Tuesday Oct 10, 2023

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.

Puerto Rican family stranded in Tel Aviv amid Israel’s war against Hamas

By THE STAR STAFF

The war that Israel has declared to push militants from the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) off its soil has left dozens of people stranded at the Tel Aviv Airport, including a Puerto Rican family.

The war caught a Puerto Rican man living in New Jersey, Miguel Santiago, in the middle of a family vacation. On Monday, during an interview with NotiUno 630, he discussed the cancellation of his flight from Israel to Egypt.

“I’m at the airport in Tel Aviv. I’m on vacation. We were in Egypt for about five days and then we went to Jerusalem. We were supposed to leave today, and the flight was to Egypt, but they canceled it,” Santiago said. “I’m stranded at the airport and I’m still here. They won’t give us information.

They have only told us that we will now have to travel to Dubai to go from there to New Jersey. It is the only option.”

The Israeli government formally declared war and gave the green light for significant military steps to retaliate against Hamas for attacking Israel over the weekend, according to mainland news reports.

Hamas formed in late 1987 at the beginning of the first Palestinian intifada (uprising). The group’s charter calls for establishing an Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel and rejects all agreements made between the Palestinian Liberation Organization and Israel. Hamas’ strength is concentrated in the Gaza Strip and areas of the West Bank.

As of press time Monday, the attack and retaliation had resulted in close to 1,200 deaths in Israel and Palestine. Major airlines have canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv.

On Saturday, Iberia Express canceled its operations and on Sunday Air Europa opted for the same, which has caused many passengers to be stranded there. American Airlines has also canceled operations

Tel Aviv airport was the target of several Hamas attacks.

“Right now there were two moments of tension,” Santiago said. “We had to leave our suitcases on the first floor to take shelter on a lower floor because the alarms went off. It seems like they were bombing.”

Santiago also said he captured on video the moment on Saturday in which a projectile was intercepted by the Israeli government’s “Iron Dome” anti-missile defense system over the hotel where he stayed with his family.

“As far as I know, I don’t think fragments fell [on the hotel], he said. “But the problem is that Saturday was the Israeli Sabbath [holiday] and they didn’t know what was happening. They were in shock.”

Women’s advocate: $3 million available to provide services for gender violence victims

By THE STAR STAFF

The Office of the Women’s Advocate announced on Monday the availability of $3 million in commonwealth funds aimed at services for victim-survivors of gender violence, valid until June 30, 2024.

“The priority in the allocation of these funds will be for nonprofit, faith-based, community organizations and specialized coalitions with a minimum of five years of experience in services to victims of gender violence,” acting Women’s Advocate Madeline Bermúdez Sanabria said.

The funds seek to strengthen shelter services, out-

patient programs and other forms of assistance aimed at women survivors of different types of violence. They also will be used to support economic self-sufficiency projects, and sexual and reproductive health services, among others.

Bermúdez Sanabria thanked Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia for the assignment and highlighted the importance of continuing efforts to prevent violence against women and help its victims.

Interested entities can obtain the application at http:// www.mujer.pr.gov or via email to csantiago@mujer.pr.gov. Proposals, in PDF format, must be sent to asanchez@mujer. pr.gov until Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m.

Mourners at the funeral of Staff Sgt. Yuval Ben Yaakov, an Israeli soldier killed when Palestinian militants entered Israel, in the cemetery in Kfar Menachem, Israel, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. (Avishag Shaar-Yashuv/The New York Times)

Amendments to slot machine law increase funding to UPR

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia has enacted amendments to Act 116 of 2023, the “Law on Gambling and Authorization of Slot Machines in Casinos,” which would increase funding to several entities such as the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Popular Democratic Party Rep. Ángel Matos García said.

The gaming law previously established an unequal distribution of income, where Group A received 45% of the annual net income, and the remaining 55% went to the General Fund. The modification proposed by Matos García would ensure that Group B receives its fair share of the income, which includes funds for the UPR and other government entities.

Group A is made up of all dealers that have slot machines

in their gaming rooms. Meanwhile, Group B is made up of a Special Fund, the General Fund, the Fund for the Development of the Tourism Industry and the General Fund of the

University of Puerto Rico.

“Puerto Rico has faced significant challenges recently, from hurricanes to earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic,” the lawmaker said. “Many industries, including the tourism industry, have been deeply affected. This new law will allow for a more equitable income distribution, benefiting both the casino operators and the government entities that are part of Group B, mainly our primary educational center, the UPR.”

In addition to creating creative ways to distribute funds, Matos García said measures must promote the recovery of Puerto Rico’s tourism industry and support all economic sectors affected by hurricanes, earthquakes and pandemics.

“This new formula will allow a more effective and uniform projection for both sectors, without being at the expense of disbursement fluctuations,” he said.

Bill seeks an alternative for paying PREPA pensions

By THE STAR STAFF

The New Progressive Party (NPP) minority leader in the island House of Representatives, Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, along with District 4 (San Juan) Rep. Víctor Parés Otero, announced the upcoming filing of a bill to seek alternatives in the budget with the purpose of paying the debt owed on the pensions of Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) employees.

“Continuing our commitment to seek real solutions to address the debt of pensioners, today we held a very productive meeting with members of the board against increases in the electricity rate, including officials of the United Retailers Center and the Manufacturers Association, among others, to achieve a consensus on where we can move to pay pensions

and avoid the increase,” Méndez Nuñez said Monday.

The meeting was held at the NPP’s Portazo office on Capitol Hill and lasted for more than an hour.

“Today we met with the ‘Not One More Increase’ board to prevent PREPA, under the Debt Adjustment Plan, from imposing an additional charge on the consumer to be used to pay the debt with pensioners,” Parés Otero said. “At this meeting we agreed to work on legislation so that the debt … can be paid.”

“With this legislation that we will be working on in consensus, we avoid a charge on the electricity rate,” he added. “We’re talking about $1.5 billion that we’re going to look for ways to prevent from being included in the charge.”

In September, members of the aforementioned board from about 60 organizations and entities in Puerto Rico requested

help to avoid an additional charge in the electricity bill to cover pension debt with the some 12,000 PREPA retirees.

Proposal seeks installation of family bathrooms in commercial establishments

By THE STAR STAFF

With the aim of improving the quality of life of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as well as their caregivers, Rep. Víctor Parés Otero filed a resolution Monday to investigate the implementation of family bathrooms in all applicable commercial premises.

“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most devastating diseases a person can face. It not only attacks the patient, it also impacts their family and friends in a way not seen in other conditions,” the District 4 (San Juan) lawmaker said in a written statement. “One of the aspects that tends to be forgotten is that when a person with this condition is in public places, such as shops, and needs to use the bathroom, it regularly requires the assistance of a family member and/or caregiver. That is why they use the socalled family bathrooms; however, they have brought to our attention that many businesses do not have this type of sanitary facility. This resolution is aimed at investigating that and how we can help meet that requirement.”

The resolution seeks to investigate the implementation of Law 168-1949, better known as the “Law to Order the Adoption of a Building Code in Puerto Rico,” as well as its subsequent amendments, including Law 186-2011, among others.

“The businesses to which the laws on assisted and/or family bathrooms apply have to comply with them, as well as other facilities, both public and private,” Parés Otero

said. “The concept of assisted bathing is not a luxury, it is a reality given the demographic factor of Puerto Rico. There are businesses that do not comply with this law and we are going to summon them to a meeting. Similarly, there are many businesses that are exempt from the law, either because of their size or other factors, which, however, and aware of the new reality, have made arrangements to have these family bathroom facilities.”

Alzheimer’s disease, also called senile dementia of Alzheimer’s type (DSTA by its Spanish initials) is a neurodegenerative disease that manifests itself in marked cognitive impairment, as well as behavioral disorders. According to the available medical literature, the condition is the most common form of dementia in the world.

Dementia is a general term used to detail the loss of memory and other cognitive abilities so severe that it interferes with the individual’s daily life. Currently, Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases globally.

According to data from the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Association of Puerto Rico, there are at least 116,000 people diagnosed with the disease on the island.

Rep. Ángel Matos García

Rep. Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez

Rep. Víctor Parés Otero

Why Puerto Rico is adding ‘USA’ to its driver’s licenses

By EDUARDO MEDINA

Humberto Marchand turned on his phone camera and began recording inside the airport in May because he could not believe what he was hearing.

The subsequent video was posted on social media and showed an employee of Hertz, the rental car chain, refusing to give Marchand his prepaid reserved car because he had presented a driver’s license issued from Puerto Rico, where he is from. The employee did not realize that this meant he was American and ignored Marchand’s pleas as he repeated, “It is a valid ID.”

Eileen Vélez Vega, Puerto Rico’s secretary of transportation and public works, felt increasingly frustrated as she watched that video in the spring, which reignited concerns over how Puerto Ricans are treated in the United States and the way their colonial past still vexes the island.

“I was shocked about how much lack of education, lack of knowledge was out there,” Vélez Vega said in an interview, noting that people born in Puerto Rico, a commonwealth of the United States, have the same birthright American citizenship as people born in the 50 states. “I couldn’t believe what was happening.”

Vélez Vega and her department made calls to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over the summer to discuss a possible solution.

Last Tuesday, the island government revealed its plan: Driver’s licenses will now read “Puerto Rico USA” on the top, an addition that officials hope will minimize issues when Puerto Rico residents are traveling in the mainland United States.

There have been several high-profile cases this year of Puerto Ricans being wrongly told that their licenses are not really proof of American citizenship, with many of those instances gaining attention because of reporting from CBS: A Puerto Rican family flying home from Los Angeles was asked for passports because the airline employee appeared to be unaware that the island was U.S. territory.

In another case, a Puerto Rican man was not allowed to buy an engagement ring in California because a jewelry chain worker didn’t accept his Puerto Rican driver’s license as valid ID.

Roberto Cruz, the managing attorney of the southeast office of LatinoJustice, said that “it is unfortunate that the Puerto Rican government has felt it is necessary to include the ‘USA’ stamp, but if it is helpful for Puerto Ricans to get decent treatment and the services they deserve, then we support it.”

Still, on an island that has had a complicated and at times charged relationship with the United States ever since it was annexed in 1898, after the defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War, even the slightest change can trigger political questions that have been raised for more than a century: What, exactly, is Puerto Rico’s relationship to the United States, and what does sovereignty for the island mean in the future?

Many residents of Puerto Rico have long viewed the island’s status as a colonial territory as untenable, debating the pros and cons of statehood, being a commonwealth and independence, said Charles Venator-Santiago, a professor of Latino politics and law at the University of Connecticut.

Puerto Rico has held six nonbinding plebiscites on whether

it should become a state, most recently in 2020, when 52% of voters in the referendum endorsed the move. Turnout has often been low, amid boycotts by critics who support the status quo, or the smaller faction that seeks independence.

Those dynamics have turned a seemingly mundane tweak on driver’s licenses into an emblem of the push for statehood, Venator-Santiago said.

Beyond the political implications, some doubt that the USA label — which other territories such as Guam also have on driver’s licenses — will even prevent mishaps in the states.

One of those doubters, Mario Pabón of Carolina, recalled that an older version of the Puerto Rican license that had an American flag printed on top did not help him avoid prejudice or embarrassing situations.

Around a decade ago, when he was in his 40s, Pabón said he went with friends to a bar in San Diego, when an employee asked him for identification. Pabón pulled out his Puerto Rican license emblazoned with the American flag.

“You have to show us your passport,” Pabón recalled the worker telling him. His passport was back home. The bar did not let him in that night, he said.

If Puerto Ricans could write across their licenses that they are valid proof that they’re American, many “still won’t get it,” Pabón said.

Andrew Padilla, a doctoral fellow studying governance at New York University who is Puerto Rican, said that having “USA” on an ID “doesn’t combat ignorance.”

A 2017 poll showed that only a slim majority of Americans realize Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.

Vélez Vega, of the Puerto Rican transportation department, said there is a need to “educate further and to provide more orientation for folks outside of Puerto Rico” so they know the identifications are valid.

While the issue is not new, she said, the change this month was ultimately prompted because those problems were “getting more public and more frequent.”

In 2019, José Guzmán Payano, 24, showed a Puerto

Rican license to a CVS employee when trying to get over-thecounter cold medicine. But the employee asked about Payano’s immigration status and then for a visa before denying him the medication.

Payano said in an interview that the new USA addition on licenses “is a really great idea because this clears a lot of doubt that people may have with the ID.”

Similar confusion goes back decades.

Christina Ponsa-Kraus, a professor of legal history at Columbia Law School who has researched American territorial expansion, said her mother was pulled over in Virginia in the 1960s and given a ticket for driving without a license even though she had a valid Puerto Rico driver’s license.

“This sort of thing is just one among innumerable forms of discrimination, large and small, that Puerto Ricans have suffered because Puerto Rico is a colony,” Ponsa-Kraus said.

Some Puerto Rican advocacy organizations see some value in the new label, though they warned against believing it would totally solve the issue.

Surey Miranda, a co-founder of Diaspora For Puerto Rico, a nonprofit that aims to empower and support the Puerto Rican community, said that anything that can improve the way Puerto Ricans navigate services “is of course going to be welcome,” but a deeper problem will still persist: the “second-class citizenship idea.”

That idea relates to how Puerto Ricans who reside on the island cannot vote in general elections and how they aren’t entitled to some federal benefits.

Vanessa Díaz, a professor of Latino studies at Loyola Marymount University who researches Puerto Rican culture and politics, said discussions over the new driver’s licenses underscore a “general ignorance around Puerto Rico and the reality of contemporary U.S. colonialism.”

And the cases that have gained national attention highlight yet another issue that may not be solved by adding “USA” on identification, Díaz said: Latinos of all kinds “are constantly treated as foreigners regardless of citizenship, whether you’re an eighth-generation Mexican American, or a recent immigrant from anywhere in Latin America, or a Puerto Rican who lives in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.”

The

Capitol building in San Juan on May 12, 2017.

Puerto Rico residents have long been wrongly told that their driver’s licenses are not proof that they are American, but some question whether a new change will resolve much. (Erika P. Rodríguez/The New York Times)

CRIM chief opposes fiscal board proposal to eliminate housing exemption

By THE STAR STAFF

Nearly 800,000 citizens could begin paying taxes on their main home if a proposal by the Financial Oversight and Management Board is accepted to compensate for the elimination of the inventory tax, according to the Municipal Revenue Collections Center (CRIM by its Spanish acronym).

“The impact would be direct on 60 percent of the residences registered in the CRIM, mostly belonging to the most vulnerable class,” CRIM Executive Director Reinaldo Paniagua Látimer said in a written statement.

The oversight board’s purpose with the proposed measure would be to replace the funds that would be lost by eliminating the inventory tax and the personal tax paid

Reinaldo Paniagua Látimer, right, executive director of the Municipal Revenue Collections Center, said the impact of a proposed elimination of the housing tax exemption “would be direct on 60 percent of the residences registered in the CRIM, mostly belonging to the most vulnerable class.”

by businesses in their entirety. The CRIM warns that this action would transfer the tax burden from large merchants to homeowners.

“The mayors have been clear that another source of income needs to be identified to replace this tax, which contributes $490 million to the municipalities,” Paniagua Látimer said.

According to CRIM data, the inventory tax is paid mainly by large businesses that operate in Puerto Rico, many of which enjoy exemptions provided by the government.

“It is essential to find a reasonable solution that does not affect the pockets of those who lack the resources to cover their basic needs,” emphasized Paniagua Látimer, adding that alternatives have been sought for over four years.

Law protecting mother athletes signed into law

By THE STAR STAFF

Senate President José Luis Dalmau Santiago announced Monday that Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia signed into law a bill of his authorship to prohibit any type of discrimination against female athletes who are mothers, imposing specific obligations for sports entities and organizations that fail to comply with the statute.

“This law is a significant step toward equity in sports and ensures that our athlete mothers have the necessary support to achieve their sports goals without having to sacrifice their family well-being,” Dalmau Santiago said.

Law 117 of 2023, known as the “Law for the Protection of Mother Athletes of Puerto Rico” highlights in its preamble

that “for a long time athletes in Puerto Rico, whose salaries or remunerations and benefits are always considerably lower than those of a male athlete, need their rights protected and discrimination made visible and combated.”

It also establishes that “this Law guarantees athlete mothers fair treatment at the time of becoming pregnant during the term of a sports contract, or in those cases in which the player is reserved by the team during the offseason break. Likewise, this legislation recognizes the right to breastfeeding in the sports field, through the laws in force.”

“We are recognizing that athletes in Puerto Rico must have protection during their gestation and lactation status, and be guaranteed the right to privacy, to the inviolability

of their dignity as a human being, to the freedom to decide their social and family environment, and that this is not an impediment to earn a fair income for their livelihood,” the Senate leader stressed.

Dalmau Santiago said the new law establishes protective clauses for athletes who are mothers and contemplates the imposition of administrative fines for those who do not comply with the established provisions, thus ensuring the effectiveness of and compliance with its stipulations.

“The public policy expressed by this Law, governed by a pressing interest in protecting the athlete mother in her work environment, prohibits any type of discrimination against athlete mothers that tends to restrict their family, sports and economic development,” he said.

