Monday Jan 10, 2022

Monday, January 10, 2022

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Monday, January 10, 2022

The San Juan Daily Star

GOOD MORNING

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January 10, 2022

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.

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Governor appoints Supreme Court justice, Labor secretary

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ov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia announced on Sunday the appointment of the Appeals Court Judge Roberto Rodríguez Casillas to the position of associate justice of the Puerto Rico Supreme Court.

Likewise, he appointed Gabriel Maldonado González as secretary of the Department of Labor and Human Resources.

“As governor, it is an immense honor for me to announce that I will be nominating Judge Rodríguez Casillas to the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico,” Pierluisi said at a press conference. “His record and service, as well as his knowledge and life history, speak for themselves. Judge Rodríguez Casillas has been practicing the legal profession for 24 years, a position that he has held with the highest standards of ethics and justice. His appointments as municipal judge, superior judge and then judge of the Court of Appeals have had the endorsement of all those who have evaluated his credentials and his work, without distinction of political ideologies.”

Pierluisi also asked the members of the island Senate that when they receive the appointment of Judge Rodríguez Casillas, they make a fair evaluation on his merits and that they examine his extraordinary trajectory for the good of Puerto Rico.

Rodríguez Casillas, who is a product of the island’s public education system, has a bachelor’s degree in arts and business administration from Inter-American University (UIPR) and a juris doctor from the University of Puerto Rico. He also has a master’s degree in criminal justice from UIPR and a second master’s degree in the humanities from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.

The current professor of criminal justice has a master’s degree in current and comparative Spanish law from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and a diploma for advanced studies from the Public and Private Law Studies doctoral program from UCM’s University Institute of Comparative Law. Rodríguez Casillas is also in the process of presenting his doctoral thesis for the UCM Law Doctorate Program.

Rodríguez Casillas’ judicial career began when he served as a legal officer at the San Juan Judicial Center and later worked as a legal officer for the former judge of the Court of Appeals, Ygrí Rivera. Later, in 1997, he was nominated by former Gov. Pedro Rosselló González as a municipal judge of the Carolina Superior Court and in 2004 he was promoted by then-Gov. Sila María Calderón to Superior Court judge. From 2011 to the present, Rodríguez Casillas has served as a judge in the Court of Appeals. He has been president of the Panel of Judges of the appellate court and president of the Puerto Rican Judiciary Association.

Maldonado González, the governor’s appointed Labor secretary, has extensive government and private experience, as well as experience in the field of labor law, both in the state and federal forums.

Maldonado González has a bachelor of arts degree with a concentration in labor relations and a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law. One of his first work experiences was in the Department of Labor, specifically in the Conciliation and Arbitration Bureau, and he has specialized in the areas of labor and employment law, taxes, litigation of civil and commercial cases, arbitration, appeals, and administrative law.

Maldonado González currently serves as chief of staff for the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience. He has previously stood out in his functions as general counsel and in legislative affairs of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, the Industrial Development Co. and the Commerce and Export Co. He was also a legal officer of the Puerto Rico Supreme Court and served as legal adviser and worked with special projects in the Governor’s Office in 2012.

Senate President José Luis Dalmau Santiago insisted on Sunday that he will not attend the inauguration of the new Supreme Court justice.

“I reiterate my position, expressed personally to the Governor of Puerto Rico on Jan. 5, in the sense that at this time it is unnecessary to fill a vacancy for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico,” Dalmau Santiago said in a written statement. “Consequently, it is not a priority issue on the agenda of the Senate of Puerto Rico.”

Appeals Court Judge Roberto Rodríguez Casillas

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

Party delegations lay out legislative agendas as session begins

By THE STAR STAFF

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he delegations of the New Progressive and Popular Democratic (PDP) parties presented their respective agendas for the year’s first legislative session, which starts today.

House Speaker Rafael “Tatito” Hernández Montañez, along with PDP Reps. José “Conny” Varela and Ángel Matos García, emphasized on Sunday that all legislation that is approved will take into account the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 is here to stay and it must be recognized that this is a life change, so all legislation that we pass must be focused on this social reality,” Hernández Montañez said.

The third regular session will be focused on fighting public corruption, aligning education to today’s economy, stabilizing and increasing business participation, and exercising fiscal responsibility and discipline to avoid bankruptcy in the future.

Hernández Montañez detailed the economic development agenda that the House of Representatives will be addressing during this legislative session.

The House plans to legislate a uniform protocol so that the reality of the pandemic can be addressed while maintaining commercial operations in Puerto Rico; offer a salary incentive to mitigate the increase in the minimum wage; analyze the performance of Law 60 and its impact on the economy; establish a mechanism of transparency, supervision and accountability of the individuals and entities that grant permits; amend the Permits Law to guarantee a responsive and flexible process that allows obtaining, in most cases, a permit within 48 hours to operate businesses; separate from the Single Permit the licenses issued by the Treasury Department; and maintain collaborative alliances with all socioeconomic sectors on the island, the mainland U.S., and the

Caribbean: business, professional, non-profit and labor organizations.

Hernández Montañez also spoke of proposals for fiscal responsibility and discipline, so that Puerto Rico does not fall into bankruptcy again.

Among them is to follow up on the litigation processes in the federal courtroom of Judge LauraTaylor Swain in order to determine the final obligations agreed to in the debt restructuring and the actuarial contributions to finance the Retirement System.

The House speaker also proposed amending the island Constitution to reduce the borrowing margin including all income, discuss limitations on the types of debt contracted and House Speaker Rafael Hernández Montañez require direct consultation of the people in certain cases, as well as reforming the Internal operational budget assigned to that institution Revenue Code in a comprehensive manner to improve and motivate police officers. to provide tax justice to workers without The lawmakers also would standardize the penalizing business success, and making the processes in the three branches of government transition from Law 154 to income tax in the in sensitive areas such as government transition, manufacturing sector. contracting, human resources management, Regarding the fight against corruption, and ethics reports.

Varela, the deputy House speaker, noted that “It is known to all that the current adminamong the proposals is to eliminate the Office istration of this House was deprived of having of the Independent Special Prosecutor (FEI by an orderly transition,” Varela said. “Hence its Spanish initials). the importance of creating a permanent legal “The idea is that the resources that are cur- structure that guarantees a transition at the end rently allocated to this office be reallocated to of each four-year term.” strengthen the Division of Public Integrity and On the area of education, Matos García, Comptroller Affairs of the Department of Justice the majority leader, said the priorities of the and guarantee true autonomy without influence House will include the establishment of a from the Secretary of Justice,” he said. public policy to guarantee the return to close The House plans to pass a bill that would to 100% of face-to-face education, through strengthen the Office of the Comptroller by investment in technology, and the design and merging it with resources of the Office of the establishment of new permanent and standardInspector General, without it losing its current ized health processes. functions.

Officials will also work with the depart“We want to be efficient and have an ments of Health and Education to develop and effective pre-intervention to prevent acts of establish a uniform and permanent protocol to corruption,” Varela said. prepare communities, in a joint and participaLikewise, he proposed repealing the tory manner, to effectively address the situation Department of Public Safety to transfer the of the pandemic; strengthen the teaching cur-

riculum so that educational training is aimed at creating citizens with the values, skills and capacities required of professionals in the 21st century; and insert social workers from the Family Department into the evaluation processes of students to address mental health problems, dating violence, gender violence and other socioeconomic problems in Puerto Rican homes that are reflected in the student community.

They will also establish through legislation an inventory of existing labor market needs in order to reconcile the academic offering available and to create incentives and scholarships that promote education in areas of need in order to supply them with employees from the island; and fulfill the commitment to addressing university reform.

Minority Leader Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez said that among the legislation that will be worked on is an orderly transition from Act 154-2010, the 4% tax paid by certain manufacturing firms, to avoid losing the income that the statute provides annually to the treasury, as well as the compliance metrics for changes to renewable energy and the matter of the island’s political status.

He also said the minority delegation wants to improve the working conditions of medical staff as well as establish processes for closing operations in landfills that federal agencies determine unusable.

“What we saw last year is legislative inertia that was unprecedented in our history,” Méndez Núñez said. The Popular Democratic Party majority did not attend to vital matters for the people. Our delegation has a commitment to Puerto Rico.”

The former House speaker indicated that his delegation is going to “investigate how the Electric Power Authority is doing on this much-needed path for the island’s economic development.”

“These metrics have to be met,” he said.

Bill filed to create electronic ‘marbete’ for motor vehicles

By THE STAR STAFF

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ep. Ángel Matos García, the spokesman for the Popular Democratic Party in the island House of Representatives, introduced a bill on Sunday to create an electronic inspection sticker, or “marbete” in Spanish, for motor vehicles due to a shortage of traditional adhesive marbetes.

“In keeping with the times, we can amend the law and evolve technology. In

this way, we created an electronic tag that eliminates the problem we face today with the lack of physical stickers,” Matos García said in a written statement. “In addition, a lower cost as a result of not having to print the stickers makes it a forward-looking measure that ends up benefiting everyone.”

House Bill 1125 amends Articles 1.78, 23.01, 23.02 and 23.03 of Law 22-2000, as amended, known as the Puerto Rico Vehicle and Traffic Law, in order to establish an electronic tag for motor vehicles that

travel on the public roads of Puerto Rico; provide for its use, validity and rights; create a special committee to present a pilot plan; and for other related purposes.

In its preamble, the measure establishes that the legislation, dynamic and functional in the essential areas of the daily life of Puerto Ricans, is to be adjusted and modified as needed from time to time. It is known that the marbete represents the authorization and validation of the payment of annual fees for the motor vehicle license. In particular,

the legislation notes, the use of a license plate is validated when it is renewed and its annual fees are paid.

“However, we have seen how over the years the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP), confronts problems with the availability of marbetes, particularly at the close of each calendar year,” the bill says. “Various circumstances have forced the DTOP to extend the use of expired tags through extensions since there are no stamps available for people who renew them.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

5

Governor says COVID infection rate to fall in 2 weeks

By JOHN McPHAUL jpmcphaul@gmail.com

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ov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia said on Sunday that he believes the COVID-19 positivity rate will drop in the next two weeks.

“What we hope is that although the rise will continue for a while longer, both in the level of positive cases and in hospitalizations, the time will come [for infections to drop off],” the governor said at a press conference. “I hope that before the next two weeks are over, we will then see a sustainable, consistent low. This has been the case in all the jurisdictions that have faced the onslaught of the omicron variant and it should not be different in Puerto Rico.”

Pierluisi said the hospitalization time required by some COVID-19 patients has been less than in previous surges.

“I know that although these are challenging times and we are vigilant, our hospitals are not on the verge of a collapse and no one should be thinking that,” the governor said. “We are going to be well aware in these [next] two weeks; we anticipated an increase in hospitalizations. We anticipated the number and it may continue to rise. We are going to take all the measures that we have to take to avoid a collapse in the hospitals or that they become compromised. Until today they have not been and we have not had any collapse and I do not anticipate that this will be the case.”

The governor emphasized the importance of “citizen responsibility on all fronts.”

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi “I am going to continue expanding the mandates that apply to the population,” he said. “But the one who has not been vaccinated, let him be vaccinated, the one who lacks the booster, let him get the booster. We must avoid crowds and use masks, keep our distance and disinfect ourselves.”

The Department of Health on Sunday reported 1,899 confirmed positive cases, 4,744 probable cases and 12 deaths.

The positivity rate went up to 40.4 percent.

A total of 650 adults were hospitalized and of them, 83 were in intensive care. Meanwhile, 82 minors were hospitalized and five were in intensive care. Fifty-three adults and one minor are on ventilators.

Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López said late last week that booster doses for minors between 12 and 15 years of age are ready to be administered ahead of the start of in-person classes Jan. 24.

All who enter House of Representatives must test negative for COVID

By THE STAR STAFF

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peaker of the House of Representatives Rafael “Tatito” announced Sunday that, without exception, any citizen who enters the Legislative Assembly must have a negative result from a COVID-19 test

Any citizen who enters the Legislative Assembly at the Capitol building in Puerta de Tierra must show a negative result from a COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) performed within the previous 72 hours.

(PCR or antigen) performed within the past 72 hours.

“No one can go to work if they don’t have a negative test [performed within] 72 hours. There is an Administrative Order that all staff must be tested weekly,” the House speaker said at a press conference. “The tests are also going to be requested from the people who are going in to seek services or to depose in the Legislative Assembly.”

The guideline also applies to journalists and contractors who intend to enter the building.

He added that two representatives and two employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

“There were two office employees, the [Proyecto Dignidad] representative Lissie Burgos and there is a legislator who did not take the test here yesterday, but had already tested positive, and that is the representative Domingo Rivera Madera [of the Popular Democratic Party],” Hernández Montañez said. “Regarding the employees, one works for Rep. [Ángel] Matos and the other for [Rep. Jesús] Santa.”

The House speaker said a negative test is required for entry, not evidence of vaccination.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

Pro-statehood attorney calls PR a ‘de facto incorporated’ US territory in local court filing

By THE STAR STAFF

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n an unusual move, Gregoria Igartúa, a pro-statehood attorney, submitted in local court this week a filing whose heading said “commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a de facto incorporated territory of the U.S.” instead of just commonwealth of Puerto Rico as is customary.

Igartúa said he did not violate any of the civil procedure laws.

“The document was stamped by the court’s secretary,” he said.

He shared the document with the STAR but left out the names of the parties because the matter relates to a divorce proceeding.

The pro-statehood attorney used the wording to emphasize that Puerto Rico is in fact an incorporated territory of the U.S. in transit to statehood and not just an unincorporated territory, a thesis he has defended in the courts and in Congress.

He noted that not only do all federal laws apply in Puerto Rico, but the island also

pays over $3 billion in U.S. taxes.

He told U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) in June of last year to declare Puerto Rico an incorporated territory,

“which de facto it is.”

“Congress has assimilated us gradually since 1898 into a federalist relation to be like a de facto incorporated territory,” Igartúa said.

The STAR contacted the island’s courts last week regarding the filing but did not get a response.

The island’s relationship to the United States is slated to take a front seat this year as a result of the recent plan of adjustment to restructure some $33 billion in debt.

On Oct. 13, Oct. 21 and Nov. 2, 2021, the Title III bankruptcy court certified to the U.S. attorney general various challenges to the constitutionality of the Plan of Adjustment for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Public Building Authority, and the Employee Retirement System, that has been proposed by the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA).

U.S. Acting Assistant Attorney Brian Boynton and Stephen Muldrow, a U.S. attorney, last week informed the court that the United States will defend the constitutionality of PROMESA.

Conditional exemption to capacity restrictions granted for pro baseball games

By THE STAR STAFF

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Following a Health Department recommendation, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi has granted a conditional exemption to the Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League so it can increase the number of people allowed to enter stadiums to watch games.

ov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia last week welcomed a Department of Health recommendation to provide a dispensation to the Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League so it can increase the number of people allowed to enter stadiums to watch games.

He also heard recommendations about measures that should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The baseball fan can rest easy. Baseball is being played in Puerto Rico, but with strict protocols,” the governor said.

Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López said: “The important thing for us is that the protective measures are complied with to avoid sources of infection.”

“Crowding is a core issue in the spread of the virus and we have to make sure that we prevent the spread of the virus,” he said. “However, if we guarantee social distancing, in addition to other promoted

measures, we will be able to increase the capacity at the games.”

The dispensation establishes that only people vaccinated with the required doses and boosters will be able to attend the games in person.

A capacity greater than that established in the executive order will be allowed, without exceeding 1,200 fans per game, as long as there is physical distance between the attendees.

Those who work at the games -- team members, referees, coaches and members of the press -- are excluded from the capacity requirements.

Meanwhile, officials must ensure the physical distance of 10 feet between family nuclei, the use of a mask and promote hand disinfection. Likewise, officials will have to prevent the crowding of people in common areas such as checkpoints, entrances, exits and bathrooms, among others, so they must establish a system in which all food and drink is delivered to fans’ seats.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

7

Hundreds of Biden nominees stuck in Senate limbo amid Republican blockade

By ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON

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n July, President Joe Biden announced that he intended to nominate Deborah Lipstadt, a renowned Holocaust scholar, to lead a new office at the State Department assigned to battle soaring antisemitism around the globe.

The decision drew praise from more than 20 liberal and conservative Jewish groups, all of whom were impressed with Lipstadt’s sterling credentials and her reputation for standing up to antisemitism wherever she saw it, whether it was neoNazi marches in Charlottesville, Virginia, or a liberal icon in Congress.

Yet nearly six months later, Lipstadt’s nomination remains in limbo, thwarted by Senate Republicans who have complained that she criticized some of them on Twitter.

Lipstadt is among the most prominent of hundreds of Biden nominees whose bids for Senate-confirmed jobs have languished because of partisan dysfunction or personal pique. In a rare though hardly shining example of comity, members of both parties agree the confirmation system is a contentious mess, owing in part to what Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the minority leader, has called “turf problems.”

The problem appears to be the worst it has ever been. A year after Biden’s inauguration, only 41% of his nominees for Senate-confirmed posts have been approved, according to a new analysis by the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan group that seeks to make the federal government more effective.

Biden, for his part, has issued nominations at a faster pace than President Donald Trump did, but slower than Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, according to the analysis. Regardless, it has taken an average of 103 days for the Senate to confirm Biden’s nominees — about a month longer than in the Obama administration, about twice as long as in the Clinton administration and nearly three times as long as during the Reagan era.

“You’re seeing a broken system breaking down even further, and in an election year it’s not going to get better,” said Partnership for Public Service CEO Max Stier.

“We need a political Geneva Convention, to distinguish between legitimate partisan differences and the destruction of our core

government infrastructure.”

Late last month, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the majority leader, agreed to schedule a potentially contentious vote on imposing sanctions on the company behind a Russian-laid natural gas pipeline to Germany to satisfy Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who had blocked scores of State Department nominees over the issue. Soon afterward, nearly 40 nominations cleared the Senate, including Biden’s picks to be the U.S. ambassadors to China and Japan.

But scores of others remain stuck.

“The truth is that some Republicans’ unprecedented obstructionism is straining the system to the breaking point,” Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, said on the Senate floor last month, adding that the situation was forcing Biden to operate without critical national security officials in place, “leaving our nation weakened.”

Charts supplied by a staff member for the committee’s top Republican, Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, suggested the committee was moving faster on nominations than in the previous Congress, when Risch was the committee’s chair.

But more than 15 other Senate committees have jurisdiction over some nominations. And the foot dragging extends beyond blocking committee hearings on nominees.

Last month, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., briefly refused to confirm five U.S. attorney nominees from Democratic-leaning states, demanding on the Senate floor that Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., first apologize for interrupting him more than eight months earlier during a hearing. The Senate voted to confirm all five nominees soon after Durbin apologized.

This month, the White House resubmitted more than 100 nominations after the Senate adjourned for the December recess without taking action on them. Some of those nominees have been waiting nearly a year to begin work, including Dilawar Syed, who was originally nominated in March as deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration. Republicans’ stated objections to confirming Syed, who would be the highest-ranking Muslim in the federal government, include his work for a Muslim advocacy group. But they also have cited their opposition to the

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) wears a brace following a fall while heading to a vote at the Capitol on Dec. 15, 2021. Menendez said on the Senate floor last month that the situation of unconfirmed nominees was forcing the president to operate without critical national security officials in place, “leaving our nation weakened.”

SBA’s decision to approve pandemic aid to abortion providers.

Biden also renominated Ed Gonzalez, the sheriff for Harris County, Texas, to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement, after originally nominating him in April. Despite its critical role in controlling the flow of immigrants over the southern border, ICE has not had a permanent leader since 2017.

Into this maelstrom went Lipstadt’s nomination.

The White House announced in late July that Lipstadt would lead an expanded office at the State Department focused on tracking and countering the rise of antisemitism abroad. For the first time, the role would carry the rank of ambassador, requiring Senate confirmation.

Risch declined last month to say when Republicans would consent to a hearing on Lipstadt’s nomination. Risch and other Republicans have alluded to the holdup being tied to a tweet from Lipstadt about Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who also sits on the Foreign Relations Committee.

In March, Johnson dismissed the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, saying in a radio interview that he might have felt more threatened

had the rioters been “Black Lives Matter and antifa protesters” instead of Trump supporters who “love this country, that truly respect law enforcement.”

Within days, Lipstadt tweeted a link to an article about Johnson’s comments and added, “This is white supremacy/ nationalism. Pure and simple.”

Republicans are said to be mulling asking Lipstadt to publicly apologize to Johnson before allowing her nomination to proceed.

Lipstadt, 74, is the Dorot professor of modern Jewish history and Holocaust studies at Emory University, and founding director of Emory’s Institute for Jewish Studies. Presidents of both parties have recognized her scholarship and nominated her for leadership roles at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Lipstadt has written six books on antisemitism, the Holocaust and Holocaust denial. In 1993, English writer David Irving sued her and her publisher, Penguin Books, for libel in Britain, after she described him in one of her books as one of the world’s most dangerous Holocaust deniers.

In 2000, Irving lost the case, in a verdict that was a sweeping condemnation of him and Holocaust denialism. Lipstadt documented the 10-week trial in her book “History on Trial,” which became the basis of a 2016 film, “Denial.”

Lipstadt has a long history of using Twitter and other public forums to criticize politicians on the right and left. In 2019, she sharply criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., for characterizing pro-Israel Americans as a “political influence in this country that says it is OK for people to push for allegiance to a foreign country.”

Such statements are “part of the textbook accusations against Jews,” Lipstadt told a reporter for Jewish Insider.

