowned Carnival — which winds down with Fat Tuesday celebrations this week — and a show of how the pre-Lent festivities in Brazil are far more than just Rio de Janeiro’s extravagant Samba parade.

For locals here in Olinda, a city of roughly 350,000, the bonecos also serve a deeper purpose. They are totems of sorts, playing an important cultural and community role, and often bringing revelers to tears. Olinda’s oldest boneco, The Midnight Man, is even considered a sacred religious object by followers of Afro-Brazilian religions, with specific religious instructions for his handling.

The streets erupt with joy during Carnival in Olinda, Brazil, on Saturday. Feb. 10, 2024. The Brazilian city of Olinda has become famous for its giant puppets during Carnival, including one made just after “Saturday Night Fever.” (Dado Galdieri/ The New York Times) “I grew up with John Travolta. He is my brother. He is the uncle of my children,” Valeria dos Santos, 41, said of the John Travolta boneco. The domestic worker began to cry when explaining how her mother loved that boneco, ironed its clothes for years and died in 2007, on the day it paraded the streets.

The bonecos first arrived in the region in 1919 in a town seven hours away, when a Portuguese priest told of similar puppets in Europe used for religious celebrations, said Jorge Veloso, an Olinda historian who studies Brazil’s bonecos.

In 1932, Carnival revelers in Olinda created The Midnight Man, which for decades has paraded every Saturday night at midnight, a moment carried live on television.

In 1967, Carnival groups created a second boneco, The Daytime Woman, to be The Midnight Man’s wife — there was a Carnival marriage ceremony — and then, in 1974, came their son, The Afternoon Kid. Later, a group of seven boys, enthralled with “Saturday Night Fever,” persuaded Botelho to create a John Travolta boneco. Botelho, who was just starting out and knew the boys from the neighborhood, agreed to do it for free.

From there, bonecos exploded across Olinda. There are folkloric figures, fictional characters and puppets based on well-known

revelers. Local politicians order them for their campaigns, businesses make them for promotions and people order them as gifts.

Most are the creation of Botelho, a selftaught puppet maker who estimates he and his team have created more than 1,300 bonecos.

He used to work with papier-mâché and Styrofoam, but now mostly molds fiberglass and epoxy over a clay sculpture, paints it and adds hair and clothes. “I created a culture,” he said.

About 15 years ago, competition arrived.

A businessperson, Leandro Castro, began creating bonecos in the metropolis next door, Recife, Brazil’s eighth-largest city. His idea — to create a boneco museum — became a big success, in large part because he had a good gimmick: All his bonecos would depict famous figures.

His one-room museum is stacked with Brazilian and international celebrities, including Elvis, Pelé and Pope Francis.

Castro attracts lots of coverage in the Brazilian media, in part for his stunts with politics.

He has bonecos of President Joe Biden; Xi Jinping, the leader of China; and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. He has staged a meeting between the bonecos of former President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader. And he proudly showed off a message from Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, thanking him for his own boneco.

While Castro is the face of the business, the secret to his lifelike bonecos is a littleknown sculptor, Antônio Bernardo, who on Friday was in his dingy studio a few blocks from the museum, molding a giant clay head alongside his sleeping dog, Honey.

Bernardo has sculpted nearly all of Castro’s 750 bonecos and was now racing to finish a new politician for Castro’s annual Carnival puppet parade: President Javier Milei of Argentina.

Bernardo said making his own art fulfills him, while the bonecos are a job. “This gives me no pleasure,” he said, motioning to Milei’s head. “I am dominated by it.”

The dueling puppet moguls, Botelho and Castro, have become rivals of sorts. Botelho called Castro a “pirate.” Castro criticized the craftsmanship of Botelho’s bonecos, naming John Travolta in particular. Castro said he planned to make a better John Travolta for next year.

The John Travolta boneco does have an unconventional look — and an undeniable charm.

“It’s horrible, but beautiful,” said Maria Helena Alcântara, 30, one reveler awaiting the boneco’s arrival Saturday night. “He touches our hearts.”

While the crowd grew in the square, more than 100 people partied inside the dance hall at a private John Travolta party. They wore John Travolta shirts, danced to the catchy John Travolta tune and posed with the John Travolta boneco perched in the corner.

“There isn’t much of a link with the actor today. Now he’s John Travolta of Olinda,” said Diego Gomes, 25, a relative of the founders of the John Travolta boneco. He had watched “Saturday Night Fever” for the first time that week. “It was interesting,” he said.

Across the city, several children carried smaller John Travolta bonecos on their heads as their Carnival costumes. And at one point in Botelho’s workshop, 5-year-old Victor Calebe ran in, took a look at the assorted bonecos and asked, “Where’s John Travolta?”

The boneco founders said they had tried to reach the real Travolta for years but never heard back.

“He’s going to be like: What insanity is this?” Botelho predicted. “Are they drunk?”

However, when reached for comment, the real Travolta felt differently.

“Your music, your dance and your passion fills me with a feeling of completeness!” the actor responded in an email when asked if he had a message for the Olinda revelers. “I am proud and honored to be the icon of your carnival! It makes me so happy! Love always, John Travolta.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

15

The isolationist GOP, again

By BRET STEPHENS

W

hen historians look back on the early days of 2024, they probably won’t recall what, precisely, an elderly Democratic president couldn’t quite remember about the names or countries of other world leaders. They will note what 26 Senate Republicans chose to forget about world leadership.

I’m referring to Tuesday morning’s Senate vote on a $95 billion supplemental foreign-aid package, including $60 billion in desperately needed military assistance for Ukraine, along with $14 billion for Israel and $10 billion for civilians in conflict zones, including the Gaza Strip.

The bill must still pass the House, where it faces the opposition of Speaker Mike Johnson and can only hope to survive via parliamentary maneuvering and the votes of Democrats plus some remaining Republican security hawks.

On paper, the 70-29 vote looks like a bipartisan embrace of embattled democratic allies. But it marks the moment when Republicans reverted to the isolationism of the original America First Committee of pre-World War II infamy. A majority of the GOP Senate conference, including onetime Ukraine hawks such as Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton, voted against the

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aid — mostly, they said, because it wasn’t paired with border-security measures.

That’s the same bill they voted against last week — a bill patiently negotiated over months by one of the most conservative Republicans in the Senate, Oklahoma’s James Lankford. The cynicism would be breathtaking if it weren’t so predictable coming from the Trumpified right.

Let’s walk through some additional points of dissent among Republicans who opposed the bill.

From Arkansas’ Cotton, there’s the argument that support for Israel’s efforts to defeat Hamas is incompatible with any civilian assistance for residents of Gaza. From Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson, we have the claim that although Vladimir Putin is “an evil war criminal,” Russia is certain to win the war, so funding Ukraine prolongs Ukrainian suffering and, by implication, wastes American money. From Ohio’s J.D. Vance, this: “The supplemental represents an attempt by the foreign policy blob/deep state to stop President Trump from pursuing his desired policy.”

What a mix of cruelty, defeatism, conspiracymongering and political servility.

I’m surely among the most pro-Israel commentators around, but I can think of no moral or strategic argument in which hunger and disease among Gaza’s civilians serve anyone’s interests, least of all Israel’s. Johnson’s argument that Ukraine can’t win is belied by the fact that until it started running out of artillery shells, it was more than holding its own against Russia. It also echoes the prewar defeatism of figures such as Robert Taft and Joseph Kennedy, who argued against helping Britain during the Blitz because Hitler was destined to win.

As for Vance, at least his position has the virtue of clarity: This is about sucking up to Donald Trump and his followers and abetting the Republican frontrunner’s declared policy of encouraging Putin to invade underspending NATO members.

What all this makes for is a deeply unserious Republican Party at a deadly serious global moment. It’s commendable that 22 Republicans still chose to vote for the bill. But many of those who did — Mitch McConnell and Mitt Romney among them — are nearing the end of their careers. Today’s GOP isolationists now have more in common with George McGovern’s “Come home, America” slogan than with anything Ronald Reagan or Dwight Eisenhower stood for.

There is abundant room to criticize the Biden administration’s foreign policy record, from the shambolic withdrawal from Afghanistan to the reluctance to arm Ukraine with the weapons it needed when it needed them (and not after the Russian army consolidated its

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) leaves after a Republican luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 8, 2024.

The “onetime Ukraine hawk,” columnist Bret Stephens writes, voted against aid to Ukraine “mostly ... because it wasn’t paired with border-security measures.”

(Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times) front lines) to, yes, its disastrous performance at the southern border, which has been both a policy and a political fiasco.

But the Republican riposte to these failures reminds me of something theoretical physicist Wolfgang Pauli reportedly said about a young physicist’s work: “It is not even wrong” — that is, not even in the vicinity of a serious opinion. There is no conceivable reason the fate of Ukraine, a vital U.S. interest, should hinge on our border policy, however broken, any more than a patient should put off getting a skin cancer removed until he loses 50 pounds. It is an idiotic linkage guaranteed to do harm.

In January 1945, Arthur H. Vandenberg, R-Mich., gave a landmark Senate speech now remembered as the moment when his party finally began to put its reflexive isolationism behind it. “We still propose to help create the postwar world on a basis which shall stop aggressors for keeps and, so far as humanly possible, substitute justice for force among freemen,” he said. “We propose to do it primarily for our own sake.”

For our own sake. The point of helping Ukraine defend itself against its despotic foe — like the point of defending Israel, or Taiwan, or NATO members rich or poor — isn’t altruism. It’s self-interest rightly understood, the kind of understanding that prewar isolationists such as Vandenberg gained only from the ashes and agony of a world war. For the GOP to now lose that understanding is as much a disgrace to it as it is, potentially, a disaster for us all.

16 Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Exdirector del Programa de Educación Técnica, contratista y empresa se declaran culpables de robo de más de $200,000 del Departamento de Educación POR CYBERNEWS

S

AN JUAN – Kelvin Pagán “La Luz”, Javier Santiago Rodríguez y Star Enterprises Inc. (“Star Enterprises”) se declararon culpables el miércoles, de Robo de Programa Federal en violación del Título 18, Código de los Estados Unidos, Sección 666(a) (1)(A).

“Las condenas de hoy deberían enviar un mensaje claro de que la Oficina del Fiscal Federal y nuestros socios federales y estatales trabajarán agresivamente para llevar ante la justicia a quienes defraudan al gobierno, especialmente las instituciones dedicadas a servir a nuestros niños”, dijo el fiscal federal W. Stephen Muldrow en declaraciones escritas.

“La corrupción pública socava la confianza en nuestras instituciones gubernamentales y el Esta-

do de derecho. Continuaremos responsabilizando a quienes violan la confianza del público para su beneficio personal”, agregó.

Según los acuerdos de declaración de culpabilidad, desde junio de 2019 y hasta agosto de 2021, los acusados se ayudaron e instigaron entre sí, robaron, malversaron y obtuvieron mediante fraude 213,201.07 dólares propiedad y bajo el cuidado, custodia y control del Departamento de Educación (DE).

El acusado Kevin Pagán-La Luz fue empleado del Departamento como director del Programa de Educación Técnica, un componente del Departamento que era responsable de la administración de las instituciones públicas postsecundarias operadas bajo los auspicios del Departamento. Pagán-La Luz vivía con el demandado Javier Santiago-Rodríguez, el propietario y presidente de la demandada Star Enterprises, una corporación con una dirección física registrada idéntica a la dirección residencial que compartían Pagán-La Luz y Santiago-Rodríguez.

En noviembre de 2017, Star Enterprises no renovó su certificado de elegibilidad para contratar con el Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico u otras entidades gubernamentales locales. En diciembre de 2019, el Departamento de Estado de Puerto Rico canceló el certificado de constitución de Star Enterprises por incumplimiento de la Ley General de Corporaciones de Puerto Rico.

A diciembre de 2019, Star Enterprises no podía celebrar legalmente ningún contrato con el gobierno de Puerto Rico ni realizar negocios legalmente en Puerto Rico. A pesar de no tener un certificado de elegibilidad válido ni un certificado de incorporación válido, Kelvin Pagán-La Luz autorizó pagos a Star Enterprises por un total de 213,210.07 dólares por el trabajo que Star Enterprises supuestamente realizó para el DEPR. En septiembre de 2020, Pagán-La Luz utilizó una empresa intermediaria que era un contratista autorizado para canalizar 59,999 dólares a Star Enterprises y Santiago-Rodríguez por servicios que nunca se prestaron.

“Estos individuos abusaron de sus posiciones de confianza para beneficio personal, y con la acción de hoy, ahora serán responsables de engañar a aquellos a quienes prometieron servir: los estudiantes de Puerto Rico”, dijo Robert Wolfe, agente especial interino a cargo del Departamento de Educación de Estados Unidos Oficina del Inspector General, Región Sureste.

“En este caso, el funcionario público fue llamado principalmente a actuar en beneficio de los niños y en cambio actuó en beneficio de él y su pareja. No puedo enfatizar esto lo suficiente: ningún plan es invisible y el pueblo de Puerto Rico está cansado de soportar este comportamiento de quienes se supone deben servirles”, dijo Joseph González, agente especial a cargo del FBI en San Juan. Oficina de campo.

Procesan hombre por causar la muerte de una persona con su auto e irse a la fuga POR CYBERNEWS

S

AN JUAN – Agentes del Negociado de la Policía, adscritos a la División de Homicidios del Cuerpo de Investigaciones Criminales (CIC) de San Juan, realizaron una investigación que culminó en la radicación de cargos, por parte de Fiscalía, por un accidente con peatón, hit and run, contra Sebastián Emilio Malavé Bonilla, de 31 años y vecino de San Juan.

Según la investigación de la Policía, el 18 de marzo de 2023, a las 11:00 de la noche, el imputado transitaba en su vehículo de motor frente al laboratorio Bioquímico en la avenida Ing. Manuel Domenech, en San Juan, cuando impactó con la parte frontal de su vehículo a Luis Roberto Almodóvar Núñez, de 56 años.

En ese momento, el conductor se detuvo más adelante y caminó hacia el hombre herido, observándolo. Luego, regresó a su vehículo y se marchó sin dejar dato alguno ni brindar la ayuda requerida.

El peatón, que resultó con lesiones graves, fue transportado al Centro Médico de Río Piedras, donde falleció horas más tarde.

El agente investigador Miguel Sáez Rosario consultó el caso con la fiscal Ana María Martínez Orama, quien ordenó radicar por Imprudencia o negligencialos (Artículo 5.07); Acto ilegal y penalidades (Artículo 4.02), bajo la Ley 22 de Tránsito y por Homicidio Negligente (Artículo 96) del Código Penal de Puerto Rico.

La prueba se presentó ante el juez Glenn Velázquez Morales, del Tribunal de San Juan, donde el licenciado Ricardo Prieto García, representante del imputado, se allanó a la prueba y el juez encontró causa en todos los delitos.

El juez le señaló una fianza global de 9,000 dólares, la cual prestó mediante fiador privado, siendo fichado.

La Vista Preliminar quedó pautada para el 27 de febrero de 2024.

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

17

‘Godzilla Minus One’ stomps into ‘Oppenheimer’ territory

By ESTHER ZUCKERMAN

I

wasn’t expecting to cry as much as I did at “Godzilla Minus One.” The strong wordof-mouth made it sound like an awesome spectacle with cool action courtesy of the scaly title creature. And while there were awe-inducing showdowns with the monster, the Toho International production, written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, is largely a meditation on sorrow and survival in the wake of World War II. The specter of trauma has long hung over Godzilla, a creature unearthed from slumber by hydrogen bomb testing in the 1954 original. But “Godzilla Minus One” (a black-and-white version reached theaters on Feb. 2) further literalizes that as it tells the story of Koichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki), a kamikaze pilot who shirks his duties, surviving both the war and an initial encounter with the beast, only to return to the ruins of Tokyo haunted by what he witnessed. Godzilla poses a threat, but one that lives mostly in the background. Instead, this is a story about finding community in the wake of destruction and learning to value yourself in a society that deems you worthless.

