Wednesday Mar 29, 2023

GOOD MORNING

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.

Governor announces another energy voucher program in his State of the State address

By JOHN McPHAUL jpmcphaul@gmail.com

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia on Tuesday announced another voucher program for citizens to finance renewable energy systems during his State of the State address to the Puerto Rico Legislature.

“In fact, yesterday our Department of Housing opened the Energy Resilience Program portal where low-income people could apply for a voucher of up to $30,100 for a solar panel system with batteries, and it was a total success,” the governor said in his address on the floor of the island House of Representatives. “And today I am announcing that, with a $30 million investment of CDBG-MIT [Community Development Block Grant Disaster Mitigation program] funds, we are creating a new voucher program that will provide middle-class individuals and families with an incentive of up to 30 percent of the cost of a battery-powered solar system for their homes.”

INDEX

our people is over. It is time to ease their burden and promote our economic development.”

He asked legislators to be judicious in the bills they approve, so as not to continue with the vetoes of the oversight board.

“When legislating, we must be responsible with the people’s money, carry out the necessary economic studies before approving measures, seek the right balance, and fulfill the responsibility we carry on our shoulders,” Pierluisi said. “Only in this way will we get Puerto Rico back on its feet, and we will leave the oversight board with our heads held high and with the government standing.”

The governor also announced a “Smart Island” project to provide free WiFi throughout Puerto Rico.

In his address Pierluisi included a barrage of facts and figures of investment in infrastructure and social development under his government, including a $40 million investment in a “21st Century Fund” to invest in the human capital of young people on the island.

The governor said his government had reduced the paperwork in the permitting process and reduced the number of pending permits from 11,000 to 600.

He said his government is improving the investment climate on the island and has created 120,000 new jobs.

“We now have the lowest unemployment rate in our history,” Pierluisi said.

The governor also gave some preliminary details of the budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which he said will leave $180 million in the pocketbooks of the public.

“Our people deserve this tax relief,” he said.

“Later tonight we will present a draft version of the budget to the [Financial] Oversight [and Management] Board and begin the process to justify every dollar we invest in our people,” Pierluisi said. “The central government budget will amount to $12.74 billion and the consolidated budget will amount to $31.63 billion. And

I am confident that this budget will provide us with the necessary funds to fully meet the essential services that our people deserve.”

The governor also called on the Legislative Assembly to address the tax bill.

“I count on us to be able to put aside political-partisan issues, so I invite this Legislature to approve that tax relief,” he said. “The time for imposing more taxes on

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi

Fiscal board admonishes ASES for not making it aware of towns’ debt

By THE STAR STAFF

The Financial Oversight and Management Board has chided Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administrator Edna Marín Ramos for failing to make the federally appointed entity aware of the outstanding debt of many island municipalities with the agency she heads.

The oversight board said it should have been informed of the debt before allowing the disbursement of revenues from the special additional tax to the municipalities so the obligations could be paid off.

“The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico has been made aware of some municipalities’ outstanding obligations with the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (ASES by its Spanish acronym). These outstanding obligations have not been reported to the Oversight Board nor, to our understanding, to the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF),” the executive director of the oversight board, Robert Mujica, said in a 27 March letter. “The Oversight Board would like to understand why these debts were not previously reported to AAFAF in

prior fiscal years before the disbursement of any Excess Special Additional Tax (Excess CAE) to municipalities.”

Under the Certified 2022 Fiscal Plan for the Municipal Revenue Collections Center (CRIM by its Spanish acronym), outstanding obligations owed to PayGo and

ASES must be prioritized.

“The Oversight Board urges ASES to make the necessary collection efforts and send debt certifications to municipalities that currently have outstanding obligations,” the letter notes.

The oversight board also asked ASES to provide a status report by no later than March 31 detailing all 78 municipalities’ outstanding obligations with ASES and all outstanding payment plan balances. The report must include the original payment plan amount; the payment terms; the scheduled monthly amount; the balance as of Jan. 31, 2023; the date of the last payment made by the municipality or remitted directly by CRIM; and the concept of the debt.

In the past, the central government paid the municipalities’ debt for health care, but now that responsibility has fallen to the towns themselves, most of which are financially ailing. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, ASES reported operating revenues of some $2.8 billion, a decrease of approximately $267.8 million from the prior year. The decrease was mainly due to non-contributions from the municipalities and the decrease in contributions from the commonwealth.

DACO creates certificate for solar installation

By JOHN McPHAUL jpmcphaul@gmail.com

Consumer Affairs (DACO by its Spanish acronym) Secretary-designate Hiram Torres Montalvo announced on Tuesday the creation of the Unique Certificate of Compliance, which can be made available to any citizen who requests information about companies engaged in the sale, installation and guarantee of photovoltaic energy systems to be used in the island Housing Department’s New Energy program.

“After a series of meetings with staff from DACO’s Office of Renewable Energy Affairs [OAER by its Spanish initials], we have developed the Unique Certificate of Compliance, a

certification that can be requested by any citizen who falls under the parameters of the Department of Housing’s ‘New Energy’ program” Torres Montalvo said in a written statement. “With this certificate, the citizen can verify that the company is duly registered in DACO.”

According to the Regulation for the Registration of Contractors No. 8172 of March 19, 2012, any person or company dedicated to the installation of equipment and systems, as well as rehabilitation and/or work in residences and commercial establishments, must be duly registered with DACO.

The regulation is intended to safeguard the interests of consumers in cases of default or defective compliance by individuals who, as part of their business, are engaged in making improvements to real estate for residential purposes.

“Similarly, this Certificate will contain information on whether there are pending complaints to be resolved and the status of the company from which certification is requested,” Torres Montalvo said. “With this, the citizen will have the assurance that the company is in compliance with the laws and regulations of DACO.”

To request the Unique Compliance Certificate, the citizen can send an email to the OAER at: energia@daco.pr.gov, or through the social networks Facebook, Instagram or Twitter under @Dacoatufavor.

Meanwhile, the island Housing Department informed the Consumer Rights Committee in the House of Representatives earlier this week that it has not yet established a plan with DACO to guide participants in the New Energy program and address possible claims that arise with solar panel systems.

“A program that begins today and it has not yet been

The Unique Certificate of Compliance can be made available to any citizen who requests information about companies engaged in the sale, installation and guarantee of photovoltaic energy systems to be used in the island Housing Department’s New Energy program.

determined how they will be attending to these complaints that we have seen and that the Department of Consumer Affairs has spoken of since 2019 have skyrocketed …, for me it is urgent that there be that meeting,” Rep. Estrella Martínez Soto said at Monday’s public hearing.

Robert Mujica, executive director of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico

Firefighters to install smoke detectors at senior care centers

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Firefighters Bureau will be installing systems to detect gas and smoke emanations in care centers for the elderly throughout the island, starting with the municipalities of Carolina and Canóvanas.

At-large Sen. Keren Riquelme Cabrera and District 38 (Carolina and Canóvanas) Rep. Wanda del Valle Correa announced the initiative, which they are promoting, after meeting Monday with the bureau’s commissioner, Marcos Concepción Tirado.

“For us, the safety of the elderly is very important, particularly those who are in care centers, whether day or long-term,” Riquelme said. “That is why it is necessary that these facilities have the most advanced emergency prevention systems such as gas and smoke detectors. After holding a very effective meeting with the commissioner

of the fire department, we are pleased to report that soon all these centers will have new gas and smoke detection systems.”

“According to the firefighters commissioner, this will be a very hot year due to how acute the El Niño phenomenon is over the Atlantic Ocean,” the senator added. “Given this, we have to expect more activity in terms of fires; that is why these detectors in the care centers for the elderly are so important. I thank the commissioner, as well as Representative Del Valle, for this great step toward the security of those who built the Puerto Rico we have today.”

According to information provided by the Firefighters Bureau, smoke detectors decrease the risk of dying in a fire within an enclosed area. It is recommended that smoke detectors be installed in each room, in hallways, in the living room and on each level of the house if it is two floors or more.

Guánica mayor urges attention to forest fire prevention

By THE STAR STAFF

Guánica Mayor Ismael

“Titi” Rodríguez Ramos issued a call to citizens to be attentive to the prevention of forest or grassland fires, which have been increasing in recent days due to the lack of rain and rising heat levels.

“Yesterday our staff from the Municipal Emergency Management Office fought a fire near the community, and these are situations that can sometimes be prevented,” the mayor said. “In addition to the danger of the fires, the smoke generated by these events particularly affects people with respiratory conditions.”

To avoid preventable fires, the mayor recommended not throwing lit cigarettes on public roads, because many fires originate near roads, which necessitates closing the road while the

fire is fought. Similarly, flammable material should never be left in dry places, and open burning is a prohibited practice in Puerto Rico, Rodríguez Ramos noted.

The wildfire season typically begins in February and runs through August, according to Puerto Rico’s weather conditions. Fires start or spread due to various factors, such as high temperatures, low relative humidity, wind, availability of fuels (dry leaves, branches, trees and grass) and global warming.

“There are many situations caused by these fires, from the destruction of wildlife habitat, air pollution and accidents due to loss of visibility because of smoke, to soil erosion, destruction of crops and increased operational expenses such as supplies and equipment,” the mayor said. “We urge citizens to be attentive and cooperate in the process.”

The wildfire season typically begins in February and runs through August, according to Puerto Rico’s weather conditions.

According to information provided by the Puerto Rico Firefighters Bureau, it is recommended that smoke detectors be installed in each room, in hallways, in the living room and on each level of the home if it has two floors or more.

After survey, ManpowerGroup urges island employers to ‘reassess’ hiring strategies

By THE STAR STAFF

AManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey (MEOS) has revealed that 83% of Puerto Rico employers are having difficulties finding local talent despite an increase in their hiring intentions.

Melissa Rivera-Roena, general manager for ManpowerGroup in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, said the survey -- which in this edition had a sample size of 1,000 employers -- showed that 43% are planning to grow their workforce between April and June, 37% do not expect any changes, 17% expect a reduction, and 3% don’t know. The net outlook trend for hiring intentions is 26%, which Rivera-Roena said is the same as the previous quarter.

“The ManpowerGroup survey reveals that Puerto Rico remains stable regarding hiring outlooks when compared to the global average because it is ranked nineteenth (19th), but at the same time, it is ranked fifth in difficulties in hiring talent, with an 83 percent,” Rivera-Roena said. “Our recommendation as hiring experts is that it is fundamental for employers to begin to reassess their strategies in order to be more successful.”

She noted that for the current quarter, the most competitive sector in Puerto Rico is communication services, with a hiring outlook of 70%, an eight percent increase from the previous quarter. Globally, Puerto Rico is in fourth place in this statistic, exceeding the global average by 37 percentage points.

Puerto Rico is also ranked third globally in the health and life sciences sectors, with each one at 42%, exceeding the global average by 18 percentage points.

The strongest hiring outlook is expected to be among small businesses (10-49 employees), at 45%.

In geographical terms, the most active job markets are expected to be in the north, south, and west regions of the island. The central and metropolitan regions have lower hiring intentions.

Mónica Flores-Barragán, president of ManpowerGroup LATAM, said this is the first year for which the difficulty of finding talent is being measured. The

result is that 83% of employers are reporting difficulties finding the personnel they need. The positions most sought after by employers in Puerto Rico are reception and customer service, ESG (environmental, social and governance factors) risk management, consulting and governance, information technology (IT) and data analysis, management and support at offices, and sales and marketing.

“As all of life’s aspects become more technological, human strengths stand out in the digital age,” Flores-Barragán said. “The most in-demand soft skills in Puerto Rico are collaboration and teamwork, problem solving, creativity and originality, leadership and social influence, and critical thinking and analysis.”

When facing a shortage of talent, training and professional development are fundamental tools to maintain and adapt the talent that is ready for the future of employment, she noted.

The MEOS has been conducted in an independent manner since 1962 and it has a global scope (with a presence in 41 countries). This is the third time it has included Puerto Rico, with a sample size that has increased each quarter, reaching 1,000 employers in this edition.

Employers are asked whether they expect to expand or reduce their workforce for the next quarter. The survey is conducted digitally (by email). Survey participants do not come from ManpowerGroup’s client base, but rather from a diverse group of database providers who have contacts in the management of businesses that represent all industries, business sizes, and specific regions of each country in order to ensure that there is an adequate range of answers from all kinds of businesses. The survey was conducted between January and March.

Some 200 jobs come open at LMM airport

By THE STAR STAFF

Approximately 200 jobs are available for immediate recruitment at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, officials said Tuesday.

“In this season when flights and travel interest increase, it is important to have a workforce that serves the needs of the airport,” said Glenda Burgos, general manager of Caribbean Temporary Services (CTS), in a written statement. “All those people who have made the decision to enter the world of work, to contribute to the country and improve their living conditions, are invited to meet at this job fair,” which CTS will hold Thursday on the first floor of the Carolina Shopping Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Available positions are: ramp agents, freight forwarders, passenger agents, warehouse and production, in full- or part-time schedules, and/or Saturdays and Sundays.

Those interested must submit their resume and be prepared for an interview. More information is available by calling (787) 387-0157.

According to the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, in the current quarter the most competitive sector in Puerto Rico is communication services, with a hiring outlook of 70%, an 8% increase from the previous quarter. At the same time, 83% of employers across all sectors are reporting difficulties finding the personnel they need.

Available positions at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport include ramp agents, freight forwarders, passenger agents, warehouse and production, full- or part-time, and/or Saturdays and Sundays.

Targeting Mayorkas, GOP takes its immigration message to the border

By KAROUN DEMIRJIAN

Inside a college classroom barely 6 miles from the United States border with Mexico, House Republicans this month orchestrated the made-for-TV moment they had traveled here for, getting a top immigration official to concede that the government has yet to stop migrants from crossing into the country without authorization.

“No sir,” Raul L. Ortiz, the U.S. Border Patrol chief, told GOP members of the Homeland Security Committee when asked whether the government had “operational control” of the border.

The answer might seem obvious at a time when several tens of thousands of migrants are presenting themselves at the border each month, but to Republicans, who have made attacking the Biden administration on immigration a top priority — and impeaching Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, an ironclad vow — it was worth a 1,500-mile trip from Washington.

Republicans gloated about Ortiz’s statement, which was seemingly at odds with testimony Mayorkas gave to another congressional panel last year, and conservative media outlets played it on a loop. Though the government has long lacked a consistent definition of what makes the border secure, Rep. Mark E. Green, R-Tenn., chair of the panel, seized on the apparent discrepancy nonetheless, pledging on Fox News to interview every border sector chief to “investigate whether or not Mayorkas lied.”

It was the kind of spectacle that Republicans have been trying to create since they won control of the House, promising to scrutinize what they claim is a “border crisis” created by lax enforcement by President Joe Biden and Mayorkas. Over the past two months, Republicans from at least four committees and subcommittees have sent delegations to the border, pouring taxpayer dollars into three field hearings, among other ventures, in efforts to draw attention to their message and generate media coverage that propels their narrative.

During ride-along patrols before these congressional excursions, Republicans have struggled to produce visual evidence of the crisis. Last month, Judiciary Committee members saw zero apprehensions in Yuma, Arizona, prompting ridicule from Democrats, who have been boycotting the trips. Republicans on the homeland security panel reported seeing just one this month near Pharr.

Yet the lack of physical proof has not deterred Republicans from laying blame for the country’s border challenges squarely at the feet of Mayorkas, who is expected to field more Republican attacks when he testifies Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“This secretary of DHS wants nothing more than to flood the country with people,” Green said at his committee’s session this month. He said the rise in border crossings, the growth of cartels and the domestic fentanyl epidemic were all “because of the decisions, because of the incompetence and the dishonesty” of Mayorkas.

Just a few miles from where Republicans met, the reality on the ground at the border was far different from the one presented at the field hearing.

After reaching a peak of 250,000 in December, the number of encounters between officials and migrants at the southern border has begun to decline, falling by about 40% in January, and holding steady at those levels through February. Homeland security officials, including Ortiz, have credited a number of deterrence initiatives, including new projects to beef up border infrastructure, stepped-up interdictions and an uptick in flights sending migrants back to their home countries.

“We don’t hear like they’re crossing as often as they were; it’s very, very slow,” said Lourdes Gonzalez. She runs a small shelter in a ramshackle neighborhood in Reynosa, a city on the Mexican side of the border from Pharr, that caters to migrants with medical and trauma conditions. The shelter is one in a network of facilities serving people who have made the journey to the U.S.-Mexico line, only to end up, as she calls it, “stuck.”

“All the people that we have right now, they have been here for already several months,” she added.

The slowed pace has not quieted Republican criticism. They often cite the total number of encounters between migrants and border agents since Biden took office — 4.7 million — and the 1.3 million presumed “got-aways,” border crossers whom officials failed to apprehend. Republicans say those figures far exceed the totals under President Donald Trump.