Later the same year, after Trump rejected white supremacy in a statement after shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, Lipstadt told Jewish Insider that his words were insufficient. “While it was good to hear him finally utter those words — white supremacy — lumping this issue with mental health and gun control obscures the fact that white supremacy is amongst the primary, if not the primary, motivating factor of these domestic terrorists,” she said.

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Monday, January 10, 2022

The San Juan Daily Star

Conservative majority on Supreme Court appears skeptical of Biden’s virus plan

A protest against vaccine mandates in San Francisco on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld state vaccine mandates in a variety of settings.

By ADAM LIPTAK

T

he Supreme Court’s conservative majority seemed to be leaning Friday toward blocking one of the White House’s main pandemic-fighting strategies, expressing skepticism that the Biden administration has the legal power to mandate that large employers require workers to be vaccinated or to undergo frequent testing.

The oral argument over that mandate, which rocketed to the court on an emergency basis after a flurry of legal challenges around the nation from Republican-led states, business groups and others, raised the prospect that the court might deal a severe blow to the Biden administration’s efforts to address the coronavirus as the highly transmissible omicron variant continues to spread.

The court seemed more likely to allow a separate mandate requiring health care workers at facilities receiving federal money to be vaccinated. That regulation, the subject of a second case, was in keeping with other kinds of federal oversight of medical facilities and was supported by virtually the entire medical establishment, some justices said.

But the questioning concerning the employer mandate was more lopsided. That regulation, one of the most farreaching policies imposed by President Joe Biden in a bid to control the pandemic, would affect 84 million American workers employed by companies with more than 100 workers. Several conservative justices said it was doubtful that a federal workplace safety law provided the administration with the legal authority to impose it.

The court may act quickly in the case, which was argued on an exceptionally rapid schedule.

Chief Justice John Roberts said the states and Congress, rather than a federal agency, were better suited to address the pandemic in the nation’s workplaces. “This is something that the federal government has never done before,” he said, adding that the administration’s several virus-related mandates were “a workaround” in response to congressional inaction.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett said the challenged regulation appeared to reach too broadly in covering all large employers. Meatpacking plants and dental offices might be subject to regulation, she said, while landscapers should not be.

Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh suggested that the governing statute had not authorized the agency to impose the mandate clearly enough, given the political and economic stakes.

The hearing came as the omicron variant has led to a steep rise in coronavirus cases, keeping people from returning to the office and increasing hospitalizations. Economists worry the surge in cases could halt job growth in the coming months.

The court’s three more liberal justices said the mandate was a needed response to the public health crisis.

“This is a pandemic in which nearly a million people have died,” Justice Elena Kagan said. “It is by far the greatest public health danger that this country has faced in the last century.”

“We know that the best way to prevent spread is for people to get vaccinated,” she said.

Justice Stephen Breyer said he would find it “unbelievable that it could be in the public interest to suddenly stop these vaccinations.”

Some of the participants in the arguments were missing from the courtroom, probably because of the pandemic.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who has diabetes and had been the only member of the court to wear a mask since the justices returned to the courtroom in October, participated remotely from her chambers.

On Friday, seven of the justices wore masks on the bench for the first time. The exception was Gorsuch, who sits next to Sotomayor.

Two of the lawyers — Benjamin M. Flowers, solicitor general of Ohio, and Elizabeth Murrill, solicitor general of Louisiana — participated by telephone. The court’s COVID-19 protocols require lawyers to be tested for the virus.

All of the justices are fully vaccinated and have received a booster shot, a court spokeswoman said.

The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld state vaccine mandates in a variety of settings against constitutional challenges. The cases before the court are different, as they primarily present the question of whether Congress has authorized the executive branch to institute the requirements.

The answer will mostly turn on the language of the relevant statutes and on whether the administration followed proper procedures in issuing the requirements.

Perhaps the most critical issue for the Biden administration was how the court would respond to the employer vaccine-or-testing mandate. The administration estimated that the rule would cause 22 million people to get vaccinated and prevent 250,000 hospitalizations.

It was issued in November by the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. Employers are allowed to give their workers the option to be tested weekly instead of getting the vaccine, though they are not required to pay for the testing. The rule makes an exception for employees with religious objections and those who do not come into close contact with other people at their jobs, like those who work at home or exclusively outdoors.

Justice Samuel Alito asked whether the court should issue a brief stay while it considers the case, National Federation of Independent Business v. Department of Labor, No. 21A244.

He noted that OSHA has said it may start citing businesses for noncompliance Monday.

Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, representing the federal government, said she would defer to the court’s judgment but noted that the Monday deadline only concerned record-keeping and masks and that the agency would not enforce the testing requirement until Feb. 9.

Scott A. Keller, a lawyer for a business group challenging the requirements, said that “we need a stay now before enforcement starts.”

“Our members have to submit publicly their plans to how to comply with this regulatory behemoth on Monday,” he said. “Vaccines would need to occur by Feb. 9. You would need two vaccines to comply. Those vaccines would have to start immediately. Tracking and record-keeping cannot happen overnight.”

The second case concerned a measure requiring workers at hospitals and other health care facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. The requirement at issue in the case, Biden v. Missouri, No. 21A240, would affect more than 17 million workers, the administration said, and would “save hundreds or even thousands of lives each month.”

States led by Republican officials challenged the regulation, obtaining injunctions against it covering about half of the nation.

Brian H. Fletcher, a lawyer for the federal government, argued that a federal statute gave it broad authority to impose regulations concerning the health and safety of patients at facilities that receive federal money. The statute gives the secretary of health and human services the general power to issue regulations to ensure the “efficient administration” of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and parts of the statute concerning various kinds of facilities generally also authorize the secretary to impose requirements to protect the health and safety of patients.

Barrett said the patchwork of statutory authority complicated the case and could require different answers for different kinds of facilities.

Kavanaugh said the case was unusual because “the people who are regulated are not here complaining about the regulation.” To the contrary, he said, hospitals and health care groups “overwhelmingly appear to support” it.

Jesus A. Osete, a lawyer for Missouri, said the vaccination requirement would cause health care workers to quit, leading to a crisis at rural hospitals. “That will effectively deprive our citizens of health care,” he said.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

9

Chicago’s mayor rejects union’s terms for returning to school

By MITCH SMITH

A

labor standoff between Chicago educators and Mayor Lori Lightfoot showed no signs of abating over the weekend, as the mayor swiftly rejected a proposal by the teachers’ union to ramp up coronavirus testing and return to in-person instruction Jan. 18.

“The best, safest place for kids to be is in school,” Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez said in a joint statement Saturday. “Students need to be back in person as soon as possible. That’s what parents want. That’s what the science supports. We will not relent.”

The sharp retort by Lightfoot and Martinez, which also accused labor leaders of “not listening,” came minutes after the Chicago Teachers Union announced a proposal for a return to classrooms that it framed as a compromise. In it, the union dropped demands for all students to produce negative tests before coming back to class and said teachers were willing to return to school buildings starting Monday, although not for in-person instruction.

“This represents a change in our position,” Jesse Sharkey, the union president, said at a news conference Saturday.

“We’re appealing to the public — and to

Pedro Martinez speaks shortly after Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced him as the new chief executive of the Chicago Public Schools during a news conference in Chicago in September. the mayor to find in her heart to make the compromise to reopen the schools.”

Hundreds of thousands of students in the nation’s third-largest school district missed three days of class last week after members of the Chicago Teachers Union voted to stop reporting to work amid concerns over the rapidly spreading omicron variant.

School district officials, who have

insisted that classrooms are safe, declined to move to online instruction, as the union suggested. Lightfoot has repeatedly accused the union of inconveniencing working families and harming the academic and social progress of children.

Most U.S. school districts have forged ahead with in-person instruction, as the Biden administration has urged, even as

the omicron variant has shattered local and national case records. Some large school districts, including in Cleveland and Milwaukee, have moved classes online. But the dispute in Chicago, where there has been no instruction of any sort since class was dismissed Tuesday, has been notable for its acrimony and for the day-to-day uncertainty for parents, teachers and students.

Under the plan the union outlined Saturday, Chicago teachers would have distributed equipment and materials for online instruction and helped parents sign up for virus testing Monday and Tuesday, then taught students remotely for the rest of next week.

The union had already said that members planned to return to schools Jan. 18, after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a date that did not change under the new proposal. The union also continued to push to have all children enrolled in COVID-19 testing unless their parents opted them out, a move that Lightfoot has opposed. Currently, students are tested through the schools only if parents proactively give permission.

“The mayor can’t be, like, a hard no and morally opposed to widespread testing,” Sharkey said, “and also be a hard no and be morally opposed to any short-term period of remote.”

Body of Virginia man who abandoned vehicle in snowstorm is found

By ISABELLA GRULLÓN PAZ

T

he body of a Virginia man who tried to walk home after his vehicle had broken down during a snowstorm this past week has been found, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

The man, Jacob Whaley, 34, informed his family Monday that he was going to try to walk back to his home in Louisa County after his vehicle had broken down in neighboring Hanover County during the snowstorm, which stranded hundreds of drivers on Interstate 95 in Virginia.

Whaley last texted his family at 8:45 p.m., according to WRIC-TV,

telling his mother that he was lost. His family informed the Sheriff’s Office that they believed Whaley was possibly near Greene’s Corner Road.

The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that it had “immediately responded to the family’s request to check both the roadside area along Greene’s Corner Road, the roadways in between and his residence” but that the search had proved fruitless.

On Thursday, a search party made up of volunteers and members of the Sheriff’s Office found Whaley’s body in a “very dense pine plantation” just over 200 yards off Greene’s Corner Road.

“This was a very heavily wooded

area off the road that the search team had a hard time getting through,” Maj. Ronnie Roberts, chief deputy for the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, said in an email Saturday. “Our county had 100 percent power outage and impassable roads.”

Speaking to WRIC, Whaley’s family members expressed frustration with the Sheriff’s Office, saying they believed it should have done more to find Whaley.

“I’m so angry with this county,” said Shannon Whaley, Jacob Whaley’s mother. “All they had to do was go out and holler for him.”

“Louisa County let him freeze to death,” said Angela Whaley, Jacob Whaley’s sister.

A blocked road in Hanover County, Va., during the snowstorm on Jan. 3.

10

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

Royal Caribbean cancels upcoming cruises as COVID disrupts industry

By ALEXANDRA E. PETRI

R

oyal Caribbean International announced Friday that it was suspending some of its upcoming cruises because of concerns over the fast-spreading omicron variant.

The company, one of the world’s biggest cruise operators, said that it was taking the step “out of an abundance of caution.” This is the second time this week that Royal Caribbean has called off voyages.

“We regret having to cancel our guests’ long-awaited vacations and appreciate their loyalty and understanding,” the company said in a statement on its website. “Our top priority is always the well-being of our guests, our crew and the communities we visit.”

Royal Caribbean said it had called off planned trips on three ships — Serenade of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas — and pushed back the return to cruising of another, Vision of the Seas, to March.

The cruising industry was shuttered by the pandemic for nearly 18 months. It made a comeback this past summer but has faced

Serenade of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, in Alaska in July. mounting criticism about its safety protocols in recent weeks.

In December, clusters broke out

aboard two Royal Caribbean cruises after they left port in Florida, and more than a dozen people tested positive on a Norwe-

gian Cruise Line vessel after it returned to New Orleans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention later urged Americans to avoid taking cruises, regardless of vaccination status, and raised its COVID-19 warning level for cruise ships to 4, the highest level.

Last weekend, a New Year’s cruise operated by a German line, AIDA Cruises, was held up in Portugal when dozens of crew members tested positive. Passengers started testing positive a few days later.

Royal Caribbean, which restarted its U.S. operations in June, requires travelers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to test negative before boarding. Younger children who are not vaccinated must provide a negative PCR test result before sailing and test negative at the terminal before boarding. The company has said that all of its crew members are fully vaccinated and that they undergo weekly testing.

The company is not alone in canceling cruises this week. Norwegian Cruise Line also suspended voyages in response to the growing number of coronavirus cases onboard some of its ships.

HBO Max and HBO hit 73.8 million subscribers, topping company forecasts

By NICOLE SPERLING

S

treaming service HBO Max and cable channel HBO ended 2021 with a combined 73.8 million global subscribers, beating year-end projections of 73 million, the platforms’ parent company, AT&T, said last week.

The streaming service also expanded into 46 countries in the past year.

The announcement represents a vindication of the strategy of Jason Kilar, chief executive of WarnerMedia, the entertainment conglomerate that oversees HBO Max and HBO. In December 2020, Kilar announced that all 17 films on the Warner Bros. 2021 slate would debut simultaneously in theaters and on the nascent streaming service.

“It worked, and it worked well,” Kilar said in a phone interview Wednesday.

“We’d make the same decision again, if we

had a chance to go back and do it again.”

The growth was also fueled by several popular shows, including “The Sex Lives of College Girls” and “Succession.”

The streaming world is fiercely competitive, and HBO Max still has significantly fewer subscribers than Disney+, which had 118.1 million in November, and Netflix, which has 222 million. (Disney+ premiered in November 2019; HBO Max didn’t make its debut until May 2020.)

Kilar’s move angered Hollywood enough for top agents and filmmakers to call out the studio for its seemingly rash decision.

“Some of our industry’s biggest filmmakers and most important movie stars went to bed the night before thinking they were working for the greatest movie studio and woke up to find out they were working for the worst streaming service,” Christopher Nolan, director of the Warner-

Media film “Tenet,” said in a statement at the time.

Yet the uncertainty of box office returns in the pandemic coupled with WarnerMedia’s need to expand its new streaming service appear to have affirmed Kilar’s decision.

None of the studio’s 2021 films landed in the top 10 of year-end box office receipts, but two — “Godzilla vs. Kong” with $99 million and “Dune” with $93 million — were close.

The final Warner Bros. movie with a simultaneous release, “The Matrix Resurrections,” the fourth title in the successful “Matrix” franchise, opened Dec. 22 and has earned only $31 million, a stark contrast to “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which has grossed $621 million for Sony Pictures since its debut Dec. 17.

Still, Kilar, who is expected to leave the company once it completes its mer-

ger with Discovery, doesn’t believe he left money on the table.

“At the end of the day, from an economic perspective, the revenues that are generated in response to that investment is ultimately what matters, not where those dollars come from,” he said.

For 2022, Warner Bros. will return to the traditional model of theatrical releases, giving all of its films a 45-day exclusive window in theaters before they move to HBO Max. “We think the right thing to do is to split our slate where we have a number of movies from Warner Bros. that are going to go directly to HBO Max on Day 1, and then we have a number of titles that are going to go to theaters, and then 45 days later, they’re going to show up on HBO Max,” Kilar said. “That’s never been done before. So we feel really good about our strategy.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Thursday, January 6, 2022

11 Stocks

Dow hits record high on cyclical boost ahead of Fed minutes; tech falls T

he Dow index hit a record high on Wednesday as investors traded technology stocks for economic-related cyclical stocks that could benefit from a high-yield environment ahead of the minutes of the Federal Reserve meeting in December.

Seven of the 11 major S&P sectors advanced trading early in the afternoon with value-oriented energy (.SPNY), financial (.SPSY) and materials (.SPLRCM) equities leading.

Tech giants including Apple Inc (AAPL.O), Google owner Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O), Amazon.com, Meta Platforms (FB.O) and Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) fell between 0.5% and 2 , 2% to weigh the most on the S&P 500 (.SPX) and Nasdaq (.IXIC) indices.

Growth stocks were also under pressure from a recent rise in US government interest rates, triggered by growing anxiety about the prospect of interest rate hikes by the Fed to curb inflation.

“We are seeing a definite shift from technology as interest rates over the 10 years rise,” said John Lynch, chief investment officer at Comerica Wealth Management.

“You’ve just seen some of these positions relax, but nonetheless, higher market interest rates weigh on technology.”

The US Federal Reserve said last month that it would complete its bond purchase from the 2022 pandemic, signaling at least three rate hikes for the year. Minutes from the meeting will be sent out at 1400 ET / 1900 GMT. Salesforce.com Inc (CRM.N) fell 5.4% after UBS lowered its rating on the stock to “neutral” from “buy”.

At 12:07 ET the Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) was up 92.07 points, or 0.25%, to 36,891.72, the S&P 500 (.SPX) was down 8.05 points, or 0.17% to 4,785.49 and Composite Nass. .IXIC) decreased 144.08 points or 0.92% to 15,478.64.

Intel Corp jumped 4.1% and was the highest percentage gain on the Dow after Northland Capital Markets upgraded the chipmaker’s stock to “outperform” from “market performance”.

The ADP National Employment report showed that private wages rose by 807,000 jobs last month, more than double what economists polled by Reuters had predicted.

The report comes ahead of the Labor Department’s more comprehensive and closely monitored non-farm pay slips for December Friday.

Peloton Interactive (PTON.O) fell 0.8% after JP Morgan lowered its price target on the fitness firm’s stock amid expectations of weaker demand.

AT&T Inc (TN) rose 3.8% after the U.S. telecommunications company added 880,000 monthly paying phone subscribers in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Citigroup analysts said they now expect the S&P 500 index to touch 5,100 by the end of 2022 amid strong corporate earnings.

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Monday, January 10, 2022

The San Juan Daily Star

Amid crisis, Kazakhstan’s leader chose his path: Embrace Russia

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan speaks at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 24, 2019. With his government under siege, Tokayev turned to Vladimir Putin for support. The choice could realign Central Asia’s politics.

By VALERIE HOPKINS

T

he embattled president of Kazakhstan has the pedigree of an international technocrat. The son of prominent intellectuals, he studied in Moscow at a premier academy for diplomats and later worked in the Soviet Embassy in Beijing. He served as a key adviser to the strongman who ruled the oil-rich Central Asian country as a fief for nearly three decades — and then, in 2019, became his heir.

The rise of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the presidency was looked at as a possible model by other authoritarian regimes on how to conduct a leadership transition without losing their grip on power. Instead, Kazakhstan erupted in violence this week and Tokayev has overseen a ruthless crackdown on protesters while ousting his former benefactor, Nursultan Nazarbayev, 81, from his last foothold of authority, as head of the nation’s powerful Security Council.

For support, Tokayev has turned to another autocrat: President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

It is too soon to know for certain whether Kazakhstan’s moment of crisis will be a victory for Putin, who quickly responded to Tokayev’s request for help by sending troops as part of a Russia-led effort to quell the uprising. Moscow has a history of sending “peacekeeping” forces to countries that never leave. And Putin is intent on

maintaining a sphere of Russian influence that includes former Soviet republics such as Kazakhstan.

But analysts and experts on Central Asia say that when his government was under siege and his position was teetering, Tokayev, 68, was neither powerful nor independent enough to go it alone. And his swift alignment with Moscow portends potentially transformative changes in a region that has seen fierce jockeying for influence among the United States, Russia and China.

In effect, analysts said, against a backdrop of chaos and violence, Tokayev chose Russia to ensure his political survival.

Tokayev “traded his country’s sovereignty to Russia for his own power and the interests of kleptocratic elites,” said Erica Marat, a professor at National Defense University, a military university in Washington.

This move “is really about making Kazakhstan a more submissive, more loyal partner,” she said, adding that Kazakhstan would “have to be more aligned with Russia against the West in geopolitical and global matters.”

In a menacing speech Friday, in which he warned that government security forces could shoot to kill to suppress protests, Tokayev displayed deference to Putin, offering special thanks to the Russian leader for providing assistance “very promptly and,

most importantly, warmly, in a friendly way.” He again expressed “special gratitude” to Russia in a phone call with Putin on Saturday, the Kremlin said.

But the relationship between the two leaders features a significant imbalance in stature: At a news conference last month in Moscow, Putin seemed unable to remember Tokayev’s name.

Tokayev took office, hand-picked by Nazarbayev, pledging to turn the autocracy into a “listening state” that was “overcoming the fear of alternative opinion.”

His transformation almost three years later to a leader promising this week to “fire without warning” at the protesters, is a drastic one, said Luca Anceschi, a professor of Eurasian Studies at the University of Glasgow. “He has become a truly authoritarian leader, projecting power which he doesn’t really have,” Anceschi said.

“If you have to rely on power from Russia, are you powerful?” he added.

When protests turned violent this week, Tokayev responded by dismissing his Cabinet and ousting Nazarbayev, who had retained great influence as the “leader of the nation,” chair of the ruling Nur Otan party and head of the nation’s Security Council.

Tokayev also fired Nazarbayev’s key allies from prominent roles in the country’s vast security apparatus. Then pitched battles broke out.

The timing of the shift from the initial, peaceful protests in the country’s West to the violence and looting in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and economic center — which intensified after Nazarbayev and his loyal head of the country’s powerful intelligence agency, Karim Masimov, were fired — has given rise to widespread speculation that the rioters were organized by proxies for feuding factions of the political elite, pitting Nazarbayev and his allies against Tokayev.

Into the security vacuum, at Tokayev’s request, came elite troops — mostly Russian — from a Kremlin-sponsored alliance called the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Russia’s version of NATO. Internally, Tokayev’s decision to welcome the soldiers, tanks and airplanes from the alliance could further erode public trust in the president.

Many working-class Kazakhs have long been furious at the corruption that funnels the wealth from Central Asia’s bi-

ggest economy to an elite few. Seeing a leader who supported and benefited from that system, and now chooses to be propped up by Moscow instead of listening to genuine grievances, will infuriate ordinary Kazakhstanis, Marat said.

“People did not come on the streets to ask for Russian interference in their daily lives,” she said.