As I watched, I couldn’t help but think about how “Godzilla Minus One” exists in conversation with two other recent releases: Hayao Miyazaki’s otherworldly exploration of grief, “The Boy and the Heron,” and Christopher Nolan’s biographical drama, “Oppenheimer.” Both “Godzilla Minus One” and “The Boy and the Heron” at least partly answer the question that some audiences had after the release of “Oppenheimer,” which documents the invention of the atomic bomb. Namely, where was the Japanese perspective in this story about the man whose invention caused so much pain for them?

Neither “Godzilla Minus One” nor “The Boy and the Heron” is explicitly about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They both deal with life in Japan during and after World War II, using the fantastical to portray a people grappling with the lasting effects of a devastating conflict and their anger at those in power who were responsible. Together, the films also prove that literalism isn’t always required in stories that impart messy truths about humanity.

Nolan’s drama, which picked up 13 Oscar nominations last month, offers an intimate character study of the father of the atomic

“Godzilla Minus One” partly answers the question some viewers had after watching “Oppenheimer”: What about the Japanese perspective? (Toho Company) bomb, penetrating both his genius and his guilt after his weapon was used. However, the film deliberately avoids depicting the nuclear terror that unfolded in Japan. That was intentional, Nolan has said, as he wanted to document Oppenheimer’s “experience subjectively.” He told Variety: “Oppenheimer heard about the bombing at the same time that the rest of the world did. I wanted to show somebody who is starting to gain a clearer picture of the unintended consequences of his actions.”

In what is arguably the most distressing sequence in the film, we see the celebration at Los Alamos after the bombing of Hiroshima through the eyes of Oppenheimer, played

by Cillian Murphy. He begins to envision the blast ripping through the crowd. He comes face to face with a young woman whose skin is peeling off. The cheers start to sound frantic and terrified. He imagines stepping into a charred corpse.

Both “The Boy and the Heron” and “Godzilla Minus One” (which each picked up an Oscar nomination as well) also feature characters with fiery visions of innocents in peril. “The Boy and the Heron” opens with a child, Mahito, running through the streets of Tokyo in a futile effort to save his mother from a fire sparked by an air raid. The image of her engulfed in flames, pleading to be rescued, is one Mahito will return to after his father, who manufactures warplanes, moves him to a mysterious country estate.

The new home is supposed to be a ha-

ven, but for Mahito it is a persistent reminder of what he lost: His father has married his aunt, a dead ringer for his mother; and a nagging gray heron is taunting him, promising a meeting with his lost parent. Mahito is soon sucked into an alternate universe where the ills of the human world are on full display but perverted into greater absurdity. (Think giant parakeets with a taste for human flesh.) The boy must ultimately make a choice about whether he should stay there, where he has the chance to reshape that universe as he pleases, or return to the broken place from which he came. He chooses the latter.

Like Mahito, Koichi, the hero of “Godzilla Minus One,” is plagued by nightmares.

In the opening sequence, he lands his plane on Odo Island in the final days of World War II. He says he is there for repairs, but his craft is fine. Rather, he has lied to avoid the certain death that awaits him as a kamikaze pilot. And then Godzilla appears, killing nearly everyone stationed at the base. Koichi returns to a demolished Tokyo blaming himself for not completing his suicide mission and not effectively battling the monster.

In Tokyo, he ends up finding a makeshift family with other orphans of the war, including Noriko (Minami Hamabe), a young woman who saved a baby after its parents died.

But Koichi is reluctant to commit to them because of his own shame. In one sequence he wakes up from a nightmare in which he is faced with the fiery wreckage that Godzilla has wrought. He asks Noriko in terror, “This

is Japan, right? I returned alive for sure, right?”

“Godzilla Minus One” is set even before the first “Godzilla” was released — hence the title — and Yamazaki said in an interview with The Verge that he wanted “audiences to gain an understanding of how Japanese survivors felt after WWII.” There’s some of that in Ishiro Honda’s landmark original in which a woman says she “barely escaped the atomic bomb in Nagasaki and now this.” But by setting the new film in the immediate aftermath of the war, Yamazaki aims to tap into a feeling of suffering that’s even fresher.

The characters in “Godzilla Minus One” are betrayed twice — by the Americans certainly, whose bomb tests on Bikini Atoll give Godzilla renewed power — but also by Japan itself. As a kamikaze pilot, Koichi was told that his life was worth nothing and has carried that with him. In the rousing speech before the effort to defeat Godzilla begins, a former naval weapons developer leading the charge (Hidetaka Yoshioka) explains that their goal is to avoid death rather than seek it for glory.

“This country has treated life far too cheaply,” he says, then enumerates the ways Japan has let its citizens die, via poorly armored tanks and fighter planes without ejection seats, for instance, and of course suicide missions. Then he continues, “That’s why this time I take pride in a citizen-led effort that sacrifices no lives at all. This next battle is not one waged to the death but a battle to live for the future.” It’s an optimistic rallying cry that reverberates through the final act.

The other two films are far less hopeful. “Oppenheimer” ends with the title character’s affirmation that he has started a chain reaction that could “destroy the entire world.” Mahito of “The Boy and the Heron” leaves the dangerous but enchanting parallel universe with the knowledge that he might forget all that occurred inside it and ultimately make the same mistakes as his ancestors, warmongers who try to bend people to their will.

It’s only in “Godzilla Minus One” that we get a true happy ending. Well, until a reminder that Godzilla isn’t really vanquished.

That tag, while technically a hint at sequels to come, is also a sign that just as the monster never truly goes away, neither does Koichi’s torment. And just as “Oppenheimer” is an example of the West still wrestling with its responsibility for destruction during World War II, Japan is doing the same, but in its versions, the monsters are not all of the human variety.

18

Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

These grandmas are going to the Oscars

Yi Yan Fuei, left, and Chang Li Hua of the nominated documentary short “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó,” in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2024. In the documentary short “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó,” Sean Wang chronicles the inner lives of his grandmothers and now, the film is nominated for an Academy Award. (Roger Kisby/The New York Times)

By BRANDON YU

A

fter he moved back home to the Bay Area in 2021, weighing a move to Los Angeles amid the pandemic, filmmaker Sean Wang would often spend time with his two grandmothers. Yi Yan Fuei, his 96-year-old Nǎi Nai (paternal grandmother), and Chang Li Hua, his 86-year-old Wài Pó (maternal grandmother), live in the same house together, and Wang quickly began to observe two versions of them. There they were, enmeshed in the quiet rhythms of

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their daily lives — folding laundry, peeling fruit, napping in their shared bed. Then, Wang, 29, would intrude, coaxing out their playful sides: receiving a slap on the butt or spurring a dance session.

His time with them, enjoying both their tranquillity and these moments of youth-like joy, was juxtaposed against an alarming spate of anti-Asian violence that was happening on streets around the Bay Area to grandparents just like his. It was a dissonance that both angered Wang and magnified this time with his grandmothers. Wang took to his camera to make what he thought of as a home video of them, enshrining their routines in “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó,” a documentary short that was recently nominated for an Oscar and is streaming on Disney+.

“When I walk into the kitchen and I see them there, reading the newspaper or washing the dishes, from a very personal level, I want to remember that image,” Wang said in a video call from his apartment in Los Angeles, where he did eventually move. “I want to remember what it was like to see them do that.”

The film, alternately cheeky and humanist, flits between two visual languages, what Wang called “the movie of their lives and the movie that they’re in.” Silly skits that the director constructs for them — arm wrestling, watching “Superbad” — sit alongside quotidian snippets of their inner lives. The film is also philosophical, as his grandmothers reflect on hard pasts and consider the realities of aging.

Wang and his family’s reaction to the Oscar nomination was captured on video and recently went viral: Wang jumping for joy and embracing his grandmothers before they can even process the announcement on the telecast.

“You earned it,” Chang said to Wang over a joint video call with Yi from their home in Fremont, California. “You believed in us when you pitched the idea of this film.”

That moment of exhilaration on nomination morning was one of many in recent weeks for Wang. The night before, he had flown back home for the telecast from the Sundance Film Festival, where his debut feature film, “Dìdi,” had just premiered. Within minutes of the announcement, he was out the door, on his way back to Park City, Utah, where, days later, “Dìdi” would be bought by Focus Features and would also take home an audience award.

Those achievements, though, were not integral to the pride he had in his work, Wang said. He seemed earnest; both films are autobiographical and deeply personal, and he had made the movies he wanted to make.

“If I don’t look at my phone, nothing in my day-to-day has really shifted all that much,” he said. “My room is still messy.”

It’s the grounded attitude of someone who is his grandmothers’ grandson: Throughout “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó,” his grandmas tell Wang that after he leaves home, and the antics and the camera leave with him, life for them will simply return to its mundane motions.

The film gave him an infrastructure to hear about things he never knew, traumatic pasts that older immigrants tend to rather forget about.

“You see it in their eyes in the movie; they are painful memories,” Wang said. “There’s a reason they don’t want to talk about it all the time because they’re like, our lives are better now, why would we keep reliving this? But I was very upfront with them of how important it was: You are the owner of your story and we don’t have this recorded anywhere, and if we don’t record this in some capacity, that’s how you lose family history.”

The most powerful sentiment in the film, though, comes from his grandmothers’ attitudes in the face of loss and pain. “Life is short,” Yi said over the video call. “We can only focus on this life. I’m still so happy in such an old age, which is really unexpected. Whether happy or not, we have to live our life, so it’s better to be happy.”

Lately, Wang’s grandmothers’ days are at least a little less quiet, with the nomination and the film’s Disney+ release. “Can people all over the world see it?” Chang asked Wang in awe.

“As long as they subscribe,” he replied.

Both of Wang’s grandmothers plan to accompany him to the Oscars in March. They already have a stylist to get them ready for the ceremony.

“I never thought of going there,” Chang said. “Isn’t this a dream? I often wonder if this is a dream. Actually, I never dreamed of it.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

19

CDC considers ending 5-day isolation period for COVID

By APOORVA MANDAVILLI

T

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he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering loosening its recommendations regarding how long people should isolate after testing positive for the coronavirus, another reflection of changing attitudes and norms as the pandemic recedes.

Under the proposed guidelines, Americans would no longer be advised to isolate for five days before returning to work or school. Instead, they might return to their routines if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication, the same standard applied to the influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses.

The proposal would align the CDC’s advice with revised isolation recommendations in Oregon and California. The shift was reported earlier by The Washington Post, but it is still under consideration, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions.

The CDC last changed its policy on isolation in late 2021, when it scaled down the recommended period to five days from 10. If adopted, the new approach would signal that COVID has taken a place alongside other routine respiratory infections.

But by focusing on the isolation policy for COVID, for example, the agency is squandering an opportunity to foster better public health policies, several experts said.

“From a long-term public health perspective, I think this sets really an unfortunate precedent,” said Dr. Syra Madad, senior director of the special pathogens program at NYC Health + Hospitals.

She urged the CDC to “seize this opportunity to truly change how we respond to deadly epidemics and pandemics and advocate for national, guaranteed paid sick and family leave instead of caving into the easier option of eliminating the isolation period.”

Some researchers worried that Americans would interpret the new advice to mean that COVID was no longer a threat. At its peak this winter, COVID claimed about 1,500 lives a week. In adults older than 65, deaths from COVID have been two to four times as common as those from the flu.

“There’s still a lot of people getting

COVID and dying from COVID in the U.S.,” said Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious diseases physician at Emory University in Atlanta.

“When you make a public health recommendation, it’s not supposed to be based on what people are already doing,” she said. Instead, she added, the advice must be grounded in evidence.

Even people who have only a mild illness may go on to develop long COVID, for which there is no treatment yet, Titanji added.

The proposed recommendations also seem not to take into account older Americans or those who are immunocompromised or otherwise at risk of severe outcomes from COVID, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health.

Nuzzo said she has an aunt with cancer who had twice contracted COVID in a health care facility. “I do feel for people who now feel even less protected,” she said.

At the very least, the CDC should advise that people who end isolation after one fever-free day also wear N95 masks or the equivalent when leaving their homes, she added.

“Let’s not pretend you’re suddenly not contagious” after one day, Nuzzo said. “We have to be very clear and transparent about that — to say that we think that there still is a risk.”

Masking remains a deeply controversial issue in the United States. But many people eschew masks only because they fear drawing attention or vitriol, said Dr. Jay Varma, chief medical officer at Siga Technologies and a former deputy commissioner of health for New York City.

Over time, sick people wearing masks could become the norm, like wearing condoms to prevent HIV infections or helmets to prevent head injuries, he said.

“A strong group of people oppose wearing masks now, but that’s not fixed in time,” he added. “People change. People die off. Kids become adults.”

CDC officials declined to discuss the proposed changes. “We will continue to make decisions based on the best evidence and science to keep communities healthy and safe,” the agency said in a statement.

20 Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

The most foolproof way to cook fish? The microwave.

By KEVIN NOBLE MAILLARD

G

ary Weinstein, a retired lawyer, has lived in Manhattan for 30 years, and for most of that time, he has used his oven for storage. “It stares at me with mockery,” he said, gesturing to the forsaken pans inside.

His relationship with his microwave, however, is far more collegial. Weinstein relies on it to cook fresh food, particularly fish, for himself and his girlfriend. “I never really learned how to cook,” he said, “but I got where I could whip up a decent ginger flounder with snow peas, steamed salmon with leeks, and even a mushroom risotto.”

Yes, he does all that in the microwave.

Since its introduction for private use as the “science oven” in 1967, the microwave has become nearly ubiquitous. More than

90% of American households now own one. And while it has been long relegated to reheating leftovers and making popcorn, it is undeniably the most unsung method of cooking fresh fish, particularly salmon. After a gentle learning curve, it is foolproof. Add salmon, water and salt to a microwave-safe dish, cover, cook for 3 or 4 minutes and let it rest for the same amount of time. What emerges are buttery flaky fillets, rich in flavor, that require no oil or messy cleanup, at the touch of a few buttons.

The best part? From start to finish, it takes about 10 minutes. You can even swap water for wine or stock, or throw spices or aromatics into the liquid to give the fish restaurant-quality seasonings without adding any time to the cooking process.

Microwaves are well suited to cooking fish because fish’s natural water con-

tent absorbs the appliance’s electromagnetic waves. Unlike conventional oven heat, which increases the air temperature surrounding the food, a microwave keeps the air cool and generates heat in the food through vibrations of water molecules. Because this internal agitation evaporates water, covering the food with a lid is essential for preserving moisture.

The presence of liquid is important to microwave cooking, said Ashim Datta, an engineering professor at Cornell University who has studied microwaves for more than 40 years. “The microwave is perfect for boiled food.”

Stephanie Pass, founder of the food blog Just Microwave It, often makes salmon in the microwave, then turns it into a salad that she tucks into croissants. When she brings them to parties, guests devour them.

“Everyone thinks they are so fancy,” she said. When they ask for the recipe, “they are shocked and always tell me they never would have thought to make fish in the microwave.”

When a nine-month gas leak repair in my apartment building rendered the stove useless, I started poaching salmon in the microwave. At first, it seemed very Wonka to throw this not inexpensive, potentially intimidating ingredient in a water-filled dish and expect culinary enchantment with the press of a button. The results, however, were indeed magical: splendidly pink with flakes of fish that fell like dominoes.

