Tuesday Jan 16, 2024

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

San Juan

Star

The

DAILY 50¢

Officials: Moisés the Manatee in Good Health After Propeller Accident P6

Crackdown on a ‘Hoax’ Justice Dept. Is Investigating Phony Orthodontists P3

Guánica Mayor Hopeful but Firm in His Demand for Accelerated Quake Reconstruction P4

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL P 16

Guatemala’s New President Sworn In, Despite Efforts to Stop Him P13

2 Tuesday, January 16, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

GOOD MORNING 3

January 16, 2024

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

Justice Dept. investigating phony orthodontists

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By THE STAR STAFF

J

ustice Secretary Domingo Emanuelli Hernández confirmed Monday an ongoing investigation into people who engage in unlicensed orthodontic work.

“We confirm that the Puerto Rico Department of Justice is leading an investigation into people who allegedly perform orthodontic and aesthetic work illegally, without being duly authorized, exposing the health and integrity of residents on the island,” Emanuelli Hernández said in a written statement.

“Anyone who is committing related crimes, exposes themselves to being criminally prosecuted.”

“We urge the injured persons or those who have evidence of the commission of this type of crime, to file a

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Offers of various types of orthodontic work “by people with no medical training are a hoax,” Dental Surgeons Association President Raúl Ortiz Escalera said. “They make promises of treatments for which they have neither a license nor the ability to deliver,” he added.

complaint with the Police Bureau,” he added. “You can also call 787.343.2020.”

Dental Surgeons Association President Raúl Ortiz Escalera warned citizens about the damage that can be caused by orthodontic work, such as braces, bleaching or veneers, known as “doggies,” performed by people without medical studies or licenses and which have become a trend on social networks.

“Offers of dental hooks and other orthodontic work by people with no medical training are a hoax,” Ortiz Escalera said. “They make promises of treatments for which they have neither a license nor the ability to deliver. They don’t follow infection control protocols, they don’t have medical equipment, such as a sterilizer and X-ray equipment, which are essential.

In addition, they do not have the medical preparation to make an accurate diagnosis, nor provide a treatment that really meets the needs of the patient and, more importantly, that does not put their health at risk.”

He added that the professional association over which he presides has received information that illegal practices are carried out in houses, apartments and commercial spaces.

However, social media ads do not tend to indicate the physical address of the people making the offers or who will be the health professional who will provide the service, until the interested parties make an appointment and give them a payment in advance.

Ortiz Escalera said oral interventions under such conditions can put people’s general health at risk, as they expose them to acquiring contagious diseases, such as hepatitis, AIDS and COVID, among others, as well as bone loss and even tooth loss. He gave the example of teeth whitening, which can cause inflammation, ulcers in the gums and damage to tooth enamel and nerves.

The physician noted that, in addition to the above, illegal “procedures” are performed without an examination, without X-rays or prior diagnosis by a professional doctor and can lead to cross-contamination of diseases, due to the lack of adequate sterilization of the instruments.

Ortiz Escalera added that dentists have at least eight years of studies and must obtain a license to practice the profession.

He stressed that practicing dentistry without preparation is a serious offense and carries a fine and imprisonment. In view of this, he called on the Health Department to investigate the situations to which it has been alerted and accelerate the investigations that are already underway.

“In the past, cases have been brought at the local and federal level and those responsible have faced legal consequences for these practices, reaching convictions,” he added.

The dentist asked those who are interested in making a complaint to help in the investigation against the fake “orthodontists” to contact the Dental Surgeons Association through the Facebook page, at (787) 764-1969, by email to intrusismo@ ccdpr.org or in person at the association’s office in San Juan, if they wish to file a complaint.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Psychological Assn. opposes bill it says would bar same-sex couples from adopting

By THE STAR STAFF

T

he Puerto Rico Psychological Association, through its Sex Diversity, Gender and Sexual Orientation Committee, strongly rejected a bill that they say would prevent same-sex couples from adopting.

Penned by New Progressive Party Rep. Jorge Navarro Suárez, House Bill 1982 grants adoption agencies immunity from civil suits if they decide against allowing same-sex couples to adopt because of religious reasons.

The bill seeks to protect religious organizations but critics say it would lead to the discrimination against same-sex couples. Gay activist Pedro Julio Serrano denounced the bill as one that would legalize discrimination against same-sex couples by stopping them from adopting.

“This bill not only violates the fundamental principles of equity and non-discrimination but constitutes a severe attack against the human and legal rights of the LGBTQIA+ community,” the association said.

The proposal undermines the progress made in building a more inclusive and respectful diversity in society, the professional organization said.

“We highlight the attack against children and youth, by limiting their possibility of having a safe home where they can develop comprehensively,” the association said.

Rep. Jorge Navarro Suárez

“Restricting access to adoption based on discriminatory criteria puts at risk the fundamental right of every child to live in a stable and loving environment.”

Given the election year that has just begun, the organization said it was especially concerned that there is political opportunism behind the initiative, which they said appears designed to seek electoral support from the fundamentalist religious sector.

“Furthermore, given the opportunity to build a legislative history that supports the comprehensive well-being of our Nation, it is worrying that Rep. Navarro opts instead to make proposals that encourage and promote discrimination and perpetuate stigmas,” the organization said.

“The Puerto Rico Psychological Association urges ethical reflection and the inclusion of diversity in legislative decision-making,” the group said. “We advocate for policies that promote equity, respect and the protection of the human rights of citizens, especially guaranteeing the well-being of childhood and youth in the possibility of having a safe home.”

“We call on Puerto Rican society and political leaders to reject House Bill 1982,” the association added. “May we work for a Country where diversity is celebrated and where children and youth enjoy equal opportunities, including the right to belong to diverse families.”

Guánica starts the year hopeful but firm in its demand for accelerated reconstruction

By THE STAR STAFF

G

uánica Mayor Ismael “Titi” Rodríguez Ramos welcomed Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón to the southwestern coastal town on Monday to observe the status of reconstruction projects four years after the earthquakes that struck Puerto Rico in early 2020.

“The mayors of the south are making a fair demand for additional attention to the issue of the reconstruction of our towns,” the mayor said. “Excessive bureaucracy is harming all communities. We receive this new year 2024 with hope, but firm in our claim.”

Rodríguez Ramos added that “just as today we welcomed the visit of González Colón, we are going to receive all the state

and federal officials who can help us move the wheel of bureaucracy.”

“The examples are there,” he said. “The only high school in our town, Áurea Aquiles, is inoperative and we are still waiting to be informed if it will be demolished or rebuilt. The country should know that as early as February 2020, engineers from the Public Buildings Authority (AEP) had recommended demolition. That is so that they have an example of the validity of our approaches.”

Other projects that will contribute to the tourist development of Guánica include the remodeling of the Malecón and the public plaza. Commonwealth agencies such as the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resiliency (COR3), and the departments of Housing and Natural & Environmental Resources administer federal funds to make the projects a reality.

“The funds are there; we in the Municipality have done our part, but we have to row in the same direction,” the mayor said.

In November of last year, Rodríguez Ramos announced that his municipality was recognized by the Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA) as the first town in Puerto Rico to complete all recovery procedures in accordance with the laws and regulations of the federal agency, and COR3, for the Hurricane Fiona emergency.

“We Guaniqueños are the first to go the extra mile in reconstruction, but we depend on state agencies,” the mayor said.

In 2024, the municipality is working on the demolition and design process for Ensenada Park, La Montalva Community Center and the Nueva Ensenada Municipal Gymnasium. Also going out to bid are repairs at Mariano Tito Rodríguez Coliseum. Other projects for reconstruction are the courts in Fuig, as well as in Alturas de Belgica, in the Esperanza neighborhood, Moises Flores Court and La Luna Community Center.

“We have also worked exhaustively on the paving of roads, which has totaled 27,185 tons of asphalt, with an investment that exceeds $3 million,” Rodríguez Ramos said. “Even so, there is still much to do, and we will continue to insist on enlisting the help of those who have the decision-making power to accelerate the processes.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

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Department of State creates digital library of legal, historical documents

By THE STAR STAFF

A

s part of its duty to preserve the island’s legal and historical heritage, the Puerto Rico Department of State launched its new “Virtual Legal Library” on the agency’s online portal this week.

The library provides free access to an extensive archive of laws dating from 1902 to the present, Secretary of State Omar Marrero Díaz announced.

“In its initial phase, this portal will allow citizens to carry out exhaustive searches for laws and joint resolutions, which will greatly simplify the process of finding and accessing current and historical legislation and regulations,” the state secretary said.

The online tool will allow citizens to perform accurate and detailed searches using a variety of parameters, including law or regulation number, title, status and relevant words.

Users will also be able to access a complete compendium of important laws of Puerto Rico such as the Civil Code, Electoral Code, Penal Code and the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, among others.

“The portal will be updated regularly

Secretary of State Omar Marrero Díaz with the latest laws, joint resolutions and current regulations,” Marrero Díaz said.

The information is available in text format online and in PDF format, providing a detailed look at the original documents as they were approved. The site will also allow the user to register in the system and use additional functionalities, including personalized searches. However, users

do not need to register to explore without restrictions.

Following an extensive document digitization process, the virtual library was developed in collaboration with the Cyber Technology Division and local company Document Control Systems Inc. One of the project’s main objectives was to preserve historical documents for future

generations.

“Historically, the State Department has served as a repository for countless historical documents, including all laws and regulations signed since the beginning of the last century,” Marrero Díaz said. “The process of digitizing the documents seeks in part to preserve this heritage and promote research work of a historical, legal and socio-political nature.”

The Virtual Library project included the rehabilitation of the Department of State vault, which involved an approximate investment of $200,000. The General Services Administration, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, and the State Office of Historical Preservation coordinated the work.

The secretary of state also emphasized the importance of the initiative to strengthen citizen participation and promote greater transparency in access to legal information.

“This new portal represents a significant step in our efforts to provide citizens with a powerful and friendly tool that allows them to know and understand the laws that govern us, as well as a historical legacy for future generations about a chapter marked by the change of sovereignty under the Treaty of Paris,” Marrero Díaz said.

NPP candidate for mayor of Mayagüez says necessary endorsements surpassed in 3 hours

By THE STAR STAFF

F

ormer senator Evelyn Vázquez Nieves, the New Progressive Party candidate for mayor of Mayagüez, announced Monday that she surpassed the number of endorsements needed to run for the office in only three hours on Sunday.

“If there’s one thing Evelyn Vázquez Nieves is more than sure of, it’s that the City of Mayagüez will be painted blue in the month of November with the arrival at the Mayor’s Office of the first woman mayor and under the banner of the New Progressive Party (NPP),” Vázquez Nieves said in a press release. “Yesterday, and in just three hours, our team managed to surpass the number of endorsements required to run for mayor of Mayagüez.”

The former Mayagüez-Aguadilla District senator thanked the 700 people who packed her campaign headquarters to support her in her new political quest.

“We only needed 247 endorsements to comply with

the law, yet we received 700,” Vázquez Nieves said.

“Certainly, the Mayagüezanos are tired of the sad and embarrassing reality of Mayagüez’s municipal administration. … They are demanding change!”

The candidate emphasized that “people have internalized our message …”

“Mayagüez can’t take it anymore!” she said. “Yesterday we saw it, again, in our campaign committee, by hosting so many people from the NPP and the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), who want change now.”

“People are fed up with so many problems, the waste of money and lack of attention in the municipality, as well as its economic and economic collapse, dozens of front pages focused on Mayagüezana corruption,” she insisted.

The former senator demanded meanwhile that her opponent, interim Mayor Jorge Ramos Ruiz, be responsible for every expense under his watch.

It is the responsibility of the municipality to work on the basis of priorities, and not on so many parties, she said.

Former senator Evelyn Vázquez Nieves

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Tuesday, January 16, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Officials find Moisés the manatee in good health after propeller accident

By THE STAR STAFF

N

atural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Anaís Rodríguez Vega confirmed Monday that the manatee Moisés, injured by a boat propeller, was found in good condition.

The DNER secretary’s remarks came after an evaluation by technical personnel from the agency’s Marine Mammal Rescue Program. The manatee became famous when he was found as a newborn in the 1990s in a stream under a bridge in Levittown. The Red Caribeña de Varamientos (Caribbean Stranding Network) then raised him.

“We have found and evaluated Moisés. His condition is encouraging, with the wounds healing positively,” Rodríguez Vega said. “Moisés is in excellent health, swimming vigorously, with good buoyancy and impressive muscle mass. Its current size reflects notable growth.”

“For now, everything indicates that the wounds are healing and that there are no other conditions of concern,” she added.

The program, managed by biologists Nilda Jiménez

Moisés the manatee and Grisel Rodríguez Ferrer, noted the importance of preserving and protecting manatees as fundamental members of the marine ecosystem.

“At the DNER we will continue working to guarantee the conservation of these species for the benefit of our marine biodiversity,” Rodríguez Vega said.

Meanwhile, the biologists noted that the study of the mammal was carried out following the protocol for cases of injured but free-swimming manatees. The analysis included behavior, movement, swimming, buoyancy, build, breathing rate, stool color, wound healing progress, agility, and whether there are shocks, sounds, or breathing problems.

“Moisés has become very attached to people and boats. We know that because of this, sometimes when he is clinging to a boat when people already want to leave, he tries to stay with the boat and that may be what caused his injuries. He has many scars,” Jiménez said. “I urge boaters that if they find themselves in this situation, be patient and ensure the well-being of Moisés and any other manatee. Also, I invite boat operators to exercise caution and to give these species space when sailing in the coastal area in order to protect them.”

Specialized personnel will continue to periodically monitor Moisés to ensure that its wounds continue to heal without problems and that the animal does not experience any complications.

Caguas communities receive funds for aqueducts

By THE STAR STAFF

T

he community aqueducts Pozo de Agua, El Paraíso and Parcelas Nuevas de Cañaboncito have received $126,472.33 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to improve their capacity to respond to emergency situations.

“It is very important for the city that its community aqueducts remain operational in the event of an emergency,” Caguas Mayor William Miranda Torres said Monday in a press release. “The equipment that will be purchased with these funds is part

of the development of energy redundancy projects to ensure … continuous operation of these water systems, for the benefit of the communities where they are located.”

This is the second installment of funds of this type and the aforementioned community aqueducts will acquire water pumping equipment and power generators. The first installment totaled nearly $98,000 in ARPA funds, through a grant program directed at nonprofit organizations that administer local community aqueducts, with the purpose of ensuring the supply of reliable drinking water for communities.

The second installment of American Recovery Plan Act funds for community aqueducts in Caguas will enable the acquisition of water pumping equipment and power generators.

Guaynabo Christmas tree recycling program is in its 18th year

By THE STAR STAFF

G

uaynabo Mayor Edward O’Neill Rosa announced on Monday the continuation of the city’s successful Christmas tree recycling initiative, now in its 18th consecutive year.

The municipality’s recycling department is ready to conduct the post-holiday round of tree recycling, a tradition that has been enthusiastically supported by residents over the years, O’Neill Rosa said.

The initiative, which has been implemented since 2007, reflects the administration’s commitment to the environment Guaynabo has been recycling residents’ Christmas trees by preventing discarded Christmas trees from reaching the since 2007.

transshipment plant. Instead, all recycled trees are used to beautify the city’s public gardens and contribute to compost at La Marquesa Forest Park.

“In our administration, we not only support the recycling of Christmas trees, but we have also strengthened this program, allocating more resources to raise citizen awareness about the impact on the planet by supporting recycling,” the mayor said.

Collection centers equipped with a special shredder have been set up to recycle trees. In addition, a collection route has been designed for homes, coinciding with the recycling points.

Those who cannot reach the collection centers are called upon to leave their trees outside their residences for collection by recycling personnel.

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

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Congressional leaders unveil stopgap bill to head off shutdown

By CATIE EDMONDSON

C

ongressional leaders unveiled stopgap legislation Sunday to avert a partial government shutdown, teeing up a race to pass the bipartisan spending deal into law before a deadline at the end of the week.

The bill, which came out of a spending deal negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson and Sen. Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, would temporarily extend funding for some federal agencies until March 1 and for others through March 8.

It would keep the government funded at its current spending levels, without any policy changes or conditions.

Facing opposition from hard-line House Republicans and a razor-thin GOP majority, Johnson will most likely need to rely on the same coalition — made up of Democrats and mainstream Republicans

— to pass the bill that both he and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy have relied on to keep the government funded.

In a sign that Democrats were preparing to muster the bulk of the votes to pass the bill, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the minority leader, signaled his backing of the bill Sunday night. He wrote to his caucus that he was “in strong support of the effort to keep the appropriations process moving forward and avoid a disruptive partial government shutdown.”

Schumer said that the Senate would begin the process to pass the bill, known as a continuing resolution, on Tuesday, when lawmakers return to Washington.

He noted that it would “take bipartisan cooperation in the Senate and the House to quickly pass the CR and send it to the president’s desk before Friday’s funding deadline.”

Far-right Republicans, who have

signaled their anger with the deal since Johnson initially announced it last weekend — and even implored him to abandon it — vented again Sunday night during a private conference call the speaker hosted to walk through the legislation.

Both privately and publicly, Johnson has framed the stopgap bill as a necessary measure that would allow lawmakers to continue passing the 12 individual spending bills that fund the government — a key demand by hard-right Republicans.

“Because the completion deadlines are upon us, a short continuing resolution is required to complete what House Republicans are working hard to achieve: an end to governance by omnibus, meaningful policy wins and better stewardship of American tax dollars,” Johnson said in a statement.

And he has promoted what he said were important improvements to the debt

limit deal that McCarthy negotiated last year with President Joe Biden. Johnson noted that he had secured concessions such as speeding up $10 billion in cuts to IRS enforcement and clawing back $6 billion in unspent pandemic dollars and other emergency funds.

But those concessions have done little to assuage his restive right flank, and some far-right lawmakers have begun dangling the threat of calling a vote to oust Johnson. That would hand him the same fate they dealt McCarthy after he relied on Democratic votes to avoid a shutdown in September.

“The @HouseGOP is planning to pass a short-term spending bill continuing Pelosi levels with Biden policies, to buy time to pass longer-term spending bills at Pelosi levels with Biden policies,” the House Freedom Caucus wrote on social media. “This is what surrender looks like.”

High school principal injured in Iowa school shooting has died

By LIVIA ALBECK-RIPKA

A

principal shot this month in a school shooting in Perry, Iowa, has died from his injuries, the funeral home handling the services confirmed Sunday.

The principal, Dan Marburger, 56, was shot Jan. 4 by a 17-year-old student at Perry High School. The student opened fire at the school in the early morning as students were returning from winter break.

The gunman, Dylan Butler, shot Marburger and five students, killing one of them, Ahmir Jolliff, a sixth grader. The gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot, police said.

Marburger died just before 8 a.m.

Sunday at a hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, Scott Glover, director of Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory, said in an email, noting that no other details of the death were available. The funeral home also held services for Ahmir last week.

Marburger’s death was also confirmed on a website raising funds for his family, which noted that the principal, who had served the school since 1995, had “endured significant injuries” Jan. 4, “putting himself

in harm’s way to ensure as many students and staff could safely exit the building.”

The community of Perry, a town of 8,000 about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, would be “forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger,” the organizer wrote, noting that Marburger was also a husband, father and grandfather.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement Sunday that flags at major government and public properties in the state would be lowered to half-staff to honor Marburger, and would remain lowered until sunset on the day of his funeral. She encouraged individual businesses, schools and others to do the same.

“Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger’s death,” Reynolds said in the statement. “Dan courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect his students, and ultimately gave his own life to save them. He will forever be remembered for his selfless and heroic actions.”