Aponte Hernández slams Dalmau Ramírez’s suggestion that stateside Puerto Ricans should have a rep in governor’s cabinet

By THE STAR STAFF

As next year’s elections draw closer, it’s no surprise to see opposing parties throwing shade at each other.

While the Popular Democratic Party and the New Progressive Party (NPP) have been trading shots during the past few weeks, especially after Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón’s and Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia’s announcements to run for governor, one particular party has mostly stayed out of the bickering.

Now it seems the NPP is not having it with any party, as they seem to be after the third of the island’s traditional political parties, the Puerto Rican Independence Party.

NPP Rep. José Aponte Hernández on Monday denounced a proposal by PIP Secretary General Juan Dalmau Ramírez for Puerto Ricans who live in the mainland United States to have representation in the governor’s cabinet.

“This proposal is so wrong on so many fronts that it almost does not merit comment,” said Aponte Hernández,

a former speaker of the island House of Representatives. “First of all, American citizens who were born in Puerto Rico and now live in the States …, they are not a diaspora and they did it seeking a better quality of life for themselves and their families, a quality of life that in Puerto Rico, because it is a colony, they cannot have and that the PIP denies them.”

“Meanwhile, Dalmau supports autocratic and dictatorial regimes in Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, North Korea and the Russian Federation,” the at-large lawmaker said in a writtens statement. “These regimes oppress their citizens, eliminate free expression and force the exile of hundreds of thousands of their citizens. Dalmau supports and applauds them. The question is simple: Why doesn’t Dalmau propose that exiles from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, North Korea and the Federation Russians who live freely in the United States have a seat in the cabinet of their governments?”

Aponte Hernández made his statements after Dalmau

Ramírez said at a meeting in Chicago that a group of American citizens born on the island “should have a vote in the politics of the government [of Puerto Rico],” and for this purpose he proposed that they have representation in the governor’s cabinet.

Rep. José Aponte Hernández

Biden, the border and why a new wall is going up

By EILEEN SULLIVAN and COLBI EDMONDS

The Biden administration said late last week that it would build up to 20 miles of border barriers authorized during the Trump administration in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley.

The decision is a confusing one. As a candidate, President Joe Biden pledged never to build another foot of border wall. And on Thursday, he told reporters that he did not think the wall would be effective.

Although former President Donald Trump made the border wall a signature of his immigration policies, he was not the first president to build barriers to keep people from coming to the United States illegally.

Portions of the border wall date to the 1990s. In 2006, Congress revived the concept and expanded it. As a senator, Biden supported it. Construction continued throughout the Obama administration, as well. Over the years, wall projects have started and stopped because of environmental and legal issues.

Here’s what you need to know about its latest iteration.

Why is Biden building the wall?

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says Biden is building up to 20 miles of border wall because he has to.

The administration said it was bound to build this section of new wall because Congress already appropriated the funding to do so in 2019. It had been unsuccessful in persuading Congress to rescind the funding, Mayorkas said.

“From Day 1, this administration has made clear that a border wall is not the answer,” Mayorkas said Thursday in Mexico City, after a member of the Mexican news media asked about the apparent reversal. “That remains our position, and our position has never wavered.”

But the justification that Mayorkas gave in the Federal Register suggested that the construction along this stretch was needed to stop unauthorized crossings.

“There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States,” he wrote in the public notice.

The administration also said it was waiving more than 20 federal laws and regulations to allow for the construction of the barriers.

The funding appropriated for this section of barriers is separate from the Defense Department funds that Trump reprogrammed to build a wall. Biden halted

the use of the reprogrammed defense funds on his first day in office.

Have migrants been crossing the border in the Rio Grande Valley?

Border Patrol agents have made more than 2 million arrests at the southwest border this year. About 245,000 of those were in the Rio Grande Valley, according to government data.

It is an area where large groups of migrants often make the crossing together. In a five-day period in July, Border Patrol agents arrested four large groups, 520 migrants in all. Most of the migrants were from Central America and South America. Border officials say sending large groups of migrants at once is a common technique used by smugglers. The goal, officials say, is to overwhelm Border Patrol agents in remote areas where resources are stretched thin. Many migrants in this region end up being rescued because of dehydration or other health problems that come from spending hours in the desert.

Starr County has about 66,000 residents and is west of the city of McAllen. It is also home to the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which follows the Rio Grande along the last 275-mile stretch of the river.

Environmentalists have said that building a barrier with bollards, flood lights and other infrastructure, such as roads, will harm fauna and flora in the wildlife corridor.

The dense brush along the river and the area’s isolation make it an ideal crossing point for migrants. As night falls, smugglers pump inflatable rafts and send dozens or hundreds of people — or more — across the Rio Grande. Many of the migrants wear wristbands, used by the smugglers to identify them by category: single

adult, family, unaccompanied child.

Once they have crossed, migrants typically walk a few miles, until they encounter a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle. They surrender and then await transport to a station for processing by authorities.

How long is the border wall?

There are 706 noncontiguous miles of border wall — which consists of a variety of barriers — along parts of the nearly 2,000mile border between the United States and Mexico. Building a continuous border wall has never been a realistic option, because the terrain along the border is so different.

Which presidents have added to it?

The first iteration of a border wall intended to stem illegal immigration came in 1993 when President Bill Clinton called for 14 miles of barriers — a three-layer fence — to be constructed between San Diego and Tijuana. At the time, that area had a significant number of illegal crossings.

In 2006, Congress called for at least another 700 miles of barrier construction during the Bush administration. By the end of 2008, the administration announced it had completed nearly 500 miles of fencing.

During the Obama administration, when Biden was vice president, about 130 additional miles of barriers were added, according to government data.

During the Trump administration, about 458 noncontiguous miles of border barrier were constructed, mostly to replace barriers that had been put in place during previous administrations. In all, according to the Government Accountability Office, only 87 miles of new barriers were added.

Does building a wall work?

Although Biden says the wall does not work, his budget requests to Congress say otherwise.

“The border wall system impedes and denies illicit cross-border activity by allowing law enforcement an increased response time and greater opportunity for successful law enforcement resolution,” according to budget documents for the 2023 fiscal year request.

Members of law enforcement who work along the southern border also say portions of the wall are an effective part of the overall strategy to secure the border.

Critics have long said that a wall is not the answer. The construction is expensive, as are the constant repairs.

Janet Napolitano, a former Arizona governor, once said, “Show me a 50-foot wall and I’ll show you a 51-foot ladder.” Napolitano later became Homeland Security secretary during the Obama administration and argued for border security to include a range of measures, including technology.

The San Juan Daily Star Tuesday, October 10, 2023 7

A portion of the border wall near Sunland Park, N.M. There are currently 706 noncontiguous miles of border wall.

McCarthy allies criticize far right for leaderless House as Israel is attacked

“Uncertainty and chaos in the U.S. breeds vulnerability around the world,” Lawler wrote on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday. “The House should immediately reinstate McCarthy and stop screwing around.” Republicans were scrambling Sunday to determine who would become the next House speaker. Two leading candidates have emerged: Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the No. 2 House Republican, and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the Judiciary Committee chair.

Both men are seen as more conservative than McCarthy. Jordan, co-founder of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

On Fox News, Jordan said Sunday that his first move as speaker would be to help Israel.

“I want to give them what they need to win,” Jordan pledged on the show “Sunday Morning Futures.”

Scalise also pledged full support.

“Make no mistake: The United States will always stand with Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East,” he wrote on social media. “They must defend themselves as their citizens are slaughtered by Hamas terrorists. They have our full support and our prayers.”

The United States already provides Israel more than $3 billion in military assistance every year, but the House would need to elect a new speaker should more funds be needed.

“There will likely be a need for some additional appropriations,” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., the top Democrat in the House, said on CNN, adding, “Congress should certainly be prepared to do that sooner, rather than later.”

By LUKE BROADWATER

When a majority of House Republicans opposed a successful push by right-wing rebels to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., last week, many warned that a leaderless House would be paralyzed to respond to a domestic or international crisis.

Days later, Hamas militants attacked Israel in a brazen assault, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare, “We are at war.”

Now, Republicans are fuming at the rebels in their ranks for rendering Congress impotent and ineffectual at a time when legislation and additional funding could be

needed to help one of America’s closest allies.

“It wasn’t my idea to oust the speaker, and I thought it was dangerous,” Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Sunday on CNN.

“I look at the world and all the threats that are out there. What kind of message are we sending to our adversaries when we can’t govern, when we’re dysfunctional, when we don’t even have a speaker of the House?”

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., was even more direct, calling the removal of McCarthy “idiotic” and using a profanity to describe the “unmitigated” mess caused by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and the other Republican rebels who joined with Democrats to remove McCarthy.

Jeffries urged House Republicans to agree on a speaker so that “we can move forward to get the business of the American people done” both domestically and in support of Israel.

Republicans plan to have a closed-door meeting Tuesday to hear from both candidates, with a floor vote expected Wednesday. Aides have said the process could stretch out longer if Republicans fail to unite behind a candidate.

Throughout the weekend, some of McCarthy’s staff members posted on social media, criticizing the hard-right members who removed their boss from his position.

“Israel is at war,” McCarthy’s deputy spokesperson, Chad Gilmartin, wrote on the X platform. “Americans have likely been killed and are being held hostage. Congress is essentially paralyzed without a House speaker.”

Gaetz, who led the rebellion against McCarthy, rejected the idea that he had caused chaos and paralysis endangering the United States and its allies. He said he remained undecided on whether to back Jordan or Scalise, but said he would support whichever candidate a majority of Republicans backed.

“I don’t think that other countries think about Kevin McCarthy’s speakership quite as much as Kevin McCarthy does,” Gaetz said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “We’ll have a new speaker next week, and we’ll be prepared to do our work.”

Israeli soldiers patrolling a residential neighborhood in Sderot, Israel, on Oct. 8, 2023. Several Republicans fumed at the rebels in their ranks for rendering Congress impotent at a time when legislation and additional funding could be needed to help Israel.

Pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators stage impassioned protests in New York

By CHELSIA ROSE MARCUS, LISET CRUZ, ERIC BERGER and MICHAEL D. REGAN

Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators faced off in contentious but nonviolent protests in Manhattan on Sunday as full-scale conflict erupted along the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack on Israel.

About 1,000 protesters gathered early in the afternoon in two locations, in Times Square and at the United Nations headquarters. The demonstrations were among dozens of largely peaceful protests across the United States, with events in Chicago and Atlanta drawing hundreds of people.

But tensions rose in New York City later Sunday afternoon as roughly 500 pro-Palestinian demonstrators and supporters of Israel confronted one another outside the Israeli consulate in midtown Manhattan.

They yelled at and taunted one another from either side of Second Avenue near East 42nd Street where, at one point, they stormed the barricades that the police had put in place and filtered into the road. Police officers held out their arms to keep each group at bay.

Several pro-Israel protesters verbally threatened a few people on the Palestinian side, who then snatched an Israeli flag and ripped it apart. Israeli demonstrators shouted “terrorists,” and the pro-Palestinians replied “Allahu akbar.”

Ariella Carmell, 27, of Crown Heights in Brooklyn, said she has family members in Israel. Her fears for their survival brought her to tears.

“I always try to think of both sides,” said Carmell. But the “people kidnapped, people killed, they could be my family.”

“I just can’t bear the idea of” losing them, she added.

Earlier, in Times Square, about 300 demonstrators joined a pro-Palestinian rally organized by several socialist and pro-Palestinian groups, including the Palestinian Youth Movement and Party for Socialism and Liberation. It was promoted on social media by the New York City branch of Democratic Socialists of America.

One of the demonstrators was Mohammad Jarrar, a 33-year-old Queens resident, who said his family was displaced by Israel from Palestinian land in 1948 and 1967. “All the Palestinians want to do is for people to return to their homes,” he said.

Jarrar, who has relatives on the West Bank, said he was saddened by the conflict. But “when you feel that the whole world is against you,” he said, “you flip the table on the bully.”

Dozens of supporters of Israel also turned out for the demonstration. Omer Graif, 27, a computer engineering intern at Cornell University who is from Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces for five years, said the government has called him to rejoin the military following the attacks by Hamas.

Graif said he supports Palestinians in their longstanding fight for international recognition. But he denounced the attacks Saturday, which he said killed several of his friends.

“They should have a country,” but they should not call for it “on this day,” Graif said.

Nearby, Sarah Schulman, an English professor at Northwestern University and a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, a group that supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel, said she condemns “any acts of brutality or murder against civilians.”

“Decades of brutality towards Palestinians, in which people have been murdered, incarcerated and displaced unjustly have made conditions untenable, and I believe that they exploded,” she added.

On the east side of Manhattan, near the U.N. headquarters, about 800 demonstrators stood behind police barricades with signs that read “Free Palestine from Hamas” and “I Stand With Israel,” while tourists three blocks away posed for photographs with the sprawling complex.

There, Tsaffi Shomer said she arrived in the United States from Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, last week on a trip to see family. Shomer, 68, is now unsure when she will return. “It’s so strange to be away when things are happening,” she said. But she said the demonstration in New York gave her “a good feeling and hope and strength that we’re not alone.”

Outside the Israeli consulate general in Atlanta on Sunday, at least 80 pro-Palestinian protesters called for the end of U.S. aid to Israel. In Chicago, police bomb dogs sniffed the streets and sidewalks as at least 400 pro-

Loren Mindell, a Jewish supporter of the Palestinian cause, held a sign that read “Jews for Liberation.” Mindell, a 39-year-old librarian from Chicago, said, “Jewish liberation can’t predicate on oppressing other people.”

Brian Bean, 43, a social worker who brought his 5-year-old son to the Chicago event, said the “loss of life on both sides is sad.”

Palestinian protesters rallied along West Madison Street near South Canal Street.

People supporting Israel gather in Times Square, a day after Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, launched a broad invasion of Israeli territory, in Manhattan on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.

Amid strikes, one question: Are employers miscalculating?

By NOAM SCHEIBER

The list of gains that the Hollywood writers secured to end a nearly five-month strike with studios once seemed ludicrously ambitious: not just wage increases, but also minimum staffing levels for shows, new royalties on successful series and restrictions on outsourcing writing duties to artificial intelligence.

Yet far from an anomaly, the writers’ deal was the latest high-profile labor standoff that seemed to produce substantial gains for workers, and to suggest that they have more leverage than in the past.

United Parcel Service employees won large pay increases for part-timers by pushing the company to the brink of a strike, while the lowest-paid academic student employees at the University of California won salary increases of more than 50% after a monthlong strike affected thousands of students.

Given the unions’ apparent bargaining power and the economic costs to a prolonged work stoppage, the question arises: Why wouldn’t management make its eventual concessions more quickly?

The answer, many union and management experts say, is that employers are increasingly miscalculating — acting from a template that applied in previous decades, when employees had little leverage, and underestimating the frustration and resolve in the postpandemic workforce.

“Psychologically, it’s a big shift: They’ve been in control. They have been able to tell their representatives to go and get concessions on X and Y, to make sure the wage increase is modest,” said Thomas Kochan, an emeritus management professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, referring to corporate executives.

“Now, they have to change their expectations internally,” Kochan added. “They have a lot of work to do.”

In example after example, executives appear to have been taken aback by unions’ new, more assertive leaders and their success at rallying members and the public, as well as the ineffectiveness of the employers’ traditional bargaining approach.

In Hollywood, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents entertainment companies in negotiations with writers, directors and actors, has frequently tried to forge a deal with one of the

three guilds, then push the other two to accept similar terms.

That appeared to be the group’s strategy this year as well: After the writers went on strike in May, the alliance reached a deal with directors the next month. But any hope that the writers would be isolated collapsed when SAG-AFTRA, the union representing more than 150,000 actors, went on strike in July.

“The playbook was clearly outdated,” said Peter Newman, a longtime independent producer who heads a dual-degree master’s program in business and fine arts at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Still, Newman said, the strikes saved the studios hundreds of millions of dollars on shows in the short term as Wall Street was pressuring them to cut costs.

The producers’ alliance declined to comment for this article.

In Detroit, the three major U.S. automakers had grown accustomed to closeddoor negotiations with the United Automobile Workers union, in which the parties did not disclose the potential terms until they reached an overall agreement.

But in the run-up to this year’s mid-September strike deadline, the union’s new president, Shawn Fain, appeared to wrong-foot executives at Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Stellantis — which makes the Chrysler and Jeep brands — by disclosing and deriding

the companies’ offers. In one case, he literally threw a Stellantis proposal in the garbage.

The companies’ responses — a Stellantis executive sent employees a letter saying “theatrics and personal insults will not help,” while Ford and GM have also expressed impatience — may have further galvanized members and built public support. Polls have found that the public supports the autoworkers over the companies by large margins, and that the margins increased after the UAW began a limited strike.

“It doesn’t seem like they were prepared for the direction he was headed with his public comments,” David Pryzbylski, a labor lawyer who represents employers at Barnes & Thornburg, said of the reaction to Fain. “The way they have responded may have escalated it further versus letting it die out.”

Stellantis declined to comment. Auto industry executives argue that they have made historically generous offers, and that they haven’t been put off by Fain’s outspokenness so much as what they say are the showmanship and the unrealistic expectations he has created.

