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Ports chief: Withdrawal of Mardi Gras cruise is cost-saver for Carnival

By THE STAR STAFF

Authority Director Joel Pizá Batiz said this week that Carnival Cruise Line’s decision to change the itineraries for its cruise ship Mardi Gras is a cost-saving initiative and not caused by the privatization of the San Juan port or any other reason. Since the cruise ship company said Mardi Gras will not make stops in Puerto Rico but instead will go to the Bahamas, there has been much speculation as to why the change.

Ports

Pizá Batiz said the changes have been made as a cost-saving exercise. Instead of sailing to San Juan, Carnival has opted for ports nearer to the cruise ship’s homeport, Port Canaveral, such as Nassau in the Bahamas, he said.

Guests that had booked a cruise onboard Mardi Gras between the end of this December and April 2024 received a letter stating that Carnival Cruise Line had removed San Juan from the Mardi Gras cruise ship itinerary.

Itinerary changes are not uncommon, but remov ing one port for as many as 21 cruises is unusual. The cruise line did not give any reason for the changes, saying only that: “As we continue to refine our op erational plans for your cruise, we have replaced our

call to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a visit to Nassau, The Bahamas. Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a FUN and memorable cruise.”

Pizá Batiz said Wednesday that the Mardi Gras cruise ship itinerary changes from the Port of San Juan are not due to the recent formalization of a public-private partnership to operate the ports.

The government recently signed a contract with Global Ports Holding to operate some of the piers in Old San Juan. The company will be the port’s exclu sive service provider and will also build a new dock.

“In essence, the reason expressed by Carnival is of a financial nature, related to the cost of fuel, and others that they have been explaining to their shareholders, clients, and suppliers,” Pizá Batiz said.

The Ports chief said Carnival had made their plans clear a few days earlier during the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association annual convention. Carnival’s management stated that saving fuel and preserving their profit margins are the main reasoning behind the move, he said.

Pizá Batiz also stated that Carnival manage ment had told him Mardi Gras would stop sailing seven-day itineraries and replace them with shorter three-to-four-day voyages nearer to Port Canaveral.

PDP group opens campaign against proposed rule changes

By THE STAR STAFF

Popular Democratic Party (PDP) leaders Carmen Maldonado González, Jesús Manuel Ortiz, Héctor Ferrer Santiago, Gerardo A. “Toñito” Cruz, Charlie Delgado Altieri and Pablo José Hernán dez Rivera began their campaign on Thursday against the proposed amendments to the party’s regulations. The amendments cancel the election of the party president that had been scheduled for Feb. 26, create an executive committee and extend the term of the current PDP president, as president of the executive committee, until Dec. 31, 2023.

In a 40-second video, the PDP leaders urge voting against the amendments in the regulations assembly slated for Nov. 13.

In the video, the leaders charge that the amend

ments take away the vote of thousands of PDP sup porters, and insist that the party must be rescued and returned to its people.

The group concludes by encouraging PDP mem bers to: “Say no to amendments.”

Morovis Mayor Carmen Maldonado González

San Juan to hold city job fair on Monday

By THE STAR STAFF

Afterannouncing that he would raise the base salary of municipal employees to $10 per hour, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo said Thursday that the city council will be holding the recruitment event “Work in San Juan!”

The initiative will take place on Monday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second floor of Roberto Clemente Coliseum. Qualifying participants will be hired instantly and begin their work on Tuesday, Nov 1.

“Human resources aimed at meeting the needs of citizens are essential to provide a quality service to our people,” Romero Lugo said. “We have identified key positions from cleaning and beautification workers to plumbers and electricians’ assistants that we need to recruit immediately.”

The mayor added that “I call on all people who want to be part of the San Juan workforce to come together at this recruitment event to be part of the extraordinary group that is making San Juan shine again like never before.”

Those interested must bring a copy of their social security card and photo identification. The mayor also announced that the documents and government certifications required for recruitment such as those from ASUME and the Treasury Department, and criminal records, among others, may be obtained at the computer terminals enabled for that use on site in the coliseum.

Available jobs and requirements are:

Apprentice Electrician: Possess an apprentice license as an expert electrician issued by the Puerto Rico Board of Examiners of Electrical Experts.

Home Assistant: Know how to read, write and prepare food.

Electrician’s Assistant: Have an electrician’s assistant license issued by the Puerto Rico Board of Examiners of Electrical Experts.