The shooting rocked the small city, where neither the victims of the shooting nor the gunman were strangers. Marburger was well-known as a friendly, outgoing

educator; those who knew Butler described him as a little odd, but not someone they had suspected of being violent.

In a statement posted on social me-

dia, the Perry Community School District described Marburger as a “tremendous leader” and said, “Our school community is heartbroken by Dan’s death.”

Police cars outside the high school in Perry, Iowa, on Thursday morning, Jan. 4, 2024. A principal shot in a school shooting in Perry, Iowa, has died from his injuries, the funeral home responsible for the body confirmed on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. The principal, Dan Marburger, 56, was shot on Jan. 4 by a 17-year-old student at Perry High School, who opened fire at the school in the early morning as students were returning from winter break. (Rachel Mummey/The New York Times)

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The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Atlanta DA defends qualifications of outside lawyer she hired for Trump case

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis holds a press conference to announce the indictment of former President Donald Trump and others, in Atlanta on Aug. 14, 2023. Fani Willis, center, is accused of having a romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, right, a special prosecutor she had hired. (Kenny Holston/ The New York Times)

By RICK ROJAS and SEAN KEENAN

F

ani T. Willis, the district attorney in Fulton County, Georgia, pushed back Sunday against the criticism and questions about her judgment that have followed a court filing accusing her of being romantically involved with an outside lawyer she hired to lead the racketeering case against former President Donald Trump.

Willis emerged from almost a week of silence to address the congregation at one of the oldest Black churches in Atlanta, which had invited her to be the keynote speaker for a service dedicated to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. She did not address the allegation that she was in a relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she hired in 2021, who has earned more than $650,000 in the job to date.

Instead, what Willis detailed were the frustrations and struggles that she said she has faced not only as a prosecutor, but also as a Black woman taking on the most powerful figure in the Republican Party.

She said the scrutiny of her hiring of Wade reflected the racism directed at her, adding that he had “impeccable credentials” that were being questioned only

because both she and Wade were Black.

Racist attacks and threats to her and her family were hurtful and unnerving, she said — and now practically routine.

“Wait a minute, God,” Willis, 52, said from the pulpit of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, recounting a prayer last week in which she reminded God that the job of district attorney, to which she was elected as a Democrat in 2020, came with more anguish, hardship and loneliness than she had anticipated.

“You did not tell me,” she added, “as a woman of color, it would not matter what I did — my motive, my talent, my ability and my character would be constantly attacked.”

Trump and 18 of his allies were indicted in August on racketeering and other state charges for what Willis’ office described as a multipronged effort to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia. Four of the defendants have pleaded guilty and pledged to cooperate with prosecutors.

The claim that Willis and Wade are romantically involved has spurred questions not only about Wade’s qualifications, but also about her rationale for hiring him.

Before his current role, Wade, 50, had never led a high-profile criminal case and had largely worked as a suburban defense

lawyer and municipal judge.

The court filing on Jan. 8 from Michael Roman, a co-defendant in the Trump case, asserted that Willis and Wade have gone on vacations together with some of his earnings from her office.

The accusations have emboldened Trump and his supporters, raising their hopes of getting Willis removed from the case — or getting the case dismissed altogether, as the filing requested.

“When is Fani going to drop the case, or should it be dropped for her?” Trump asked in a social media post last week. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a R-Ga., called for a criminal investigation, and Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia, also a Republican, called the accusations “deeply troubling.”

But those criticisms did not appear to penetrate Big Bethel’s walls.

“She’s been faithful to her oath and to the people of Fulton County,” Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, the presiding prelate for Georgia for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, said as he introduced her to the congregation. “How proud we are of her.”

He praised her for withstanding attacks on her reputation and threats to her safety. “She keeps on doing the job,” he said. “Fulton County, Georgia, and the nation are blessed because Fani Willis is our district attorney.”

Some congregants said after the church service that they were skeptical of the accusations. Rita Robinzine, 56, said she believed that the rumors and the way they had been weaponized against Willis underscored her point about Black women carrying an extra burden.

“Black women always have to prove ourselves,” said Robinzine, a retired teacher.

“Once upon a time, teachers would tell students, ‘You have to be twice as good as the white person in order to get ahead.’ So we’re all constantly proving ourselves and defending ourselves.”

Still, she added of the allegations: “I hope it’s not true.”

Willis noted from the pulpit that Wade had been hired in the past by a Republican in another Georgia county and that neither the official nor Wade had faced pushback then.

“I appointed three special counsels, as is my right to do. Paid them all the same hourly rate,” Willis said. “They only attacked one.” (The other two outside lawyers, she

said, are white.)

After Willis’ appearance, Ashleigh Merchant, a lawyer for Roman, said, “Nothing she said today changes any of the important arguments raised in our motion and does not change the unfortunate facts surrounding her appointment of Wade.”

During the roughly half-hour speech, Willis repeatedly referred to herself as flawed and imperfect. But she never provided much explanation other than describing a tendency for hardheadedness.

Willis said she turned to prayer last week, at one point even writing a letter to God in which she expressed self-doubt.

“A divorced single mom who doesn’t belong to the right social groups, who doesn’t necessarily come from the right family, doesn’t have the right pedigree — the assignment was just too high for lowly me,” she said, sharing parts of the letter with the congregation. “All I brought to the table, God, is my mind, my heart, my work ethic, my undying love for people and the community.”

In turn, she said, God encouraged her to keep pushing and to pray for her critics, even if she did not want to. “Do my work, ignore the distractions,” she said God told her.

She described herself to the worshippers at Big Bethel as “built and being constantly chiseled by faith and resilience,” just like the sanctuary she stood in, a towering church in the heart of Atlanta first established in 1847 by enslaved African Americans.

She said imperfect individuals are often given divine assignments that are large and challenging. Moses, she said, had a speech impediment, yet he was chosen to be God’s messenger. King had his struggles, too.

“See, Dr. King was an extremely special, brilliant, godly man,” she said. “But he was just a man and his journey was full of mistakes, pitfalls, pain and ugliness.”

The lesson she took from that: “He overcame those things, and he could change the world.”

After she spoke, Jackson stood beside Willis as the congregation stretched their hands toward her in prayer.

“Renew her strength,” he said.

Then Willis walked out onto the street, brushing past reporters waiting with questions she declined to answer.

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

9

3 migrants, including 2 children, drown near Texas border

By COLBI EDMONDS

T

hree migrants drowned in the Rio Grande by Eagle Pass, Texas, officials said Saturday, setting off a dispute among state and federal officials in what seemed to escalate the feud between the Biden administration and Gov. Greg Abbott over the stringent security measures the state has imposed to keep migrants from entering the country.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol agents received a distress call from Mexican authorities about a woman and two children who were trying to cross into the United States near the entrance of Shelby Park, which Abbott recently closed to curb migration.

Homeland Security said that when Border Patrol agents tried to respond to the call, they were “physically barred”

by Texas Military Department agents from accessing the area. But the military department said when Border Patrol agents requested access, the migrants had already drowned, adding that claims that it had prevented the agents from saving them were “wholly inaccurate.”

For more than two years, Abbott has been testing the legal limits of what a state can do to enforce immigration law, expanding the use of concertina wire along the riverbank and installing buoy barriers to discourage migrants from crossing. But Border Patrol officials in the area have complained that those moves have made it harder for agents to help migrants

in distress. And a Homeland Security spokesperson said Texas officials must stop interfering with federal law enforcement.

“The Texas governor’s policies are cruel, dangerous and inhumane and Texas’ blatant disregard for federal authority over immigration poses grave risks,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The military department said its agents searched the Rio Grande with lights and night-vision goggles but did not see any migrants trying to cross. The department said its agents confirmed that when the federal agents tried to get into Shelby Park, they said Mexican authorities had already recovered the bodies of two of the migrants.

The Mexican government confirmed that its national guard recovered three migrants’ bodies and rescued two other Mexican people.

The Texas Military Department denied that it was made aware of any dire situation or people in need of assistance near Shelby Park. “At no time did TMD security personnel along the river observe any distressed migrants, nor did TMD turn back any illegal immigrants from the U.S. during this period,” it said in a statement.

The New York Times could not independently confirm the events that occurred around the drownings.

In response to the deaths, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, who represents a portion of South Texas that includes San Antonio, said over the phone Sunday that “the state should not be preventing Border Patrol from doing its job in that area.”

Eagle Pass is a small border town that saw up to 5,000 migrant crossings a day during the height of the influx. More recently, that number has gone down to about 400 to 500, Mayor Rolando Salinas Jr. said in a news conference last week.

Many migrants crossing the border are in urgent need of medical attention when they arrive in Eagle Pass, which is struggling to meet the needs of its 28,000 residents, much less the needs of those who make it across the border as well.

The city has had to assign one of its five ambulances full time to transport injured migrants from the Rio Grande’s edge.

An estimated 300,000 migrants were apprehended along the southern border in December, a record, prompting the temporary closure of four international crossings, including the one in Eagle Pass. The Justice Department denounced Abbott’s decision to close the entrances.

Texas has long been at the center of U.S. immigration policy, with some of the largest levels of arrivals in recent years occurring in El Paso and across the Rio Grande Valley. But the area has turned into a key point of friction this year between Republican leaders and the Biden administration.

Migrants crossing the Rio Grande river at the Texas-Mexico border before being intercepted by U.S. authorities to enter Eagle Pass, Texas, on Jan. 3, 2024. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)

Four dead and one critically hurt in hot air balloon crash, police say

By CHRISTOPHER MELE

F

our people were killed and one person was critically injured after a hot air balloon crashed in a desert area about 50 miles northwest of Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday morning, police said.

The crash happened around 7:50 a.m. in Eloy, the Eloy Police Department said on Facebook.

The balloon was carrying 13 adults, including its operator, Eloy Mayor Micah Powell said in an interview Sunday night.

Eight of those aboard were skydivers.

It was not immediately clear what went wrong, but it appears that after the skydivers left the gondola, there was some kind of catastrophic failure, said Eloy Police Chief Byron Gwaltney.

A witness who saw the last 10 seconds of the balloon’s descent before it crashed described it as deflated, shapeless and coming straight down, Powell said.

One passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and three others were pronounced dead after being taken to hospitals, Powell said.

He said investigators are “looking at the

physics of it all” to determine what precisely happened.

Gwaltney said investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration would probably examine, among other things, cellphone footage that might have been shot during the ride.

The NTSB said on social media that it was investigating the crash but offered no further details.

It was unclear what altitude the balloon had reached before it crashed.

Police said they were withholding the

names of the victims, pending notification of next of kin. The identity of the operator of the hot air balloon was not available.

Powell said the area is a popular location for skydivers, describing it as “very well-known and loved” among enthusiasts.

“We embrace it as a community,” he said.

There have been fatal crashes involving skydivers and planes from time to time, he said, but he could not recall a crash involving as many people.

“It’s a sad, sad situation,” Powell said.

“Out hearts go out to those families who lost loved ones.”

10 Tuesday, January 16, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Google cuts hundreds of jobs in engineering and other divisions

By NICO GRANT

G

oogle laid off hundreds of workers in several divisions last week, seeking to lower expenses as it focuses on artificial intelligence and joining a wave of other companies cutting tech jobs this year.

The Silicon Valley company laid off employees in its core engineering division, as well as those working on the Google Assistant, a voice-operated virtual assistant, and in the hardware division that makes the Pixel phone, Fitbit watches and Nest thermostat, three people with knowledge of the cuts said.

Several hundred employees from the company’s core engineering organization lost corporate access and received notices that their roles were eliminated, two of the people said.

“We’ve had to make some difficult decisions about ongoing employment of some Google employees and we regret to inform you that your position is being eliminated,” the company told some workers in the division, according to text reviewed

by The New York Times.

Google confirmed the Assistant cuts, earlier reported by Semafor, and the hardware layoffs, earlier reported by the blog 9to5Google.

shed hundreds of workers from its Twitch streaming service, Prime Video and MGM studios. Xerox said this month that it would cut 15% of its 23,000-person staff, and the video game software provider Unity Software said it would eliminate 1,800 roles, or 25% of its workforce.

At Google, CEO Sundar Pichai has pushed the company since July 2022 to sharpen its focus and to reduce expenses as global economic conditions deteriorated. In January 2023, Google shed 6% of its workforce, or 12,000 people, in the largest layoffs that the company has conducted. Since then, executives at the company have said they would try to significantly reduce costs, as it focuses on the growing field of generative artificial intelligence.

Google, which had 182,000 employees as of Sept. 30, said the layoffs Wednesday were part of a set of reorganizations made in the normal course of business.

The Alphabet Workers Union, a group representing more than 1,400 workers at Google’s parent company, Alphabet, described the layoffs as “needless.”

“Our members and teammates work hard every day to build great products for People on Google’s campus in Mountain View, Calif., Sept. 12, 2023. Google laid our users, and the company cannot contioff hundreds of workers in several divisions Wednesday night, seeking to lower ex- nue to fire our co-workers while making bipenses as it focuses on artificial intelligence and joining a wave of other companies llions every quarter,” the group said in a post on the social media site X, formerly Twitter. cutting tech jobs this year. (Jim Wilson/The New York Times)

“We’re responsibly investing in our company’s biggest priorities and the significant opportunities ahead,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement. After cuts throughout the second half of 2023, “some teams are continuing to make these kinds of organizational changes, which in-

clude some role eliminations globally.”

The cuts continue a trend of tech layoffs, after large companies such as Google, Meta and Amazon laid off thousands of workers last year. Ten days into this year, more companies have announced job cuts. Earlier Wednesday, Amazon

Quaker Oats recalls more products over potential salmonella contamination

By REBECCA CARBALLO

T

he Quaker Oats Co. added more products this week to a recall that started last month over possible salmonella contamination, raising the total number of products to more than 60.

Quaker Oats, which is owned by PepsiCo, initially recalled 43 products, including granola bars, cereals and various snack foods. On Thursday, the company added 24 products to the list.

The newly recalled items include Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, Gatorade protein bars, Cap’n Crunch bars, Quaker

Simply Granola Cereals, Gamesa Marias Cereal and other cereals.

“To date, Quaker has received no confirmed reports of illness related to the products covered by this recall,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in December. It is unclear if any illnesses have been reported since then.

It was not immediately clear how the potential contamination occurred or how or when it first came to the attention of federal regulators or the company. Quaker Oats did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday.

On its website, the company listed

the recalled products and provided an option to request reimbursement.

Customers should check their pantries for any of the products and dispose of them, the FDA said.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Common symptoms of salmonella include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, which may be bloody. In rare cases, salmonella can get into the bloodstream and result in more severe illnesses, such as infected arte-

ries, according to the FDA. Individuals who are exposed usually start to feel sick six hours to six days later. Most infections are mild and last between four and seven days.

Other recent salmonella-related recalls have been linked to a variety of foods, such as vegetables, fruits and meats. At least two people died in a salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in November.

Salmonella bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the United States every year, according to the CDC.

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

11 Stocks

US stock investors splurge on cheap options hedges with VIX near four-year lows T

raders on Friday piled into U.S. stock options contracts that would pay out if volatility jumped from the current four-year lows, even as the S&P 500 remained within striking distance of new highs.

Volume in options on the Cboe Volatility Index, which are typically used to guard against stock market gyrations, stood at 1.2 million contracts at 2:20 p.m. Friday, on pace for the highest level in about three weeks.

The index, known as “Wall Street’s fear gauge,” stood at 12.51 on Friday, just above the four-year low of 11.81 hit in late December after a searing late-year rally that helped boost the S&P 500 to a 24% gain in 2023.

With the S&P 500 less than 1% away from its January 2022 record closing high, some traders appeared to be taking advantage of relatively cheap pricing on defensive options contracts to pick up portfolio hedges.

The largest VIX trade on Friday was a $16.8 million purchase of 250,000 call options that would benefit from the volatility index rising above 17 by midFebruary.

“I think it is one of the bigger VIX call purchases that we have seen in a while,” Chris Murphy, co-head of derivative strategy at Susquehanna Financial Group, said. The trade was more likely to be a defensive play taking advantage of comparatively attractive volatility levels to add portfolio protection rather than an outright wager on a drop in the stock market, Murphy said. “It’s probably a big fund that might even be leaning very long, saying this is the most attractive hedge for us right now,” he said. The strength of hedging activity on Friday was in contrast to a generally anemic level of defensive trading in recent weeks.

“Right now, oil prices have been ... leading the stocks,” said Matthew Maley, chief market strategist at Miller Tabak. “So if oil prices can break out a little bit from here, which would catch people a little off guard, this energy group is going to start playing catch up real quick.”

Strategists at the Wells Fargo Investment Institute (WFII) this week upgraded their rating on the energy sector to “favorable” from “neutral,” saying “oil prices will bottom with the global economy and then finish the year higher.”

A potential rise in Middle East tensions and any OPEC actions on production are factors that could influence near-term oil prices.

Prices for U.S. crude jumped as much as 4.5% on Friday before settling up 0.9%, after several oil tankers diverted course from the Red Sea following overnight air and sea strikes by the United States and Britain on Houthi targets in Yemen. The energy sector ended up 1.3% on the day.

“While a resolution of the problems in the Red Sea would be bearish for oil, it appears as though the situ-

MOST ASSERTIVE STOCKS

PUERTO RICO STOCKS

COMMODITIES

CURRENCY

ation is escalating and the risk should drive oil prices higher,” wrote Mike O’Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading.

Another key factor for the group will be upcoming quarterly earnings reports. Oil services firm SLB, formerly called Schlumberger, reports next week, with Baker Hughes and Marathon Petroleum among those expected later in the month.

Energy is expected to post the worst full-year 2023

earnings performance of any sector, falling nearly 26% overall, LSEG data showed. But its earnings are expected to increase 1.6% in 2024.

Improving earnings trends and enticing valuations are among the factors supporting energy shares along with the potential for the group to be a hedge should geopolitical tensions rise, said Walter Todd, chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital. The firm is overweight energy in its portfolios, including shares of Conocophillips and Chevron.

While energy earnings are improving, the sector’s estimated performance this year is still expected to trail the 11.1% increase for the overall S&P 500 in 2024.

12 Tuesday, January 16, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Iceland faces ‘new chapter’ of seismic activity as lava menaces town

By EGILL BJARNASON and EMMA BUBOLA

L

iving in a country that straddles two tectonic plates and has 130 or so volcanoes, Icelanders are no strangers to earthquakes and eruptions.

But a lava stream that flowed into the southwestern town of Grindavik on Sunday, burning three homes — the first time in about 50 years that a residential area had been affected — was further proof that a threatening new phase of seismic activity had started in the area, according to Iceland’s president.

“A daunting period of upheaval has begun on the Reykjanes Peninsula,” the president, Gudni Johannesson, said in a televised address Sunday night, referring to the area that includes Grindavik. “What we all hoped would not happen has come to pass.”

Since 2020, scientists have seen signs of increased volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which had been dormant for 800 years, and they have detected tens of thousands of earthquakes in recent months. In response to a potential eruption, Iceland has built defensive barriers around a geothermal power plant, which supplies hot water to the area, and around other potentially vulnerable sites nearby.

Grindavik, a fishing town of 3,600 people, was evacuated in November after strong seismic activity was recorded on the peninsula, then again in December, when a stream of lava erupted in a remote valley north of Grindavik for several days, without causing damage.

Residents were advised not to return to their homes, and before the eruption

A herd of horses is moved to safety in Hvolsvollur, Iceland, as a plume of volcanic ash rises from a volcano below the Eyjafjallajokull glacier on April 17, 2010. A lava stream that flowed into the southwestern Icelandic town of Grindavik on Sunday, burning three homes, was further proof that a threatening new phase of seismic activity had started in the area, according to Iceland’s president. (Bara Kristinsdottir/The New York Times) Sunday, authorities ordered a complete evacuation of the 200 people who had remained.