For those short on time or new to the kitchen, a microwave is like a reliable friend who is always up for a new adventure. For experienced cooks, that same friend just wants to see you more.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

21

¡Ofertas válidas hasta 21 de Febrero 2024!

NO APLICA CON OTRAS OFERTAS.

Microwave salmon. This perfectly seasoned salmon cooks quickly and can be enjoyed on its own or used in salads, grain bowls or other dishes. Food styled by Hadas Smirnoff. (David Malosh/The New York Times)

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Microwave salmon This easy approach to poached salmon turns out buttery, flawless fish. The trick to getting domino-fall flakes of salmon? Microwave it in a simple saltwater solution at full power and let it rest for an equal amount of time before serving. The water both seasons the fish and helps it cook evenly. You can add a teaspoon of sugar or syrup to the saltwater to add a subtle sweetness, and aromatics, such as rosemary or dill to create additional layers of flavor. If you have time, you can brine the salmon as long as overnight in the refrigerator, which helps reduce the albumin (the harmless white protein that gathers on the surface of the fish during cooking). Most microwaves range in power levels from 600 to 1200 watts. This formula was developed in a 1000-watt microwave that boils one cup of cold tap water in 2 minutes. Cooking speeds on microwaves vary, even among those with the same wattage, so this recipe calls for checking your fillet early to avoid overcooking.

Yield: 2 servings Total time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 cups lukewarm water 2 teaspoons fine or coarse sea salt

1 (12-ounce) salmon fillet, preferably skin on and 1 1/2 inches thick (see tips) Preparation: 1. Fill a microwave-safe dish that can hold the salmon snugly with the water. Add the salt and stir to dissolve. Add the salmon, skin side down, and baste by spooning the saltwater over it. The top of the fillet should stick out of the saltwater (see Tip). Loosely cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate.

2. Microwave the salmon at full power (high) for 3 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a sharp paring knife into the center of the fillet. If it slides in easily without resistance, the salmon is done. It should take about 4 minutes for medium-rare doneness and about 5 minutes for medium, but the time may vary because every microwave cooks differently.

3. Let the fish sit, still covered in the dish, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the water and serve.

TIPS: This formula was designed for farmraised Atlantic salmon, which has a high fat content. For wild varieties, which are leaner and less thick, reduce cooking and resting times by half.

The salmon should be surrounded by but not submerged in the water. If the dish is larger, add more saltwater as needed, dissolving 1 teaspoon salt in each additional cup of lukewarm water.

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

LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2019- P4 1 Parte Demandante Vs.

HILDA MARIA TORRES BLONDET T/C/C/ HILDA MARIA TORRES BLONDETT

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: CA2023CV00032.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. ANUNCIO DE SUBASTA. El suscribiente, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala de Carolina, a los demandados de epígrafe y al público en general hace saber que los autos y documentos del caso de epígrafe estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables y que venderá en pública subasta al mejor postor, en moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América en efectivo, cheque certificado, o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, en mi oficina en el Centro Judicial de Carolina, Sala 402, Carolina, Puerto Rico, el derecho que tenga la parte demandada en el inmueble que se relaciona más adelante para pagar la SENTENCIA por $55,501.91, el cual se compone de un balance de principal de $53,515.42 de primer principal y un balance diferido por la suma de $1,986.49, más los intereses sobre la suma de $53,515.42, al 11.97% anual desde el 9 de diciembre de 2019 hasta su completo pago; más cargos por demora por mensualidades adeudadas desde el 9 de enero de 2020 mensuales hasta su total y completo pago, más la suma de $6,421.39 estipulada para honorarios de abogado, pactada en la escritura de hipoteca; y cuales quiera otras sumas que por cualesquiera concepto legal se devenguen hasta el día de la subasta. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Apartamento marcado con el número uno guion B (1-B) en el primer piso del edificio número B guion uno (B1) del Condominio Pontezuela Uno, localizado en la Avenida Pontezuela, colindante con la Urbanización Jardines de Country Club, en el Municipio de Carolina, Puerto Rico. Esta construido todo de concreto reforzado y bloques de concreto y tiene un área superficial de ochenta y ocho punto catorce (88.14) metros cuadrados.

Esta localizado al suroeste del pasillo de la entrada núme-

@

ro uno (1), en el primer piso.

La entrada principal de este apartamento esta localizada en frente de la sala-comedor, comunida inmediatamente al pasillo comunal que se comunica a su vez con las escaleras hacia el segundo y tercer piso.

Colinda por el Oeste, en tres punto treinta (3.30) metros, con la pared exterior del dormitorio numero dos (2) y cuatro punto cincuenta y cinco (4.55) metros, con el apartamento uno guion E (1-E); por el Este, en siete punto ochenta y cinco (7.85) metros, con el pasillo de entrada que esta frente al apartamento uno guion A (1-A); por el Sur, en doce punto dieciséis (12.16) metros, con la pared exterior sur; por el Norte en doce punto dieciséis (12.16) metros, con el apartamento uno guion D (1-D). Este apartamento se usará para propósitos residenciales y contiene lo siguiente sala, comedor, cocina lavandería, un baño, un pasillo que da acceso a los dormitorios, tres dormitorios con sus respectivos guardarropas, un guardarropa de camas y un balcón o terraza. A este apartamento le corresponde una participación equivalente a punto cuatrocientos dieciséis por ciento (.416%) en los elementos comunes del condominio. Le corresponde un espacio de estacionamiento marcado edificio B guion uno (B-1) y uno guion B (1-B). Inscrita al folio veinte y tres (23) del Tomo seiscientos sesenta y tres (663) de Carolina, finca número treinta y tres mil setecientos setenta y dos (33672), Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina Sección I, inscripción sexta. Dirección Física: CONDOMINIO PONTEZUELA, EDIF B 1 Apt 1 B, CAROLINA, PR 00983. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a cabo el día 4 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, y servirá de tipo mínimo para la misma la suma de $64,213.92 sin admitirse oferta inferior. En el caso de que el inmueble a ser subastado no fuera adjudicado en la primera subasta, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 11 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, y el precio mínimo para esta segunda subasta será el de dos terceras partes del precio mínimo establecido para la primera subasta, o a sea la suma de $42,809.28. Si tampoco hubiera remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 18 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, y el tipo mínimo para esta tercera subasta será la mitad del precio establecido para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $32,106.96. El mejor postor deberá pagar el importe de su

oferta en efecto, cheque certificado o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se dará por terminado el procedimiento, pudiendo adjudicarse el inmueble al acreedor hipotecario dentro de los diez días siguientes a la fecha de la última subasta, si así lo estimase conveniente, por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada conforme a la sentencia, si ésta fuera igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta y abonándose dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta fuera mayor. Se avisa a cualquier licitador que la propiedad queda sujeta al gravamen del Estado Libre Asociado y CRIM sobre la propiedad inmueble por contribuciones adeudadas y que el pago de dichas contribuciones es la responsabilidad del licitador. Que se entenderá por todo licitador acepte como suficiente la titulación y que los cargos y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes en entendiéndose que el rematador los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse su extinción al precio rematante. Todos los nombres de los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surgen de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces 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 en un periódico de circulación general diaria en Puerto Rico y en los sitios públicos de acuerdo a las disposiciones de la Regla 51.7 de las de Procedimiento Civil, así como para la publicación en un periódico de circulación general diaria y en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas con antelación a la fecha de la primera subasta y por lo menos una vez por semana. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento

staredictos@thesanjuandailystar.com

indicado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables.

(Art. 102 (1) de la Ley núm.

210-2015). Expedido el presente en Carolina, Puerto Rico a 18 de enero de 2024. ENRIQUE VERGÉ HERNÁNDEZ, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE GUAYAMA

LIME HOMES, LTD.

Parte Demandante Vs.

JOHANNY RIVERA ORTIZ

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: GCD2013-0031.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA Y COBRO DE DINERO. ANUNCIO DE SUBASTA. El suscribiente, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala de Guayama, a los demandados de epígrafe y al público en general hace saber que venderá en pública subasta en la Oficina de Alguaciles, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Humacao, al mejor postor, en moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América en efectivo, cheque certificado, o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, el derecho que tenga la parte demandada en el inmueble que se relaciona más adelante para pagar la SENTENCIA por $103,694.62 de balance principal, los intereses adeudados sobre dicho principal y computados al 5.75% anual hasta su total pago y completo pago desde el primero de abril de 2012; cargos por demora devengados, más la suma de $10,500.00 estipulada para honorarios de abogado pactada en la escritura de hipoteca y cualesquiera otras sumas que por cualesquiera concepto legal se devenguen hasta el día de la subasta. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento Quince Cero Cuatro (1504) del Condominio Villa Beatriz, radicado en el Barrio Beatriz de la municipalidad de Cayey, Puerto Rico, con cabida superficial de ochocientos veinte punto cuarenta y nueve pies cuadrados (820.49 p/c). En lindes por el NORTE, con área común; por el SUR, con área común; por el ESTE, con pasillo, área común y con pared que lo separa del apartamiento quince cero nueve (1509); y por el OESTE, con pared que lo separa del apartamiento catorce cero nueve (1409). Apartamiento ubicado en la cuarta planta del edificio QUINCE del Condominio Villa

(787) 743-3346

Thursday, February 15, 2024 Beatriz, con entrada principal mirando hacia al ESTE, el cual consiste de un área salacomedor, cocina balcón, tres habitaciones cada una con ropero, un baño y un “linen closet”. A este apartamiento le corresponde una participación de punto cincuenta y cinco por ciento (.55%) en los elementos comunes del Condominio.

También tiene derecho a dos espacios de estacionamiento identificados con el mismo número del apartamiento. Este apartamiento se encuentra en la Primera Fase del desarrollo del Condominio Villa Beatriz.

Inscrita al Sistema Karibe, finca numero 25470 de Cayey, Registro de la Propiedad, Sección de Caguas I. Dirección Física: 1504 Villa Beatriz, Cayey, Puerto Rico. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a cabo el día 7 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA y servirá de tipo mínimo para la misma la suma de $105,000.00 sin admitirse oferta inferior. En el caso de que el inmueble a ser subastado no fuera adjudicado en la primera subasta, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 14 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, y el precio mínimo para esta segunda subasta será el de dos terceras partes del precio mínimo establecido para la primera subasta, o a sea la suma de $70,000.00. Si tampoco hubiera remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 21 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, y el tipo mínimo para esta tercera subasta será la mitad del precio establecido para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $52,500.00. El mejor postor deberá pagar el importe de su oferta en efecto, cheque certificado o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se dará por terminado el procedimiento, pudiendo adjudicarse el inmueble al acreedor hipotecario dentro de los diez días siguientes a la fecha de la última subasta, si así lo estimase conveniente, por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada conforme a la sentencia, si ésta fuera igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta y abonándose dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta fuera mayor. Se avisa a cualquier licitador que la propiedad queda sujeta al gravamen del Estado Libre Asociado y CRIM sobre la propiedad inmueble por contribuciones adeudadas y que el pago de dichas contribuciones es la responsabilidad del licitador. Que se entenderá por todo licitador acepte como suficiente la titulación y que los cargos y gravámenes anterio-

res y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes en entendiéndose que el rematador los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse su extinción al precio rematante. Todos los nombres de los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surgen de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces 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 en un periódico de circulación general diaria en Puerto Rico y en los sitios públicos de acuerdo a las disposiciones de la Regla 51.7 de las de Procedimiento Civil, así como para la publicación en un periódico de circulación general diaria y en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas con antelación a la fecha de la primera subasta y por lo menos una vez por semana. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento indicado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables.

(Art. 102 (1) de la Ley núm.

210-2015). Expedido el presente en Guayama, Puerto Rico, a 17 de enero de 2024. ENID NAZARIO CORREA, ALGUACIL PLACA #407, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE GUAYAMA.

The San Juan Daily Star Lares, el 23 de abril de 2008, EDWIN TORRES ante el notario Justo O. RamiGONZÁLEZ, ERIC rez Acevedo, inscrita al folio 98 TORRES GONZÁLEZ, del tomo 386 de Lares, Finca YANIEL TORRES 18475, inscripción segunda.

Inscrita al folio 98 del tomo 386 REYES, YARIBETH de Lares, Finca 18475. RegisTORRES REYES Y tro de la Propiedad de Utuado.

MENGANO DE TAL, La hipoteca consta inscrita al POSIBLE HEREDERO folio 98 vuelto del tomo 386 de DESCONOCIDO; LOIDA Lares,, Finca 18475. Registro REYES RUIZ, POR SÍ Y de la Propiedad de Utuado. tercera. DIRECEN LA CUOTA VIUDAL Inscripción CIÓN FÍSICA: BO. PILETAS USUFRUCTUARIA; KM 25.0 JNT./ SR 111 LARES DEPARTAMENTO PR 00969. Número de catastro: 33-159-062-149-520-00 DE HACIENDA POR El tipo mínimo para la primera CONDUCTO DE LA será de $128,981.00.

DIVISIÓN DE CAUDALES subasta De no haber adjudicación en la RELICTOS; CENTRO primera subasta se celebrará DE RECAUDACIÓN DE una segunda subasta, el día 12 INGRESOS MUNICIPALES de marzo de 2024, a las 11:00 de la mañana en el mismo lu(CRIM)

Parte Demandada CIVIL NÚM. LR2022CV00110 (1) SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA. EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente anuncia y hace constar que en cumplimiento de la Sentencia en Rebeldía dictada el 17 de octubre de 2023, la Orden de Ejecución de Sentencia del 17 de enero de 2024 y el Mandamiento de Ejecución del 18 de enero de 2024 en el caso de epígrafe, procederé a vender el día 5 de marzo de 2024, a las 11:00 de la mañana, en mi oficina localizada en el Centro Judicial de Lares, Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior, en 1 Calle Felipe Arana (al lado del Cuartel de la Policía) Puerto Rico, al mejor postor en pago de contado y en moneda de los Estados Unidos de América, cheque de gerente o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal; todo título, derecho o interés de la parte demandada sobre la siguiente propiedad: RÚSTICA: Parcela radicada en el Barrio Piletas de Lares del término municipal de Lares, Puerto Rico, con cabida de 1104.38 metros cuadrados.

LEGAL NOTICE En lindes por el NORTE, con ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO camino municipal; por el SUR, DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUcon el remanente de la finca NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA principal; por el ESTE, con el SALA SUPERIOR DE LARES remanente de la finca princiBANCO POPULAR DE pal· y por el OESTE con el remanente de la finca principal, PUERTO RICO Edificación: Enclava una casa Parte Demandante Vs. de hormigón y bloques de horLA SUCESIÓN DE La residencia mide 53 FELIPE ANÍBAL TORRES migón. por 33, Contiene 3 dormitorios, RAMOS T/C/C FELIPE A. pasillo al centro, un baño, sala, TORRES COMPUESTA comedor, cocina, marquesina POR ANÍBAL TORRES y unos bajos, con un valor de $40,000.00, según consta de GONZÁLEZ, DAVID la escritura #35, otorgada en

TORRES GONZÁLEZ,

gar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será de dos terceras partes del tipo mínimo fijado en la primera subasta, o sea, $85,987.33.