Courier driver: Know how to read and write; possess a driver’s license issued by the Department of Transportation and Public Works of Puerto Rico (DTOP by its Spanish acronym).

Heavy Vehicle Driver: Know how to read and write; have a license to drive heavy motor vehicles issued by DTOP; valid operator license that applies, issued by the Bureau of Transportation and Other Public Services.

Concierge: Know how to read and write.

Electrician: Possess a valid expert electrician license issued by the Board of Examiners of Electrical Experts, Ap prentices and Assistants of Electrical Experts of Puerto Rico; be an active member of the Electrical Experts Association of Puerto Rico.

Courier: Ninth grade accredited middle school; six months of experience in courier-related jobs. OR INSTEAD fourth year of accredited high school.

Heavy Equipment Operator: Know how to read and write; possess a license to drive heavy motor vehicles issued by DTOP.

Plumber: Hold an official plumber’s license issued by the Puerto Rico Teachers and Plumber Officers Examination Board; be an active member of the Plumber Teachers and Officers Association of Puerto Rico.

Construction and Maintenance Worker: Literacy; six months of general construction or maintenance work experi ence; alternate requirement: one year of general construction and maintenance work experience. OR INSTEAD accredited

middle school degree.

General Worker: Literate; six months of general work ex perience. OR INSTEAD accredited middle school graduation.

Cleaning and Beautification Worker: Know how to read and write. OR INSTEAD six months of experience in cleaning and beautification work.

Cook: Accredited elementary school graduation; one year of experience in food preparation and services; Health Certificate OR INSTEAD possess an academic certificate from an accredited institution in Local and International Cuisine, Culinary Arts or Gastronomy. Health Certificate.

payment processes proposed in Senate

By THE STAR STAFF

Sen. Carmelo Ríos Santiago announced Thursday the filing of a resolution to investigate the amount of inactive money in the bank accounts of the Admin

istration for the Support of Minors (ASUME by its Spanish acronym) related to unclaimed or unpaid child support payments for the past 10 years.

The New Progressive Party senator’s statements came after ASUME reported that of the 174,761 active child support cases, some 114,940 are behind in payment, according to the agency’s systems.

The Bayamón District senator also said that creating a single system for support payment to minors using ASUME as a center is also being considered, because there are cases in which noncustodial parents obtain payments through the court system.

Another piece of legislation to be introduced would mandate ASUME to develop and implement an orienta tion campaign to the public on the importance of paying child support and the rights of minors to receive those payments after the age of 18, among others.

“One of the major problems with the child support payment mechanism is that there are funds associated with the payment that, for some reason, whether due to a change in bank information or migration to the

States, have not been disbursed or claimed for years,” Ríos said in a written statement. “To this end, we will be filing a resolution of investigation aimed at verifying this information and quantifying how much money we are talking about. Meanwhile, the resolution will also study mechanisms to address the problem and how and to whom to make the disbursements.”

The senator said it is important to determine the processes used to disburse the money deposited when the custodial parent changes bank accounts without notifying the payor, or when the custodial parent does not withdraw the funds for an extended period over a year.

“Another problem that exists is the duplication of actions,” Ríos said. “For example, payment agreements are reached in the courts, and the process of notifying ASUME sometimes becomes bureaucratic. The same thing happens the other way around. Another area that needs to be addressed is the appropriations made in the courts and how and when ASUME credits these payments to the accounts. We want to evaluate all of that.”

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo

Rains cause bridge collapse in Yabucoa

By ALEJANDRA M. JOVER TOVAR Special to The STAR alejandra.jover@gmail.com

Thecombination of two troughs and the heavy rains they have unleashed on Puerto Rico caused the collapse of the bridge that connects the Jácana community with the Limones neighborhood of Yabucoa on Highway 920.

Miguel Ángel Flores Figueroa, director of Yabucoa’s Municipal Office for Emergency Management, said “that bridge has never had any problems.”

“It is quite old, more than 50 years old, and with Hurricane Maria and Fiona, it was always digging a little underneath in addition to these rains,” he said. “It has three beams, but this time one fell and collapsed the base. It took us by surprise.”

About 300 families were affected by the bridge’s collapse,

but they were not cut off.

“There are alternate routes, and drivers would have to go up to the countryside to go down through other sectors,” Flores Figueroa said. “It complicates the day-to-day logistics, but it does not interrupt.”