A volcanologist at the University of Iceland, Thorvaldur Thordarson, said Monday that the threat to the peninsula, where about 31,000 residents live in several towns, would not end soon.

“This new chapter on the Reykjanes Peninsula will last for a long time,” he said, adding, “A large, populated area is at stake.”

The scorching orange stream of lava that poured out of a fissure Sunday, descending on Grindavik, has left a question mark over when residents there might return.

Iceland’s prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, said Monday that the evacuation of Grindavik’s residents — who represent 1% of Iceland’s total population of about 370,000 — is a major task and that authorities had to start thinking about “long-term solutions.”

“It was one of the biggest natural disasters we have seen in recent times,” Jakobsdottir said in a phone call. “The events are part of a larger picture, which will be with us for the future to come.”

Still, residents, even those who had their homes destroyed, hoped that they would eventually be able to go back. The earthquakes have also damaged dozens of buildings and roads in the town, and a construction worker last week fell through a crack and died.

Unndor Sigurdsson, a schoolteacher and a father of three, had recently built his house in Grindavik, in part with his own hands. He visited it last week, and he was planning to return to Grindavik soon. But Sunday, Sigurdsson and his family watched their house go up in flames on livestream

from a flat in Reykjavik.

“The fissure opened up like a straight arrow toward my house,” Sigurdsson, who coaches Grindavik’s basketball team, said in a phone call Monday. “This morning, the video shows only a black layer of lava.” He added, “It is like my house was never there.”

But he said that he is still going to return. “When it is possible and allowed,” he said, “I will move back to Grindavik.”

Fannar Jónasson, mayor of Grindavik, said that officials were monitoring the volcanic activity day by day and building action plans.

“There is hope that our community in Grindavik will rebuild quickly,” he wrote in an email. “But as things stand, you can’t say anything for sure, you can only hope.”

Hordur Gudbrandsson, 63, leader of a local labor union, said that, before Sunday’s lava flow, business owners in Grindavik had been planning to reopen.

“The eruption has changed the tone,” Gudbrandsson said. “For how long, I don’t know.”

Grindavik’s population has boomed in recent years thanks to an influx of people from the capital, Reykjavik, which is only a 45-minute drive away. As well as commuting jobs, residents could find work at the geothermal plant, in the fishing industry or at the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa popular with tourists.

Tourism in Grindavik has been further boosted by frequent eruptions at the Fagradalsfjall mountain ridge, where the Reykjanes Peninsula first flared to life in 2021, after centuries of calm. But now, the volcanoes are threatening the town.

Gudbrandsson said he was concerned about the future of the town, but he noted that, for a community that traditionally made its living on fishing boats in the stormy North Atlantic, facing up to adversity was a common trait.

Bad news about sinking ships and drownings have always been part of life, he said: “We know how to stand together.”

Vilhjalmur Arnason, a lawmaker and resident of Grindavik, said he was sure that residents would return. He cited an eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973, which dumped ash and lava over much of Heimaey, in the Westman Islands off southern Iceland, destroying several hundred homes.

Many residents eventually went back to the island.

“If you live in Iceland,” Arnason said, “you have to manage to live with the nature.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

13

Guatemala’s new president is sworn in, despite efforts to stop him

By SIMON ROMERO and JODY GARCÍA

D

espite staunch resistance from his opponents in the government, anti-corruption crusader Bernardo Arévalo was inaugurated early Monday morning as Guatemala’s president, a turning point in a country where tensions have been simmering over widespread graft and impunity.

His inauguration had been scheduled for Sunday, but members of Congress delayed it, and concerns persisted about whether it would happen at all. But after an international outcry and pressure from protesters, Arévalo was sworn in shortly after midnight, becoming Guatemala’s most progressive head of state since democracy was reestablished in the 1980s.

His rise to power — six months after his victory at the polls delivered a stunning rebuke to Guatemala’s conservative political establishment — amounts to a sea change in Central America’s most populous country. His landslide election reflected broad support for his proposals to curb graft and revive a teetering democracy.

But as Arévalo prepares to govern, he must assert control while facing off against an alliance of conservative prosecutors, members of Congress and other political figures who have gutted Guatemala’s governing institutions in recent years.

“Arévalo has the most thankless job in Guatemala today because he arrives with exceptionally high expectations,” said Edgar Ortíz Romero, an expert on Guatemalan constitutional law. “He’s been given a budget for a Toyota when people want a Ferrari.”

Arévalo’s opponents in Congress moved to rein him in late last year, approving a budget that would severely limit his ability to spend on health care and education, two of his top priorities.

But finding resources to spend is just one of the difficulties confronting Arévalo. More urgently, as his opponents in Congress showed again Sunday, he faces multiple challenges from Guatemala’s entrenched establishment, aimed at quickly crippling his ability to govern.

The power struggle playing out in Guatemala, a nation of 18 million, is being closely followed throughout Central America, a region on edge over the expanding sway of drug cartels, the exodus of migrants and the use of authoritarian tactics in neighboring countries like El Salvador and Nicaragua.

“This is a unique event in the country’s history,” said Javier García, a 31-year-old engineer, who was among the thousands who turned out to celebrate the inauguration in the capital, Guatemala City. “Now I hope those who lost the election understand this once and for all.”

The transition of power was anything but orderly. After he burst onto Guatemala’s political scene last year, Arévalo faced an assassination plot, his party’s suspension and a barrage of legal attacks aimed at preventing him from taking office. His opponent in the presidential race, a former first lady, refused to recognize his victory.

In the capital, speculation swirled in recent days that prosecutors would seek the arrest of Arévalo’s running mate, Karin Herrera, potentially derailing the inauguration because both the president-elect and vice president-elect need to be

Protesters outside Guatemala’s Congress building in Guatemala City on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2023. Opponents of the anticorruption crusader Bernardo Arévalo delayed his inauguration as president of Guatemala on Sunday, ratcheting political tensions higher in Central America’s most populous country. (Daniele Volpe/The New York Times) present for the transfer of power to be legitimate.

Guatemala’s highest court issued an order last week shielding Herrera from arrest, giving her and Arévalo a reprieve. But the same court sowed confusion Sunday when it allowed his conservative opponents to remain in the running to retain control of Congress.

Members of Congress opposed to Arévalo then spent hours trying to consolidate their hold on the chamber, effectively delaying the transfer of power as much of the country remained on tenterhooks. But in a twist Sunday night, Arévalo’s party managed to win leadership of Congress, clearing the way for the swearing-in.

Prosecutors and judges opposed to Arévalo had already gone on a judicial onslaught soon after the national election.

Seeking to cast doubt on Arévalo’s victory at the polls, where he won by more than 20 percentage points, prosecutors obtained arrest warrants for four magistrates who served on Guatemala’s top electoral authority, alleging corruption in the acquisition of election software. The four magistrates were all outside the country when the warrants were issued.

On Thursday, the attorney general’s office arrested Napoleón Barrientos, a former interior minister, on the grounds that he had refused to use force to maintain order in October against protesters demanding the attorney general’s resignation.

Such moves have grown common in Guatemala since 2019, when conservative political figures shut down a pioneering United Nations-backed anti-corruption mission. Dozens of prosecutors and judges who had been trying to take on graft fled into exile.

Pushing back, the United States, the European Union and multiple leaders in Latin America threw their support behind Arévalo, a sociologist and former diplomat. That support was visible Sunday as the delays seemed to put the transfer of power in doubt.

“There is no question that Bernardo Arévalo is the president of Guatemala,” said Samantha Power, the administrator

of the United States Agency for International Development, who led a U.S. delegation to the inauguration. She added, “The world is watching.”

The Biden administration maneuvered for months in support of Arévalo after he shocked many in Guatemala, including members of his party, by squeaking into a runoff election that he went on to resoundingly win.

Washington’s support for reform stands in contrast to the role it played in Guatemala decades ago. The United States backed the Guatemalan military during a long, brutal civil war; one military dictator during the 1980s was later convicted of genocide for trying to exterminate the Ixil, a Mayan Indian people. In 1954, the CIA engineered a coup that toppled a popular, democratically elected president, Jacobo Arbenz.

After that coup, Arévalo’s father, Juan José Arévalo, a former president who is still admired in Guatemala for allowing freedom of speech and creating the social security system, spent years in exile around Latin America.

The younger Arévalo, a soft-spoken sociologist and diplomat, was born in Uruguay during that time and was raised in Venezuela, Mexico and Chile before the family could return to Guatemala.

As efforts intensified last month to prevent Arévalo from taking office, the United States imposed sanctions on Miguel Martínez, one of the closest allies of the departing president, Alejandro Giammattei, over widespread bribery schemes.

And in a pivotal move, the U.S. authorities in December imposed visa restrictions on nearly 300 Guatemalans, including more than 100 members of Congress, accusing them of undermining democracy and the rule of law as they tried to weaken Arévalo and keep him from being inaugurated.

“The pressure from the United States has prevented a coup d’état; without that, we wouldn’t be here,” said Manfredo Marroquín, the head of Citizen Action, an anti-corruption policy group. “The Americans are like insurance: there in times of crisis.”

14

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

As development alters Greek islands’ nature and culture, locals push back

By NIKI KITSANTONIS

W

ith a deluge of foreign visitors fueling seemingly nonstop development on once pristine Greek islands, local residents and officials are beginning to fight back, moving to curb a wave of construction that has started to cause water shortages and is altering the islands’ unique cultural identity.

Tourism is crucial in Greece, accounting for one-fifth of the country’s economic output, and communities on many islands depend on it. But critics say the development has spiraled out of control in some areas, particularly on islands like Mykonos and Paros, where largescale hotel complexes have mushroomed in recent years.

Teachers and other professionals in those and other Cycladic islands, a popular cluster in the Aegean Sea, have struggled to find affordable housing amid an influx of visitors and homebuyers, fueling growing protests by locals over the repercussions of rampant tourism.

The islands, at the forefront of Greece’s tourism boom, are facing increasingly urgent calls to preserve their natural and cultural heritage.

The number of foreign arrivals to Greece broke another record in 2023, with 30.9 million in the first 10 months of the year, according to the Bank of Greece — an increase of 17% over the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic tourism levels.

To meet such demand, 461 new hotels opened on Greece’s southern Aegean islands from 2020-23, according to data from the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels compiled by the Athens-based Research Institute for Tourism.

Of those, 126 were opened last year, according to the institute.

The proliferation of swimming pools has put a serious strain on water supply on Cycla-

Cali, a hotel that opened on July 2022 in Mykonos, Greece, on Aug. 7, 2022. As a proliferation of pools threatens some water supplies and housing costs skyrocket, people of the Cycladic islands say the Aegean islands’ character is being lost to real-estate homogenization. (Maria Mavropoulou/The New York Times) dic islands like Sifnos and Tinos, and the aggressive expansion of seaside bars over pristine beaches on many islands has generated a backlash from locals.

Conservationists and architects are also leading a push to preserve the character of the Cyclades, which they say is at risk of being obliterated amid a real estate-driven homogenization of vacation destinations.

The Athens-based Museum of Cycladic Art, which showcases the unique marble figurines that were produced on those islands in antiquity and influenced the course of Western art, is working with local authorities and associations to the same end.

Greece’s tourism minister, Olga Kefalogianni, pledged recently that untrammeled growth would no longer go unchecked.

“We have a clear vision and goal for the sustainability of destinations and of our tourism product,” she said last month at a conference in Athens. She said that going forward, there would be a greater emphasis on protecting the natural environment and cultural identity of individual destinations, with legisla-

tion being drafted to support that effort.

Those pressing for change are not convinced.

“It’s very easy to talk about sustainable development, but all they actually do is approve new investments,” said Ioannis Spilanis, a former general secretary for island policy at Greece’s shipping ministry and now head of the Aegean Sustainable Tourism Observatory.

Spilanis, a native of Serifos, was one of several experts who addressed a November conference on Mykonos about how tourism has “radically changed” the Cyclades. The event was organized by local authorities who recently appealed to a top Greek court over a project for a five-star hotel complex and a marina for superyachts. (The court allowed the development but curtailed the marina’s size.)

Nikos Chrysogelos, a former member of the European Parliament with the Ecologist Greens party who has launched a Cycladeswide sustainability initiative, said developers were overlooking the singular features of the Cyclades and treating them like city suburbs.

“You used to see farm buildings, dry stone walls — there was a harmony to the landscape,” said Chrysogelos, a Sifnos native. “Now you see roads, hotel complexes, high walls. It could be Dubai or Athens.”

Nikos Belios, a secondary school principal and the head of the local farmers’ and beekeepers’ cooperative, said Sifnos had experienced

an influx of investors “from all over the planet, building colossal structures, like fortresses, with huge walls” to cater to wealthy tourists.

“They arrive, they load up their Cayennes or Jeeps or Hummers, and they lock themselves away,” he said of the tourists. “They have no interest in Sifnos — it’s a dot on the map for them.”

Last year, Maria Nadali, the mayor of Sifnos, urged the Greek government to put the brakes on “dizzying” tourist development — including banning the construction of further private swimming pools and “cave houses” built into mountain slopes, a trend that she said was altering the island’s “morphology and unique architectural physiognomy.”

The Museum of Cycladic Art has also become involved, trying to help islanders protect the islands’ natural environment and heritage.

The museum is holding programs on eight islands, with topics including preserving the ancient marble quarries of Paros — the source of many Cycladic antiquities — and documenting and promoting traditional water management practices on Andros.

“We’re trying to help them protect their heritage,” said Kassandra Marinopoulou, the museum’s CEO and president, citing as key threats increased tourism, the abandonment of local traditions and the effects of climate change.

The initiative also aims to support cultural tourism on the islands, with digital walking tours and the promotion of local gastronomy, said Marinopoulou, whose family is from Andros.

“We don’t want the Cycladic food to disappear because the younger generations sell the family taverna and it becomes a sushi bar,” she said. “What a visitor wants is authenticity.

They don’t want to see something they’ve seen in Ibiza — that’s not authentic.”

Amid the glut of five-star hotels, some businesses are seeking to promote “slow travel” as an alternative model that supports local communities rather than sidelining them.

One of those, travel startup Boundless Life, exposes foreign visitors to local culture with pottery workshops, textile factory visits and Greek lessons. “When choosing new Boundless locations, we’re very keen on identifying cultural gems and protecting them,” said Elodie Ferchaud, a founder of the travel startup, which has brought scores of foreign families to Syros for three-month stays.

But many natives of the Cycladic islands say that a full overhaul of Greece’s tourism model is needed.

“We need to find a way to survive,” Spilanis said. “Destroying the very assets you’re sitting on is not the way.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

15

This is the actual danger posed by DEI

By DAVID FRENCH

T

here are few national conversations more frustrating than the fight over DEI. Short for “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” the term — like the related progressive concepts of wokeness and critical race theory — used to have an agreed-upon meaning but has now been essentially redefined on the populist right. In that world, DEI has become yet another catchall boogeyman, a stand-in not just for actual policies or practices designed to increase diversity, but also a scapegoat for unrelated crises.

For example, after a door plug blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 jet this month, X’s Elon Musk, among others, launched a series of tirades against DEI. The idea, if it can be called that, was that efforts to diversify airline workforces had contributed to the accident. The problem was that there was zero evidence that these efforts had anything to do with it.

In fact, the airline industry is much safer than it was when it was a virtually all-white enterprise decades ago.

So, yes, the immense backlash from parts of the right against almost any diversity initiative is a sign of the extent to which millions of white Americans are content with their vastly disproportionate share of national wealth and power.

But that’s not the entire story when it comes to controversy over DEI. Outside the reactionary right, there is a cohort of Americans, on both right and left, who want to eradicate illegal discrimination and remedy the effects of centuries of American injustice yet also have grave concerns about the

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way in which some DEI efforts are undermining American constitutional values, especially on college campuses.

The danger posed by DEI resides primarily not in these virtuous ends but in the unconstitutional means chosen to advance them.

I’ll share with you three pervasive examples, each of them drawn both from contemporary controversies and from decades of cultural conflict and constitutional litigation in America’s colleges and universities. In the name of DEI, all too many institutions have violated their constitutional commitments to free speech, due process and equal protection of the law.

First, it is a moral necessity for colleges to be concerned about hateful discourse, including hateful language directed at members of historically marginalized groups. Moreover, colleges that receive federal funds have a legal obligation to protect students from harassment on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation and other protected categories.

Yet that is no justification for hundreds of universities to pass and maintain draconian speech codes on campus, creating a system of unconstitutional censorship that has been struck down again and again and again in federal court. Nor is it a justification for discriminating against faculty members for their political views or for compelling them to speak in support of DEI. Second, there is a moral imperative to respond to sexual misconduct on campus. While the precise numbers of college sexual assaults is disputed, we can all agree that the abuse some women endure at school is a moral disgrace.

Moreover, every school that receives federal funds has a legal obligation to protect students from sexual harassment and sexual violence. And there’s no question that survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault have long faced a struggle to be heard, to be taken seriously and to receive justice.

Yet that is no justification for replacing one tilted playing field with another. Compelled in part by constitutionally problematic guidance from the Obama administration, hundreds of universities adopted sexual misconduct policies that strip the most basic due process protections from accused students. The result has been systematic injustice.

As Brooklyn College professor KC Johnson and civil liberties attorney Samantha Harris have chronicled, between 2011 and 2019 more than 500 accused students filed lawsuits «against their college or university.” At the time of their article, colleges had lost more than 90 of those cases and settled more than 70 others.

The due process problem was so profound that in 2019 a state appellate court in California — hardly a bastion of rightwing jurisprudence — ruled that “fundamental fairness” entitles an accused student to cross-examine witnesses in front of a neutral adjudicator. The ruling may sound like constitutional common sense. But California procedures had been so flawed that Cal State alone temporarily halted 75 cases while it updated its policies and practices to include those minimal safeguards.

A person walks in front of the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Mass. on Jan. 2, 2024. “There are few national conversations more frustrating than the fight over D.E.I. Short for ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion,’ the term — like the related progressive concepts of wokeness and critical race theory — used to have an agreed-upon meaning but has now been essentially redefined on the populist right,” David French writes. (Sophie Park/The New York Times) Third, it is urgently necessary to address racial disparities in campus admissions and faculty hiring — but, again, not at the expense of the Constitution. One can agree or disagree with the full extent of the Supreme Court’s holding in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which halted the use of race as a factor in most college admissions. But it is difficult to ignore the overwhelming evidence that Harvard attempted to achieve greater diversity in part by systematically downranking Asian applicants on subjective grounds, judging them deficient in traits such as “positive personality,” likability, courage, kindness and being “widely respected.” That’s not inclusion; it’s discrimination.

Our nation has inflicted horrific injustices on vulnerable communities. And while the precise nature of the injustice has varied — whether it was slavery, Jim Crow, internment or the brutal conquest of Native American lands — there was always a consistent theme: the comprehensive denial of constitutional rights.

But one does not correct the consequences of those terrible constitutional violations by inflicting a new set of violations on different American communities in a different American era. A consistent defense of the Constitution is good for us all, including for advocates of DEI. The same Constitution that blocks DEI’s excesses protects its supporters from the vengeful right-wing politicians and activists who are now attempting to impose speech codes of their own.

There is a better way to achieve greater diversity, equity, inclusion and related goals. Universities can welcome students from all walks of life without unlawfully censoring speech. They can respond to campus sexual violence without violating students’ rights to due process. They can diversify the student body without discriminating on the basis of race. Virtuous goals should not be accomplished by illiberal means.