De no haber adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 19 de marzo de 2024, a las 11:00 de la mañana en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será la mitad del precio pactado, o sea, $64,490.50. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. Dicho remate se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer a la demandante el importe de la Sentencia por la suma de $92,899.05 de principal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al 5% anual desde el 1 de julio de 2021 hasta su completo pago, más $28.60 de recargos acumulados, los cuales continuarán en aumento hasta el saldo total de la deuda, más la cantidad estipulada de $12,898.10 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados, así como cualquier otra suma que contenga el contrato del préstamo, incluyendo pero sin limitarse a gastos de mantenimiento, inspecciones y otros adelantos “corporate advances”. Surge del Estudio de Título Registral que sobre esta propiedad pesa el siguiente gravamen posterior a la hipoteca que por la presente se pretende ejecutar: Aviso de Demanda: Pleito seguido por Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Vs La Sucesión de Felipe Aníbal Torres Ramos t/c/c Felipe A. Torres compuesta por Aníbal Torres González, David Torres González, Edwin Torres González, Eric Torres González, Yaniel Torres Reyes, Yaribeth Torres Reyes y MENGANO de

The San Juan Daily Star Tal, posible heredero desconocido; Loida Reyes Ruiz, por sí y en la cuota viudal usufructuaria; Departamento de Hacienda por conducto de la División de Caudales Relictos; Centro De Recaudación De Ingresos Municipales (CRIM) ante el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Centro Judicial de Lares, Sala Superior, en el caso civil número LR2022CV00110, sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de hipoteca, en la que se reclama el pago de hipoteca, con un balance de $92,899.05 y otras cantidades, según demanda de fecha de 4 de mayo de 2022.

Anotada al folio del Tomo de Lares. Anotación A. Se les advierte a los interesados que todos los documentos relacionados con la presente acción de ejecución de hipoteca, así como los de Subasta, estarán disponibles para ser examinados, durante horas laborables, en el expediente del caso que obra en los archivos de la Secretaría del Tribunal, bajo el número de epígrafe y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general en Puerto Rico por espacio de dos semanas y por lo menos una vez por semana; y para su fijación en los sitios públicos requeridos por ley. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si !os hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante, continuarán subsistentes; entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate y que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores, tal como lo expresa la Ley Núm. 2102015. Y para el conocimiento de los demandados, de los acreedores posteriores, de los licitadores, partes interesadas y público en general, EXPIDO para su publicación en los lugares públicos correspondientes, el presente Aviso de Pública Subasta en lares, Puerto Rico, hoy 30 de enero de 2024. José Rivera Pérez, Alguacil Regional, Ismael Serrano Cardona, Alguacil Confidencial #795.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

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marcado con el número 3 del brarán las subastas en las feROSADO; LISBETH COMPUESTA POR EDWIN 18 de marzo de 2024, a las la Notario Público Priscilla M. cial o total de la obligación Bloque Q de la Urbanización chas, horas y sitios señalados 10:15 de la mañana en mi ofici- Santiago Acosta y consta ins- reconocida por la sentencia PÉREZ ROSADO, RAMOS RIVERA, VÍCTOR na sita en el lugar antes indica- crita al folio 31 del tomo 558 de dictada en este caso. La propieExtensión La Milagrosa sita en para que puedan concurrir a la WILLIAM PÉREZ RIVERA; FULANO DE TAL do. Que en cumplimiento de un Río Grande, finca número dad a ser ejecutada se adquiriHato Tejas del Municipio de Ba- subasta si les conviniere o se ROSADO; CENTRO Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO Mandamiento de Ejecución de 21,422, Registro de la Propie- rá libre de cargas y gravámeyamón, Puerto Rico, con cabida les invita a satisfacer antes del POSIBLES MIEMBROS Sentencia que ha sido liberado dad de Carolina, Sección III de nes posteriores. Si el producto DE RECAUDACIONES de 299 metros cuadrados con remate el importe del crédito, por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Carolina. Por la presente se de la venta fuere insuficiente MUNICIPALES; Y A LOS 88 centímetros cuadrados y co- de sus intereses, otros cargos y DE NOMBRES linda por e NORTE, con la Calle las costas y honorarios de aboPrimera Instancia, Sala Supe- notifica a los acreedores que para satisfacer la cantidad reESTADOS UNIDOS DE número 5, en una longitud de gado asegurados quedando DESCONOCIDOS; rior de Carolina, en el caso de tengan inscritos o anotados sus clamada, se procederá a la ejeAMÉRICA CENTRO DE 13 metros 5 centímetros; por el subrogados en los derechos epígrafe con fecha de 7 de di- derechos sobre los bienes hipo- cución de la sentencia en conDemandados SUR, con los solares número 9 del acreedor ejecutante. Enciembre de 2023, procederé a tecados con posterioridad a la tra de la parte demandada por RECAUDACIÓN vender en pública subasta y al inscripción del crédito del eje- el remanente de las sumas no CIVIL NUM.: DCD2017-0343 y 10 del Bloque Q, en una longi- tiéndase: Hipoteca Revertida DE INGRESOS postor, todo derecho, títu- cutante o acreedores de cargos satisfechas, mediante embargo SALON NUM: 504 SOBRE: tud de 13 metros 5 centímetros; en garantía de un pagaré a faMUNICIPALES; Y A LOS mejor lo e interés que tenga la parte o derechos reales que los hu- y venta en ejecución de cuales- EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA por el ESTE, con el solar núme- vor de Secretary of Housing ESTADOS UNIDOS DE demandada de epígrafe en el biesen pospuesto a la hipoteca quiera otros bienes propiedad POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. ro 4 del Bloque Q, en una longi- and Urban Development, o a su AMÉRICA. tud de 22 metros 97 centíme- orden, por la suma principal de inmueble que se describe a del actor y a los dueños, posee- de la parte demandada en can- EDICTO DE SUBASTA. Demandados Al:Público en General tros; y por el OESTE, con el $265,500.00, con intereses al continuación: URBANA: Solar dores, tenedores de o interesa- tidad suficiente para dejar cuCIVIL NÚM.: CA2023CV00630 radicado en la Urbanización Rio dos en títulos transmisibles por bierta y totalmente satisfecha a A: SUCESIÓN DE NYDIA solar número 2 del bloque Q, en 5.060% anual, vencedero el día SALA: 403 SOBRE: Ejecución Grande Estates, situado en el endoso o al portador garantiza- la parte demandante cualquier una longitud de 22 metros 98 23 de diciembre de 2089, consROSADO RIVERA de Hipoteca In Rem. EDICTO Barrio Zarzal, del término Muni- dos hipotecariamente con pos- deficiencia o parte insoluta de centímetros. En este solar en- tituida mediante la escritura núCOMPUESTA POR DE SUBASTA. clava una casa”. Finca número mero 32, otorgada en San cipal de Río Grande, Puerto terioridad al crédito del actor la sentencia dictada a su favor Al: Público en General Rico, con el número treinta y que se celebrarán las subastas según dispuesto en la senten- EDWIN PÉREZ ROSADO; 33317, inscrita al folio 211 del Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 29 de tomo 726 de Bayamón Sur, Re- febrero de 2012, ante el notario uno (31) bloque V (31-V), con en las fechas, horas y sitios se- cia dictada en este caso. Se LISBETH PÉREZ A:SUCESIÓN DE gistro de la Propiedad de Puer- Héctor L. Torres Vilá, e inscrita un área de trescientos dieci- ñalados para que puedan con- dispone, conforme con la senROSADO, WILLIAM CARMEN LOYDI to Rico, Sección I de Bayamón. al folio 27 del tomo 1,910 de nueve punto treinta y siete currir a la subasta si les convi- tencia dictada en este caso PÉREZ ROSADO; RIVERA FERNÁNDEZ (319.37) metros cuadrados. En niere o se les invita a satisfacer que, una vez efectuada la suDirección de la Propiedad: Bayamón Sur, finca número ESTADOS UNIDOS DE #Q-3 Eugenio Duarte Street, 33,317, inscripción 8va. Que la t/c/c CARMEN L. lindes por el NORTE, con solar antes del remate el importe del basta y vendido el bien inmueRIVERA FERNÁNDEZ número treinta (30), en una dis- crédito, de sus intereses, otros ble, los adjudicatarios sean AMÉRICA; CENTRO DE Extensión La Milagrosa, Baya- cantidad mínima de licitación Puerto Rico 00959. La en la primera subasta del int/c/c CARMEN RIVERA tancia de veintitrés punto cero cargos y las costas y honora- puestos en posesión del mismo RECAUDACIONES DE món, cero (23.00) metros; por el rios de abogado asegurados dentro del término de veinte INGRESOS MUNICIPALES subasta se llevará a cabo para mueble antes descrito será la FERNÁNDEZ t/c/c satisfacer, hasta donde alcan- suma de $265,500.00 según se SUR, con la calle número dieci- quedando subrogados en los (20) días por el Alguacil de este Edgardo Elias Vargas SanCARMEN LOYDI RIVERA nueve (19), en una distancia de derechos del acreedor ejecu- Honorable Tribunal y los actua- Yo, ce, el importe de las cantidades establece en la escritura de hitana Placa 193, Alguacil del t/c/c CARMEN L. RIVERA veintiuno punto cincuenta tante. Que la cantidad mínima les poseedores lanzados del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, adeudadas a la parte deman- poteca antes relacionada. En t/c/c CARMEN RIVERA, (21.50) y un arco de cinco pun- de licitación en la primera su- referido inmueble. Y para la Sala de Bayamón, a los deman- dante conforme a la sentencia caso de que el inmueble a ser cincuenta (5.50); por el basta del inmueble antes des- concurrencia de licitadores y dados, acreedores y al público dictada a su favor, a saber: de subastado no fuera adjudicado COMPUESTA POR EDWIN to ESTE, con el solar número crito será la suma de para el público en general, se en general con interés sobre la $125,472.69 en concepto de en su primera subasta se ordeRAMOS RIVERA, VÍCTOR treinta y dos (32), en una dis- $142,500.00 según se estable- publicará este Edicto de acuerprincipal con interés al 5.060% na la celebración de una sepropiedad que más adelante se RIVERA; FULANO DE TAL tancia de catorce metros (14); ce en la escritura de hipoteca do con la ley, mediante edicto, describe, y al público en gene- anual, los cuales continúan gunda subasta de dicho inmueY SUTANO DE TAL COMO por el OESTE, con la calle nú- antes relacionada. En caso de en un periódico de circulación ral, por la presente CERTIFI- acumulándose, así como la ble, en la cual, la cantidad líquida estipulada en mínima será una equivalente a POSIBLES MIEMBROS mero veintitrés (23), en una dis- que el inmueble a ser subasta- general en el Estado Libre Aso- CO, ANUNCIO y HAGO CONS- cantidad tancia de diez punto cincuenta do no fuera adjudicado en su ciado de Puerto Rico, una vez TAR: Que el día 12 de marzo de los documentos del préstamo 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la DE NOMBRES (10.50) metros. Finca número primera subasta se ordena la por semana, por espacio de 2024, a las 9:30 de la mañana para costas, gastos y honora- suma de $177,000.00; desierta DESCONOCIDOS; 21,422, inscrita al folio 196 del celebración de una segunda dos (2) semanas consecutivas en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal rios de abogado en caso de re- también la segunda subasta de ESTADOS UNIDOS DE tomo 343 de Río Grande. Re- subasta de dicho inmueble, en con un intervalo de por lo me- de Primera Instancia, Sala Su- clamación judicial y que corres- dicho inmueble, se ordena la AMÉRICA; CENTRO DE gistro de la Propiedad de Puer- la cual, la cantidad mínima será nos siete (7) días entre ambas perior de Bayamón, Bayamón, pondan a intereses y cargos celebración de una tercera suRico, Sección III de Carolina. una equivalente a 2/3 parte de publicaciones, y para su fijación Puerto Rico, procederé a ven- por demora posterior a dicha basta en la cual, la cantidad RECAUDACIONES DE to Dirección de la Propiedad: aquella, o sea la suma de en tres (3) lugares públicos del der en Pública Subasta, al me- fecha, y la suma de $26,550.00 mínima será la mitad del precio INGRESOS MUNICIPALES V-31, #23 St. Río Grande Esta- $95,000.00; desierta también la municipio en que ha de celeequivalente al 10% de la suma pactado para la primera subas-

Yo, Enrique Vergé Hernández Placa 960, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina, a los demandados, acreedores y al público en general con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, por la presente CERTIFICO, ANUNCIO y HAGO CONSTAR: Que el día 4 de marzo de 2024, a las 10:15 de la mañana en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, Carolina, Puerto Rico, procederé a vender en Pública Subasta, al mejor postor, la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se LEGAL NOTICE describe y cuya venta en públiESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO ca subasta se ordenó por la vía DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- ordinaria mediante Sentencia NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA dictada en el caso de epígrafe, la cual se notificó y archivó en SALA DE CAROLINA autos el día 23 de octubre de Finance of America 2023. Los autos y todos los doReverse, LLC cumentos correspondientes al Demandante Vs. procedimiento incoado, estarán SUCESIÓN DE CARMEN de manifiesto en la Secretaría durante horas laborables. Que LOYDI RIVERA en caso de no producir remate FERNÁNDEZ T/C/C ni adjudicación en la primera CARMEN L. RIVERA subasta a celebrarse, se celeFERNÁNDEZ T/C/C brará una segunda subasta para la venta de la susodicha CARMEN RIVERA propiedad, el 11 de marzo de FERNÁNDEZ T/C/C a las 10:15 de la mañaCARMEN LOYDI RIVERA 2024, na; y en caso de no producir T/C/C CARMEN L. RIVERA remate ni adjudicación, se celeT/C/C CARMEN RIVERA, brará una tercera subasta el día

tes Dev., Rio Grande, PR 00745. La subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer, hasta donde alcance, el importe de las cantidades adeudadas a la parte demandante conforme a la sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: de $71,473.08 en concepto de principal más intereses acumulados al 5.060% anual, los cuales continúan acumulándose, así como la cantidad líquida estipulada en los documentos del préstamo para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado en caso de reclamación judicial y que correspondan a intereses y cargos por demora posterior a dicha fecha, y la suma de $14,250.00 equivalente al 10% de la suma principal original pactada, estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; más recargos acumulados hasta la fecha en que se pague la deuda; más cualquiera suma de dinero por concepto de contribuciones, primas de seguro hipotecario y riesgo, así como cualesquiera otras sumas pactadas en la escritura de hipoteca, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura número 186 otorgada el día 14 de marzo de 2015, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, ante

segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, se ordena la celebración de una tercera subasta en la cual, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado para la primera subasta, es decir la suma de $71,250.00. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación, entiéndase efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Una vez efectuada la venta de dicha propiedad, el Alguacil procederá a otorgar la escritura de traspaso al licitador victorioso en subasta, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción par-

jor postor, la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria mediante Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, la cual se notificó y archivó en autos el día 11 de agosto de 2023. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría 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 19 de marzo de LEGAL NOTICE 2024, a las 9:30 de la mañana; ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO y en caso de no producir remaDE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- te ni adjudicación, se celebrará NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA una tercera subasta el día 26 SALA DE BAYAMÓN de marzo de 2024, a las 9:30 WILMINGTON SAVINGS de la mañana en mi oficina sita FUND SOCIETY, FSB, en el lugar antes indicado. Que en cumplimiento de un Mandacomo fideicomisario miento de Ejecución de Sentende FINANCE OF cia que ha sido liberado por la AMERICA STRUCTURED Secretaría del Tribunal de PriSECURITIES mera Instancia, Sala Superior ACQUISITION TRUST de Bayamón, en el caso de epígrafe con fecha de 14 de di2019-HB1 ciembre de 2023, procederé a Demandante Vs. vender en pública subasta y al SUCESIÓN DE NYDIA mejor postor, todo derecho, títuROSADO RIVERA lo e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el COMPUESTA POR inmueble que se describe a EDWIN PÉREZ continuación: “URBANA: Solar brarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía, y se le notificará además a la parte demandada vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto de Subasta para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 19 de enero de 2024.