But in many cases, what has changed is not so much the bluster from union leaders as their willingness to follow through — a potentially disruptive shift after years of often empty threats.

When Teamsters President Sean O’Brien

ran to succeed his longtime predecessor, James P. Hoffa, in 2021, he promised to raise wages for part-time workers at UPS, many of whom had long felt shortchanged.

And yet, according to two people close to the negotiations, the company seemed caught off guard when talks broke down over the issue on July 5 — O’Brien’s initial deadline.

O’Brien and the union spent the next few weeks publicly attacking UPS over what the union referred to as “part-time poverty” jobs before the company agreed to hourly wage increases for part-timers of more than $7.50 over the life of the new five-year contract.

Shortly after a tentative deal was reached in late July, the UPS chief executive, Carol Tomé, said the company had expected the negotiations “to be late and loud, and they were.” The company declined to comment for this article.

Part of the challenge for employers is public opinion: Confidence in big business is at its lowest point in decades, according to Gallup, while approval of labor unions is close to its highest. Fain and O’Brien appear to have devised their public campaigns to press this advantage.

Unions also appear to have benefited from new methods of keeping members focused on shared goals — as when writers erupted on social media over the news that the talk show hosted by Drew Barrymore would return before the strike ended. (Barrymore soon reversed course.)

And rank-and-file members appear to have become more committed to their leaders’ negotiating strategy as unions have become more democratic and involved members more in the push for a contract, said Jane McAlevey, a longtime labor organizer and scholar. But perhaps most important, employers seem to be underestimating the determination of workers, who believe they have little to lose from striking amid rising prices and fundamental shifts in their industry that have sometimes made their jobs more precarious.

A few weeks after the writers walked off the job this spring, Mae Smith, a strike captain and former writer on the Showtime series “Billions,” predicted in an interview that the economic pain of a protracted strike against the studios would not discourage the writers because “unfortunately they’ve been training us to live off very few months of work for a long time.”

Sean O’Brien, right, President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with attendees at a UPS Teamsters rally in Los Angeles, on July 19, 2023. O’Brien and the union publicly attacked UPS over what the union referred to as “part-time poverty” jobs.

Wall Street Declines on Middle East Conflict

Wall Street’s main indexes fell on Monday as a deepening conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas roiled global markets and pushed investors toward safe-haven assets, while crude prices jumped around 4%.

Israel said its troops backed by helicopters had killed a number of armed infiltrators entering the country from Lebanon, raising fears fighting could spread two days after Hamas gunmen burst in from Gaza on a deadly rampage.

The Israeli military said it had called up an unprecedented 300,000 reservists and was imposing a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, signs it could be planning a ground assault.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States will send multiple military ships and aircraft closer to Israel as a show of support.

At 11:33 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 13.18 points, or 0.04%, at 33,394.40, the S&P 500 was down 6.67 points, or 0.15%, at 4,301.83, and the Nasdaq Composite was down 75.77 points, or 0.56%, at 13,355.57.

The CBOE volatility index, Wall Street’s “fear gauge”, also rose to 18.54, reflecting investor anxiety.

A recent surge in U.S. Treasury yields had pressured equities. The U.S. bond market was shut on Monday for Columbus Day.

Major technology stocks Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia and Amazon.com fell between 0.2% and 2.7%.

Traditional safe-haven assets including gold and the U.S. dollar gained, while crude prices increased.

“It’s not surprising that the market would open with considerable volatility given these shocking events over the weekend and the speculation as to whether or not this will evolve into something more complicated,” said Peter Andersen, founder of Andersen Capital Management in Boston.

Energy was the top S&P 500 sector gainer, jumping 3.6% and on track for its best single-day performance in six months.

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines suspended direct flights to Tel Aviv. The airlines’ shares were down around 5% each, dragging the S&P 500 Passenger Airlines index down 4.5% to its lowest in a year.

Defense companies Northrop Grumman, RTX, General Dynamics, L3harris and Lockheed Martin rose between 4.3% and 8.7%. The broader S&P 500 Aerospace & Defense index jumped 4.9%.

Consumer discretionary and consumer staples stocks were the worst hit on Monday.

Exchange-traded funds exposed to Israel including iShares MSCI Israel ETF and the ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF slid 7.8% and 4.6%, respectively.

For the week, key inflation readings including September’s producer price and consumer price indexes, as well as the Federal Reserve’s September meeting minutes will be in focus.

MOST ASSERTIVE STOCKS

PUERTO RICO STOCKS

Tesla fell 2.5% as data showed the company’s Chinamade EV sales volume for September decreased 10.9% from a year earlier.

Israel orders ‘complete siege’ of Gaza and mobilizes 300,000 reservists

By ISABEL KERSHNER, AARON BOXERMAN and HIBA YAZBEK

Israel ordered a “complete siege” of the Gaza Strip on Monday as it retaliated for the largest and deadliest incursion into its territory in decades, bombing hundreds of sites in Gaza, including mosques and a marketplace, and battling Palestinian fighters to regain control of Israeli towns near the border.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of Israel said that “no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel” would be allowed into Gaza, the crowded and impoverished coastal territory that is already under a 16-year blockade by Israel and Egypt, and is controlled by the militant group Hamas. Israel mobilized 300,000 military reservists, an enormous number for a country of 9 million people, amid signs that it could be preparing for a major ground invasion of Gaza and the possible opening of another front against the Lebanese Shiite organization Hezbollah in the north.

At least 800 people have been killed in Israel and more than 2,600 wounded since the incursion began early Saturday, and Hamas gunmen were holding 150 hostages they seized in Israel, the Israeli government said. The spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, Abu Obeida, threatened that it would execute a civilian hostage every time an airstrike hit “our civilians in their homes without warning.”

At least 687 Palestinians were killed and at least 3,726 injured, authorities in Gaza said. The death toll is believed to include some of the assailants who were killed in the attack on Israel, but it was not immediately clear how many.

Israel has dispatched tanks and troops to its southwestern territory bordering

Gaza, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Sunday of “a long and difficult war that was forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack,” adding that Israel was going on the offensive, “which will continue with neither limitations nor respite until the objectives are achieved.”

Lt. Col. Richard Hecht of the Israel Defense Forces told reporters Monday that the next phase of fighting would not resemble recent conflicts with Gaza, in which Palestinian groups fired rockets but claimed relatively few casualties, and Israel would respond primarily with airstrikes. “We are in a different game here,” he said. “We are at war with Hamas.”

A stunned disbelief enveloped Israel, which appeared to have been caught entirely by surprise by the attack and had gone generations without enduring an assault on this scale or with so many casualties. Adding to the shock were the mass hostage-takings and the fact that fighting on Israeli soil continued into a third day. Families were watching men and women who had finished their mandatory military service being called back to duty, while the names of

the dead scrolled across television screens.

An Israeli airstrike Monday devastated a busy open-air marketplace in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya refugee camp, where Gazans anticipating a long fight had flocked to stock up on food and other supplies. A Red Crescent paramedic, who was not authorized to speak to the media and requested anonymity, said 60 people were killed there.

Videos shared on social media and distributed by Palestinian news agencies showed bodies strewn amid the debris of what moments earlier had been stands selling produce and other goods. Broken concrete and twisted metal from the surrounding buildings filled the square, and people made their way through the debris, smoke and dust, looking for survivors.

“Is he dead? Is he dead?” a man was heard yelling in one video.

Israeli strikes also hit four mosques in the Shati refugee camp Monday, according to Gaza authorities, toppling their domes and killing worshippers inside. Neighbors picked through the rubble of the Sousi mosque, where witnesses said boys had been playing soccer just outside when it was destroyed.

Israel’s military said it had carried out more than 500 airstrikes overnight, targeting operations centers of Hamas and another group, Islamic Jihad. It confirmed hitting several mosques, saying that they contained Hamas infrastructure or fighters.

The United Nations and Palestinian officials said that at least two hospitals and multiple homes had also been hit, and many Gazans said they had nowhere to go to escape the Israeli strikes.

A White House official said nine Americans were confirmed killed in the weekend attack by Hamas and that others were missing, though it did not say if any of them were among the hostages.

“There are U.S. citizens unaccounted for,” a National Security Council spokesperson said. “We are closely monitoring information about hostages taken by Hamas.”

Many other foreign nationals were reported dead, wounded or missing, including 12 Thais killed, 11 kidnapped and nine wounded, according to their government.

At least 109 of the people killed in Israel were attending a weekend music festival at a venue 3 miles from the Gaza border when gunmen swarmed into the site Saturday. Videos show panicked concertgoers fleeing south into the desert and more than 100 abandoned vehicles on the side of the road.

The concert, billed as a “psy trance music festival,” was attended by about 3,500 people near the town of Re’im. The organizer, Nimrod Arnin, said the first sign of the attack was a rocket barrage around 6:30 a.m., prompting an evacuation that began before the gunmen appeared.

Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said four Israelis were killed in one of the Israeli strikes, along with the Palestinian gunmen who were holding them captive, a claim that could not be independently verified.

A new barrage of rockets fired into Israel from Gaza injured seven people Monday, officials said, while sirens blared in Jerusalem and across central Israel. Schools remained closed and flights in and out of the country were curtailed.

Israeli leaders are concerned that Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese militia allied with Iran, could enter the fight, and Israeli military units in the north are on high alert.

Fighting broke out on that front Monday, along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, with Islamic Jihad claiming responsibility for attacks there.

Israeli soldiers in a cotton field on Monday near Kfar Menahem, Israel.

Across the Mideast, a surge of support for Palestinians as war erupts in Gaza

By VIVIAN NEREIM

When the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco announced that they were establishing relations with Israel in 2020, Emirati officials said the deals were symbols of peace and tolerance, while then-President Donald Trump declared “the dawn of a new Middle East.”

Those words rang hollow to many in the region, though. Even in the countries that signed the deals, branded the Abraham Accords, support for the Palestinians — and enmity toward Israel over its decadeslong occupation of their land — remained strong, particularly as Israel’s government expanded settlements in the Palestinian West Bank after the agreements.

On Saturday, when Palestinian gunmen from the blockaded territory of Gaza surged into Israel, carrying out the boldest attack in the country in decades, it set off an outpouring of support for the Palestinians across the region. In some quarters, there were celebrations — even as hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians were killed and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel threatened a “long and difficult war” ahead.

“This is the first time that we rejoice in this way for our Palestinian brothers,” said Abdul Majeed Abdullah Hassan, 70, who joined a rally with hundreds of people in the island kingdom of Bahrain. In the context of the Israeli occupation and blockade, the Hamas operation “warmed our hearts,” he said, calling his government’s deal to recognize Israel “shameful.”

Demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinians took place across the region, including in Bahrain, Morocco, Turkey, Yemen, Tunisia and Kuwait. In Lebanon, Hashem Safieddine, head of the executive council for the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah, delivered a fiery speech lauding “the era of armed resistance.” And in Egypt’s coastal city of Alexandria, a police officer opened fire on Israeli tourists, killing two Israelis and an Egyptian.

The ripples spreading from Gaza underscored what many officials, scholars and citizens in the region have been saying for years: The Palestinian cause is still a deeply felt rallying cry that shapes the contours of the Middle East, and Israel’s position in the region will remain unstable as long as its conflict with the Palestinians continues.

Diplomatic “normalization” agreements between Israel and Arab governments — even with the powerhouse of Saudi Arabia, where

U.S. officials have been pushing recently for normalization — will do little to change that, many regional analysts say.

“The current war is a stark reminder that lasting peace and prosperity in the region is only possible after resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” said Bader Al-Saif, a professor at Kuwait University. “No amount of heavy lifting or acrobatics in dealing with Israel on other files can sidestep or erase this simple fact.”

Many Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, have long insisted that the price of recognizing Israel must be the creation of a Palestinian state. But over the past decade, that calculus has shifted, as authoritarian leaders weigh negative public opinion toward a relationship with Israel against the economic and security benefits it could offer — and what they might be able to get from the United States in return.

The Biden administration has been pressing for a deal that would establish ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia in exchange for significant concessions to the kingdom. Saudi officials have demanded American security assurances and support for a civilian nuclear program.

Last month, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia made his first public reference to the negotiations, saying in a Fox News interview that the talks felt “real” for the first time. And in early October, the kingdom’s newspapers — which operate under limited press freedom — began publishing a spate of

columns that were subtly or openly supportive of normalization.

The eruption of violence Saturday presented a significant challenge to those efforts.

It also made comments by King Abdullah II of Jordan at a conference in New York last month appear prescient: “This belief by some in the region that you can parachute over Palestine — deal with the Arabs and work your way back — that does not work,” he said.

Indeed, some Arab officials and scholars complain that their warnings about normalization deals that do not sincerely address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have fallen on deaf ears.

Watching the events in Gaza feels like

hearing Arabs say “we told you so” to the American president, Khalid al-Dakhil, a prominent Saudi academic, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Ignoring what’s right in finding a just solution to the Palestinian cause creates a trap for the region and threatens peace,” he said.

U.S. officials say that normalization is a key step toward a more integrated Middle East, with positive implications for regional security and American defense interests.

“There are really two paths before the region,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “There’s the path of greater integration, greater stability, including, critically, making sure that Israelis and Palestinians resolve their differences, or there’s the path of terror that Hamas is engaged on, that has not improved the lives of a single person.”

He added: “We’ve said from day one that even as we’re working toward normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, that can’t be a substitute for resolving the differences between Israelis and Palestinians.”

But many in the region say that normalization feels like a betrayal — a triumph of government and business elites over the will of their people.

The Palestinian cause “is something we grew up on as children, and it became a compass to show what is right and just,” said Reem Maraj, 34, who participated in a symposium Saturday in Bahrain that discussed the outcome of the Abraham Accords, three years later.

“If I had the choice, I would have erased this agreement from the history of my country,” she said.

An injured woman with her child after an Israeli airstrike near their house in the central Gaza Strip on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.

Entire villages razed as death toll soars from quakes in Afghanistan

By CHRISTINA GOLDBAUM, NAJIM RAHIM and YAQOOB AKBARY

The death toll from two major earthquakes in northwestern Afghanistan rose to at least 813 people Sunday, according to local authorities, making the dual shocks one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the country in decades.

The two earthquakes, both 6.3 magnitude, hit Herat province, along the country’s border with Iran, on Saturday, causing mudbrick homes in several districts to come crashing down and thousands of people in the province’s capital city to rush out of their houses and office buildings as the ground shook beneath them. At least seven tremors followed the initial quakes.

In the areas hit hardest, some villages were destroyed, with the number of casualties expected to rise as search-and-rescue efforts continued, according to Taliban officials and local volunteers. Earlier Sunday, officials had announced that around 2,000 people had been killed, but they later clarified that that figure included deaths and injuries, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management.

Wakil Safi, 41, who was at home in the provincial capital, Herat City, on Saturday when the earthquakes struck, said he ran outside with his five children when the walls of his home began to tremble but fell to the ground because of the intensity of the shaking.

“In my 41 years of life, I have never seen such a strong earthquake,” Safi said. On Saturday night, he and his wife and children — like thousands of others in Herat City — slept outside in frigid temperatures, a blustering wind chilling them to the bone, for fear of additional aftershocks that could bring their homes crashing down. Between the cold and two tremors in the night, they barely slept, Safi added.

Aid workers who arrived Sunday in the remote, badly hit areas found scenes of devastation: Homes had been reduced to rub-

ble, and, in some cases, entire families had been killed. Hospitals and clinics — already teetering on the brink of collapse because of shortfalls in funding — were overwhelmed with hundreds of injured people.

In one video circulating on social media, a survivor of the earthquake in a remote village, Wardakha, stood on a pile of rubble that used to be his home. He explained that he was the only surviving member of his family after the quake — all 14 of his relatives, including his 5-day-old child, had been killed when their home collapsed.

“Oh, my God. Oh, God, please help me — what should I do?” he said. Then, gasping for breath, he sunk his hands into the dust that was once his home and cried.

The earthquakes were the latest natural disaster to rattle Afghanistan, which has endured enormous floods, mudslides and earthquakes in recent years.

In June 2022, a major earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan and killed more than 1,000 people, according to Taliban officials.

The twin shocks follow two other major quakes this year, in Turkey and Morocco, that killed tens of thousands of people combined.

The disasters have compounded the already dire

humanitarian and economic crises that have engulfed Afghanistan since the Western-backed government collapsed two years ago, prompting millions of jobs to disappear practically overnight and the prices of basic goods to soar.

Today, nearly half of the country’s 39 million people face severe hunger, including about 3 million on the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations’ World Food Program.

Since the Taliban seized power in 2021, U.N. officials have said that Afghanistan represents the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. But two years into Taliban rule, aid money has begun to dry up as other crises have seized the world’s attention and the Taliban administration’s mounting restrictions on women have led to calls to cut off funding from the country entirely in response.

As the country heads into the frigid winter months, the suffering is expected to worsen as families are forced to choose between spending the little money they have on food or on firewood to keep their families warm.

The entrenched humanitarian crisis and series of natural disasters have tested the Taliban’s ability to coordinate vast and sustained aid efforts since seizing power in 2021.