16 Tuesday, January 16, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

AAA estrena nuevo portal digital y aplicación móvil POR CYBERNEWS

S

AN JUAN – La presidenta ejecutiva de la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AAA), ingeniera Doriel Pagán Crespo, anunció el lunes, el lanzamiento del portal web www.acueductos.pr.gov y el aplicativo móvil Mi Acueductos, los cuales estarán activos a partir del próximo miércoles, 24 de enero y proveerán a todos los usuarios un servicio más seguro, accesible y garantiza el acceso de información a personas con impedimentos.

“Nuestra prioridad siempre ha sido brindar un servicio seguro a todos los clientes. Que mejor forma que reforzar nuestras plataformas digitales para un acceso seguro y confiable. Estamos enfocados en fortalecer la seguridad cibernética de la Autoridad, las nuevas plataformas, están desarrolladas en con las guías de la Oficina de Innovación y Servicios de Tecnología (PRITS) y la Ley de Accesibilidad 229”, explicó la presidenta ejecutiva. en declaraciones escritas.

Por su parte, el vicepresidente de Planificación Estratégica, Arnaldo Jiménez Acevedo, añadió que, “luego del incidente de seguridad informática, ciberseguridad específicamente en las plataformas de la Autoridad, personal de Sistemas de Información se ha

mantenido trabajado en conjunto con GM Security, obteniendo así la certificación estándar de la compañía de Seguridad de Datos para la Industria de Tarjeta de Pago (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) o PCI DSS, la cual fue desarrollada por un comité conformado por las compañías de tarjetas (débito y crédito) más importantes, comité denominado PCI SSC (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council).

Nuestros clientes pueden confiar en la seguridad de sus transacciones, al saber que los datos de sus tarjetas están protegidos”.

La PCI SSC es un conjunto de controles de seguridad diseñado para garantizar la protección de los datos de tarjetas de pago. Con esta certificación le proveeremos a nuestros clientes mayor seguridad en el proceso de sus transacciones de pago.

El nuevo portal web incluye los siguientes enlaces: mensaje de la presidenta, portales de pago, noticias y comunicados de prensa, información y servicios a proveedores, información de las oficinas comerciales, reporte de irregularidades, cumplimiento, infraestructura, Mapa Interactivo y niveles de embalses entre otros.

Del mismo modo, se informó que el portal de pagos se armoniza con las disposiciones aplicables: proteger

la privacidad, seguridad, políticas de disponibilidad de información y garantía de acceso a personas con impedimentos. La misma ofrecerá a los clientes un servicio utilizando los más altos estándares de seguridad de la industria, incluyendo multifactor authentication, aumentando la confianza y satisfacción de los clientes, sistema escalable y autogestionable.

Asimismo, se informó que ambas plataformas tendrán mayor capacidad de manejo de cantidad usuarios y una seguridad cibernética superior. Igualmente, permitirá que los clientes realicen: edición del nombre en la cuenta, cambiar dirección postal, reportar averías, obtener informes de calidad de agua, reclamaciones de pago y adjuntar documentos.

Reconocido chef y empresario busca convertirse en el próximo alcalde de Luquillo por el PNP POR CYBERNEWS

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ajo el lema: “Algo bueno se cocina para Luquillo” y con el compromiso de implementar iniciativas para fortalecer el desarrollo económico y social, con programas que ofrecen servicios directos a todos los luquillenses, el empresario Luis Guzmán Carrasco fue certificado para aspirar a la alcaldía de este importante municipio de la región este por el Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP), acompañado del grupo de los legisladores que se hacen disponibles de cara a las primarias el próximo 2 de junio de 2024.

“Luquillo es uno de los municipios más hermosos y turísticos de Puerto Rico, conocido como la ‘Capital del Sol’ y cuenta con algunas de las playas más atractivas del mundo. Somos más que buena gastronomía y kioskos. Lamentablemente por años la administración municipal ha perdido el enfoque, como resultado, ha sido catalogado como uno de los municipios peor administrados, dejando a sus residentes desprovistos de un gobierno eficiente. El casco urbano, se encuentra en total abandono, desde las áreas verdes hasta una gran cantidad de estorbos públicos. Por eso, no podía quedarme de brazos cruzados cuando veo la necesidad urgente de nuestra gente, de los humildes y los

jefes de familia que se me acercaron buscando una persona que pueda representarlos. Mi prioridad es servir a todos por igual y establecer mayores controles fiscales en el área de la administración de los recursos municipales”, explicó Guzmán Carrasco.

Guzmán Carrasco, añadió; “Mi decisión de aspirar nace del reclamo de muchas personas que se me acercaron, de visitas a las comunidades, así como encuentros con líderes que se reunieron conmigo por los pasados meses, buscando una persona que fuera tan real como ellos, con las mismas situaciones y re-

tos en el diario vivir en Luquillo. Ha sido una reflexión familiar, porque estoy dando un paso firme, convencido que mi deseo de servir, la disciplina con la que he emprendido exitosamente cada proyecto que he gerenciado en la industria turística en Puerto Rico y el Caribe, me ha brindado las herramientas administrativas para esta nueva etapa de convertirme en el próximo Alcalde de Luquillo en el 2024”.

El ahora aspirante a la poltrona municipal de Luquillo, es un reconocido chef con más de 25 años de experiencia en el área de la gastronomía a nivel mundial, y décadas administrando negocios, como restaurantes e importantes proyectos en la industria hotelera.

“Nuestro programa de gobierno lo vamos a llevar a todos los rincones de Luquillo. La gente tendrá en nosotros un equipo que solo cuenta con un norte: mejorar la calidad de vida de los luquillenses, impulsar el desarrollo económico, atraer recintos universitarios a nuestro pueblo, incrementar los servicios de salud y proveer mayor seguridad en nuestras comunidades.

Juntos lograremos ese Luquillo que todos queremos”, aseguró el ahora aspirante.

Acompañando a Guzmán en la papeleta se encuentran los aspirantes a legisladores municipales.

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

17

‘Echo’ review: Marvel tries to have it both ways

By MIKE HALE

M

aya Lopez is, in the Marvel television universe, a deaf Choctaw girl whose mother dies and whose father then moves from Oklahoma to New York City to work for a criminal kingpin (conveniently known as Kingpin). After her father also dies, Maya — embittered and alienated — is groomed for a life of crime by Kingpin and becomes a deadly underworld enforcer. Eventually, one betrayal leads to another and Maya heads back to Oklahoma and the real family that she hasn’t seen for years.

That’s more or less what happens in the first episode of the Marvel miniseries “Echo,” which premiered all five of its episodes last Tuesday on Disney+. I don’t feel bad spelling it out because those first 50 minutes of the series are an origin story that is also, to a large degree, an extended Previously On summarizing Maya’s role in the earlier Marvel-Disney+ series “Hawkeye.” And “Echo,” in turn, is an entr’acte setting up a future series, “Daredevil: Born Again.”

Such are the demands that pull ever harder on any individual piece of narrative etched into the Marvel cinematic circuit board. Committed fans can shrug off or even enjoy the incongruities fostered by corporate storytelling. But no one should feel like a killjoy for thinking, well, that was repetitious (and perhaps, as a consequence, pretty perfunctorily scripted), or for being bemused when Daredevil does an extraneous one-minute flyby just to maintain the brand.

That’s one direction in which “Echo” is tugged. But there are other forces at play. That Maya, aka Echo, was conceived — more than 20 years ago — as deaf and Native American (Cheyenne in the comics) means that in the 2020s, her story will inevitably be taken as an opportunity for the celebration of identity and heritage.

That’s fine in itself, but within the five relatively short episodes of “Echo,” it sets up a tug of war between an action-thriller imperative and a cultural-historical imperative that ends up as a losing battle for both sides. The show’s writers, including the creator and showrunner, Marion Dayre, have failed to braid the two strands in interesting or dramatic ways. (It’s not a good sign that each episode lists from three to seven writing credits.) Instead, what could be — and occasionally is — an entertaining Southwestern noir has its energy sapped by the intrusion of Choctaw history and myth, while the history and myth are devalued by being put at the service of what is mostly a formulaic thriller.

It doesn’t help that the historical elements are handled in a broad, gimmicky fashion that is probably meant to make them accessible but just plays as trying too hard. While Maya (Alaqua Cox) battles her former partners from New York, who track her down in Oklahoma, she has visions of a succession of female ancestors who look out for her and offer her their supernatural powers. That’s about all there is to it, so to give those elements more weight on screen and to provide an impression of originality, the show tricks them up.

Alaqua Cox stars in “Echo” as a hero contending with different aspects of her past. (Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios) Scenes of a Choctaw creation myth are rendered in an effects-heavy “Avatar”-ethnographic style. A 13th-century ancestor takes part in a high-stakes game of stickball straight out of an inspirational sports movie. A 19th-century ancestor who joins a tribal police force is presented in a thematically appropriate (for the deaf Maya) silent-movie sequence. All of these scenes have a bland, prettifying effect and a lack of any narrative momentum; it feels as if they take up more screen time than they actually do.

The balance of the show is, rather than a superhero story, a family crime drama that is more naturalistic and more violent than the Marvel norm but never really catches fire.

The dramatic arc has Maya caught between the tribal family and tradition she had left behind and the artificial, corrupted clan created for her by Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), so you know where things are headed.

The confrontations between Maya and her grandmother (Tantoo Cardinal) and her cousin Bonnie (Devery Jacobs) are nominally touching but feel generic, and the action is compartmentalized into long, 10-to-20-minute set pieces — on a moving train, in a roller rink, at a festival — that are also overly familiar. Maya learns to channel mystical Choctaw energy through her hands, but she does not have the ability to perfectly mimic opponents’ movements that originally gave the character the superhero name Echo; the show’s title is rationalized by a late, limp reference to how

she “echoes” her ancestors.

Where “Echo” comes to life — often enough to make it a short, harmless binge — is in the spaces between action and history. Graham Greene, as the goatish owner of a pawnshop who used to be involved with Maya’s grandmother, brings some welcome humor and soulfulness to scenes in which he counsels Maya or haggles with white tourists. (Leaning reverently over a figurine, he mumble-chants, “Buy the damn thing, buy the damn thing.”) Cody Lightning is also amusing as Maya’s feckless but loyal cousin Biscuits, proudly informing her that his dog’s name is Billy Jack.

Perhaps the most compelling performance comes from Cox’s cousin, the tremendously engaging Darnell Besaw, as the younger Maya. She benefits from getting to play more scenes than anyone else with the always excellent Zahn McClarnon, who has a relatively small part as Maya’s father.

Cox, who grew up on the Menominee Tribe reservation and is deaf and has a prosthetic leg (Maya loses a leg in the car crash that kills her mother), does not exhibit a wide range of expression or emotion, but the part doesn’t really require it — she can get by on physical presence and on an ability to communicate resentment, sorrow and wounded pride. If that gets old, it is the fault of a show that wants Maya to be a human being rather than a superhero but can’t get out of the habit of writing her as a construct instead of a character.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Critics Choice Awards 2024: The complete winners list

By KYLE BUCHANAN

“O

ppenheimer” continued its explosive awards campaign at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday night, earning eight top trophies including best picture, best director for Christopher Nolan and best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr. That caps a hot week for the period drama, which also dominated last Sunday’s Golden Globes and has since picked up key nominations from the actors, producers and directors guilds. If it wasn’t already clear, we’ve got a formidable Oscar front-runner on our hands.

An appreciative Nolan used his speech to thank “all the critics who helped with convincing mainstream audiences that a film about quantum physics and apocalypse could be worth their time.”

Though “Oppenheimer” won in the biggest categories at the Critics Choice Awards, it was the film’s box office frenemy, “Barbie,” that entered the night as the most nominated movie, with a record-breaking 18 citations. Greta Gerwig’s hit comedy managed six wins, including trophies for its costumes, production design and song (“I’m Just Ken”), but since most of those awards were announced in the margins before a commercial break, host Chelsea Handler “went rogue” near the end of the show and brought up Gerwig and star Margot Robbie to make a speech anyway.

Robbie was genuinely taken aback by the gesture. “When everyone is like, ‘Oh, this is so unexpected,’ this is actually unexpected and was not a part of the show,” she said.

The night’s quartet of film acting trophies went to performers who had already picked up Golden Globes, though the lead wins still came in very competitive categories.

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Emma Stone acknowledged as much when she picked up her best-actress trophy for “Poor Things,” admitting, “I’m going to be honest, I’m in full-blown shock,” before shouting out her fellow nominees, including “Killers of the Flower Moon” actress Lily Gladstone. “I didn’t have anything that I was going to say because this is completely crazy.”

The lead-actor award went to Paul Giamatti for his portrayal of a dyspeptic history teacher in “The Holdovers.” The actor gave a moving speech in honor of his late father (A. Bartlett Giamatti, a president of Yale and later the commissioner of Major League Baseball), but not before joking about his muchsnapped trip to the California burger joint In N Out after winning his Golden Globe: “I didn’t think my week could go any better than going viral for eating a cheeseburger.”

The supporting trophies were awarded to Giamatti’s co-star Da’Vine Joy Randolph and “Oppenheimer” foil Downey, the latter of whom took the opportunity to read some of the most withering reviews he’s received in his career. But one of the night’s buzziest moments came early in the show when Handler alludCORTINAS EN ALUMINIO ed to the dismally received Golden Globes monologue delivered by her ex-boyfriend, Jo Koy, who threw his writers un-

der the bus at that awards show when his jokes went sour.

After cracking wise about her crush on Martin Scorsese, Handler told the crowd with a smirk, “Thank you for laughing at that.

My writers wrote it.”

Here is the full list of winners: FILM Best Picture “Oppenheimer” Best Actor Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers” Best Actress Emma Stone, “Poor Things” Best Supporting Actor Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer” Best Supporting Actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers” Best Young Actor or Actress Dominic Sessa, “The Holdovers” Best Acting Ensemble “Oppenheimer” Best Director Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” Best Original Screenplay “Barbie” Best Adapted Screenplay “American Fiction” Best Cinematography “Oppenheimer” Best Production Design “Barbie” Best Editing “Oppenheimer” Best Costume Design “Barbie” Best Hair and Makeup “Barbie”

Best Visual Effects “Oppenheimer” Best Comedy “Barbie” Best Animated Feature “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” Best Foreign-Language Film “Anatomy of a Fall” Best Song “I’m Just Ken,” from “Barbie” Best Score Ludwig Göransson, “Oppenheimer” TELEVISION Best Drama Series “Succession” Best Actor, Drama Series Kieran Culkin, “Succession” Best Actress, Drama Series Sarah Snook, “Succession” Best Supporting Actor, Drama Series Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show” Best Supporting Actress, Drama Series Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown” Best Comedy Series “The Bear” Best Actor, Comedy Series Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear” Best Actress, Comedy Series Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear” Best Supporting Actor, Comedy Series Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear Best Supporting Actress, Comedy Series Meryl Streep, “Only Murders in the Building” Best Limited Series “Beef” Best TV Movie “Quiz Lady” Best Actor, Limited Series or TV Movie Steven Yeun, “Beef” Best Actress, Limited Series or TV Movie Ali Wong, “Beef” Best Supporting Actor, Limited Series or TV Movie Jonathan Bailey, “Fellow Travelers” Best Supporting Actress, Limited Series or TV Movie Maria Bello, “Beef” Best Foreign-Language Series “Lupin” Best Animated Series “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” Best Talk Show “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” Best Comedy Special “John Mulaney: Baby J”

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

19

Fitness myths you need to stop falling for

By DANIELLE FRIEDMAN

W

hen done right, exercise can be a veritable miracle drug. But follow the wrong advice and you can easily set yourself up for injury. Take the situp: Once considered the gold standard of core exercises, we now know that it can make low-back pain worse.

Fitness culture is rife with such misconceptions, because of constantly evolving science and fitness influencers who share tips based on “anecdote and gym lore,” said Brad Schoenfeld, a professor of exercise science at Lehman College in New York.

“Once those opinions are disseminated to the public and take hold, they are hard to change.”

I asked more than a dozen fitness experts to share the myths they hear most often among their clients and patients, and that they wish they could debunk.

Myth 1: You should stretch before you work out.

If you’ve taken a high school gym class, you’ve probably been told to spend a few minutes stretching before exercising.

But recent research has found that stretching before exercising is ineffective for preventing injury and may work against you.

That’s because stretching a muscle for more than 90 seconds temporarily diminishes its strength.

“You’ve just transiently weakened all the muscle groups you’re trying to train,” said Dr. Josh Goldman, associate director of the Center for Sports Medicine at UCLA Health.

If you really enjoy the feeling of stretching before physical activity, don’t hold the stretch for long, Goldman said.

For the most effective preparation to work out, try a dynamic warm-up — a series of active exercises that get your blood flowing and gently stress your muscles. Save your stretching for a separate time, he said. “I like to tell people to do it before bed,” since it gives your muscles time to recover before moving again.

Myth 2: You need to lift heavy weights to build muscle.

Not true, said Schoenfeld, who studies muscle growth.

A significant body of research now shows that lifting relatively light weights for, say, 30 repetitions is just as effective at building muscle and strength as lifting weights that feel heavier for five to 12 reps. It’s a matter of personal preference.

But don’t avoid heavy weights for fear that they will make you “bulk up,” said Dr. Jacob Sellon, a sports medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic. “It actually takes a lot of effort” to build Popeye muscles, he said. “It doesn’t just happen with typical strength training.”

Myth 3: Running destroys your knees.

Research has debunked the notion that running increases your risk of osteoarthritis, and even suggests it can protect your knees against the condition. In fact, not moving increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis, along with age, weight and genetics.

For years, experts thought that “our knees were like tires — you drive the car a lot, you burn through your tire tread,” Goldman said. “That is not true, because our body is dynamic,” and our joints can regenerate themselves, especially when we are regularly active.

But running can definitely lead to knee pain or injury if you train too aggressively, said Dr. Jordan Metzl, a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Metzl called this “violating the rule of toos” — running too fast or too far too soon. “Increase slowly,” he said. And if you start to feel knee pain, get it checked out as soon as possible by a sports medicine expert.

Myth 4: Walking is enough to keep you fit as you age.

Walking is popular among older Americans for good reason: It has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, as well as the risk of premature death.

And it’s so doable.

But walking on its own is not enough to stay fit as you get older, said Anne Brady, an associate professor of exercise science at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Starting in your 30s, your muscle mass progressively declines, she said, so you also need to focus on strength training.

“People can do daily activities with a minimal amount of cardiovascular fitness,” she said. “But when they don’t have the strength or the muscle power to do daily activities, that’s when they lose their independence.”

Complement walks with at least two 20-minute strengthtraining sessions every week.

Myth 5: Runners and cyclists don’t need to strengthtrain their lower body.

Amanda Katz, a certified strength and running coach in New York City, said she often had to convince clients who run or cycle that they also need to strength-train their lower body.

Pounding the pavement or pushing pedals does strengthen your lower body but not enough to stimulate significant muscle growth, she said.

A strength-training regimen that includes squats, lunges, glute bridges and pointers can improve bone density and lower your risk of injury — and make you a stronger runner or cyclist, too.

Myth 6: Modifications are for beginners.

Choosing to do a less-strenuous version of an exercise — say, a pushup or plank with your knees on the ground — doesn’t mean you’re weak or a novice or that you’re backsliding, said Stephanie Roth-Goldberg, a clinical social worker and therapist in New York who works with athletes. It’s a sign that you’re listening to your body and keeping it safe.

“Our bodies require different things on different days,” she said. “Modifying exercises helps us work on form and the mind-body connection.”

Myth 7: You need 10,000 steps a day to be healthy.