Enrique Vergé Hernández Placa 960, ALGUACIL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE CAROLINA.

principal original pactada, estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; más recargos acumulados hasta la fecha en que se pague la deuda; más cualquiera suma de dinero por concepto de contribuciones, primas de seguro hipotecario y riesgo, así como cualesquiera otras sumas pactadas en la escritura de hipoteca, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura número 31 otorgada el día 29 de febrero de 2022, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, ante el Notario Público Héctor L. Torres Vilá y consta inscrita al folio 27 del tomo 1,910 de Bayamón Sur, finca número 33,317, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección I de Bayamón.

Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se cele-

ta, es decir la suma de $132,750.00. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación, entiéndase efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Una vez efectuada la venta de dicha propiedad, el Alguacil procederá a otorgar la escritura de traspaso al licitador victorioso en subasta, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la sentencia dictada en este caso. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y graváme-

24 nes posteriores. Si el producto de la venta fuere insuficiente para satisfacer la cantidad reclamada, se procederá a la ejecución de la sentencia en contra de la parte demandada por el remanente de las sumas no satisfechas, mediante embargo y venta en ejecución de cualesquiera otros bienes propiedad de la parte demandada en cantidad suficiente para dejar cubierta y totalmente satisfecha a la parte demandante cualquier deficiencia o parte insoluta de la sentencia dictada a su favor según dispuesto en la sentencia dictada en este caso. Se dispone, conforme con la sentencia dictada en este caso que, una vez efectuada la subasta y vendido el bien inmueble, los adjudicatarios sean puestos en posesión del mismo dentro del término de veinte (20) días por el Alguacil de este Honorable Tribunal y los actuales poseedores lanzados del referido inmueble. Y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general, se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley, mediante edicto, en un periódico de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, una vez por semana, por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, y para su fijación en tres (3) lugares públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía, y se le notificará además a la parte demandada vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto de Subasta para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a 23 de enero de 2024. Edgardo Elias Vargas Santana Placa 193, ALGUACIL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE BAYAMON.

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

FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante VS.

SAÚL OTERO GAETAN su esposa SASHA MARIE CORTÉS REYES Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Parte Demandada CIVIL NÚM. VB2022CV00593.

SALÓN NÚM. (201). SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA Y COBRO DE DINERO. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

UNIDOS ESTADO LIBRE ASO- guro social xxx-xx-1789, direcCIADO DE P.R. SS ción PO Box 2349, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, 00694-2349, en A: SAÚL OTERO la suma de $5,985.56, por conGAETAN su esposa cepto de Contribuciones Sobre SASHA MARIE Ingresos, Embargo número CORTÉS REYES Y LA ARE-17-1789, según Certificación de fecha 31 de mayo de SOCIEDAD LEGAL 2017, anotado el día 25 de julio DE GANANCIALES de 2017 y anotado al Asiento COMPUESTA POR 2017-007120-EST del Sistema AMBOS: ESTADO LIBRE Karibe. No podemos precisar ASOCIADO DE PUERTO que la persona embargada y RICO: DEPARTAMENTO el titular en esta finca sean la misma persona. B. Embargo DE HACIENDA: Y AL a favor del Estado Libre AsoPÚBLICO EN GENERAL: ciado de Puerto Rico, contra El Alguacil que suscribe, cerSaul Otero Gaetan, seguro tifica y hace constar que en social xxx-xx-1789, en la suma cumplimiento de Mandamiende $3,518.28, por concepto de to de Ejecución de Sentencia Contribuciones Sobre Ingresos, que me ha sido dirigido por según Certificación de fecha la Secretaría del Tribunal de 30 de julio de 2019, Embargo Primera Instancia, Sala Supenúmero ARE-20-1789, anotado rior de Vega Baja, procederé el día 6 de agosto de 2019 al a vender en pública subasta Asiento 2019-006948-EST del y al mejor postor, por separaSistema Karibe. No podemos do, de contado y por moneda precisar que la persona embarde curso legal de los Estados gada y el titular en esta finca Unidos de América. Todo pago sean la misma persona. Se le recibido por el (la) Alguacil por notifica a los acreedores posteconcepto de subastas será en riores anteriormente identificaefectivo, giro postal o cheque dos para que puedan concurrir certificado a nombre del (de la) a la subasta si les convenga Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera o satisfacer antes del remate Instancia. Todo derecho, título, el importe del crédito, de sus participación e interés que le intereses, costas y honorarios corresponda a la parte deman- de abogados asegurados, quedada o cualquiera de ellos en dando entonces subrogados el inmueble hipotecado objeto en los derechos del acreedor de ejecución que se describe ejecutante. Se informa que la a continuación: URBANA: Par- propiedad a ser ejecutada se cela de terreno localizada en adquirirá libre de cargas y grala Urbanización Ciudad Real vamen posterior, una vez sea en el Barrio Algarrobo del tér- otorgada la escritura de venta mino municipal de Vega Baja, judicial y obtenida la Orden y Puerto Rico, identificada en el Mandamiento de cancelación Plano de Inscripción final de la de gravamen posterior. (Art. Urbanización Ciudad Real, con 51, Ley 210-2015). En relación el número cinco (5) del Bloque a la finca a subastarse, se esT, con una cabida de trescien- tablece como tipo mínimo de tos treinta y ocho (338.00) melicitación en la Primera Subasta tros cuadrados. En lindes por la suma de $138,712.00, con el NORTE, en trece (13.00) intereses al 3 ¼% anual, venmetros, con la Calle número cedero el día 1 de septiembre ocho (8) Alcira; por el SUR, de 2046, constituida mediante en trece (13.00) metros, con el la escritura número 345, otorlote número veintidós (22); por gada en Hatillo, Puerto Rico, el el ESTE, en veintiséis (26.00) día 20 de agosto de 2016, ante metros, con el lote número la notario Griselle Arbona Marcuatro (4); y por el OESTE, en tínez, e inscrita al tomo Karibe veintiséis (26.00) metros, con el de Vega Baja, finca número lote número seis (6). Todos los 26,913, inscripción 8va. La PRIlotes mencionados ubican en MERA SUBASTA, se llevará a el Bloque T. Enclava una casa cabo el día 29 DE FEBRERO tipo modelo de 3 cuartos dor- DE 2024 A LAS 9:30 DE LA mitorios de hormigón armado MAÑANA, en mis oficinas siy bloques de concreto de una tas en el Tribunal de Primera sola planta en solar interior, Instancia, Sala Superior de diseñada para fines residen- Vega Baja, el tipo mínimo para ciales. Consta inscrita al folio la primera subasta es la suma 36 del tomo 368 de Vega Baja, de $138,712.00. Si la primera Finca número #26,913. Regissubasta del inmueble no protro de la Propiedad de Puerto dujere remate, ni adjudicación, Rico, Sección IV de Bayamón. se celebrará una SEGUNDA La propiedad objeto de ejecu- SUBASTA el día 7 DE MARZO ción está localizada en la siDE 2024 A LAS 9:30 DE LA guiente dirección: Urbanización MAÑANA, en el mismo sitio y Ciudad Real, Calle Alcira #81, servirá de tipo mínimo las dos Vega Baja, P.R. 00693. Según terceras partes del precio pacfigura en el Estudio de título, tada para la primera subasta, la propiedad objeto de ejecu- o sea, la suma de $92,474.66. ción está gravada al siguiente Si la segunda subasta no proGravamen posterior a la ins- dujere remate, ni adjudicación, cripción del crédito ejecutante: se celebrará una TERCERA A. Embargo a favor del Estado SUBASTA el día 14 DE MARLibre Asociado de Puerto Rico, ZO DE 2024 A LAS 9:30 DE LA contra Saul Otero Gaetan, se-

with the Clerk of the Court using DEBTOR CASE NO. 22-02630 MAG. the CM/ECF System which will send notification of such filing CHAPTER 11. to the participants appearing FILED AND ENTERED in said record. b. Debtor will FEB/14/2024 ORDER AUTHORIZING provide notice by first class mail to all parties in interest of the SPECIAL NOTICE following documents: i. Order PROCEDURES ON and Notice on Disclosure StateAPPROVED DISCLOSURE ment at Docket # 653; ii. The STATEMENT AND PLAN creditor’s ballot, if applicable; OF REORGANIZATION and iii. This Order. c. Debtor is required to make available to WHEREAS, on February 1, the creditors, parties in interest 2024, San Jorge Children’s and public in general, at the Hospital, Inc. (the “Debtor”) filed Lugo Mender Group, LLC weits First Amended Disclosure bsite in the public documents Statement and First Amended section, https://lugomender.

Plan of Reorganization (Docket com/public-documents/, the ## 618 & 619); WHEREAS, on following documents: i. First February 12, 2024, the court Amended Disclosure Statement entered an Order approving at Docket # 618; ii. First AmenDebtor’s First Amended Discloded Plan of Reorganization at sure Statement, setting deadliDocket # 619; iii. Order and nes and scheduling the hearing Notice on Disclosure Statement on confirmation of the First at Docket # 653; iv. Ballot SamAmended Plan of Reorganizaple; and v. This Order. d. Debtion for February 28, 2024 at tor will make a service by publi9:30 AM (Docket # 653); WHEcation as soon as practicable of REAS, on February 13, 2024, this Order. e. Any creditor who Debtor filed Urgent Motion wishes to obtain a hard copy of Authorizing Special Notice Proany of the documents detailed cedures on Approved Disclosuabove may contact Debtor’s re Statement and Plan of Reorattorneys at Lugo Mender ganization (Docket # 660) (the Group, LLC at 787-707-0404.

“Urgent Motion”); WHEREAS, Debtor’s counsel will provide a on February 13, 2024, the court hard copy of such document no entered an order for the Unselater than the next business day cured Creditors’ Committee to from such request at Debtor’s state a position regarding the expense. 3. The terms and Urgent Motion (Dkt. # 661); conditions of this Order shall WHEREAS, on February 13, be immediately effective and 2024, the Unsecured Creditors’ enforceable upon entry hereof.

Committee filed Motion in Com4. The court shall retain exclusipliance with Order, in which it ve jurisdiction with respect to all expressed having no opposition matters arising from or related to the relief requested in the to the implementation, interpreUrgent Motion and requested tation, and enforcement of this the court to grant it (Dkt. # 663); Order.

WHEREAS, the court having IT IS SO ORDERED. jurisdiction over this matter purIn San Juan, Puerto Rico, this suant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 14th day of February, 2024.

1334, having found that this is María de los Ángeles Gonzáa core proceeding pursuant to lez, United States Bankruptcy 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2), having Judge. found that venue of this proceeding in this district is proper LEGAL NOTICE pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO and 1409, and having found DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUthat the court may enter a final NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA order with respect to this matCENTRO JUDICIAL DE FAter; IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, JARDO SALA SUPERIOR DE ADJUDGED, AND DECREED FAJARDO. THAT: 1. In consideration of COOPERATIVA DE the particular circumstances of this case, the significant expenAHORRO Y CREDITO ses of paper notice as informed PADRESALVADOR

by Debtor in the Urgent Motion, RUFFOLO (PARROCOOP) the composition of the creditor Demandante v. body as mostly business entiBERENS MORTGAGE ties with access to the internet, the need for expedited relief BANKERS, INC. Y OTROS Demandado(a) as expressed by the parties present at the hearing held on Caso Núm.: LU2023CV00083 February 8, 2024 for approval (SALÓN 303). Sobre: CANof the Disclosure Statement, CELACIÓN O RESTITUCIÓN EXTRAVIADO. and for the reasons stated by DEPAGARÉ the Unsecured Creditors’ Com- NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTEN*** mittee at Dkt. # 663, the Urgent CIA POR EDICTO. RUBÉN ROMÁN TORO Motion filed by Debtor is hereLEGAL NOTICE BUFETERUBENROMANTORO@ IN THE UNITED STATES by GRANTED. THEREFORE, GMAIL.COM BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR ALL PARTIES-IN-INTEREST A: BERENS MORTGAGE ARE HEREBY ADVISED AND THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO BANKERS, INC; PENN NOTIFIED THAT: 2. Debtor RICO. is authorized to move forward MERCHANDISING IN RE: with the intended notice in the SAN JORGE CHILDREN’S following manner: a. Debtor will CORPORATION; FULANA electronically file the foregoing DE TAL; FULANO DETAL HOSPITAL, INC. MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar y regirá como tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta la mitad del precio pactado para la primera, o sea, la suma de $69,356.00.

Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo, para con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: La suma de $128,318.10, con intereses a 3.25% anual, desde el 1ro de abril de 2020, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, más los cargos por demora que se corresponden a los plazos atrasados desde la fecha anteriormente indicada a razón de la tasa pactada de 4% de cualquier pago que éste en mora por más de quince (15) días desde la fecha de su vencimiento, más una suma equivalente a $13,871.20, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipotecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables.

Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, 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. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Expedido en Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, a 1 de febrero de 2024. Luis Ortiz Rosa, Alguacil. Placa 888.

COMO TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS DE PAGARÉ HIPOTECARIO EXTRAVIADO.

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 12 DE ENERO DE 2024, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia,Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá ustedenterarse 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 los10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, SentenciaParcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que seconsiderará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, confecha de 12 de FEBRERO de 2024. En FAJARDO, Puerto Rico, el 12 de FEBRERO de 2024. WANDA SEGUI REYES, Secretario(a). f/IVELISSE SERRANO GARCIA, Secretario(a) Auxiliardel Tribunal.

mons, a copy of this Summons and the Complaint will be sent to co-defendants Erika Peria Fermfn; EJEP Enterprises, Inc., by certified mail/return receipt requested, addressed to their last known address. Should you fail to appear, plead or answer to the Complaint as ordered by the Court and noticed by this Summons, the Court will enter default against you and proceed to hear and adjudicate this cause based on the relief demanded in the Complaint. BY ORDER OF THE COURT, summons is issued pursuant to Federal Rules Civil Procedure 4(e) and Rule 4.6 of the Rules of Civil Procedure for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 5th day of February, 2024. ADA I. GARCIA-RIVERA, ESQ., CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT. By: Ana Duran, Deputy Clerk.

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

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC DEMANDANTE VS.

SUCESIÓN DE HERMINIO NAZARIO MALDONADO COMPUESTA POR EMILISA NAZARIO CORTÉS, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS LEGAL NOTICE DESCONOCIDOS; SUCESIÓN DE EMILIA UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT CORTÉS CHÉVERE OF PUERTO RICO. COMPUESTA POR UNITED STATES EMILISA NAZARIO SMALL BUSINESS CORTÉS, LIZZETTE ADMINISTRATION ENCARNACIÓN CORTÉS, Plaintiff V. FULANO DE TAL Y ERIKA PENA FERMIN; SUTANO DE TAL COMO EJEP ENTERPRISES, INC. POSIBLES HEREDEROS Defendants DESCONOCIDOS; CIVIL NO. 20-1066 (JAG). Foreclosure of Mortgage. SUMCENTRO DE MONS BY PUBLICATION. RECAUDACIONES TO: ERIKA PENA FERMIN; MUNICIPALES; Y A LOS EJEP ENTERPRISES, INC. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE Pursuant to the Order for SerAMÉRICA vice by Publication entered on 02/02/2024 by the Honorable Jay A. Garcfa-Gregory, Senior United States District Judge (Docket No. 39), you are hereby SUMMONED to appear, plead or answer the Complaint filed herein no later than thirty (30) days after publication of this Summons by-serving the original plea or answer in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, and serving a copy to counsel for plaintiff: Attorney Juan C. Fortune Fas, at PO Box 3908 Guaynabo, PR 00970, telephone number 787751-5290. This Summons shall be published by edict only once in a newspaper of general circulation in the island of Puerto Rico. Within ten (10) days following publication of this Sum-

DEMANDADOS CIVIL NUM.: AR2019CV02372.