For now, the municipality is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the island Department of Transportation and Public Works to prioritize the area’s reconstruction.

“The processes are slow and take years to be funded,” the official said. “That is why we are trying to get them, or the central government, to speed up the construction of the bridge since it is one of the main roads in town. It keeps raining, and the country roads continue to deteriorate. If other roads are affected, the repair cost will be higher, and it will not be so easy.”

Fun activities planned for children of Utuado

By THE STAR STAFF

TheParque Ramón Cabaña parking lot in Utuado will be the scene of fun and education for all children who come to Friday’s “Our Children First” event, which will be held by the Administration for the Integral Care and Development of Children (ACUDEN by its Span ish acronym), which is committed to providing families in Puerto Rico with tools for their integral development with a high educational value.

The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature some of the characters of the musical group Atención Atención.

The initiative, which will be extended to 12 munici palities of the island, seeks to promote learning through traditional games by putting into practice skills, including social skills, discipline, values, and behavior modification. It should be noted that the project encourages “La Hora de Juego” (Playtime) with strategies designed by the Atención Atención Foundation.

The project of the Family Department through ACUDEN also has the collaboration of the Mental Health and AntiAddiction Services Administration (ASSMCA).

“We seek to keep traditional games alive, those that accompany us for years, generation after generation. Those are very important tools for our children’s healthy growth and for managing their emotions in their formative stages,” Family Secretary Carmen Ana González Magaz said. “The objective of the activity is to bring entertainment to the population. At the same time, we make the most of the learning options that these games offer us to establish conviviality between families and the community.”

ACUDEN Administrator Roberto Carlos Pagán said “we are balancing the scales so that our children not only focus on the games offered by new technologies, but also enjoy activities that allow them to discover values such as teamwork, cooperation, participation, making friends in the community, strengthening bonds of friendship, challenges, and enjoying family time in open spaces.”

Pagán added that ACUDEN has held more than a dozen

Recent heavy rains, on top of flooding from Hurricane Fiona last month and Hurricane Maria five years ago, took their toll on the 50-year-old bridge.

activities focused on games for various municipalities around the island, including a comprehensive program of workshops, orientations, and services for the whole family.

Ceiba, Ciales, Corozal, Guayanilla, Juana Díaz, Las Marías, Naranjito, Sabana Grande, Vieques, and Villalba are some of the municipalities where the event will take place during the coming months.

Vieques mayor: No plans to develop marina in residential area

By THE STAR STAFF

Mayor José “Junito” Corcino Acevedo de nied Thursday that the municipal administration has plans to develop a marina and a boardwalk in a residential area of the Martinó sector.

Vieques

Likewise, the mayor clarified that Edwin Velázquez and Ernesto Rodríguez, residents of that sector, have ig nored the requests of the Puerto Rico Land Administration to complete the procedures to remain in their residences.

“I want to make this clear: the municipal administra tion of Vieques has no plan to expropriate the residences of Mr. Velázquez and Mr. Rodríguez to build a marina, a boardwalk or any other structure,” Corcino said. “That is not correct. When I held a meeting with one of these citizens I was clear on that, even, to illustrate our com mitment to have their homes and the corresponding documentation up to date, I showed them a concept of a project that had been [proposed] for development in that area 20 years ago and I told them that I did not agree

before and not now. Those are the facts.”

“The reality is that the Land Administration has made countless efforts so that these people bring their properties up to date. Even more, the municipality provided them with the resources to support their efforts, including the advice of one of our lawyers,” the mayor said. “They were guided in all aspects and we placed ourselves at their disposal to continue assisting in their efforts. We have always wanted to help them and we will continue to do so.”

Family Secretary Carmen Ana González Magaz

Alterna Communications to promote environmental impact projects

By THE STAR STAFF

Communications announced the opening of the call for nonprofit organizations to submit, before Monday, Oct. 31, their projects as part of the Alterna Social Initiative, whose objective is to highlight an environ mental impact project to boost its public visibility.

Alterna

Since 2018, through Alterna Social Initiative, the strate gic communications and digital marketing agency founded in Puerto Rico has collaborated with nonprofit entities to highlight social impact initiatives.

“We want to use our voice to drive change in com munities and the planet, which is why we created Alterna Social, an initiative that supports nonprofit organizations that positively impact society,” said Ángel Hoyos, CEO of Alterna Communications.