For Putin, dispatching troops to Kazakhstan represents “a low-cost engagement with high returns,” Marat said.

For decades, Tokayev built a reputation as an effective technocrat adept at helping Nazarbayev balance Kazakhstan’s foreign policy between its increasingly assertive neighbors, China and Russia, and its powerful economic investor, the United States.

And for 28 years, he was effectively Nazarbayev’s understudy.

Since taking office, Tokayev has not had to contend with real political competition. Under his leadership, there has been a significant crackdown on opposition parties, human rights groups say. And genuine opposition figures are “consistently marginalized,” according to the watchdog Freedom House, while “freedoms of speech and assembly remain restricted.”

But now, Tokayev has to contend with apparent rivals inside the top echelons of government — some of the people closest to Nazarbayev, several analysts said.

Akezhan Kazhegeldin, who served as prime minister of Kazakhstan from 1994 to 1997 but resigned over concerns about corruption, said it was likely that Tokayev determined that he had “lost control over the military and law enforcement bodies,” leading him to dismiss Nazarbayev, Masimov and the government.

Kazhegeldin, who has been in exile for decades, said he was still holding out hope that Tokayev, who served as his chief of Cabinet when he was prime minister, could turn things around.

But he warned that it would be a mistake for Tokayev to continue seeking help from Russia, with whom Kazakhstan shares a 4,750-mile land border. Kazakhstan maintains close relations with Russia, and is a member of the single-market Eurasian Economic Union. Putin, though, has at times played down Kazakh independence, employing messaging similar to his recent statements on Ukraine.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

13

Fueled by omicron, world exceeds 300 million known COVID cases

By SHASHANK BENGALI

I

t took more than a year for the world to record the first 100 million coronavirus cases and half that time to tally the next 100 million.

The third 100 million came even faster, in barely five months, as large segments of countries, rich and poor alike, remain unvaccinated and a fast-spreading new variant has proved able to infect even those who are.

Case counts, though imperfect, have been a key barometer throughout the pandemic, a benchmark not only for governments implementing mitigation measures but also for people trying to discern the threat in their own communities. Yet surpassing 300 million known cases — a milestone that was reached Thursday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University — comes as a growing number of experts argue that it is time to stop focusing on case numbers.

So far, the new omicron variant appears to produce severe illness in fewer people than previous versions of the virus did, and research indicates that COVID vaccines still offer protection against the worst outcomes. And though cases are rising faster than ever — the United States, Australia, France and many other nations are seeing record surges — hospitalizations and deaths from COVID are increasing more slowly.

But experts do worry that the sheer number of possible cases may still burden health care systems already strained by previous waves of infection.

This week, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, suggested that it was time to stop focusing on case counts.

“As you get further on and the infections become less severe, it is much more relevant to focus on the hospitalizations,” Fauci told ABC News on Sunday.

About 60% of the world has received at least a single dose of a COVID vaccine, but nearly threequarters of all the shots have been administered in the world’s wealthiest nations, leaving people in parts of Africa and Asia vulnerable.

In the United States, cases are averaging a staggering 610,000 each day, a 227% increase from two weeks ago. Hospitalizations are rising at a slower rate, up 60% in the past two weeks, while deaths are up by 2%. In France, average daily cases have quadrupled to a record, while hospitalizations have risen by about 70% and deaths have doubled, according to the Our World in Data project at the University of Oxford.

The trend suggests that the grim cadence seen for the past two years — a wave of infections, followed by a matching surge of hospitalizations, then deaths — may have been altered, in large part because of the protection offered by vaccines. However, because of the way deaths lag cases, it will be weeks before the full effect of the current case surge is reflected in death counts.

And because of the widening availability of at-

home tests in the United States and Europe, official case numbers — which scientists have long argued are an undercount — may diverge more than ever from actual totals. Not all home tests are reported to authorities and many people may never get tested.

Even before omicron emerged, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that only 1 in 4 U.S. infections was reported.

Case numbers “definitely mean less than they did” earlier in the pandemic, said Robert West, a professor of health psychology at University College London. “If we had this number of infections then, we’d have had an astronomical number of deaths.”

Still, the known death toll remains devastating: more than 830,000 in the United States, 620,000 in Brazil, nearly half a million in India. In many developing nations with huge gaps in health data, the true number may never be known.

And omicron’s effect could be harsher among populations with less protection from vaccines. Some of the fastest increases in cases are occurring in African countries, which have the lowest vaccination rates. Less than a handful of the countries on the continent are on track to meet a World Health Organization goal of administering two doses to 70% of their populations, even as rich nations have offered a third.

“Booster after booster in a small number of countries will not end a pandemic while billions remain

completely unprotected,” the WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said Thursday.

What is clear, many experts say, is that the virus is likely to become endemic, something that the world will have to live with for years to come, like the flu — and that by the time the world records case 400 million, as it surely will, that statistic will mean even less than it does now.

“I think when we had the first wave, a lot of people felt — not experts, but the public and many politicians felt — that if we could only weather the storm, we could come out the other side in the summer of 2020 and everything would be rosy,” West said. “We know now that is never going to be true.”

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The trend suggests that the grim cadence seen for the past two years — a wave of infections, followed by a matching surge of hospitalizations, then deaths — may have been altered.

14

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

Airlines strand passengers who partied on flight without masks

Maskless Canadian passengers partied on a Sunwing Airlines plane. Now they are being investigated for violating the country’s aviation rules and COVID restrictions.

By MARIA CRAMER

I

t was promoted as a New Year’s Eve celebration in Cancún, Mexico — a six-night trip that included parties with open bars and a day exploring Tulum, a popular tourist destination in the Yucatán Peninsula known for its ancient ruins and the turquoise water of its beaches.

It would begin with a privately chartered plane from Montreal where the guests — a coterie of Canadian social media influencers, reality TV personalities and others — would be entertained by a DJ on the flight to Mexico.

But the trip has turned into a fiasco, with airlines shunning the group and stranding many of its members and the Canadian authorities vowing to investigate after videos of the passengers surfaced on social media showing them flouting Canada’s COVID-19 restrictions.

In the videos, the passengers are seen dancing and jumping in the aisles, yelling without masks on and passing around bottles of alcohol. One woman can be seen vaping in the cabin. Another passenger, his mask hanging under his chin, yells at his fel-

low travelers over the cabin intercom to sit down and then “to keep the energy up.”

“Let’s hear some noise, welcome to 111 Private Club!” the same passenger says in a video, referring to an online group described as “invitation only” that was founded by James William Awad, a musician and self-described entrepreneur who organized the trip. The passengers, many of them without masks on, yell back in approval.

About 27 of the 130 passengers on the flight are back in Canada, the country’s health minister, Jean-Yves Duclos, told reporters Friday.

“They were all stopped and interrogated at the border,” he said, adding that they were tested for COVID and asked about their proof of vaccination and their quarantine plans.

Many passengers apparently remained stranded in Mexico after at least three airlines said they would not fly them back.

“The 111 private club is working tirelessly to get everyone back home safely as quickly as we can,” Awad said in a statement posted Thursday on a personal blog.

“I understand why many fellow citizens are upset about the current situation,” he said

earlier in the statement. “As someone who enjoys bringing people together, I committed to hosting a private and safe event in Cancún with my group from the 111 private club.”

Transport Canada, the country’s transportation authority, said it was investigating the conduct of the passengers, who could face fines of up to $5,000 for violating Canada’s COVID restrictions, which forbid passengers from traveling without masks.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the behavior seen on the plane “a slap in the face” to people who have abided by COVID restrictions on planes and at home.

“I think, like all Canadians who’ve seen those videos, I’m extremely frustrated,” he said. “We know how hard people have worked to keep themselves safe, to limit their family gatherings at Christmastime, to wear masks, to get vaccinated, to do all the right things.”

Sunwing Airlines, which flew the group to Cancún on Dec. 30, said it canceled the return flight to Canada after an internal investigation found that the passengers “exhibited unruly behavior and did not respect aviation or public health regulations.”

“Our decision to cancel the return flight was based on the group’s refusal to accept all terms and our security team’s assessment that noncompliance would be likely based on their previous disruptive onboard behavior,” the company said in a statement Friday.

Awad said in his statement that he had agreed to “every demand” made by the airline but had objected to Sunwing’s refusal to provide meals during the five-hour return flight. He later wrote on Twitter that the sticking point was not over meals and that he had “simply asked Sunwing to try and do something about it.”

In its statement, Sunwing did not elaborate on how the flight crew responded to the passengers or whether the captain was aware of what was happening during the flight to Mexico.

Air Canada said it denied flights to 19 people who were linked to the group, according to CTV News.

“To the extent that we can identify the passengers who were part of the group, we are denying boarding to ensure the safety of other passengers and our crews,” Air Canada said.

Air Transat, another Canadian airline, said on Twitter that it refused to take the passengers back home after they tried to book a flight through the airline.

“We confirm that they will be denied boarding based on our legal and regulatory obligations to ensure the safety of both our passengers and crew, which is our top priority,” Air Transat said.

The passengers crowding the aisles compromised the ability of flight attendants to move through the cabin and help anyone who could have been hurt or needed medical attention, said Mark Millam, vice president of technical programs for Flight Safety Foundation, which provides safety guidelines for the aviation and aerospace industry.

Had sudden turbulence hit the airplane, the passengers standing in the aisles could have been seriously injured, Millam said.

“The aircraft wasn’t designed to be a dance floor,” he said.

In his statement, Awad said the trip was the first travel event planned by the 111 Private Club, which he described as “a dream and a vision.”

He added: “I have significantly learned, and I am still learning from this experience.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

15

My dinner with Sidney Poitier

By CHARLES BLOW

Y

es, he came to dinner.

In the summer of 2014, I received word through a friend that I was being asked to a dinner in Los Angeles that would include Sidney Poitier.

I’m not easily star-struck. As you can imagine, in my line of work, you meet all types. Being easily impressed is an occupational liability. But Poitier wasn’t just a star, he was a legend, a lion, an almost mythical figure in Black culture and the culture at large. He was Black royalty.

He was more than just the first African American to win an Academy Award for best actor, for his performance in the 1963 film “Lilies of the Field”; he and his lifelong best friend, Harry Belafonte, were also the exemplars of the artist-as-activist model, both risking not only their careers but their lives, at the height of their celebrity, for the cause of civil rights.

They paved the way for others to follow. According to Aram Goudsouzian’s book, “Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon,” before one civil rights march in Mississippi in the 1960s, singer Sammy Davis Jr., “who avoided the Deep South, swallowed his fear and flew to Jackson. He remembered feeling safe around Belafonte and Poitier,” calling them “two Black knights.”

There are no contemporary corollaries to the paths Poitier and Belafonte took and the impact they had.

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It was for those reasons that I was more than a bit doubtful about this dinner. People talk. They propose and promise. Only a fraction of the things they swear will happen ever materialize.

But sure enough, on the appointed date and place — Spago in Beverly Hills, California — Poitier was indeed there with his wife and two of their friends.

As I approached the table, Poitier greeted me with a blinding smile, the kind that beacons and beguiles, the kind that makes you feel that you have known a complete stranger your whole life. He insisted that I sit next to him.

Poitier was the center of gravity in that room, as evidenced by all the craning necks and slyly lifted phones trying to sneak pictures.

From beginning to end that evening, Poitier whispered slick, salty jokes to me with the devilish satisfaction of a schoolboy. He was 87 at the time.

He was overwhelmingly charming — God clearly gave him two scoops when the rest of us were lucky to get one — but also self-effacing and unassuming. I now knew, at close range, what star power was. His enchantment settled on you, like a soft sweater. Cashmere, of course.

He talked sometimes with his hands. Like many older people’s, they moved through the air the way hands move through water: slowly, negotiating the element, not weightless but less weighted.

The server who took our order was familiar to Poitier, so he had greeted her warmly. When she returned to see if we wanted dessert, Poitier said that I simply had to try his favorite dessert on the menu. The server said that sadly they were out of it, but passing her back the menu, Poitier said, “But I really want it.”

He wasn’t angry or even insistent. His glee never left him. He said the words, delivered the line, more as an unfortunate fact than an admonition.

Later, the server returned to the table excitedly to say that they had “found” more of the dessert and slid it in front of us. “Found it,” I thought, “Ha!” All I could imagine was a mad scramble in a kitchen freezer or a dash to a local grocer for the ingredients to make more.

I don’t know why this exchange remains so vivid for me or exactly how I should consider it. On the one hand, you could argue that we should be as gracious as possible to restaurant workers doing a hard job, sometimes for little pay, and when they say they are out of something, that should be the end of it.

But I saw it differently, from his perspective. He had learned that sometimes, when people say something can’t happen, they simply haven’t tried hard enough. Sometimes, can’ts are soft.

When Poitier arrived in New York, he did odd jobs until, as he wrote in his memoir, he said, “What the hell,” and tried his hand at acting. That didn’t go well. As Poitier wro-

te, when he went in for an audition at the American Negro Theater, “the man in charge quickly let me know — and in no uncertain terms — that I was misguided in my assumptions.” He continued: “I had no training in acting. I could barely read! And to top it off, I had a thick singsong Bahamian accent.”

As Poitier recounted, the man was seething: “‘You just get out of here and stop wasting people’s time. Go get a job you can handle,’ he barked. And just as he threw me out, he ended with, ‘Get yourself a job as a dishwasher or something.’” Poitier had already worked as a dishwasher.

Undeterred, Poitier would will himself into becoming one of the greatest actors America has ever known. As he put it, “There’s something inside me — pride, ego, sense of self — that hates to fail at anything.”

For people like Poitier, who have lived a life in which, by sheer grit and determination, they turned noes into yeses, noes lack finality.

Toward the end of the evening, Poitier asked me about my family and then told me that he had six daughters and no sons. “I’m going to adopt you,” he belted with a smile. He asked me to send him and his wife a copy of my book and commanded, “Sign it ‘To Mom and Dad,’” which I did.

Maybe to someone else, this would have been just another ordinary dinner. Not me. That night lingers with me.

I could see in Poitier what a life well-lived looked like on a man, how you could grow old with grace and kindness or grow into them, and how elegance and sophistication are timeless and eternal. He was the epitome of Black dignity, Black beauty, Black pride and Black power.

Now, whenever I face a roadblock, or even my own doubts, I remember the phrase that my “dinner dad,” maybe one of America’s dads, etched in my memory: “But I really want it.”

16

Monday, January 10, 2022

The San Juan Daily Star

Municipio de San Juan establece Paseo del Arte en Río Piedras POR EL STAR STAFF

S

AN JUAN -- El alcalde de San Juan, Miguel A. Romero Lugo, anunció el domingo la puesta en marcha del proyecto Paseo del Arte, Río Piedras, una iniciativa de desarrollo económico y cultural mediante la cual su administración municipal se propone revitalizar el histórico Paseo de Diego en el casco urbano riopiedrense.

El ejecutivo municipal explicó que Paseo del Arte, Río Piedras consiste en el establecimiento de un museo de obras artísticas a gran escala, al aire libre, mejorando el entorno y la infraestructura del área, lo que permitirá atraer nuevos negocios y fomentar la actividad turística en la llamada ciudad universitaria.

En una primera fase, el proyecto servirá para limpiar y embellecer el Paseo de Diego, a través de murales y esculturas.

“Anunciamos este gran proyecto con entusiasmo ya que se trata de un compromiso que tengo con los sanjuaneros de revitalizar una zona crucial y de impacto para todos y todas, incluyendo a la Universidad de Puerto Rico, el Tren Urbano y la emblemática Plaza de Mercado, principales ejes de la actividad económica de Río Piedras. A pesar de que el Paseo de Diego fue durante años el centro de la economía de San Juan, por la diversidad de ofer-

ta comercial y cultural, para todos los públicos, incluyendo estudiantes, en la actualidad se encuentra desolado y abandonado. Con esta propuesta impulsamos la economía, la cultura y apoyamos a nuestros artistas plásticos y artesanos”, señala Romero Lugo.

La iniciativa Paseo del Arte, Río Piedras será liderada por Alexis Bousquet, el creador de Santurce es Ley, y reunirá los mejores artistas urbanos de Puerto Rico para crear murales y esculturas públicas y convertir esta zona en un museo al aire libre lleno de imágenes a gran esca-

la. La misma se llevará a cabo mediante una inversión aproximada de $60,000.00.

La primera fase del proyecto incluirá intervenciones y microproyectos que comenzarán en la Plaza Robles, frente a la parada del Tren Urbano, y el primer tramo del Paseo de Diego. El proyecto en su totalidad incluirá una escultura central a gran escala en la plaza que servirá como punto focal al proyecto, obras de arte sobre la superficie de 10 “rolling doors” del Paseo de Diego, así como iluminación creativa.

La iniciativa contempla, ade-

más, el desarrollo de talleres educativos y actividades culturales diurnas y nocturnas para adultos y niños, como cine, teatro al aire libre, presentaciones artísticas, así como de poesía, entre otras.

En su segunda y tercera fase de desarrollo, la iniciativa económica y cultural incluirá la siembra de árboles frutales y la creación de murales a gran escala que darán color al Paseo de Diego y el casco urbano riopedrense, intervenciones creativas en las superficies de los edificios que están abandonados, entre otros elementos.

Hombre muere por disparo accidental en Río Piedras POR CYBERNEWS

R

IO PIEDRAS -- Un hombre murió de un disparo accidental, en un incidente reportado a eso de las 12:35 del mediodía del sábado, en la calle Junquera, de la urbanización Andalucía, en Río Piedras.

Según el reporte, Carlos Irizarry López de 63 años, detonó accidentalmente un arma de fuego legal, que portaba en el interior del pantalón.

Recibió una herida en la ingle izquierda, la cual

provocó que falleciera en el lugar.

Personal de Emergencias Médicas estatal, indicaron la ausencia de signos vitales.

En la escena se ocupó una pistola Glock modelo 19, calibre 9 milímetros para la cual Irizarry López tenía licencia, 15 municiones sin disparar 9 milímetros y 1 casquillo del mismo calibre.

El agente Alex Díaz, adscrito a la División de Homicidios del Cuerpo de Investigaciones Criminales (CIC) de San Juan, y el fiscal Ángel Pérez se hicieron cargo de la investigación.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

17

Sidney Poitier was the star we desperately needed him to be

By WESLEY MORRIS

W

ere anyone to ask me who’s the greatest American movie star, my answer would never change. And it will never change because the answer is easy. The greatest American movie star is Sidney Poitier. You mean the greatest Black movie star? I don’t. Am I being controversial?

Confrontational? Contrarian? No. I’m simply telling the truth.

Who did more with less? Of whom was less expected as much as more? Who had more eyes and more daggers, more hopes and fears and intentions aimed his way, at his person, his skill and, by extension, his people? Race shouldn’t matter here. But it must, since Hollywood made his race the matter. Movie after movie insisted he be the Black man for white America, which he was fine with, of course.

He was Black. But the radical shock of Sidney Poitier was the stress his stardom placed on “man.” Human.

Let’s say Poitier had a good 20-year run as a star, from 1958, when “The Defiant Ones” came out, to 1978, when the last of his hit trilogy with Bill Cosby left movie theaters.

He was making just about a movie a year, many of them unmemorable. On one hand, that’s stardom. On the other: Poitier achieved his greatness partially as a matter of “despite.” He achieved all he did despite knowing what he couldn’t do. I mean, he could’ve done it — could’ve played Cool Hand Luke, could’ve been the Graduate, could’ve done “Bullitt,” could have been Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. There are maybe a dozen roles, capstones, that nobody would have offered to Poitier because he Wouldn’t Have Been Right for the Part.

I believe with all my heart that Poitier was as crucial in the odyssey of freedom and equality for Black Americans — for personhood — as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, as Martin Luther King Jr. A clear descendant of Douglass’ rhetorical brilliance, he spoke the words of white people but from his own mouth. His projected image begot what is now a galaxy of other Black actors, doing acting as diverse and tiered as a shopping mall.

Black artists in this country bear the curious, hilarious burden of history. Their work has to advance; to answer, to question, sit with, and not know. To take on, to risk. To do not only more, but often the most. It must also counteract and dispel; it must undo. Poitier was American art’s great undoer.

In the movies, Black characters were jolly statuary — hoisting luggage, serving food, tending children — meant to decorate a white American’s dream. Acting could be a carceral affair. Poitier arrived at the start of the civil rights movement, in time to spring the Black image from the prison of the antebellum and minstrelsy eras. He was scarcely the first to try. He just led more people farther down the road than any other artist. Of course, what ensued instead was complicated: a kind of prisoner swap.

This undoing business is tricky. The undoer must be both historic and a vessel of history. So Poitier was accused

In civil rights-era Hollywood, Mr. Poitier was summoned to symbolize Black America, single-handedly; he was the first Black man to win the Academy Award for best actor. of being all kinds of Uncle Tom, because the task of undoing has tended to require collaboration with white people.

It’s what they did or what was carried out in their name that needs to be undone. The collaborative act opened all parties to the opprobrium of their respective people. On Sept.

10, 1967, at Poitier’s apogee, this newspaper ran a scathing piece by Clifford Mason that asked, “Why Does White America Love Poitier So?” Poitier’s very best friend was Harry Belafonte; even he had his concerns. “Sidney radiated a truly saintly calm and dignity,” Belafonte wrote in his memoir, “My Song.” “I didn’t want to tone down my sexuality, either. Sidney did that in every role he took. I don’t want to put the full rap on race. Sidney is a wonderful actor, and he mesmerized audiences with all his performances. But he knows as well as I do that these nuances were fundamental to his success.” That saintliness

was the exquisitely bitter joke of John Guare’s “Six Degrees of Separation” — that a sure way for a con man to enter the hearts and homes of Manhattan’s white elite was to pose as the preppy son of Poitier, the father of four daughters.