SOBRE: Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria. EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

AL: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL A: SUCESIÓN DE HERMINIO NAZARIO MALDONADO COMPUESTA POR EMILISA NAZARIO CORTÉS, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; SUCESIÓN DE EMILIA CORTÉS CHÉVERE

The San Juan Daily Star

COMPUESTA POR EMILISA NAZARIO CORTÉS, LIZZETTE ENCARNACIÓN CORTÉS, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Yo, ANGEL DE JESUS TORRES PEREZ, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Arecibo, a los demandados, acreedores y al público en general con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, por la presente CERTIFICO, ANUNCIO y HAGO CONSTAR: Que el 12 de MARZO de 2024, a las 9:00 de la mañana, en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Arecibo, Arecibo, Puerto Rico, procederé a vender en Pública Subasta, al mejor postor, la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria mediante Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, la cual se notificó y archivó en autos el día 18 de diciembre de 2023. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría 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 19 de MARZO de 2024, a las 9:00 de la mañana; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 27 de MARZO de 2024, a las 9:00 de la mañana en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que ha sido liberado por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Arecibo, en el caso de epígrafe con fecha de 1 de febrero de 2024, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble que se describe a continuación: RUSTICA: Parcela de terreno radicado en el Barrio Hato Viejo del término Municipal de Ciales, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de mil ciento cuarenta y seis punto seiscientos diez (1,146.610) metros cuadrados y en lindes por el NORTE, en treinta punto novecientos sesenta (30.960) metros con terrenos de Eulalio Cortés Chévere; por el SUR, en treinta punto novecientos seis (30.906) metros con el remanente de la finca principal; por el ESTE, en cuarenta y seis punto setecientos treinta y cin-

co (46.735) metros con el remanente de la finca principal y por el OESTE, en treinta punto cuatrocientos veintiún (30.421) metros con terrenos del Sr. Roque Pagán. Enclava casa de concreto para fines residenciales de una planta de treinta pies de frente por treinta y cinco de fondo (30; 35”) con marquesina de catorce pies de frente por treinta y cinco de fondo (14 x35), compuesto de tres cuartos dormitorios, sala, comedor, cocina, baño, balcón. Finca Número 8,052, inscrita al folio 50 del tomo 168 de Ciales. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Manatí. Dirección de la Propiedad: SR 632 KM 1.0 INT BO. HATO VIEJO, LAS LAJAS, CIALES, PR 00638. La subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer, hasta donde alcance, el importe de las cantidades adeudadas a la parte demandante conforme a la sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: de $204,673.10 en concepto de principal con interés al 4.02% anual, los cuales continúan acumulándose, así como la cantidad líquida estipulada en los documentos del préstamo para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado en caso de reclamación judicial y que correspondan a intereses y cargos por demora posterior a dicha fecha, y la suma de $23,400.00 equivalente al 10% de la suma principal original pactada, estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; más recargos acumulados hasta la fecha en que se pague la deuda; más cualquiera suma de dinero por concepto de contribuciones, primas de seguro hipotecario y riesgo, así como cualesquiera otras sumas pactadas en la escritura de hipoteca, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura número 207 otorgada el día 19 de mayo de 2009, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, ante la Notario Público Jennifer Córdova Cardona y consta inscrita al tomo Karibe de Ciales, finca número 8,052, Registro de la Propiedad de Manatí, Sección de Manatí. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honora-

Thursday, February 15, 2024 rios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Entiéndase: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos de América, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $234,000.00, con intereses al 4.02% anual, vencedero el día 3 de mayo de 2090, constituida mediante la escritura número 208, otorgada en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el día 19 de mayo de 2009, ante la notario Jennifer Córdova Cardona, e inscrita al tomo Karibe de Ciales, finca número 8,052, inscripción 7ma.

Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta del inmueble antes descrito será la suma de $234,000.00 según se establece en la escritura de hipoteca antes relacionada. En caso de que el inmueble a ser subastado no fuera adjudicado en su primera subasta se ordena la celebración de una segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, en la cual, la cantidad mínima será una equivalente a 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la suma de $156,000.00; desierta también la segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, se ordena la celebración de una tercera subasta en la cual, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado para la primera subasta, es decir la suma de $117,000.00. 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, entiéndase efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Una vez efectuada la venta de dicha propiedad, el Alguacil procederá a otorgar la escritura de traspaso al licitador victorioso en subasta, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la sentencia dictada en este caso. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Si el producto de la venta fuere insuficiente para satisfacer la cantidad reclamada, se procederá a la ejecución de la sentencia en contra de la parte demandada por el remanente de las sumas no satisfechas, mediante embargo

y venta en ejecución de cualesquiera otros bienes propiedad de la parte demandada en cantidad suficiente para dejar cubierta y totalmente satisfecha a la parte demandante cualquier deficiencia o parte insoluta de la sentencia dictada a su favor según dispuesto en la sentencia dictada en este caso. Se dispone, conforme con la sentencia dictada en este caso que, una vez efectuada la subasta y vendido el bien inmueble, los adjudicatarios sean puestos en posesión del mismo dentro del término de veinte (20) días por el Alguacil de este Honorable Tribunal y los actuales poseedores lanzados del referido inmueble. Y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general, se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley, mediante edicto, en un periódico de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, una vez por semana, por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, y para su fijación en tres (3) lugares públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía, y se le notificará además a la parte demandada vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto de Subasta para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Arecibo, Puerto Rico, a 7 de febrero de 2024.

ANGEL DE JESUS TORRES PEREZ, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE ARECIBO.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante v.

SUCESIÓN DE ERIC JAVIER DEL VALLE ARROYO; BETSY DAMARIS DELGADO TAMOS T/C/C BETSY D. DELGADO, COMO HEREDERA DEL CAUSANTE ERIC JAVIER DEL VALLE ARROYO Y COMO DUEÑA REGISTRAL; JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE ERIC JAVIER DEL VALLE ARROYO; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

(C.R.I.M.)

Demandados CIVIL NÚM.: CG2023CV01090.

SALA: 705. SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA . ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Caguas, Caguas, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 31 de enero de 2024, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Unidad de vivienda de forma sustancialmente cuadrada, de un solo nivel en el Edificio C del Proyecto Condominio Paseo del Verde, en el Barrio Turabo del término municipal de Caguas Puerto Rico, construida de hormigón y bloques de hormigón, conteniendo sala-comedor, cocina, tres (3) habitaciones y dos baños, la puerta de entrada está localizada por su colindancia Oeste, por donde tiene acceso a los elementos comunes, con el número, cabida y colindancias que se describen a continuación: Apartamento número: C doscientos dos (C-202), localizado en el segundo piso de este edificio, en el extremo Este del solar donde radica el Proyecto. Cabida: mil ciento cincuenta y cuatro punto setecientos cincuenta pies cuadrados (1,154.750 p.c). Colinda por el NORTE, con el Apartamento C-201, en veintiocho pies diez pulgadas (28’10”); por el ESTE, con el patio en treinta y ocho pies tres pulgadas (38’3”); por el SUR, con el apartamento D-201, en treinta y un pies diez pulgadas (31’10”); y por el OESTE, con el estacionamiento en treinta y ocho pies tres pulgadas (38’3”). Participación en los elementos comunes: cero punto cero, uno, nueve, siete por ciento (0.0197%). Le pertenece el uso y disfrute de los espacios de estacionamientos identificados con el número del apartamento, para dos (2) automóviles. Inscrita en la finca número 60,233, al folio 81 del tomo 1734 de Caguas. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de Caguas. Además, el Alguacil que suscribe, hago saber a todos los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con

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derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surjan de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Doral Bank, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $30,000.00, con intereses al 6.875% anual, vencedero el día 1 de noviembre de 2033, constituida mediante la escritura número 202, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 14 de octubre de 2003, ante la notario Gloria M. Sierra Enriquez, e inscrita al tomo Karibe de Caguas, finca número 60,233, inscripción 4ta, como Asiento Abreviado extendidas las líneas el día 17 de mayo de 2016, en virtud de la Ley número 216 del día 27 de diciembre de 2010.

(Fue presentado el día 27 de octubre de 2003 al Asiento 263 del Diario 1091) El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada a su favor el día 11 de diciembre de 2023, notificada el 12 de diciembre de 2023, a saber la suma de $54,675.92 por concepto de principal; generando intereses a razón de 6.875% desde el 1ro de octubre de 2022; cargos por demora los cuales al igual que los intereses continúan acumulándose hasta el saldo total de la deuda reclamada en este pleito, y la suma de $12,000.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; y demás créditos accesorios garantizados hipotecariamente. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 7 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el Centro Judicial de Caguas, Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $120,000.00. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 14 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el Centro Judicial de Caguas, Caguas, Puerto Rico, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la EGUNDA SUBASTA será de $80,000.00, equivalentes a dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una TERCERA SUBASTA

la misma se llevará a efecto el LEGAL NOTICE día 21 DE MARZO DE 2024 A ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el Centro Judicial de Caguas, DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUCaguas, Puerto Rico, en la NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA oficina antes mencionada del SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE

LLACG COMMUNITY Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA INVESTMENT FUND SUBASTA será de $60,000.00, Demandante Vs. equivalentes a la mitad (1/2) SUCESION HECTOR del tipo mínimo estipulado para RIVERA T/C/C HECTOR la PRIMERA subasta. Si se LUIS RIVERA APONTE declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca COMPUESTA POR JOHN a favor del acreedor por la tota- DOE Y JANE DOE COMO lidad de la cantidad adeudada POSIBLES HEREDEROS si ésta es igual o menor que DESCONOCIDOS; el monto del tipo de la tercera SUCESION LUCY subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho CINTRON DE RIVERA monto a la cantidad adeudada T/C/C LUCY AIDA si esta es mayor, todo ello a CINTRON ANTOMMARCHI tenor con lo dispone el Articulo COMPUESTA POR JOHN 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8 de diciembre de 2015 conocida ROE Y JANE ROE COMO como “Ley del Registro de la POSIBLES HEREDEROS Propiedad Inmueble del Estado DESCONOCIDOS; Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”.

ESTADOS UNIDOS DE La propiedad a ser ejecutada AMERICA; CENTRO se adquiere libre de toda carga DE RECAUDACION DE y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo INGRESOS MUNICIPALES 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirDemandados mada la venta judicial por el Ho- Civil Núm.: PO2023CV03852. norable Tribunal, se procederá Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIa otorgar la correspondiente POTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO escritura de venta judicial y se POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIpondrá al comprador en pose- DOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PREsión física del inmueble de con- SIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS formidad con las disposiciones UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE de Ley. Para conocimiento de ASOCIADO DE PUERTO la parte demandada y de toda RICO, SS. aquella persona o personas A: JOHN DOE Y que tengan interés inscrito con JANE DOE COMO posterioridad a la inscripción POSIBLES MIEMBROS del gravamen que se está ejeDESCONOCIDOS cutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el DE LA SUCESION público en general, el presente HECTOR RIVERA T/C/C Edicto se publicará por espacio HECTOR LUIS RIVERA de dos (2) semanas consecutiAPONTE; JOHN ROE vas, con un intervalo de por lo Y JANE ROE COMO menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de POSIBLES MIEMBROS circulación general en el Estado DESCONOCIDOS Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico DE LA SUCESION y se fijará además en tres (3) LUCY CINTRON DE lugares públicos del Municipio RIVERA T/C/C LUCY en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, ALDA CINTRON el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se ANTOMMARCHI. les informa, por último, que: a.

POR LA PRESENTE se le Que los autos y todos los doemplaza para que presente al cumentos correspondientes al Tribunal su alegación responprocedimiento incoado estarán siva a la demanda dentro de de manifiesto en la secretaría los treinta (30) días a partir de del tribunal durante las horas la publicación de este edicto. laborables. b. Que se enten- Usted deberá presentar su alederá que todo licitador acepta gación responsiva a través del como bastante la titularidad y Sistema Unificado de Manejo y que las cargas y gravámenes Administración de Casos (SUanteriores y los preferentes, si MAC), al cual puede acceder los hubiere, al crédito del ejecu- utilizando la siguiente directante continuarán subsistentes. ción electrónica: http://unired.

Se entenderá, que el rematante ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se los acepta y queda subrogado represente por derecho propio, en la responsabilidad de los en cuyo caso deberé presentar mismos, sin destinarse a su ex- su alegación responsiva en la tinción el precio del remate. EX- secretaria del tribunal. Si usted PIDO, el presente EDICTO, en deja de presentar su alegación Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy día 7 responsiva dentro del referido de febrero de 2024. EDGARDO término, el tribunal podrá dicALDEBOL MIRANDA, Alguacil tar sentencia en rebeldía en su Auxiliar, División de Subastas contra y conceder el remedio Tribunal de Primera Instancia solicitado en la demanda, o Sala Superior de Caguas. cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en

26 el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

Greenspoon Marder, LLP Lcda. Frances L. Asencio-Guido R.U.A. 15,622 TRADE CENTRE SOUTH, SUITE 700 100 WEST CYPRESS CREEK ROAD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309 Telephone: (954) 343 6273 Frances.Asencio@gmlaw.com Expedido bajo mi firma, y sello del Tribunal, en Ponce, Puerto Rico, hoy día 22 de enero de 2024. CARMEN G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. MARIELY FÉLIX RIVERA, SUB-SECRETARIA.

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

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2017-1, BY FRANKLIN CREDIT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AS SERVICER Demandante Vs.

LA SUCESION DE ROBERTO EMIGDIO PEGUERO FERNANDEZ T/C/C ROBERTO EMIGDO PEGUERO FERNANDEZ Y POR ROBERTO E PEGUERO COMPUESTA POR LUZ ZENAIDA FELICIANO MORALES, SERVIO EMIGDIO PEGUERO FELICIANO, ROBERTO MARTIN PEGUERO JIMENEZ, TANYA MERCEDES PEGUERO JIMENEZ, CARMELINA MARIA PEGUERO BODADILLA, VILMA EURIDICE PEGUERO NUNEZ, ROSA ALTAGRACIA PEGUERO NUNEZ Y VIVIAN LILLIANA PEGUERO NUNEZ; ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Demandados Civil Núm.: FCD2017-0759.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: LA PARTE DEMANDADA, AL (A LA) SECRETARIO(A) DE HACIENDA DE PUERTO RICO Y AL PÚBLICO GENERAL:

Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América y/o Giro Postal y Cheque Certificado, en mi oficina ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina, el 4 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Apartamento número ocho guion M (8M) localizado en el piso ocho (8) del edificio conocido como Mar de Isla Verde, que radica en el Kilómetro 2 Hectómetro 1 de la carretera Estatal Numero 187 en el Barrio Boca de Cangrejo, de Carolina, Puerto Rico. Dicho apartamento tiene un área superficial de total de mil cuatrocientos veintiuno punto veintisiete pies cuadrados (1421.27 pc) S entrada principal de hacia el oeste, y se comunica con pasillo comunal que da al vestíbulo común y tiene salida a los elevadores y escaleras que a su vez dan salida al exterior del edificio. Este apartamento tiene una sala comedor cocina y tres (3) dormitorios, cocina, closets, terraza un baño y área de lavandería. Colinda por el Norte, en veintiún pies seis pulgadas (21’6”) con el apartamento ocho N (8N); por el sur, en veintiséis pies seis pulgadas (26’6”) con patio de dicho edificio; por el Este, sesenta y nueve pies cuatro pulgadas (69’4”) con pasillo comunal; por el Oeste, en sesenta y nueve pies cuatro pulgadas (69’4”) con pasillo comunal. A este apartamento le corresponde un área de estacionamiento numero S guion cincuenta y cinco (S-55). Consta inscrita al folio 288 del tomo 568 de Carolina I, finca número 28,941, Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina, Sección I. ESTA FINCA RESPONDE POR LA CANTIDAD DE $297,500.00.