The projects’ efforts must be directed to issues related

to the protection and preservation of the environment or natural resources; environmental sustainability, sustainable development; and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

To participate in the Alterna Social project, the applicant organization must meet the following criteria:

* It must not have a budget for advertising campaigns during 2022.

* It must be a nonprofit or educational organization or entity.

* The project must or will impact a minimum of 500 people.

* At the same time, the applicant organization must have fiscal and legal domicile in Puerto Rico; have the financial capacity to ensure the feasibility of implementing the project presented (as required by the project).

Organizations wishing to submit their proposal should access www.alternacommunications.com.

Proposed projects’ efforts must be directed to issues related to the protection and preservation of the environment or natural resources; environmental sustain ability, sustainable development; and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Two ex-heads of public works sentenced to jail on federal bribery charges

By THE STAR STAFF

Theformer director of public works for the Municipality of Guayama, Ramón Condé Meléndez, and the former director of public works in Cataño, Pedro Marrero Miranda, were sentenced to two years and two years and six months in prison, respectively, for their participation in a bribery scheme in which they received cash payments in exchange for approving bill payments for an asphalt and paving company, federal authorities said Thursday.

According to court documents, Condé Meléndez, 56, was director of public works in Guayama from 2013 to 2022.

In 2019 and 2021, he agreed to receive and did re ceive cash payments from an individual (Individual A) in

exchange for certifying that the asphalt and paving company (Company A) carried out asphalt works in the municipality.

The certification was required for the approval of payment invoices from the Municipality of Guayama to Company A. In 2019 and 2021, Condé Meléndez received bribe payments equivalent to $1 for each square meter of asphalt removed by Company A, totaling more than $15,000.

In addition to the prison sentence, he was sentenced to two years of supervised release.

In May of this year, Condé Meléndez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in federal programs.

Meanwhile, also according to court documents, Mar rero Miranda, 54, was director of public works in Cataño

from 2017 to 2021. In 2019, 2020 and 2021, he agreed to receive and did receive cash payments from Individual A and another individual (Individual B) in exchange for the awarding of asphalt removal projects by the Municipality of Cataño to Company A, and the certification of invoices for payments from the municipality to Company A.

Specifically, Marrero Miranda received multiple bribe payments equivalent to about $1 for every square meter of asphalt removed by Company A in the Municipality of Cataño, totaling more than $40,000.

In addition to the prison sentence, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release. In June of this year, Marrero Miranda pleaded guilty to committing bribery in federal programs.

Woman gets probation, fined for offering illegal buttock injections

By THE STAR STAFF

woman, 55, was sentenced Thursday to one year of probation, a $10,000 fine, and $1,393.75 in restitu tion for offering illegal buttock injections to prospective clients at Belleza Vital Spa Inc., which was doing business as Belleza Vital Estetic (BVE), a business she operated in Caguas. The information was provided by federal officials. According to court documents, Debra Esteves-Meléndez, who was not a licensed physician or other medical practitio ner, offered buttock injections to prospective clients at BVE and made false statements to her clients as to the safety of the material that she was injecting with the intent to defraud and mislead. The products the defendant injected into her clients were purchased and shipped from Colombia to Puerto Rico. In or about September 2021, Esteves-Meléndez possessed

ACaguas

material at BVE which was tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and determined to contain polydimeth ylsiloxane, or silicone oil, a medical device that is regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

“Injecting illegal material such as liquid silicone without the involvement of a medical professional endangers consumers and violates the law,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with the FDA to investigate and prosecute the illegal dispensing of misbranded material and unauthorized drugs.”

“Liquid silicone injected into individuals’ bodies can cause serious harm and even death, and FDA has not approved any such product for body contouring,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “We will continue to aggressively pursue

and bring to justice those who endanger consumers by offer ing this hazardous procedure in order to enrich themselves.”

The FDA investigated the case.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico W. Stephen Muldrow

Garland formally bars Justice Dept. from seizing reporters’ records

By CHARLIE SAVAGE

TheJustice Department earlier this week formally ban

ned the use of subpoenas, warrants or court orders to seize reporters’ communications records or demand their notes or testimony in an effort to uncover confidential sources in leak investigations, in what amounts to a major policy shift.