Nope. Exercise scientists debunked this one years ago, but many Americans still see it as a benchmark of good health, said Cedric Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise The myth traces back to the 1960s, when a Japanese clock manufacturer mass-produced a pedometer with a name that translated to “10,000-steps meter.” “Unfortunately, it’s taken on a life of its own, because the research clearly doesn’t support there being anything magical about that goal,” Bryant said.

The latest research suggests that the health benefits of walking appear to plateau at around 7,500 steps, but even as few as 4,000 steps per day can reduce the risk of dying from any cause.

Myth 8: Taking an ice bath after a tough workout improves recovery.

Plunging into an icy tub after a difficult workout can feel like a safeguard against injury, since it helps to reduce inflammation. But there’s a problem with this.

“Not all inflammation is bad inflammation,” Goldman said. If you jump into an ice tub after every workout, you slow or stop the repair process.

When you work out, you create useful inflammation by strategically stressing your muscles, and as the body heals, it builds strength, he said. If you want to tend to a specific injury after a workout, Goldman recommended either icing the injury itself or waiting a day before taking a cold dip, to give your muscles time to start the repair process.

The same rule applies to over-the-counter pain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs: Because they’re anti-inflammatory, you should take them after a workout only if you’re treating an injury. Otherwise, you risk counteracting your training.

“Cold water immersion is a very good anti-inflammatory tool, but you’ve got to use it in a time where you actually want to prevent inflammation and not as a prescription after every workout,” Goldman said.

For overall recovery after a workout, research suggests saunas may be safer and more effective.

20 Tuesday, January 16, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Put tofu into regular rotation with this spicy mix

By MELISSA CLARK

I

f there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of New Year’s resolutions, it’s that it’s a whole lot easier to do something than to avoid something.

Since I instinctively chafe at limits, I treat my heart like a toddler, highlighting the “yes” rather than the “no.” The idea of giving up steak, manhattans or Instagram would make me crabby. But frame it as: Let’s eat more vegetables! Or explore nonalcoholic aperitifs! Or read more books! And I’m delighted to comply.

For me, this year is going to be all about saying yes to more plant-based cooking. I want to become as fluent in tofu as I am in chicken thighs.

I’m already finding that there’s a lot of overlap in cooking methods. Each does well with a stint on a hot rimmed sheet pan. Drizzle them with oil, crank your oven, and they will emerge crisp at the edges, golden on top and tender in the center.

In terms of flavor, tofu and chicken thighs may taste completely different, but they love a pungent, salty slather with some kind of marinade or sauce.

For this tofu grain bowl, I made an easy yet complex sauce by combining garlic, soy sauce and chile crisp with a big dollop of ketchup. The ketchup serves two purposes. It sweetens everything and acts as a binder, thickening the mixture so it can cling to the tofu pieces and season them as they roast.

What makes this sauce truly special is its chameleonlike nature: It changes depending on how you use it. Brushed onto the tofu before roasting, it caramelizes, forming a savory-sweet crust. Tossed with some sliced cabbage that’s spread on the pan next to the tofu, the sauce helps the thinner cabbage pieces singe and blacken appealingly. And drizzled onto the grain bowl at the end, it stays bright and snappy, adding a spicy tang that is mellowed by its fruity tomato pieces.

As for the grain part of the grain bowl, it’s the cook’s choice. Use whatever you have and love — cooked or leftover rice (brown or white), barley, quinoa, farro, millet. If you’ve sworn off carbs, or, let’s say, you’re increasing your salad intake, pile everything onto a mound of greens.

Framed any which way, it’s easy to say yes to this delightful, adaptable recipe.

Sweet chile grain bowl with tofu You can use any kind of cooked grain as the base of this colorful, deeply flavored tofu and cabbage bowl. The grains, vegetables and tofu add texture, heft and protein, but the real star is the pungent sauce, a mix of chile crisp, garlic and soy sauce sweetened with ketchup. Brushed onto the tofu and cabbage before roasting, the sauce caramelizes and mellows.

Drizzled on top of the bowl right at the end, it stays bright and snappy. Fresh cherry tomatoes tossed with more chile crisp make a juicy, spicy garnish, but you can leave them out if you don’t have any on hand.

Yield: 4 servings Total time: 50 minutes Ingredients: 1 (14- to 16-ounce) package firm or extra-firm tofu 1/4 cup neutral oil, such as grapeseed 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced 1/4 cup ketchup 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (or substitute an umami seasoning, such as Yondu or coconut amino acids, or more soy sauce)

Sweet chile grain bowl with tofu. A simple to make, complex in flavor sauce anchors this adaptable grain bowl. Food styled by Hadas Smirnoff. (David Malosh/ The New York Times)

1 tablespoon chile crisp, more to taste 1 teaspoon rice vinegar 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 teaspoon fine sea or table salt, more to taste 1 1/2 pounds napa cabbage, halved lengthwise, cored and sliced crosswise ½ inch thick 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced 1 lime, cut into wedges (or use more rice wine vinegar) 4 cups cooked grains (rice, farro, barley, millet or whatever else you have on hand) or salad greens Chopped cilantro, for serving Preparation: 1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut the tofu into 1-inch-thick slabs. Cut each slab in half to make squares. Line a plate or baking sheet with paper towels and place tofu on top. Place another layer of paper towels on the tofu and weigh down with a skillet or cans. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.

3. While the tofu is draining, make the sauce: Heat the oil in a small pot or skillet over medium-high. Stir in the garlic and let cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in ketchup, soy sauce, fish sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of the chile crisp and the rice vinegar. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the tomatoes, the remaining 1/2 tablespoon chile crisp and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

5. Place tofu on one side of the prepared baking sheet and generously brush both sides of the pieces with the sauce.

6. Add the cabbage to a bowl, sprinkle lightly with salt and toss with 1/4 cup sauce. (Reserve remaining sauce for serving.) Spread cabbage on the other side of the baking sheet in an even layer.

7. Roast tofu and cabbage for about 30 minutes, tossing the cabbage after 15 minutes. The tofu should be lightly golden at the edges and the cabbage tender and bronzed. Toss about half of the scallions into the cabbage and squeeze lime wedges over everything (or drizzle with a little rice vinegar). Taste cabbage and add more salt or sauce, if needed.

8. To serve, put 1 cup grains in each of 4 bowls. Drizzle the grains with a little of the sauce. Top with tofu, cabbage and spicy tomatoes. Garnish with cilantro and remaining scallions, and drizzle with remaining sauce. Serve warm or at room temperature.

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

21

Climate change is driving a sharp drop in snow levels, study finds

By DELGER ERDENESANAA

C

hanging snow patterns have far-reaching consequences, from water shortages to shuttered ski resorts. A new study confirms that humancaused climate change has affected snow patterns across the Northern Hemisphere, including clear declines of snowpack in at least 31 individual river basins.

What’s more, the researchers found that when a region warms to an average temperature of 17 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 8 degrees Celsius, over the whole winter, it appears to reach a tipping point at which snow starts to melt away quickly.

“Beyond that threshold, we kind of see everybody go off a cliff,” said Justin Mankin, a professor of geography at New Hampshire’s Dartmouth College and coauthor of the study, which was published Wednesday in Nature.

Declines in snowpack, the total mass of snow on the ground, have serious implications for places that depend on spring snow melt as a water source.

Large storms this week across the United States dumped a lot of snow, but the snow now on the ground may not last through winter. In the short term, climate change can create deeper snow from blizzards because of increased precipitation, but, with warmer temperatures, this snow is likely going to melt faster and may not stick around as snowpack.

The researchers studied data from more than 160 river basins to review how much snow was left in March each year from 1981 to 2020. In about 20% of these areas, they found clear declines of snowpack that could be attributed to human-caused climate change.

The Northeast and Southwest of the United States are among the regions losing snowpack the fastest, along with much of Europe.

These changes haven’t been even or linear around the world. Even as temperatures warm, places that were colder to begin with may not exceed the freezing point of water (32 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 degrees Celsius) enough during the winter to lose much snowpack.

But after an area hits a winter average of 17 degrees Fahrenheit, the losses accelerate exponentially.

“Each degree of warming beyond this cliff is taking more and more,” said Alexander Gottlieb, a doctoral student in Mankin’s group and the study’s lead author.

In much of the American West, snowpack has historically acted as a frozen reservoir that stores water during winter and releases it in spring and summer, when demand is highest. When snow doesn’t accumulate during the winter, droughts during the summer can be exacerbated.

In the Northeast, snow is less important for water

supply, but it’s a foundation for winter recreation, tourism and culture.

Gottlieb and Mankin combined existing snowpack, temperature and precipitation data to reconstruct snowpack patterns over the past 40 years. While direct measurements of snowpack are available for some places, to cover larger areas scientists have to fill in the blanks with calculated estimates.

The researchers also modeled snowpack in a hypothetical world without climate change over the same period, to see if taking global warming out of the equation would yield significantly different results. In 31 of the river basins they studied, or about 20% of the total, it did, meaning that the influence of climate change is clear in those places.

“There are these handful of basins where we see this really clear signal,” Gottlieb said. By and large, these river basins have warmed beyond the 17 degrees Fahrenheit tipping point that the researchers identified.

Because humans tend to live in places with milder climates, these warmer regions are the ones with the biggest populations.

“With further warming, you’re just going to have

more and more of these highly populated river basins pushed beyond that edge,” Gottlieb added.

This paper was “very well-researched,” said Stephen Young, a professor of geography at Salem State University in Massachusetts who was not involved in the study.

Young has examined the effects of climate change on snow cover, a measure of whether or not there is any snow on the ground, regardless of depth. Unlike snowpack, snow cover can be measured reliably by satellites. Global annual snow cover has decreased by about 5% since 2000, according to a separate study published last year by Young.

While studying snowpack is useful for revealing the potential consequences for water supply, studying snow cover illuminates another problem: White snow reflects sunlight back into the atmosphere, while darker exposed ground absorbs sunlight. So once snowpack declines to the point where there’s no snow cover on the ground at all, a feedback loop warms the planet even more.

“It becomes another way that our world is heating up,” Young said.

The view of the High Sierras from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration snow survey flight near Reno, Nev., March 31, 2023. Parts of the Northern Hemisphere are warming enough that their prospects of future snow are rapidly declining, a new study has found. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times)

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

LIME HOMES, LTD.

Parte Demandante Vs.

ELIEZER BERMUDEZ RIVERA, SU ESPOSA KRIZIA MICHELLE RIVERA ORTIZ T/C/C KRIZIA M. RIVERA ORTIZ Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: NSCI2012-00859.

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

A: ELIEZER BERMUDEZ RIVERA, SU ESPOSA KRIZIA MICHELLE RIVERA ORTIZ T/C/C KRIZIA M. RIVERA ORTIZ Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS:

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 Fajardo, 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 número 3 del Bloque H de la Urbanización Alamar, situada en el Barrio Sabana del término municipal de Luquillo, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 268.80 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NOROESTE, en una distancia de 21.00 metros, con el solar #4 del Bloque H; por el SURESTE, en una distancia de de 21.00 metros con el solar #2; por el NORESTE, en una

@

distancia de 12.80 metros, con la Calle J y por el SUROESTE, en una distancia de 12.80 metros, con los solares #22 y #23 del Bloque H. Enclava una casa de concreto dedicada a vivienda. Consta inscrita al folio 190 del tomo 153 de Luquillo, finca #8,551, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Fajardo. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: Urbanización Alamar, Calle J Bloque H3, Luquillo, P.R. 00773. 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 $94,000.00, con intereses al 7% anual, vencedero el día 1 de octubre de 2035, constituida mediante la escritura número 27, otorgada en Fajardo, Puerto Rico, el día 29 de septiembre de 2005, ante la notario Clarisa Sola Gómez, e inscrita al folio 97 del tomo 231 de Luquillo, finca número 8,551, inscripción 6ta. Sujeta a condiciones que aceleran su vencimiento, debidamente modificada la hipoteca por la suma de $94,000.00, se amplía en la suma de $2,076.16, para un nuevo principal de $96,076.16, constituida mediante la escritura número 5, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 16 de febrero de 2011, ante el notario Reggie Díaz Hernández, e inscrita al folio 97 del tomo 231 de Luquillo, finca número 8,551, al margen de la inscripción 6ta. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 7 DE FEBRERO DE 2024 A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Fajardo, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $96,076.16. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 14 DE FEBRERO DE 2024 A LAS 10:30 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 $64,050.77. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 22 DE FEBRERO DE 2024 A LAS 10:30 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 $48,038.08.

Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo, para con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: La suma de $95,661.53, con intereses a 4.125% anual, desde el 1ro de enero de 2012, 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 una suma equivalente a $9,607.61, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipotecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables. Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes.

Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Expedido en Fajardo, Puerto Rico, a 13 de noviembre de 2023. MILDRED I. TORO COLÓN, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR #197. JORGE A. ORTIZ ESTRADA, ALGUACIL REGIONAL INTERINO PLACA #622.

staredictos@thesanjuandailystar.com

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V.

SUCESIÓN DE SOKI CARABALLO RÍOS; COMPUESTA POR DELILAH BONANO CARABALLO, NATHASHA BONANO CARABALLO Y NADELAYSHKA BONANO CARABALLO, “JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE DICHA SUCESIÓN; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Demandado Civil Núm.: FA2022CV00704.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior, Centro Judicial de Fajardo, Fajardo, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 28 de noviembre de 2023, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar radicado en la Urbanización Luquillo Mar, situada en los Barrios Sabana y Mata de Plátano del término municipal de Luquillo, Puerto Rico, que se describe en el Plano de Inscripción de la Urbanización con el número cuarenticinco del Bloque DD, con un área de cuatrocientos cuarenticuatro punto cero cero metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en treinta punto cero cero metros con el solar DD cuarenticuatro de dicha Urbanización; por el SUR, en treinta punto cero cero metros con el solar DD cuarentiseis de dicha Urbanización; por el ESTE, en catorce punto ochenta metros con los solares DD sesentisiete y DD trece de dicha Urbanización; y por el OESTE, en catorce punto ochenta metros con la Calle A

(787) 743-3346

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 de dicha Urbanización. Contiene una casa de concreto diseñada para una familia. Inscrita al folio 15 del tomo 125, finca #6,969 de Luquillo. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Fajardo. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada el 26 de junio de 2023 y notificada el 27 de junio de 2023, en el presente caso civil, a saber la suma de $96,088.46 por concepto de principal, más los intereses sobre dicha suma a razón del 5.00%, anual desde el 1ro de julio de 2020, hasta su completo pago, más las primas de seguro hipotecario, recargos por demora y cualesquiera otras cantidades pactadas en la escritura de primera hipoteca, desde la fecha antes mencionada y hasta la fecha del pago total de las mismas, más la suma de $11,385.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; y demás créditos accesorios garantizados hipotecariamente. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 8 DE FEBRERO DE 2024 A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE, en el Centro Judicial de Fajardo, Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $113,850.00.

Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 15 DE FEBRERO DE 2024 A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $75,900.00, 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 2024 A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $56,925.00, 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 Fajardo, Puerto Rico, hoy día 6 de diciembre de 2023.

Sandraliz Martínez Torres, Alguacil Auxiliar Placa #737, División De Subastas, Tribunal De Primera Instancia, Sala Superior De Fajardo. Jorge A. Ortiz Estrada, Alguacil Regional Interino #622.

The San Juan Daily Star PUERTO RICO Demandante Vs.

INES MARIA ROJAS MELENDEZ

Demandada Civil Núm.: MT2023CV00342.

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

EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL. A: INES MARIA ROJAS MELENDEZ.

Yo, WILFREDO DÍAZ QUIÑONES, 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 1RO. DE FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Manatí, Manatí, 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 Manatí 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 8 DE FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 15 DE FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número Tres (3) del Bloque “B” de la URBANIZACIÓN VALLES DE MANATÍ, localizado en el Barrio Coto del término municipal de Manatí, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de DOSCIENTOS OCHENTA Y CINCO PUNTO CERO CUATRO (285.04) METROS CUADRADOS; en lindes por el NORTE, en veintiocho punto cero cero LEGAL NOTICE (28.00) metros, con el solar ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO número Dos (2) del Bloque DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- “B”; por el SUR, en veintiocho NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA punto cero cero (28.00) metros, SALA SUPERIOR DE MANATÍ con el solar número Cuarenta y BANCO POPULAR DE Cuatro (44) del Bloque “B”; por

el ESTE, en diez punto dieciocho (10.18) metros, con el solar número Ocho (8) del Bloque “B”; y por el OESTE, en diez punto dieciocho (10.18) metros, con la Calle número Uno (1).

Enclava una casa construida de concreto armado y bloques para fines residenciales. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 93 del tomo 582 de Manatí, finca número 8,754, inscripción cuarta. Registro de la Propiedad, Sección de Manatí. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Valles de Manatí, Calle 1, B-3, Manatí, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $17,499.83 de principal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al 6 ¼ % anual, desde el 1ro. de noviembre de 2022, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $6,800.00 estipulada para costas, gastos, y honorarios de abogado, así como cualquier otra suma estipulada en el contrato de préstamo, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será de $68,000.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $45,333.33 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $34,000.00.

Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación y que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Podrán concurrir como postores a todas las subastas los titulares de créditos hipotecarios vigentes y posteriores a la hipoteca que se cobra o ejecuta, si alguno o que figuren

The San Juan Daily Star como tales en la certificación registral y que podrán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de alguno en sus ofertas.

Si la oferta aceptada es por cantidad mayor a la suma del crédito o créditos preferentes al suyo, al obtener la buena pro del remate, deberá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o en cheque de gerente, la totalidad del crédito hipotecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro créditos posteriores al que se ejecuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Manatí, Puerto Rico, a 12 de diciembre de 2023.

WILFREDO DÍAZ QUIÑONES, ALGUACIL #914, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE MANATÍ.

de San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, compuesto de cero punto mil quinientos setenta y cuatro (0.1572) cuerdas. En lindes por el Norte, en una distancia de dieciocho punto once (18.11) metros, con la carretera numero ciento ochenta y tres (183); por el Sur. Este y Oeste, en una distancia de dieciocho punto cero nueve (18.09) metros en treinta y cinco punto cero cero (35.00) metros y treinta y cinco punto cero cero (35.00) metros, respectivamente con la finca principal de la cual se segrega.