“This is an incredible increase, and it is not by mistake or accident,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, arguing that Mayorkas ought to be impeached “for his failure as secretary of homeland security to do his job to protect our country.”

Democrats say the Republican approach to such issues is part of why they have boycotted the border trips, dismissing them as craven efforts to score political points by putting on a show.

“They’re not actually interested in solutions,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, who led a separate delegation of Democrats from the Judiciary Committee to the same general area of the border several days after the Republicans departed. “The problem is we need other legal pathways for people to come in, and that means we really need processing capability.”

Republicans have said they are willing to talk about increasing funding for the Department of Homeland Security, but their main goal has been to target Mayorkas, whom they accuse of both mismanaging the resources at his disposal and being negligent in asking Congress for the necessary increases to his department’s budget.

“He either lied to Congress or he’s incompetent, and both of those are not good,” Green said of Mayorkas, calling the discrepancy between his and Ortiz’s assessments of the border “a big first step” toward making a case for impeachment.

But there was little real difference between their statements. In declaring the border to be secure, Mayorkas has often relied on variations of a standard the Border Patrol defined in 2007 as “the ability to detect, respond and interdict border penetrations in areas deemed as high priority.” Ortiz, however, was using the statutory definition, displayed on a placard behind Green at the hearing: “the prevention of all unlawful entries into the United States.”

The Department of Homeland Security has defended its handling of the challenges, arguing that the Biden administration inherited what a spokesperson called “a dismantled immigration system” and has faced “unprecedented migration.”

“Instead of pointing fingers and trying to score political points by pursuing a baseless and reckless impeachment, Congress should work on legislative solutions for our broken immigration system, which it has not updated in over 40 years,” spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg said.

As the debate persists, problems at the border are evolving. In just a few weeks, the Biden administration is poised to institute more stringent policies to replace the pandemic-era restrictions, which expire in May. At that point, many migrant advocates worry the scale of human suffering at the border will

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get worse.

People on the international bridge in Reynosa, Mexico, March 16, 2023. Republicans have been making regular trips to the border with Mexico in hopes of dramatizing the United States’ immigration challenges, but they rarely account for the reality on the ground, where the number of crossings has begun to decline.

North Carolina becomes 40th state to expand Medicaid

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG

North Carolina earlier this week became the 40th state to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, the latest sign of how Republican opposition to the health measure has weakened more than a decade after President Barack Obama signed it into law.

Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, signed legislation expanding the state’s Medicaid program during a sunny afternoon ceremony on the lawn of the Executive Mansion, days after the Republican-controlled Legislature gave final approval to the measure. He was surrounded by patients, advocates and some of the same Republican leaders who had previously blocked expansion in the state.

The bill will expand Medicaid to adults

who make up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $41,000 for a family of four. State officials say the expansion will cover an estimated 600,000 people. It will take effect when the state adopts a budget, likely by June, Cooper said in an interview before the signing ceremony.

“Today is a historic step toward a healthier North Carolina,” the governor declared before signing the measure. When a reporter pressed him on when the expansion would take effect, he said, “It’s only a question of when, not if.”

It has been nearly 11 years since the Supreme Court ruled that states did not have to expand Medicaid — the government health insurance program for low-income people — under the Affordable Care Act. Nearly half the states opted out. More recently, progressives have

Gov. Roy Cooper signs a bill expanding Medicaid coverage at the North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh, N.C., on Monday, March 27, 2023. After Gov. Roy Cooper signed legislation on Monday to expand Medicaid in North Carolina, just 10 states are left that have not expanded the program.

helped to expand Medicaid in seven states — all of them with either Republican-controlled or divided governments — by putting the question directly to voters; in November, South Dakota adopted Medicaid expansion via the ballot box.

But getting Republican elected officials to abandon their opposition to expanding the program has not been easy. The last state where a Republican-controlled Legislature voted to expand Medicaid was Virginia, in 2018. The governor at the time was a Democrat, Ralph Northam.

The battle over Medicaid has been particularly intense in North Carolina. Supporters of expansion conducted hundreds of “Moral Mondays” protests at the state Capitol. In 2014, the Republican mayor of a town that lost its hospital walked all the way to Washington to build support for expansion.

Monday’s bill signing leaves just 10 states — all with divided or Republican leadership, and most of them in the South — that have yet to expand Medicaid. Advocates say they now have their sights set on Alabama, where Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, can expand her state’s program with her own authority.

In North Carolina, there are various reasons for Republicans’ recent change of heart. Much of the opposition in the state and elsewhere has been both ideological and partisan — a reflection of Republicans’ deep distaste for Obama. But it is now clear that the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, is here to stay. Republicans in Washington have been unable

to repeal the law and appear to have largely given up fighting it, helping to pave the way for expansion in North Carolina.

For Cooper, who is in his second term and has been mentioned as a possible future Democratic candidate for Senate or even president, the bill signing was a significant victory. He sought to expand Medicaid when he first took office in 2017, and Republicans sued in federal court to stop him from doing it.

The push for expansion picked up steam last year, when the state’s House and Senate approved separate measures. But the two chambers were unable to reconcile differences.

The signing ceremony Monday was at turns poignant and celebratory. Cassandra Brooks, who operates Little Believer’s Academy, a day care center in the Raleigh area, choked back tears as she recalled two of her teachers who had died, she said, because they could not afford health care.

“They were excellent early childhood teachers who didn’t have health insurance and passed away due to preventable health conditions,” she said. She cast the expansion measure as a boon to small businesses that operate on thin margins and cannot afford to offer their employees coverage.

“Here’s to Medicaid expansion in North Carolina,” she said. “Here’s to supporting small business in North Carolina. Here’s to continued growth in North Carolina. I believe in North Carolina.”

What we know about the Nashville school shooting

By ADEEL HASSAN

Federal and local investigators in Nashville, Tennessee, were working Tuesday to piece together clues about the actions and motives of the shooter who killed three students and three adults at a private school before being shot dead by police.

The assailant who opened fire at the Christian elementary school in Nashville on Monday was identified by officials as Audrey E. Hale, 28, a former student who lived in the area.

Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Monday that the attack was targeted, rather than random, but that it was too early to discuss a possible motive. Local and federal investigators working on the case were reviewing writings and had made contact with the shooter’s father, Drake said.

The school, called the Covenant School, is in the wealthy Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, a few miles south of downtown, and enrolls about 200 students in preschool through sixth grade. The attack Monday was the 13th school shooting in the United States this year that resulted in injury or death, according to Education Week.

Here’s what we know so far:

What happened?

The police received a report of the shooting at 10:13 a.m. Monday and heard gunshots on the second floor when they arrived at the school, said Don Aaron, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

The assailant had entered the building through a side door, armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun, and went from the first floor to the second floor firing “multiple shots,” Aaron said. Officers went to the second floor, saw the assailant shooting, and two officers opened fire, killing the shooter at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said.

Surveillance video released by the police Monday showed the shooter drive up to the school in what police described as a Honda Fit. In the clip, two sets of glass doors shatter from bullets before the shooter ducks into the building through the broken glass. Wearing camouflage pants, a black vest and a backward red baseball cap, the shooter walks through rooms and hallways with a weapon drawn.

Schoolchildren and members of the

school’s staff were escorted out of the building after the shooting, said Kendra Loney, a spokesperson for the Nashville Fire Department. A total of 108 people, she added, were transported to the nearby Woodmont Baptist Church, where parents were reunited with their children.

Who were the victims?

The police identified the six victims as:

— Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9

— William Kinney, 9

— Hallie Scruggs, 9, daughter of the church pastor, Chad Scruggs

— Mike Hill, 61, a school custodian

— Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher

— Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of school, according to the school website

What do we know about the shooter?

Authorities identified the shooter as Audrey E. Hale. Police said they had found writings and detailed maps of the school and its security protocols.

The assailant was “prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement” and “prepared to do more harm” before being killed, Drake said. At least two of the guns used in the shooting appeared to have been purchased legally in the Nashville area, he said.

In the aftermath of the shooting, there was confusion about the shooter’s gender identity. Drake said the shooter identified as transgender, and officials used “she” and “her” to refer to the attacker. But according to a social media post and a LinkedIn profile,

the shooter appeared to identify as male in recent months.

Investigators had made contact with the shooter’s father and were carrying out an

investigation at the home, Drake said. As of Monday evening, the motive was unknown. And the school?

The Covenant School is a private school that was founded in 2001 as a ministry of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. The church started the school in part because parents at the church were finding it difficult to enroll their children in other private schools in the area, according to Jim Bachmann, a former pastor at the church.

The school is “intentionally small,” according to its website, with 200 students in preschool through sixth grade, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 8-1. Tuition costs about $16,000 a year.

Covenant Presbyterian is a large church affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America, a theologically conservative denomination.

Chad Scruggs is the current pastor of Covenant Presbyterian. His 9-year-old daughter, Hallie, was killed in the shooting.

A still image from surveillance video provided by police shows the shooter, identified as Audrey Hale, clambering through the door after shattering the glass with bullets at a private Christian school in Nashville on Monday, March 27, 2023.

Lyft’s co-founders to step down as company struggles

By KELLEN BROWNING

Lyft’s co-founders said earlier this week that they would step down from their day-to-day responsibilities at the company, which has struggled through layoffs and disappointing financial results even as Uber, its biggest rival, has strengthened.

The founders — Logan Green, Lyft’s CEO, and John Zimmer, its president — will stay on the company’s board of directors, they said.

After starting Lyft in 2012, Green and Zimmer, now both 39, were high-profile personalities in its early days. They presented Lyft as a friendly alternative to Uber and its aggressive CEO, Travis Kalanick, and avoided many of the controversies that enveloped their competitor.

Vehicles driving for Lyft were easy to spot when the company started. They often had a fuzzy, pink mustache stuck to their front grille, and Lyft passengers for a time were even encouraged to sit in the front with the driver.

But Lyft, like many other gig companies, has been unable to turn a profit despite years of fast growth and recently has fallen further behind Uber in the ride-hailing business while failing to branch out into other areas, such as food delivery.

David Risher, CEO of a nonprofit called Worldreader and a member of Lyft’s board, will replace Green, whose last day is April 17. Green will become board chair. Zimmer will depart his current role at the end of June and become vice chair, the company said.

“As I pass the baton to David, I want to share this: We continue to have an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries on how transportation can help connect people and build a better future,” Green said in a blog post.

Green and Zimmer bonded over their interest in improving transportation and reducing traffic through ride-hailing services. Although the business was far smaller than Uber, they saw promise in 2017 when a campaign to delete the Uber app took off and drove interest in Lyft.

But critics have said they squandered their brief advantage, making bets that lacked ambition, including on small businesses such as scooters and bicycles.

Andeno Co

Tasa mínima, promedio ponderado, y máxima para préstamos personales pequeños otorgados para la semana que terminó el sábado, 25 de marzo de 2023

Lyft’s business has been slow to rebound from the lockdowns of the early days of pandemic, as driver supply problems have caused high prices and long waits for passengers. Lyft’s stock price has dropped below $10, down from about $40 a year ago and close to $80 at its peak.

News of the resignations, which was reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal, sent the company’s stock price surging in after-hours trading.

Risher, 57, was a general manager at Microsoft and a vice president at Amazon in the 1990s before founding Worldreader, which helps children get access to digital books.

“John and Logan came up with this incredible idea that really did define an entire sector years ago,” he said in an interview Monday. “And like many, many entrepreneurs, they along the way got a bunch right, and then they did some experiments that probably didn’t work out in the way they expected. Then the pandemic hit, and that kind of shuffled the deck again.”

The search for a new leader began late last year when Green told the board that he was considering stepping down, Risher said. Although Lyft may be an underdog to Uber, he said his company could appeal differently to customers.

“When I look at the 800-pound gorilla, I see a company that I think is very business-model driven. But we’re going to be customer driven,” Risher said.

Early in the pandemic, Lyft and Uber were on nearly equal footing: The vast majority of their busines-

ses had to shut down, and they laid off many of their employees.

But Uber, which has a global presence that Lyft lacks, bounced back more quickly, partly because its worldwide availability and food-delivery business kept drivers on its platform and blunted the impact of the pandemic, analysts and former employees have said.

Uber also invested more in financial incentives to persuade drivers to return to the platform after the pandemic ebbed, while Lyft did not initially have enough drivers to meet resurgent rider demand.

In November, Lyft laid off 13% of its employees. Then, in February, it spooked investors when its financial projections for the year fell below their expectations, sending its stock price tumbling. Lyft said at the time that it needed to lower prices to be more competitive.

Lyft did report record revenue of $1.2 billion in its most recent quarter — as well as $588 million in losses.

Uber, on the other hand, reported $8.6 billion in revenue and told investors that it expected to achieve operating income profitability at some point this year, which indicated that its business was strengthening.

Tom White, a senior research analyst with the financial firm D.A. Davidson, said he considered the leadership change a “potential modest positive.”

A new leader, he said in an email, “could signal increased willingness to broaden Lyft’s strategic aperture a bit as it relates to other possible adjacent products (delivery?), partners or ways to create value.”

John Zimmer, left, and Logan Green, the founders of Lyft, at a party celebrating the ride-hailing company’s initial public offering, in Los Angeles, March 29, 2019.

Wall Street falls with tech shares as yields up

The S&P 500 index slipped on Tuesday after a threeday rally fueled by support measures for the banking sector and a deal for Silicon Valley Bank assets. Bank shares rebounded sharply on Monday after First Citizens BancShares Inc said it would acquire the deposits and loans of Silicon Valley Bank, whose collapse earlier this month sparked a selloff in the sector.

Shares of First Citizens climbed 3.5% after surging more than 50% on Monday.

The KBW regional banking index slipped 0.1%, while the big U.S. banks including JP Morgan Chase & Co, Bank of America and Citigroup were up marginally.

“The fact that we’ve got answers on Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and Credit Suisse means that we have more answers than questions,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth in Boston.

“But there are still enough unknowns that the market hasn’t really declared an all-clear signal yet.”

Lawmakers are expected to put U.S. bank regulators on the defensive over the unexpected failures of regional lenders Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank when they testify before Congress later on Tuesday.

Top regulatory officials for the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Treasury Department will testify before congressional committees.

Money market bets are now split between the Fed raising interest rates by 25 basis points and a pause in its policy meeting in May, after being largely tilted towards a no-hike scenario at the end of last week, according to CME’s Fedwatch tool. Investors expect a sharp easing in rates thereafter.

The Conference Board will release consumer confidence data later in the day, which is expected to show business conditions deteriorated marginally last month, making a case for a softer Fed policy stance.

The S&P 500 and Dow rose on Monday after the SVB deal was announced, while the Nasdaq Composite closed lower, led by a decline in technology-related stocks.

Microsoft Corp, Alphabet Inc, Apple Inc and Tesla Inc continued to remain under pressure, falling in the range of 0.6% and 2.5%.

At 9:43 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 28.40 points, or 0.09%, at 32,460.48, the S&P 500 was down 8.01 points, or 0.20%, at 3,969.52, and the Nasdaq Composite was down 77.11 points, or 0.66%, at 11,691.73.

Alibaba Group Holding jumped 7.2% after the firm said it plans to split its business into six main units covering e-commerce, media and the cloud.

Shares of Lyft Inc were up 6.7% after the ride-hailing firm hired former Amazon.com executive David Risher as its new chief.

MOST ASSERTIVE STOCKS

PUERTO RICO STOCKS

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc added 2.6% after the U.S. pharmacy’s quarterly profit beat Wall Street expectations.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.26to-1 ratio on the NYSE, while decliners outnumbered advancers by a 1.15-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.

The S&P index recorded five new 52-week highs and no new low, while the Nasdaq recorded 13 new highs and 40 new lows.

er investments.

The Fed has pulled its key overnight rate to a range of 4.75% to 5%, up from virtually zero at the start of last year. It indicated last week that the troubles in the banking system could end up acting like rate hikes on their own, by slowing lending.

The managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, told a conference in Beijing on Sunday that risks to financial stability have risen as interest rates climbed. She said actions by central banks and other regulators have helped to ease strains on markets, “but uncertainty is high, which underscores the need for vigilance.”

Seized by more protests, France is caught in a tense impasse

By AURELIEN BREEDEN

Stuck in a highly charged standoff, France was gripped Tuesday by another round of strikes, street demonstrations and sporadic violent protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension overhaul.

A surge of violence on the fringes of last week’s largely peaceful marches had ratcheted up tensions between Macron and opponents of the move to raise the legal age of retirement — labor unions, almost all opposition parties and more than two-thirds of the French public.

Authorities deployed 13,000 officers across the country before Tuesday’s demonstrations, including more than 5,000 in Paris, where many shops and businesses along the route of a protest march had been boarded up.

But the demonstrations Tuesday were not as widely attended as those last week, and violence ebbed slightly. About 740,000 people marched around the country, according to French authorities, versus more than 1 million last week. Labor unions gave a much higher estimate, 2 million protesters, and called for a new day of protest and strikes next week.