The rules institutionalize — and in places expand — a temporary policy that Attorney General Merrick Garland put in place in July 2021, after the revelation that the Justice Department, under Attorney General William Barr, had secretly pursued email records of reporters at The New York Times, The Washington Post and CNN.

ese regulations recognize the crucial role that a free and independent press plays in our democracy,” Garland said in a statement. “Because freedom of the press requi res that members of the news media have the freedom to investigate and report the news, the new regulations are intended to provide enhanced protection to members of the news media from certain law enforcement tools and actions that might unreasonably impair news gathering.”

The broad prohibitions are a major change in how the Justice Department has come to approach leak investiga tions in the 21st century, when it began a crackdown that spans administrations of both parties and has put pressure on reporting on matters of national security.

The publisher of the Times, A.G. Sulzberger, who was put under a gag order in 2021 that shielded from his own newsroom’s view a legal fight over the email logs of Times journalists, praised the new policy while calling on Con

gress to pass a law further strengthening such protections.

“We applaud the Justice Department for taking this important step, which will allow journalists to perform the crucial work of informing the public without fear of legal consequences,” Sulzberger said. “We encourage Congress to enact a federal shield law to help ensure that these re forms are lasting.”

Exceptions to the policy are narrow. Among others, it does not apply to situations in which a reporter is under investigation for something unconnected to news gathering, situations in which a member of the news media is deemed an agent of a foreign power or a member of a foreign te rrorist group, or “when necessary to prevent an imminent or concrete risk of death or serious bodily harm.”

The Justice Department developed the regulation in consultation with press freedom advocates like Bruce D. Brown, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Garland also met with representatives from the Times, the Post, The Associated Press, CBS, CNN, Dow Jones, NBC and The New Yorker.

Those conversations led to several adjustments about potentially critical issues, like how “news gathering” is defined. According to participants, the Justice Department originally intended to define it in a way that was limited to the passive receipt of government secrets. But the final version now covers the act of pursuing information.

The regulation defines “news gathering” as “the process by which a member of the news media collects, pursues, or obtains information or records for purposes of producing content intended for public dissemination,” in cluding “classified information” from confidential sources.

The Justice Department is also said to have removed espionage from a list of criminal activities that are excluded from protected news gathering.

The final regulation does not cover criminal acts “committed in the course of obtaining information or using information.” Those include breaking and entering; theft; unlawfully gaining access to a computer or computer system; unlawful surveillance or wiretapping; bribery; or aiding or abetting or conspiring to engage in such criminal activities.

While the regulation is limited to members of the news media, the department did not define that term — a notoriously murky task in the internet era, when anyone can disseminate information.

The regulation instead says that when that person’s status is in question, the head of the department’s criminal division will decide. It also says if that official finds “genui ne uncertainty” on whether an act falls within the scope of news gathering, the attorney general then intervenes.

Two investigations that span the Trump and Biden eras have raised questions about how the department defines members of the news media engaged in news gathering.

In 2019, the department charged WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with crimes that include violating the Es pionage Act by soliciting and publishing classified infor mation — just as traditional reporters do when gathering news about national security matters. The indictment was brought in connection with archives of military and diplo matic documents leaked by Chelsea Manning. Assange is fighting extradition from Britain.

The department also obtained search warrants for emails in 2020 and locations in 2021 associated with the conservative group Project Veritas in connection with an investigation related to its $40,000 payment for a diary that had been stolen from Ashley Biden, President Joe Biden’s daughter, during the closing weeks of the 2020 campaign.

The group has pointed to First Amendment protec tions for journalism to justify its actions. It remains unclear whether or how the Justice Department interpreted its news media rules as applying to search warrants and data seizures aimed at Project Veritas over the matter.

It used to be extraordinarily rare for the Justice Department to charge people with a crime for providing information to reporters without authorization — or to seize reporters’ records in an effort to identify their sources.

But during the second term of the Bush administration, the department began more aggressively trying to investigate and prosecute leaks of national security secrets.

Because the electronic trail left by modern communi cations makes it easier to identify potential suspects, such cases became far more routine, continuing through the Obama and Trump administrations.

After the scope of the Trump-era tactics against major news outlets came to light, Biden vowed to ban the practice. In apparent off-the-cuff remarks, he described it as “simply, simply wrong,” leading to Garland’s memo in July 2021. The codification of the changes will make it harder for a future administration to roll it back.

“This is a watershed moment,” Brown said in a state ment. “The new policy marks a historic shift in protecting the rights of news organizations reporting on stories of critical public importance.”