After the earthquake Saturday, Taliban officials said they had directed military and service organizations to prioritize rescue operations, transporting the injured, preparing

homeless shelters and delivering food aid in the remote areas that were most affected. On Sunday, officials said that the country’s air force had made 32 flights transporting the wounded and that all relevant agencies were coordinating their response.

But the sudden and dire need for food, aid and shelter appeared to be overwhelming the government’s ability to respond.

“We sent tents, but the number of families was in the thousands, and we could only give tents to some families,” said Musa Ashari, the head of the Taliban’s disaster management department for Herat. “For example, 20 to 30 tents have been given to a hundred families. The rest of them don’t even have a tent to live in.”

At one school turned aid center on the outskirts of Herat City, hundreds of injured people from one of the worst-hit districts, Zinda Jan, lay on dusty blankets waiting for medical help to arrive Sunday. Many were taken to Baba Ji High School on Saturday by volunteers who had dug them out of the piles of rubble that were once their homes.

Dazed and injured, they were taken to the school — which local leaders had designated as an aid distribution point — because hospitals and clinics were overwhelmed. But nearly 24 hours after they arrived, most had not received any water, medicine or food from government officials, according to a volunteer.

“The conditions are horrible,” said the volunteer, Jami, 44, who preferred to go by her last name for fear of retribution for speaking to the news media.

In many of the hardest-hit areas — mostly villages along mountainous dirt roads and where homes are little more than mud-brick single-story structures — volunteers said little, if any, government aid had arrived.

Qudos Khatibi, 37, a resident of Herat City, traveled to the Zinda Jan District on Sunday morning with other volunteers carrying local donations of water, food and other aid. The devastation, he said, was worse than they could have imagined.

In some villages once home to hundreds of people, there were only a few survivors. The bodies of dozens of children were covered in dust and sheet metal from the religious school they were attending when the quake struck. Village after village was reduced to rubble.

“The situation is very bad,” he said. “You could not tell the difference between a house and an alley.”

Waiting for relief on Saturday after an earthquake in Herat.

The cost of inaction on immigration

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD

It is difficult to find an issue that more exemplifies the dysfunction of American government today than immigration.

In the past year, more than 1 million people have entered the United States through the southern border, overflowing shelters and straining public services. Most of the newcomers claim asylum, a status that allows them to be in the country legally but leaves them in limbo. They often must wait years for their cases to be heard, and it can be a lengthy process to obtain legal permission to work.

This nation has long drawn strength from immigration, and providing asylum is an important expression of America’s national values. But Congress has failed to provide the necessary resources to welcome those who are eligible and to turn away those who are not. Instead, overwhelmed immigration officials allow nearly everyone to stay temporarily, imposing enormous short-term costs on states and cities that the federal government hasn’t done enough to mitigate.

The federal government’s negligence is fueling anger against immigrants and stoking divisions. The question is whether Congress, mired in dysfunction, can stir itself to enact sensible changes so the nation can reap the benefits of immigration.

Neither party has come up with a solution that is both practical and compassionate. Many in the Republican Party want to return to the Trump-era policies of strictly curtailing refugee and asylum admissions and requiring many people

to stay in Mexico while their asylum cases are heard. Some Republicans still embrace the fiction that building a huge wall would solve everything, despite abundant evidence that it would be ineffective in stopping people from coming to the border. On Thursday, the Biden administration moved to expand that wall as well.

Some lawmakers on the left have tried to ignore or downplay the extent of this challenge. Illegal border crossings by families, while they are a small portion of the total number of people entering the United States, are rising. The consequences of allowing huge numbers of asylum-seekers to enter without sufficiently providing for them are real. The result is not only relentless pressure on the immigration system at the border and elsewhere but also a devastating failure to protect people from smugglers, who have made sneaking people into the United States a big business, or from exploitation after they arrive.

Congress can raise the level of legal immigration — by increasing the quotas for employment visas and other categories that allow people to come to the United States legally and have the chance to become permanent residents and then citizens. Those targets have been too low for too long, particularly for people who can fill gaps in the labor market. In July, there were more than 2 million open positions, for example, in construction, hospitality and retail, and the current system keeps out many engineers, computer programmers and scientists. To change that, Congress would need to act and to establish new quotas that more accurately reflect the level of immigration that Americans want and can reasonably accept.

The country has already seen the consequences of keeping legal immigration artificially low. The Trump administration, even before the pandemic, dramatically decreased its annual quota for refugees and made many other forms of legal immigration much harder to get. Even worse, the administration removed children from their parents, in a cruel attempt at deterrence. That inhumane policy also didn’t work, as people continued to travel north to present themselves at the border to make asylum claims. Those numbers rose every year of Donald Trump’s presidency, with the exception of 2020, and the result was chaos.

While the Biden administration has mostly ended the policy of family separation, it has been slow in resettling refugees, has not pushed for raising quotas for most other forms of legal immigration and has offered no sustainable, long-term solution to the challenge of illegal immigration. Last year, the administration ended the remain-in-Mexico policy and tried to make it easier for people to apply for asylum from their home countries. Nevertheless, the number of asylum-seekers has continued to soar. The asylum program was never meant to be a vehicle for large-scale immigration and still needs an overhaul, as this board has argued.

Then there is the question of how to support those who have already arrived in the United States. It’s also difficult to find political heroes here.

There were the cynical tactics deployed by Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas and others who decided to transport thousands of immigrants to Democratic-

led cities and states to see if they would maintain their longstanding posture of openness in the face of a sudden surge of newcomers. As despicable as this ploy was, it worked.

More than 145,000 people have traveled to New York state from the southern border over the past year, and the scale of this latest round of immigration has tested New York’s fortitude and its historic embrace of newcomers; as of 2021, about 1 in 3 people in New York City was born in another country.

The current crisis has shown how difficult it can be to absorb waves of new people without adequate processes or the resources to back them up. Many of the new immigrants have come without family or other community ties, and the surge of people without a place to stay has strained the city’s shelter system when the New York region already was struggling with a shortage of affordable housing. A right-to-shelter mandate dating back four decades requires the city to provide a bed to anyone who needs one, and of the more than 115,200 people in city shelters, about half are asylum-seekers.

Mayor Eric Adams has responded to this challenge with increasingly sharp, ominous statements. “This issue will destroy New York City,” he said Sept. 6. “Every community in this city is going to be impacted,” he continued. “The city we knew, we’re about to lose.” Demonizing populations of people is dangerous and will not help the city respond to their needs, even if the mayor is right to raise the alarm and insist on more federal aid.

President Joe Biden announced Sept. 20 that his administration will extend temporary work permits to nearly 500,000 Venezuelans, a concession to intense pressure from Adams and other state and city leaders from his own party who find their communities overwhelmed.

That will help some businesses that are desperate for more workers. But Biden’s reluctance is understandable; expanding work authorization without addressing America’s broken immigration system will do little to deter people from trying to cross the U.S. border unlawfully or to seek asylum, and it gives Congress a pass.

Some Republican leaders have stepped up to offer help. Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah and Gov. Eric Holcomb of Indiana wrote an essay in The Washington Post in February offering to sponsor immigrants, citing more than 300,000 job vacancies between the two states. “In meaningful ways, every U.S. state shares a border with the rest of the world, and all of them need investment, markets and workers from abroad,” they wrote. “That border can remain an embarrassment, or it can become a big asset to us once again.”

For that to happen, leaders in Congress will have to do their part.

Pierluisi es el primer candidato en ser certificado

POR EL STAR STAFF

SAN JUAN – El presidente y gobernador de Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi, es el primer candidato certificado por el Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) como candidato oficial de la colectividad. Así lo informó el secretario Hiram Torres Montalvo.

“A dos semanas de haber comenzado el proceso interno de radicación de candidaturas hemos recibido sobre 100 intenciones de aspirantes a un cargo público por elección bajo la insignia de la colectividad. No obstante, estamos en la espera de que puedan radicar todos los documentos para que el Comité Evaluador pueda verificar el expediente y certificar sus candidaturas”, expresó Torres Montalvo.

Según explicó el secretario del PNP, los aspirantes entregan los documentos requeridos en la Ofici-

na de los Comisionados Electorales en el Piso 9 de la Comisión Estatal de Elecciones (CEE). El horario de recibo de radicaciones es de 9:00 a.m. hasta las 4:00 p.m. Una vez certificados o certificadas por el PNP, será el propio partido quien radicará las candidaturas en la secretaria de la CEE.

“Estamos convencido de que contaremos con los mejores hombres, mujeres y jóvenes con la voluntad y la capacidad para trabajar por Puerto Rico y por la igualdad”, destacó el licenciado Torres.

El comité de evaluación está compuesto por los contadores; Jorge Aquino, y Alfonso Rossi, y los licenciados; Ferdinand Ocasio, Ana Quintero y Luisa Colóm. El proceso oficial de radicación de candidaturas para competir en las elecciones generales del 2024 comienza el 1 de diciembre en la Comisión Estatal de Elecciones.

Exsenadora Evelyn Vázquez busca la

POR CYBERNEWS

alcaldía

yentes.

de Mayagüez

MAYAGÜEZ – La exsenadora Evelyn Vázquez

Nieves, informó el lunes que radicará su candidatura para alcaldesa de Mayagüez por el Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP).

“Durante meses, he venido escuchando los reclamos e inquietudes de distintos sectores de nuestra ciudad y, hoy, quiero comunicarle al pueblo de Mayagüez que estaré aspirando a la posición de alcaldesa. Lo hago tomando en cuenta las necesidades y prioridades que han sido trastocadas en nuestra ciudad y que han puesto en riesgo la calidad de vida y el servicio que se debe brindar a nuestros constitu-

“Hay mucha gente allá afuera que quiere un cambio en Mayagüez y que desea que se salve el patrimonio de la ciudad, que actualmente, tristemente, se encuentra hipotecado… Han llegado millones de dólares asignados, pero, vemos que se siguen invirtiendo cientos de miles de dólares en fiestas y otras actividades que no abonan en nada al beneficio de nuestra gente”, añadió.

El suspendido alcalde José Guillermo Rodríguez Rodríguez no descarta aspirar nuevamente a la posición si culmina a su favor el proceso judicial por malversación de fondos públicos y negligencia en el cumplimiento del deber.

pretación está errada”, señaló el presidente de la Cámara.

DORADO – El presidente de la Cámara de Representantes, Rafael “Tatito” Hernández Montañez, defendió el viernes su postura y respondió al alcalde de Dorado, Carlos López, sobre los cambios avalados por la Junta de Control Fiscal (JCF) sobre la exención contributiva del Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM).

“El alcalde no entendió la carta en inglés. Buscamos transformar las escuelas de Dorado en bilingües y liberar $66 millones para municipios con menos recursos”, expresó Hernández Montañez.

“La Junta (de Control) Fiscal avala una medida que yo presenté y no lo que el alcalde menciona. Su inter-

Por su parte, Carlos López, alcalde de Dorado, en el programa Pelota Dura en NotiUno 630, denunció que “Tatito” planteó quitar la exención de 15 mil dólares a 770 mil familias para beneficiar a grandes corporaciones. “Es inconcebible que busquen beneficiar a empresas como Walmart a expensas de la gente común. No se juega con el techo de la gente”, afirmó López.

Adicionalmente, el Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM) aclaró que cerca de 800 mil ciudadanos podrían verse afectados con la propuesta de la Junta de Control Fiscal. “Esta medida trasladaría la carga fiscal de los grandes comerciantes a los dueños de viviendas”, indicó Reinaldo Paniagua Látimer, director

ejecutivo del CRIM. La intención de la Junta sería compensar la pérdida de ingresos por la eliminación del impuesto al inventario. Paniagua Látimer enfatizó que se busca una solución que no afecte a los más vulnerables.

“Tatito” responde a alcalde de Dorado sobre exención contributiva

6 podcasts for the spooky season

By EMMA DIBDIN

There’s an adage about horror movies, often attributed to Alfred Hitchcock: What you don’t see is more frightening than what you do. This makes audio dramas excellent vehicles for the horror genre, because the absence of visual storytelling forces listeners to fill in the gaps. Whatever the mind conjures up, custom-made for unique neuroses and fears, may well be scarier than any tangible monster or ghoul.

These shows take advantage of this in different ways, delivering disturbing true stories of everyday horror, lively recaps of scary movies for those too scared to watch the real thing, and gloriously creepy scripted dramas about the supernatural.

‘Alice Isn’t Dead’

As much as the open road is a symbol of freedom in American fiction, it also represents danger, especially if you’re a woman traveling alone. That type of peril underlies every moment of Joseph Fink’s enthralling, disturbing series, which follows a female truck driver on a cross-country quest to uncover the truth about her wife’s supposed death. Fink, best-known to podcast fans as a co-creator of “Welcome to Night Vale,” was inspired to write “Alice Isn’t Dead” after spending hours alone on the road on tour, and he and lead voice actress, Jasika Nicole, deftly capture that psychological experience, the half-formed glimpses of towns you pass through, and the strange, stream-of-consciousness thoughts that arise after too much time alone. Consisting of audio journals and dramatic scenes set at roadside diners and rest stops, “Alice Isn’t Dead” is — like a lot of the best horror stories — more about sadness than fear, exploring the feeling of an incomprehensible loss through the supernatural Starter episode: “Omelet”

‘Too Scary, Didn’t Watch’

Have you ever read the Wikipedia page for a horror movie you’re interested in, but too afraid to watch? You’re not alone — this one-degree-removed method of horror consumption is common, and it’s the linchpin of this fun and addictive recap podcast. Sammy Smart is a horror aficionado who watches the movies so her more fearful co-hosts, Emily Gonzalez and Henley Cox, don’t have to. Over more than 200 episodes, the trio have covered modern classics like Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and Ari Aster’s

“Hereditary,” mainstays like “The Shining” and, so-bad-they’re-good gems, like the baffling 2006 remake of “The Wicker Man” starring Nicolas Cage. Like many podcasts of this ilk, it’s the chemistry among the three hosts that makes “Too Scary, Didn’t Watch” so appealing — Gonzalez, Cox and Smart will soon begin to feel like your parasocial best friends, hiding behind the couch cushions with you.

Starter episode: “Midsommar Revisited”

‘Let’s Not Meet’

In the glut of true crime podcasts, this self-described “true horror” show finds its lane by exploring the more subtle and insidious examples of everyday fear. In each episode, the host, Andy Tate, narrates several stories, in which listeners describe unsettling encounters with people whom they hope never to run into again. While some are overtly violent, featuring attempted mur-

ders or assaults, many of the most disturbing ones are more ambiguous, leaving the listener with an unresolved, unnameable sense that something is deeply wrong. The show is deliberately minimalistic, with limited music and sound cues, and that stripped-back style adds to the sense of paranoia and dread.

Starter episode: “Hotel”

‘Dr. Death’

Not for the faint of heart (or stomach), this mind-boggling true story of a dangerously incompetent neurosurgeon is a spiritual companion to “Dirty John,” another early hit from the podcast network Wondery. Hosted by science journalist Laura Beil, the seven-episode season chronicles how Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a seemingly talented surgeon with glowing reviews from his former patients, wound up maiming or severely injuring more than 30 people over the course of a yearslong spree at multiple Texas hospitals. Aside from the visceral body ho -

rror, the most terrifying aspect of this story is the systemic one: how red flags were either missed or ignored by the authorities who should have intervened. Duntsch’s story is the focus of Season 1, while subsequent seasons (available only on Wondery’s paid tier) chronicle similarly sprawling cases of medical malpractice and fraud.

Starter episode: “Three Days in Dallas”

‘The NoSleep Podcast’

NoSleep, long one of the biggest forums on Reddit, bills itself as a place to share “scary personal experiences. ” It’s a tonguein-cheek description, of course, because the stories shared are fictional, but the emphasis on original, first-person horror narratives is what makes the community so much fun, conjuring an atmosphere of scare-hungry children gathered around a campfire, competing to freak each other out. This spinoff podcast recreates that magic in an anthology series format, repackaging the most popular user-submitted stories as narrated audio dramas, complete with eerie music cues and soundscapes. Now in its 19th season, the show has a near-bottomless back catalog of chilling tales, and while they’re no longer all taken from the forum, the high-quality chills are consistent.

Starter episode: “The Stairs and the Doorway”

‘The Magnus Archives’

When this British audio drama debuted in 2016, it was billed as a horror anthology series set at the Magnus Institute in London, a fictional center for paranormal research. But over the years, a broader mythology has emerged to weave together these seemingly unconnected supernatural stories into an immensely satisfying serialized narrative. The premise is as follows: Jonathan Sims, a new head archivist at the institution, sets out to turn into audio form a neglected collection of historical statements, and along the way unearths tapes full of chilling, fragmented dispatches from ill-fated past researchers. These statements, along with supplemental research from Sims and his team, gradually unravel a terrifying truth. The fewer specifics you know going into “The Magnus Archives,” the better — along with its genuinely spine-tingling plot, the series features unusually rich and well-developed characters whose arcs are never sacrificed for the sake of cheap thrills.

Starter episode: “Angler Fish”

A variety of podcasts deliver disturbing true stories of everyday horror, lively recaps of scary movies and creepy scripted dramas about the supernatural.