The disturbances Tuesday were wearingly familiar to many in France after three months of conflict: Roads and university entrances were blocked, trains and flights were canceled, and gas stations in the west and the southeast experienced shortages amid continuing disruptions at refineries and fuel depots.

Garbage was still piled up in many neighborhoods of Paris, even though one of the main garbage collector unions said it would suspend its strike Wednesday.

Macron is now in the difficult position of trying to smooth over tensions even as he forges ahead with the most contentious policy of his second term: a gradual raise of the age when most workers can start collecting a government pension, if not a full one, to 64, from 62.

Philippe Martinez, the leader of the Confédération Générale du Travail, France’s second-largest labor union, told reporters at a protest in Clermont-Ferrand, in central France, that it would not “be the last.”

Near the Place de la Nation in eastern Paris, where the protest march ended, the atmosphere among protesters was mostly cheerful.

“Retiring at 62 — we fought to win it; we will fight to keep it!” one group of students chanted from atop a massive bronze monument as sellers in small trailers handed out hot dogs nearby.

Still, on the 10th nationwide day of protests, some were growing weary.

“I’ve taken part in many strike days, and it’s tiring,” said Patrick Lorent, 53, a demonstrator who works in the audiovisual industry.

Lorent said he had voted for Macron in the second round of last year’s elections and would do so again if it prevented Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader, from becoming president. But his ballot did not mean support for Macron’s pension overhaul, he added.

“We didn’t vote for this reform,” Lorent said. “Why doesn’t he understand?”

The protest in Paris grew tenser as night fell and the police clashed with protesters on the Place de la Nation, firing tear gas and charging to disperse the crowds.

The fury has coalesced around not just Macron’s pension plan but also his decision to push it through the lower house of Parliament without a vote, using a constitutional tool known as Article 49.3.

“The anger and resentment is at a level that I have rarely experienced,” François Hollande, a Socialist who was Macron’s predecessor — and whose approval ratings dropped to such depths during his presidency that he declined to run for reelection — said Sunday.

Macron’s timing, Hollande told the BFMTV news channel, could not have been worse.

“When you launch a pension overhaul in a context of strong inflation, heavily reduced purchasing power and worries over a war in Ukraine,” he said, “that fuels incomprehension.”

The uptick in violence last week fed accusations of police misbehavior and brutality. The government has countered that security forces are facing increasingly brazen attacks on police officers and on public buildings.

“We respect strikes and demonstrations, but we will be particularly vigilant that they do not lead to new excesses,” said Olivier Véran, the French government spokesperson.

Marches Tuesday were mostly peaceful, but protests in cities like Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Lyon included sporadic clashes as small groups of black-clad protesters lit fires and threw projectiles at the riot police.

The government and its opponents have appealed for calm, but they agree on little else. For labor unions, the increase in the legal age of retirement has always been a nonstarter. For Macron, it is necessary to balance the finances of the French pension system, which he said are unsustainable.

Tensions were also inflamed over the weekend after extremely violent clashes erupted in western France between thousands of riot police officers and environmental activists who were protesting the construction of giant water reservoirs. Two protesters sustained critical injuries in circumstances that remain unclear and are still in comas, according to authorities.

“We are in a moment of total tension, with a very deep resentment and anger that is rising,” Laurent Berger, the leader of the French Democratic Confederation of Labor, France’s largest labor union, told France 2 television Monday.

“If democracy is just electing people, and then they do what they want for five years, it doesn’t work,” he said, referring to the length of a presidential term in France.

Labor unions say they are willing to discuss changes to labor laws and to the retirement system only if the government retreats on the current overhaul. The government says that it wants to discuss those issues but that the pension law has run its democratic course, and it rejected a request from Berger for what the union called a “mediation” to overcome the crisis.

Berger quickly shot back, telling reporters before the march in Paris, “I’ve had enough of these flat refusals of discussion and dialogue.”

An earlier gesture had come from Élisabeth Borne, Macron’s prime minister, who said she wanted to be more circumspect in using Article 49.3 — too little, too late for the government’s opponents.

The standoff has grown increasingly bitter. Lawmakers for Macron’s party said that they had received death threats. Dozens of buildings like town halls and police stations, as well as more than 100 constituency offices of lawmakers, have been targeted by vandalism and arson over the past weeks, and more than 800 officers have been injured during protests, according to the government.

But unions, lawyers, human rights groups and the Council of Europe say authorities are also to blame for the increasing violence, accusing the police of employing excessive force and making preventive arrests.

The police’s internal watchdog and disciplinary body has opened 17 investigations of misconduct related to the protests.

Videos and audio recordings that appear to show officers beating or threatening protesters have circulated widely on social media.

The pension law will stand unless the Constitutional Council, a body that reviews legislation to ensure that it conforms to France’s Constitution, strikes parts or all of it down. A ruling is expected in April.

“Macron’s belief — or hope — remains that he can gradually ‘change the subject’ to other more popular reforms,” Mujtaba Rahman, an analyst at the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, wrote in an analysis.

But, he added, “As things stand, the confrontation looks likely to continue for several weeks.”

People inside a restaurant as protests against pension reform pass outside in Bordeaux, France, March 28, 2023.

Scotland’s top party, reeling from divisions, picks a new leader

By STEPHEN CASTLE

The pro-independence Scottish National Party earlier this week elected Humza Yousaf, the country’s health secretary, as its top official, putting the 37-year-old minister on track to become the first Muslim to lead a democratic western European nation.

Yousaf emerged with a narrow victory in a bruising leadership race that followed the surprise resignation last month of Nicola Sturgeon, who had dominated Scottish politics for almost a decade as the country’s first minister and leader of the SNP.

In choosing Yousaf, members of his party opted for the candidate thought most likely to stick with Sturgeon’s progressive agenda, rejecting a more socially conservative contender, Kate Forbes.

“We will be the generation that delivers independence for Scotland,” said Yousaf after the result was announced, and before a vote Tuesday in the Scottish Parliament to confirm him as the country’s first minister.

As the new leader of the SNP — the largest party in Scotland’s Parliament — that should be a formality. But, referring to some of the wider problems he faces, Yousaf appealed for unity after a divisive leadership contest that fractured a party previously renowned for its discipline.

“Where there are divisions to heal we must do so and do so quickly because we have a job to do, and as a party we are at our strongest when we are united,” he said.

In a sometimes emotional victory speech, Yousaf thanked his family, including his deceased grandparents, who emigrated to Scotland.

“I am forever thankful that my grandparents made the trip from the Punjab to Scotland over 60 years ago,” he told the audience at Murrayfield, Scotland’s national rugby stadium, where the leadership results were announced. “As immigrants to this country, who knew barely a word of English, they could not have imagined their grandson would one day be on the cusp of being the next first minister of Scotland.”

Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, a research institute that focuses on identity issues, described Yousaf as “the first Muslim to be elected as a national leader in any western democracy,” writing that it was “a breakthrough moment that should resonate well beyond Scotland.”

That in part reflects a growing diversity in the higher reaches of British politics. Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish opposition Labour Party, is also Muslim, while Britain’s prime min-

ister Rishi Sunak, follows the Hindu faith.

Although Yousaf was on top after the first ballot, he failed to win more than half of the votes cast by party members in the initial round of voting, as required to win the race. But once the third-place candidate, Ash Regan, was eliminated and her votes were redistributed, Yousaf won 52.1%, to 47.9% for Forbes.

Having served as transport minister, justice secretary and health secretary, Yousaf was seen as the preferred candidate of the party’s establishment, but his record in government was questioned by his opponents.

“You were transport minister and the trains were never on time, when you were justice secretary the police were stretched to breaking point, and now as health minister we’ve got record high waiting times,” said Forbes, his main challenger, during a televised leadership debate.

The social conservatism and strong religious beliefs of Forbes, who was on maternity leave from her position of finance secretary when Sturgeon quit, featured prominently in the leadership contest.

A member of the evangelical Free Church of Scotland, Forbes said she would have voted against single-sex marriage had she been in the Scottish Parliament when it was approved in 2014, and that she believed that having children outside of marriage is “wrong” according to her faith.

Another social question — gender recognition — became a political battleground just before Sturgeon’s resignation, when Britain’s government rejected legislation from Scotland’s Parliament making it easier for people to change their gender. Yousaf said Monday that he would seek to challenge the British government’s decision.

Had Forbes been elected, the Scottish Greens might have withdrawn their support for the SNP-led government in Edinburgh, reducing it to a minority administration.

The new leader faces numerous challenges both in replacing Sturgeon, who was a popular leader and skilled communicator, and in charting a course to independence.

Sturgeon took over the leadership after Scots voted by 55% to 45% against indepen-

dence in a referendum in 2014. Since then, sentiment on the issue has not shifted significantly.

Sturgeon’s resignation came after the British Supreme Court ruled that a second referendum could not be held without the agreement of Britain’s government in London, which opposes such a move. Yousaf’s task will be to try to build support for independence to such a level — perhaps around 60% in opinion polls — that it would be politically impossible for London to ignore calls for another vote.

His leadership victory also has implications for the rest of Britain, where a general election must take place by January 2025. If the result is close, the SNP’s performance could play a decisive role in determining the next prime minister.

Given the divisions within the SNP and the difficulties replacing Sturgeon, Britain’s main opposition Labour Party, which once dominated Scottish politics but has seen its influence dwindle as the SNP gathered strength, now senses an opportunity to claw back some of its old seats in Scotland.

Scottish National Party leader candidates Ash Regan, left, and Kate Forbes applaud as Humza Yousaf, center is announced new SNP leader, at Murrayfield Stadium, in Edinburgh, on Monday.

In blow to Taiwan, Honduras switches relations to China

By AMY CHANG CHIEN and EMILIANO RODRÍGUEZ MEGA

China has persuaded Honduras to abandon formal ties with Taiwan and establish them with Beijing, a blow to Taipei’s international standing days before the Taiwanese president embarks on a Central American tour that will take her through the United States.

The switch reduced the small number of countries that have ties with Taiwan, the island democracy that Beijing claims as its territory, and was also a rebuff to Washington’s efforts to shore up Taiwan’s allies in Central America. China’s leaders are trying to isolate Taiwan as they demand that it accept unification, while the United States has been trying to shore up the island’s security and standing.

The allegiance of Honduras may seem a minor matter in the decadeslong standoff between China and Taiwan, but the island’s diplomatic partners are now so few that any abandonment is a serious setback.

The statement Saturday from Honduras’ Foreign Ministry was terse, saying in part, “Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and, as of today, the government of Honduras has communicated to Taiwan the severance of diplomatic relations, pledging not to have any further official relations or contact with Taiwan.”

Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s foreign minister, said in a news conference held shortly after Honduras released its statement that “China’s actions to reduce our country’s diplomatic space have severely hurt the feelings of the people of Taiwan and accelerated the contrary direction of cross-Strait relations.” A statement on Twitter from the foreign ministry expressed Taiwan’s “deep regret” at the termination of relations.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also weighed in Sunday. “China highly appreciates this,” its statement read in part, calling the decision of Honduras “a correct choice that conforms to the general trend and conforms to the will of the people.”

While not directly addressing the move away from Taiwan, Honduran government officials had said days earlier that forging closer links with China was vital to improving the country’s ailing economy.

“What we are seeking to establish through the relationship with China is to achieve investment to overcome the challenges facing the country,” Rodolfo Pastor de María y Campos, the Honduran secretary of state, told repor-

ters, noting that it is saddled with more than $20 billion in debt.

China and its investors have already shown interest in the country, financing a hydroelectric dam and exploring rail and port projects in the country.

The establishment of China-Honduras relations comes days before Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan, is to visit Belize and Guatemala, Taiwan’s two remaining Latin American allies, to strengthen ties. Tsai is due to depart Taiwan on Wednesday on a trip that will also include stopovers in the United States, which Beijing has protested.

In a post on Facebook, Tsai said that efforts by China to suppress Taiwan’s international participation would not “detract from the will of the people of Taiwan to adhere to freedom and democracy, and to stride forward to the world.”

China demands that countries with which it has diplomatic relations drop their recognition of Taiwan. Since Tsai took office in 2016, it has been peeling away the number of nations that recognize Taiwan as a country, instead of maintaining ties with China. Beijing cut most of the official contacts with Tsai’s government, accusing her of drawing Taiwan further and further away from China’s claims to it.

Only 12 countries and the Holy See now recognize Taiwan, down from 21 in early 2017. The last time that Taiwan lost a diplomatic ally was in 2021, when Nicaragua established diplomatic relations with China.

“It is definitely a huge blow,” said Lu Yeh-chung, a professor of the department of diplomacy of National Chengchi University in Taipei. “Formal diplomatic relations with small countries are still very meaningful for Taiwan’s international status.”

The decision by Honduras is a setback in Washington’s efforts to use its influence in Central America to help prevent China from isolating Taiwan on the global stage. The State Department said that President Joe Biden sent an envoy to Honduras this month, a trip announced after Honduras indicated it would switch ties.

“It’s easy for Washington to become upset when countries like Honduras switch their alliance from Taiwan to Beijing,” said Mitch Hayes, an expert on China’s relations with Latin America and director of Veracity Worldwide, a political risk consulting firm in New York. “But they really need to understand that it is quite a rational strategy for a small country and emergent economies to engage with. We can expect to see more of this in the coming years.”

China and Taiwan have long engaged in what some analysts have described as “checkbook diplomacy” to court countries by providing aid and loans. Wu, Taiwan’s foreign minister, said at the legislature Thursday that Honduras had demanded a “high price” from Taiwan.

Antonio García, the deputy foreign minister of Honduras, confirmed in an interview

Friday that since September Honduras had requested $2 billion in loans at least four separate times during meetings and dinners with Taiwanese officials.

“The approach was: ‘Help us, we have to deliver results, it’s going to be a relief. We are not asking you to give us anything for free; we are going to pay you back,’” García said, adding that the loan would have been used to pay off part of the country’s debt.

García said he held two discussions with Taiwanese officials about a loan and each time received a noncommittal response. “They listened attentively and told us that they were going to make the respective consultations with the foreign ministry in Taipei,” he said.

Wu said in Sunday’s news conference that besides the $2 billion loan, Honduras had also asked Taiwan to spend $45 million building a hospital and $300 million building a dam, but later raised those figures to $90 million and $350 million.

In the days before the official break, Taiwan’s foreign ministry had said that it had expressed “serious concern” to Honduras and warned the country about the risk of taking China’s money.

“We want to remind the Honduras government that since it has been plagued by debt problems, don’t drink poison to quench its thirst, or it will fall into China’s debt trap,” Jeff Liu, a spokesperson for Taiwan’s foreign ministry, said in a recent news briefing.

Taiwan’s embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, last Thursday.

Her son says she’s ‘the greatest mom ever.’ We should know her story.

By NICHOLAS KRISTOF

This is a story of human trafficking, but mostly it’s a story of a mother’s love, the adoring son she raised and the highest-return investment in the world today.

Nearly two decades ago, I interviewed a woman named Maya Gayen who had been trafficked at the age of 12 to a brothel here in Kolkata, India. She had not yet reached puberty then, but a man bought her virginity. She wept and pleaded, but the man raped her.

For the next few years, Gayen was locked inside the brothel, beaten with sticks, threatened with death if she tried to escape, and raped constantly. She had her first period only after eight months of these rapes. This went on for years, but one of Gayen’s regular customers was a taxi driver who felt badly for her when she wept. One day, he helped her escape the brothel.

“It may not have been love, but he was sympathetic,” she related.

Or perhaps it was love, for he married her even though his family despised her background and disowned him. The couple rented a one-room hovel in the Kalighat red-light district, and Gayen reluctantly sold sex, but as her own boss, while her husband drove for a taxi company.

I will never forget their shack. It was the size of a

walk-in closet on the bank of a sewage-laden river that periodically flooded their home. A bed took up most of the room, and Gayen had nowhere else to take customers — so her four sons would try to sleep under the bed while she conducted her business.

I was impressed by her oldest son, Avijit Gayen, then a scrawny, shy boy of 12 who attended school through an outstanding local nonprofit called New Light. On subsequent trips to Kolkata over the years, I visited Maya and Avijit Gayen and witnessed their struggles. Maya Gayen always displayed a beatific smile and said she was just happy that she was no longer enslaved in the brothel.

I lost track of Gayen and her family, and then, on a visit to the Kalighat slum this month, I was startled to be greeted by a strapping 29-year-old man who introduced himself in fluent English as Avijit Gayen.

With New Light’s help, he had graduated from college, studied French and Italian cooking and moved to Long Beach, California, to work as a chef for Carnival Cruise Line. He happens to be back in Kolkata for his annual vacation, to look after his mother.

“She’s the greatest mom ever,” he said as she stood beaming beside him. “I want to do everything possible to support this lady, because she did a fabulous job raising us.”