Finca número 8,426, inscrita al folio 195 del tomo 167 de San Lorenzo, Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas, Sección II. La Hipoteca Revertida consta inscrita al folio 757 del tomo 495 de San Lorenzo, Finca 8426, Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas, Sección II, inscripción 9ª. Propiedad localizada en: PR 183 KM 14.2, BARRIO FLORIDA, SAN LORENZO, PUERTO RICO 00754. Según LEGAL NOTICE figuran en la certificación reESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO gistral, la propiedad objeto de DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- ejecución está gravada por las NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA siguientes cargas anteriores SALA SUPERIOR DE CA- o preferentes: Nombre del TiGUAS tular: N/A. Suma de la Carga: REVERSE MORTGAGE N/A. Fecha de Vencimiento: N/A. Según figuran en la certiFUNDING LLC. ficación registral, la propiedad Demandante Vs. de ejecución está graFELIX HUERTAS ORTIZ; objeto vada por las siguientes cargas ESTADOS UNIDOS DE posteriores a la inscripción del AMERICA crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Demandados Titular: N/A. Suma de la Carga: Civil Núm.: CG2021CV01480. N/A. Fecha de Vencimiento: Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPO- N/A. Se entenderá que todo TECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. licitador acepta como bastante ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉ- la titularidad de la propiedad RICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE y que todas las cargas y graLOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL vámenes anteriores y los preESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO ferentes al crédito ejecutante DE PUERTO RICO, SS. antes descritos, si los hubiere, A: LA PARTE continuarán subsistentes. El rematante acepta dichas carDEMANDADA, AL (A LA) SECRETARIO(A) DE gas y gravámenes anteriores, queda subrogado en la resHACIENDA DE PUERTO yponsabilidad de los mismos, RICO Y AL PÚBLICO sin destinarse a su extinción el GENERAL: precio del remate. Se establece Certifico y Hago Constar: Que como tipo de mínima subasta la en cumplimiento con el Manda- suma de $143,000.00, según miento de Ejecución de Senten- acordado entre las partes en el cia que me ha sido dirigido por precio pactado en la escritura el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de hipoteca. De ser necesaria de Primera Instancia, Sala Su- una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por perior de Caguas, en el caso declararse desierta la primera, de epígrafe, venderé en pública la misma se celebrará en mi subasta y al mejor postor, por oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal separado, de contado y por mo- de Primera Instancia, Sala de neda de curso legal de los Esta- Caguas, el 8 DE FEBRERO dos Unidos de América y/o Giro DE 2024, A LAS 10:00 DE Postal y Cheque Certificado, en LA MAÑANA, y se establemi oficina ubicada en el Tribu- ce como mínima para dicha nal de Primera Instancia, Sala segunda subasta la suma de de Caguas, el 1 DE FEBRERO $95,333.33, 2/3 partes del tipo DE 2024, A LAS 10:00 DE LA mínima establecido originalMAÑANA, todo derecho título, mente. Si tampoco se produce participación o interés que le remate ni adjudicación en la corresponda a la parte deman- segunda subasta, se establedada o cualquiera de ellos en ce como mínima para la TERel inmueble hipotecado objeto CERA SUBASTA, la suma de de ejecución que se describe a $71,500.00, la mitad (1/2) del continuación: RÚSTICA: Predio precio pactado y dicha subasta de terreno radicado en el Barrio se celebrará en mi oficina, ubiFlorida del término municipal

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 cada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Caguas, el 15 DE FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS 10:00 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 $123,255.32 por concepto de principal, más la suma de $15,092.91 en intereses acumulados al 1 de noviembre de 2021 y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 2.94% anual hasta su total y completo pago; más la sumas de $5,091.83 en seguro hipotecario; $5,460.00 en tarifas de servicios; $109.00 en seguro; $440.00 de tasaciones; $440.00 de inspecciones; $2,256.30 en preservación; $1,645.00 de adelantos pendientes; más la cantidad de 10% del pagare original en la suma de $14,300.00, 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 Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy 20 de diciembre de 2023.

EDGARDO ALDEBOL MIRANDA, ALGUACIL PLACA #282.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V.

NEYSA COLÓN PÉREZ Civil

Demandada Núm.: DCD2011-2302.

Sala: 506. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior, Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 18 de enero de 2022, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar número 16 del Bloque “A”, en el plano de Las Palmas de Cerro Gordo, en el Barrio Cerro Gordo de Vega Alta, con un área de 405.273 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en 15.20 metros, con la Carretera Estatal número 690; por el SUR, en 15.81 metros, con la Calle Juan Nater; por el ESTE, en 25.29 metros, con solar número 15 del mismo bloque y por el OESTE, en 25.94 metros, con solar número 17 del mismo bloque. Enclava en este solar una casa de concreto. Inscrita al folio 126 del tomo 274 de Vega Alta, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Tercera, finca número 16,136.

La propiedad ubica en: 16 Las Palmas de Cerro Gordo, Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. Además, el Alguacil que suscribe, hago saber a todos los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surjan de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante: Aviso de Demanda de fecha 12 de septiembre de 2011, expedido en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Bayamón, en el caso civil número DCD20112002, seguido por Doral Bank, contra Neysa Colón Pérez, por la suma de $187,909.35 mas intereses, anotado el día 16 de agosto de 2019, al tomo Karibe de Vega Alta, finca número 16,136, anotación A. El produc-

to de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada a su favor, el día 10 de noviembre de 2011 y notificada el 22 de noviembre de 2011, por la cantidad de $187,909.35 de principal, más los intereses que se acumulan conforme pactados a razón del 5.45% anual desde el día 1 de agosto de 2009 hasta la total satisfacción de la deuda, más los recargos por mora pactados y las partidas por seguro hipotecario, más una cantidad equivalente al 10% del principal para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; y demás créditos accesorios garantizados hipotecariamente. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. LA PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 7 DE FEBRERO DE 2024 A LAS 10:45 DE LA MAÑANA, en el cuarto piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas de Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico. El precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es por la cantidad de $211,450.00.

Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 14 DE FEBRERO DE 2024 A LAS 10:45 DE LA MAÑANA, en el cuarto piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas de Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $140,966.66, equivalentes a dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una TERCERA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 21 DE FEBRERO DE 2024 A LAS 10:45 DE LA MAÑANA, en el cuarto piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas de Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $105,725.00, 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

23

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. Los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o 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 pueden concurrir a la subasta si les convienen 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 les informa, por último, que: a. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes.

Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate.

EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy día 21 de diciembre de 2023.

Alguacil Maribel Lanzar Velazquez, Alguacil Placa #735, División De Subastas, Tribunal De Primera Instancia, Sala Superior De Bayamón.

marzo de 2024 a las 9:30 de a.m. en la referida oficina, y ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO el precio mínimo será la cantiDE PUERTO RICO DE PRI- dad de $76,333.33, ósea, 2/3 MERA INSTANCIA REGION partes del tipo mínimo de la JUDICIAL DE AGUADILLA TRI- primera subasta. De no comBUNAL SUPERIOR. parecer postor alguno que se adjudique la segunda subasta, JOSE ALBERTO CORCHADO JUARBE; se llevará a cabo una TERCERA subasta el día 14 de marzo ET.ALS de 2024 a las 9:30 de a.m. en Demandante vs. la referida oficina, y el precio WANDA IVETTE mínimo será la mitad del precio RODRÍGUEZ ROBLEDO de la primera subasta, o sea, Demandada $57,250.00. Si se declarase CIVIL NÚM: ACD2017-0117. desierta la tercera subasta, se SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO adjudicará la finca a favor del Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA. acreedor por la totalidad 2 de AVISO DE PUBLICA SUBAS- la cantidad adeudada si esta es TA. El que suscribe, Alguacil igual o menor que el monto del del Tribunal Superior de Puerto tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Rico, Sala de Aguadilla, me di- tribunal lo estima conveniente. rijo al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL Se abonará dicho monto a la y les hago saber que en cumpli- cantidad adeudada si esta es miento con la Sentencia dictada mayor. Dicho remate se llevará el 5 de septiembre de 2018, la a cabo para con su producto orden de Ejecución de Senten- satisfacer a los demandancia del 3 de octubre de 2023 y el tes, la suma de $114,500.00 Mandamiento de Ejecución de de principal adeudado, más Sentencia del 3 de octubre de $114,500.00 de intereses sobre 2023, procederé a vender el 29 dicho principal al 10% anual, de febrero de 2024 a las 9:30 desde el día 6 de octubre de de a.m. en mi oficina, localiza- 2011 y hasta la fecha de su da en el área del sótano al final total pago, más la suma estipudel pasillo, del Tribunal de Pri- lada para costas, gastos y homera Instancia, Centro Judicial norarios de abogado equivalende Aguadilla, Aguadilla. Puerto tes al 15% del principal, ósea, Rico, al mejor postor en pago equivalentes a $17,175.00, de contado y en moneda legal más la suma de $261.72 por de los Estados Unidos de Amé- las costas concedidas por el rica, cheque de gerente o giro Tribunal de Apelaciones en el postal a nombre del Alguacil del caso José A. Corchado Juarbe Tribunal; todo título, derecho o y otros vs. Wanda I. Rodríguez interés de la parte demandada Robledo, KLAN201801250, sobre la siguiente propiedad: más S11,500.00 de honorarios RUSTICA: Parcela de terreno del depositario Carlos Soriano radicada en el Barrio Jobos de Ramos, más intereses provisto Isabela, Puerto Rico, identifica- por la Regla 44.3 de las de Proda en el plano de segregación cedimiento Civil, a computarse para inscripción como SOLAR dicho interés legal a partir de la DOS (2), con una cabida su- fecha de la Sentencia y hasta perficial de SETECIENTOS que la misma sea satisfecha en TREINTA Y TRES PUNTO su totalidad, más cualesquiera NOVENTA Y UNO CUARENTA otros adelantos que se hagan Y CUATRO METROS CUA- en virtud de la escritura de hiDRADOS (733.9144 M.c.); en poteca. Surge del Estudio de lindes al NORTE, con calle de Titulo que sobre esta propiedad uso público: al SUR, con Miguel no pesan gravámenes posteÁngel Acevedo Anazagasty; al riores a la hipoteca que por la ESTE, con remanente de la fin- presente se pretende ejecutar. ca principal; y al OESTE, con el Se les advierte a los interesolar uno (1) a segregarse. Ins- sados lo siguiente: (l) que los crita al Tomo Karibe de Isabela, autos y todos los documentos Finca núm. 29,747, inscripción correspondientes a la presente primera. Es segregación de la acción de ejecución de hipotefinca número 18,026, inscrita ca, así como los de subasta, en el Registro de la Propiedad estarán de disponibles para ser Sección de Aguadilla, al folio examinados en la Secretaria 70 del tomo 333 de Isabela. del Tribunal, bajo el número de Aparece en el Catastro Digital epígrafe durante las horas ladel CRIM como parcela número borables, y para su publicación 007-022-344-09. Hipoteca ins- en un periódico de circulación crita al Tomo Karibe de Isabela, general en Puerto Rico por Finca núm. 29747, inscripción espacio de dos semanas y por cuarta. Dirección fisica de la lo menos una vez por semana; Propiedad: Carretera 472, km. y para su fijación en los sitios 3.4 Int. Calle Puerta Del Sol, públicos requeridos por ley; Barrio Jobos, Isabela, P.R. El (2) que se entenderá que todo tipo mínimo de la PRIMERA licitador acepta como bastante subasta será de $114,500.00. la titularidad y que las cargas De no comparecer postor algu- y gravámenes anteriores y los no que se adjudique la primera preferentes, si los hubiere, al subasta, se llevará a cabo una crédito del ejecutante, contiSEGUNDA subasta el día 7 de

LEGAL NOTICE

24 nuaran 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 (3) que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores tal y como lo expresa la Ley Núm.

210 del 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 Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, hoy dia 20 de diciembre de 2023. ESTEBAN ATILES FELICIANO, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNA DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDIC AL DE AGUADILLA SALA UPERIOR. ***

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

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

MERCEDES G. PÉREZ VALOY

cio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. Gabriel Antonio Ramos Colón cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 009368518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección Gabriel.ramos@ orf-law.com y a la dirección notificaciones@orf-law.com. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 6 de noviembre de 2023. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 6 de noviembre de 2023. Griselda Rodríguez Collado, Secretaria. María I. Ríos López, Secretaria De Servicios A Sala.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO DEMANDANTE vs.

SUCESIÓN DE SARA FELICIA ARROYO PEÑA T/C/C SARA ARROYO PEÑA T/C/C SARAH FELICIA ARROYO PEÑA COMPUESTA POR HECTOR LUIS FLORES ARROYO; FULANO DE TAL, Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERÉS EN DICHA SUCESIÓN

Demandada Civil Núm.: SJ2023CV07424.

Salón: 803. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL DEMANDADOS PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTACIVIL NÚM.: SJ2023CV10734.

DOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LISOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO BRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. RICO, SS. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICA: MERCEDES G. PÉREZ TO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE VALOY - 183 CALLE DIEZ AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE ANDINO SAN JUAN DE LOS EE. UU. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R. SS. PR 00911-2130 / 111

A: SUCESIÓN DE SARA FELICIA ARROYO PEÑA T/C/C SARA ARROYO POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que PEÑA T/C/C SARAH conteste la demanda dentro de FELICIA ARROYO los treinta (30) días siguientes PEÑA COMPUESTA a la publicación de este Edicto.

POR FULANO DE TAL Usted deberá presentar su aleY SOTANA DE TAL gación responsiva a través del COMO HEREDEROS Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUDESCONOCIDOS Y/O MAC), la cual puede acceder PARTES CON INTERÉS utilizando la siguiente direcEN DICHA SUCESIÓN ción electrónica: httls://unired.

-BARRIO CAIMITO, ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, COND. MIRADORES, APT. J-502, SAN JUAN, PR en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la 00926; secretaría del tribunal. Si usted -COND. MIRADORES DEL deja de presentar su alegación BOSQUE, APT. J-502, SAN responsiva dentro del referido JUAN, PR 00926, y; término, el tribunal podrá dic-CAMINO DEL BOSQUE, tar sentencia en rebeldía en 30 VEREDAS LOS su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda o LAURELES, SAN JUAN, cualquier otro sin más citarle ni PR 00926.

CALLE FLAMBOYAN DEL RIO SAN JUAN PR 00911.

oírle, si el tribunal en el ejerci- POR LA PRESENTE se le em-

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

plaza 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://www. poderjudicial.pr/index.php/ tribunal-electronico/, salvo que el caso sea de un expediente físico o que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaría del tribunal y notificar copia de la misma al (a la) abogado(a) de la parte demandante o a ésta, de no tener representación legal. 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. Además, se le apercibe que, en los casos al amparo de la Ley Núm. 57-2023, titulada Ley para la Prevención del Maltrato, Preservación de la Unidad Familiar y para la Seguridad, Bienestar y Protección de los Menores, entre los remedios que el Tribunal podrá conceder se incluyen la ubicación permanente de un (una) menor fuera del hogar, el inciso de procesos para la privación de patria potestad, y cualquiera otra medida en el mejor interés del (de la) menor. (Artículo 33, incisos by f de la Ley Núm. 57-2023). Se le advierte de su derecho a comparecer acompañado(a) de abogado(a) en los casos que proceda. Se le advierte de su derecho a comparecer acompañado(a) de abogado(a) en los casos que proceda. De ser el demandado un heredero de una sucesión, 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) 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 10 de enero de 2024. Griselda Rodriguez Collado, Sec Regional. F/ Brenda Baez Acaba, Sec Serv a Sala.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO DEMANDANTE vs.

SUCESION DE CARMEN MARIA VELEZ BONILLA COMPUESTA POR SU HEREDERA CONOCIDA CARMEN M. CARRERAS T/C/C CARMEN CARRERAS VELEZ; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERES EN LA SUCESION

DEMANDADOS CIVIL NÚM.: CA2022CV03472 (404) SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R. ss.

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 que conforme al artículo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. §11021, usted tiene 30 días para aceptar o repudiar la herencia desde la publicación de este edicto. A esos efectos, de no rechazarla, se tendrá la herencia por aceptada. 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 RÚA NÚM.: 11416 PO BOX 3908 GUAYNABO, PR 00970 TEL: 787- 751-5290, FAX: 787-751-6155 E-MAIL: ejecuciones@fortuno-law.com En Carolina, Puerto Rico a 9 de enero de 2024. Lcda. Kanelly Zayas Robles, Secretaria Regional. Myrriam I Figueroa Pastrana, Sec Auxiliar.

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

A: CARMEN M. RAQUEL IVETTE CARRERAS T/C/C CABÁN FERRER CARMEN CARRERAS Peticionaria VELEZ COMO EXPARTE HEREDERA CONOCIDA Caso Núm.: AG2023CV01659.

DE LA SUCESION DE Sala: 601. Sobre: EXPEDIENCARMEN MARIA VELEZ TE DE DOMINIO. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉBONILLA; FULANO DE RICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL COMO HEREDEROS PUEBLO DE PUERTO RICO. DESCONOCIDOS Y/O A: LOS MIEMBROS DE PARTES CON INTERESEN LA SUCESION SIXTO LA SUCESION ROMÁN LASALLE, LAS Condominio Reef Tower PERSONAS IGNORADAS Apto. 7-D Y DESCONOCIDAS A Isla Verde QUIENES PUDIERA Carolina, PR 00979 PERJUDICAR LA Dirección postal: 6544 INSCRIPCION DEL Sewanee Ave. Houston, DOMINIO A FAVOR DE LA TX 77005-3748 y 4249 Law PARTE PETICIONARIA St. Houston, TX EN EL REGISTRO DE LA 77005 PROPIEDAD DE LA FINCA POR LA PRESENTE se le emQUE MAS ADELANTE plaza para que presente al triSE DESCRIBE Y A TODA bunal su alegación responsiva PERSONA EN GENERAL dentro de los 30 días a partir de QUE CON DERECHO la publicación de este edicto.

PARA ELLO DESEE Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del OPONERSE A ESTE Sistema Unificado de Manejo y EXPEDIENTE.

Por la presente se les notifica que comparezcan, lo creyeran pertinente, ante este Honorable Tribunal dentro de veinte (20) días a partir de la última publicación de este Edicto a exponer lo que a sus derechos convenga en el Expediente promovido por los peticionarios para adquirir su dominio sobre la finca que más adelante se describe.

Usted deberá presentar si posición 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 en la secretaría del Tribunal.

Si usted deja de expresarse dentro del referido término, el Tribunal podrá dictar sentencia, previo a escuchar la prueba de valor de la parte peticionaria en su contra, sin más citarle, ni oírle, y conceder el remedio solicitado en la petición o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. RÚSTICA: Sita en el Barrio Voladoras de Moca, Puerto Rico, compuesta por diez céntimos de terreno, equivalentes a TRESCIENTOS CUARENTA Y TRES PUNTO CERO TRENTA Y NUEVE METROS CUADRADOS (343.039 m.c.). En lindes al Norte, con Uso Público; al Sur, con la carretera estatal ciento veinticinco (125) y al Este y al Oeste con terreno de la Sucesión Sixto Román Lasalle. Enclava estructura dedicada a vivienda.

Numero de Catastro: cero siete uno guión cero ocho uno guión cero uno ocho guión uno tres guión cero cero uno (071-081018-13-001). El representante de los promoventes es el Lcdo.

Carlos R. Arroyo Serrano, HC-6 Box 17114, San Sebastián P.R. 00685. Se le informa además, que el Tribunal ha señalado vista en este caso para el 23 de febrero de 2024, a las 10:30 de la mañana mediante videoconferencia. Este edicto deberá ser publicado en tres (3) ocasiones dentro del término de veinte (2) días en un periódico de circulación general diaria, para que comparezcan si quieren alegar su derecho. Toda primera mención de persona natural o jurídica que se mencione en el mismo, se identificará en letra tamaño diez (10) puntos y negrillas, conforme a lo dispuesto en las Reglas de Procedimiento Civil vigentes. Se le apercibe que de no comparecer los interesados o partes citadas, o en su defecto, los organismos públicos afectados en el término improrrogable de veinte (20) días a contar desde la fecha de la última publicación del edicto, el Tribunal podrá conceder el remedio solicitado por la parte

peticionaria, sin más citarle ni oírle. En Aguadilla P.R. a 11 de diciembre de 2023. SARAHÍ REYES PÉREZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. NATHALIE I. ACEVEDO QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

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

COMPU-LINK CORPORATION D/B/A CELINK Demandante V.

SUCESION WILLIAM RIVERA LOPEZ T/C/C WILLIAM RIVERA COMPUESTA POR Y OTROS

ción ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha 09 de enero de 2024. Notas de la Secretaría: se enmienda a los fines de notificar por segunda ocasión la notificación de sentencia por edicto, según solicitado por la representación legal de la parte demandante.

En Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, el 09 de enero de 2024. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA. SARA ROSA VILLEGAS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

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

ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC COMO AGENTE DE ACE ONE FUNDING, LLC

Demandado(a) Caso Núm.: GB2023CV00011.