Here are the finalists for the 2023 National Book Awards

By ELIZABETH A. HARRIS

Adystopian novel about a private, for-profit prison system in which inmates compete for their freedom in death matches that are broadcast live. A history of Native American people and the development of American democracy. And a graphic novel about a Muslim family’s road trip to Disney World.

These books are some of the 25 finalists for this year’s National Book Awards, which were announced last week by the National Book Foundation. The winners will be named Nov. 15.

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah was nominated for “Chain-Gang All-Stars,” the novel about the forprofit prison system. Justin Torres was a finalist for “Blackouts,” which follows a dying man who passes along his research into queer history to someone he met at a psychiatric hospital. Another nominated book, Aaliyah Bilal’s “Temple Folk,” is a debut story collection about the varied experiences of Black Muslims in America.

The finalists for nonfiction include Ned Blackhawk, a history and American studies professor at Yale University, whose book, “The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History,” examines the role of Indigenous people in shaping American democracy. Cristina Rivera Garza, a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation fellowship colloquially known as the “genius” grant, was named a finalist for “Liliana’s Invincible Summer: A Sister’s Search for Justice,” which examines the murder of her 20-year-old sister in 1990 and femicide — the killing of women and girls because of their gender — more broadly.

In the poetry collection “From From,” finalist Monica Youn uses poems and personal essays to examine American racism and anti-Asian violence; the title is a reference to the question, “Where are you from from?” The poems in “How to Communicate” by John Lee Clark, another finalist, were influenced by Braille and translated from American Sign Language and Protactile, a language based on touch.

In the translated literature category, finalists include Bora Chung, whose story collection, “Cursed Bunny,” translated from Korean by Anton Hur, looks at capitalism, the patriarchy and the female condition. Stênio Gardel was nominated for “The Words That Remain,” a debut novel translated from Portuguese by Bruna Dantas Lobato.

“Huda F Cares?” by Huda Fahmy was nominated in the young people’s literature category; the book follows a Muslim family on a road trip to Disney World. Dan Santat’s graphic memoir “A First Time for Everything,” which looks at awkward middle school experiences, was also a finalist.

Five of the finalists have been recognized by the National Book Foundation before. Adjei-Brenyah, the author of “Chain-Gang All-Stars,” and Torres, who wrote “Blackouts,” were both “5 Under 35” honorees in years past. Lisa Dillman and Pilar Quintana were finalists for translated literature in 2020. And Youn was a finalist for poetry in 2010 and on the longlist for poetry in 2016.

Here is a complete list of the finalists, in five categories.

Fiction

— Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, “Chain-Gang All-Stars”

— Aaliyah Bilal, “Temple Folk”

— Paul Harding, “This Other Eden”

— Hanna Pylväinen, “The End of Drum-Time”

— Justin Torres, “Blackouts”

Nonfiction

— Ned Blackhawk, “The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History”

— Cristina Rivera Garza, “Liliana’s Invincible Summer: A Sister’s Search for Justice”

— Christina Sharpe, “Ordinary Notes”

— Raja Shehadeh, “We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I: A Palestinian Memoir”

— John Vaillant, “Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World”

Poetry

— John Lee Clark, “How to Communicate”

— Craig Santos Perez, “from unincorporated territory [åmot]”

— Evie Shockley, “suddenly we”

— Brandon Som, “Tripas”

— Monica Youn, “From From”

Translated Literature

— Bora Chung, “Cursed Bunny”

Translated from Korean by Anton Hur

— David Diop, “Beyond the Door of No Return”

Translated from French by Sam Taylor

— Stênio Gardel, “The Words That Remain”

Translated from Portuguese by Bruna Dantas Lobato

— Pilar Quintana, “Abyss”

Translated from Spanish by Lisa Dillman

— Astrid Roemer, “On a Woman’s Madness”

Translated from Dutch by Lucy Scott Young People’s Literature

— Kenneth M. Cadow, “Gather”

— Huda Fahmy, “Huda F Cares?”

— Vashti Harrison, “Big”

— Katherine Marsh, “The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine”

— Dan Santat, “A First Time for Everything”

The author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah in Los Angeles, Oct. 12, 2018. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Paul Harding and Cristina Rivera Garza are among the 25 finalists for this year’s National Book Awards.

The chicken that might put a ring on it

By CHRISTINA MORALES

The quickest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, or so the saying goes. But what if a piece of chicken, drenched in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, was the best shortcut to the altar?

In 2016, when Lindsay Funston was an editor at Delish, she created a recipe video for a Tuscan-style chicken dish that attracted millions of views. When she was done cooking, Funston’s video producer took a bite and declared, “I’d marry you for that chicken!” She named the dish “Marry Me Chicken.”

On TikTok, there are hundreds of variations on the original recipe that go by the same name. Some cooks make it with jerk-style spices; some serve the creamy dish with pasta.

But others confuse this modern take on a marriage-worthy dish with “Engagement Chicken,” an earlier recipe from Glamour magazine.

That one, for a whole roasted chicken with lemon and herbs, was published by the magazine in 2004. But since the mid-1980s, Kim Bonnell, a former fashion editor at Glamour who developed the recipe, had been giving it to several assistants in her department.

“They were dating and they wanted to invite their boyfriends for dinner,” said Bonnell, who used Marcella Hazan’s roast chicken recipe as inspiration for her own. “I started sharing this recipe, and then next thing you know, people started getting engaged.”

Shortly after it published the recipe, Glamour received many letters from readers telling how the dish had elicited proposals, said Cindi Leive, a former editor-in-chief. She and other editors created a hall of fame honoring the couples in their cookbook “100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know: Engagement Chicken and 99 Other Fabulous Dishes to Get You Everything You Want in Life.” Even Ina Garten created her own take on the dish.

“Nobody is using poultry to trick someone into marrying them,” Leive said, “but I do think that there’s something about chicken. It’s not outlandishly expensive, it cuts across cultures, feels homey.”

In 2008, Rosario Araguás was itching for a proposal from Wesley Lavoie after dating him for a year and a half. She did a Google search — “how to get your boyfriend to

propose” — and the recipe popped up.

Araguás, a podiatrist, made the roast chicken and even though he didn’t know the recipe’s name, Lavoie said he’d marry her for the dish. Three months later, he proposed. They’ve now been married for 13 years and have two children.

“I’m happy the recipe worked,” she said with a laugh.

Marry me chicken

By Naz Deravian

This cozy dish, which went viral on TikTok with claims that if you prepare it for someone, you will end up getting married, features boneless chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, tomato-y sauce. With wedding bells in mind or not, this dish comes together fairly quickly and is just as great for entertaining as it is for a family meal. In this version, the addition of tomato paste adds a bright acidity to the rich cream sauce and complements the sun-dried tomatoes. Serve with crusty bread to sop up all the juices as well as tangy green salad to balance out the sauce’s richness. Or, try it over pasta, rice or polenta.

Yield: 4 servings

Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or 6 chicken cutlets (about 2 1/4 pounds total), patted dry Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Red-pepper flakes, to taste

1 cup low-sodium chicken stock

1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup (1 1/2 ounces) grated Parmesan

1/3 cup (2.4 ounces/67 grams) sliced sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil

Fresh basil, for serving

Preparation:

1. If using chicken breasts, start from the thickest end and slice each chicken breast in half horizontally so you end up with a total of 6 cutlets (see Tip). Season both sides of the chicken cutlets well with salt and pepper.

2. Scatter the flour on a large plate and coat the cutlets, shaking off the excess. Transfer the cutlets to a sheet pan or large plate in a single layer.

3. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As soon as it melts, add the cutlets and cook until golden on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook the other side until golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Do this in batches, if needed, adding more oil, if needed. Transfer the cutlets to a plate or sheet pan.

4. Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, stirring until the color deepens, about 2 minutes. Add the oregano and red-pepper flakes, to taste. Increase the heat to medium, add the stock and bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

5. Add 1/2 cup of the cream and warm through, stirring, until it thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Watch the cream closely, reducing the heat if necessary, to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and the sun-dried tomatoes. Add more cream, if you like, and season the sauce. Place the chicken back in the pan to warm through, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and scatter basil on top.

Tip: To make it easier to slice into cutlets, place the chicken breasts in the freezer for 20 minutes.

No more begging for treats. Dogs now have restaurants.

By CHRISTINA MORALES

To celebrate the 10-month anniversary of the successful spinal surgery on Jagger, her goldendoodle, Cat Torrejon-Nisbet didn’t buy him the traditional rawhide dog bone. Instead, she paid $15 for a light pink, rose-shaped dog pastry made with antelope heart from Dogue, a canine restaurant in San Francisco.

“They’re not going to love you more for giving them a fancy treat,” said Torrejon-Nisbet, 50, who lives in Santa Barbara, California, with Jagger and his Bernedoodle sister, Sierra. “It’s more about the love we have for our dogs.”

Dog owners like Torrejon-Nisbet are frequenting an increasing number of restaurants across the country that offer separate menus for their four-legged family members. Dog menus have become the new version of children’s menus at some restaurants. Pet parents can now order their dog a steak or Alaskan salmon with steamed rice. The dog can wash that down with a nonalcoholic “beer” made of pork broth, or a bowl of Dög Pawrignon made with wild-caught-salmon oil.

Other restaurants have gone a step further, catering exclusively to dogs, from custom canine birthday cakes to food trucks serving chicken nuggets and burgers. At Dogue, dogs eat a fine-dining tasting menu.

Kelly Lockett, 32, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, has taken Benji, her mini schnauzer mix, to several New York restaurants with dog menus, including Judy Z’s in Greenwich Village.

“He gets so happy, and he enjoys spending time with us and not spending time home alone,” she said.

The pandemic has prompted an increase in pet ownership, according to a 2021-22 survey by the American Pet Products Association, which found dogs in about 65.1 million U.S. households. Sales of pet products have risen by $46 billion since 2018, according to the association, which predicted they will reach $143.6 billion this year.

In San Francisco, Jason Villacampa, 40, has treated his corgis, Tony and Captain, to the tasting menu at Dogue four times. It costs $75 per dog, with complimentary sparkling water or mimosas for the owner.

On a recent visit, Villacampa said, the chef, Rahmi Massarweh, explained the dishes the dogs were about to eat, detailing which local farm provided each ingredient and how each meal was prepared. He served bone broth tableside and put the finishing touches to plates like mosaic chicken, thin strips of white meat wrapped in nori, layered together and cooked in a water bath. Massarweh, a chef for 20 years, trained in French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco.

Dog menus provide a new revenue source for restaurants. The Wilson, in the Chelsea neighborhood

of Manhattan, estimates that it serves meals to most of the 30 to 40 dogs that come in every day. A dog entree of steak and vegetables costs $24.

Despite recent inflation, 54% of dog owners said they were willing to spend more to provide their dogs with a more nutritious, whole-food diet that aligns more with their household’s health choices, according to a small survey a year ago by Rover, a pet-sitting service. Rover also said that dogs have become a substitute for children in many households.

“Pets are members of our family, and we equally want to feed them that way,” said Ron Holloway, who owns Woofbowl, a food truck based in Dumbo, Brooklyn, that caters to dogs.

Holloway and his wife, Solo Holloway, a former biochemical and electrical engineer, started the mobile restaurant after making more nutritious meals from scratch for their French bulldogs, Latto and Dino. Holloway, a military veteran, and his wife, a Cambodian refugee, adopted the dogs as part of his treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Just as some people celebrate their birthdays or holidays at restaurants, many dog owners do the same for their pets. Owners order custom cakes — like one shaped as a ramen bowl for a Shih Tzu named Ramen — from businesses like Maison de Pawz in New York, a dog bakery and catering company where they can choose from flavors like peanut butter, Funfetti, coconut, spiced apple or carob (chocolate is toxic to dogs). The dense cakes are made with buckwheat flour and coconut oil, and though humans can eat it, they probably wouldn’t like the taste, said Mei-i Zien, the owner of the bakery.

To comply with health department regulations, the pet-focused restaurants in New York City serve just dog-only items or prepare meals for pets and people separately. At Judy Z’s and the Wilson, dogs and their owners are seated at tables outside, and the food is served in dog bowls that must be placed on the ground.

At Boris & Horton in the East Village, which serves Zien’s treats, dog items and pastries for humans are prepared by a separate staff and served on disposable plates to prevent cross-contamination. Logan Mikhly, a founder of the dog cafe, said the city’s health department was “helpful with what we had to do to make it happen with a strict list of things we follow to a T.”

When Joey, a Yorkshire terrier, visits New York City, his owner Rachel Choi, 25, usually takes him to socialize at a dog park on the Lower East Side. But Choi said he makes it clear, with his whining at the entrance, that he doesn’t want to be there. He wants to go to Boris & Horton, which has air-conditioning, to enjoy a peanut butter cupcake and have other people pet him.

“He just seems to have a bright mood there in a way that he doesn’t have anywhere else,” she said.

Bambi, left, and Miso at Dogue in San Francisco, April 16, 2023. From special menus for canine companions to food trucks and even tasting menus, some restauranteurs are pulling out all the stops for pets.

Grilled chicken and a burger from from the dog menu at the Wilson in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, April 16, 2023.

The dog menu at the Wilson in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, April 16, 2023.

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ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA DE CAROLINA

ORIENTAL BANK

Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE FÉLIX RAMÓN MULERO

MERCADO COMPUESTA

POR FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CA2023CV00407.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA.

LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO

LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de CAROLINA, hago saber a la parte demandada, SUCESION DE FÉLIX RAMÓN MULERO MERCADO compuesta por FULANO DE TAL Y FULANA DE TAL y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL; que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el 17 de julio de 2023, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor pagadero en efectivo, cheque de gerente o giro postal, a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal, la siguiente propiedad con dirección física: Urbanización Vistas del Océano, 8231 Calle Clavel, Loíza PR 00772 y que se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar radicado en la Urbanización “Vistas del Océano”, localizada en el Barrio Medianía Baja del término municipal de Loíza, Puerto Rico, que se describe en el plano de inscripción, con el número, área y colindancias que se relacionan a continuación: Solar número 12 del Bloque “L”. Área del Solar: 275.00 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en una distancia de 12.50 metros lineales, con el solar número 3 del bloque “N”; por el SUR, en una distancia de 12.50 metros lineales, con la calle número 9 de la Urbanización; por el ESTE, en una distancia de 22.00 metros lineales, con el solar número 13 del mismo bloque; y por el OESTE, en una distancia de 22.00 metros lineales, con el solar numero11 del mismo bloque. Enclava en dicho solar una estructura en concreto para fines residenciales. El expresado solar se halla afecto a servidumbre telefónico de 5 pies de ancho, localizada en su colindancia Sur. Finca

9609 inscrita al Folio 261 del tomo 201 de Loíza, Registro de la Propiedad, Sección Tercera de Carolina. La finca antes descrita se encuentra afecta a los siguientes gravámenes:

(i) HIPOTECA constituida por Feliz Ramón Mulero Mercado, soltero, en garantía de un pagare affidavit núm.. 22672, a favor de Oriental Bank, o a su orden por $115,850.00, al

3.50% vencedero el 1 de enero de 2048, según Escritura núm. 385, en Carolina, a 11 de diciembre de 2017, ante Diana

M Ruiz Hernández, inscrita al Sistema Karibe de Loíza, Finca 9609, inscripción 4ta. La hipoteca objeto de esta ejecución es la que ha quedado descrita en el inciso (i). Será celebrada la subasta para con el importe de la misma satisfacer la sentencia dictada el 16 de mayo de 2023, mediante la cual se condenó a la parte demandada pagar a la parte demandante la cantidad adeudada y vencida desde el 1 de mayo de 2020 ascendiente a $110,735.97 de principal, más $10,927.49 a intereses acumulados, que continuarán acumulándose al 3.5% hasta el saldo total de la deuda, más $665.92 a cargos por demora, mas $81.00 a otros cargos, más $3,768.82 a escrow, más costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, según pactado, más cualquier otro desembolso que haya efectuado o efectúe la parte demandante durante la tramitación de este caso para otros adelantos de conformidad con el Contrato Hipotecario. La PRIMERA SUBASTA será celebrada el día 30 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023, A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de CAROLINA, Puerto Rico. Servirá de tipo mínimo para la misma, la cantidad de $115,850.00 sin admitirse oferta inferior. De no haber remate ni adjudicación, celebraré SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 6 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023, A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar, en la que servirá como tipo mínimo, dos terceras (2/3) partes del precio pactado para la primera subasta, o sea, $77,233.33. Si no hubiese remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, celebraré TERCERA SUBASTA el día 13 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023, A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar en la que regirá como tipo mínimo, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado para la primera subasta, o sea, $57,925.00. El Alguacil que suscribe hizo constar que toda licitación deberá hacerse para pagar su importe en moneda

legal de los Estados Unidos de América, de acuerdo con la Ley y de acuerdo con lo anunciado en este Aviso de Subasta. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables. Se entiende que todo licitador que comparezca a la subasta señalada en este caso acepta como bastante la titulación que da base a la misma. Se entiende que cualquier carga y/o gravamen anterior y/o preferente, si la hubiere al crédito que da base a esta ejecución continuará subsistente, entendiéndose, además, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de estos, sin destinarse a su extinción cualquier parte del remanente del precio de licitación. La propiedad para ejecutar será adquirida libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. 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 cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Vendida o adjudicada la finca o derecho hipotecado y consignado el precio correspondiente, en esa misma fecha o fecha posterior, el alguacil que celebró la subasta procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura pública de traspaso en representación del dueño o titular de los bienes hipotecados, ante el notario que elija el adjudicatario o comprador, quien deberá abonar el importe de tal escritura. El alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días a partir de la confirmación de la venta o adjudicación. 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 ocu-

pen. Y PARA CONOCIMIENTO DE LOS LICITADORES Y DEL PUBLICO EN GENERAL y para su publicación de acuerdo con la Ley, expido el presente Edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal. En CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, hoy 7 de septiembre de 2023. GRETCHEN M. JEREZ SEDA, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE CAROLINA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA ESTRELLA HOMES II, LLC.