He said that his mother would sometimes starve herself to be able to feed her sons. She would hug her boys tight and tell them to never beg, but reassure them that everything would be all right — and in a violent neighborhood, she was a beacon of love.

“After all her hard work, her sacrifices, we had to give her something,” he said.

So after he got his job with the cruise line in 2017, he sent money so that his mother could retire from the sex trade and rent a nice apartment. He bought a car so

his dad could leave the taxi company and become an Uber driver for himself — but on condition that all the income go to Maya Gayen to run the household.

My columns from red-light districts over the years have mostly been horror stories about modern slavery, which continues to be an urgent moral issue. “Traffickers exploit millions of people in commercial sex within India,” the State Department wrote last year in its annual report on human trafficking.

But this column is about the flip side — all the talent alive in these rough neighborhoods if we nurture it.

Another New Light alum is Ruma Mondal, 25, whose single mom worked as a prostitute to support her five daughters. A pimp tried to traffic Mondal when she was just 7 years old, but her mom shielded her.

Mondal got an education through New Light and today is working full time on a master’s degree in education — while also holding down a full-time job in data entry to support herself and her siblings. Oh, and on top of all that, she commutes four hours a day.

“I’m fighting for my education,” she said.

And not just for her own: She recently came across a 12-year-old girl who had been trafficked into a nearby brothel, and she contacted the police to arrange a rescue.

It thrills me to see the success of Mondal and Avijit Gayen and so many others. This is the human potential that is squandered when we allow children to be locked up in brothels and denied an education. The highestreturn investment available today isn’t in private equity or hedge funds; it’s in educating children like Mondal and Avijit Gayen.

As for Avijit Gayen, his work visa for the cruise ship job unfortunately allows no path to citizenship. So if you’re an American executive who needs a chef, have I got a suggestion for you!

Maya Gayen and her son Avijit Gayen, with a young family friend in their home.

POR EL STAR STAFF

WASHINGTON, D.C. – La comisionada residente, Jenniffer González Colón, abogó en la Sesión del martes por la aprobación del H.R. 1, la Ley de Costos de Energía más Bajos, la que catalogó como una “una legislación integral para restaurar y asegurar la independencia energética americana”.

“El H.R. 1, busca restaurar y asegurar la independencia energética nacional; agilizar, simplificar y reducir la burocracia en el proceso de permisos federales; que se repartan los ingresos a estados costeros y territorios de cualquier desarrollo eólico marino federal frente a sus costas; y que se invierta en proyectos de resiliencia y protección costera”, explicó González Colón.

La comisionada defendió específicamente las disposiciones del proyecto de ley para modernizar la Ley de Política Pública Nacional Ambiental (NEPA, por sus siglas en inglés) y agilizar el proceso de permisos federales para todas las industrias; las clasificó como reformas de sentido

común que brindarán certeza para que los proyectos en todo el país se lleven a cabo de manera oportuna, sin sacrificar estándares ambientales.

“Esto será fundamental para jurisdicciones como Puerto Rico, a medida que reconstruimos nuestra infraestructura pública y energética de los recientes desastres naturales. Modernizar la NEPA y el proceso de permisos federales (establecer pla-

zos claros y razonables para que las agencias realicen revisiones ambientales) ayudará a simplificar el proceso y reducir los obstáculos burocráticos que con demasiada frecuencia han retrasado nuestro proceso de recuperación”, añadió.

El H.R. 1 también establecerá una estructura para repartir los ingresos para arrendamientos de energía eólica marina en aguas federales.

Anuncian proyectos de la AAA para la región norte

Durante la vista de consideración final del Comité de Recursos Naturales, González Colón y el presidente del Comité Bruce Westerman, aseguraron lenguaje para aclarar que tanto los estados costeros como los territorios recibirían ingresos de cualquier desarrollo eólico marino federal frente a sus costas.

Específicamente, H.R. 1 establece un marco bajo el cual los estados y territorios costeros obtendrán el 50 por ciento de estos ingresos de proyectos eólicos marinos. El proyecto de ley requiere además que los estados y territorios inviertan estos fondos en proyectos de resiliencia y protección costera, incluida la protección contra huracanes e inundaciones, restauración, conservación, nutrición de playas y gestión de estuarios.

“El H.R. 1 no es solo un paquete de reforma de permisos y seguridad energética. También es un proyecto de ley de resiliencia costera”, culminó.

Se espera que la medida baje a votación esta semana en la Cámara de Representantes.

ARECIBO

– Con una inversión aproximada de más 600 millones de dólares en proyectos de mejoras capitales en sus distintas fases, la presidenta ejecutiva de la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados

(AAA), Doriel Pagán Crespo, informó sobre las obras que ejecuta la Corporación Pública a través de los distintos municipios en la Región Norte.

Sobre este particular, la ejecutiva de la AAA explicó en comunicación escrita que, “la Autoridad continúa desarrollando proyectos de infraestructura dirigidos a optimizar los sistemas de agua potable y alcantarillado sanitario. Nos mantenemos firmes en el compromiso con Puerto Rico para seguir ofreciendo un servicio de excelencia. Con el desarrollo de estos proyectos beneficiamos a miles de familias puertorriqueñas, a la vez, que modernizamos la infraestructura y creamos sistemas y redes resilientes”.

Actualmente, la Región Norte cuenta con 55 proyectos activos en sus distintas fases. Algunos de estos proyectos sobre la infraestructura de agua potable y alcantarillado sanitario dentro de la región son:

* Sistema sanitario de Coabey en Jayuya – Consiste en una nueva tubería sanitaria por gravedad de 8” de diámetro y una nueva estación de bombeo con una tubería de línea de fuerza de 4” de diámetro. Inversión aproximada de $11.3 millones.

* Rehabilitación al sistema de distribución de agua potable de El Colloral en Arecibo – Consiste en la instalación de 2.7 Km de tubería de 4″ de diámetro de PVC a lo largo de la PR-654. Incluye reposición de asfalto y la reconexión de 97 acometidas. Igualmente, instalación de hidrantes, ventosas y drenajes. Inversión aproximada de $1.5 millones.

* Terminación del tanque de la planta de filtros Corozal Urbano – Consiste en la terminación de un tanque de distribución que aumenta la capacidad de almacenamiento de la planta de 50 mil galones a 1 millón de galones. Inversión aproximada de $3.9 millones.

* Rehabilitación de la toma y planta de filtros de Quebradillas – Atiende mejoras requeridas para optimizar los procesos tanto de la planta como de la toma. Este proyecto se encuentra próximo a iniciar etapa de diseño.

* Relocalización de la estación de bombas Jesús Cruz Miranda en Jayuya – Consiste en la instalación de tubería a través de la carretera PR-530 y se relocalizará la estación de bombas Jesús Cruz Miranda en el tanque Mingo Fernández. Igualmente se realizarán mejoras al sistema de bombeo en la planta de filtros Mameyes Limón. Inversión aproximada de $4.4 millones.

POR CYBERNEWS

Jenniffer González defiende legislación federal para bajar costos de energía

‘Reggie’ review: Reggie Jackson on himself, racism and, yes, baseball

Gobierno de Puerto Rico

DEPARTAMENTO DE DESARROLLO ECONÓMICO Y COMERCIO

Oficina de Gerencia de Permisos

AVISO VISTA PÚBLICA

Para conocimiento del público en general y de conformidad con las disposiciones del Artículo 8.6 de la Ley 161-2009, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para la Reforma del Proceso de Permisos de Puerto Rico”, la Ley Núm. 38 -2017, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Procedimiento Administrativo Uniforme del Gobierno de Puerto Rico”, el Reglamento Conjunto para la Evaluación y Expedición de Permisos relacionados al Desarrollo, Uso de Terrenos y Operación de Negocios, en adelante Reglamento Conjunto y cualquier otra disposición de ley aplicable, se informa que la Oficina de Gerencia de Permisos (“OGPe”) celebrará vista pública para el caso que se describe a continuación:

Proyecto/Peticionario:

FOL Group LLC

D/B/A Weedgreens

Caso Núm.

2022-460938-PU-178175

Dueño de la Propiedad: Luis D. Ortiz Lugo

Calificación: Área Rural Desarrollada (ARD)

By GLENN KENNY

Star athletes in America are often expected to have brash personalities. This delights or alienates fans to different degrees, and for different reasons. A star athlete with a brash personality who also happens to be Black is apt to infuriate a large and vociferous corner of fandom.

Baseball great Reggie Jackson, who distinguished himself on several teams but was especially critical to the success of the New York Yankees in the late 1970s, was certainly a case in point. In 1976, George Steinbrenner, the owner at the time, paid $3.5 million — back in the day, that was a lot of money — to acquire Jackson. The right fielder, because of his frankness, immediately made himself unpopular. “The reason you’re uncomfortable with me is because I’m the truth,” Jackson says in a contemporary interview conducted for this documentary, directed with measured assurance by Alexandria Stapleton. Although that’s a statement some would take issue with, this movie is about Jackson’s truth, which, as it happens, is about a lot more than himself.

Hence, “Reggie,” taking its cue from Jackson himself, considers the famed athlete’s career in a manner more reflective than splashy. Yes, there is a bit at the beginning when Jackson shows off his fleet of well-kept vintage cars in a bright shiny row of garages at his home in Monterey, California. But soon Jackson gets real in a more meaningful way.

He himself interviews several key figures in his life. The first is home run legend Hank Aaron, who died in 2021. The pair talk about racism, the civil rights movement and the way baseball fans took umbrage when a Black player caught up with the stats established by a white player in the past. “I never in my life thought about Babe Ruth,” Aaron, a quiet man, says, raising his voice ever so slightly.

Later, talking about a stereotypical perception of Black athletes, Jackson says, “They’re not angry. They’re hurt. They’re disappointed. They’re searching for dignity.”

And although the viewer might expect the film’s tone, and Jackson’s demeanor, to quieten as the narrative winds down into the present day, it does not. As a young player, Jackson stood on the field of the 1972 World Series and heard Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in the MLB, say, “I am extremely proud and pleased to be here this afternoon, but must admit that I am going to be tremendously more pleased and more proud when I look at that third-base coaching line one day and see a Black face managing in baseball.” Once he stopped playing, Jackson fervently tried to make Robinson’s vision a reality, attempting to buy first the Oakland A’s, then the Los Angeles Dodgers. His bids did not succeed. “I wasn’t a good fit,” he says indignantly, almost spitting out the words.

Even as this movie goes deep on still-vital topics, it doesn’t skimp on baseball dish. Jackson recalls that his laudatory nickname, Mr. October, was actually coined contemptuously by a teammate, beloved Yankee captain Thurman Munson, with whom Jackson had an uneasy relationship. And the detailed accounts of his greatest hits — including when he hit three home runs in a single game in the 1977 World Series — are exhilarating.

Cualquier interesado en acceder y participar en la Vista Pública Virtual puede a través de: www.ddec.pr.gov/vistaspublicas

Fecha: 1 de mayo de 2023

Hora: 1:30 p.m.

Dirección de la acción propuesta: Carr. 1 Km. 49.5, Lote #95, Bo. Beatriz Cidra, Puerto Rico 00739

En la vista del caso de referencia se interesa discutir, pero sin limitarse a: solicitud de permiso de uso vía variación en uso para un Dispensario de cannabis medicinal. La solicitud se evaluará a tenor, pero sin limitarse, a lo establecido en las Reglas 6.1.16 y 6.3.1 del Reglamento Conjunto y sus disposiciones sobre variación en uso. La parte proponente tendrá que justificar su solicitud para la concesión de la variación.

Se convoca e invita al público en general a comparecer y participar a la vista pública a celebrarse mediante el método alterno (“virtual”), con acceso al público general, además de las partes reconocidas. Los procedimientos para la celebración de la vista serán los establecidos en las secciones 2.1.10.7 a 2.1.10.15 del Reglamento Conjunto. Si una parte debidamente citada no participa o comparece a la conferencia con antelación a la vista, a la vista pública o a cualquier otra etapa durante el procedimiento adjudicativo, el funcionario que presida la misma podrá declararla en rebeldía, multarla y continuar el procedimiento sin su participación, pero notificará por escrito a dicha parte su determinación según la Regla 2.1.7 (Notificaciones), los fundamentos para la misma, el recurso de revisión disponible y el plazo para ejercerlo.

Se advierte que las partes, incluyendo corporaciones y sociedades, podrán, pero no están obligadas a, comparecer asistidas por abogado. Salvo justa causa, la vista no podrá ser transferida. Cualquier solicitud de transferencia de vista tendrá un cargo de $100.00, y deberá ser presentada con no menos de cinco (5) días de antelación a la fecha de la misma a través del Sistema Unificado de Información (“Single Business Portal”) de la OGPe, expresando las razones que justifican la solicitud. Deberá, además, cubrir los costos que conlleve la notificación de la transferencia y anunciar el nuevo señalamiento mediante la publicación de un nuevo aviso de prensa. El peticionario de la transferencia de la vista notificará y enviará copia de la solicitud simultáneamente a las otras partes ya reconocidas en el proceso y certificará el cumplimiento con lo aquí expuesto en la propia solicitud de trasferencia. El Reglamento Conjunto faculta al Oficial Examinador a imponer una multa de $500.00 a toda persona que observe una conducta irrespetuosa durante la vista, o que intencionalmente interrumpa o dilate los procedimientos sin causa justificada.

Cualquier persona podrá requerir examinar el expediente o solicitar copia del mismo mediante solicitud (SCE) a través del Single Business Portal en la página https://sbp.ogpe.pr.gov/ o en cualquier oficina de la OGPe. Podrá, además, haciendo referencia al número de solicitud, presentar por escrito sus comentarios a través de notificaciones_ogpe@ddec.pr.gov o a PO Box 41179, San Juan, PR 00940-1179 en cualquier momento previo a la fecha de la vista. El Oficial Examinador, motu proprio o a solicitud de parte, podrá conceder un término adicional para someter comentarios, que en ningún caso excederá de diez (10) días desde que concluya la vista. Debido a la emergencia causada por la pandemia del Covid-19 el Servicio al Cliente de la OGPe tanto en su Oficina Central en San Juan como en las Oficinas Regionales, será limitado y mediante coordinación previa al respecto.

In 1977, Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in a single World Series game. He was a star on the field, and now he’s a star in the documentary “Reggie.”

FASHION Fashion reality:

The road to couture

By IRIS EDÉN SANTIAGO Special to The STAR

It is hard not to like Telemundo’s “Revelación Moda” reality show, which premiered on March 19. There is no better option for a Sunday night than grabbing a bag of sea salt popcorn to watch the suffering of ordinary people on live television. Nahh, really, it is mainly the many ways emerging fashion designers come up with to comply with deli ciously devious challenges and impossible judges.

The show highlights the design process of the remaining 12 local contestants as well as brief interviews with them that slowly reveal chunks of their lives. These backstories are tearjerkers cho sen to engage you. And it works. You get to know their backgrounds, motivations and resentment. There is a reason why it’s called reality TV. One thing for sure, they fight like crazy to overcome challenges that clearly, say that again, clearly mess with their heads and confidence levels. Add

ed layers of complexity as the challenge unfolds are icing on the cake.

Competing designers are given a weekly budget that varies, and have but three days to present crafty mentors with a sketch, construct a garment, finish the design and style the look with hair and make up artists from The MUA Gang, to finally show their work on the runway. Easier written than done. At show time, not every garment is finished. Or ironed. Broken zippers, exposed seams, poor construction, everything is caught on camera. Nerves are going through the roof, big personalities are clashing, and listen to this, designers are not only defending their work to the judges, they are arguing with the experts. They are in it to win it, and no, they will not go down without a battle. Every week one de-

As a fashion critic and editor for almost three

A good number of designers joining the industry are eager to work and learn. Some have an identity. And a point of view. But is it enough to make it to the top? Can they sell what they make? Are their ideas original? Is the construction of each piece flawless? Tough work for Julio Núñez, Eddie Guerrero, Annette Vaillant and Miss Gala, the judges making the call week after week. It is up to them to decide on the chopping block who is just great at sewing, who has vision without skills, and who genuinely is the total package. They will eventually know who has what it takes to be a star.

The first challenge was a bridal gown. Most delivered beautiful creations, including midi dresses, traditional gowns and sexy pantsuits. The winner that week was Meily Fernández. For the second challenge they had to create a glamorous modern-day look for celebrities that included Elvis Presley, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Dua Lipa and Celia Cruz. Jimmy Joseph won this challenge with two high-impact looks inspired by Lady Gaga.

The remaining designers in the competition are Yamil Rivera Quiñones, Miguel Figueroa Bruno, Eileen Acevedo Vega, Luised Rodríguez Castro, Jimmy Joseph Ruiz, Celibeth Ramos González, Adriana María Arroyave Muñoz, Edmarie Leiliani Díaz Ramos, Christian Reyes Mitchell, William Murphy Guitard, Julio Alfredo “Keke Rohena” Sánchez Estrada and Meily Fernández Cordero.