(Salón: 202). Sobre: EJECUDemandante V. CIÓN DE HIPOTECA: PROJORGE F PIEDAD RESIDENCIAL. NOLOPEZ DE VICTORIA TIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA Demandado(a) POR EDICTO ENMENDADA. FRANCES L. ASENCIO GUI- Caso Núm.: TB2023CV00279.

DO, FRANCES.ASENCIO@ (Salón: 502). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO. GMLAW.COM. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENA: WILLIAM RIVERA CIA POR EDICTO. BERRIOS; CARLOS KENMUEL JOSÉ RUIZ LÓPEZ, RIVERA BERRIOS; JOHN KENMUEL.RUIZ@ORF-LAW.COM.

A: JORGE F LOPEZ DOE Y JANE DOE COMO DE VICTORIA, 1 COND POSIBLES MIEMBROS LAGOS DEL NORTE APT DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION WILLIAM 511, TOA BAJA PR 009491603.

RIVERA LOPEZ T/C/C (Nombre de las partes que se le WILLIAM RIVERA; JOHN notifican la sentencia por edicto) ROE Y JANE ROE COMO EL SECRETARIO(A) que susPOSIBLES MIEMBROS cribe le notifica a usted que el DESCONOCIDOS DE LA 09 DE ENERO DE 2024, este SUCESION CRISTINA Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, BERRIOS DIAZ T/C/C Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debiCRISTINA BERRIOS. damente registrada y archivada

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 30 de noviembre de 2023, 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 notifica-

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 10 de enero de 2024. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el 10 de enero de 2024.

LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA. SANDRA BÁEZ HERNÁNDEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

The San Juan Daily Star LEGAL NOTICE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING THROUGH THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Plaintiff V.

RAZA GLOBAL, INC.

Defendant Civil No.: 23-01219. RAM. Re: COLLECTION OF MONEY. NOTICE OF JUDGMENT BY PUBLICATION.

To: RAZA GLOBAL, INC.

THE CLERK OF THIS COURT hereby notifies you that on October 31, 2023, this Court entered judgment in favor of plaintiff. Said judgment has been duly registered and the terms of such judgment are available for review in the Clerks’ office.

THEREFORE, this notice is hereby given to you that judgment has been entered against you in the instant proceedings.

Notice will be deemed effective, and the thirty (30) day term to file the notice of appeal will begin the day this judicial notice is published in a newspaper of general circulation. A copy of the Notice of Judgment by Publication and Judgment in this case will be sent by plaintif to the defendant’s last known address by certified mail, return receipt requested within ten (10) days of the one and only publication of this judicial notice. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 9th day of January, 2024. Ada I. García Rivera, Clerk, United States District Court, For The District Of Puerto Rico. Ana Duran, Deputy Clerk.

Demandados Civil Núm.: GB2022CV00173.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL. A: SUCESIÓN DE RENE RAMON MANUEL SILVA BENOY T/C/C RENE R. SILVA BENOY COMPUESTA POR HELEN GRISSELL SILVA COLÓN T/C/C HELEN GRISSEL SILVA COLÓN, MARLIN ROSA SILVA COLÓN, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA.

Yo, ALG. HUGO BASCÓ MEDINA, ALGUACIL PLACA #807, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Guaynabo, a los demandados, acreedores y al público en general con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, por la presente CERTIFICO, ANUNCIO y HAGO CONSTAR: Que el día 6 DE FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS 9:40 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Guaynabo, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, procederé a vender en Pública Subasta, al mejor postor, la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria mediante Sentencia LEGAL NOTICE dictada en el caso de epígrafe, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO la cual se notificó y archivó en DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- autos el día 14 de febrero de NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA 2023. Los autos y todos los doSALA DE GUAYNABO cumentos correspondientes al REVERSE MORTGAGE procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría FUNDING, LLC durante horas laborables. Que Demandante Vs. en caso de no producir remate SUCESIÓN DE RENE ni adjudicación en la primera RAMON MANUEL subasta a celebrarse, se celeSILVA BENOY T/C/C brará una SEGUNDA SUBASRENE R. SILVA BENOY TA para la venta de la susodiCOMPUESTA POR cha propiedad, el 13 DE HELEN GRISSELL SILVA FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS 9:40 DE LA MAÑANA; y en COLÓN T/C/C HELEN GRISSEL SILVA COLÓN, caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una MARLIN ROSA SILVA TERCERA SUBASTA el día 20 COLÓN, FULANO DE DE FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL 9:40 DE LA MAÑANA en mi ofiCOMO HEREDEROS cina sita en el lugar antes indicado. Que en cumplimiento de DE NOMBRES un Mandamiento de Ejecución DESCONOCIDOS; de Sentencia que ha sido libeCENTRO DE rado por la Secretaría del TribuRECAUDACIÓN nal de Primera Instancia, Sala DE INGRESOS Superior de Guaynabo, en el MUNICIPALES; Y LOS caso de epígrafe con fecha de ESTADOS UNIDOS DE 16 de noviembre de 2023, procederé a vender en pública suAMÉRICA

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 basta y al mejor postor, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Apartamento veintiséis guión letra “D” (26-D), también conocido como Sub Penthouse 26D. Es un apartamento residencial de forma irregular que está localizado en el piso vigésimo sexto, del Edificio Condominio Santa Ana, situado en la Carretera Estatal número diecinueve (19), esquina Calle “A”, Villa Caparra, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, que mide sesenta y seis pies diez pulgadas (66’10”) de largo por su parte más larga, por veintiocho pies, once pulgadas (28’11”) de ancho por su parte más larga, que hacen un área de mil quinientos sesenta y tres pies cuadrados (1,563 p.c.), aproximadamente, equivalentes a ciento cuarenta y cinco punto veintiséis metros cuadrados (146.26 m.c.). Siendo sus linderos y distancias los siguientes: por el NORTE, en una distancia de trece pies una pulgada (13’1”) con el apartamento veintiséis guión letra “F”(26-F) separado por pared interior y en cuatro pies diez pulgadas (4’10”) con el corredor común, separado por una pared interior y puerta de entrada; por el SUR, en una línea quebrada de una distancia de dieciocho pies once pulgadas (18’11”) con el apartamento veintiséis guion letra “A”(26-A) separado por pared interior; por el ESTE, en línea quebrada de sesenta y seis pies diez pulgadas (66’10”) con espacio exterior que mira hacia el patio delantero y a la carretera estatal número diecinueve (19) separado por ventanas , paredes exteriores y barandas de las terrazas; y por el OESTE, en cuatro pies seis pulgadas (4’6”) con el apartamento veintiséis guión “A” (26-A), separado por una pared interior, en una distancia cuarenta y dos pies cinco pulgadas (42’5”) con espacio exterior que mira hacia el patio central, el área de estacionamiento, el patio posterior y la propiedad adjunta separado por paredes exteriores y ventanas en una distancia de doce pies una pulgada (12’1”) con espacio exterior que mira hacia un área del patio central que lo separa del apartamento veintiséis guión letra “E” (26-E) separado por pared exterior y ventana y en una distancia de siete pies diez pulgadas (7’10”) con el área de servicio común separado por pared interior. Este apartamento consta de foyer con closet, sala, comedor, dos dormitorios con closet y otro dormitorio con walk in closet, pasillo que conecta las tres habitaciones con los tres baños y el linen closet, cocina, lavande-

ría y terraza. Un baño equipado con lavamanos y servicio sanitario. Los otros dos baños equipados cada uno con una bañera, lavamanos, bidet, y servicio sanitario. La cocina está equipada con counter, gabinetes, estufa con su horno, fregadero y un triturador de desperdicios.

La lavandería está equipada con lavadero, el calentador se encuentra localizado en el linen closet. La puerta de entrada de este apartamento está situada en su lindero Norte y por ella se sale al corredor o vestíbulo de elevadores, por el cual se sale al interior. Le corresponde a este apartamento dos áreas de estacionamiento marcadas con el número veintiséis guión letra “D” (26-D) soterrados. Le corresponde una participación en los elementos comunes equivalentes a uno punto doscientos veinticinco por ciento (1.225%).

Finca número 22,818, inscrita al folio 260 del tomo 561 de Guaynabo, del Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Guaynabo. Dirección de la Propiedad: 1026 Ave. Luis Vigoreaux, Cond. Santa Ana, Apt. 26 D, Guaynabo, PR 00966. La subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer, hasta donde alcance, el importe de las cantidades adeudadas a la parte demandante conforme a la sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: de $256,179.51 de principal; interés al 3.318% anual, por concepto de balance principal del préstamo el cual no incluye intereses y otros gastos acumulados al 14 de marzo de 2022 y los cuales continúan acumulándose, así como la cantidad líquida estipulada en los documentos del préstamo para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado en caso de reclamación judicial y que correspondan a intereses y cargos por demora posterior a dicha fecha, y la suma de $27,500.00 equivalente al 10% de la suma principal original pactada, estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; más recargos acumulados hasta la fecha en que se pague la deuda; más cualquiera suma de dinero por concepto de contribuciones, primas de seguro hipotecario y riesgo, así como cualesquiera otras sumas pactadas en la escritura de hipoteca, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura número 347 otorgada el día 17 de junio de 2009, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, ante la Notario Público Laura Mia González Bonilla y consta inscrita al folio 51 vuelto del tomo 1,355 de Guaynabo, finca número 22,818, Registro de la Propiedad de Guaynabo.

Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores que tengan inscri-

tos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Entiéndase: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $412,500.00, con intereses al 3.318% anual, vencedero el día 30 de septiembre de 2082, según consta de la escritura número 348, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 17 de junio de 2009, ante la notario Laura Mia González Bonilla, e inscrita al folio 51 del tomo 1,355 de Guaynabo, finca número 22,818, inscripción 11ma y última. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta del inmueble antes descrito será la suma de $275,000.00 según se establece en la escritura de hipoteca antes relacionada. En caso de que el inmueble a ser subastado no fuera adjudicado en su primera subasta se ordena la celebración de una segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, en la cual, la cantidad mínima será una equivalente a 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la suma de $183,333.33; desierta también la segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, se ordena la celebración de una tercera subasta en la cual, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado para la primera subasta, es decir la suma de $137,500.00. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación, entiéndase efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes ante-

25

riores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Una vez efectuada la venta de dicha propiedad, el Alguacil procederá a otorgar la escritura de traspaso al licitador victorioso en subasta, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la sentencia dictada en este caso. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Si el producto de la venta fuere insuficiente para satisfacer la cantidad reclamada, se procederá a la ejecución de la sentencia en contra de la parte demandada por el remanente de las sumas no satisfechas, mediante embargo y venta en ejecución de cualesquiera otros bienes propiedad de la parte demandada en cantidad suficiente para dejar cubierta y totalmente satisfecha a la parte demandante cualquier deficiencia o parte insoluta de la sentencia dictada a su favor según dispuesto en la sentencia dictada en este caso. Se dispone, conforme con la sentencia dictada en este caso que, una vez efectuada la subasta y vendido el bien inmueble, los adjudicatarios sean puestos en posesión del mismo dentro del término de veinte (20) días por el Alguacil de este Honorable Tribunal y los actuales poseedores lanzados del referido inmueble. Y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general, se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley, mediante edicto, en un periódico de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, una vez por semana, por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, y para su fijación en tres (3) lugares públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía, y se le notificará además a la parte demandada vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto de Subasta para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, a 18 de diciembre de 2023. Alg. Hugo Bascó Medina, Alguacil Placa #807, Alguacil Del Tribunal De Primera Instancia, Sala De Guaynabo.

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018-HB1

TAL COMO MIEMBROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES.

Yo, LUIS F. ORTIZ ROSA, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera SUCESIÓN DE CARMEN Instancia, Sala de Vega Baja, a demandados, acreedores y BENITEZ COLON T/C/C los al público en general con inteCARMEN BENITEZ rés sobre la propiedad que más COMPUESTA POR adelante se describe, y al públiSONIA MELECIO co en general, por la presente BENÍTEZ, EDDIE JUAN CERTIFICO, ANUNCIO y HAGO CONSTAR: Que el día 8 MELECIO BENITEZ, DE FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS EDWIN MELECIO 10:00 DELA MAÑANA, en mi BENITEZ, PEDRO oficina, sita en el Tribunal de MELECIO BENITEZ, Primera Instancia, Sala SupeMAITE MELECIO rior de Vega Baja, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, procederé a venROSADO, ANGELIE der en Pública Subasta, al meMELECIO ROSADO, MICHELLE MELECIO jor postor, la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se ROSADO, FULANO describe y cuya venta en públiDE TAL Y SUTANO DE ca subasta se ordenó por la vía TAL COMO MIEMBROS ordinaria mediante Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS DE LA la cual se notificó y archivó en SUCESIÓN DE MIGUEL autos el día 8 de agosto de 2023. Los autos y todos los doANGEL MELECIO cumentos correspondientes al BENITEZ, FULANO procedimiento incoado, estarán DE TAL Y SUTANO DE de manifiesto en la Secretaría TAL COMO MIEMBROS durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate DE NOMBRES ni adjudicación en la primera DESCONOCIDOS; subasta a celebrarse, se celeCENTRO DE brará una SEGUNDA SUBASRECAUDACIÓN TA para la venta de la susodiDE IMPUESTOS cha propiedad, el 15 DE MUNICIPALES; Y LOS FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE 10:00 DELA MAÑANA; y en caso de no producir remate ni AMÉRICA adjudicación, se celebrará una Demandados TERCERA SUBASTA el día 22 Civil Núm.: VA2022CV00054.

DE FEBRERO DE 2024, A LAS Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPO10:00 DELA MAÑANA, en mi TECA - IN REM. EDICTO DE oficina sita en el lugar antes inSUBASTA. dicado. Que en cumplimiento AL: PÚBLICO EN de un Mandamiento de EjecuGENERAL. ción de Sentencia que ha sido A: SUCESIÓN DE liberado por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, CARMEN BENITEZ COLON T/C/C CARMEN Sala Superior de Vega Baja, en BENITEZ COMPUESTA el caso de epígrafe con fecha de 18 de octubre de 2023, proPOR SONIA MELECIO cederé a vender en pública suBENÍTEZ, EDDIE JUAN basta y al mejor postor, todo MELECIO BENITEZ, derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de EDWIN MELECIO epígrafe en el inmueble que se BENITEZ, PEDRO describe a continuación: “RÚSMELECIO BENITEZ, TICA: Parcela marcada con el MAITE MELECIO número 433 en el plano de parROSADO, ANGELIE celación de la comunidad rural MELECIO ROSADO, San Vicente del Barrio Sabana MICHELLE MELECIO del término municipal de Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, con una cabiROSADO, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE da superficial de quinientos y dos con noventa y TAL COMO MIEMBROS cuarenta cinco metros cuadrados DE NOMBRES (542.95m.c.). En lindes: por el DESCONOCIDOS DE LA NORTE, con la calle José de LEGAL NOTICE SUCESIÓN DE MIGUEL Diego y la parcela número 434 ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO de la comunidad; por el SUR, ANGEL MELECIO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUcon la parcela número 432 de la BENITEZ, FULANO NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA por el ESTE, con DE TAL Y SUTANO DE comunidad; SALA DE VEGA BAJA las parcelas número 434 y 435 Demandante Vs.

26 de la comunidad; y por el OESTE, con la Calle José De Diego de la comunidad”. Finca número 17,263, inscrita al folio 131 del tomo 292 de Vega Alta. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección III de Bayamón. Dirección de la Propiedad: #433 Jose de Diego St. Sabana Hoyos WD, Vega Alta, PR 00692. La subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer, hasta donde alcance, el importe de las cantidades adeudadas a la parte demandante conforme a la sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: de $61,765.98 en concepto de principal con interés al 3.199% anual, los cuales acumulan a un total de $102,009.42 a la fecha de 30 de marzo de 2022 los cuales continúan acumulándose, así como la cantidad líquida estipulada en los documentos del préstamo para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado en caso de reclamación judicial y que correspondan a intereses y cargos por demora posterior a dicha fecha, y la suma de $13,350.00 equivalente al 10% de la suma principal original pactada, estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; más recargos acumulados hasta la fecha en que se pague la deuda; más cualquiera suma de dinero por concepto de contribuciones, primas de seguro hipotecario y riesgo, así como cualesquiera otras sumas pactadas en la escritura de hipoteca, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura número 288 otorgada el día 14 de mayo de 2013, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, ante la Notario Público Lizbet Avilés Vega y consta inscrita al folio 132 del tomo 292 de Vega Alta, finca número 17,263, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección III de Bayamón. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Entiéndase: Hipoteca en garantía

de un pagaré a favor de Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $133,500.00, con intereses al 3.199% anual, vencedero el 30 de diciembre de 2083, constituida mediante la escritura número 289, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, eld ia 14 de mayo de 2013, ante la notario Lizbet Avilés Vega, e inscrita al folio 131 del tomo 292 de Vega Alta, finca número 17,263, inscripción 6ta. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta del inmueble antes descrito será la suma de $133,500.00 según se establece en la escritura de hipoteca antes relacionada. En caso de que el inmueble a ser subastado no fuera adjudicado en su primera subasta se ordena la celebración de una segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, en la cual, la cantidad mínima será una equivalente a 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la suma de $89,000.00; desierta también la segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, se ordena la celebración de una tercera subasta en la cual, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado para la primera subasta, es decir la suma de $66,750.00. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación, entiéndase efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Una vez efectuada la venta de dicha propiedad, el Alguacil procederá a otorgar la escritura de traspaso al licitador victorioso en subasta, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la sentencia dictada en este caso. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Si el producto de la venta fuere insuficiente para satisfacer la cantidad reclamada, se procederá a la ejecución de la sentencia en contra de la parte demandada por el remanente de las sumas no satisfechas, mediante embargo y venta en ejecución de cuales-

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

quiera otros bienes propiedad de la parte demandada en cantidad suficiente para dejar cubierta y totalmente satisfecha a la parte demandante cualquier deficiencia o parte insoluta de la sentencia dictada a su favor según dispuesto en la sentencia dictada en este caso. Se dispone, conforme con la sentencia dictada en este caso que, una vez efectuada la subasta y vendido el bien inmueble, los adjudicatarios sean puestos en posesión del mismo dentro del término de veinte (20) días por el Alguacil de este Honorable Tribunal y los actuales poseedores lanzados del referido inmueble. Y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general, se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley, mediante edicto, en un periódico de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, una vez por semana, por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, y para su fijación en tres (3) lugares públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía, y se le notificará además a la parte demandada vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto de Subasta para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, a 18 de diciembre de 2023. Luis F. Ortiz Rosa, Alguacil Del Tribunal De Primera Instancia, Sala De Vega Baja.

o a su orden, por la INGRESOS MUNICIPALES MORALES Y ANA RITA en este caso, que ha sido debi- tencia, Sentencia Parcial o Redamente registrada y archivada solución, de la cual puede esDemandados IRIZARRY RUIZ. suma principal de en autos donde podrá usted tablecerse recurso de revisión (Nombre de las partes que se le Civil Núm.: PO2023CV03268. $89,725.00, intereses al enterarse detalladamente de o apelación dentro del término notifican la sentencia por edicto) Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HI8.875%, vencedero el POTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus- los términos de la misma. Esta de 30 días contados a partir día I de marzo de 2030, POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNI- cribe le notifica a usted que notificación se publicará una de la publicación por edicto de constituida mediante DOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRE- el 04 de enero de 2024, este sola vez en un periódico de esta notificación, dirijo a usted la escritura número 31, SIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, circulación general en la Isla esta notificación que se consiotorgada en San Juan, UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE Sentencia Parcial o Resolución de Puerto Rico, dentro de los derará hecha en la fecha de la en este caso, que ha sido debi- 10 días siguientes a su notifica- publicación de este edicto. CoPuerto Rico, el día 29 de ASOCIADO DE PUERTO damente registrada y archivada ción. Y, siendo o representando pia de esta notificación ha sido RICO, SS. febrero de 2000, ante el en autos donde podrá usted en- usted una parte en el procedi- archivada en los autos de este A: JOHN DOE Y notario Carlos M. García terarse detalladamente de los miento sujeta a los términos caso, con fecha 09 de enero de JANE DOE COMO términos de la misma. Esta no- de la Sentencia, Sentencia 2024. En Carolina, Puerto Rico, Rullán, e inscrita en POSIBLES MIEMBROS tificación se publicará una sola Parcial o Resolución, de la cual el 09 de enero de 2024. Kanelly la finca número 7,978, DESCONOCIDOS vez en un periódico de circula- puede establecerse recurso de Zayas Robles, Secretaria. Keila Registro de la Propiedad ción general en la Isla de Puer- revisión o apelación dentro del García Solís, Secretaria AuxiDE LA SUCESION de Puerto Rico, Quinta to Rico, dentro de los 10 días término de 30 días contados a liar Del Tribunal.