Poitier’s gallery of highly educated, gleamingly polished, seductively agreeable characters had to be fit for entrance into white people’s homes but also attractive to Black people worried that he might think himself too good for dinner at theirs. That was as much a conundrum in 1958 as it was, say, half a century later when the country conducted an experiment to discover the measurement of Blackness appropriate for a president. Like Barack Obama, Poitier was punctual, culturally. He became the star he did because he was the star we desperately needed him to be. And even then he couldn’t please us all.

Poitier’s firstness is what puts him at the tippy top of all the home pages and front pages the day he dies. But what does he leave? Well — well! — that’s what makes him the greatest. Like every significant star before him — Clark Gable, Bette Davis, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Mae West — Poitier made being in a movie look to the manner born.

His least inspired line readings retain a spark of passion. Each word — words that could sometimes constitute the dregs of the English language (“the agonies, the torments, the humiliations … all these are the natural elements from which the key is forged,” spake Poitier, as the mixed-up enslaved insurrectionist Rau-Ru, in 1957’s unspeakable “Band of Angels”) — seemed to have originated in his head.

His most daring work turned out to be a sustained performance of himself. I know: This is a star’s only job. But Poitier’s was a self he forged, sculpted and refined, a self that, though it bore only the perfume of an island upbringing, carried a note of exotic mystery. Even when they dressed him like an outer-space pimp in “The Long Ships,” he was no mere persona of a movie Negro, like the ancestral caricatures who made him necessary and the carload of badasses who thrived in his wake — the Sweetbacks, Shafts and Priests, the Hammers and Dolemites. Nobody had experienced anybody like him before. Just listen to the meter of his lilt, the melody of it. When he spoke, you heard a symphony. His placelessness gave him the same advantageous allure of other placeless stars.

The acting he did required every inch of his long body — for exuberance, rapture, caution, solemnity and rage. In no conventional sense has a Sidney Poitier character ever danced with any success. (When he cuts a rug, you should keep a tourniquet handy.) Yet all of his characters proceed with grace and poise. Some of that is training; he was our most famous Black Method actor. The rest is simply him. The clenched fists and mid-promenade pivots, the column-hugging and thrown-open arms — it was all his own ballet. These were signature moves, a star making exclamatory punctuation of his being, carrying himself in cursive. The signature of what this country has always sworn it aspires to be.

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Monday, January 10, 2022

The San Juan Daily Star

Stream these Peter Bogdanovich movies

By NICOLAS RAPOLD

P

eter Bogdanovich, who died Thursday at 82, loved the world of classic Hollywood so much that it’s as if he never left it. He directed movies as if trying to bottle an ineffable essence or panache from the heydays of Orson Welles, John Ford and Howard Hawks, whose legacy he helped preserve in his first calling as a film historian.

Here are nine highlights of Bogdanovich’s work, all available to stream.

‘The Last Picture Show’ (1971) Stream it on Showtime. Rent it on Apple.

After years of interviewing the masters, Bogdanovich directed his own canonical classic, adapting Larry McMurtry’s personal novel about a small Texas town in the 1950s. Bittersweet and funny, it is a warm portrait of folks dealing with loneliness, tedium and, frankly, horniness in a tight-knit place where there’s little to do but see a picture show. Cybill Shepherd makes her screen debut as a high schooler tiring of her roughneck boyfriend (Jeff Bridges); her disillusioned mother (a wonderfully sly Ellen Burstyn) knows a dead end when she sees one. The heart of the movie might lie with Sonny (Timothy Bottoms), a well-meaning teenager with all the direction of a tumbleweed. Well-deserved Oscars went to two more standouts, Cloris Leachman and Ben Johnson. Shot in a lovely, dusty black-and-white, the movie sighs with the lived experience of a hundred memoirs.

‘What’s Up, Doc?’ (1972) Rent or buy it on Amazon or YouTube.

Ryan O’Neal and Barbra Streisand face off in probably the truest screwball comedy since the days of “His Girl Friday.” A nerdy musicologist (O’Neal) bumps into a gleeful troublemaker (Streisand, pure magic) while looking for aspirin in a store. Feature-length lunacy follows. Not a line or shot is wasted as the stars

‘What’s Up, Doc?’ (1972)

‘The Other Side of the Wind’ (2018) expertly carry out the clockwork chaos orchestrated by Bogdanovich in a San Francisco hotel through syncopated dialogue, comic bits of business and, of course, chases. Four identical suitcases fuel the madness, creating a sensation of absolute giddiness.

‘Targets’ (1968) Stream it on Fubo; rent or buy it on Apple.

Born out of an assignment from B-movie maestro Roger Corman, Bogdanovich’s ingenious and unusual directing debut taps into a late-1960s mood of upheaval and disorientation. Boris Karloff plays a retiring horror star who decides that no movie could match the fearsome violence of the real world. At the same time, a sniper is on the loose — a conceit inspired by the University of Texas tower shootings by Charles Whitman. The storylines converge at a drive-in to produce a genuine sense of shock, previewing the talents of the young director, who has a part as a filmmaker looking to cast Karloff.

‘Paper Moon’ (1973) Stream it on Amazon; rent or buy it on YouTube.

Ryan O’Neal plays a con man who makes quick bucks by selling Bibles to widows, and his real-life daughter, Tatum O’Neal (an Oscar winner at age 10), is the orphan who falls under his care and keeps outwitting him. A number of directors in the 1970s looked back to the Depression era, but Bogdanovich’s comedy has a mischievous verve. Shooting again in black and white, he clearly delights in Tatum O Neal’s defiant streak, and gives Madeline Kahn an immortal monologue as Trixie Delight, a dancer seeking to ensnare the con man.

‘Saint Jack’ (1979) Stream it on Tubi; rent or buy it on Amazon.

Ben Gazzara brings his effortless charm, amused grin and gravelly baritone to this story of an expat pimp in Singapore running into trouble. You can almost feel

the film’s rhythms being given over entirely to Gazzara, as he glides through rooms and streets, saying his hellos. It’s a site-specific view on the shifting sands of expatriate existence, with cinematography by Robby Müller. It also brings to a close the freewheeling, highflying ’70s chapter of the director’s filmmaking career, as his fortunes shifted.

‘The Thing Called Love’ (1993) Stream it on Hoopla; rent or buy it on Apple.

A fondness for country music crops up throughout Bogdanovich’s work, and it blooms here in this overlooked, warmhearted story of an aspiring singer-songwriter in Nashville. While trying to land gigs, Miranda (Samantha Mathis) finds herself living a series of country songs: pining for one singer (River Phoenix), mooned over by another (Dermot Mulroney), wondering whether to pack up and go back home. Sandra Bullock costars, pre-“Speed,” as Miranda’s aimless roommate. The film’s gentle story provided Phoenix with his final role before his tragic death. Bogdanovich’s other musical interests later culminated in a four-hour-plus 2007 documentary about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

‘The Cat’s Meow’ (2001) Stream it on Tubi; rent or buy it on YouTube.

In 1924, Hollywood producer Thomas H. Ince died under mysterious circumstances on William Randolph Hearst’s yacht, on a cruise to celebrate Ince’s birthday. The incident, which became the basis for a 1997 play by Steven Peros that he adapted for the screen, proves irresistible to Bogdanovich, who assembles a cast game for louche partying and meaningful glances. An effervescent Kirsten Dunst headlines as the actress and Hearst amour Marion Davies, with Eddie Izzard as Charlie Chaplin, Edward Herrmann as the everjealous Hearst, and Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Tilly to boot.

‘The Great Buster: A Celebration’ (2018) Stream it on Kanopy; rent or buy it on Amazon.

Some of Bogdanovich’s greatest work was done off screen as a film historian, interviewer (see, for example, “Who the Devil Made It: Conversations with Legendary Filmmakers”) and curator, but his feature-length documentary on the great silent comedian gives a taste.

Stirring clips of Buster Keaton’s work accompany admiration from fans ranging from Mel Brooks to Johnny Knoxville. In this vein, it’s also worth tracking down Bogdanovich’s even better documentary “Directed by John Ford.”

‘The Other Side of the Wind’ (2018) Stream it on Netflix.

Bogdanovich stars in one of cinema’s great, lost works, begun in the early 1970s by Orson Welles and painstakingly reassembled in 2018. The main setting is the 70th birthday party of raucous director Jake Hannaford (John Huston), with glimpses of a radical new film to come. Bogdanovich plays Hannaford’s young foil — fittingly, a hotshot director on the rise. The film’s cinematic phantasmagoria belongs to Welles’ legacy, but also captures Bogdanovich’s double life as filmmaker and film-chronicler.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

19

Cases rise, criticism mounts, but ships keep cruising

A photo provided by Jesse Suphan shows guests dining onboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Panorama.

O

n the fourth day of a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise, Jesse Suphan and other passengers onboard the Carnival Cruise Line’s Panorama were denied entry at the port of Puerto Vallarta, because of the number of onboard coronavirus cases. That was the first Suphan heard about the virus spreading on the ship.

“The captain announced that five people had tested positive for COVID and were quarantining,” Suphan, a 39-year-old revenue cycle manager, recalled in a telephone interview. “But, then, talking to the crew, they told me there were between 100 and 150 crew members who also tested positive, but the captain didn’t mention that.”

Two days later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told Americans to avoid travel on cruise ships, regardless of their vaccination status. The advisory, the agency’s highest coronavirus warning, came in response to a surge in cases in recent weeks, caused by the spread of the contagious omicron variant.

But even as case numbers rise, and criticism mounts about the safety of cruising and over cruise line protocols in reporting cases to passengers, ships keep sailing and guests keep embarking, adamant that the onboard environment is safe because of stringent health and safety requirements, including pre-departure testing and vaccine mandates.

Consider the New Year’s Eve festivities held on ships around the world. One day after the CDC announcement, as dozens of

crew members and other passengers were confined to small cabins, infected and quarantined, thousands of revelers packed into ship bars, casinos and deck venues, partying like it was 2019.

Harvey Freid, 56, recently returned from a 17-day sailing to Antarctica, during which one positive case was reported. But Freid, an avid cruiser, is undeterred and is scheduled to go on a Caribbean cruise in late January.

“The cruise ships do a very good job of handling COVID, and I think it’s safer than my building in Miami and most places that I go on land, because people are vaccinated and cases are quickly identified and isolated,” he said.

On Wednesday, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line canceled several voyages in response to the growing number of coronavirus cases onboard some of their ships.

The cruise industry’s trade group, Cruise Lines International Association, called the CDC’s warning “perplexing,” and said that cases identified on ships “consistently make up a slim minority of the total population on board — far fewer than on land.”

“No setting can be immune from this virus — however, it is also the case that cruises provide one of the highest levels of demonstrated mitigation against the virus,” the group said in a statement.

But some passengers are starting to question the effectiveness of health and safety protocols, and say they aren’t being informed of the full extent of coronavirus cases on board. They say they learn of the positive cases only after returning home and would have been able to make more informed decisions about their behavior and participation in activities, if they had been made more aware.

When Suphan booked his vacation, he felt confident that Carnival had good protocols in place, which included pre-departure testing and requiring vaccines for all crew and most passengers. But as the ship sailed, Suphan was surprised by the number of people he met who said they had been exempted from the vaccine mandate. He said there were not enough crew members to enforce indoor mask rules for more than 3,000 passengers on board.

Carnival said only a small number of passengers had been exempted from the vaccination requirement, but did not specify how many.

Reporting Positive Cases Most major cruise lines do not publicly announce the number of coronavirus cases on board their ships, but they are required to submit daily figures to the CDC. Currently, the agency is monitoring more than 90 cruise ships, because of reported cases that have reached the agency’s threshold for an investigation. (An investigation is undertaken when a certain number of cases is reported among a percentage of passengers.)

Carnival has denied that the number of infected crew was as high as 100 on Suphan’s sailing, but has not disclosed the total number of people who tested positive.

On Dec. 28, when the cruise was denied entry to port, the Jalisco state health ministry said 69 cases had been detected among the ship’s 1,450 crew members. That day, Christine Duffy, the Carnival president, called into the ship and briefed guests on the situation.

Passengers said she did not give updated figures for positive cases, which many found concerning.

Testing Positive For many, the idea of testing positive for the coronavirus on a cruise ship conjures up the horrors of the major outbreaks in the early stages of the pandemic, when thousands of people were confined to their rooms for endless days while the pandemic raged through the ships.

The health and safety protocols that allowed U.S. cruise ships to restart operations in June have helped cruise lines contain the virus and avoid large outbreaks, and until now, many of the small percentage of guests who tested positive during sailings have been satisfied with the handling of their cases. Some even received complimentary food and Champagne in their rooms and were flown home by charter plane.

But since more contagious variants like delta and omicron have emerged, causing cases to increase among passengers and crew, guests have started to complain about quarantine conditions.

Richard Lewis, chair and CEO of Savile Row Travel group, recently caught the coronavirus during two back-to-back Caribbean cruises with his family on board Celebrity Apex. It was his first cruise during the pandemic and initially, the protocols met his expectations and the experience felt relatively normal.

On day two of the cruise, the captain announced that there were two coronavirus cases on board the ship, which Lewis appreciated for keeping him informed. But there

were no further announcements for the remainder of the week. That is when both he and his family started noticing changes.

“The staff were masking up a heck of a lot more, social distancing was being enforced between passengers and things did not seem right,” he said. “As we moved into the second week, some of the staff we became friends with disappeared and we found out they had gone into isolation. Then I started developing symptoms and tested positive and that’s when it became a nightmare.”

Lewis was moved from his “concierge class infinite veranda cabin” room to a standard cabin allotted for quarantines, which he said had a slightly oversized porthole and no fresh air. He had been under the impression that he could quarantine in his own room, saying the cruise line encourages people to book bigger rooms in the event that they will have to isolate.

Celebrity Cruises said its policy from day one was to move coronavirus-positive guests to a quarantine zone. Those identified as close contacts are permitted to isolate in their state rooms for 24 hours while they are tested and await results.

“Even the food was hideous,” Lewis said, sharing a picture of fried eggs, hash browns and bacon strips in a takeout container. “The first two meals were cold and appeared to have come from the crew canteen. It was only after I kicked up a fuss that I was allowed to order from the regular room service menu.”

That day, the captain announced that there were five coronavirus cases on board, but when Lewis pressed the doctor who visited him, he says he was told there were 16 cases.

“I know the cruise industry has suffered and I’m so supportive of getting travel back to normality, but there’s a serious lack of transparency and covering things up, and hiding them away is not going to help people make informed decisions,” Lewis said.

Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Celebrity Cruises, said that passenger and crew members are informed when a threshold of virus cases has been met or exceeded.

“Publishing a dashboard of daily cases to all persons onboard is a less meaningful public-health mitigation measure than reinforcing continuous adherence to our industry-leading health and safety protocols, which has resulted in lower prevalence rates onboard than those found shoreside,” the company said in a statement.

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Monday, January 10, 2022

The San Juan Daily Star

A giant telescope grows in space

By DENNIS OVERBYE and JOEY ROULETTE

A

stronomers are starting to breathe again.

Two weeks ago, the most powerful space observatory ever built roared into the sky, carrying the hopes and dreams of a generation of astronomers in a tightly wrapped package of mirrors, wires, motors, cables latches and willowy sheets of thin plastic on a pillar of smoke and fire.

On Saturday, the observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope, completed a final, crucial step around 10:30 a.m. Eastern time by unfolding the last section of its golden, hexagonal mirrors. Nearly three hours later, engineers sent commands to latch those mirrors into place, a step that amounted to it becoming fully deployed, according to NASA. It was the most recent of a series of delicate maneuvers with what the space agency called 344 “single points of failure” while speeding far away in space. Now the telescope is almost ready for business, although more tense moments are still in its future.

“I’m emotional about it,” Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s science chief, said of all the telescope’s mirrors finally clicking into place. “What an amazing milestone — we see that beautiful pattern out there in the sky now almost complete.”

The James Webb Space Telescope, named after a former NASA administrator who oversaw the formative years of the Apollo program, is 25 years and $10 billion in the making. It is three times the size of the Hubble Space Telescope and designed to see further into the past than its

celebrated predecessor in order to study the first stars and galaxies to turn on in the dawn of time.

The launch on an Ariane rocket on the morning of Dec. 25 was flawless — so flawless that the engineers said it saved enough maneuvering fuel to significantly extend the mission’s estimated 10-year lifetime, perhaps by as much as an additional 10 years, said Mike Menzel, a mission systems engineer at NASA Goddard. But the telescope must complete a monthlong journey to a spot a million miles up, far beyond the moon’s orbit, called L2, where gravitational fields of Earth and the sun commingle to produce the conditions for a stable orbit around the sun.

With a primary mirror 21 feet across, the Webb was too big to fit in a rocket, and so the mirror was made in segments — 18 gold-plated hexagons folded together — that would have to pop into position once the telescope was in space.

Another challenge was that the telescope’s instruments had to be sensitive to infrared or “heat radiation,” a form of electromagnetic radiation invisible to the human eye. Because of the expansion of the universe, the most distant and earliest galaxies are flying away from us so fast that visible light from those galaxies shifts into the longer infrared wavelengths. As a result, the Webb will view the universe in colors no human eye has ever seen.

But in order to detect infrared radiation from distant sources, the telescope has to be very cold, only a few degrees above absolute zero, so that the telescope itself does not interfere with the work.

After years of deployment tests on Earth, small surprises in space have popped up during the Webb’s deploy-

A provided image shows an illustration of the James Webb Space Telescope. On Saturday, Jan. 8, 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope, completed a final, crucial step around 10:30 a.m. by unfolding the last section of its golden, hexagonal mirrors. Nearly three hours later, engineers sent commands to latch those mirrors into place, a step that amounted to it becoming fully deployed, according to NASA.

ment, or the “getting-to-know-you phase of the telescope,” Bill Ochs, an engineer at the Goddard Space Flight Center and a project manager for the telescope, told reporters Monday.

Mission managers detected high temperatures on an onboard motor used only in the deployment process, so engineers repointed the telescope last Sunday to protect the device from the sun’s heat. Then the Webb’s solar arrays were readjusted when engineers noticed the telescope had smaller power reserves than expected.

One of the most dicey moments came Tuesday, with the successful unfolding of a giant sunscreen, the size of a tennis court. It was designed to keep the telescope in the dark and cold enough so that its own heat wouldn’t obscure the heat detected from distant stars. The screen is made of five layers of a plastic called Kapton, which is similar to Mylar and just as flimsy, and which had occasionally ripped during rehearsals of its deployment.

In fact, the unfolding went flawlessly this time.

“It went incredibly smoothly. I feel like we’ve all kind of been shocked that there’s been no drama,” said Hillary Stock, a sunshield deployment specialist at Northrop Grumman, the telescope’s primary contractor.

Then Wednesday, the telescope unfurled its secondary mirror, which points at the 18 hexagons, reflecting what the telescope saw back to its sensors.

“We’re about 600,000 miles from Earth, and we actually have a telescope,” Ochs said in the mission operations control room at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

As the telescope ticked off one chore after another, the astronomers who had been waiting 25 years for this telescope began to relax.

“Strangely I don’t feel so anxious anymore, my inherent optimism (hello optimism bias & anchoring bias) is in full gear,” Priyamvada Natarajan, a cosmologist from Yale, wrote in an email.

Three days later, the last mirrors locked in place and the team at mission control broke into applause and a flurry of high-fives and fist bumps.

“How does it feel to make history everybody?” Zurbuchen asked the mission’s managers in Baltimore after the latching was complete. “You just did it.”

Jane Rigby, a project scientist for the mission at NASA Goddard, said in a news conference Saturday that the first images made during the mirror alignments will be blurry and ugly. But once the mirrors are coaxed into working together, she said images from the telescope would “knock everyone’s socks off.”

“We are planning a series of ‘wow’ images to be released at the end of commissioning when we start normal science operations that are designed to showcase what this telescope can do,” Rigby said.

“I can’t wait for first light and then first science,” Michael Turner, a veteran cosmologist at the Kavli Foundation in Los Angeles, wrote in an email. “It will be even better for our COVID-riddled spirits than Ted Lasso.”