Viewers can watch “Revelación Moda” on Sundays at 8 p.m. on Telemundo Network.

Lady Gaga by Jimmy Joseph

Elton John by Yamil Rivera

Bridal by Meily Fernández

Madonna by Keke Rohena

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA DE PONCE

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC

Demandante Vs.

SUCESIÓN DE ÁNGEL

LUIS VEGAS SANTIAGO, T/C/C ÁNGEL LUIS

VEGA SANTIAGO, T/C/C ÁNGEL L. VEGA

SANTIAGO COMPUESTA

POR CARMEN NÚÑEZ

RIVERA, NILDA VEGA, ÁNGEL L. VEGA

NÚÑEZ, JACKELINE

VEGA QUILES, KAREM

LISSETTE VEGA QUILES, KAROLL DENISSE VEGA QUILES, MADELINE

VEGA MONTES, MARIA

DOLORES VEGA

RUIZ, FULANO DE TAL

Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS; AL CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE IMPUESTOS

MUNICIPALES; Y A LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: YU2021CV00574.

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

Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL.

A: SUCESIÓN DE ÁNGEL LUIS VEGAS

SANTIAGO, T/C/C ÁNGEL

LUIS VEGA SANTIAGO, T/C/C ÁNGEL L. VEGA

SANTIAGO COMPUESTA

POR CARMEN NÚÑEZ

RIVERA, NILDA VEGA, ÁNGEL L. VEGA

NÚÑEZ, JACKELINE

VEGA QUILES, KAREM

LISSETTE VEGA QUILES, KAROLL DENISSE VEGA

QUILES, MADELINE

VEGA MONTES, MARIA

DOLORES VEGA

RUIZ, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL

COMO MIEMBROS DE NOMBRES

DESCONOCIDOS;

AL CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE IMPUESTOS

MUNICIPALES; Y A LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA.

Yo, JUAN R. CRUZ ROMÁN, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Ponce, 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 27 DE ABRIL DE 2023, 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico, procederé a vender en Pública Subasta, al mejor postor, la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria mediante Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, la cual se notificó y archivó en autos el día 13 de diciembre de 2022. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el 4 DE MAYO DE 2023, 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 11 DE MAYO DE 2023, 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que ha sido liberado por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Ponce, en el caso de epígrafe con fecha de 31 de enero de 2023, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble que se describe a continuación:

URBANA: Solar marcado con el número B guion once (B-11) en el plano de inscripción de la Urbanización Villas del Capital, en los Barrios Susua Alta y Susua Baja de Yauco, Puerto Rico, con las siguientes cabidas y colindancias; Cabida: Trecientos doce punto cero cero (312.00) metros cuadrados. Colindancias: por el NORTE, con la Calle número dos (2) de esta misma urbanización, en una distancia de trece (13.00) metros lineales; por el SUR, con la Calle número seis (6) de esta misma urbanización, en una distancia de trece (13.00) metros lineales; por el ESTE, con el solar diez (10) de esta misma urbanización, en una distancia de veinticuatro (24.00) metros lineales; y por el OESTE, con el solar número doce (12) de esta misma urbanización, en una

distancia de veinticuatro (24.00) metros lineales. Finca Número 11,585, inscrita al folio 13 del tomo 536 de Yauco. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección II de Ponce.

Dirección de la Propiedad: B11 Amapola St. Villas del Cafetal, Yauco PR 00698. La subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer, hasta donde alcance, el importe de las cantidades adeudadas a la parte demandante conforme a la sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: de $71,662.21 por concepto de balance principal del préstamo con interés al 3.25% anual, lo cual acumula un total de $90,814.01 a la fecha de 22 de noviembre de 2021, y que 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 $9,500.00 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 443 otorgada el día 27 de octubre de 2008, Cayey, Puerto Rico, ante el Notario Público Ana V. Piñero Pares y consta inscrita al folio 13 del tomo 536 de Yauco, finca número 11,585, Registro de la Propiedad de Yauco, Sección II de Ponce. 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. En-

tiéndase: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Secretary of Housing and Human Development, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $142,500.00, con intereses al 3.25% anual, vencedero el 11 de enero de 2096, constituida mediante la escritura número 444, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 27 de octubre de 2008, ante la notario Ana V. Piñero Pares, e inscrita al folio 14 del tomo 536 de Yauco, finca número 11,585, inscripción 4ta. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta del inmueble antes descrito será la suma de $95,000.00 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 $63,333.33; 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 $47,500.00. 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 anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Una vez efectuada la venta de dicha propiedad, el Alguacil procederá a otorgar la escritura de traspaso al licitador victorioso en subasta, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la sentencia dictada en este caso. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Si el producto de la venta fuere insuficiente para satisfacer la cantidad reclamada, se procederá a la ejecución de la sentencia en contra de la parte demandada por

el remanente de las sumas no satisfechas, mediante embargo y venta en ejecución de cualesquiera otros bienes propiedad de la parte demandada en cantidad suficiente para dejar cubierta y totalmente satisfecha a la parte demandante cualquier deficiencia o parte insoluta de la sentencia dictada a su favor según dispuesto en la sentencia dictada en este caso. Se dispone, conforme con la sentencia dictada en este caso que, una vez efectuada la subasta y vendido el bien inmueble, los adjudicatarios sean puestos en posesión del mismo dentro del término de veinte (20) días por el Alguacil de este Honorable Tribunal y los actuales poseedores lanzados del referido inmueble. Y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general, se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley, mediante edicto, en un periódico de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, una vez por semana, por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, y para su fijación en tres (3) lugares públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía, y se le notificará además a la parte demandada vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto de Subasta para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Ponce, Puerto Rico, a 7 de febrero de 2023. JUAN R. CRUZ ROMÁN, ALGUACIL #965, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE PONCE.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE SAN JUAN - SUPERIOR REVERSE MORTGAGE

FUNDING, LLC

Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE ROSALIA BETANCOURT MATOS T/C/C ROSALIA BETANCOURT COMPUESTA POR

RAFAEL GILESTRA BETANCOURT; GRISELIA GILESTRA BETANCOURT; OSCAR MARTIN GILESTRA; NATASHA GILESTRA; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS, CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES MUNICIPALES; OFICINA DE HERENCIA Y DONACIONES DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA DE PUERTO RICO; Y A LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: KCD2015-1325. (0604). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL.

A: SUCESIÓN DE ROSALIA BETANCOURT MATOS T/C/C ROSALIA BETANCOURT COMPUESTA POR RAFAEL GILESTRA BETANCOURT; GRISELIA GILESTRA BETANCOURT; OSCAR MARTIN GILESTRA; NATASHA GILESTRA; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS, CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES MUNICIPALES; OFICINA DE HERENCIA Y DONACIONES DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA DE PUERTO RICO; Y A LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA.

Yo, EDWIN E. LÓPEZ MULERO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, 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 24 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico, procederé a vender en Pública Subasta, al mejor postor, la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria mediante Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, la cual se notificó y archivó en autos el día 14 de marzo de 2017. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría

durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el día 1 DE MAYO DE 2023, A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 8 DE MAYO DE 2023, A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que ha sido liberado por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, en el caso de epígrafe con fecha de 28 de febrero de 2023, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble de su propiedad ubicado en: 956 Barbados St. Country Club Dev, San Juan PR 00924, y que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número 12 del bloque LB del plano de inscripción de la cuarta extensión, Primera Etapa de la Urbanización Country Club, situada en el Barrio Sabana Llana del municipio de Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 319.78 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el Norte en 23.57 metros con el solar número 11; por el Sur, en 23.30 metros con una forma de arco con la calle número 296; por el Este, en 8.92 metros en forma de arco con la calle número 296; y por el Oeste en 3.87 metros con una alameda; por el Sureste en 14.90 metros con pared medianera que separa este solar del solar y casa número 13. Enclava una casa de dos plantas de concreto para residencia de una sola familia. Finca número 9,817, inscrita al folio 116 del tomo 220 de Sabana Llana, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección V de San Juan. La subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer, hasta donde alcance, el importe de las cantidades adeudadas a la parte demandante conforme a la sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: $156,177.41, incluyendo intereses y otros gastos acumulados hasta el 31 de octubre de 2016, y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón del 5.060% por ciento anual, hasta su completo pago; más la cantidad de $25,800.00, 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 cualquie-

ra 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 125, otorgada el día 31 de mayo de 2012,, San Juan, Puerto Rico, ante el Notario Público Francisco J. Biaggi Landrón, e inscrita al tomo Karibe de Sabana Llana, finca número 9,817, inscripción 8va, Registro de la Propiedad de Sabana Llana, Sección V de San Juan. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Entiéndase: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor del Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $258,000.00, con intereses al 5.060% anual, vencedero el día 20 de octubre de 2071, constituida mediante la escritura número 126, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 31 de mayo de 2012, ante el notario Francisco J. Biaggi Landrón, e inscrita al tomo Karibe de Sabana Llana, finca número 9,817, inscripción 9na. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta del inmueble antes descrito será la suma de $258,000.00 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 $172,000.00; 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

derá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación del inmueble y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio de remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores desconocidos, no inscritos o presentados que sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad objeto de ejecución y descrita anteriormente se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores una vez el Honorable Tribunal expida la correspondiente Orden de Confirmación de Venta Judicial. Y para conocimiento de licitadores del público en general se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley por espacio de dos semanas en tres sitios públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Este Edicto será publicado dos veces en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas. Expido el presente Edicto de subasta bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal en Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy día 21 de marzo de 2023.

ÁNGEL GÓMEZ GÓMEZ, ALGUACIL PLACA #593, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO

DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA DE BARCELONETA

ISLAND PORTFOLIO

SERVICES, LLC, COMO

AGENTE DE ACE ONE FUNDING, LLC

Demandante Vs. DENNYS O. PLAZA SALVA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: BC2021CV00168. Salón: 104. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: DENNYS O. PLAZA SALVA - URB. ATLANTIC VIEW VILLAGE 24 AVE. NICOLE BARCELONETA, PR 00617-3071.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda o cualquier otro sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. Kevin Sánchez Campanero cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-8518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección Kevin. sanchez@orf-law.com y a la dirección notificaciones@orf-law. com. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en Manatí, Puerto Rico, hoy día 1 de febrero de 2023. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. CARMEN J. ROSARIO VALENTÍN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA DE BAYAMÓN ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

Demandante Vs. ELISA M. BRAÑA RAMOS

Demandado

Civil Núm.: BY2022CV04698.

Salón: 702. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO.

ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE

LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: ELISA M. BRAÑA RAMOSBO. VOLCÁN ARENAS

KM. 8 CALLE PRINCIPAL #71 BAYAMÓN, PR 00961 / PO BOX 2915 BAYAMÓN, PR 00960.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda o cualquier otro sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. Kevin Sánchez Campanero cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 009368518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección kevin.sanchez@ orf-law.com, y a la dirección notificaciones@orf-law.com.

EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, Puerto Rico, hoy día 01 de febrero de 2023. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el 01 de febrero de 2023.

LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. MIRCIENID GONZÁLEZ TORRES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE ADELA MARIA

ROSADO GARCIA

Demandante V.

FIRST BANK PUERTO RICO; JUAN DEL PUEBLO Y JUANA DEL PUEBLO Y CUALESQUIER PERSONA DESCONOCIDA CON POSIBLE INTERÉS EN LA OBLIGACIÓN CUYA CANCELACIÓN POR DECRETO JUDICIAL SE SOLICITA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: PO2023CV00771.

Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO.

ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉ-

RICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

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

Por la presente se le notifica que ha sido presentada en este Tribunal una Demanda en su contra en el pleito de epígrafe.

1. En este caso la parte demandante ha radicado una Demanda para que se decrete judicialmente el saldo de un (1) pagaré hipotecario a favor de Island Finance Puerto Rico Inc., por la suma principal de $17,999.84, con intereses al 15% anual, vencedero a la presentación, constituida mediante la escritura número 509, otorgada en Ponce, Puerto Rico, el día 25 de octubre de 2001, inscrito al folio 39 del tomo 1023 de Ponce, ante el notario Ramon I Ortiz Palmieri, sobre la propiedad que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar marcado con el # 9 del bloque W en el plano de inscripción de la Urbanización Jardines del Caribe, Segunda Etapa, radicada en los Barrios Canas, Quebrada Limón y Pastilla del término municipal de Ponce, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 320.80 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en 13.346 metros, con la Calle # 27; por el SUR, en 12.294 metros, con los solares # 23 y 24 del bloque W; por el ESTE, en 25.00 metros, con el solar #10 del bloque W; y por el OESTE, en 25.00 metros, con el solar# 8 del bloque W. Sobre este solar se ha construido una casa de concreto armado para ser utilizada como residencia familiar. Finca Número 7106 inscrita al folio 223 del tomo 442 de Ponce, Registro de la Propiedad, Sección 2 de Ponce. 2. La parte demandante alega que dicho pagaré ha sido saldado según más detalladamente consta en la Demanda radicada que puede examinarse en la Secretaría de este Tribunal. Por tratarse de una obligación hipotecaria y pudiendo usted tener interés en este caso o quedar afectado por el remedio solicitado, se le emplaza por este edicto que se publicará una vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de Puerto Rico. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr/sumac/, salvo

que se represente por derecho propio. Debe notificar con copia de ella a la abogada de la parte demandante la Lcda. Lizbet Aviles Vega, Urb. Los Sauces, Calle Pomarrosa #222, Humacao, PR 00791; Tel. (787) 3540061, dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto, apercibiéndole que de no hacerlo así dentro del término indicado, el Tribunal podrá anotar su rebeldía y dictar sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado en la Demanda sin más citarle ni oírle. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, en Ponce, Puerto Rico, hoy día 21 de marzo de 2023. CARMEN G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA. JESSICA BONILLA RODRÍGUEZ, SUB-SECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO LIME HOMES LTD.

Plaintiff V. FLOR CHINEA TORRES

Defendant

Civil Núm.: 16-CV-2911. (ADC). Re: FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE - IN REM. NOTICE OF SALE.

To: FLOR CHINEA TORRES, ANY OTHER PARTY WITH INTEREST OVER THE PROPERTY MENTIONED BELOW; GENERAL PUBLIC.

WHEREAS: Judgment was entered in favor of plaintiff to recover from defendants the sum of $107,789.22 in principal, interest rate of 6.5000% per annum since December 1, 2014. Such interest will continue to accrue until the debt is paid in full. An additional deferred balance of $6,969.73 does not accrue interest at this time. In addition, the Defendant(s) owes the Plaintiff late charges amounting to 5% of any and all monthly payments or installments in arrears over fifteen (15) days after the installment is due. The Defendant(s) also owe the Plaintiff all of the advances made pursuant to the provisions and/or dispositions of the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage Deed. The Defendant(s) also owes an amount equivalent to 10% of the original principal balance, or $10,835.00, as a liquidated amount to cover the costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees. The records of the case and of these proceedings may be examined by interested parties at the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Room 150, Federal Office Building, 150 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. WHEREAS: Pursuant to the terms of the aforementioned Judgment, Order of Execution, and the Writ of Execution thereof, the undersigned Special Master was ordered to sell at public auction for U.S. currency in

cash or certified check without appraisement or right of redemption to the highest bidder and at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 – Federal Office Building, 150 Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the plaintiff, the following property (as described in the Property Registry in Spanish language): Cond. Turabo Clusters, C-H302, Caguas, PR 00725. URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Apartamento residencial identificado con el número H-302, localizado en la tercera planta del Cluster C del Condominio Turabo Clusters, sito en la Avenida principal del barrio Cañabon de Caguas, Puerto Rico, el cual tiene una cabida superficial de 1,131.63 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 105.13 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con el elemento exterior, el pasillo y las escaleras que dan acceso de entrada y salida al apartamento, al edificio, al condominio y vía pública, en treinta y un pies nueve pulgadas; por el SUR, con el elemento exterior, con treinta y un pies nueve pulgadas; por el ESTE, con el elemento exterior y la pared medianera del apartamento H-301, en cuarenta pies; y por el OESTE, con el elemento exterior, en cuarenta pies. La puerta principal de entrada a este apartamento se encuentra localizada en su colindancia Norte. Consta este apartamento de sala-comedor, cocina, tres dormitorios, dos servicios sanitarios y balcón. A este apartamento le corresponde como elemento común limitado un espacio para estacionamiento que acomoda dos vehículos de motor. Este espacio para estacionamiento se identifica con la letra del Cluster, donde se encuentra sito el apartamento y el número de éste. Elementos comunes generales del condominio 0.4722%. The property is recorded at page 111 of Caguas, volume 1622, property number 53835 on Puerto Rico

Property Registry at Caguas, Section I. The mortgage is recorded at page 59 of volume 1690 of Caguas, 3rd inscription, property #53835 of the Property Registry of Property of Caguas.