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks during a naturalization ceremony at Ellis Island in New York, Sept. 17, 2022.

Sen. Robert Menéndez faces a new federal investigation

By TRACEY TULLY, BENJAMIN WEISER and WILLIAM K. RASH BAUM

Fiveyears after standing trial on corruption charges, Sen. Rob ert Menendez, D-N.J., is again being scrutinized by federal authorities, an adviser said earlier this week.

“Sen. Menendez is aware of an investigation,” said Michael Soliman, a New Jersey political consultant who managed two of Menendez’s Senate campaigns. “However, he does not know the scope of the investigation.”

Soliman said Menendez, the Democratic chair of the Sen ate Foreign Relations Committee, would cooperate “should any official inquiries be made.”

“The senator is available to provide any assistance that is requested of him or his office,” Soliman said in an email.

The new investigation, by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, is centered around one of Congress’ most powerful members and a fixture in the civic life in New Jersey who rose from the tough political world of Union City.

But the nature and extent of the investigation, which was

Aslanian Jr., a lawyer based in Fort Lee, New Jersey, said in an interview Wednesday evening that he and his own lawyer met with three prosecutors from the Southern District about 2 1/2 months ago.

Based on the questions he was asked, Aslanian, 83, said he concluded that the investigators were interested in the senator’s interactions with people that he also knew. The investigators also asked about a company authorized to certify halal meat for export, which Aslanian had helped a friend incorporate.

Aslanian, who said he had known Menendez casually for years, said he was aware of at least two other people who were also subpoenaed. He said he had not heard from prosecutors since the meeting.

“Not a peep,” he said.

The new investigation comes seven years after Menendez’s political dealings first faced law enforcement scrutiny.

In 2015, Menendez, then in his second term as senator, was indicted on bribery charges in what prosecutors said was a scheme to trade political favors for luxury vacations, golf outings, campaign donations and expensive flights. Two years later, after nine weeks of testimony, a federal jury was unable to reach a

Melgen, a prominent Florida ophthalmologist and close friend of Menendez, had already been convicted of running a scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $90 million; former President Donald Trump commuted Melgen’s sentence in his final days in the White House.

Menendez had risen from the fractious world of local poli tics in Union City into state government, was elected to the U.S. House in 1992 and was appointed to the Senate in 2006 after Jon Corzine resigned to become governor. His seat had seemed secure until he faced corruption charges. Three years later, he faced an unexpectedly competitive race for reelection.

Even after an admonishment from a Senate panel for ac cepting gifts from Melgen, Menendez emerged as one of the most powerful Democratic members of Congress.

Last year, when Rep. Albio Sires indicated that he would not run for reelection in Menendez’s former House district, the senator’s son, who has never held elected office, was immediately put forth as a replacement. Rob Menendez Jr., 37, was endorsed by a cascade of powerful New Jersey Democrats even before he announced his candidacy.

Prosecutors seek testimony on Trump’s claims to have declassified documents

By ADAM GOLDMAN, CHARLIE SAVAGE and MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT

Federalprosecutors investigating former Pre sident Donald Trump’s handling of national security documents want to question one of his confidants about a claim that Trump had declassified national security documents he took when he left the White House.

That claim has hovered over the investiga tion since the confidant, Kash Patel; Trump him self; and other allies said publicly that Trump had declassified the documents while still president.

No evidence has emerged that Trump did so, and Trump’s lawyers have not repeated the claim in an ongoing court dispute with prose cutors over materials seized by the FBI during a search of Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, in August.

But the Justice Department’s interest in questioning Patel about the claim shows that prosecutors see it as potentially relevant to their investigation into the handling of the documents and whether Trump or his aides obstructed the government’s efforts to reclaim them.

The push for the testimony has also created friction between the Justice Department and Patel’s lawyers, who have argued that the de partment could use his statements against him if they build out a larger obstruction investigation.

The Justice Department has publicly ack nowledged that obstruction is among the crimes it is investigating.

It is not clear whether prosecutors believe that misleading or false public statements by themselves could amount to obstruction. During the obstruction investigation into Trump by the special counsel, Robert Mueller, prosecutors examined misleading public statements made or directed by Trump about his campaign’s ties to Russia but concluded that they could only be considered the basis for criminal charges if they had been directed at misleading prosecutors or Congress.