PARTE DEMANDANTE V. SUCESIÓN DE IRMA DE LA TORRE RAMOS COMPUESTA POR ROBERTO GONZÁLEZ DE LA TORRE ROSEMARIE GONZALEZ MARTINEZ, ROBERTO GONZALEZ MARTÍNEZ, ROXANNE

GONZALEZ MARTÍNEZ Y CARMEN MIGDALIA DE LA TORRE RAMOS; SUCESIÓN DE VICENTE PIERANTONI PÉREZ COMPUESTA POR

MAGDA TERESA

PIERANTONI GONZÁLEZ, VICENTE PIERANTONI GONZÁLEZ, MIGUEL ANDRÉS PIERANTONI GONZÁLEZ Y JUAN

RAFAEL PIERANTONI GONZÁLEZ

PARTE DEMANDADA CIVIL NÚM.: CA2022CV00612. SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina, hago saber a la parte demandada, SUCESIÓN DE IRMA DE LA TORRE RAMOS compuesta por ROBERTO GONZALEZ DE LA TORRE, ROSEMARIE

GONZALEZ MARTINEZ, ROXANNE GONZALEZ MARTINEZ y CARMEN MIGDALIA DE LA TORRE RAMOS; SUCESIÓN DE VICENTE PIERANTONI PÉREZ compuesta por MAGDA TERESA PIERANTONI GONZALEZ, VICENTE PIERANTONI GONZALEZ, MIGUEL ANDRÉS PIERANTONI GONZALEZ y JUAN RAFAEL PIERANTONI GONZALEZ; y al

PÚBLICO EN GENERAL; que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el 20 de julio de 2023, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor pagadero en efectivo, cheque de gerente o giro postal, a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal, la siguiente propiedad con dirección física: CONDOMINIO MALIBU BEACH FRONT, APT. H-306, LOIZA PR 00772 y que se describe como sigue: URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Apartamento H-306. Apartamento residencial de dos niveles de forma rectangular, localizado en los dos pisos altos del edificio marcado H en el Condominio Malibu Beach Front Apartments, ubicado en el Barrio Medianía Baja del Municipio de Loíza, Puerto Rico, construido de hormigón, bloques, acero, materiales y accesorios. Este apartamento tiene un área de 2,345.52 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 219.91 metros cuadrados, con las colindancias siguientes: Primer nivel: con un área de 1,164.98 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 108.23 metros cuadrados, colinda por el NORTE, en 35’10” con el apartamento H-305 y 3’4” con Fosa de escalera; por el SUR, en 30’8” con el apartamento H-307 y 8’6” con el exterior; por el ESTE, en 32’6” con el exterior y por el OESTE, en 27’10” con el exterior y 4’8” con fosa de escalera. Segundo nivel: con un área de 1,180.54 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 109.68 metros cuadrados, colinda par el NORTE, en 35’10” con el apartamento H-305 y 3’4” con fosa de escalera; por el SUR, en 30’8” con el apartamento H-307 y 8’6” con el exterior; por el ESTE, en 32’6” con el exterior y por el Oeste, en 27’10” con el exterior y 1’8” con fosa de escalera. Este apartamento contiene en el primer nivel sala, comedor, cocina, laundry, dos baños, closets, 3 habitaciones y escalera que conduce al segundo nivel, en el segundo contiene terraza abierta. La entrada principal está localizada en los vestíbulos que conectan a la fosa de la escalera que llega a los patios comunales de los edificios que conduce a la vía pública y le corresponde como anejos los estacionamientos marcados 216 y 220. Le corresponde a este apartamento el 1.26% en los elementos comunes al inmueble y el .00798% en los elementos limitados. Finca 11409, inscrita al Folio 221 del tomo 224 de Loíza, Registro

de la Propiedad de Carolina Sección III. La finca antes descrita se encuentra afecta a los siguientes gravámenes: (i) HIPOTECA En garantía de un pagaré a favor de Santander Mortgage Corp., o a su orden, por la suma de $136,800.00 interés al 5.750% anual y vencedero el 1 de abril de 2033, según consta de la escritura número 37, otorgada en San Juan, el 25 de marzo de 2003, ante notario Mari Nilda Aparicio Laspina, inscrito al folio 221 del tomo 224 de Loíza, finca 11409, inscripción 2da. (ii) Anotación de Demanda: Demanda radicada en el Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala de Carolina, en el caso civil #CA2022CV00612, sabre Cobra de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca, seguido por Luna Residential II, LLC, vs. Irma De La Torre Ramos, por si y en cuanto a la cuota viudal usufructuaria: la Sucesión de Vicente Pierantoni Perez, compuesta por Fulano de Tal y Fulana de Tal como posibles herederos desconocidos con interés en la Sucesión; Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM), donde se solicita el pago de la deuda garantizada con la hipoteca relacionada en la inscripción 2da., reducida a $88,610.47, anotada al Sistema Karibe de Loíza, finca #11409, el 24 de junio de 2022, anotación A. La hipoteca objeto de esta ejecución es la que ha quedado descrita en el inciso (i). Será celebrada la subasta para con el importe de la misma satisfacer la sentencia dictada el 12 de mayo de 2023, mediante la cual se condenó a la parte demandada pagar a la parte demandante la cantidad adeudada y vencida ascendiente a $88,610.47 de principal, más intereses acumulados que continuarán acumulándose al 5.7500% hasta el saldo total de la deuda, más cargos por demora, más otros cargos, más costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, según pactado, más cualquier otro desembolso que haya efectuado o efectúe la parte demandante durante la tramitación de este caso para otros adelantos de conformidad con el Contrato Hipotecario. La PRIMERA SUBASTA será celebrada el día 30 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023, A LAS 10:45 DE LA MAÑANA en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de CAROLINA, Puerto Rico. Servirá de tipo mínimo para la misma, la cantidad de $136,800.00 sin admitirse oferta inferior. De no haber remate ni adjudicación, celebraré SEGUNDA SUBAS-

TA el día 6 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023, A LAS 10:45 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar, en la que servirá como tipo mínimo, dos terceras (2/3) partes del precio pactado para la primera subasta, o sea, $91,200.00. Si no hubiese remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, celebraré TERCERA SUBASTA el día 13 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023, A LAS 10:45 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar en la que regirá como tipo mínimo, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado para la primera subasta, o sea, $68,400.00. El Alguacil que suscribe hizo constar que toda licitación deberá hacerse para pagar su importe en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América, de acuerdo con la Ley y de acuerdo con lo anunciado en este Aviso de Subasta. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables. Se entiende que todo licitador que comparezca a la subasta señalada en este caso acepta como bastante la titulación que da base a la misma. Se entiende que cualquier carga y/o gravamen anterior y/o preferente, si la hubiere al crédito que da base a esta ejecución continuará subsistente, entendiéndose, además, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de estos, sin destinarse a su extinción cualquier parte del remanente del precio de licitación. La propiedad para ejecutar será adquirida libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. 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 cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Vendida o adjudicada la finca o derecho hipotecado y consignado el precio correspondiente, en esa misma fecha o fecha posterior, el alguacil que celebró la subasta proce-

derá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura pública de traspaso en representación del dueño o titular de los bienes hipotecados, ante el notario que elija el adjudicatario o comprador, quien deberá abonar el importe de tal escritura. El alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días a partir de la confirmación de la venta o adjudicación. 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. Y PARA CONOCIMIENTO DE LOS LICITADORES Y DEL PUBLICO EN GENERAL y para su publicación de acuerdo con la Ley, expido el presente Edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal. En CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, hoy 8 de septiembre de 2023. HÉCTOR L. PEÑA RODRÍGUEZ, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE CAROLINA.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC

Demandante Vs. ANA LIDIA VELEZ RIVERA

T/C/C ANA LYDIA VELEZ

RIVERA T/C/C ANA L.

VELEZ RIVERA T/C/C ANA

VELEZ RIVERA T/C/C ANA

LIDIA VELEZ T/C/C ANA

LYDIA VELEZ T/C/C LYDIA

VELEZ RIVERA T/C/C ANA

L. VELEZ T/C/C LYDIA

VELEZ T/C/C ANA VELEZ; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: FA2023CV00135. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

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

GENERAL:

Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Senten-

INTERINO, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE HUMACAO. JANIA GUASP LOZA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE BAYAMÓN MWX, INC.

Demandante V. JIMMY FUENTES

FONSECA, SU ESPOSA BLANCA IRIS DIAZ PLAZA, Y LA SOCIEDAD

LEGAL DE BIENES

GANANCIALES

Demandada

Civil Núm.: BY2022CV03095.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. AVISO DE VENTA EN PÚBLICA SUBASTA.

A: JIMMY FUENTES

FONSECA, SU ESPOSA

BLANCA IRIS DIAZ PLAZA, Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES

GANANCIALES; Y AL PUBLICO EN GENERAL:

El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior, Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hago saber a la parte demandada y, al PUBLICO EN GENERAL, y a todos los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surjan de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante, a saber: SANA MORTGAGE CORP.: A cuyo favor aparece inscrito una hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré por la suma de $57,000.00, intereses al 81/2% anual y a vencer el 1 de mayo del año 2015, según consta de la escritura #137, otorgada en San Juan, el 28 de abril de 2005, ante el Notario Charlene de León Guevara, inscrito al folio 182 del tomo

572 de Toa Baja, finca # 7,814, inscripción 11ma. Que en cumplimiento con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 25 de septiembre de 2023, por la Secretaria del

Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: Dirección de la Propiedad: Urb. Levittown AT-12 Calle Lilliam Toa Baja, Puerto Rico 00949. Solar número doce del bloque “AT” en la Urbanización Levittown en el barrio Sabana Seca de Toa Baja, con un área de trescientos cincuenta metros cuadrados con ochocientos setenta y un milímetros, en lindes por el NORTE, en diecinueve metros cincuenta centímetros y un arco de dos metros setecientos cuarenta y nueve milímetros con la calle Lilliam Este (según plano calle cuatrocientos veintiséis); por el SUR, en veintitrés metros con el solar número once; por el ESTE, en quince metros cincuenta centímetros con el solar número trece; por el OESTE, en un arco de dos metros setecientos cuarenta y nueve milímetros y doce metros con la calle Lillian (según plano de calle cuatrocientos veinticuatro). Consta inscrito al folio 208 del tomo 124 de Toa Baja, finca número 7,814; Registro de la Propiedad Sección Segunda de Bayamón. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante, hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada a su favor por la suma de $279,601.70 al 13 de octubre de 2022, la cual se desglosa en $188,817.59 por concepto principal, mas el pago de sus correspondientes intereses los cuales ascienden a la suma de $55,991.95 y continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación, más la cantidad de $3,426.61 de cargos por demora, la cantidad de $5,964.00 de cargos de seguro de la propiedad (“Forced Placed Insurance”); más la cantidad de $2,265.32 por concepto de cuenta plica negativa (“Negative Escrow”), mas $23,136.23 de cargos de preservación de la propiedad, más costas y gastos, en adición a $19,160.48, por concepto de honorarios de abogado, disponiendose que si quedare algún remanente luego de pagarse las sumas antes mencionadas del mismo deberá ser depositado en la Secretaria del Tribunal para ser entregado a la parte con interes previa solicitud y orden del Tribunal. La venta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. LA PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 26 OCTUBRE DE 2023

A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina del referido Alguacil, localizada en el Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $191,604.87. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA, la misma se llevará a efecto el día 2 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $127,736.38, equivalentes a dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una TERCERA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 9 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $95,802.43, equivalentes a la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor, todo ello a tenor con lo dispone el Articulo 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8 de diciembre de 2015 conocida como “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de toda carga y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirmada la venta judicial por el Honorable Tribunal, se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda aquella persona o personas que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el público en general, el presente Edicto se publicará por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas, con un intervalo de por lo menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y se fijará además en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se les informa, por último, que: a. Que los autos y todos los documen-

tos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy día 27 de septiembre de 2023. Edgardo Elías Vargas Santana, Alguacil Auxiliar Placa #193, División De Subastas, Tribunal De Primera Instancia, Sala Superior De Bayamón. ***

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE HUMACAO SALA SUPERIOR DE LAS PIEDRAS

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. MADELINE

GONZALEZ MENDOZA

Demandado(a)

Caso Núm.: HU2023CV00031. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO Y OTROS. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

MARICELI PEREZ GONZALEZ NOTIFICACIONES@ GARCIACHAMORRO.COM

MELISA FIGUEROA CASTRO MELISA.FIGUEROA@GMAIL.COM

A: MADELINE GONZALEZ MENDOZA

A SUS DIRECCIONES

CONOCIDAS: PO BOX 940, NAGUABO, PR 00718-0940 Y D-15 4 STREET, PRADERAS DEL ESTE DEV. NAGUABO, PR 00718.

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 20 de septiembre 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 03 de octubre de 2023. En Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, el 03 de octubre de 2023. IVELISSE C. FONSECA RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA. MICHELLE GUEVARA DE LEÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE KEYLINK LLC

Parte Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE ELSA ZAMBRANA RODRÍGUEZ COMPUESTA POR FULANO Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: tt. Salón Núm.: (406). Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS. A: SUCESIÓN DE ELSA ZAMBRANA RODRÍGUEZ COMPUESTA POR FULANO Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA: SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, O A SU ORDEN: 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 Ponce, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución

que se describe a continuación:

URBANA: Solar número cinco del bloque “O” de la Urbanización Valle Alto, situada en el Barrio Cerrillo del término municipal de Ponce, Puerto Rico, compuesto de trescientos diez y ocho metros con cincuenta centímetros cuadrados (318.50 mc), colindando por el NORTE, en veintidós metros, con el solar número O-6; por el SUR, en veinticinco metros, con el solar número O-4; por el ESTE, en trece metros cincuenta centímetros, con la Calle número uno; y por el OESTE, en dos metros con diez centímetros, tiene un arco de cuatro metros con nueve centímetros y arco de siete metros ochenta y dos centímetros, con la Calle número veintidós. Consta inscrita al folio 48 del tomo 1282 de Ponce Norte, finca número #36,133, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de Ponce. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: Urbanización Valle Alto, 2144 Calle Colina, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00730. Según figura en el Estudio de título, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada al siguiente Gravamen posterior a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: a. Hipoteca Revertida en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $202,500.00, vencedero el día 28 de abril de 2076, constituida mediante la escritura número 264, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 30 de junio de 2011, ante el notario Manuel Rivera Meléndez, e inscrita al folio 201 del tomo 2111 de Ponce Norte, finca número 36,133, inscripción 11ma. Se le notifica a los acreedores posteriores anteriormente identificados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Se informa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravamen posterior, una vez sea otorgada la escritura de venta judicial y obtenida la Orden y Mandamiento de cancelación de gravamen posterior. (Art. 51, Ley 210-2015). En relación a la finca a subastarse, se establece como tipo mínimo de licitación en la Primera Subasta la suma de $202,500.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca #263, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 30 de junio de 2011, ante el notario Manuel Rivera Meléndez, e inscrita al folio 201 del tomo 2111 de Ponce Nor-

te, finca número 36,133, inscripción 10ma. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 1 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023 A LAS 1:45 DE LA TARDE, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Ponce, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $202,500.00. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día

8 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023

A LAS 1:45 DE LA TARDE, 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 $135,000.00. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 15 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023 A LAS 1:45 DE LA TARDE, 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 $101,250.00. 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 $97,198.60, con intereses a 5.06% anual, desde que dichas sumas fueron desembolsadas con el primer desembolso el 18 de julio de 2011, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, más una suma equivalente a $20,250.00, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipotecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables. Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte

(20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Se informa que la propiedad objeto de ejecución se adquiere libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Expedido en Ponce, Puerto Rico, a 21 de septiembre de 2023. MIGUEL A. TORRES AYALA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA #560.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE FAJARDO CASITAS BLANCAS, LLC

Demandante V. JOHN DOE y RICHARD DOE COMO MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN NICOLÁS ROSARIO ÁLVAREZ Demandados DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Partes con Interés Civil Núm.: FA2021CV00552. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO, INTERPELACIÓN. LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Fajardo, hago saber a la parte demandada JOHN DOE y RICHARD DOE COMO MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN NICOLÁS ROSARIO ÁLVAREZ, DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA, CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL; que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el 16 de junio de 2023, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta por el precio mínimo de $173,000.00 y al mejor postor, pagadero en efectivo, cheque de gerente o giro postal, a nombre del alguacil del tribunal, la propiedad que se describe a continuación: C-3 Cond. La Costa, Fajardo, PR 00734, y que se describe de la siguiente manera: El inmueble gravado mediante la hipoteca antes descrita es: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento residencial de forma irregular localizado en la segunda planta del Edificio C del Condominio La Costa, del

parecer los interesados y/o partes citadas, o en su defecto los organismos públicos afectados en el término improrrogable de 20 días a contar de la última publicación del edicto, el Tribunal podrá conceder el remedio solicitado por la parte peticionaria, sin más citarle ni oírle. En Ponce, Puerto Rico, a 12 de septiembre de 2023. CARMEN

TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. KEILENE RODRÍGUEZ MELÉNDEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMÓN SALA SUPERIOR

ORIENTAL BANK COMO

AGENTE DE SERVICIO DE THE MONEY HOUSE, INC.