Section I. The modification is recorded at page 59 overloaf of Caguas, volume 1690, property #53835, fourth inscription in the Property Registry of Caguas, Section I. WHEREAS: This property is subject to the following

liens: Senior Liens: None. Junior Liens: None. Other Liens: None. Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon,

including but not limited to any property tax, liens, (express, tacit, implied or legal) shall continue in effect it being understood further that the successful bidder accepts them and is subrogated in the responsibility for the same and that the bid price shall not be applied toward their cancellation. THEREFORE, the FIRST PUBLIC SALE shall be held on the 16TH DAY OF MAY OF 2023, AT: 9:00 AM. The minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $108,350.00. In the event said first auction does not produce a bidder and the property is not adjudicated, a SECOND PUBLIC AUCTION shall be held on 23RD DAY OF MAY OF 2023, AT: 9:00 AM, and the minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum $72,233.33, which is two-thirds of the amount of the minimum bid for the first public sale. If a second auction does not result in the adjudication and sale of the property, a THIRD PUBLIC AUCTION will be held on the 30TH DAY OF MAY OF 2023, AT: 9:00 AM, and the minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $54,175.00, which is one-half of the minimum bid in the first public sale. Should there be no award or adjudication at the third public sale, the property may be awarded to the creditor for the entire amount of its debt if it is equal to or less than the amount of the minimum bid of the third public sale, crediting this amount to the amount owed if it is greater. The Special Master shall not accept in payment of the property to be sold anything but United States currency or certified checks, except in case the property is sold and adjudicated to the plaintiff, in which case the amount of the bid made by said plaintiff shall be credited and deducted from its credit; said plaintiff being bound to pay in cash or certified check only any excess of its bid over the secured indebtedness that remains unsatisfied. WHEREAS: Said sale to be made by the Special Master subject to confirmation by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the deed of conveyance and possession to the property will be executed and delivered only after such confirmation. Upon confirmation of the sale, an order shall be issued cancelling all junior liens. For further particulars, reference is made to the judgment entered by the Court in this case, which can be examined in the Office of Clerk of the United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 22nd day of March of 2023. PEDRO A. VÉLEZ-BAERGA, SPECIAL MASTER, SPECIALMASTERPR@GMAIL.COM, 787-6728269.

LEGAL NOTICE

Estado Libre Asociado de Puer-

to Rico TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA Tribunal de Primera Instancia Sala Superior de BAYAMON.

COOPERATIVA DE AHORRO Y CRÉDITO DE VEGA ALTA Demandante v. DORAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION, DORAL MORTGAGE LLC, FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC), BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, FIRST BANK DE PUERTO RICO Y FULANO DE TAL Demandado(a) Civil Núm. VB2021CV00131. Sobre: PAGARE EXTRAVOADO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: DORAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION, DORAL MORTGAGE LLC, FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC), BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, FIRST BANK DE PUERTO RICO Y FULANO DE TAL (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 8 de marzo 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 de 21 de marzo de 2023. En BAYAMON, Puerto Rico, el 21 de marzo de 2023. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SANCHEZ, Secretaria. F/LUISA I. ANDINO AYALA, Secretaria Auxiliar.

LEGAL NOT ICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE ARECIBO

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE, COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS

Demandados

Civil Núm.: AR2023CV00411.

Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: JOHN DOE; RICHARD ROE, POSIBLES TENEDORES DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO DESCRITO

MÁS ADELANTE.

Por la presente se le notifica que se ha radicado una Demanda donde se solicita se cancele el siguiente pagaré, el cual está extraviado, así como la hipoteca que garantiza su pago: 1. Pagaré a favor de POPULAR MORTGAGE, INC., o a su orden, por la suma principal de $20,000.00 más intereses desde esa fecha hasta el pago total del principal a razón de 9.95% de interés anual sobre el balance adeudado suscrito el día el 12 de enero de 2001, ante la Notario Suzette M. Del

Valle Lecaroz, el cual grava la propiedad inmueble descrita en el párrafo cuarto y por tal razón radica la presente acción con el propósito de obtener la cancelación del pagaré extraviado y hacer valer su garantía hipotecaria. Por la presente se les emplaza y requiere para que notifique a la Lcda. Gabriela Vázquez Aponte, PMB 767, Avenida Luis Vigoreaux, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00966, teléfono (787) 758-3276, abogada de la parte demandante, con copia de vuestra contestación a la demanda radicada en este caso contra ustedes, dentro de un término de sesenta (60) días contados a partir de la publicación de este Edicto.

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. Por la presente se les apercibe de que de no comparecer a formular alegaciones dentro de sesenta (60) días contados a partir de la fecha de la publicación de este Edicto, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará Sentencia de acuerdo con lo solicitado en la demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, en Fajardo, Puerto Rico hoy 23 de marzo de 2023. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. ALEXANDRA ÁLVAREZ NATAL, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN

CSMC 2019-RPL1 TRUST

Demandante V. CARMEN PAGAN LOPEZ

T/C/C CARMEN PAGAN

Demandada

Civil Núm.: BY2023CV01081.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, S.S.

A: CARMEN PAGAN

LOPEZ T/C/C CARMEN PAGAN.

Por la presente se le emplaza y notifica que debe contestar la demanda dentro del término de treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación del presente edicto, radicando el original de la contestación ante el Tribunal y sala que se menciona en el epígrafe de este edicto con copia a la parte aquí demandante. Se le apercibe que, de no contestar la demanda dentro del término aquí estipulado, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia sin más citarle ni oírle. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr. salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. La parte demandante ha radicado una acción de cobro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca por deuda vencida y la misma está garantizada sobre la siguiente propiedad M1, Cuidad Las Lomas St., Reparto Flamingo Dev., Bayamón, PR 00957 y descrita de la siguiente manera: URBANA: Solar radicado en la Urbanización Reparto Flamingo, localizado en el Barrio Hato Tejas de la municipalidad de Bayamón, Puerto Rico, que se describe en el plano de inscripción de dicha urbanización, con el número uno (31) del bloque M de la urbanización, con un área superficial de trescientos ochenta y seis punto setenta y cinco (386.75) metros cuadrados, en lindes por el NORTE, en una distancia de veintiuno punto cincuenta (21.50) metros y dos punto setenta y cinco (2.75) metros, con la calle J, por el SUR, en una distancia de veinticinco cero cero (25.00) metros, con la calle número dos (#2), por el ESTE, en una distancia de doce punto cincuenta (12.50) metros y dos punto setenta y cinco (2.75) metros, con la calle

L, y por el OESTE, en una distancia de catorce punto noventa y cuatro (14.94) metros, con el solar número diecinueve (#19). Enclava un casa de concreto. Finca 18892, inscrita al Folio 211 del Tomo 417 de Bayamón, Sección I de Bayamón. El abogado de la parte demandante es: LCDA. MARICELI PEREZ

GONZALEZ, 1225 Ave. Ponce de León VIG Tower, Suite 706, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00907, Tel. (787) 919-0073, Fax (787) 722-1932. Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, hoy 24 de marzo de 2023. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA

SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. MARÍA E. COLLAZO

FEBUS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA

LEGACY MORTGAGE

ASSET TRUST 2019-PR1

Parte Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE ISABELO

LLANOS LLANOS, COMPUESTA POR

ISABELO LLANOS

SANTIAGO, NITZABEL

LLANOS SANTIAGO; CARMEN NYDIA

SANTIAGO RIVERA

T/C/C NYDIA SANTIAGO

RIVERA POR SÍ Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA;

FULANO Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE IMPUESTOS

MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Parte Demandada

Civil Núm.: CA2019CV04637.

Salón Núm.: (409). 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: SUCESIÓN DE ISABELO LLANOS

LLANOS, COMPUESTA POR ISABELO LLANOS

SANTIAGO, NITZABEL LLANOS SANTIAGO; CARMEN NYDIA

SANTIAGO RIVERA

T/C/C NYDIA SANTIAGO RIVERA POR SÍ Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA; FULANO Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN

DE IMPUESTOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM): DEPARTAMENTO DE

HACIENDA: Y AL PÚBLICO EN GENERAL:

El Alguacil que suscribe, certifica y hace constar que en cumplimiento de Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número diez de la Manzana M, del Proyecto Jardines de Palmarejo, en el Barrio San Isidro de Canóvanas, con una cabida superficial de doscientos cincuenta y tres metros cuadrado; En lindes por el NORTE, con el solar número nueve, distancia de veintidós metros; por el SUR, con Parque Activo, distancia de veintidós metros; por el ESTE, con la calle número Catorce, distancia de once metros con cincuenta centímetros; y por el OESTE, con el solar número ocho, y el Parque Activo, distancia de once metros con cincuenta centímetros. Contiene una casa de hormigón de una sola planta, tipo “dúplex”, semi-terminado, compuesta de losa de piso, dos paredes de carga y losa de techo, unida a la casa continua por una pared medianera en hormigón armado, localizada en la colindancia del solar paredes de baño en bloques de hormigón, instalación sanitaria, sin incluir accesorios; instalación eléctrica, sin incluir alambrado, ni accesorios; instalación de agua fría y caliente, sin incluir plumas, ni accesorios con un área de piso de quinientos noventa y dos pies cuadrados. Consta inscrita al folio 268 del tomo 84 de Canóvanas, finca número 4,661. Registro de la Propiedad, Sección III de Carolina. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: Jardines de Palmarejo, Calle 14 M-10, San Isidro, Canóvanas, Puerto Rico 00729. 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 $36,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca #19, otorgada en (no expresa lugar de otorgamiento), el día 1 de junio del 2007, ante el notario Teresa Trujillo Ortiz, e inscrita al folio 1,397 del tomo 445 de Canóvanas, finca número 4,661, inscripción 5ta., como Asiento Abreviado extendida las líneas el día 31 de octubre del 2017, en virtud de la Ley número 216 del día 27 de diciembre de 2010. (Fue presentado el día 28 de junio del 2007 al Asiento 1465 del Diario 235). La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 4 DE MAYO DE 2023 A LAS 11:45 DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $36,000.00. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 11 DE MAYO DE 2023 A LAS 11:45 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 $24,000.00. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 18 DE MAYO DE 2023 A LAS 11:45 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 $18,500.00. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo, para con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: Suma Principal de $35,761.03, la cual se desglosa a continuación: la suma principal de $31,824.78, con intereses a 6.996% anual, desde el 6 de junio de 2018, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago y un balance diferido por la cantidad de $3,936.25, el cual no genera intereses y vencedero a la fecha de vencimiento, 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 $3,600.00, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipotecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos corres-

pondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables. Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Expedido en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 24 de marzo de 2023. HÉCTOR L. PEÑA RODRÍGUEZ, ALGUACIL PLACA #278.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL

GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE FAJARDO SALA SUPERIOR BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. JOSÉ ANTONIO

BOSQUES TORRES; SU ESPOSA MARÍA DEL CARMEN SALCEDO

LORA T/C/C MARÍA DEL CARMEN SALCEDO

CORA, Y LA SOCIEDAD

LEGAL DE BIENES

GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR

AMBOS; JOSÉ

ALEJANDRO BOSQUES

AVILÉS T/C/C JOSÉ

ALEJANDRO BOSQUES

TORRES, SU ESPOSA

ANTONIA TORRES

ALLENDE Y LA

SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES

COMPUESTA POR

AMBOS

Demandados

Civil Núm.: FA2023CV00189. Sala: 307. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA “IN REM”. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO.

ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUER-

TO RICO, S.S.

A: JOSÉ ANTONIO BOSQUES TORRES POR SÍ Y POR CONDUCTO DE LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES QUE COMPONE CON MARÍA DEL CARMEN

SALCEDO LORA TIC/C

MARÍA DEL CARMEN

SALCEDO CORA; Y MARÍA DEL CARMEN

SALCEDO LORA T/C/C

MARÍA DEL CARMEN

SALCEDO CORA, POR SÍ Y POR CONDUCTO DE LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES QUE COMPONE CON JOSÉ ANTONIO BOSQUES

TORRES. 10 ST. BLOQ

K 493, ALTURAS DE RÍO GRANDE, RÍO GRANDE, PR 00745 Y/O CALLE

10K 493, URB. ALTURAS DE RÍO GRANDE, RÍO GRANDE, PR 00745; G-297 CALLE 5 ALT. DE RÍO GRANDE, RÍO GRANDE, PR 00745-3307; 313 PORT PLEASANT DRIVE, KISSIMMEE, FL 34759.

Por la presente se le emplaza y notifica que debe contestar la 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

500 Calle De La Tanca Suite 209

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901

Tel.: (787) 523-2670 / Fax: (787) 523-2664

rdíaz@bdprlaw.com

Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y el sello de este Tribunal, hoy 24 de marzo de 2023. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. LINDA I. MEDINA MEDINA, SECRETARIA

AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE AGUADILLA EMPRESAS MARRERO

L.L.C., REPRESENTADA POR SU PRESIDENTE LUIS E. MARRERO SOTO Demandante V. VING FOOD LLC

REPRESENTADA POR SU PRESIDENTE IRVING VELEZ RODRIGUEZ Demandado OFICINA DE GERENCIA DE PERMISOS P/C MARIA R CINTRON, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR Parte con Interés Civil Número: AG2023CV00221. Sobre: INJECTION ESTATUTARIO ARTICULO 14.1 LEY 161 DE 2009, SEGÚN ENMENDADA. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: VING FOOD LLC POR CONDUCTO DE SU PRESIDENTE, SR. IRVING VELEZ RODRIGUEZ, A DIRECCIÓN POSTAL: 74 AVE. ANTONIO RIVERA, SAN SEBASTIAN, PR 00685; Y/O DIRECCIÓN FÍSICA: CARR. 125, KM 14.5, BO. HATO ARRIBA, SAN SEBASTÍAN, PR 00685.

Por la presente se le emplaza y se le notifica que la parte demandante ha presentado ante este Tribunal una Demanda de lnjunction al amparo del Artículo 14.1 de la Ley 161-2009. Se le emplaza y requiere que notifique a la LCDA. MARITZA RODRIGUEZ ALONSO, Urb. Lomas Verdes, 4P30 Calle Petunia, Bayamón, Puerto Rico 00956, Teléfono Celular: (787) 640-0050, E-mail: alonso.lex@ hotmail.com abogada de la parte demandante, copia de la contestación a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación final de este edicto. El original de la contestación deberá ser radicado en el Tribunal correspondiente. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https:// unired.ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribu-

nal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, hoy 21 de marzo de 2023. SARAHÍ REYES PÉREZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. NATHALIE I. ACEVEDO

QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA

AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL

GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRI-

BUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMÓN SALA SUPERIOR DE VEGA BAJA

MAGALY ORTIZ RUIZ, NELLY ESTHER ORTIZ

RUIZ, SOL MILAGROS ORTIZ RUIZ, MARY

IVETTE ORTIZ RUIZ, JOSÉ LUIS NAVARRO ORTIZ

Parte Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE CARMEN

MARÍA VEGA MÉNDEZ, COMPUESTA POR

SONIA MARTÍNEZ VEGA

Y FULANO DE TAL; Y OTROS

Parte Demandada

Civil Núm.: VB2022CV00809.

Salón: (201 CD, CM, TR Y CR). Sobre: LIQUIDACIÓN DE COMUNIDAD HEREDITARIA, RATIFICAR ADJUDICACIÓN DE CAUDAL RELICTO; EXPEDIENTE DE DOMINIO; SEGREGACIÓN Y ADJUDICACIÓN; SENTENCIA DECLARATORIA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS

UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: SONIA MARTÍNEZ VEGA, EN DIRECCIÓN DESCONOCIDA; Y FULANO DE TAL, EN DIRECCIÓN DESCONOCIDA; Y CUALESQUIER OTRO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE CARMEN

MARIA VEGA MÉNDEZ.

POR LA PRESENTE se les emplaza y requiere para que presenten al Tribunal sus alegaciones responsivas a la presente DEMANDA dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto, excluyendo el día de su publicación. Este Tribunal ha ordenado que se les cite a ustedes por edicto, que se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en Puerto Rico. Deberán presentar sus alegaciones responsivas a través del SISTEMA UNIFICADO DE MANEJO Y ADMINISTRACIÓN DE CASOS (SUMAC), al cual pueden acceder en la dirección electrónica https:// unired.ramajudicial.pr, salvo

que se representen por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberán presentar sus alegaciones responsivas en la secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Vega Baja. Si alguno de ustedes 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, sin más citarle ni oírle.

Abogado de la parte Demandante:

Lcdo. Rafael Pagán Colón, R.U.A. 18,691

P.O. Box 367869, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-7869

Teléfono: (787) 344-1139; correo electrónico: rafael.pagancolon@capr.org

EXPEDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y Sello del Tribunal, hoy 20 de marzo de 2023, en Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA. MARITZA ROSARIO ROSARIO, SUB-SECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

MAGDA MERCEDES

SANTIAGO RAMOS

Demandante Vs. MANUEL GARCÍA

BERNAL, RENÉ GARCÍA BERNAL, VERÓNICA

GARCÍA BERNAL Y DIEGO GARCÍA SPERLING

Demandados

Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV11243. Sala: 908. Sobre: DIVISIÓN DE HERENCIA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTOS. ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

RENÉ GARCÍA BERNAL, VERÓNICA GARCÍA

BERNAL Y DIEGO

GARCÍA SPERLING.