The San Juan Daily Star 7062 (antes 13,342). Dirección Física: CALLE 420 MM-13 CAESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO ROLINA, PR 00983. La finca DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- 7062 está gravada con la siNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA guiente hipoteca cuya ejecuSALA SUPERIOR DE CARO- ción se solicita en la subasta LINA objeto de este edicto: Hipoteca BANCO POPULAR DE en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Banco Popular de Puerto PUERTO RICO Rico, o a su orden, por la suma Demandante V. principal de $87,000.00, con JULIA ALLENDEintereses al 8% anual, venceNAVARRO; ET AL. dero a la presentación, constiDemandados tuida mediante la escritura núCivil Núm.: FCD2014-0428. Samero 195, otorgada en San lón Núm.: 408. Sobre: EJECUJuan, Puerto Rico, el día 15 de CIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO mayo de 1997, ante el notario DE SUBASTA. LOS ESTADOS José David Medina Rivera y UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL posteriormente sustituido por la PRESIDENTE DE LOS E.E. notario Nicole Stowell Alonso U.U., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASObajo el testominio número 558, CIADO DE PUERTO RICO, a razón del instrumento de susSS. Yo, MANUEL VILLFAÑE titución de pagaré otorgado el 6 BLANCO, Alguacil del Tribunal de marzo de 2020 en la cuidad Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala de Carolina, Puerto Rico, e insde Carolina, al público HAGO crita al folio 83 del tomo 193 de SABER: Que en cumplimiento Carolina, finca número 7062, de un Mandamiento de Ejecuinscripción 3ra. La venta se lleción de Sentencia que se me livará a cabo para con su probró con fecha de 13 de noviemducto satisfacer a Banco Popubre de 2015, por la Secretaria lar de Puerto Rico por la de este Tribunal, en el caso de hipoteca de $87,000.00 total o epígrafe, venderé en pública parcialmente. La venta se llevasubasta y al mejor postor con rá a cabo para con su producto dinero en efectivo, cheque de satisfacer a Banco Popular de gerente a nombre del Alguacil Puerto Rico total o parcialmendel Tribunal o letra bancaria te el importe de la Sentencia con similar garantía, todo título, emitida el 13 de noviembre de derecho o interés de la parte 2015. El importe de la Sentendemandada de epígrafe sobre cia dictada en el caso de epíla siguiente propiedad pertenegrafe, asciende a las siguientes ciente a la parte demandada, la cantidades: $194,128.58 de cual se describe a continuaprincipal, más intereses al tipo ción: “URBANA: Solar marcado pactado de 8% anual a partir con el número trece (13) del del 30 de septiembre de 2014, Bloque “MM”del Plano de Inslos cuales continúan acumuláncripción de la Cuarta Extensión, dose hasta el pago total de la Segunda Etapa de la Urbanizadeuda, más una suma de ción Country Club, situada en el $8,700.00 para costas, gastos y Barrio Sábana Abajo del munihonorarios de abogado, más la cipio de Carolina, Puerto Rico, cantidad de $8,700.00 para cucon una cabida superficial de brir cualquier otro adelanto que trescientos setenta y ocho mese haga en virtud de la escritura tros cuadrados (378.00 m.c). de hipoteca y una suma equivaEn lindes por el NORTE, en dos lente a $8,700.00 para cubrir (2) alineaciones, una de doce intereses en adición a los gametros cuarenta y dos centímerantizados por ley. El precio tros (12.42 m) , y otra de seis mínimo de licitación con relametros ochenta y dos centímeción a la antes descrita propietros (8.82 m), con la calle núdad y la fecha y hora de cada mero cuatrocientos veinte subasta es como sigue: PRI(420); por el SUR, en diecisiete MERA SUBASTA: Se celebrará metros noventa y nueve centíel día 3 DE FEBRERO DE metros (17.99 m.), con una ala2022, A LAS 9:45 DE LA MAmeda; por el ESTE, en quince ÑANA. PRECIO MÍNIMO: metros cuatro centímetros $87,000.00. SEGUNDA SU(15.04 m.), con pared medianeBASTA: Se celebrará el día 10 ra que separa esta propiedad DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS del Solar y propiedad número 9:45 DE LA MAÑANA. PRECIO doce (12); por el OESTE, en MÍNIMO: $58,000.00. TERCEveintitrés metros (23.00 m.), RA SUBASTA: Se celebrará el con el Solar número catorce día 17 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, (14). Sobre el Solar antes desA LAS 9:45 DE LA MAÑANA. crito enclava una casa de dos PRECIO MÍNIMO: $43,500.00.

(2) plantas de concreto y bloLas subastas de dicha propieques de concreto para una residad se llevarán a efecto en mi dencia de una sola familia.” oficina situada en el local que Consta inscrita al folio 81, tomo ocupa este Tribunal en el Cen193 de Carolina, Registro de la tro Judicial de Carolina, advirPropiedad, Sección de Primera tiéndose que el que obtuviere la (I) de Carolina, finca número

LEGAL NOTICE

@

Monday, January 10, 2022 buena pro de dicha propiedad consignará en el acto del remate el importe de su oferta en moneda legal, en adición a los gastos de la subasta, siendo éste el mejor postor. En cualquier momento luego de haberse comenzado el acto de la subasta, el Alguacil podrá requerir de los licitadores que le evidencien la capacidad de pago de sus posturas. Del producto obtenido en dicha venta, el Alguacil pagará en primer término los gastos del Alguacil, en segundo término las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado hasta la suma convenida, en tercer término los intereses devengados hasta la fecha de la subasta, en cuarto término las sumas establecidas en la Sentencia para el pago de recargos por demora, contribuciones, seguros y en quinto término la suma principal adeudada conforme con la sentencia dictada. Disponiéndose que si quedara algún remanente luego de pagarse las sumas mencionadas, el mismo deberá ser depositado en la Secretaría del Tribunal para ser entregado a la parte demandada, previa solicitud y orden del Tribunal.

Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante el título del inmueble y las cargas o gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistiendo, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda responsable de los mismos sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se le apercibe a los tenedores de gravámenes posteriores al que se ejecuta que, para proteger cualesquiera derechos que tengan sobre el inmueble, deberán comparecer a la subasta, pues de no hacerlo así y de no igualar el precio de venta del gravamen hipotecario que se ejecuta, el Tribunal ordenará la cancelación de todos los gravámenes posteriores. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Si se declara 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 mínimo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta es mayor. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento del caso de epígrafe están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala Superior de Carolina, durante horas laborables. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda persona que tenga interés inscrito con posterioridad a la ins-

staredictos@thesanjuandailystar.com

cripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, si alguna, y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general el presente edicto se publicará en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico una vez por semana por un término de dos (2) semanas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre cada publicación. Se fijará además, en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio donde ha de celebrarse la subasta, estos lugares serán la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía de dicho Municipio. Se notificará a la parte demandada copia del edicto de subasta mediante correo certificado con acuse de recibo a su dirección que obra en autos. Una vez efectuada la correspondiente venta judicial, otorgaré la escritura del traspaso al licitador victorioso, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la Sentencia. Colocaré al licitador victorioso en posesión física de la Propiedad mediante el lanzamiento de los ocupantes en el término legal de veinte (20) días desde la fecha de la venta en pública subasta y para ello procederé a romper candados de ser necesario. 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 o ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. El Registrador de la Propiedad cancelará, libre de derechos, todo gravamen posterior a la fecha en que se otorgó la hipoteca que ha sido ejecutada mediante esta acción, y procederá a la inscripción de la venta a favor del comprador en subasta libre de todo gravamen posterior a la fecha en que se otorgó la hipoteca que ha sido ejecutada mediante esta acción. Expido el presente edicto bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina. En Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 15 de diciembre de 2021. MANUEL VILLFAÑE BLANCO, ALGUACIL #830, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR CAROLINA.

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

FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs.

LESLIE ANAYA

(787) 743-3346

21 LAUREANO T.C.C LESLIE LAUREANO ANAYA

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: CA2021CV01124.

Sala: 401. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: LESLIE ANAYA LAUREANO T/C/C LESLIE LAUREANO ANAYA; FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO: Y AL PÚBLICO EN GENERAL:

El Alguacil que suscribe, certifica y hace constar que en cumplimiento de Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e 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: Solar dos de la manzana ciento noventa en la Urbanización Valle Carolina, Quinta Sección en el Barrio Hoyo Mulas de Carolina de trescientos ochenta y cuatro metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con los solares treinta y cuatro, distancia de dieciséis metros; por el SUR, con la calle quinientos veintitrés, distancia de dieciséis metros; por el ESTE, con el solar tres, distancia de veinticuatro metros; y por el OESTE, con el solar uno, distancia de veinticuatro metros. Contiene una casa de concreto para la familia. Consta inscrita al folio 42 del tomo 843 de Carolina, Finca número 33,868. Registro de la Propiedad, Sección Segunda de Carolina. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: 190-2 Calle 523, Villa Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985. Según figura en el Estudio de título, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada al siguiente Gravamen posterior a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: a. Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Firstbank of Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $28,000.00, con intereses al 6 ¾ % anual, vencedero el día 1

de noviembre de 2020, constituida mediante la escritura número 1077, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 31 de octubre de 2005, ante el notario Jorge García Soto, e inscrita al folio 138 del tomo 1375 de Carolina, finca número 33,868, inscripción 7ma. Se le notifica a los acreedores posteriores anteriormente identificados 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. Se informa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravamen posterior, una vez sea otorgada la escritura de venta judicial y obtenida la Orden y Mandamiento de cancelación de gravamen posterior. (Art. 51, Ley 210-2015). En relación a la finca a subastarse, se establece como tipo mínimo de licitación en la Primera Subasta la suma de $112,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca ##1,076 otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 31 de octubre de 2005, ante el notario Jorge García Soto, inscrita al folio 171 del tomo 1350 de Carolina, finca número 33,868, inscripción 6ta. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 9 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $112,000.00. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 16 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo sitio y servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes del precio pactada para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $74,666.66. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 24 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 10:00 DE LA 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 $56,000.00.

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: Suma Principal: $89,697.40, la cual se desglosa a continuación: suma principal de $84,657.52 más intereses a razón del 6.75% anual, desde el 1ro de julio de

2020, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, la suma principal de $5,039.88 como balance diferido (piggyback) la cual no genera intereses, más los cargos por demora que se corresponden a los plazos atrasados desde la fecha anteriormente indicada a razón de la tasa pactada de 5% de cualquier pago que éste en mora por más de quince (15) días desde la fecha de su vencimiento, más adelantos para el pago de seguros y contribuciones, entre otros; más la suma equivalente a $11,200.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado todo según pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. 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 Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 14 de diciembre de 2021. MANUEL VILLAFAÑE BLANCO, ALGUACIL PLACA #830. ***

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO

ORIENTAL BANK Demandante Vs.

SUCESION DE KIARALIZ RIVERA DÍAZ COMPUESTA POR SUS HEREDEROS

CONOCIDOS IRAIDA DIAZ Y ROBERTO RIVERA; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERES EN LA SUCESION

Demandada Civil Núm.: FA2021CV00983.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: SUCESION DE KIARALIZ RIVERA DÍAZ COMPUESTA POR SUS HEREDEROS CONOCIDOS IRAIDA DIAZ Y ROBERTO RIVERA; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERES EN LA SUCESION. URB. BRISAS DE CEIBA, SOLAR 138, CALLE 6 (IL 138), CEIBA, PR 00735.

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.

Se le apercibe a los herederos antes mencionados que de no expresarse dentro de ese término de treinta (30) días, en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. También se le apercibe a los herederos antes mencionados que luego del transcurso del término de treinta (30) días antes señalado, contados a partir de la fecha de publicación de este edicto, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia del(los) causante(s)

22 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.

Representa a la parte demandante, la representación legal cuyo nombre, dirección y teléfono se consigna de inmediato: BUFETE FORTUÑO & FORTUÑO FAS, C.S.P. LCDO. JUAN C. FORTUÑO FAS LEGAL NOTICE RUA NUM.: 11416 ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO PO BOX 3908, GUAYNABO, PR 00970 DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUTEL: 787- 751-5290, FAX: 787-751-6155 NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE COAMO E-MAIL: ejecuciones@fortuno-law.com Expedido bajo mi firma y seUNITED STATES llo del Tribunal, hoy 27 de diDEPARTMENT OF ciembre de 2021. MAYRA LIZ AGRICULTURE RURAL CABRERA GARCÍA, SECREDEVELOPMENT A/C/C TARIA. VIRGEN HERNÁNDEZ LA ADMINISTRACION HERNÁNDEZ, SECRETARIA DEL TRIBUNAL CONFIDENDE HOGARES DE CIAL II. y, por consiguiente, responden por las cargas de dicha herencia conforme dispone el Artículo 1,578 del Nuevo Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. sec. 11,021. Representa a la parte demandante, la representación legal cuyo nombre, dirección y teléfono se consigna de inmediato: BUFETE FORTUÑO & FORTUÑO FAS, C.S.P. LCDO. JUAN C. FORTUÑO FAS RUA NUM.: 11416 PO BOX 3908, GUAYNABO, PR 00970 TEL: 787- 751-5290, FAX: 787-751-6155 E-MAIL: ejecuciones@fortuno-law.com Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, hoy 27 de diciembre de 2021. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. LINDA I. MEDINA MEDINA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

AGRICULTORES Demandante Vs.

INGRID JOE BORGES BONILLA; COAMO SAN IDELFONSO, S.E. T/C/C COAMO SAN ILDEFONSO, S.E.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA REGION JUDICIAL DE HUMACAO SALA DE LAS PIEDRAS.

agosto de 2005, ante el Notario Emilio F. Soler, testimonio 10468, inscrita al tomo Karibe de Las Piedras, finca número 16,121, inscripción 2da., en el Registro de la Propiedad de Humacao, sobre la propiedad que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Urbanización Villas de San Cristóbal l Las Piedras Puerto Rico, Solar: B-1. Cabida 413.868 metros cuadrados.

NORTE, en varias alineaciones en una distancia de 29.77 metros cuadrados, con la carretera 183; SUR, en una distancia de 26.00 metros, con el solar B-2, ESTE, en una distancia de 18.87 metros, con los solares B-16 y B-17; OESTE, en una distancia de 10.16 metros, con la Aenida l. Se le advierte que este edicto se publicará en un periódico de circulación general una sola vez y que si no comparece a contestar dicha Demanda dentro del término de treinta (30) días, contados a partir de la publicación de este edicto, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su discreción, lo entiende procedente. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), el cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://uniredramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio. El abogado de la parte demandante es: Ledo. Raúl Rivera Burgos, RUA 8879, cuya dirección postal es la siguiente: Estancias de San Femando, Calle 4, Número A-35, Carolina, P.R. 00985, Tel. (787) 238-7665, Email: raulrblav,·@2:mail.com. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal de Las piedras, Puerto Rico, hoy día 3 de diciembre de 2021. f./lLEANA MIRANDA ARROYO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR. DOMINGA GOMEZ FUSTER, SECRETARIA REGIONAL.

PROFESSIONAL Demandados CLOSING AGENCY Civil Núm.: CO2021CV00405.

Demandante, Vs. Sobre: SENTENCIA DECLARATORIA; ART. 200 DE LA ORIENTAL BANK LEY DEL REGISTRO DE LA COMO SUCESOR EN PROPIEDAD INMOBILIARIA EXTRAVIADO INTERES (DOBLE INMATRICULACIÓN).

DE RG MORTGAGE EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICCORP. , JOHN DOE Y TO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE RICHARD ROE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO Demandados.

LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., CIVIL NÚM. LP2021CV00203.

SS. SOBRE: CANCELACIÓN DE A: INGRID JOE BORGES PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE BONILLA; COAMO EL PRESIDENTE SAN IDELFONSO, S.E. AMERICA DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS LEGAL NOTICE T/C/C COAMO SAN EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIAILDEFONSO, S.E. URB. DO DE PUERTO RICO. ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO EXT. SAN ILDELFONSO, A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUC-5 COAMO, PR 00769; ROE o sea, las personas NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE GUAYAURB. ESTANCIAS ignoradas que puedan MA DE COAMO, CALLE VALVANERA # 13, COAMO, PR 00769.

INGRID JOE BORGES BONILLA: 61 OAK ST., APT. 1, WILLIMANTIC, CONNECTICUT 06226.

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

ser tenedores del pagaré extraviado.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO

Por la presente se les notifiParte Demandante Vs. ca que se ha presentado ante JUAN ALBERTO este tribunal una Demanda, FIGUEROA VEGA Y en el caso de epígrafe, en la SU ESPOSA GLORIA cual se solicita la cancelación de un pagaré por la suma de BEATRIZ LOPEZ CRUZ Y CIENTO CINCO MIL SETE- LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE CIENTOS SESENTA Y TRES BIENES GANANCIALES DOLARES ($105,763.00), COMPUESTA POR a favor de RG MORTGAGE AMBOS CORP.,·con intereses al 6.37% Parte Demandada anual y vencimiento el 1° de septiembre de 2035, constitui- Civil Núm.: GM2021CV00199. da por la escritura número 80, Sala: 303. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN otorgada en San Juan, el 16 de DE HIPOTECA - IN REM.

EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: JUAN ALBERTO FIGUEROA VEGA Y SU ESPOSA GLORIA BEATRIZ LOPEZ CRUZ Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS: Y AL PÚBLICO EN GENERAL:

El Alguacil que suscribe, certifica y hace constar que en cumplimiento de Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Guayama, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Parcela de terreno identificada con el número “J” veinticinco (J-25) en el Plano de Inscripción de la Urbanización Villas de Arroyo, radicada en el Barrio Ancones del término municipal de Arroyo, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de doscientos sesenta y ocho punto noventa y seis (268.96) metros cuadrados.

En lindes por el NORTE, con las parcelas identificadas “J” uno (J-1) y “J” dos (J-2); por el SUR, con la calle número cinco (5); por el ESTE, con la parcela identificada “J” veintiséis (J-26); y por el OESTE, con la parcela identificada “J” veinticuatro (J-24). Afecto a servidumbre eléctrica en parte de su colindancia Oeste. Consta inscrita al folio al folio 115 del tomo 192 de Arroyo, finca 7,271, Registro de la Propiedad, Sección de Guayama. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: Villas de Arroyo, J-25 Calle 5, Arroyo, P.R. 00714. Se informa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravamen posterior, una vez sea otorgada la escritura de venta judicial y obtenida la Orden y Mandamiento de cancelación de gravamen posterior. (Art. 51, Ley 210-2015). En relación a la finca a subastarse, se establece como tipo mínimo de licitación en la Primera Subasta la suma de $117,300.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca #501, otorgada en Patillas, Puerto Rico, el día 19

de diciembre de 2005, ante el notario Wendell W. Colón Muñoz, inscrita al folio 26 del tomo 193 de Arroyo, finca #7,271, inscripción 5ta. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 10 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Guayama, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $117,300.00. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 17 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo sitio y servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes del precio pactada para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $78,200.00. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 25 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 9:30 DE LA 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 $58,600.00. 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: Suma Principal: $100,855.51, con intereses a razón del 5.50% anual, desde el 1 de junio de 2017, 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 5% de cualquier pago que éste en mora por más de quince (15) días desde la fecha de su vencimiento, más adelantos para el pago de seguros y contribuciones, entre otros; más una suma equivalente a $11,730.00 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. Se informa que la propiedad objeto de ejecución se adquiere libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Expedido en Guayama, Puerto Rico, a 22 de diciembre de 2021. ÁNGEL MERCADO QUILES, ALGUACIL PLACA #140.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE

FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO Demandante Vs

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 30 de diciembre de 2021. En Ponce, Puerto Rico, el 30 de diciembre de 2021. LUZ MAYRA CARABALLO GARCÍA, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. GLORIVEE MORALES SÁEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

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 3 de ENERO de 2022.

En CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, el 3 de ENERO de 2022. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. CYNTHIA GARCÍA DEL VALLE, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS

LA SUCESIÓN DE NORMA GANDÍA TORRES COMPUESTA POR DESIRÉE ARROYO MIGUEL AGUSTIN GANDÍA Y JOHN DOE BORRI DIAZ Demandante Vs. POSIBLE HEREDERO BANCO POPULAR DESCONOCIDO; DE PUERTO RICO; ADMINISTRACIÓN FIRSTBANK PUERTO PARA EL SUSTENTO DE MENORES; CENTRO RICO; JUAN DEL PUEBLO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE Y JUANA DEL PUEBLO Y INGRESOS MUNICIPALES CUALESQUIER PERSONA DESCONOCIDA CON (CRIM) Demandado POSIBLE INTERÉS EN Civil Núm.: PO2019CV01925.

LA OBLIGACIÓN CUYA Salón: 406. Sobre: COBRO DE CANCELACIÓN POR DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE DECRETO JUDICIAL SE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN SOLICITA DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. Demandado(a) A: JOHN DOE Y Civil: CG2021CV02305. Sobre: RICHARD ROE COMO CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ POSIBLES HEREDEROS EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICADESCONOCIDOS DE LA CIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR SUCESIÓN DE NORMA EDICTO. A: BANCO POPULAR GANDÍA TORRES. DE PUERTO RICO; A: DESIRÉE ARROYO FIRSTBANK PUERTO GANDÍA POR SÍ Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA RICO; JUAN DEL PUEBLO SUCESIÓN DE NORMA Y JUANA DEL PUEBLO Y GANDÍA TORRES, PARA CUALESQUIER PERSONA DESCONOCIDA CON SER NOTIFICADOS POR POSIBLE INTERÉS EN EDICTO. LA OBLIGACIÓN CUYA P/C: LCDO. ORLANDO CANCELACIÓN POR CAMACHO PADILLA. DECRETO JUDICIAL SE P.O. BOX 7970 PONCE, SOLICITA. PUERTO RICO 00732.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se les (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) notifica la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus- EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el cribe le notifica a usted que el 27 de diciembre de 2021, este 29 de NOVIEMBRE de 2021,

ORIENTAL BANK Demandante V.

ALEJA DIAZ PEREZ, POR SI Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESION DE ROBERTO MENDOZA RIVERA Y SUS HIJOS ROBERTO MENDOZA DIAZ, JAVIER MENDOZA DIAZ, RAUL MENDOZA DIAZ, COMO MIEMBROS DE LA SUCESION DE ROBERTO MENDOZA RIVERA; CENTRO DE DEPARTMENTO DE HACIENDA POR CONDUCTO DE LA DIVISION DE CAUDALES RELICTOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Demandado(a) Civil: CG2021CV00825. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: ALEJA DIAZ PEREZ, POR SI Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESION DE ROBERTO MENDOZA RIVERA.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 28 de diciembre de 2021, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia,

The San Juan Daily Star 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 28 de diciembre de 2021. En Caguas, Puerto Rico, el 3 de enero de 2022.