Demandante Vs. LA SUCESION DE PEDRO COLON FELICIANO COMPUESTA POR

ELIZABETH COLON RODRIGUEZ, ADA

LUZ COLON ANDINO, NELIA COLON ANDINO Y MAYRA COLON

MALAVE; FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS

DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Demandados

Civil Núm.: BY2023CV04942.

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

A LA PARTE CO-

DEMANDADA: A)

ELIZABETH COLÓN

RODRÍGUEZ, ADA LUZ

COLÓN ANDINO, NELIA COLÓN ANDINO, COMO MIEMBROS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE PEDRO COLÓN FELICIANO, A LAS SIGUIENTES

DIRECCIONES: (A) 4852

CATAÑO, PR 00962; (E)

BARRIO CANDELARIA

ARENAS COMUNIDAD

VILLA ALBIZU #607

CALLE 6 (CALLE

BAMBU) TOA BAJA, PR 00952; (F) BARRIO

VILLA ESPERANZA

CARR. 874 BOX 1543

CAROLINA, PR 00985; (G) 5961 N LAMBER ST., PHILADELPHIA PA 19138.

B) FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS

DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE PEDRO COLÓN FELICIANO, A LAS SIGUIENTES

DIRECCIONES: (A) 4852

C ST., PHILADELPHIA PA 19120; (B) 8289 EL RINCONCITO SABANA

SECA TOA BAJA, PR 00952; (C) PMB 160

PO BOX 2500 TOA

BAJA, PR 00951-2500;

(D) URB. LAS VEGAS

CALLE GARDENIA E-4

CATAÑO, PR 00962; (E)

BARRIO CANDELARIA

ARENAS COMUNIDAD

VILLA ALBIZU #607

CALLE 6 (CALLE

BAMBU) TOA BAJA, PR 00952; (F) BARRIO VILLA ESPERANZA

CARR. 874 BOX 1543

CAROLINA, PR 00985;

(G) 5961 N LAMBER ST., PHILADELPHIA PA 19138.

vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de la Isla de Puerto Rico. Se le(s) emplaza y requiere que dentro de los sesenta (60) días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto excluyendo el día de la publicación de este edicto conteste(n) la demanda radicando el original de la contestación en este Tribunal y enviando copia de la Contestación de la Demanda a las oficinas de CARDONA & MALDONADO LAW OFFICES, P.S.C. ATENCIÓN al Lcdo. Duncan Maldonado Ejarque, P.O. Box 366221, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-6221; Tel (787) 622-7000, Fax (787) 6257001, Abogado de la Parte Demandante. 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, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Se le(s) advierte que si dejare(n) de contestar la Demanda en el período de tiempo antes mencionado, podrá dictarse contra usted(es) Sentencia en Rebeldía, concediéndose el remedio solicitado sin más citarle(s) ni oírle(s). EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y con el Sello del Tribunal. DADA hoy 05 de octubre de 2023, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL.

VILLA CAROLINA LOT 6754 CALLE 55, CAROLINA, PR 00985.

C ST., PHILADELPHIA PA 19120; (B) 8289

EL

RINCONCITO SABANA

SECA TOA BAJA, PR 00952; (C) PMB 160

PO BOX 2500 TOA

BAJA, PR 00951-2500;

(D) URB. LAS VEGAS

CALLE GARDENIA E-4

Por la presente se le(s) notifica que se ha radicado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal una Demanda en Cobro y Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca por la vía ordinaria en contra de La Sucesión de Pedro Colón Feliciano, en la cual se alega que adeuda a la parte demandante por concepto de hipoteca la suma de $69,884.86 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de abril de 2023, más intereses al tipo pactado de 5.75%anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además, La Sucesión de Pedro Colón Feliciano adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $7,364.10.

Además La Sucesión de Pedro Colón Feliciano se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $7,364.10 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escri-

tura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $7,364.10 para cubrir cualquiera otros adelantos que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca número 96, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 21 de junio de 2019, ante el notario Pedro J. Díaz García, consta inscrita al Folio 29 del Tomo 278 de Toa Baja, finca número 16,768 A, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Segunda. Por razón de dicho incumplimiento, y al amparo del derecho que le confiere el Pagaré, el demandante ha declarado tales sumas vencidas, líquidas y exigibles en su totalidad. Este Tribunal ha ordenado que se le(s) cite a usted(es) por edicto que se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general. Quedan emplazados y notificados de que en este Tribunal se ha radicado una demanda enmendada en su contra. Se les ordena a que dentro del término de treinta (30) días, a partir de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia de Pedro Colón Feliciano. Los co-demandados miembros de La Sucesión de Pedro Colón Feliciano se incluyen en la demanda enmendada ya que como herederos responden por las cargas de la herencia según lo dispuesto en Nuestro Ordenamiento Jurídico. Se les apercibe y notifica que, de no expresarse dentro de ese término de 30 días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. También se les apercibe que luego del transcurso del término de 30 días antes señalado contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia del causante y, por consiguiente, responden por las cargas de dicha herencia conforme el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. 2785. Se ordena a la parte demandante a que, en vista de que Elizabeth Colón Rodríguez, Ada Luz Colón Andino, Nelia Colón Andino, como miembros de la Sucesión de Pedro Colón Feliciano; Fulano y Fulana de Tal como posibles herederos desconocidos de la Sucesión de Pedro Colón Feliciano, se incluye a los herederos conocidos y desconocidos de Pedro Colón Feliciano denominados Elizabeth Colón Rodríguez, Ada Luz Colón Andino, Nelia Colón Andino, Mayra Colón Malavé como miembros de la Sucesión de Pedro Colón Feliciano; Fulano y Fulana de Tal como posibles herederos desconocidos de la Sucesión de Pedro Colón Feliciano, proceda a notificar la presente Orden mediante publicación de un edicto a esos efectos una sola

SANDRA I. BÁEZ HERNÁNDEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I. t LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA SALA SUPERIOR ORIENTAL BANK COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO DE THE MONEY HOUSE, INC

DEMANDANTE VS. JOSE NUÑEZ RECA DEMANDADOS

CIVIL NUM.: CA2023CV02820.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA (VÍA ORDINARIA). EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A LA PARTE CODEMANDADA: JOSÉ NÚÑEZ RECA, A SU DIRECCIÓN CONOCIDA:

(A) LAS MONJAS #68 CALLE NEMESIO CANALES HATO REY, PR 00917-1121; (B) URB.

Por la presente se le(s) notifica que se ha radicado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal una Demanda en Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca en su contra, en la cual se alega entre otras cosas que la parte demandada adeuda a la parte demandante por concepto de hipoteca la suma $132,113.69 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de mayo de 2023, más intereses al tipo pactado de 3.25% anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además la parte demandada adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $13,697.20. Además la parte demandada se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $13,697.20 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $13,697.20 para cubrir intereses en adición a los garantizados por ley y cualquiera otros adelantos que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca número 477, otorgada en Caguas, Puerto Rico, el día 11 de junio de 2021, ante el notario Jesús A. Ledesma Amador, de la finca número 18,524, inscrita al Folio 101 del Tomo 456 de Carolina, Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina, Sección Segunda. Por razón de dicho incumplimiento, y al amparo del derecho que le confiere el Pagaré, el demandante ha declarado tales sumas vencidas, líquidas y exigibles en su totalidad. Este Tribunal ha ordenado que se le(s) cite a usted(es) por edicto que se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general. Por tratarse de una obligación hipotecaria y pudiendo usted tener interés en este caso o quedar afectando 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, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal y notifique copia de la

Contestación de la Demanda a las oficinas de CARDONA & MALDONADO LAW OFFICES, P.S.C. ATENCION al Lcdo. Duncan Maldonado Ejarque, P.O. Box 366221, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-6221; Tel (787) 622-7000, Fax (787) 625-7001, Abogado de la Parte Demandante. 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, concediéndose el remedio solicitado sin más citarle(s) ni oírle(s). EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y con el Sello del Tribunal. DADA hoy 05 de octubre de 2023, en Carolina Puerto Rico.

LCDA. KANELLY ZAYAS ROBLES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. LILLIAM ORTIZ NIEVES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SAN JUAN SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN SALÓN DE SESIONES SALÓN 903 CIVIL DELKIS APOLINAR COLLADO M Demandante V. ROSALIZ SANCHEZ MALDONADO

Caso Núm.: SJ2022CV01518.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO Y OTROS. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. IVÁN O. MALAVÉ DE JESÚS IVANOCTAVIOMALAVE@GMAIL.

COM

A: ROSALIZ SANCHEZ MALDONADO.

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 03 de octubre 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 04 de octubre de 2023. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 04 de octubre de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. MILDRED J. FRANCO REVENTÓS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SAN JUAN SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN SALÓN DE SESIONES SALÓN 508 CIVIL BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

DEMANDANTE V. SUCESIÓN DE HÉCTOR JAIME SÁNCHEZ MEDINA Y OTROS

DEMANDADO(A)

CASO NÚM.: SJ2023CV05804.

SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA: PROPIEDAD RESIDENCIAL. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. JUAN C. FORTUÑO FAS JCFORTUNO@FORTUNO-LAW.COM

A: MIRILYS SÁNCHEZ ROSADO COMO HEREDERA CONOCIDA DE LA SUCESIÓN DE HÉCTOR JAIME SÁNCHEZ MEDINA; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE DICHA SUCESIÓN.

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 03 de octubre 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 03 de octubre de 2023. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 03 de octubre de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. MARTHA ALMODÓVAR CABRERA,

SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

MIRTA SILVIA RAMOS RAMOS

Parte Demandante Vs. VÍCTOR ARMANDO PERALES ACOSTA

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: SJ2023CV09376. Salón: 603. Sobre: LIQUIDACIÓN DE COMUNIDAD DE BIENES. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A : VÍCTOR ARMANDO PERALES ACOSTA. Por la presente se le notifica para que comparezca ante éste Honorable Tribunal, si creyere que le conviene, dentro de Treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación de éste EDICTO y exponer su posición a la solicitud de la parte demandante de liquidar la comunidad de bienes entre ella y la Sucn. Noris Rubén Perales González, de la cual Ud. es único heredero, y adquirir su participación en la comunidad de bienes por el precio de $26,284.91, aproximadamente. Aún quedan balas por incluir que pudieran modificar esta suma. Dentro de los DIEZ (10) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto se le enviará copia de la demanda y emplazamiento mediante correo certificado con acuse de recibo a su dirección conocida en 4069, Queen Anne Drive, Orlando Florida, EUA. 328393242. Este caso fue presentado a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC). Deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través de la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://www. poderjudicial.pr/index.php/tribunal-electronico/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar cualquier documento relacionado al caso en la secretaria del tribunal; con constancia de haber servido copia de la misma a la abogada de la parte demandante o a esta si hubiere comparecido por derecho propio. la abogada de la peticionaria es la Lcda. María Jiménez Vargas, dirección postal PC Box 10231, San Juan, P.R. 00922, Tels 787 781 3585 y 787 783 3784, licmariajimenez@yahoo. com. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy 06 de octubre de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SE-

CRETARIA REGIONAL. DIANA

C. PÉREZ SIERRA, SECRETARIA DE SERVICIOS A SALA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE AIBONITO SALA SUPERIOR DE COMERÍO SALÓN DE SESIONES SALÓN 001

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

DEMANDANTE V.

SUCESION DE LUIS

ANTONIO COLON

SANTIAGO COMPUESTA

POR: NORBERTO LUIS COLON GONZALEZ; LUIS ANTONIO COLON

GONZALEZ: LUIS

ENRIQUE COLON ORTIZ; AYDIL COLON ORTIZ Y OTROS

DEMANDADO(A)

CASO NÚM.:BQ2022CV00039.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO Y OTROS. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA

POR EDICTO.

JOSÉ A. LAMAS BURGOS

JLAMAS@LVPRLAW.COM

A: SUCESION DE LUIS

ANTONIO COLON

SANTIAGO, COMPUESTA

POR: NORBERTO LUIS

COLON GONZALEZ; LUIS ANTONIO COLON

GONZALEZ;LUIS

ENRIQUE COLON ORTIZ;

AYDIL COLON ORTIZ.

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 06 de octubre 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 06 de octubre de 2023. En Comerío, Puerto Rico, el 06 de octubre de 2023. ELIZABETH GONZÁLEZ RIVERA, SECRETARIA. CARMEN APONTE FLORES,

SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE CAROLINA - SUPERIOR BOSCO CREDIT X, LLC.

BY FRANKLIN CREDIT VS

GUARDIA MENDIZABAL, ARMANDO

CASO: FCD2015-1465. SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

ARMANDO GUARDIA MENDIZABAL, POR SI Y EN REPRESENTACION DE LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES QUE

COMPONE Y REYNA

PIMENTEL ROCHA.

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 27 de septiembre 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 02 de octubre de 2023. Lic. Asencio Guido, Frances L. frances.asencio@ gmlaw.com. En Carolina, Puerto Rico, el 02 de octubre de 2023. LCDA. KANELLY ZAYAS

ROBLES, SECRETARIA. DENISSE M. TORRES RUIZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

H. RIVERA POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFUCTUARIA; SUCESION VICENTE

RIVERA MELENDEZ

COMPUESTA POR

ELIZABETH RIVERA

HADDOCK T/C/C

ELIZABETH RIVERA

BLANCO, ERICK RIVERA

HADDOCK, IVONNE

RIVERA HADDOCK

T/C/C IVONNE RIVERA

ROMERO, SONIA RIVERA HADDOCK; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES Demandados

Civil Núm.: CG2022CV03638.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: LUISA HADDOCK

FIGUEROA T/C/C LUISA

H. RIVERA POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFUCTUARIA; SUCESION VICENTE

RIVERA MELENDEZ COMPUESTA POR

ELIZABETH RIVERA

HADDOCK T/C/C

ELIZABETH RIVERA

BLANCO, ERICK RIVERA

HADDOCK, IVONNE

RIVERA HADDOCK

T/C/C IVONNE RIVERA

ROMERO, SONIA RIVERA HADDOCK; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se les notifica la sentencia por edicto)

fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 29 de septiembre de 2023. En Caguas, Puerto Rico, 29 de septiembre de 2023. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA. JESSENIA PEDRAZA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE KEYLINK LLC

Parte Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE ELSA ZAMBRANA RODRÍGUEZ COMPUESTA POR FULANO Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: PO2023CV00594. Salón Núm.: (406). Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

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

A: SUCESIÓN DE ELSA ZAMBRANA RODRÍGUEZ COMPUESTA POR FULANO Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA: SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, O A SU ORDEN: Y AL PÚBLICO EN GENERAL:

DE, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Ponce, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $202,500.00. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 8 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO

TRIBUNAL

GENERAL DE JUSTICIA SALA

SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC

Demandante Vs. LUISA HADDOCK

FIGUEROA T/C/C LUISA

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 28 de septiembre 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

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 Ponce, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación:

URBANA: Solar número cinco del bloque “O” de la Urbanización Valle Alto, situada en el Barrio Cerrillo del término mu-

nicipal de Ponce, Puerto Rico, compuesto de trescientos diez y ocho metros con cincuenta centímetros cuadrados (318.50 mc), colindando por el NORTE, en veintidós metros, con el solar número O-6; por el SUR, en veinticinco metros, con el solar número O-4; por el ESTE, en trece metros cincuenta centímetros, con la Calle número uno; y por el OESTE, en dos metros con diez centímetros, tiene un arco de cuatro metros con nueve centímetros y arco de siete metros ochenta y dos centímetros, con la Calle número veintidós. Consta inscrita al folio 48 del tomo 1282 de Ponce Norte, finca número #36,133, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de Ponce. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: Urbanización Valle Alto, 2144 Calle Colina, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00730. Según figura en el Estudio de título, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada al siguiente Gravamen posterior a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: a. Hipoteca Revertida en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $202,500.00, vencedero el día 28 de abril de 2076, constituida mediante la escritura número 264, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 30 de junio de 2011, ante el notario Manuel Rivera Meléndez, e inscrita al folio 201 del tomo 2111 de Ponce Norte, finca número 36,133, inscripción 11ma. Se le notifica a los acreedores posteriores anteriormente identificados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Se informa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravamen posterior, una vez sea otorgada la escritura de venta judicial y obtenida la Orden y Mandamiento de cancelación de gravamen posterior. (Art. 51, Ley 210-2015). En relación a la finca a subastarse, se establece como tipo mínimo de licitación en la Primera Subasta la suma de $202,500.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca #263, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 30 de junio de 2011, ante el notario Manuel Rivera Meléndez, e inscrita al folio 201 del tomo 2111 de Ponce Norte, finca número 36,133, inscripción 10ma. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 1 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023 A LAS 1:45 DE LA TAR-

A LAS 1:45 DE LA TARDE, 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 $135,000.00. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 15 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023 A LAS 1:45 DE LA TARDE, 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 $101,250.00. 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 $97,198.60, con intereses a 5.06% anual, desde que dichas sumas fueron desembolsadas con el primer desembolso el 18 de julio de 2011, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, más una suma equivalente a $20,250.00, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipotecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables. Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte

(20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Si transcurren los referidos veinte

(20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior

procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Se informa que la propiedad objeto de ejecución se adquiere libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Expedido en Ponce, Puerto Rico, a 21 de septiembre de 2023. MIGUEL A. TORRES AYALA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA #560.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE HUMACAO SALA SUPERIOR DE HUMACAO SALÓN DE SESIONES SALÓN 102

VILLA FRANCA II

HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

Demandante V. JAVIER J. MUÑOZ

DELGADO Y OTROS

Demandado(s)

Caso Núm.: HU2023CV00791.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINEROREGLA 60. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

JOSÉ R. GONZÁLEZ RIVERA JRG@GONZALEZMORALES.COM

A: JAVIER J. MUÑOZ

DELGADO, ELAINE M. HERNÁNDEZ JIMÉNEZ, SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS A SU DIRECCION

POSTAL: 80 CALLE

VALTIERRA, HUMACAO, PR 00791 Y POR CONDUCTO DEL LCDO

JOSÉ R. GONZÁLEZ RIVERA.