La Hipoteca consta inscrita al tomo 88 folio 971, finca 28,941, Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina, Sección I, inscripción 13ª. Propiedad localizada en: COND. MAR DE ISLA VERDE, APT. 8-M, CAROLINA, PR 00979. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas anteriores o preferentes: Nombre del Titular: N/A. Suma de la Carga: N/A. Fecha de Vencimiento: N/A. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas posteriores a la inscripción

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

del crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Titular: N/A. Suma de la Carga: $ N/A. Fecha de Vencimiento: N/A. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes.

El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anteriores, y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo de mínima subasta la suma de $297,500.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina, el 11 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $198,333.33, 2/3 partes del tipo mínima establecido originalmente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se establece como mínima para la TERCERA SUBASTA, la suma de $148,750.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina, el 18 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor ascendente a la suma principal $306,132.01 por concepto de principal, más la suma de $154,186.74 en intereses acumulados al 31 de mayo de 2022 y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 7.7500% anual hasta su total y completo pago; más la sumas de $8,414.05 en cargos por servicio; $18,561.67 en fondos adeudados; $1,714.30 en adelantos; más la cantidad de 10%, para gastos, costas y honorarios de abogado en la suma de $35,000.00, esta última habrá de devengar intereses al máximo del tipo legal fijado por la oficina del Comisionado de Instituciones Financieras aplicable a esta fecha, desde este mismo día hasta su total y completo saldo. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efectos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha subasta.

Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás

constancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para ser examinadas por los (las) interesados (as). Y para su publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públicos de Puerto Rico.

Expedido en Carolina, Puerto Rico, hoy 17 de enero de 2024.

JOSÉ R. CRISTÓBAL ORTIZ, ALGUACIL REGIONAL. ENRIQUE VERGÉ HERNÁNDEZ, ALGUACIL PLACA #960.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA MUNICIPAL DE CATAÑO

VAPR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Demandante Vs.

GABRIEL ANTONIO FARIA JIMENEZ

Demandado CIVIL NÚM.: BY2024CV00058 (503) SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA. EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS

A: GABRIEL ANTONIO FARIA JIMENEZ

DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE MANATÍ SALA SUPERIOR

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, Demandante, V.

GILBERTO YAMIR CRUZ ZAVALA, ZULMA SUHJEIL GONZÁLEZ RIVERA Y LA LEGAL NOTICE SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUCOMPUESTA POR NAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA AMBOS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INS-

Demandados.

TANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CIVIL NÚM.: AR2023CV02336 COMERÍO SALA: 102 SOBRE: COBRO NELSON LUIS DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN MALDONADO DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO E INMALDONADO TERPELACION. ESTADOS Parte Demandante, V. UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA. EL RG PREMIER BANK PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTAOF PUERTO RICO; DOS UNIDOS. EL ESTADO LIJUAN DEL PUEBLO Y BRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO JUANA DEL PUEBLO Y RICO. SS.

de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https:// unired.poderjudcial.pr/sumac/, salvo que se presente por derecho propio, advirtiéndosele que de no hacerlo así se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado, y sin más citarle ni oírle. Expídase el correspondiente Emplazamiento por Edicto. Se enmienda la presente Orden para incluir a la parte demandada, Rg Premier Bank of Puerto Rico. Notifíquese. Dada en Comerío, Puerto Rico a 29 de enero de 2024. f/ LUIS IVÁN NAVAS DE LEÓN Juez Superior.

ción, lo entiende procedente.

En Guayama, Puerto Rico a 6 de febrero de 2024. Marisol Rosado Rodríguez, Secretaria. Glorivee García González, Sub-Secretaria.

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

ANDENO CO Demandante v.

ROBERTO FONT SALGADO

Demandado(a) ADRIÁN BRITO RODRÍGUEZ ADRIAN@BRITO.LEGAL CASO NÚM.: TJ2023CV00435 LEGAL NOTICE (CIVIL 404) COBRO DE DINEESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO RO - ORDINARIO. NOTIFICADE PUERTO RICO TRIBUCIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA EDICTO. SALA MUNICIPAL DE PATIA: ROBERTO LLAS

FONT SALGADO ANDENO CO (Nombre de las partes que se le CUALESQUIER PERSONA Demandante V. A: GILBERTO YAMIR notifican la sentencia por edicto) DESCONOCIDA CON CLARIBEL CRUZ ZAVALA, ZULMA EL SECRETARIO(A) que susPOSIBLE INTERÉS EN IRIZARRY RODRÍGUEZ cribe le notifica a usted que el SUHJEIL GONZÁLEZ 7 DE FEBRERO DE 2024, este Demandado RIVERA Y LA SOCIEDAD LA OBLIGACIÓN CUYA CIVIL NÚM.: PA2023CV00219 Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, CANCELACIÓN POR LEGAL DE BIENES SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO. Sentencia Parcial o Resolución DECRETO JUDICIAL SE EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDIC- en este caso, que ha sido debiGANANCIALES SOLICITA COMPUESTA POR TO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE damente registrada y archivada Parte Demandada.

AMÉRICA. EL PRESIDENTE en autos donde podrá usted AMBOS. URB. EXT. CIVIL NÚM.: BQ2023CV00163 DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS. enterarse detalladamente de ESTANCIAS DE Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIA- los términos de la misma. Esta LMBERY, SOLAR 139, PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. OR- DO DE PUERTO RICO. SS. notificación se publicará una BARCELONETA, PR DEN ENMENDADA. Atendida sola vez en un periódico de A: CLARIBEL 00617; 4201 CONWAY la MOCIÓN SOLICITANDO IRIZARRY RODRIGUEZ circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los CIRCLE, SUMMERVILLE, EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDIC• HC 64 BOX 8192, TO presentada en el caso de 10 días siguientes a su notificaSE, 29486. epígrafe por la parte demanPATILLAS, PR 00723. ción. Y, siendo o representando

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al Tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días de haber sido diligenciado este emplazamiento, excluyéndose el día del diligenciamiento, notificando copia de la misma al abogado de la parte demandante. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el Tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

Se le advierte, además, a los herederos que, conforme al caso de Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaría vs. Latinoamericana de Exportación, lnc., 2005 TSPR 50, Op. De 22 de abril de 2005; tienen la opción de aceptar o repudiar la herencia del causante, dentro del término de 30 días a partir de su emplazamiento. De no expresar su intención de aceptar o repudiar dicha herencia dentro del término que se le fijó para contestar a la demanda incoada en su contra, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada, así como el presente emplazamiento.

ABOGADOS DE LA PARTE DEMANDANTE: Lcdo. Reggie Díaz Hernández LEGAL NOTICE RUA NÚM.: 16,393 ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO BERMUDEZ & DIAZ LLP POR EL PRESENTE EDICTO, se le notifica que se ha radicado en esta Secretaría por la parte demandante, Demanda sobre Cobro de Dinero, en la que se alega adeuda la suma de $15,869.17, más costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Se le advierte que de no comparecer en autos dentro del término de los treinta (30) días siguientes a partir de la publicación de este Edicto, se le anotará la Rebeldía y se dictará Sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado, sin más citarle ni oírle, debiendo radicar el original de su contestación en este Tribunal, enviando copia a la abogada de la parte demandante: Lcda. Adela Surillo Gutiérrez, Bufete Collazo & Surillo, LLC, P.O. Box 11550, San Juan, PR 00922-1550; Teléfono: (787) 625-9999. Para publicarse conforme a la Orden dictada por el Tribunal en un periódico de circulación general. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto que firmo y sello en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, 29 hoy de de 2024. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SANCHEZ, Secretaria. IVETTE M. MARRERO BRACERO, Secretaria Auxiliar.

Attorneys at Law Suite 209 500 Calle de la Tanca San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 Tel.: (787) 523-2670 Fax: (787) 523-2664 rdíaz@bdprlaw.com EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el Sello del Tribunal, hoy 29 de enero de 2024. Vivian Y. Fresse González, Secretaria.

Saray Salgado, Sub-Secretaria.

dante, en la que solicita el emplazamiento por edicto de las partes demandadas; RG PREMIER BANK OF PUERTO RICO, JUAN DEL PUEBLO y JUANA DEL PUEBLO y cualesquier persona desconocida con posible interés en la obligación cuya cancelación por decreto judicial se solicita, los autos del caso y tomando conocimiento de que la parte demandante tiene una causa de acción que justifica la concesión de un remedio en contra de dichas partes demandadas y que son parte indispensable en esta acción; este Tribunal declara CON LUGAR dicha solicitud y ordena el emplazamiento de las partes codemandadas antes mencionadas mediante Edicto. La publicación una vez en un periódico de circulación diaria en la Isla de Puerto Rico, eximiéndose a la parte demandante de tener que notificar dentro los diez (10) días siguientes de la publicación del edicto por correo certificado con acuse de recibo copia de la demanda y del emplazamiento a la última dirección conocida por desconocer el domicilio de dichas partes codemandadas.

Tiene dicha parte demandada el término de treinta (30) días a contarse de la publicación del edicto para que radique cualquier oposición a la Demanda, a través del Sistema Unificado

Se le notifica que la parte demandante ha presentado ante este tribunal, demanda contra usted, solicitando la concesión del siguiente remedio: Cobro de Dinero. Representa a la parte demandante, el abogado cuyo nombre, dirección y teléfono se consigna de inmediato: Brito.Legal 1607 Ave. Ponce de León St. GM6 #232 San Juan, PR 00969 Tel. 787-705-1011 E-mail: adrian@brito.legal POR LA PRESENTE, se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes de haber sido diligenciado este emplazamiento.

Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://www. poderjudicial.pr/index.php./ tribunal-electronico/, salvo que se presente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discre-

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 7 de febrero de 2024. En Carolina, Puerto Rico, el 7 de febrero de 2024. Kanelly Zayas Robles, Secretaria. F/Myriam Figueroa Pastrana, Secretaria Auxiliar del Tribunal.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SUBSECCIÓN DE DISTRITO SALA DE ARECIBO.

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, Demandante, v.

LA SUCESIÓN DE LOS FINADOS ANA LUISA CRUZ CRUZ Y ELIGIO SERRANO PICON COMPUESTA POR ARIA SERRANO CRUZ, XYZ (HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS),

The San Juan Daily Star

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO Y CRIM,

Demandados.

CIVIL NÚM: AR2023CV00445.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA.ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Arecibo, Arecibo, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 25 de enero de 2024, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: URBANA: Parcela identificada en el plano de inscripción, como el solar 12 del bloque H de la Urbanización Jardines de Palo Blanco, radicada en el sector Palo Blanco del municipio de Arecibo, situada en las calle #7 y #8. Tiene una cabida de 395.926 metros cuadrados. Linda: NORTE, con calle #8; SUR, con lote #H-11; ESTE, con calle #7 y OESTE, con lote #H-13. ENCLAVA: Una residencia de concreto de una planta dedicada a fines residenciales. Inscrita en la finca número 45,827, al folio 110 del tomo 1164 de Arecibo, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Primera Sección de Arecibo. Además, el Alguacil que suscribe, hago saber a todos los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surjan de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante: Anotación de Demanda: A favor de Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, en reclamo al pago de la deuda garantizada con la hipoteca que refiere la inscripción 3ª, por la suma principal de $29,603.28, más intereses sobre dicha suma al tipo de 4.250% anual desde el 1º de septiembre de 2022, hasta su completo pago, más las primas de seguros estipuladas en la escritura de hipoteca, contribuciones de la propiedad, de aplicar y contra riesgos, más recargos por de-

mora, más los intereses devengados y la cantidad estipuladas de $5,480.50 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado.

Así resulta de la Demanda sobre cobro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca, expedida el 9 de marzo de 2023 por el Centro Judicial de Arecibo, en el Caso Civil número AR2023CV00445, que motivó la Anotación “A” de la finca #45827, al Tomo Karibe de Arecibo. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada a su favor el día 4 de diciembre de 2023, notificada el 4 de diciembre de 2023, a saber la suma de $29,603.28 de principal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al tipo de 4.250% por ciento anual desde el día 1 de septiembre de 2022, hasta su completo pago, más las primas de seguros estipuladas en la escritura de hipoteca, contribuciones de la propiedad, de aplicar, y contra riesgos, más recargos por demora, más los intereses devengados y la cantidad estipulada de $5,480.50 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 4 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en el Centro Judicial de Arecibo, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $54,805.00. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 11 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la EGUNDA SUBASTA será de $36,536.66, equivalentes a dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una TERCERA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 18 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $27,402.50, equivalentes a la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor, todo ello a tenor con lo dispone el Articulo 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8

Thursday, February 15, 2024 de diciembre de 2015 conocida como “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”.

La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de toda carga y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirmada la venta judicial por el Honorable Tribunal, se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda aquella persona o personas que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el público en general, el presente Edicto se publicará por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas, con un intervalo de por lo menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y se fijará además en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se les informa, por último, que: a.

Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes.

Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en Arecibo, Puerto Rico, hoy día 7 de febrero de 2024. ANGEL DE JESUS TORRES PEREZ, División de Subastas, Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Arecibo.

notifique a: GONZÁLEZ & MORALES LAW OFFICES, LLC PO BOX 10242 HUMACAO, PR 00792 TELÉFONO: (787) 852-4422 FACSÍMIL: (787) 285-4425 Email: jrg@gonzalezmorales.com abogados de la parte demandante, cuya dirección es la que deja indicada, con copia de su Contestación a la Demanda, copia de la cual le es servida en este caso, dentro de los TREINTA (30) días de haber sido diligenciado este Emplazamiento, excluyéndose el día del diligenciamiento. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Debe saber que en caso de no hacerlo así podrá dictarse Sentencia en Rebeldía en contra suya, concediendo el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el Sello del Tribunal, hoy día 6 de febrero de 2024.

Evelyn Felix Vázquez, Secretaria. Laura De Jesús González, Sub-Secretaria.

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

PR RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT REO, LLC, Demandante v.

B&E EMPRESAS ISLA NENA, INC.; B&E CAR RENTAL, INC.; CORAL MARINA, INC.; VÍCTOR MANUEL RODRÍGUEZ PADILLA; SU ESPOSA LUZ ENEIDA LEGAL NOTICE DELERME AYALA; Y ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA DE GANANCIALES SALA DE HUMACAO COMPUESTA POR ELLOS ASOCIACIÓN DE Demandados PROPIETARIOS DE LOS CIVIL NÚM.: VQ2021CV00104 (001). SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN SAUCES, INC. Parte Demandante V.

SOLMARIE GARCÍA RODRÍGUEZ

Parte Demandada CIVIL NUM: HU2023CV01754 SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA. EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R. SS.

A: SOLMARIE GARCÍA RODRÍGUEZ

POR LA PRESENTE, se le emplaza y requiere para que

DE HIPOTECA Y EJECUCIÓN DE GRAVAMEN MOBILIARIO IN REM. AVISO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PUEBLO DE PUERTO RICO. S.S. YO, Nelimar M. Peterson Vélez, la Alguacil que suscribe, por la presente anuncia y hace constar, que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el 16 de septiembre de 2022, 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 6 de marzo de 2024, a la(s) 1:00 de la tarde, en mi oficina localizada en el Tribunal de Vieques todo título, derecho o interés que corresponda a la parte demandada sobre el inmueble que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Predio de terreno localizado en el barrio Florida del término municipal de Vieques, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 1,336.3438 metros cuadrados, equivalentes a 1.34 cuerdas.