PALMIRA MONTAÑEZ Sección de San Juan. siguientes a su notificación. Y, partir de la publicación por edicTORRES T/C/C PALMIRA LEGAL NOTICE Por la presente se le emplaza siendo o representando usted to de esta notificación, dirijo a MONTAÑEZ. y notifica que debe contestarla una parte en el procedimiento usted esta notificación que se ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO

demanda incoada en su contra dentro del término de treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación del presente edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio. Si usted deja de presentar y notificar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el Tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Los abogados de la parte demandante son.

ABOGADOS DE LA PARTE DEMANDANTE: Lcdo. Reggie Díaz Hernández RUA Núm.: 16,393 BERMUDEZ & DIAZ LLP Suite 209 500 Calle De La Tanca San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 LEGAL NOTICE Tel.: (787) 523-2670 ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO Fax: (787) 523-2664 rdíaz@bdprIaw.com DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y el sello de este Tribunal, hoy SALA DE SAN JUAN BANCO POPULAR DE 02 de enero de 2024. Griselda Rodríguez Collado, Secretaria PUERTO RICO Regional. Gloriam Martínez Demandante V. Rivera, Secretaria De Servicios WILLIAM BERNARDO A Sala.

MENDEZ RUBIO, DORAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION, JOHN DOE

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA Demandadas Civil Núm.: SJ2023CV11976. SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE FINANCE OF AMERICA (903). Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO REVERSE LLC POR LA VÍA JUDICIAL. EMDemandante Vs. PLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. SUCESION PALMIRA ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉMONTAÑEZ TORRES RICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS T/C/C PALMIRA ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO MONTAÑEZ COMPUESTA LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERPOR JOHN DOE Y TO RICO, S.S.

A: DORAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION Y JOHN DOE COMO TENEDOR DESCONOCIDOS DEL PAGARÉ a favor de Doral Mortgage Corporation,

JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al Tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación de este edicto.

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: http://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberé presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaria 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.

Greenspoon Marder, LLP Lcda. Frances L. Asencio-Guido R.U.A. 15,622 TRADE CENTRE SOUTH, SUITE 700 100 WEST CYPRESS CREEK ROAD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309 Telephone: (954) 343 6273 Frances.Asencio@gmlaw.com Expedido bajo mi firma, y sello del Tribunal, en Ponce, Puerto Rico, hoy día 29 de diciembre de 2023. CARMEN G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA. EREINA AGRONT LEÓN, SUBSECRETARIA.

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

MCLP ASSET COMPANY INC. Demandante V.

CARMEN RUIZ MALAVE Y OTROS

Demandado(a) Caso Núm.: MZ2021CV00034.

(Salón: 207). Sobre:COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO Y OTROS. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. ANDRÉS SÁEZ MARRERO, PRSERVICE@TMPPLLC.COM.

A: NELSON IRIZARRY

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 09 de enero de 2024.

En Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, el 09 de enero de 2024. NORMA G. SANTANA IRIZARRY, SECRETARIA. NILDA TORRES ACEVEDO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

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

REINALDO GARAY DAVILA Y OTROS

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 09 de enero de 2024. En Manatí, Puerto Rico, el 09 de enero de 2024.

VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA. CARMEN JULIA ROSARIO VALENTÍN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

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

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

JONATHAN COLLAZO MONTES Y OTROS

Demandado(a) Caso Núm.: CN2021CV00391.

FIRSTBANK PUERTO (Civil: 408). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO Y RICO Y OTROS OTROS. NOTIFICACIÓN DE Demandado(a) SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. Caso Núm.: AR2023CV02113.

KEVIN SÁNCHEZ CAMPANERO, (Salón: 102 SALA SUPERIOR). KEVIN.SANCHEZ@ORF-LAW.COM. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN O A: JONATHAN RESTITUCIÓN DE PAGARÉ COLLAZO MONTES, Y EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICALA SOCIEDAD LEGAL CIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR DE GANANCIALES POR EDICTO. ZILMARIE DELGADO PIERAS, AMBOS COMPUESTA. ZILMARIED@HOTMAIL.COM. (Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) A: JUAN DEL PUEBLO EL SECRETARIO(A) que susY JUANA DEL PUEBLO, cribe le notifica a usted que COMO POSIBLES el 31 de mayo de 2022, este TENEDORES Y Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, CUALQUIER PERSONA Sentencia Parcial o Resolución DESCONOCIDA CON en este caso, que ha sido debiPOSIBLE INTERÉS EN damente registrada y archivada LA OBLIGACIÓN CUYA en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los CANCELACIÓN POR términos de la misma. Esta noDECRETO JUDICIAL SE tificación se publicará una sola SOLICITA. vez en un periódico de circula(Nombre de las partes que se le ción general en la Isla de Puernotifican la sentencia por edicto) to Rico, dentro de los 10 días EL SECRETARIO(A) que sussiguientes a su notificación. Y, cribe le notifica a usted que siendo o representando usted el 08 de enero de 2024, este una parte en el procedimiento Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, sujeta a los términos de la SenSentencia Parcial o Resolución Demandante V.

DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE GUAYAMA SALA SUPERIOR DE SALINAS

LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2019-PR1 Demandante V.

LIONEL DAVID PEDROGO Y OTROS

Demandado(a) Caso Núm.: SA2022CV00073.

(Salón: 202 SUPERIOR). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO Y OTROS. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. MARICELI PEREZ GONZALEZ, NOTIFICACIONES@ GARCIACHAMORRO.COM.

A: CECILIA HERNANDEZ TORRES.

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 21 de diciembre de 2023, 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 09 de enero de 2024.

En Salinas, Puerto Rico, el 09 de enero de 2024. MARISOL ROSADO RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA. BRENDA RAMOS POMALES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

27

Caguas beats the Giants in Carolina, leads series 2-1

By THE STAR STAFF

T

he Caguas Criollos defeated the Carolina Giants 4-2 on Sunday at the Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium in Carolina to take a 2-games-to-1 lead in the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League finals.

It was the second-straight victory for the Criollos, who broke the Giants’ home field advantage in the series.

Caguas took a 3-0 lead in the third inning on an RBI double by Nelson Velázquez and a two-run single by Juan Centeno.

The Giants scored twice in the seventh inning to pull within a run. Bryan Torres was caught off base at first and Erick Félix took the opportunity to score from third to make it 3-1. Then JC Escarra drove in the second run

The Caguas Criollos got a win on the road Sunday to take a 2-1 series lead in the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League finals. Game 4 is at 7:15 p.m. today at Yldefonso Solá Morales Stadium in Caguas.

with a double.

In the ninth inning, a single by Jancarlos Cintrón drove in Ismael Salgado for Caguas’ fourth run and the winning margin as Carolina failed to score in the bottom of the ninth.

Right-hander Ricardo Vélez pitched 1.1 innings in relief with no hits and four strikeouts to notch the win. He replaced Braden Webb, who in 4.2 innings struck out eight with just one hit allowed. Veteran Ricardo Gómez covered the ninth inning and achieved the save with two strikeouts.

Eduardo Rivera took the loss for the Giants with 2.2 innings pitched and three runs allowed.

The series continues today with Game 4 at Yldefonso Solá Morales Stadium in Caguas at 7:15 p.m.

Israel Adesanya, MMA star, narrowly avoids drunk-driving conviction

By NATASHA FROST

J

ust weeks after being charged with driving under the influence in Auckland, New Zealand, last year, Israel Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight mixed martial arts champion, sought to project humility and remorse.

He immediately pleaded guilty, issued a public apology and declined to seek “name suppression,” where the news media is banned from publishing a defendant’s name, a common practice in New Zealand for the famous or moderately well known facing legal trouble.

These factors, along with what Adesanya described as the likely and disproportionate negative effects of a criminal conviction on his high-profile career, prompted a judge last week to dismiss the charges.

Judge Peter Winter of the Auckland District Court instead ordered Adesanya to donate 1,500 New Zealand dollars, or around $900, to a charity; suspended his driver’s license for six months; and ordered him to enroll in a drunk-driving cessation program by the end of 2024. Adesanya had previously been charged with, but not convicted of, driving while his license was suspended.

Hours later on Wednesday, Adesanya risked undoing some of the court’s goodwill by mocking prosecutors to his 8.5 million Instagram followers.

Adesanya posted photographs and videos taken from within the court — an illegal action in New Zealand — as well as video footage of a police prosecutor, against a soundtrack of a popular and offensive song

by American rapper Big Sean. The posts were later deleted.

The police in New Zealand said they were aware of the posts and would “liaise with the Court, which is responsible for security, about any next steps.”

In an Instagram story posted Thursday, Adesanya ruminated on the importance of staying humble and avoiding making excuses. “Don’t feel entitled to anything,” he said.

“Even me, I had to remind myself of that.”

Adesanya, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but who has called New Zealand home since he was 10, is among MMA’s brightest sparks — but, at 34, his star is waning. He has fought just four times in 14 months, and he described himself as being in “the back end of my career” in a recent YouTube video.

Adesanya was charged in August with drunken driving, after his blood alcohol level was measured at 0.087%. (The legal limit in the United States is 0.08%, and in New Zealand, it is 0.05%.) He told police he drank two cocktails with dinner.

The charge holds a maximum penalty in New Zealand of three months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 4,500 New Zealand dollars, or around $2,800.

Israel Adesanya (Facebook) But a conviction, Adesanya said, would be disproportionate — probably costing him hundreds of thousands of dollars in endorsements and abruptly curtailing what has been a sparkling career representing New Zealand

on the world stage, as his lawyer had argued.

“I’m sure you have learned from this,” Winter told the athlete Wednesday. “You would not want to be placed in this position again, as you realize.”

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The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Ben Shelton, the American with the blinding serve, returns to the Australian Open

By CINDY SHMERLER

I

t all started with a simple text message that, if Bryan Shelton’s memory serves him, went something like this: “That coulda got really interesting,” wrote his then-20-year-old son, Ben, moments after he won a fifth-set tiebreaker against Zhang Zhizhen at last year’s Australian Open, clinching that first-round match.

Had it not been for that win, in a match that began in the morning and ended at night under the lights, during which Shelton survived a heat postponement, a rain delay and a match point, he might never have had the breakout season that he had last year.

“Not sure I remember it that way, because it did get kind of interesting,” Shelton said by phone shortly after he and his father traveled to Brisbane, Australia, from their Florida home in late December to begin the 2024 season with a pre-Australian Open warmup tournament. Shelton did, however, recall the unreturnable serve he hit at 4-5, 30-40 down in the fifth set.

Shelton, who defeated Roberto Bautista of Spain on Sunday, 6-2, 7-6(7-2), 7-5 on Sunday in a first-round match in Melbourne, left last year’s Australian Open, his first trip abroad, as a quarterfinalist after succumbing to his friend and fellow American Tommy Paul. By season’s end, Shelton had reached the semifinals at the U.S. Open alongside the world’s top three players — Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev — and cracked the ATP’s top 15. The young American had begun 2023, his first full year on tour, ranked barely inside the top 100.

Shelton is still very much a work in progress. Despite a serve that topped

Ben Shelton hits a return during his quarterfinal defeat to fellow American and friend Tommy Paul, at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Jan. 25, 2023. Paul advanced, 7-6 (8), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. By season’s end, Shelton had reached the semifinals at the United States Open alongside the world’s top three players — Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev — and cracked the ATP’s top 15.

(Alana Holmberg/The New York Times) out at 149 mph at last year’s U.S. Open, he struggled trying to adapt to clay and

grass courts. It is something that he and his father, who left as head coach at the University of Florida last spring to coach his son full time, have worked on diligently during the offseason.

“The biggest thing for him is movement,” said Bryan Shelton, a tour player mostly in the 1990s. “It’s efficiency, being more balanced. The men’s game today is all about the

serve and return and creating opportunities to come forward, which Ben can do.”

There is a delicate dance when parents coach their children, but the Sheltons have navigated it well. Ben played singles for his father during his freshman and sophomore years at Florida, clinching the Gators’ final point to win the 2021 NCAA team championship and winning the NCAA singles title a year later. Shortly after, he turned pro.

“It can be tricky at times, but every coach has to communicate well with his player,” said Bryan, adding that his son is the most competitive person he has ever met. “I just have to be aware that I am the dad and that some things he’ll receive well and some not. Sometimes it’s better to ask a question. That way he takes ownership of it and can stay in the zone. We call it paralysis by analysis.”

The Sheltons often communicate in staccato. A word or two from Bryan, courtside, is as effective as a lecture.

“I think I have a pretty good knowledge of tennis, the way I want to play, the way I want to compete,” said Ben, a college finance major who said he schedules weekly discussions with a venture capitalist who helped found his management agency. “Sometimes I don’t need a full sentence because I can use context clues and pick up on everything that my dad is trying to say. Sometimes it’s nicer to hear just one word and move on rather than have to listen to a whole spiel.”

Shelton is aware that he has critics, especially those who don’t appreciate his on-court bellowing or the phonehang-up imitations during last year’s U.S. Open. But he has no intention of altering his behavior.

“I don’t know that you’re going to see anything different from me this year,” he said. “I just want to be my authentic self. I’m not going to change because of who’s out there or what people say.”

For Shelton, it’s all about progress.

“I’m just focused on improving my game, developing and pushing things forward,” he said shortly before heading to a practice session with Rafael Nadal, the one player Shelton wants most to play in a match. “I want to have a better year overall, a good body of work. The show goes on.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Sudoku

GAMES

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How to Play:

Fill in the empty fields with the numbers from 1 through 9.

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

Crossword

Wordsearch

Word Search Puzzle #Y084WW

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Answers on page 30

Drone Gross Hinds

Inedible Looms

Matador

Napalms Needier Pages Panes

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Reveal Risked

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Wreaked Wries

HOROSCOPE 30 Aries

The San Juan Daily Star

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

(Mar 21-April 20)

At this time you might be in the space where you tend to doubt concepts and attitudes that you’ve accepted all your life. You generally tend to be a service-oriented person, Aries, and today you might want to help out someone close to you. Yet this person may have deeply buried issues that only he or she can deal with, and therefore might give the appearance of being unappreciative. Rest assured that this is not the case.

Libra

(Sep 24-Oct 23)

Although almost everything in your life seems to be going well, Virgo, today you just might find yourself in a bit of a panic. You might have a temporary fit of fear that your luck won’t last. However, this is most likely due to your deepest insecurities flaring up. Don’t read too much into it, and don’t pay any attention to the doubts expressed by others. Believe in yourself, continue to work hard, and keep moving ahead.

Taurus

(April 21-May 21)

Scorpio

Gemini

(May 22-June 21)

Sagittarius

(Nov 23-Dec 21)

Cancer

(June 22-July 23)

Capricorn

(Dec 22-Jan 20)

Dreams and visions might give rise to the desire to be especially artistic and creative today, Taurus.

Ideas for new artistic projects could be popping in and out of your head all day, and you might go into a panic doubting that you’ll ever have the time to make any of your ideas a reality. At this time, you can only write down whatever pops into your head in order of your own preference. Then work with each in turn.

Successes over the past several weeks, along with an increase in money, might give rise to the desire to improve your living situation, Gemini. You might have doubts, however, as to how best to go about doing it. Should you move or should you simply remodel?

Should you move close by or to a different area? It’s best to simply list the pros and cons of each option and then consider them all carefully. You don’t have to decide right now.

Stress from whatever work pressures you’ve been experiencing might cause you to feel a bit under the weather.

Yet you’re probably unwilling to take some time off because you’re too concerned about finishing what you’re doing in a timely manner, Cancer. It’s important to remember that you won’t finish it at all if you exhaust yourself. Move slowly and steadily, take time out to relax a little, and all will go more smoothly than you think.

Leo

(July 24-Aug 23)

Blocks and obstacles that you may have reached with regard to your projects might cause you to wonder if you have what it takes to get them done at all, Leo. This is OK, but don’t get caught up in doubting your abilities. Step back, be objective, and work out the most practical and efficient ways to get past the obstacles and attain the results you want. Don’t let your insecurities get the best of you.

Virgo

(Aug 24-Sep 23)

Although almost everything in your life seems to be going well, Virgo, today you just might find yourself in a bit of a panic. You might have a temporary fit of fear that your luck won’t last. However, this is most likely due to your deepest insecurities flaring up. Don’t read too much into it, and don’t pay any attention to the doubts expressed by others. Believe in yourself, continue to work hard, and keep moving ahead.

(Oct 24-Nov 22)

Something may be troubling a family member, Scorpio, and this person doesn’t seem inclined to talk about it. Your intuition seems to be temporarily blocked, so you can’t figure it out for yourself. Don’t try; it’s probably buried too deeply within the other person. Make it clear that you’re there if needed and then allow this person to go his or her own way.

Don’t let this situation cause you to doubt their need and respect for you.

Today you might feel as if you’re living in a fog, Sagittarius. Some interesting but puzzling news may come your way today. It might be information of such a bizarre nature that you find it difficult to accept, yet your source could be more than reliable.

Conversations with others might seem vague and uncertain, as those around you aren’t really feeling all that communicative. You might have to rely on intuition to discern how they’re feeling.

Unexpected premonitions and gut feelings might prove too strong for comfort, Capricorn, especially if they sense upcoming events that aren’t all that pleasant. These feelings are sent to you not to worry you or cause upset but to give clues as to how to deal with the possibilities.

You may also have to deal with your own self-doubt.

Dig in, do what you can, and assure a positive outcome. Remember, it’s possible to spin straw into gold!

Aquarius

(Jan 21-Feb 19)

A goal that you’ve been working toward for a long time and in which you’ve placed a lot of hope and confidence, may suddenly seem in doubt today, Aquarius. This doesn’t mean it’s dead in the water by any means. It only means that for now you just need to work a little harder and rebuild your faith in it. Tomorrow your doubts could well be a thing of the past. Work hard and hang in there.

Pisces

(Feb 20-Mar 20)

A goal that you’ve been working toward for a long time and in which you’ve placed a lot of hope and confidence, may suddenly seem in doubt today, Aquarius. This doesn’t mean it’s dead in the water by any means. It only means that for now you just need to work a little harder and rebuild your faith in it. Tomorrow your doubts could well be a thing of the past. Work hard and hang in there.

Answers to the Sudoku and Crossword on page 29

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

31

CARTOONS

Herman

Speed Bump

Frank & Ernest

BC

Scary Gary

Wizard of Id

For Better or for Worse

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Ziggy

32 Tuesday, January 16, 2024

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