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 02 de octubre 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 02 de octubre

de 2023. En Humacao, Puerto Rico, el 02 de octubre de 2023. IVELISSE C. FONSECA RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA. KARILIN MORALES FIGUEROA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

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. JACQUELINE SANTA RODRIGUEZ

Demandado Civil Núm.: BY2023CV02860. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: JACQUELINE SANTA RODRIGUEZ - PARC. VAN SCOY K-21 CALLE 13, BAYAMÓN, PR 00957. 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. Edwin Serrano cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-8518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección edwin.serrano@orf-law.com y a la dirección notificaciones@ orf-law.com. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy día 29 de agosto de 2023. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el 29 de agosto de 2023. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. NOELIA MATÍAS SALAS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

The Liberty are giving New Yorkers something to cheer for

By CLAIRE FAHY

Barclays Center was buzzing. A mix of die-hard New York Liberty fans and recent converts donned sea foam green shirts and jerseys, milling around the concourse with anxious excitement. The Liberty, a newly minted WNBA powerhouse, were about to face the Connecticut Sun in a mustwin playoff matchup.

The game, on Sept. 26, would be the last semifinal game they would play at home in New York, where the Liberty have what could be considered a secret weapon: their fans. Gabriella Lilienthal and Miller Hartsoe, both 30 and season ticket holders, were confident the Liberty would make a comeback.

“The energy is truly electric,” Lilienthal said. “I truly feel like they actually improve as the crowd gets more and more hyped.”

The crowd was certainly hyped as the Liberty beat Connecticut in Game 2 of a series they went on to win, 3-1. On Sunday, the Liberty made their first appearance in the finals since 2002, falling in Game 1 to the reigning champion, the Las Vegas Aces, 99-82.

Game 2 is Wednesday at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Paradise, Nevada (9 p.m. EST, ESPN).

Ticket sales for the finals have outpaced last year’s numbers by 30%, making it the bestselling finals series in league history, according to StubHub. Game 3, set to take place in Brooklyn, has outsold every WNBA game ever.

Win or lose, the Liberty have become the singular bright spot in the bleak landscape of New York City’s sports teams. Other than the New York City Football Club winning the Major League Soccer championship in 2021, the last time a New York team went to a championship was in 2011, when the Giants won the Super Bowl.

The Liberty’s success this year has attracted fans from all over the city. They have packed the stands at Barclays in the team’s signature sea foam green, borrowed from the Statue of Liberty herself. The team sold out 11 games this season on its way to a franchise-best 32-8 record.

“New York is so proud of them; it’s awesome,” Hartsoe said.

From the start of the season, the players made it clear that their objective was to win a championship, something the team had never done before. Fans responded to that challenge.

“It’s been amazing,” said Sabrina Ionescu, the team’s star point guard who was the No. 1 draft pick in 2020. “We haven’t been shy

about what our goals have been, and New York has showed up every single game and cheered us on and held us to that standard.”

The Liberty, whose starting lineup comprises some of the biggest names in the sport, used a series of blockbuster trades heading into this season to build what is considered one of the WNBA’s first “superteams.”

Breanna Stewart, a No. 1 pick who became the first Liberty player to be named MVP; Courtney Vandersloot, one of the best point guards in the league; and Jonquel Jones, an All-Star center, joined Ionescu and Betnijah Laney, who won the 2021 Most Improved Player Award, in Brooklyn.

That’s when August Chazen, 9, got hooked. He is a huge New York sports fan who is particularly into the New York Rangers. But when he heard that Breanna Stewart was coming to his hometown, he knew he had to start following the Liberty.

“They have a good team,” he said earnestly, bouncing with anticipation. “I hope they do well.”

The Liberty was one of the original franchises of the WNBA when the league was created in 1997 and played in Madison Square Garden to crowds of 15,000 fans, according to attendance-tracking website Across the Timeline.

“To this day, I see some people who were 5 or 6 years old when I was playing, and they’re still supporting,” said Teresa Weatherspoon, a member of that 1997 team and the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We always wanted to be a family-based atmosphere, and that’s what it’s like right now.”

The Liberty moved to Westchester, New York, in 2018, a season in which it won only seven games, but returned to the city in 2020. Now, the team shares a home with the Brooklyn Nets.

Weatherspoon referred to the New York Knicks, the team she shared an arena with, as the Liberty’s “brothers,” saying they showed up to games and helped drive interest in the team. She said the Nets have played the same role.

“That’s big, when you get the NBA side in, watching you play,” she said. “They recognize our gift.”

Tiara Alexander, 32, grew up in Manhattan and has been a Liberty fan since the team’s founding.

“I’ve got more faith in my Liberty than the Knicks,” Alexander said with a laugh.

Barclays is a different arena on Liberty game days than it is when the Nets are in town. There are free activities, such as a photo booths and a face-painting station, that set the tone early, getting fans ready for a raucous evening.

An additional draw is the comparatively lower price of Liberty tickets — the cheapest seat for the finals currently costs around $65, while the cheapest ticket to the Nets’ opening night matchup against the Cleveland Cava-

liers is currently $153.

The relative affordability has led to a broader following, according to Susan Cahn, a history professor at the University at Buffalo who is an expert in women’s sports history.

“It’s a more diverse fan base than a lot of professional sports,” she said. “More families, more different ages, more sexualities. It’s kids, and it’s old people.”

Attending a WNBA game is a chance for even casual fans to put their money where their mouth is, so to speak, and show up for women in the same ways they would show up for men, Cahn said.

“I think there’s a definite feminist following of the WNBA,” she said. “People feel good about supporting the league.”

Interest in the WNBA more broadly has been growing steadily over the last few years, riding a wave of increased attention paid to women’s sports.

New free-agency rules and new teams such as the Aces, which moved to Las Vegas in 2017, have made the WNBA more competitive and allowed for the emergence of the “superteam” era.

“Some of the sexism and bias around women’s sports is declining, though certainly not all of it,” Cahn said. “But I think there’s been some progress in terms of cultural, not just acceptance, but appreciation.”

But really, what it comes down to is simple: The games are fun.

Children and adults alike wave rally flags, smack thunder sticks together and dance along to pulsing music as the Liberty’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant, twerks and shimmies around the court.

Emcees boisterously demand that fans “get louder,” requests they are all too happy to oblige.

The W.N.B.A. finals began Sunday. Win or lose, the Liberty have become the rare success story in the bleak landscape of New York City’s sports teams.

Joe Christopher, an original Met who was amazin’ in ’64, dies at 88

By RICHARD SANDOMIR

Joe Christopher, an original New York Met who achieved an unusual feat of competence in that often-bumbling, lastplace franchise’s third season when he batted .300 in 1964, died Oct. 3 in Edgewood, Maryland. He was 88.

His daughter Kameahle confirmed the death, in an assisted-living facility, and said the cause was complications of a stroke.

Christopher, a stocky, 5-foot-10 outfielder, had been with the Pittsburgh Pirates for three seasons when he was part of the draft that stocked the rosters of two National League expansion teams, the Mets and the Houston Colt 45s (now the Astros), in late 1961. Christopher was the Mets’ fifth choice.

He was a part-time player in 1962 — the perfectly awful “Amazin’ Mets,” as their manager, Casey Stengel, called them, had a 40-120-1 record that season — when he got batting tips from a Mets coach, the renowned Rogers Hornsby, who hit over .400 three times in the 1920s.

“He was sitting in hotel lobbies,” Christopher recalled in an unpublished interview in 2010 with George Vecsey, a sports columnist for The New York Times. Christopher recalled Hornsby telling him that the secret of hitting was “Don’t let the pitcher jam home plate” and “It’s not about contact, it’s impact.”

If the advice sunk in with Christopher, it was not apparent in 1962, when his batting average was .244, or in 1963, when he hit .221, as a part-time player. But in 1964, when the Mets moved from the Polo Grounds in Manhattan to newly built Shea Stadium in Queens, Christopher, having become the Mets’ regular right fielder after an injury to George Altman, delivered his finest season.

In June, when he was hitting .307, he talked about getting a chance to play full time.

“I always knew I could hit, but nobody up here believed me,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I always hit well in the minors, but when I got to the majors, nobody had any confidence in me.” He added: “They just wouldn’t give me a chance to play regularly. There was always that worry that if I went 0 for 4, I’d be on the bench the next day.”

He finished the season at .300, 16th best in the National League and only the third time a Met had reached that level. (The Mets’ Ron Hunt hit .303 that season.)

He also led the Mets with 76 runs batted in and was second in home runs with 16.

The hit that guaranteed that he would finish at .300 was a bunt that he laid down in front of the St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Ken Boyer during the final game of the season.

The Cardinals clinched the National League pennant with the victory and went on to win the World Series against the New York Yankees. The Mets’ loss was their 109th, good enough for last place for the third consecutive season.

Christopher had a less successful 1965 season: His batting average dipped to .249, he hit only five home runs and he drove in 40 runs.

Joseph O’Neal Christopher was born Feb. 2, 1935, in Frederiksted, St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. His father, Patrick, was a sharecropper. His mother, Sarah (Richards) Christopher, was a homemaker. Joe played baseball in high school and was signed as a shortstop by the Pirates in 1954 after a scout saw him play in a tournament in Wichita, Kansas.

He hit well in the minor leagues and joined the Pirates in 1959 but played sparingly for three seasons until he was placed in the expansion draft and chosen by the Mets.

After the 1965 season, the Mets traded Christopher to the Boston Red Sox; the Red

Sox sent him to the Detroit Tigers in mid1966. He barely played for Boston and not at all for Detroit; in 1967 and ’68, he played for minor league teams in the Pirates, Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies systems.

He had a career batting average of .260, with 29 home runs and 173 RBI.

After retiring, Christopher worked in insurance, health care and advertising.

In addition to Kameahle Christopher, he is survived by four other daughters, Cheryl, Michelle, Jo Anne and Arinna; three sons, Joseph Jr., Rael Jones and Ryan ChristopherBear; and 14 grandchildren. His marriages to Ana Solares and Karen Matthews ended in divorce.

One of the enduring tales from the 1962 season was about the language help that Christopher provided to two of his teammates. Richie Ashburn, a center fielder, and Elio Chacón, a shortstop from Venezuela, were not communicating well on fly balls hit between them. Ashburn asked Christopher, who spoke Spanish, how to say, “I got it.”

Christopher told him to shout “Yo la tengo!” to alert Chacón that Ashburn would take control of a fly ball. During the next game, Ashburn rushed out for a fly, shouting, “Yo la tengo! Yo la tengo!” Chacón backed off. But as Ashburn prepared to catch the ball, left fielder Frank Thomas, who spoke no Spanish, rushed in and flat-

tened Ashburn.

In the early 1980s, a Mets fan, Ira Kaplan, who had read about the incident, formed a rock band with his wife, Georgia Hubley. He called it Yo La Tengo.

MLB PLAYOFFS Division Series

(Best-of-5)

Saturday’s Results

American League Rangers 3, Orioles 2 (Texas leads series 1-0)

Astros 6, Twins 4 (Houston leads series 1-0)

National League Diamondbacks 11, Dodgers 2 (Arizona leads series 1-0) Phillies 3, Braves 0 (Philadelphia leads series 1-0)

Sunday’s Results

American League Rangers 11, Orioles 8 (Texas leads series 2-0) Twins 6, Astros 2 (Series tied 1-1)

Monday’s Games (all times EST)

National League

Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves (6:07 p.m.)

Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers (9:07 p.m.)

Today’s Games

American League

Houston Astros at Minnesota Twins (4:07 p.m., FOX)

Baltimore Orioles at Texas Rangers (8:03 p.m., FOX)

Wednesday’s Games

American League

Houston Astros at Minnesota Twins (2:07 p.m., FS1)

Baltimore Orioles at Texas Rangers (7:07 p.m., FS1

National League

Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies (5:07 p.m., TBS)

Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks (9:07 p.m., TBS)

Joe Christopher in 1964 or ’65. “I always knew I could hit, but nobody up here believed me,” he said after arriving in New York.

Sudoku

How to Play:

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

Sudoku Rules:

Every row must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Every column must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

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

Crossword

Answers on page 30

Wordsearch

Aries (Mar 21-April 20)

Today you might decide to do some intense research regarding economics, stocks, or land investments and see how it applies to your current financial situation. You’ve been doing well and should continue doing so. You’ll want to find ways to make your money grow. Books, magazines, and newspapers can help your quest, as can consultations with professionals.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

A social event involving business associates and friends could bring fresh ideas your way, pointing you in a new direction. Your material and spiritual goals might come under discussion and open your eyes to previously unnoticed opportunities. Communication is clearer than usual. This may prove beneficial. Increased understanding brings you closer to others.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

A social event involving business associates and friends could bring fresh ideas your way, pointing you in a new direction. Your material and spiritual goals might come under discussion and open your eyes to previously unnoticed opportunities. Communication is clearer than usual. This may prove beneficial. Increased understanding brings you closer to others.

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

A social event involving business associates and friends could bring fresh ideas your way, pointing you in a new direction. Your material and spiritual goals might come under discussion and open your eyes to previously unnoticed opportunities. Communication is clearer than usual. This may prove beneficial. Increased understanding brings you closer to others.

Leo (July 24-Aug 23)

Happiness reigns in the home as your household continues to experience success. Someone new may come to visit. Expect a lot of comings and goings, plus an impromptu party or two. Meditation and contemplation could provide inspiration for new projects, and you might spend some time writing down ideas and brainstorming ways to approach them.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)

A lot of interesting letters and calls could come your way today. Or you might have business to transact, perhaps involving paperwork, and spend a lot of time out in the community running errands. Group activities could also take place in your neighborhood, bringing you and your friends closer together. The only caution is that you shouldn’t try to do too much.

Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

Today you might decide to do some intense research regarding economics, stocks, or land investments and see how it applies to your current financial situation. You’ve been doing well and should continue doing so. You’ll want to find ways to make your money grow. Books, magazines, and newspapers can help your quest, as can consultations with professionals.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

Today you might decide to do some intense research regarding economics, stocks, or land investments and see how it applies to your current financial situation. You’ve been doing well and should continue doing so. You’ll want to find ways to make your money grow. Books, magazines, and newspapers can help your quest, as can consultations with professionals.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Today you might experience a bit of restlessness, perhaps because you feel there’s something you ought to be doing but you aren’t sure what. Your mind is sharp, intuitive, and logical, but too many options could be on the horizon. You might find it difficult to choose among them. Once you decide, you’ll charge ahead and make a success of whatever you try.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)

You might consider entering a business partnership of some kind with friends. This is a good time because your communication is especially good. Details of each person’s role can be worked out clearly. Though it’s admittedly going to take some effort, success is indicated for just about any goal.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)

Have you been working toward public acknowledgement of some sort? If so, you may receive it today. You’ve been working hard and produced results that aren’t likely to go unnoticed. Expect some compliments, a lot of praise, and maybe even a moment of fame. Needless to say, this is going to give your self-confidence a boost.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

All should be going well for you - love, money, and career. Still, you seek other goals, and today you might be thinking of educational, intellectual, and spiritual matters that you’ve always wanted to pursue. Don’t be surprised if you’re preoccupied with trying to sort it all out. And don’t feel you have to rush to make a decision. Give it some time.

Speed Bump