LISILDA MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA. CYNTHIA GARCÍA DEL VALLE, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V.

FULANO DE TAL Y MENGANO DE TAL

Demandado(a) Civil: LU2021CV00121. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: FULANO DE TAL Y MENGANO DE TAL.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 16 de diciembre de 2021, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de

Monday, January 10, 2022

esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 3 de enero de 2022. En Fajardo, Puerto Rico, el 3 de enero de 2022. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. KATHERINE ROBLES TORRES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaria del Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala de Fajardo y enviando copia a la parte demandante. Se le apercibe que si dejare de hacerlo podrá dictarse contra usted sentencia en rebeldía concediéndose el remedio solicitado en la demanda enmendada. Expedido bajo firma y sello de este Tribunal, en San Juan, Puerto Rico a 30 de diciembre de 2021. LUZ MAYRA CARABALLO GARCÍA, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. DAISY QUIÑONES VÁZQUEZ, LEGAL NOTICE SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO TRIBUNAL. DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA LEGAL NOTICE SALA DE PONCE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO EDNA I. DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUVÁZQUEZ GORDILS NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA Demandante Vs. SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE

de Puerto Rico, Sala de Fajardo y enviando copia a la parte demandante. Se le apercibe que si dejare de hacerlo podrá dictarse contra usted sentencia en rebeldía concediéndose el remedio solicitado en la demanda enmendada. Expedido bajo firma y sello de este Tribunal, en San Juan, Puerto Rico a 30 LEGAL NOTICE de diciembre de 2021. LUZ MAESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO YRA CARABALLO GARCÍA, DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- SECRETARIA REGIONAL. NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA DAISY QUIÑONES VÁZQUEZ, SALA DE PONCE SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL. EDNA I.

VÁZQUEZ GORDILS Demandante Vs.

BAUDILIO GORDILS RIVERA Y LA SUCESIÓN GERMAN RIERA LÓPEZ LA CUAL ES COMPUESTA POR LA SUCESIÓN GERMAN MARIANO COMPUESTA POR ROSALIA RIERA GREGORY Y JORGE JOSEPH ALONSO GARCIA GREGORY Y GEORGE ALFRED GARCIA GREGORY; Y DORALIA RIERA GREGORY O EN SU LUGAR POR SUS HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS

BAUDILIO GORDILS RIVERA Y LA SUCESIÓN GERMAN RIERA LÓPEZ LA CUAL ES COMPUESTA POR LA SUCESIÓN GERMAN MARIANO COMPUESTA POR ROSALIA RIERA GREGORY Y JORGE JOSEPH ALONSO GARCIA GREGORY Y GEORGE ALFRED GARCIA GREGORY; Y DORALIA RIERA GREGORY O EN SU LUGAR POR SUS HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS

Demandados Civil Núm.: PO2021CV02698.

(602). Sobre: EXTINCIÓN DE COMUNIDAD DE BIENES. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE Demandados DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIA- Civil Núm.: PO2021CV02698.

DO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. (602). Sobre: EXTINCIÓN DE COMUNIDAD DE BIENES. A: JOSEPH ALONSO EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICGARCIA GREGORYY TO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE GEORGE ALFRED AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE GARCIA GREGORY DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, O SEA, LA PARTE EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADEMANDADA ARRIBA DO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

MENCIONADA.

Se notifica a usted que se ha radicado en esta Secretaria la demanda enmendada de epígrafe. Se le emplaza y requiere para que notifique a Lcdo.

Jorge M. Azize, abogado de la parte demandante a la dirección: Apartado Postal 20083, San Juan, Puerto Rico 009280083. Teléfono: (787) 754-1828 y correo electrónico jmazize@ gmail.com copia de la contestación a la demanda dentro de 30 días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Se le notifica que deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), a la 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 Secretaria del Tribunal Superior

A: SRA. DORALIA RIERA GREGORY O SEA, LA PARTE DEMANDADA ARRIBA MENCIONADA.

Se notifica a usted que se ha radicado en esta Secretaria la demanda enmendada de epígrafe. Se le emplaza y requiere para que notifique a Lcdo.

Jorge M. Azize, abogado de la parte demandante a la dirección: Apartado Postal 20083, San Juan, Puerto Rico 009280083. Teléfono: (787) 754-1828 y correo electrónico jmazize@ gmail.com copia de la contestación a la demanda dentro de 30 días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Se le notifica que deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), a la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio,

ORIENTAL BANK Demandante Vs.

RAMON ANTONIO TORRES RIVERA

Demandado Civil Núm.: PO2019CV03180.

(406). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO (EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL. A: RAMON ANTONIO TORRES RIVERA.

Yo, JUAN ROLANDO CRUZ ROMÁN, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 2 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 2:15 DE LA TARDE en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Ponce durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el día 9 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 2:15 DE LA TARDE; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 16 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 2:15 DE LA TARDE en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar número Ciento

Cuarenta y Ocho (148) de la URBANIZACIÓN MANSIONES DE CAMINO REAL, radicado en el Barrio Cintrona del término municipal de Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, con una cabida de QUINIENTOS ONCE PUNTO CUATROCIENTOS CUARENTA Y SEIS (511.446) METROS CUADRADOS, equivalentes a CERO PUNTO TRECE CERO DOCE (0.13012) CUERDA. Colinda por el NORTE, en una distancia de veinticinco punto cincuenta (25.50) metros, con el solar número Ciento Cuarenta y Nueve (149) de la Urbanización; por el SUR, en una distancia de veintisiete punto cero cero (27.00) metros, con el solar número Ciento Cuarenta y Siete (147) de la Urbanización; por el ESTE, en una distancia de dieciséis punto dieciséis (16.16) metros, con la Calle Monte Real Street de la Urbanización; y por el OESTE, en una distancia de diecinueve punto cero cero (19.00) metros, con el solar número Ciento Cuarenta y Tres (143) de la Urbanización. Contiene una casa para fines residenciales. Dicho solar se encuentra afecto a una servidumbre a favor de la Junta Reglamentadora de Telecomunicaciones. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 79 del tomo 557 de Juana Díaz, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección Primera, finca número 21,619, inscripción segunda. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Mansiones de Camino Real, 148, Calle Monte Real, Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $163,885.93 de principal, interés al 4.00% anual, desde el día 1ro. de mayo de 2018, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $17,850.00 estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será la suma de $178,500.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $119,000.00 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $89,250.00.

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 y que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la res-

23

ponsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Ponce, Puerto Rico, a 15 de diciembre de 2021. JUAN ROLANDO CRUZ ROMÁN, ALGUACIL DE TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE.

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

ORIENTAL BANK Demandante Vs.

LETICIA UBIÑAS LOPEZ

Demandada Civil Núm.: JCD2016-0627.

(406). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO (EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL A: LETICIA UBIÑAS LOPEZ; SCOTIABANK DE PUERTO RICO, AHORA ORIENTAL BANK POR TENER AVISO DE DEMANDA ANOTADO A SU FAVOR POR LA SUMA DE $124,967.47.

Yo, JUAN ROLANDO CRUZ ROMÁN, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 2 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 1:45 DE LA TARDE en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Ponce durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el día 9 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 1:45 DE LA TARDE; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 16 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 1:45 DE LA TARDE en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública su-

basta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número Once (11) del plano de la Urbanización Tomás Carrión Maduro, radicado en los Barrios Pueblo Sur y Oeste del término municipal de Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, con una cabida de QUINIENTOS DOCE PUNTO SETENTA Y DOS (512.72) METROS CUADRADOS. En linderos: NORTE, en diecisiete punto cero cero (17.00) metros, con la calle número Seis (6) de la urbanización; por el SUR, en diecisiete punto treinta (17.30) metros, con los solares número Siete (7), ocho (8) y nueve (9) de la urbanización; por el ESTE, en veintinueve punto sesenta y seis (29.66) metros, con el solar número Diez (10) de la urbanización; y por el OESTE, en treinta punto sesenta y seis (30.66) metros, con el solar número Doce (12) de la urbanización. Contiene una casa de concreto reforzado diseñada para una familia. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 143 del tomo 542 de Juana Díaz, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección Primera, finca número 5,646, inscripción décimo segunda. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Tomás Carrión Maduro, Solar 11, Calle 6, Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $115,022.57 de principal, interés al 5.00% anual, desde el día 1ro. de marzo de 2017, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $12,766.40 estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado y recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será la suma de $140,430.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $93,620.00 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $70,215.00. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación y que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate.

La propiedad hipotecada a ser vendida en pública Subasta se encuentra afecta al siguiente gravamen posterior: Aviso de

Demanda, del día 14 de febrero de 2013, expedida en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Ponce, en el Caso Civil Número JCD2013-0177, sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca, seguido por Scotiabank de Puerto Rico versus Leticia Ubiñas López, donde se solicita el pago hipoteca de la inscripción 12ma., por la suma de $124,967.47, más intereses, costas y gastos, anotado el día 4 de abril de 2013 al folio 143 del tomo 542 de Juana Díaz, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección Primera, finca número 5,646, Anotación A. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Ponce, Puerto Rico, a 15 de diciembre de 2021. JUAN ROLANDO CRUZ ROMÁN, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE.

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

ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC Demandante Vs.

FRANKLIN I. RAMÍREZ VÉLEZ, FULANA DE TAL Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES POR AMBOS COMPUESTA

Demandados Civil Núm.: AR2021CV01432.

Salón: 404. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO / INCUMPLIMIENTO DE CONTRATO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: FRANKLIN I. RAMÍREZ VÉLEZ, FULANA DE TAL Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES POR AMBOS COMPUESTA. BN2 URB. PASEOS REALES, ARECIBO, P.R. 00612.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto.

Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se

24 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 sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia al abogado de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. Kevin Sánchez Campanero cuya dirección es: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-8518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección y a la dirección kevin.sanchez@ orf-law.com, y a la dirección notificaciones@orf-law.com.

EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en Arecibo, Puerto Rico, día 02 de diciembre de 2021. En Arecibo, Puerto Rico, el de 2 de diciembre de 2021. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. BRUNILDA HERNÁNDEZ MÉNDEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

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

ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE DE ACE ONE FUNDING, LLC Demandante Vs.

ZENEIDA APONTE CASTELLANO

Demandado Civil Núm.: OR2020CV00131.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: ZENEIDA APONTE CASTELLANO - HC 02 BOX 8811, OROCOVIS, PR 00720.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto.

Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la 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 sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. Kevin Sánchez Campanero y el Lcdo.

José F. Aguilar Vélez cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 009368518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección kevin.sanchez@ orf-law.com, a la dirección jose. aguilar@orf-law.com y a la dirección notificaciones@orf-law. com. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en Orocovis, Puerto Rico, hoy día 2 de diciembre de 2021.

En Orocovis, Puerto Rico, e 2 de diciembre de 2021. ELIZABETH GONZÁLEZ RIVERA, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. MARIELY LÓPEZ COLÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

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

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC. Demandante Vs.

GLORIA GONZALEZ T/C/C GLORIA M. GONZALEZ T/C/C GLORIA MARIA GONZALEZ T/C/C GLORIA MARIA GONZALEZ NIEVES T/C/C GLORIA M. GONZALEZ NIEVES T/C/C GLORIA GONZALEZ NIEVES; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados Civil Núm.: PO2020CV01245.

Sobre: 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 Ponce, 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 Ponce, el 3 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho título,

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

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: Solar marcado con el número trece (13) del bloque “D” en el plano de la Urbanización Jardines de Ponce del Barrio Machuelo del término municipal de Ponce, Puerto Rico, con un área de SEISCIENTOS OCHENTA PUNTO CINCO MIL SEISCIENTOS CUARENTICUATRO (680.5644) METROS CUADRADOS. En colindancias por el Norte en veintiocho punto treinta y tres (28.33) metros con el solar Centro Cultural y área de Parque; por el Sur, en veintidós punto treinta y nueve (22.39) metros con la calle C; por el Sureste en diecisiete punto veinticuatro (17.24) metros con la calle C; por el Este en siete punto noventa y seis (7.96) metros con la calle C y por el Oeste en treinta punto cero cero (30.00) metros con el solar D raya catorce (D-14).

Sobre este solar se ha construido una casa de concreto de hormigón y bloques. Inscrita al folio 174 del tomo 1218 de Ponce Norte, finca 33,806, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección I. La hipoteca objeto de esta ejecución se encuentra inscrita al folio 45 del tomo 2098 de Ponce Norte, finca 33,806, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección I, inscripción 3ª. Propiedad localizada en: JARINES DE PONCE, D-13 CALLE C, PONCE, PR 00730-1770. 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 del crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Titular: Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano. Suma de la Carga: $357,000.00. Fecha de Vencimiento: 1 de enero de 2088. 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 $357,000.00, 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 Ponce, el 10 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $238,000.00, 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 $178,500.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Ponce, el 17 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 10:30 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 de $191,406.91 por concepto de principal, más la suma de $73,360.57 en intereses acumulados al 30 de septiembre de 2020 y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 5.560% anual hasta su total y completo pago; más la sumas de $6,597.19 en seguro hipotecario; $3,780.00 en cargos por servicio; $6,950.00 en seguro de la propiedad; $1,000.00 de tasación; $240.00 de inspecciones; $35.00 en mantenimiento; $1,993.30 de adelantos de costas y honorarios; más la cantidad de 10% del pagare original en la suma de $35,700.00, para gastos, costas y honorarios de abogado, 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 Ponce, Puerto Rico, hoy 7 de diciembre de 2021. JORGE M. HERNÁNDEZ PAGÁN, ALGUACIL REGIONAL. MANUEL MALDONADO, ALGUACIL PLACA #820

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

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC. Demandante Vs.

CARLOS RAUL TORRES HERNANDEZ T/C/C CARLOS TORRES HERNANDEZ; RAMONA SEPULVEDA TORRES Y LA SOCIEDAD DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados Civil Núm.: PO2020CV01813.

Sobre: 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 Ponce, 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 Ponce, el 3 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 11:00 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: Solar marcado con el número siete (7) del Bloque WW en el plano de inscripción de la Urbanización Jardines del Caribe, segunda etapa, radicada en los Barrios Canas, Quebrada Limón y Pastillo del término municipal de Ponce, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de TRESCIENTOS NOVENTA Y SIETE PUNTO TRESCIENTOS SETENTA Y UNO METROS CUADRADOS (397.371 M/C), en lindes por el NORTE, con doce punto quinientos metros (12.500 m.), con arco de cinco punto cuatrocientos noventa y ocho metros

(5.498 m/), con calle cincuenta y uno (51); por el SUR, en dieciséis metros (16.00 m.), con el solar uno (1) del Bloque WW; por el ESTE, en veintiuno punto quinientos metros (21.500 m.), con la Calle cuarenta y nueve (49) y por el OESTE, en veinticinco metros (25.00 m.) con el solar seis (6) del Bloque WW. Enclava una casa de concreto armado para ser utilizado como residencia familiar. Inscrita al folio 1 del tomo 1414 hoy 589, finca 20,202, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección II. Propiedad localizada en: URB. JARDINES DEL CARIBE, WW-7 CALLE 51, PONCE, PUERTO RICO 00728. 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 del crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Titular: Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano. Suma de la Carga: $175,500.00. Fecha de Vencimiento: 1 de octubre de 2083. 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 $175,500.00, 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 Ponce, el 10 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $117,000.00, 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 $87,750.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Ponce, el 17 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 11:00 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

de $102,015.35 por concepto de principal, más la suma de $13,491.41 en intereses acumulados al 31 de enero de 2021 y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 3.501% anual hasta su total y completo pago; más la sumas de $3,744.41 en seguro hipotecario; $4,795.00 en cargos por servicio; $477.00 en seguro de la propiedad; $400.00 de tasaciones; $260.00 de inspecciones; $1,983.30 en adelantos de gastos y de honorarios de abogado; más la cantidad de 10% del pagare original en la suma de $17,550.00, para gastos, costas y honorarios de abogado, 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 Ponce, Puerto Rico, hoy 7 de diciembre de 2021. JORGE M. HERNÁNDEZ PAGÁN, ALGUACIL REGIONAL. MANUEL MALDONADO, ALGUACIL PLACA #820.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Parte Demandante Vs.

SUCESIÓN DE NELSON RAMOS VEGA, COMPUESTA POR NELSON RAMOS LÓPEZ, FULANO Y MENGANO DE TAL, POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; YOLANDA LÓPEZ GARCÍA, POR SÍ Y EN

LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA; DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA POR CONDUCTO DE LA DIVISIÓN DE CAUDALES RELICTOS, CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: KCD2017-0995.

(503). Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA “IN REM”. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO E INTERPELACIÓN. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS E.E.U.U., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: FULANO Y MENGANO DE TAL, POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE NELSON RAMOS VEGA.

Queda usted notificado que en este Tribunal se ha radicado demanda sobre ejecución de hipoteca por la vía ordinaria en la que se alega usted le adeuda a la demandante las siguientes cantidades: $76,880.98 de principal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al 7% anual desde el 1 de octubre de 2016 hasta su completo pago, más recargos adeudados desde el día 1 de noviembre de 2016 hasta su total pago, más la cantidad estipulada de $10,360.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados, así como cualquier otra suma que contenga el contrato del préstamo. La propiedad que garantiza hipotecariamente el préstamo es la siguiente: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento número I-166. Apartamento residencial de forma irregular localizado en el primer nivel del Edificio Número 3 del Condominio Portales de San Juan, localizado en el Barrio Santo Domingo, Río Piedras del término municipal de San Juan, Puerto Rico. El área aproximada del apartamento es de 1118.00 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 10.385 metros cuadrados. Son sus linderos por el NORTE, en un máximo de 31 pies 2 pulgadas, con área común; por el SUR, en un máximo de 31 pies 2 pulgadas, con el apartamento I-165; por el ESTE, en un máximo de 34 pies 3 pulgadas, con área común exterior; y por el OESTE, en un máximo de 34 pies 3 pulgadas, con área común exterior. La puerta de entrada del apartamento está situada en su lindero Oeste. Consta de sala-comedor, cocina, balcón, 3 dormitorios y un baño. Le corresponden un espacio de estacionamiento identificado con el mismo número del apartamento, para 2 vehículos de motor colocados uno detrás del otro.

The San Juan Daily Star Este apartamento tiene una participación de 0.831752% en los elementos comunes del Condominio. Inscrita al Tomo Karibe de Sabana Llana, Finca 32825. Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección V. La hipoteca consta inscrita al Folio móvil del Tomo 980-B de Sabana Llana, Finca 32825. Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección V. Inscripción 2da. La demandante es la tenedora por endoso, por valor recibido y de buena fe del referido pagaré objeto de la presente acción. La parte demandada deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del Tribunal.

Se le interpela además para que acepte o renuncie a la herencia del causante dentro de los 30 días subsiguientes a la fecha que fuese emplazado[a] o requerido[a] que conteste, en cumplimiento con al Artículo 1578 del nuevo Código Civil de Puerto Rico, 31 L.P.R.A. § 11021. La renuncia se hará por instrumento público o por escrito judicial. Se entenderá que, si no se expresa dentro de dicho término, ha aceptado la herencia del causante. Se le advierte que si no contesta la demanda, radicando el original de la contestación en este Tribunal y enviando copia de la contestación a la abogada de la Parte Demandante, Lcda. Belma Alonso García, cuya dirección es: PO Box 3922, Guaynabo PR 00970-3922, Teléfono y Fax: 787-789-1826 / 787 7080566 correo electrónico: oficinabelmaalonso@gmail.com, dentro del término de treinta (30) días de la publicación de este edicto, excluyéndose el día de la publicación, se le anotará la rebeldía y se le dictará Sentencia en su contra, concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal, hoy, 17 de diciembre de 2021, en San Juan, Puerto Rico. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. ADELLE RIVERA APONTE, SECRETARIA SALA DEL TRIBUNAL.

Monday, January 10, 2022 FINANCIAMIENTO DE LA VIVIENDA DE PUERTO RICO; Y AL PUBLICO EN GENERAL:

El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior, Centro Judicial de San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico, hago saber a la parte demandada, y al PUBLICO EN GENERAL: y 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 a saber: 1) AUTORIDAD PARA EL FINANCIAMIENTO DE LA VIVIENDA DE PUERTO RICO o a su orden: A cuyo favor aparece inscrito un pagare de la suma de $15,000.00 sin intereses y a vencer el 14 de septiembre de 2012, según consta de la escritura otorgada en San Juan, ante el Notario Fernando Luis Meléndez López, inscrito en Karibe de Sabana Llana, finca # 35,966 inscripción 5ta. Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 29 de noviembre de 2021, por la Secretaria del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: Condominio Puerta del Sol Apt. 2010 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926: URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Condominio Puerta del Sol de Sabana Llana, AparLEGAL NOTICE tamento 2010, Cabida 679.88 ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO pies cuadrados. Apartamento DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- residencial 2010, de forma recNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA tangular localizado en el piso número veinte (20) del CondoSALA DE SAN JUAN minio Puerta del Sol, que ubica MMG I, PR CR, LLC en la carretera Estatal número Demandante V. ciento ochenta y uno (181), ERNESTO FELIX ORTIZ del Barrio Sabana Llana de CLAUDIO T/C/C ERNESTO Rio Piedras, Municipio de San ORTIZ CLAUDIO Juan, Puerto Rico, con una caDemandada bida superficial de seiscientos Civil Núm.: SJ2021CV00656. setenta y nueve punto ochenta Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HI- y ocho pies cuadrados (679.88 POTECA IN- REM. AVISO DE p/c), siendo sus medidas lineaVENTA EN PÚBLICA SUBAS- les treinta y dos pies con diez TA. pulgadas de largo (32’10”), por veintidós pies ocho pulgadas A: ERNESTO FELIX de ancho (22”8”); en lindes por ORTIZ CLAUDIO el NORTE, en una distancia de T/C/C ERNESTO dieciocho pies cuatro pulgadas ORTIZ CLAUDIO; (18’4”), con el apartamento AUTORIDAD PARA EL numero dos mil nueve (2009);

por el SUR, en una distancia de veintidós pies ocho pulgadas (22’8”), con terrenos donde enclava el edificio; por el ESTE, en una distancia de treinta y dos pies con diez pulgadas (32’10”), con terrenos donde enclava el edificio: y por el OESTE, en una distancia de treinta y dos pies con diez pulgadas (32’10”), con el pasillo central del piso. La puerta principal del apartamento tiene acceso al pasillo central del piso.