POR LA PRESENTE, se le notifica a usted que ha sido radicada en esta Secretaria del Tribunal de Primer Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, Puerto Rico, la demanda de epígrafe. Se le emplaza y requiere para que notifique al abogado de la parte peticionaria es el Lcdo.

Nelson Esteban Vera Santiago, P.O. Box 810, Moca, Puerto Rico 00676. 787-877-3516.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza, se le notifica que una demanda ha sido presentada en su contra y se le requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto, radicando su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SU-

MAC), 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 y notificando con copia de la misma a la parte demandante a la dirección antes indicada. Se le apercibe que, 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. El original de su contestación ante el Tribunal correspondiente y notificando con copia de esta a la parte demandante a la dirección antes indicada. Sin más citarle ni oírle. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal hoy día 21 de marzo de 2023.

GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. ENID DÍAZ RÍOS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

607-609

CONDADO ST., LLC.

Demandante V.

LA SOCIEDAD

INTERNACIONAL DE INVESTIGADORES

PROFESIONALES, INC.

Demandado

Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV01381.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA.

A: LOS CODEMANDADOS DE EPÍGRAFE Y AL PÚBLICO EN GENERAL:

El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente anuncia y hace constar que en cumplimiento de una Sentencia en Rebeldía dictada en el caso de epígrafe el 13 de septiembre de 2022, notificada el 14 de septiembre de 2022 y publicada el 23 de septiembre de 2022, una Orden de Ejecución de Embargo emitida el 15 de marzo de 2023 y un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Embargo emitido el día 17 de marzo de 2023, que le ha sido dirigido por la Secretaria del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, procederá a vender en subasta, y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América, y/o giro postal, dinero en efectivo, cheque de gerente o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal, o letra bancaria, con similar garantía de todo título, derecho o interés de los demandados de epígrafe

sobre el inmueble que adelante se describe. Se anuncia por la presente que la subasta habrá de celebrarse el día 4 DE MAYO DE 2023; A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina localizada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, sobre el inmueble que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Oficina #505. Colinda por el OESTE, en 28’ 6”, con pared interior que lo separa de la oficina #504; por el ESTE, en igual medida, con pared interior que lo separa de la oficina #506; por el NORTE, en 15’ 5”, con pared que lo separa de parte de la oficina #504 y con el pasillo común; y por el SUR, en igual medida, con la pared exterior del edificio hacia su colindancia con la calle denominada “Rolan”. Comprende un área de 443 pies cuadrados, aproximadamente, y tiene su entrada y salida hacia el Norte, por el pasillo común con el cual colinda por ese lado. La oficina descrita se separa del quinto piso del edificio denominado Condominio Condado. Le corresponde una participación en los elementos comunes equivalente a un porcentaje del 0.017%.

FINCA NÚMERO: 4921, inscrita al folio 60 del tomo 153 de Santurce Sur, Registro de la Propiedad, Sede Metropolitana, sección primera de San Juan.

Dirección física: 609 Condado St., Oficina 505, San Juan PR 00907. La subasta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer al demandante, total o parcialmente, según sea el caso, de la referida sentencia que fue dictada por la siguiente suma: $9,573.72 por concepto de cuotas de mantenimiento vencidas y no pagadas; más la suma de $4,189.28 por concepto de intereses, más la suma de $947.99 por concepto de penalidad, para un total de $14,710.99, más las costas, gastos y una suma razonable por honorarios de abogado. Esta subasta no tiene fijación de tipo mínimo por tratarse de una ejecución de sentencia por embargo. Y PARA CONOCIMIENTO DE LAS PARTES INTERESADAS y del público en general, se advierte que los autos de este caso y demás instancias están disponibles para ser inspeccionadas en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia Sala Superior de San Juan, durante las horas laborables. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad del inmueble y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante, incluyendo el gravamen por las contribuciones sobre la propiedad inmueble adeudadas, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda responsable de los mismos sin destinarse a su extinción el pre-

cio del remate. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. En testimonio de lo cual, expido el presente aviso, el cual firmo y sello, hoy 23 de marzo de 2023, en San Juan, Puerto Rico. EDWIN E. LÓPEZ MULERO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE SAN JUAN.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V.

ZORAIDA RIVERA VEGA; YOMARIS RAMOS RIVERA

Demandados Civil Núm.: BY2023CV01170. (403). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE GARANTÍAS. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: ZORAIDA RIVERA VEGA; YOMARIS RAMOS RIVERA, 108 MUZZY STREET, CHICOPEE, MA 01020; CALLE VILLA ICACO A-159, EL PLANTÍO, TOA BAJA, PUERTO RICO 00949.

De: BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO. Se le emplaza y requiere que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramaiudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Este caso trata sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Garantías en que la parte demandante solicita que se condene a la parte demandada a pagar: la suma principal de $161,643.30, más los cargos por demora y otros cargos, que se acumulan diariamente hasta su total y completo pago, más los intereses acumulados al 2.50% desde el 1 de junio de 2022, hasta el saldo total de la deuda, más la suma de 10% del principal, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado hipotecariamente asegurados. Se le apercibe que, si dejare de hacerlo, se dictará contra usted sentencia en rebeldía, concediéndose el remedio solicitado en la demanda, sin más citarle

ni oírle.

Lcdo. José Antonio Lamas Burgos Número del Tribunal Supremo 15693 PO Box 1094089, San Juan, PR 00917

Teléfono: (787) 296-9500

Correo Electrónico: jlamas@lvprlaw.com

EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA

y Sello del Tribunal, hoy 27 de marzo de 2023. LCDA. LAURA

I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. KATHERINE SANTIAGO RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA

TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN YAN LLC.

Demandante Vs. BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO; JUAN DEL PUEBLO Y JUANA DEL PUEBLO Y CUALESQUIER PERSONA DESCONOCIDA CON POSIBLE INTERÉS EN LA OBLIGACIÓN CUYA CANCELACIÓN POR DECRETO JUDICIAL SE SOLICITA

Demandado (a)

Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV11143.

Sala: 503. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JUAN DEL PUEBLO Y JUANA DEL PUEBLO Y CUALESQUIER PERSONA DESCONOCIDA CON POSIBLE INTERÉS EN LA OBLIGACIÓN CUYA CANCELACIÓN POR DECRETO JUDICIAL SE SOLICITA.

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 23 de marzo de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 27 de

marzo de 2023. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 27 de marzo de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. MARTHA ALMODÓVAR CABRERA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN IRIS VANESSA

BETANCOURT TAPIA

Demandante V. JESÚS DANIEL PÉREZ

Demandado(a)

Civil: SJ2022RF01473. (701).

Sobre: DIVORCIO (RUPTURA IRREPARABLE). NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JESÚS DANIEL PÉREZ. (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 24 de marzo 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 de 24 de marzo de 2023. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 24 de marzo de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. ENID TORRES RUIZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOT ICE

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

MERCEDES

LOPEZ GONZALEZ

Demandante V. FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO, ENTIDAD FINANCIERA X, BANCO Z, JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE, COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO

Demandado(a) Civil: AÑ2022CV00310. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO, ENTIDAD FINANCIERA X, BANCO Z, JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE, COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 17 de marzo 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 de 21 de marzo de 2023. En Añasco, Puerto Rico, el 21 de marzo de 2023. LCDA. NORMA G. SANTANA IRIZARRY, SECRETARIA. LUZ NELDY CHICO ACEVEDO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE JOSE

MENA MUÑOZ T/C/C

JOSE INOCENTE

MENA MUÑOZ T/C/C

JOSE I. MENA MUÑOZ, COMPUESTA POR SU

VIUDA MARIA VIRGEN

RAMIREZ AVILES, POR SÍ; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O

PARTES CON INTERÉS EN DICHA SUCESIÓN Demandados Civil Núm.: AR2022CV02320. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR

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

A: MARÍA VIRGEN

RAMÍREZ AVILÉS, POR SÍ Y COMO HEREDERA CONOCIDA DE LA SUCESIÓN DE JOSÉ MENA MUÑOZ TAMBIÉN CONOCIDO COMO JOSÉ INOCENTE MENA MUÑOZ

TAMBIÉN CONOCIDO COMO JOSÉ I. MENA

MUÑOZ; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE DICHA SUCESIÓN.

BARRIO CACAO CARR.

477 KM 2.3, PARCELA

152, QUEBRADILLAS, PR 00678; DIRECCIÓN

POSTAL: COMUNIDAD

RURAL CACAO BARRIO

CACAO 2142 CALLE 9

AGUADILLA, PR 00678.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los 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: 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 Hatillo, Puerto Rico a 20 de marzo de 2023. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. SUHAIL SERRANO MOYA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. ISABEL NAVEDO BURGOS

Demandada Civil Núm.: BY2022CV06143.

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

A: ISABEL NAVEDO BURGOS. LLA CONTESA E-14 CALLE ARAGÓN, BAYAMÓN, PR 00956. POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los 30 días de haber sido diligenciado este emplazamiento, excluyéndose el día del diligenciamiento. Se alega en dicho procedimiento que la parte demandada incurrió en el incumplimiento del Contrato de Hipoteca y la parte demandante declaró vencido el préstamo reclamado en la demanda. La suma adeudada asciende a $51,992.60 de principal. Esta suma no incluye los intereses acumulados los cuales aumentan a razón del 4.75% de intereses al año, hasta su completo pago ni cargos por demoras, ni el diez por ciento (10%) para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado. El inmueble gravado ubica en Urb. Urb. Villa Cantesa E-14 Calle Aragón Bayamón, PR 00956; identificado como la finca núm. 18,113, inscrita al folio 137 del tomo 402 de Bayamón Sur, sección I de Bayamón. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Representa a la parte demandante, la abogada cuyo nombre, dirección y teléfono se consigna que inmediato:

LCDO. JUAN C. FORTUÑO FAS

RÚA NÚM: 11416

FORTUÑO & FORTUÑO FAS, C.S.P.

PO BOX 9300

SANTURCE, PR 00908

TEL: 787-751-5290 /

FAX: 787-751-6155

E-MAIL: ejecuciones@fortuno-law.com

Se le apercibe que, si no compareciere usted a contestar dicha demanda dentro del término de 30 días a partir de la publicación de este edicto, radicando el original de la contestación ante el Tribunal correspondiente, con copia a la parte demandante, se le anotaría la rebeldía y se le dictará sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico a 21 de marzo de 2023. LCDA.

LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL.

VIVIAN J. SANABRIA, SUBSECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA DE CAGUAS EDGARD ANTONIO

VELÁZQUEZ SANCHEZ Y YAMILE VÁZQUEZ MONTAÑEZ

Demandantes V. ORINETAL BANK; FULANO Y SUTANO

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CG2023CV00820.

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

A: FULANO Y SUTANO; DEMANDADOS DESCONOCIDOS.

Por la presente se les emplaza y se les notifica que se ha presentado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal la Demanda del caso del epígrafe solicitando la cancelación de un pagaré suscrito a favor de a favor de R-G Premier Bank of Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $18,400.00, con intereses a razón de 9 ½% anual, vencedero a la presentación, tasada para propósitos de ejecución en una suma igual al principal, mediante la escritura número cuarenta y siete (47) otorgada en Caguas el 28 de enero de 1998 ante el notario Alfonso Prats Lazzarini; presentada para su inscripción el 31 de marzo de 1998 al asiento número ciento veintiuno (121) del diario número trescientos sesenta y uno (361), e inscrita al folio número veintisiete vuelto (27vto) del tomo número doscientos cuarenta y ocho (248) de Aguas Buenas, finca número once mil ciento sesenta (11,160), en su cuarta (4ª) inscripción, cuyo Pagaré fue cedido, vendido o traspasado a la parte demandada Oriental Bank, y luego de ser pagado en su totalidad se extravió. Se apercibe y advierte a ustedes como personas desconocidas

que pueden ser tenedores o estar interesados en el pagaré extraviado, que de no contestar la Demanda radicando el original de la contestación ante la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Caguas y notificar copia de la contestación de ésta a la parte demandante por conducto de su abogado Lcdo. Rafael E. Díaz González, PO Box 4980, Caguas, Puerto Rico 00726-4980, teléfono 787653-3434 Ext. 13619, dentro de los próximos treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación de este emplazamiento por edicto que será publicado una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia, concediendo el remedio solicitado en la Demanda sin más citarte ni oírle. Extendido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, hoy 23 de marzo de 2023. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA. ENEIDA ARROYO VÉLEZ, SUB-SECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE CAROLINA

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC

Demandante Vs. ROBERTO ORTIZ TIRADO

T/C/C ROBERT ORTIZ

TIRADO T/C/C ROBERTO ORTIZ T/C/C ROBERT ORTIZ; SUCESIÓN DE ANA DELIA DÁVILA DIAZ

T/C/C ANA D. DÁVILA

T/C/C ANA DÁVILA

T/C/C ANA DÁVILA

DIAZ COMPUESTA POR ROBERTO ORTIZ TIRADO

T/C/C ROBERT ORTIZ

TIRADO T/C/C ROBERTO ORTIZ T/C/C ROBERT ORTIZ, ROBERTO DÁVILA

T/C/C ROBERTO ORTIZ

DÁVILA, WALDEMAR ORTIZ DÁVILA, WILLIAM ORTIZ DÁVILA, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES; Y LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA Demandados

Civil Núm.: CA2023CV00565.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: WILLIAM ORTIZ

DÁVILA, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DE

NOMBRES

DESCONOCIDOS DE

LA SUCESIÓN DE ANA DELIA DÁVILA DIAZ T/C/C ANA D. DÁVILA T/C/C ANA DÁVILA T/C/C ANA DÁVILA DIAZ. POR LA PRESENTE, se les emplaza y se les notifica que se ha presentado en la Secretaria de este Tribunal la Demanda del caso del epígrafe solicitando la ejecución de hipoteca y el cobro de dinero relacionado al pagaré suscrito a favor de Urban Financial Group., o a su orden, por la suma principal de $241,500.00, con intereses computados sobre la misma desde su fecha hasta su total y completo pago a razón de la tasa de interés de 5.560% anual, la cual será ajustada mensualmente, obligándose además al pago de costas, gastos y desembolsos del litigio, más honorarios de abogados en una suma de $24,150.00, equivalente al 10% de la suma principal original. Este pagaré fue suscrito bajo el affidávit número 6552 ante el notario Jorge Laborde Corretjer. Lo anterior surge de la hipoteca constituida mediante la escritura número 238 otorgada el 1 de julio de 2010, ante la misma notario público, inscrita bajo la ley 216-2010, al tomo Karibe de Carolina, finca número 6,814, inscripción 7ma. URBANA: Solar radicado en la Urbanización Sabana Gardens, situada en el Barrio Sabana Abajo de Carolina, Puerto Rico, que se describe en el Plano de Inscripción de la Urbanización con el número uno de la Manzana dieciséis, con un área de cuatrocientos veintiocho metros cuadrados con setenticinco centímetros y en lindes por el NORTE, con paseo sombreado, distancia de diecisiete metros setenticinco centímetros, por el SUR, con el solar dos, distancia de veinticuatro metros, por el ESTE, con la Calle venticuatro, en un arco de seis metros seiscientos setentiseis milésimas de metro y tres distancias de seis metros setenticinco centímetros, dos metros y nueve metros y cincuenta centímetros, y por el OESTE, con paseo sombreado, distancia de veinte metros cincuenta centímetros. Finca número 6,814, inscrita al folio 236 del tomo 187 de Carolina Norte. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de Carolina. Se apercibe y advierte a ustedes como personas desconocidas, que deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Administración y Manejo de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede accesar utilizando la siguiente dirección: https://unired.ramajuducial.pr, salvo que se repre-

sente por Derechos Propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaria del Tribunal De no contestar la demanda radicando el original de la contestación ante la secretaria del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, y notificar copia de la contestación de esta a la parte demandante por conducto de su abogada, GLS LEGAL SERVICES, LLC, Atención: Lcda. Yadira López González

Dirección: P.O. Box 367308, San Juan, P.R. 00936-7308, Teléfono: 787-758-6550, dentro de los próximos 30 días a partir de la publicación de este emplazamiento por edicto, que será publicado una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general en la isla de Puerto Rico, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia, concediendo el remedio solicitando en la Demanda sin más citarle ni oírle. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal hoy 27 de marzo de 2023. LCDA. MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. KEILA GARCÍA SOLÍS, SUBSECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA DE CAROLINA REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC

Demandante Vs. ROBERTO ORTIZ TIRADO

T/C/C ROBERT ORTIZ

TIRADO T/C/C ROBERTO

ORTIZ T/C/C ROBERT ORTIZ; SUCESIÓN DE ANA DELIA DÁVILA DIAZ

T/C/C ANA D. DÁVILA

T/C/C ANA DÁVILA

T/C/C ANA DÁVILA

DIAZ COMPUESTA POR

ROBERTO ORTIZ TIRADO

T/C/C ROBERT ORTIZ

TIRADO T/C/C ROBERTO

ORTIZ T/C/C ROBERT ORTIZ, ROBERTO DÁVILA

T/C/C ROBERTO ORTIZ DÁVILA, WALDEMAR ORTIZ DÁVILA, WILLIAM ORTIZ DÁVILA, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES; Y LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CA2023CV00565.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. MANDAMIENTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIA-

DO DE PUERTO RICO. Por

Cuanto: Se ha dictado en el presente caso la siguiente Orden: “ORDEN: Examinada la demanda radicada por la parte demandante, la solicitud de interpelación contenida en la misma y examinados los autos del caso, el Tribunal le imparte su aprobación y en su virtud acepta la Demanda en el caso de epígrafe, así como la interpelación judicial de la parte demandante a los herederos del codemandado conforme dispone el Artículo 959 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. sec. 2787 y su equivalente el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil de Puerto Rico, edición 2020. Se Ordena a los herederos de la causante a saber, Roberto Ortiz Tirado t/c/c Robert Ortiz Tirado t/c/c Roberto Ortiz t/c/c Robert Ortiz, Roberto Dávila t/c/c Roberto Ortiz Dávila, Waldemar Ortiz Dávila, William Ortiz Dávila, Fulano de Tal y Sutano de Tal, herederos de nombres desconocidos a que, dentro del termino legal de 30 días contado, a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia de la causante Ana Delia Dávila

Diaz t/c/c Ana D. Dávila t/c/c Ana Davila t/c/c Ana Dávila Diaz. Se le Apercibe a los herederos antes mencionados: (a) Que de no expresarse dentro del término de 30 días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia la misma se tendrá por aceptada; (b) Que luego del transcurso del término de 30 días contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia del causante, y por ende, la parte demandante podrá continuar la causa acción, dado por entendido que las partes interpeladas han aceptado la herencia conforme dispone el Artículo 957 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. sec. 2785 y su equivalente el Artículo 1587 del Código Civil, edición 2020. Se Ordena a la parte demandante a que, en vista de que la sucesión de los causantes Ana Delia

Dávila Diaz t/c/c Ana D. Dávila t/c/c Ana Dávila t/c/c Ana Dávila Diaz, incluyen como herederos a Fulano de Tal y Sutano de Tal, como posibles herederos desconocidos, proceda a notificar la presente Orden mediante un edicto a esos efectos una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de la Isla de Puerto Rico. DADA en Carolina, Puerto Rico, hoy día 27 de marzo de 2023. Diana Pérez Pabón, Jueza.” Por Cuanto: Se le advierte a que dentro del término legal de 30 días contados a partir de la fecha de notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia de los causantes Ana Delia Dávila Diaz t/c/c Ana

D. Dávila t/c/c Ana Dávila t/c/c

Ana Dávila Diaz. Por Orden de! Honorable Juez de Primera Instancia de este Tribunal, expido el presente Mandamiento, bajo mi firma y sello oficial, en Carolina, Puerto Rico hoy día 27 de marzo de 2023. LCDA. MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. KEILA GARCÍA SOLÍS, SUBSECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs ALEXIS GONZALEZ ROSARIO, BRENDA ENID CRUZ CRUZ Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA

POR AMBOS, R&G MORTGAGE CORPORATION, JOHN DOE

Demandado

Civil Núm.: CG2022CV03623. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO POR LA VÍA JUDICIAL. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: R&G MORTGAGE CORPORATION Y JOHN DOE COMO TENEDORES DESCONCIDOS DEL PAGARE.

EL(LA) SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 3 de febrero 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 de 24 de marzo de 2023. En Caguas, Puerto Rico, el 24 de marzo de 2023. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL INTERINA. ENEIDA ARROYO VÉLEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

Final Four is new ground for South Carolina’s challengers

By KRIS RHIM

Aliyah Boston carefully cut off a piece of the net Monday night after South Carolina had beaten Maryland to advance to the women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four. As she made the snip, she asked a South Carolina staffer if she was doing it correctly this time.

After three Southeastern Conference Tournament championships, three Final Fours and a national title, Boston, South Carolina’s star forward, is a regular when it comes to cutting down nets. Still, she has always wanted a piece that she could wear like a bracelet. Somehow, she had never gotten the cut she desired, until Monday night.

“It’s so embarrassing because how do I not have it down by now?” Boston said. “Listen, I’m a terrible net-cutter, believe it or not. I somehow cut the strings. I’m not a string girl. I like the bracelet because it’s cool. So I figured out the secret.”

Worrying about net-cutting technique is a luxury that Boston and South Carolina can afford. The Gamecocks have become a college basketball juggernaut, and with a spot in the Final Four on the line, Boston had one of her best games of the season: 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in an 86-75 victory in Greenville, S.C.

South Carolina is used to seeing its sport’s other two titans, Stanford and Connecticut, at the Final Four. But those teams are out, and instead the Gamecocks will be joined in Dallas by some less-storied programs: Virginia Tech, Iowa and Louisiana State.

Virginia Tech is in the Final Four for the first time. Iowa last went in 1993. LSU had a five-year run reaching the national semifinals that ended in 2008. And none of the three challengers to South Carolina’s bid for a repeat title has reached a championship game.

South Carolina will immediately have its hands full Friday against Iowa and sharpshooting guard Caitlin Clark.

Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder remembers sitting in Clark’s living room years ago on a recruiting trip, when Clark told her that she dreamed of competing in a Final Four. Since Clark arrived at Iowa in 2020, she has been public about that aspiration, telling anyone who will ask her about it, which Bluder encouraged Clark “to quit doing.”

“I learned a long time ago not to always give your goals away to people,” Bluder said. “Because there’s a lot of people that

want to tear them down. She wasn’t afraid of that goal. She wasn’t afraid of putting it out there.”

On Sunday night, in the biggest game of her Iowa career, Clark had arguably her best performance: 41 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds and three steals in a 97-83 win over Louisville.

“Against the best opponents in the country, that’s when she’s at her very best,” Bluder said in a recent interview.

As Clark hit basket after basket, some defenders threw their arms in the air in frustration, and Clark often waved her hands to the Iowa fans who had made the journey to Seattle. They followed her lead and roared with every summoning like a band following a conductor.

It was the first 40-point triple-double in a tournament game — men’s or women’s — and it burnished Clark’s claim as college basketball’s most electrifying star.

While Iowa and Louisville had a track meet of a game filled with 3-pointers and elite shotmaking, LSU moved past Miami in a game that Tigers coach Kim Mulkey said she would have turned off if she were watching at home.

Struggling is, perhaps, an understatement to describe both offenses. It wasn’t until early in the fourth quarter that LSU guard Kateri Poole made the game’s first and only 3-pointer. (In Seattle, Clark had eight by herself, and Iowa and Louisville combined for 34.)

LSU star forward Angel Reese made just three baskets from the field, SEC freshman of the year Flau’jae Johnson missed open shots, and the Tigers had their worst offensive game of the season.

LSU’s 54 points and its 30.1% shooting were both season lows. One bright spot was point guard Alexis Morris, who kept the Tigers in the game with a team-high 21 points. The other was the Tigers’ defense, which forced Miami to shoot even worse than they did.

No matter, the Tigers danced and danced at half court as confetti fell and players cut down the net. Reese wrote on Twitter: “A WIN IS A WIN!!” By the time the festivities were wrapping up, Mulkey was walking around the arena barefoot.

LSU’s Final Four opponent will be Virginia Tech, which despite holding a No. 1 seed had been a bit overlooked in the Seat-

tle 2 Region because of UConn’s presence as the No. 2 seed. UConn had been to 14 straight Final Fours and didn’t seem to be slowing down ahead of the tournament. Yet the Huskies were upset in the Sweet 16 by Ohio State.

“We were the 1 seed. OK? We were the 1 seed. And for people to be like, ‘Wow, you guys are here,’ it’s almost like, ‘Yeah, we’re supposed to be here,’” Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks said.

He added: “It doesn’t matter if it was UConn in front of us, Ohio State or the Lakers. We’re going to come, and we’re going to lock in.”

And they did.

Virginia Tech comfortably pulled away from Ohio State on Monday to win 84-74. The Hokies were buoyed by their two stars, guard Georgia Amoore and center Elizabeth Kitley, who combined for 49 points. Virginia Tech looked to be in trouble in the second quarter, however, when Amoore went down with an injury and left the floor briefly.

“She just caught me in the chin, but it was a little hit,” Amoore said in an ESPN interview. “We had a game to win.”

It’s a familiar feeling for South Carolina, which is headed to its third straight Final Four.

A critic of the sport finds a new listener: The chief of the sport

By TYLER KEPNER

When a middle reliever published a candid book in 1970, the commissioner of baseball ordered him to his office to formally express dismay. When a middle reliever was writing a book that was published this year, the commissioner granted an interview for it.

Joe Kelly is not Jim Bouton, whose “Ball Four” sold millions of copies by perfecting (and all but inventing) the genre of inside-the-clubhouse memoir. Kelly’s “A Damn Near Perfect Game,” with Rob Bradford, is a defense of baseball, an explanation of its evolution and a suggestion manual for how to improve it.

For the last part, Kelly turned to Rob Manfred, the current commissioner of Major League Baseball, who had long drawn his ire. From his disciplinary office to his handling of the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal to his role in the 2022 lockout, Manfred was Kelly’s perceived enemy.

Then Manfred visited the Chicago White Sox’ spring training camp last March to begin to repair his relationship with players. That impressed Kelly, and the phone interview for the book convinced him: The commissioner may not be so bad.

“I was like, ‘This guy’s just acting to save face,’ so when I called to interview him, I still didn’t trust him,” Kelly said this spring. “And then when I was able to talk to him and he got more open, that’s when I had a change of heart. I mean, we’re all people, right? I think the flow of the conversation got him to be more open, and I understood him as a person.”

As commissioner, Manfred must promote the sport while also trying to improve it, a task that often veers into criticism. His exasperation with the game’s recent trends — more dead time between pitches, fewer stolen bases, exaggerated infield shifts — seemed to reflect a leader who didn’t particularly like the sport he was leading.

After the lockout, a 99-day slog that wiped out much of spring training last year, Manfred acknowledged the need for better communication with players. So when Kelly called to ask for an interview, Manfred obliged.

“We had a back-and-forth in the

meeting, and that was fine; you get a little better feel for each other,” Manfred said. “So then he called and said, ‘Would you do this?’ And I’m pitching the idea that I’m happy to talk to you whenever, so it’s hard to say no. But he was great, he really was.”

Manfred told Kelly that baseball’s “business model is broken,” largely because of blackout rules that prevent fans without cable television from watching their local teams. Teams benefit from blackout rules through lucrative cable

rights deals, but Manfred fears the longterm damage of future customers — that is, children — never getting hooked on the game.

“None of it will happen if they don’t see it at home, and because it is so limited, we are missing that generation,” Manfred told Kelly. “We’re completely missing it.”

When Kelly pointed out that the NFL and the NBA do a better job of reaching more fans, Manfred did not dispute it.

“Their business is better,” he told

him, “and we have to fix ours.”

The encouraging thing, Manfred said, is that baseball’s live product is the best in sports. The challenge was to “make sure we’re putting forth the best form of baseball,” he said, and the new rules should help achieve that goal.

Kelly has a lot of ideas to radically change the sport: one inning per game in which the manager can restart the lineup, a designated player to pinch-run three times per game and so on. But, for now, Kelly is enthusiastically supportive of Manfred’s three main innovations for 2023: the pitch clock to quicken the pace of play; the ban on infield shifts to generate more hits and promote athleticism; and bigger bases to encourage stealing.

“The rule changes aren’t doing anything different than what I grew up watching on TV,” said Kelly, who is 34. “Think about it: The games were faster, guys stole more bases, pitchers didn’t take forever on the mound.”

To Kelly, the interests of league officials and players are naturally aligned: A more appealing, accessible product would earn more money for all. When Manfred made his rounds here this spring training, he didn’t get skepticism from Kelly. He got a gift.

“At the end of the meeting he ran out and had an inscribed copy of the book for me,” Manfred said. “It was really nice.”

In his new book, Joe Kelly, a veteran relief pitcher, offers plenty of ideas on how to make baseball even better.

Rob Manfred: Not the enemy.

Sudoku

How to Play:

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

Sudoku Rules:

Every row must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Every column must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Every 3x3 square must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Crossword

Answers on page 30

Aries (Mar 21-April 20)

You won’t be able to keep anything in the vault today, thanks to a merger between verbal Mercury and honest Jupiter in your sign. How could you possibly pretend it’s okay for someone to gaslight you? Although you have every right to speak up, this starmap puts you in danger of blowing up. If you make the effort to keep a cool head, you can maintain some leverage in the situation.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Is it water under the bridge yet? With mental Mercury and generous Jupiter convening in your release sector, you might have an urge to let bygones be bygones if someone expresses remorse. But you still need to deal to heal, Bull. Brushing aside an unresolved issue won’t make it disappear. Get up the nerve to face it head-on, and that way, you can come to an agreement that works for both of you.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

There’s no “I” in “team”…or is there? When your ruler, clever Mercury, syncs up with freedom-loving Jupiter in your communal eleventh house today, decide how much energy you should keep putting into a particular group. If sacrificing for the good of the group has become a habit, it’s time to draw the line. Gather the troops so you can explain your concerns. Their response will tell you whether you should stick with it or make a graceful exit.

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

Be sure you know what you’re getting into if you’re about to take the reins yet again, Cancer. Your initial enthusiasm won’t provide enough fuel to execute on an idea; there’s still plenty of sweat equity to come. Clarify the timeline and resources you’re working with, including possible collaborators. And most importantly, decide whether this project is meaningful to YOU.

Leo (July 24-Aug 23)

Today’s mashup of courier Mercury and boundless Jupiter in your globetrotting ninth house could bring a thrilling message from the other side of the world, so check your WhatsApp notifications, Leo! If a faraway friend crosses your mind, don’t dismiss the thought. Reach out to let them know you’re thinking of them. You might suddenly hatch a plan to travel together to an amazing, bucket-list-worthy destination.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)

Go ahead and tumble down that rabbit hole, Virgo! As your ruler, inquisitive Mercury, aligns with boundless Jupiter in your intense eighth house today, you’re poised for a deep dive into something that’s caught your attention. Put your Sherlock Holmes hat on and start sleuthing. But you should know going into this investigation that you may not like what you find. If you’re not cool with that, leave this stone unturned.

Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

Listen up, Atlas. You don’t have to carry that weight all alone. Today’s alliance between messenger Mercury and generous Jupiter in your seventh house of dynamic duos prompts you to find somebody to help you bear the burden. You won’t get a prize for world’s biggest martyr, but you might earn well-deserved kudos for joining forces and hitting an assignment out of the park. And if you’re lucky, this trial run could develop into a longstanding partnership.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

Spring training starts in 3…2…1! With mental Mercury and visionary Jupiter convening in your wellness corner today, you can picture achieving your health goals PLUS you have complete faith in your ability to get ‘er done. What you subtract from your schedule can be just as important as what you add, so peruse your calendar in search of upcoming stress-inducing commitments you can bow out of without ruffling feathers.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Stop playing the “compare and despair” game, Archer. In case you haven’t noticed, it’s no fun! With clever Mercury syncing up with your ruler, boundless Jupiter, in your creativity zone today, you’ll have a much better time seeing the good in everything you produce. The playful process of making things is all about trial and error. Look at those so-called errors as beta versions that are getting you closer to your brilliant breakthrough.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)

Hold on a minute, Goat! Before you hit the ground running with your Monday punch list, take a quick look at the space around you first. Identify whatever you think is likely to distract you from the tasks at hand, whether that’s a browser with several open tabs of real-estate listings or a nearby hamper of clothes that need washing. Hide any kind of clutter that might give you the urge to switch gears.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)

You might think you have a handle on whatever you’re about to tackle, but opening the opinion polls would be your smartest move today. As curious Mercury aligns with wise Jupiter in your third house of communication, the people around you are ready and willing to pass along golden nuggets of knowledge. All you need to do is reach out and ask. Be open to teaming up with a cohort whose skillset complements yours.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

Tighten those purse strings, Pisces. Spending beyond your means to shower the people you love with gifts can feel good for a moment…and then quickly take a turn for the worse. You might be surprised to hear that the downside isn’t only on your end. To avoid triggering discomfort and guilt, keep transactions out of interactions today and find other ways to show how much you value someone.

Speed Bump