En lindes: por el NORTE, con el remanente de la finca principal de la cual se segrega; por el SUR, con la carretera Estatal número 200, antes número 993; por el ESTE, con un camino asfaltado, carretera Estatal número 201; y por el OESTE, con el solar número dos, propiedad de Marcial Pérez y con terrenos de la finca Martineau, propiedad de la Autoridad de Tierras. Finca número 1,994, inscrita al folio 125 del tomo 50 de Vieques, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Fajardo. Dirección Física: Esquina PR-200 con PR-201, Barrio Florida, Vieques, PR. La propiedad descrita anteriormente está afecta a los siguientes gravámenes: Afecta por su procedencia: Autoridad de Fuentes Fluviales Por sí: HIPOTECA: En garantía de un pagaré a favor del Banco de Desarrollo Económico para Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma de $458,000.00, con interés al 6%, y vencedero 5 de marzo de 2039, según consta de la escritura #32, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 19 de febrero de 2009, ante la Notario Público Raquel Santos Ramos, inscrita al folio 126 del tomo 50 de Vieques, finca #1994, inscripción 2.1 asiento extendido.

Según pactado en la Escritura Número 32 de Hipoteca en Garantía de Pagaré, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 19 de febrero de 2009, ante la Notario Público Raquel Santos Ramos, que es objeto de este procedimiento, servirá de tipo mínimo para la primera subasta de la propiedad descrita la suma de $458,000.00. De no adjudicarse la propiedad en la primera subasta, se celebrará una segunda subasta, en las mismas oficinas de este Alguacil, el día 13 de marzo de 2024, a la(s) 1:00 de la tarde. El tipo mínimo para la segunda subasta será dos terceras partes (2/3) del tipo mínimo de la primera subasta, o sea, $305,333.33.

De no adjudicarse la propiedad en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una tercera subasta en las mismas oficinas de este Alguacil, el día 20 de marzo de 2024, a la(s) 1:00 de la tarde.

27

El tipo mínimo para la tercera subasta será la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo que se pactara para la primera subasta, o sea, $229,000.00. Esta subasta se hará para satisfacer a la parte demandante, hasta donde alcance, el importe adeudado a PR RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT REO, LLC, que al 19 de julio de 2022 asciende y se desglosa como sigue: (A) bajo el Contrato de Préstamo, según enmendado y el Pagaré Operacional I, una suma no menor de $311,495.17, la cual se desglosa en: (i) $194,984.97 por concepto de principal; más (ii) $116,510.20 por concepto de intereses acumulados y no pagados, cantidad que se continúa acumulando hasta su total y completo pago a razón de $32.05 diarios; (B) bajo el Contrato de Préstamo, según enmendado y el Pagaré Operacional II, una suma no menor de $266,341.13, la cual se desglosa en: (i) $161,389.13 por concepto de principal; más (ii) $104,951.74 por concepto de intereses acumulados y no pagados, cantidad que se continúa acumulando hasta su total y completo pago a razón de $26.53 diarios y; (C) bajo el Contrato de Préstamo, según enmendado y el Pagaré Operacional III, una suma no menor de $62,216.41, la cual se desglosa en: (i) $44,174.04 por concepto de principal; más (ii) $18,042.37 por concepto de intereses acumulados y no pagados, cantidad que se continúa acumulando hasta su total y completo pago a razón de $4.84 diarios. Además, la Parte Demandada adeuda la suma de $45,800.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado pactados expresamente por las partes, según se desprende del Pagaré Hipotecario y la Hipoteca. 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 anteriormen-

te 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 Vieques, Puerto Rico, a 16 de enero de 2024.

Nelimar M. Peterson Vélez, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE VIEQUES.

COLEGIADO NÚM. 14,108 / RUA NÚM. 12,883 Velázquez Grau law firm psc Ave. Troche V-12 Urb. Delgado, Caguas, P.R., 00725 TEL. (787) 744-2770 FAX (787) 961-8212 velazquezgraulaw@gmail.com EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el Sello del Tribunal, Hoy día 22 de enero de 2024. Lisilda Martínez Agosto, Secretaria.

Glorimar Rivera Rivera, SubSecretaria.

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

TRUST MORTGAGE CORP Demandante V.

JOHN DOE Y OTROS

Demandado(a) GORMAN ANTHONY HATCHER SANTAELLA GHATCHER@PIRILLOLAW.COM JORGE GARCIA RONDON JAFGRONDON@GMAIL.COM Caso Núm.: CG2023CV03976 LEGAL NOTICE (SALON 702) Sobre: CANCEESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO LACION O RESTITUCION DE DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- PAGARE EXTRAVIADO. NONAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA TIFICACION DE SENTENCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CA- POR EDICTO. GUAS

A: CITIBANK NA • 1000 TECHNOLOGY DR. OFALLON, MO, 63368-2240.

Parte Peticionaria A: CENLAR • 425 PHILLIPS Ex Parte BLVD, EWING, NJ 08618.

CAUSANTE: FÉLIX AGOSTO NUÑEZ T/C/C A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE (PERSONAS FÉLIX T/C/C FÉLIX DESCONOCIDAS CON AGOSTO CASO NUM.: CG2024CV00004 POSIBLE INTERES) LUZ ESTHER AGOSTO RIVERA

SALÓN: 704 SOBRE: DECLARATORIA DE HEREDEROS. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA. EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS.

A: CRISTIAN AGOSTO MUÑOZ

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al Tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los treinta (30) días de haber sido diligenciado este Emplazamiento, excluyéndose el día del diligenciamiento.

Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaría del Tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el Tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

LCDO. JOSÉ A. VELÁZQUEZ GRAU

(Nombre de las partes que se Ie notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 30 DE ENERO DE 2024, 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 6 de febrero de 2024. Caguas, Puerto Rico, el 6 de febrero de 2024. Lisilda Martínez Agosto, Secretaria.

F/Vionnette Espinosa Castillo, Secretaria Auxiliar del Tribunal.

28 Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Kelvin Kiptum, marathon world record-holder, dies at 24

By VICTOR MATHER

K

elvin Kiptum, who shattered the world record in the men’s marathon last year, finishing tantalizingly close to the mythical and once unfathomable two-hour barrier, died last weekend in Kaptagat in western Kenya. He was 24.

His death, in a car accident on Sunday, was announced by Athletics Kenya, the governing body for track and field in that country. Kiptum’s coach, Gervais Hakizimana, was also killed in the crash.

Kiptum, who was driving, veered off the road into a ditch and then hit a large tree, the authorities said. He and Hakizimana were killed instantly. A third person in the car, Sharon Kosgei, was injured.

After some good performances in half marathons, Kiptum broke through in his first marathon in Valencia, Spain, in 2022, with a winning time of 2:01:53. At the London Marathon in 2023, he crushed the field to win in 2:01:25, the second-fastest time in history, 16 seconds short of the world record of 2:01:09 held by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya.

Kiptum didn’t fall short on his next try. In October in Chicago, on a flat course known for producing fast times, Kiptum obliterated the record, recording a time of 2:00:35. It was only his third marathon.

“A world record was not in my mind today,” he told reporters after the race. “I saw the time in front of me. I said, Let me try; maybe I can run under 2:00.”

Kelvin Kiptum (Wikipedia) Because hundreds of Kenyans have been barred from the sport in the past decade over doping violations, his record drew not only wonderment, but also scrutiny. “My secret is training,” Kiptum, who was never accused of

doping and had no drug suspensions, told reporters last fall. “Not any other thing.”

Kelvin Kiptum was born on Dec. 2, 1999, in Chepsamo, Kenya. He worked as a goat herder as a young man and trained as an elec-

trician before becoming a runner.

“I knew him when he was a little boy, herding livestock barefooted,” Hakizimana told the BBC last year. “It was in 2009, I was training near his father’s farm, he’d come kicking at my heels and I would chase him away.”

News of Kiptum’s death brought tributes from Kenya, throughout Africa and across the world of road running. “He was only 24,” William Ruto, Kenya’s president, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Kiptum was our future. An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe.”

Kiptum’s survivors include his wife and two children. Complete information about his survivors was not immediately available.

Kiptum’s record time in Chicago raised hopes that he could one day break the twohour mark, a time long thought to be unreachable. In Vienna in 2019, Kipchoge ran the 26.2mile distance in 1:59:40 but the mark did not count as a world record because he used professional pacesetters to help him and he was not running under open marathon conditions.

Kiptum was considering an attempt to break the barrier officially in the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon in April. “I am going to Rotterdam to run fast,” he told reporters in December. “The course is good and the fans in the streets encourage you to run faster. I would like to be a part of the rich history of this marathon.”

After Rotterdam, Kiptum and Kipchoge were expected to be the favorites to win the Olympic Marathon in Paris this summer.

Man charged in the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue

By JULIE BOSMAN

A

45-year-old Kansas man has been charged in the theft of a life-size bronze statue of baseball legend Jackie Robinson from a park in Wichita, Kansas. The police in Wichita said earlier this week that the motive for the crime was probably to sell the statue for scrap metal.

The man, Ricky Alderete, was charged Monday with felony theft, aggravated criminal damage to property and making false information, police said.

Lt. Aaron Moses of the Wichita Police Department said Tuesday that an investigation was continuing, but that concerns that the

theft of the statue might have been racially motivated had been put to rest.

“The investigation has not revealed any evidence indicating this was a hate-motivated crime,” Moses said. “Instead, we believe this theft was motivated by the financial gain of scrapping common metal.”

Alderete was in custody Tuesday, and a lawyer who has represented him could not immediately be reached for comment.

Nearly all of the 275-pound statue of Robinson disappeared from McAdams Park in Wichita in January. Only the shoes at the base of the statue had been left behind.

Police later found surveillance video showing that a truck was parked near the

statue as it was cut down and placed on the truck bed. The vehicle was later found at an apartment complex, police said.

Pieces of the statue were found by a city worker several days later in a burning trash can in another Wichita park. The statue was deemed to be irreparably damaged.

Its estimated value was $75,000, according to League 42, a nonprofit group that installed the statue in 2021. After the theft, a GoFundMe campaign to support League 42 raised nearly $200,000.

Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro leagues, later broke the color barrier when he became the first Black player to play in Major League Baseball.

Brandon Johnson, a City Council member in Wichita, said he hoped that the arrest in the case would send a message to the community, which was outraged by the statue’s disappearance.

“This is an occurrence that should not have happened,” Johnson said. “Hopefully this is a testament to all who might think about doing something like this in the future.”

Chief Joe Sullivan of the Wichita Police Department said the arrest of Alderete was not the end of the case.

“If you try to take something from this community, it won’t tolerate it,” he said. “I am confident this is only the first arrest and there are more to come.”

The San Juan Daily Star

GAMES

29

Thursday, February 15, 2024

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

Wordsearch

Word Search Puzzle #J168OG

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HOROSCOPE 30 Aries

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

(Mar 21-April 20)

Someone in the know could come to you today with opportunities for increasing your income, Aries, perhaps involving investments of time or other resources in new business enterprises. These possibilities are worthy of consideration, yet you need to be particularly businesslike and consider all the ins and outs and pros and cons before committing to anything. One prospect may be just what you want, while another might turn out to be entirely different. Give it some thought!

Libra

(Sep 24-Oct 23)

You’ve worked hard to promote your business interests, Libra, and today it might pay off. Money, or contracts promising it, could come your way, as well as new opportunities to pursue success, perhaps in writing, teaching, or publishing. Friends and family members should be as excited as you are, and perhaps you’ll want to have a celebration of some sort. Relax for a while and enjoy your evening. You’ll be back at your tasks soon enough. You can count on it!

Taurus

(April 21-May 21)

Scorpio

If you’ve been thinking about starting a new business partnership, Taurus, this is the day to take some positive action toward that end. Any new business enterprises started today, particularly involving partnerships, show a lot of promise for success. This might make a profound difference in the course of your life, so make sure you allow for as many contingencies as you can. Go for the gold and enjoy the adventure!

Your optimism and enthusiasm should be very high today, Scorpio. Business and partnerships have been proving both satisfying and profitable lately, and you could receive information today about new doors that could unexpectedly open up for you. You’ve worked hard, supposedly without results, for a long time, and now it seems like everything’s happening at once. This is very exciting, but remember that if you want to maintain your current pace, you have to keep working! Get going!

Gemini

(May 22-June 21)

Sagittarius

(Nov 23-Dec 21)

Cancer

(June 22-July 23)

Capricorn

(Dec 22-Jan 20)

Some rather boring and mundane tasks, perhaps involving paperwork, could take up much of your time today, Gemini. You could get easily distracted and be tempted to set it aside and do something more interesting, but don’t fall into this trap. You’ll want your recent pattern of success to continue, and so it’s best to get the boring stuff out of the way and then move on to what’s exciting. Hang in there!

New enterprises that you’ve worked to perfect for a long time, perhaps involving writing, speaking, or publishing, might pay off today, Cancer. Success definitely appears to be in the wind, and those in authority could be more than impressed with what you’ve been trying to achieve. Grab the gold ring now and take advantage of this opportunity, since it might be a long time before another one comes around. Onward and upward!

Leo

(July 24-Aug 23)

Some paperwork involving business enterprises could be executed today, Leo, possibly in your home. This might be a new and unexpected development. It could have you feeling a bit disoriented, but try to pull yourself together and make the most of it. Whatever the opportunity, all signs say that it might prove quite successful, so don’t let it pass you by. Go with the flow and see where it takes you. You could be pleasantly surprised!

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)

Success in business, perhaps involving writing or speaking, might come your way today, Virgo. Paperwork, such as contracts, could take up a lot of your time. You might also have to spend a lot of time on the phone or in the car. All this activity could have you feeling a bit frazzled. Nonetheless, you’re going to feel very enthusiastic and optimistic about everything that’s happening, and you should look forward to future enterprises. Enjoy!

(Oct 24-Nov 22)

Today your level of imagination and intuition is especially high, Sagittarius. Trust your heart today, especially where new projects and money are concerned. Insights may appear to knock at the doors of your conscious mind, yet it might take some deep thought to grasp their significance.

Don’t try to work it out through logic; it’s best to let it all come to you. Then make use of logic to consider what you should do about it!

This should be a very busy day for you, Capricorn, as communications involving business matters could take up much of your time. These could concern your own goals or those of a friend or a group with which you’re affiliated.

Whatever it is, you should feel a strong sense of elation and optimism. Success is definitely in the wind. However, try not to exhaust yourself. Take occasional breaks. Don’t forget that you’ll need to keep going tomorrow.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)

Business matters take a sudden turn for the better, Aquarius. Paperwork may need to be executed. A new sense of self-confidence contributes to these developments, and the more good things that happen to you, the more confident you’ll feel. Your physical appearance could assume more importance in your mind than usual, since you’ll want the way you look to match the way you feel inside. Buy some new clothes and keep working. The sky’s the limit.

Pisces

(Feb 20-Mar 20)

A chance to travel, perhaps for business purposes, could present itself to you today, Pisces. This might require some temporary adjustments in your personal life, but don’t let this stop you. You’ll want to make the most of whatever new opportunities come your way at this time. Career success is highly indicated, and this could make a profound and positive difference in the course of your life.

Go for the gold!

Answers to the Sudoku and Crossword on page 29

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, February 15, 2024

31

CARTOONS

Speed Bump

Frank & Ernest

BC

Scary Gary

Wizard of Id

For Better or for Worse

Herman

Ziggy

32 Thursday, February 15, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star