Esta unidad residencial consta de lo siguiente: sala-comedor; cocina; baño; pasillo con closet; y tres (3) cuartos dormitorios con su closet cada uno.

El apartamento tiene un por ciento de participación en los elementos comunes generales de punto cero cero cuatro tres siete cinco siete (.0043757).

A este apartamento le corresponde como elemento común limitado el estacionamiento número 116. Consta inscrita finca numero 35,966 de Sabana Llana; Registro de la Propiedad Sección Quinta de San Juan. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada a su favor, el día 2 de septiembre de 2021 en el presente caso civil, a saber, tiene la suma de $60,610.64 de principal, intereses pactados y computados sobre esta suma al tipo 7.5% anual hasta su total y completo pago, contribuciones, recargos y primas de seguro adeudados y la suma de $6,600.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado. Los intereses se continúan acumulando, hasta el saldo total de la deuda, para cubrir el principal adeudadio, disponiendose que si quedare algun remanente luego de apgarese las sumas antes mencionadas del mismo debera ser depositado en la Secretaria del Tribunal para ser entregado a los demandados previa solicitud y orden del Tribunal. La venta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca. 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 8 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina del referido Alguacil, localizada en el Centro Judicial de San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $66,000.00.

Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA, la misma se llevará a efecto el día 15 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 10:30 DE LA

MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $44,000.00, 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 día 23 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $33,000.00, equivalentes a la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor, todo ello a tenor con lo dispone el Articulo 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8 de diciembre de 2015 conocida como “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”.

La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de toda carga y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirmada la venta judicial por el Honorable Tribunal, se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda aquella persona o personas que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el público en general, el presente Edicto se publicará por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas, con un intervalo de por lo menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y se fijará además en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se les informa, por último, que: a. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los

mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 27 de diciembre de 2021. EDWIN E. LÓPEZ MULERO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR, DIVISIÓN DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN.

LEGAL NOT ICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V.

AMARILIS DÍAZ FLORES; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Demandados Civil Núm.: SJ2019CV06157.

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

A: AMARILIS DÍAZ FLORES. DIRECCIÓN FÍSICA: COND. PORTAL DE LA REINA, APT. GA-3-231, SAN JUAN, PR 00924. DIRECCIÓN POSTAL: HC20, BOX 25731, SAN LORENZO, PR 00754.

ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA P/C FISCALIA FEDERAL: TORRE CHARDÓN, SUITE 1201, 350 CALLE CARLOS E. CHARDÓN, SAN JUAN PR 00918.

PUBLICO EN GENERAL.

El Alguacil del Tribunal que suscribe anuncia y hace constar: A. Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaria del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala de San Juan, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor de contado y en moneda de curso legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América y cuyo pago se efectuará en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, todo derecho, título o interés que tenga la Parte Demandada en el bien inmueble que se describe a continuación: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento número “GA-3-231” de un nivel, localizado en la planta baja del Edificio número ocho (8) “Reina Catalina” del Condominio Portal de la Reina, localizado en la Avenida Montecarlo del Barrio, Sabana Llana de Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto

25

Rico. Tiene un área superficial de mil ciento sesenta pies cuadrados (1,160.00), equivalentes a ciento siete punto ochenta metros cuadrados (107.80) y un área de patio descubierta y cercada de ciento noventa y ocho punto cuarenta y tres pies cuadrados (198.43), equivalentes a dieciocho punto cuarenta y cuatro metros cuadrados (18.44). Colinda por el NORTE, en una distancia de veintisiete pies cero pulgadas (27’ 0”), otra de cinco pies nueve pulgadas (5’ 9”), otra de trece pies cero pulgadas (13’ 0”) y otra de diecisiete pies con diez pulgadas (17’ 10”), con área común; por el SUR, en una distancia de veinte pies seis pulgadas (20’ 6”), otra de seis pies cero pulgadas (6’ 0”), otra de doce pies cero pulgadas (12’ 0”), con área común; por el ESTE, en una distancia de veintisiete pies cero pulgadas (27’ 0”), con el apartamento “GA-4-232”; y por el OESTE, en una distancia de treinta y tres pies seis pulgadas (33’ 6”), con el apartamento “GA-2-230”. Tiene su puerta de entrada y salida por su lado Sur, que da al pasillo exterior y a los caminos que conducen al área de estacionamiento.

Consta de sala-comedor, cocina, lavandería, tres habitaciones, dos baños, terraza y un área de patio descubierta y cercada. Le corresponde los estacionamientos identificados con el número quinientos catorce (514) y quinientos quince (515). Le corresponde a su titular el siguiente porciento en los elementos comunes generales (0.0042907%). Finca 33,046, inscrita al tomo Móvil de Sabana Llana, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección Quinta de San Juan.

B. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado están de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables bajo el epígrafe de este caso. C. 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 ejecutante, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematente los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate.

La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. D. Que la Propiedad se encuentra afecta los siguiente gravámenes posteriores a la hipoteca que se ejecuta en la presente causa de acción. Embargo Federal contra J. Narváez Oliver y A. Díaz Flores, seguro social xxx-xx-7820, dirección P.O. Box 368148, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-8148, por la suma de $20,769.65, Notificación número 236558716, Certificación del

2 de noviembre de 2016, anotado el dia 12 de diciembre de 2016 al Asiento 2016-010328FED del Sistema Karibe. No podemos precisar que la persona embargada y la titular en esta finca sean la misma persona. E. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la sentencia que ha obtenido ascendente a la suma de $69,235.20 de principal, intereses pactados y computados sobre esta suma al tipo de 6.75% anual hasta su total y completo pago, contribuciones, recargos y primas de seguros adeudados y la suma de $7,035.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado. Se fija como tipo mínimo para la primera subasta la cantidad de $70,350.00. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se celebrará el día 8 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA en la Oficina del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de San Juan, por el tipo mínimo de $70,350.00.

De declararse desierta dicha subasta se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 15 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA en el mismo lugar antes mencionado. El precio para la segunda subasta lo será 2/3 partes del precio mínimo de la primera, o sea, $46,900.00. De declararse desierta dicha segunda subasta, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 23 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA en el mismo lugar antes mencionado. El precio para la tercera subasta lo será 1/2 del precio mínimo de la primera, o sea, $35,175.00.

Y PARA QUE ASÍ CONSTE, y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general y por un término de catorce (14) días en los sitios públicos conforme a la ley, expido la presente bajo mi firma y sello de este tribunal, hoy 29 de diciembre de 2021 en San Juan, Puerto Rico.

EDWIN E. LÓPEZ MULERO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, INC. Demandante V.

SUCESION DE SARA HERCILLA MEJIAS CASALS Y OTROS

Demandado(a) Civil: SJ2021CV04420. (504).

Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO POR LA VÍA JUDICIAL. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JOHN DOE.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el

30 de diciembre de 2021, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 3 de enero de 2022. En SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, el 3 de enero de 2022. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. JESSICA MORALES FIGUEROA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

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

INTERAMERICAN BANKING GROUP, CORP., Demandante, v.

JOSÉ MIGUEL VENTURA ASILIS su esposa JOSEFINA ABREU CISNEROS también conocida como JOSEFINA VENTURA y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos y los ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados Civil Núm: KCD2015-1211. Sobre: Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca por la Vía Ordinaria. AVISO DE VENTA EN PUBLICA SUBASTA : Yo, Edwin E. Lopez Mulero, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de San Juan, Sala Superior, al público en general, CERTIFICO Y HAGO SABER: Que en virtud del mandamiento expedido el 7 de julio de 2021, por la Secretaría de este Tribuna l, dirigido al que suscribe, procederé a vende r en pública subasta, al mejor postor, en moneda de los Estados Unidos de América siempre que sea pago de contado y/o cheque de gerente y/o giro postal y por el precio mínimo de tres millones de dólares ($3,000,000.00), el inmueble hipotecado en este caso, el cual se describe como sigue:

26 URBANA: Parcela de terreno situada en la sección Norte del Barrio Santurce de esta ciudad, en la urbanización conocida por el Condado; tiene una superficie de quinientos veinticinco metros cuadrados (525.00 m/c), en lindes por el Norte, que es su frente, con la Avenida Ponce de León del Condado, hoy Avenida Magdalena, en diecinueve punto cuarenta y cinco metros cuadrados; al Sur que es su fondo, en veinte punto sesenta metros con terrenos de la Urbanización Behn Brothers; a; Este, que es su izquierda, entrando en veintisiete punto cuarenta y siete metros con más terrenos de la Urbanización Behn Brothers y al Oeste , que es su derecha, entrando en veinticinco punto once metros con la finca principal de Mariano Rodríguez Ceinos. Enclava una casa de concreto de una sola planta, vivienda para una familia de nueve habitaciones, dos baños, garaje y cuarto de servicio. Consta inscrita al folio noventa y cinco (95) del tomo doscientos veintiocho (228) de Santurce Norte, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección Primera, finca número nueve mil sesenta y nueve (9,069). Dirección Física: Ave. Magdalena #1204, Condado, San Juan, PR 00907. Dicha propiedad consta inscrita a favor de José Miguel Ventura Asilis y su esposa Josefina Abreu Cisneros, quienes adquirieron mediante compra según consta en la Escritura Número veintiséis (26), otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día dos (2) de abril de mil novecientos ochenta (1980), ante el notario José R. Gómez Alegría, inscrita al folio ciento sesenta y dos (162) del torno setecientos sesenta y ocho (768) de Santurce Norte,, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección Primera, finca número nueve mil sesenta y nueve (9,069), inscripción novena. Con el importe de dicha venta se habrán de satisfacer a la parte demandante las siguientes cantidades, según la Sentencia Sumaria dictada dictada por el Honorable Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala Superior de San Juan el día doce (12) de abril de dos mil veintiuno (2021): José Miguel Ventura Asilis y su esposa Josefina Abreu Cisneros y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos adeuda solidariamente a la parte demandante: la suma de doscientos cincuentainueve mil novecientos noventainueve dólares ($259,999.00) por concepto del principal adeudado, más ciento diecinueve mil quinientos noventa y nueve dólares con setenta y siete centavos ($119,599.77) en intereses acumulados al 19 de febrero de 2020, los cuales continúan en aumento hasta el pago total y

solvento de la obligación a razón de cincuenta y siete dólares con setenta y ocho centavos ($57.78) per diem, cargos por demora acumulados los cuales continúan en aumento hasta el pago total y solvento de la obligación y la suma de treinta y cinco mil novecientos noventa y nueve dólares con noventa centavos ($35,999.90) por concepto de costas y honorarios de abogado previamente pactados. Las sumas antes descritas están garantizadas mediante hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor del Portador, por la suma principal de trescientos cincuentainueve mil novecientos noventainueve dólares ($359,999.00), intereses al ocho por ciento (8%) anual, y a vencer a su presentación, según consta en escritura pública número ciento sesenta y tres (163) otorgada el diecinueve (19) de diciembre de do s mil doce (2012) ante el Notario Jesús Delgado Vélez, la cual consta inscrita al folio setenta y nueve (78) del torno mil doscientos once (l,211)(ágora) de Santurce Norte,, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan , Sección Primera, finca número nueve mil sesenta y nueve (9,069). La primera subasta se llevará a efecto en mi oficina, sita en el local que ocupa el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, a las 11:30 de la mañana del día 25 de enero de 2022. por el tipo mínimo de tres millones de dólares ($3,000,000.00) . Si no produjera remate ni adjudicación la primera subasta, queda señalada la segunda subasta que dispone la ley para las 11:30 de la mañana del día 1 de febrero de 2022, por el tipo mínimo de dos millones de dólares ($2,000,000.00); si tampoco hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta; se señala la tercera subasta que dispone la ley para las11:30 de la mañana del día 8 de febrero de 2022, por el tipo mínimo de la mitad del precio pactado, o sea, un millón quinientos mil dólares ($1,500,000 .00). Las tres subastas señaladas se celebrarán a las hora s y fechas antes indicadas en mi oficina sita en el local que ocupa el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan. Se advierte que los autos de este caso y demás instancias están disponibles para ser inspeccionadas en la secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables. Se advierte que los licitadores aceptan como bastante la titulación de la finca anteriormente descrita y que se adquiere con las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y preferentes al crédito que se ejecuta, las cuales continuarán subsistentes. A la vez se entenderá que el rematante acepta cualquier las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y preferentes al crédito que se ejecuta

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de las mismas, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio de remate. La propiedad se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad existen los siguientes gravámenes y/o cargas preferentes o anteriores al crédito que se ejecuta: a. Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor del Portador, o a su orden, por la suma principal de trescientos sesenta mil dólares ($360,000.00), más intereses sobre el balance insoluto a razón del por ciento anual igual a la tasa preferencia “Prime Rate” fluctuante, según se define en el Reglamento Número veinticuatro raya A (24-A) de la Junta Reguladora de Tasas de Interés y Cargos por Financiamiento de Puerto Rico, aprobado el veintisiete (27) de diciembre de mil novecientos ochenta y dos (1982); vencedero a la presentación, constituida mediante la escritura número treinta y dos (32), otorgada el día once (11) de marzo de mil novecientos noventa y dos (1992), ante el nota rio José Tomás Román Ríos, e inscrita al folio doscientos treinta y do s (232) del tomo ochocientos cuarenta y uno (841) de Santurce Norte, finca número nueve mil sesenta y nueve (9,069), inscripción décimo cuarta. b. Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor del Portador, o a su orden, por la suma principal de doscientos setenta y ocho mil cuatrocientos nueve dólares ($278,409.00), con intereses al ocho por ciento (8%) anual, vencedero a la presentación, según consta en la escritura número ocho (8), otorgada el día veinticinco (25) de enero de dos mil doce (2012), ante el notario Jesús Delgado Vélez, e inscrita al folio setenta y ocho (78) del tomo mil doscientos once (1,211) (ágora) de Santurce Norte, finca número nueve mil sesenta y nueve (9,069), inscripción décimo quinta. Subordinada la hipoteca de la inscripción décimo cuarta, a favor de la hipoteca de la inscripción décimo quinta, según la escritura número nueve (9), otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día veinticinco (25) de enero de dos mil doce (2012), ante el notario Jesús Delgado Vélez, nota al margen de la inscripción décimo quinta. Y PARA CONOCIMIENTO DE LAS PARTES INTERESADAS y del público en general, se advierte que la adjudicación se hará al mejor postor y que el pago de la licitación deberá hacer se en el acto de la subasta y moneda de los Estados Unidos de América quedando autorizadas únicamente pago de contado y/o cheque de gerente y/o giro postal. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente que firmo y sello con el sello de esta oficina

en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 6 de diciembre del 2021.

EDWIN E LOPEZ MULERO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE SAN JUAN.

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

CECILIA ESTRADA ORTIZ Demandante V.

PUERTO RICO FINANCIAL CORPORATION; JUAN DEL PUEBLO Y JUANA DEL PUEBLO Y CUALESQUIERA PERSONA DESCONOCIDA CON POSIBLE INTERÉS EN LA OBLIGACIÓN CUYA CANCELACIÓN POR DECRETO JUDICIAL SE SOLICITA

Demandados Civil Núm.: FA2021CV000995.

Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: PUERTO RICO FINANCIAL CORPORATION COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES Y CUALESQUIER PERSONA DESCONOCIDA CON POSIBLE INTERÉS EN LA OBLIGACIÓN CUYA CANCELACIÓN POR DECRETO JUDICIAL SE SOLICITA. Por la presente se le notifica que ha sido presentada en este Tribunal una Demanda en su contra en el pleito de epígrafe. En este caso la parte demandante ha radicado una Demanda para que se decrete judicialmente el saldo de (1) pagaré hipotecario: pagaré a favor Puerto Rico Financial Corporation, por la suma principal de $36,700.00 dólares con intereses al 16 ½% anual, vencedero el día 1 de mayo de 2012, constituida mediante la escritura número 84, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 27 de abril de 1982, ante el notario Juan M. Rivera González, e inscrita al folio 10 del tomo 90 de Ceiba, finca número 5,471, inscripción 1ra.; sobre la propiedad que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar número 213 radicado en la Urbanización Brisas de Ceiba, situada en el Barrio Machos de Ceiba, Puerto Rico, con cabida de 334.75 metros cuadrados.

En lindes por el NORTE, en 23 metros, con solar número 212 de la Urbanización; por el

SUR, en 19.18 metros y 3.03 metros en arco, con la Calle número 9 de la Urbanización; por el ESTE, en 12.64 metros y 3.03 metros en arco, con Calle número 8 de la Urbanización; y por el OESTE, en 13 metros, con solar 168 de la Urbanización. Enclava edificación para fines residenciales. Finca Número 5,471, inscrita al folio 10 del tomo 90 de Ceiba, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Fajardo. La parte demandante alega que dicho pagaré ha sido saldado según más detalladamente consta en la Demanda radicada que puede examinarse en la Secretaría de este Tribunal. Por tratarse de una obligación hipotecaria y pudiendo usted tener interés en este caso o quedar afectado por el remedio solicitado, se le emplaza por este edicto que se publicará una vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de Puerto Rico. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https:// unired.ramajudicial.pr/sumac, salvo que se represente por derecho propio. Debe notificar con copia de ella a la abogada de la parte demandante a la Lcda.

Alyssa Rivera Rivera, a la dirección P.O. Box 19815, San Juan, P.R. 00910. Teléfono 787-4007269, dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Se le apercibe que, de no hacerlo así dentro del término indicado, el Tribunal podrá anotar su rebeldía y dictar sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado en la Demanda sin más citarle, ni oírle.

EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA Y SELLO DEL TRIBUNAL, en Fajardo, Puerto Rico, hoy a 22 de diciembre de 2021. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA. KATHERINE ROBLES TORRES, SUB-SECRETARIA.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Parte Demandante Vs.

ORLANDO MANDRY TORRES, O.M.T RENTAL & MAINTENANCE SERVICES, S. E. T/C/C O.M.T MAINTENANCE SERVICES S.E.

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: PO2019CV01858.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO, EJECUCIÓN 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 dictada el 16 de octubre de 2019, la Orden de Ejecución de Sentencia del 15 de enero de 2020 y el Mandamiento de Ejecución del 22 de enero de 2020 y Enmendado el 16 de diciembre de 2021 en el caso de epígrafe, procederé a vender el día 22 DE FEBRERO DE 2022, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina, localizada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Centro Judicial de Ponce, Sala Superior, en 2150 Ave. Santiago de los Caballeros, Ponce, Puerto Rico, al mejor postor en pago de contado y en moneda de los Estados Unidos de América, cheque de gerente o giro postal, todo título, derecho o interés de la parte demandada sobre la siguiente propiedad: URBANA: Solar marcado con el Número trece (13) del Bloque H en el plano de la Urbanización Jardines de Ponce, radicada en el Barrio Machuelo del término municipal de Ponce, Puerto Rico, con una cabida de 450.00 metros cuadrados. En linderos NORESTE, en 30.00 metros con el solar H-14; por el SUROESTE, en 30.00 metros con el solar número H-12; por el SURESTE, en 15.00 metros con la Calle D; y por el NOROESTE, en 15.00 metros con terrenos de la Urbanización Jardines de Ponce.

Sujeto a servidumbre de paso de 5 pies de ancho a lo largo de su lado Noreste para el sistema telefónico. Sobre este solar se ha construido una casa de concreto de hormigón y bloques.

La propiedad consta inscrita al Folio 218 del Tomo 1219 de Ponce, Finca Número 33934, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección I. La escritura de hipoteca consta inscrita al Folio 186 del Tomo 1999 de Ponce, Finca Número 33934, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección I. Inscripción duodécima. Dirección Física: Jardines de Ponce, H13 Calle D, Ponce, PR 00731. SUBASTAS: FECHAS: PRIMERA: 22 DE FEBRERO DE 2022 A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. TIPO MÍNIMO: $176,000.00.

SEGUNDA: 1 DE MARZO DE 2022 A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. TIPO MÍNIMO: $117,333.33. TERCERA: 8 DE MARZO DE 2022 A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. TIPO MÍNIMO: $88,000.00. El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta será de $176,000.00. De no haber adjudicación en la primera subasta se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA, el día 1 DE MARZO DE 2022, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será de dos terceras partes del tipo mínimo fijado en la primera subasta, o sea, $117,333.33. De

no haber adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 8 DE MARZO DE 2022, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será la mitad del precio pactado, o sea, $88,000.00. 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 ésta 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 $137,366.41 de principal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al 6.625% anual desde el 1 de mayo de 2017 hasta su completo pago, más $1,798.20 de recargos acumulados, más la cantidad estipulada de $17,600.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados, así como cualquier otra suma que contenga el contrato del préstamo. 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: a. Hipoteca: Constituida por O.M.T. Maintenance & Services, S.E., en garantía a un pagaré a favor de Portador, o a su orden, por la suma de $45,000.00, sus intereses al 10% anual y vencedero a la presentación, según consta de la escritura Número ocho (8), otorgada (no expresa), el 28 de mayo de 2003, ante la notario Carmen Feliciano Cortés. Inscrita al Folio 186 del Tomo 1999 de Ponce, finca #33934, inscripción undécima. b. Embargo Estatal: Anotado sobre esta finca como perteneciente a O.M.T. Maintenance & Services, S.E. por concepto de ingresos, por la suma de $2,576.71, según certificación de fecha 19 de septiembre de 2006, expedido por Colector de Rentas Internas. Anotada al Folio 127 del Tomo 77 de Ponce, Libro de Embargos, bajo el Número de Orden quinientos cinco (505), Registro de Embargos Sección I de Ponce, el 19 de septiembre de 2006, número de caso trescientos (300).

Nota: Dicho embargo fue cancelado en el historial de la finca pero en el Tomo de Embargos continúa vigente. c. Postergación: Postergada la hipoteca de la inscripción undécima, a favor de la hipoteca duodécima para que esta última tenga rango preferente, según consta de escritura #43, otorgada en Ponce el 31 de marzo de 2004, ante la notario Ivelisse Toro Zambrana, inscrita al Folio 186 vuelto del Tomo 1999 de Ponce Finca #33934, inscripción decimotercera. d. Acta de Subsanación: Se hace constar que O.M.T.

Maintenance and Services, S.E. es una Sociedad Especial, según consta de la escritura #42, otorgada (no expresa), el 31 de marzo de 2004, ante la notario Ivelisse Toro Zambrana y la escritura #167, otorgada en Ponce, el 21 de mayo de 2003, ante el notario Alfonso J. Gómez Roubert, inscrita al Folio 186 vuelto del Tomo 1999 de Ponce, Finca #33934, inscripción decimocuarta. e. Aviso de Demanda: Pleito seguido por Banco Popular de Puerto Rico vs. Orlando Mandry Torres, O.M.T. Rental & Maintenace, S.E. (así consta) también conocida como CO.MT Maintance Services, S.E., ante el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Ponce, en el caso Civil Número PO2019CV01858, sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca, en la que se reclama el pago de hipoteca con un balance de $137,366.41 y otras cantidades, según Demanda de fecha 31 de mayo de 2019.

Anotada al Tomo Karibe de Ponce. Anotación C. Se notifica al acreedor posterior o a su sucesor o cesionario en derecho para que comparezca a proteger su derecho si así lo desea.

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 los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante, continuarán subsistentes; entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate y que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores tal como lo expresa la Ley Núm.

210-2015. 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 Ponce, Puerto Rico, hoy 30 de diciembre de 2021. JUAN ROLANDO CRUZ ROMÁN, ALGUACIL PLACA #965, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE PONCE, SALA SUPERIOR.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

27

He has a plan for your plan to stop him from stopping you

By SCOTT CACCIOLA

I

t was an otherwise nondescript afternoon last summer at a small gymnasium in Southern California, with various NBA players cycling through for offseason workouts.

But when Ryan Razooky, a 26-year-old basketball trainer, struck up a conversation with Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, he immediately sensed that something unusual was happening. As Smart began an extemporaneous monologue on the art of on-the-ball defense, Razooky gestured for his intern, Ryan Arevalo, to grab his handheld video camera and record everything that Smart was sharing.

The result was an 18-minute video that has since been viewed on YouTube more than 540,000 times, a window into the mindset of an elite defender that illustrates the hard work that goes into preventing high-octane scorers such as Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard from doing what they want to do, which is put the ball in the basket from nearly every conceivable angle.

“It’s tough,” Smart said in a recent interview. “It’s tough to sit in a stance for 24 seconds and guard some of the best players in the league.”

It has been a trying season for the Celtics, who were 18-21 after blowing a 25-point lead against the New York Knicks on Thursday. But Smart, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound wrecking ball, again ranks among the league leaders in steals, averaging a career-best 1.9 per game. Finding players who can defend — and defend multiple positions — has seldom been more in demand as players of all shapes and sizes continue to expand their offensive skill sets.

Consider the evolution of the game since Smart entered the league in the 2014-15 season, when teams averaged 7.8 3-pointers per game while averaging 100 points, according to Basketball Reference. Last season, teams averaged 12.7 3-pointers and 112.1 points per game, notable increases that helped spur the league

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart is known for his defense. The best defense, he said, is a “chess match”. to amend a few rules before the start of this season that were aimed at reducing advantages for offensive players. No more lunging forward on shot attempts to create contact and draw fouls? Smart said he was all for it. But there are still nightly challenges.

“It is a thankless job,” Razooky said. “It’s like being an offensive lineman.”

There is something of a mutual admiration society for NBA defenders. Smart, for example, spoke highly of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Jrue Holiday and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Matisse Thybulle, who has unique capabilities as a perimeter defender.

“He’s blocking 3-point shots, which is something I’m not doing,” Smart said.

Yet, Smart has long been known for his own defensive prowess. At Marcus High School outside Dallas, his coach, Kenny Boren, recognized Smart’s uncanny instincts for the ball and had him guard the opposing team’s worst player so that he could roam the court as a free safety, picking off passes and drawing charges as a help defender. It was an unorthodox philosophy. The team won back-to-

back state championships.

“He had a free pass on defense to do what he wanted,” said Boren, who now coaches at Boswell High School in Fort Worth and helps run Smart’s youth camps. “But you could trust him to make the right play.”

Razooky had never met Smart until that day last summer when Razooky approached him after his workout.

“I was just joking around with some of the coaches who were helping us,” Smart said, “and they were asking me about defense and how I’m able to guard certain guys and whether I had any tips.”

Smart did, in fact, have tips. It was like asking Neil deGrasse Tyson about the solar system. And for 40 minutes, Smart was a fire hose of insight, holding court on topics dear to him.

He demonstrated how he flicks for steals when an opposing player’s dribble is on the descent. He emphasized the importance of lateral quickness, citing the quick hips he developed as a football cornerback growing up in Texas. He offered pointers on fighting through screens (grab the screener’s ankle and pull your way through) and

on how to ensure that opponents become less inclined to set them in the first place (make hard contact).

“I’m going to hit you one good time,” Smart said in the video. “Referee is going to call it or he’s not. But I bet you won’t set no screens.”

Not that Smart has been immune from the physical demands of his job: In 2019, he tore a lower abdominal muscle after colliding with Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic.

“Your hips take a beating,” Smart said in an interview. He used to wear padding when he was younger, “but now, they get too heavy with sweat and weigh me down.”

He also highlighted the challenge of defending step-back jumpers, the type of offensive move that the Brooklyn Nets’ James Harden and the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic have worked to perfect. Smart mentioned how he had studied the martial art Muay Thai to improve his balance and his core strength and how he stays on the balls of his feet “like a boxer” to avoid getting swayed by crossover dribbles.

Smart said it took him about a full year to develop the necessary footwork to defend those step-back jumpers.

A couple of weeks before Razooky uploaded the video in August, he shared a 15-second preview on social media. It caught the attention of Davion Mitchell, a defense-minded point guard who had been drafted by the Sacramento Kings. Mitchell, Razooky said, was eager to learn more before the start of his first NBA season: Could he have a copy of the whole thing?

Now, everyone has access. Smart knows the audience has presumably included fans, coaches, young players and even some of the players he has to defend.

“I’m sure a lot of those guys are watching that video and trying to figure out, ‘OK, when he does that, how can I create something else to get around it?’” he said. “And while they’re thinking about all that stuff, I’m thinking about what I can tweak to counter their counter. It’s a chess match.”

28

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

Mariah Bell, ‘ancient’ at 25, wins US Figure Skating title and a spot in Beijing

Mariah Bell will be the oldest American woman to compete in Olympic singles skating in nearly a century.

By JULIET MACUR

M

ariah Bell, a newly minted national champion, knows that she is considered “ancient” in the sport of women’s figure skating. But she wants you to know that she is proud of it.

At 25, she is finally a champion equipped to handle the pressure of the Olympics after nearly a decade at the top level of her sport. She is an example of why there should be no expiration date for skaters, she said, especially when they are still having fun.

“I want it to be a known fact that skating doesn’t end at a certain age,” she said of her discipline, which is known to celebrate youth.

On Friday, Bell became the oldest U.S. women’s national champion in 95 years, solidifying her spot on the U.S. team for the Beijing Olympics next month. At those Games, she will be the oldest American woman to compete in Olympic singles skating since 1928.

U.S. Figure Skating named Bell, Karen Chen, 22, and Alysa Liu, 16, to the Olympic team Saturday after considering their body of work over the past year or so.

Chen, a 2018 Olympian, won the silver medal at nationals Friday. Liu, who won the national championship at 13 in 2019, and again in 2020, withdrew from na-

tionals Friday after testing positive for the coronavirus.

With an Olympic berth finally in hand, and after a stressful and chaotic week, Bell savored her victory and exhaled long and hard.

She and the other top American skaters have been on edge at nationals, and not only because Olympic berths are at stake. They have been practicing and competing in Nashville as the highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus has swept around the world just weeks before the Beijing Games.

At least six skaters tested positive this past week and withdrew from nationals, including Brandon Frazier, who skates with Alexa Knierim in pairs and won the national title with her last year. They are likely to be named to the Olympic team despite not competing this year.

With two American pairs teams headed to Beijing, the other spot will most likely be filled either by Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy LeDuc, who won the pairs event Saturday, or by Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson, who finished second. The team will be announced Sunday.

In ice dance Saturday, Madison Chock and Evan Bates won the national title, with Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue in second. Those two couples are nearly locks for the Olympic team,

while the third Olympic berth will be up for grabs when the selections are announced Sunday.

Liu, who has been isolated in her hotel room since her positive test, appeared on the big screen at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday and waved to the cheering fans after being announced as an Olympic team selection. Later, she said that she was feeling good mentally and physically and that she had watched the women’s free skate Friday with some friends joining her for a virtual viewing party. It was fun to be a spectator for a change, she said.

Liu, who is from Richmond, California, wasn’t sure when she would be able to return to Colorado to resume her training, but the Olympic clock is ticking.

Many competitors are planning to leave for China in less than three weeks, and they must follow strict rules, including testing negative for the virus, to be allowed into the country. In some cases, people who have contracted the virus have continued to test positive for weeks.

“It depends on how quickly I can test negative again,” Liu said of her leaving for her training rink in Colorado. “I’m guessing I’m just going to stay here until I don’t have COVID anymore.”

The positive tests at nationals shook the top female skaters as they prepared to compete, but Chen and Bell said they had taken only a moment to worry about it before snapping back into competition mode.

“I gave myself like 10 minutes to just full-on freak out,” Chen said.

Their idea of focusing solely on things they can control will come in handy in Beijing, where the Americans will be up against highly skilled competitors from Russia (which swept the medals at last year’s world championships), Japan and South Korea. Some of those competitors have demonstrated advanced elements that were barely imaginable four years ago, including landing quadruple jumps not just once but several times during a single program. Those advanced elements equal more points — so many more points that the Americans probably won’t be able to keep up with them.

Neither Bell nor Chen is able to land a quadruple jump or a triple axel, moves that have become almost necessary to win on the world stage. And neither skater, in

her free skate Friday, executed a tripletriple jump combination, a foundation for medal contenders at international events.

While Liu was the first American woman to land a quad in international competition and was the first woman in the world to land a quad and a triple axel in the same program, she hasn’t seriously practiced a quad since March 2020, she said, and doesn’t plan to do one anytime soon.

Chen, who is from Fremont, California, is not giving up hope that the Americans can place well at the Olympics, considering her fourth-place finish at last year’s world championships.

“I really went there just thinking, I’m going to skate my absolute best and perform the heck out of my program,” she said. “So, you know, anything can happen.”

Adam Rippon, an Olympic bronze medalist who coaches Bell, also believes that the Americans shouldn’t dwell on medals or placement. He has advised Bell to skate only for herself, which is exactly what brought him joy in the sport.

“The thing that Mariah needs to focus on is that, at the end of the day, people don’t always remember the results, but they’ll remember the skates and they’ll remember the way that you made them feel,” he said.

Bell, who is from Westminster, Colorado, easily bought in. She has stuck around the sport for so long because she loves the way it makes her feel, thanks to her parents.

Once when she was very young, she recalled, her parents bought her a package of skating lessons, and she soon told them that she wanted to quit. Her parents shrugged and said, “That’s fine.” But without any prodding, she went back to the rink. Again and again. Her mother and father never pushed her into the sport, she said, and that nurtured her love for it.

On Friday, that love for skating permeated Bell’s performance. During her elegant and ethereal free skate to K.D. Lang’s version of “Hallelujah,” she smiled and glowed, making her hardest elements seem simple. In her sparkly burgundy dress, she looked like a prima ballerina spinning and floating above the ice, landing six triple jumps softly.

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

Sudoku

GAMES

29

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 Crossword #UY652S5J Down

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

13

14

16

17

18

19

21

9

31

40

41

38

34

43

47

50

54

56

57

49

55

36. Symbols of strength

8. "Take ___ out of crime!"

13. Rite

the Sea" 42. Courts

16. Edits

46. Big name in auto financing, once

18. Gertrude who was the first woman to

48. Arrives

40. Subject of the 2004 biopic "Beyond

43. Smoke, in slang

17. River sacred to the Hindus

47. Chore

swim the English Channel 19. Nest locales

50. Nonowner's property right

22. "Take ____ Leave Me"

54. Optical opening

21. "Dallas" matriarch Miss ___ 23. "____ Came Back Again" (Johnny Cash song) 24. Magical being

F

R

E

T

R

A

C

T

4. ___ a minute

J

Q

F

A

L

S

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U

U

C

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P

I

I

6. Opposite of WSW

D

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C

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E

V

E

N

D

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A

H

S

8. Bore

E

E

A

B

I

D

D

I

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G

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10. "___ ironic... don't you think?" (Alanis

R

E

I

H

E

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S

E

L

F

E

S

G

Q

12. Ivory source

O

R

S

K

A

G

N

I

T

T

E

N

D

D

15. Place a value on

B

S

R

E

G

N

A

D

T

D

I

I

I

E

22. Pronoun for Miss Piggy

T

E

L

E

T

Y

P

E

E

W

S

P

T

M

26. "____ delighted!"

28. Midday

P

H

L

H

V

E

B

L

O

D

D

A

H

I

29. Tiny ASUS PCs

31. Saint of "North by Northwest"

R

C

A

C

D

E

L

B

A

G

E

M

E

S

34. Accompanied

O

R

M

R

H

U

L

I

A

R

L

R

R

E

37. Olympic skater Michelle

D

O

C

U

M

E

N

T

G

T

I

A

I

A

39. Asian soldier

S

C

O

U

T

S

D

E

N

A

E

L

G

M

44. Protected, as from disease

H

S

L

A

R

T

N

E

C

T

V

A

Z

Z

25. Court org.

35. Have an ___ it (be hip)

Across

14. Sea witch in "The Little Mermaid"

Y

32. Umbrella cousins

59

1. Records in symbols

P

20. ___ canal

45

52

53

58

44

48

51

S

13. Saskatchewan Indian

39

42

46

I

Moriswette lyric) 11. Struggle with rope

30

33 37

R

9. Highlands hillside

29

36

C

3. "Wow!"

7. Methodologies

26

32

2. "Animal Farm" author

5. Roomy bag

23

28

35

1. Phonograph part

12

20

25 27

11

15

22 24

10

52. Garden-variety

53. Group of performers

38. Tex-Mex menu choice 41. Winter hazards 45. Outfitted

47. Miniature

48. Greek vacation isle 49. Luge

51. Film-rating org.

52. Patricia of "Hud"

55. Suffix with com-, dis- or re-

56. Crankcase bottom

26. "____ an accident!"

Agile

Disdains

Harms

Scorches

Belched

Document

Lever

Shaped

Alarm

Better

Bidding

57. Overwhelmed with noise

Centrals

27. Required

Cheek

30. Response (abbr.)

31. Disney World's ___ Center

Crispy

35. Stowe girl

Demise

33. Film critic Roger

Early

False

Bribes

59. Referred obliquely

Dither

Elbowing

Bored

58. English test component

25. Bologna man

Wordsearch

Word Search Puzzle #X464NL

Dangers

Feeds

Fudge

Gabled

Gleaned Great

Gurus

Herself Mired

Mulled

Netting

Parsnip Prods Quart

Queers

Scout

Shiver Tabby Tears

Teletype Tundra Veiled

Recap

Retract

Answers on page 30 Copyright © Puzzle Baron January 7, 2022 - Go to www.Printable-Puzzles.com for Hints and Solutions!

Copyright © Puzzle Baron January 7, 2022 - Go to www.Printable-Puzzles.com for Hints and Solutions!

HOROSCOPE Aries

30

(Mar 21-April 20)

Although the Sun and Venus sit in grounded Capricorn, they cast a glance at Neptune, so you could be fantasizing about something. If you did get it, would it bring you satisfaction? You may be looking for something much deeper, in which case, some thought can help you understand where the missing piece of the puzzle might be. A chance to chill could be good for you too.

Taurus

(April 21-May 21)

Gemini

(May 22-June 21)

A key influence can see you ready to enjoy time with friends. And yet you may be called to give someone a hand. While you’ll be glad to help, be conscious of how time passes. The day might be gone before you’ve had an opportunity to do anything else, leaving you frustrated. Is romance on the cards? You could have a secret crush on someone that gets stronger over coming days.

The present backdrop, with its focus on a prominent sector of your chart, might have you believe that anything is possible, particularly when it comes to realizing a goal or ambition. Even so, you do have limits like everyone else, so it’s best not to set your sights too high. With upbeat Jupiter assisting you to reach your goals, you’ll find that your dreams and intuition can be a real help.

Cancer

The San Juan Daily Star

Monday, January 10, 2022

(June 22-July 23)

Libra

(Sep 24-Oct 23)

With a very empathic quality in the air, you might find yourself naturally picking up on subtle cues, including someone’s body language. And it’s possible that the vibe they give out may not tally with their words. If you’re concerned about their motives Libra, then it’s better to have a chat with them and get closer to the truth, than ignore them and miss some important clues.

Scorpio

(Oct 24-Nov 22)

With Mercury slowing prior to turning retrograde, be careful when making decisions. A developing tie to impulsive Uranus, could find you jumping at options that seem perfect in the short-term, but not in the long-term. While this aspect never peaks, it can cause discomfort as you may seek instant answers, when the slow and steady solution might be the better one, Scorpio.

Sagittarius

(Nov 23-Dec 21)

Capricorn

(Dec 22-Jan 20)

Have your eye on something, Archer? The Aries Quarter Moon suggests that you’ll probably go for it, even if you don’t really need it. And if it’s entertaining and brings a chance to have some fun, you won’t look back. It could also plant a seed, and as a result, you may be drawn to an interest or new friends. Today can be a turning point that takes you into fresh territory.

The Quarter Moon in a high-flying zone, could leave you wondering who you should listen to. In the end, it can be the person who delivers the truth in an uncompromising way. It might not be what you want to hear, but if you act on this advice, it will get results. It may also be worth checking the time of meetings or appointments, as confusing aspects could cause you to miss out.

It may be wise not to believe everything you hear over coming days, even if it’s from someone who claims to know it all. The Sun’s alignment with ethereal Neptune, can coincide with mixed messages and misunderstandings, so whatever someone tells you, check for yourself that it’s sound. If you use unreliable information, it could cause a setback to an ongoing plan or project.

Leo

Aquarius

(July 24-Aug 23)

(Jan 21-Feb 19)

A positive connection to Neptune suggests a greater openness to other people’s moods, with a chance of picking up on their thoughts. This telepathic link could provide a way to understand someone’s motives, and get a sense of how this person feels about you. It works both ways though, so it may be possible that others can suss you out, whether you want them to or not.

Are you hesitant to take action? It’s not surprising, given that the Quarter Moon could find you taking two steps forward and one step back. You would probably prefer it if you knew you were going to succeed. To get the most out of the day, avoid overthinking and take a chance, Aquarius. Once you make a start, you’ll find things come together and you’ll go from strength to strength.

Virgo

Pisces

(Aug 24-Sep 23)

Feel you’re being pushed into a decision? Today’s edgy lunar phase in an intense zone, could bring this matter to a head. But rather than listen to others’ persuasive arguments, trust your intuition.

It may not make you popular, but you will likely be proved right, Virgo. Keen to get away? Some time spent in a place of natural beauty can leave you relaxed and recharged.

(Feb 20-Mar 20)

The Quarter Moon in Aries can coincide with a milestone, and a chance to commit further to something that seems to be working out well. Perhaps a new friendship, budding romance or a project is gaining momentum, and you now realize the value it holds for you. If you feel the push to continue, then don’t hesitate, Pisces. Very soon you’ll realize that you made the best choice.

Answers to the Sudoku and Crossword on page 29

Monday, January 10, 2022

31

CARTOONS

Herman

Speed Bump

Frank & Ernest

BC

Scary Gary

Wizard of Id

For Better or for Worse

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Ziggy

32

Monday, January 10, 2022

The San Juan Daily Star