In the case of the documents, the desire of prosecutors to question Patel about his declassi fication claim comes as they have ratcheted up their pressure in recent weeks on key witnesses.

Earlier this month, the prosecutors sum moned Patel to testify before a grand jury in Washington hearing evidence about whether Trump had mishandled classified documents and obstructed justice when he refused to return the records to the government.

Patel repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amend ment right against self-incrimination. In response, prosecutors asked a top federal judge in Wash ington to compel Patel to answer questions — a move Patel’s lawyers have strenuously opposed.

Oct. 9, 2022.

The question now is whether the Justice De partment will grant him immunity in order to secure his testimony.

Trump first learned that Patel had invoked the Fifth Amendment when The New York Times reported it Monday, according to a person briefed on the matter. Patel, who served as a top aide in the Pentagon at the end of Trump’s term, has publicly amplified misleading narratives about previous Justice Department investigations into the former president and has become an increa singly influential adviser to him since he left office.

Even if Trump had declassified the docu ments at issue, it would not change his exposure to two of the crimes the Justice Department is investigating, including obstruction of justice. Before the FBI search of his residence found 103 documents marked as classified, Trump had received a subpoena for documents with classification markings. He appears to have defied that subpoena regardless of whether he declassified the files, since they still bore classi fication markings.

Still, if Trump could show that he declassi fied the documents it would make a prosecution less appealing to senior Justice Department officials, who want as strong and clear a case as possible if they take the extraordinary move of charging a former president. Prosecutors would have to make a more complicated and legalistic case that he had flouted secrecy laws.

As a centerpiece of his defense in the court of public opinion, Trump has suggested that he declassified all the material he had in his possession. Asked by Fox News host Sean Hannity about what procedures he supposedly

had used, Trump replied that presidents do not need to follow ordinary procedures and could even declassify materials with their minds.

Trump’s office also claimed in a statement to a pro-Trump writer that he had issued a standing order under which anything he took out of the Oval Office and up to the White House residence — from which boxes later went to Mar-a-Lago — automatically became declassified.

But former Trump national security offi cials say they never heard of any such order and deemed the concept of declassifying documents without anyone tracking them incoherent.

In any case, Trump’s lawyers have not re peated such claims in court, where there are legal consequences for lying. Instead, they have merely insinuated that he might have done so by stressing that presidents have broad power to declassify

things in the abstract — but without making any affirmative claim that he actually did so.

In a lawsuit brought by Trump that resulted in the appointment of a special master, Judge Raymond J. Dearie, to oversee the vetting of the documents for any that are potentially privileged, Dearie pressed the Trump team to provide any evidence of declassification, but they resisted doing so. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, in an opinion from that same case, noted that there is “no evidence that any of these records were declassified.”

At this stage, however, the appeals court also called the question of declassification a “red herring” because it is irrelevant to the question of whether particular pages can be withheld from investigators under attorney-client or executive privilege.

In the Russia investigation while Trump was in office, Mueller examined whether Trump had committed obstruction of justice over a range of incidents, which Mueller’s final report described and analyzed. They included Trump’s involve ment in drafting a public statement in June 2017 about a June 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Russians and senior Trump campaign officials.

The statement said the meeting was about international adoption, but failed to mention that the Russians had used the session to offer the Trump campaign derogatory information about Hillary Rodham Clinton. Trump helped develop the 2017 statement after learning about emails setting up the meeting that described the offer for dirt as “part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump.”

But Mueller’s report rejected the idea that this incident could be considered criminal obs truction. Withholding information or making a misleading statement in the press is not a crime, it said.

Former President Donald Trump at a rally at Legacy Sports Park in Mesa, Ariz.,

Does the Constitution guarantee a right to vote? The answer may surprise you.

By MICHAEL WINES

TheConstitution makes reference to vo ting 15 times in the original document and another 22 in the amendments. But somewhat surprisingly, none of those mentions makes an explicit declaration that Americans have a right to vote — something many politi cians and their supporters consider fundamen tal to democracy. Here’s a look at why that is and what rights voters actually have.

What did the Founding Fathers believe about the right to vote?

If it seems odd that such a fundamental right was not enshrined in writing, the expla nation is simple enough: The authors of the Constitution, many of them deeply suspicious of universal suffrage, could not agree on a sin gle standard for the right to cast a ballot.

For all their talk about “We, the people,” most of the Founding Fathers wanted to limit voting rights to property owners like themsel

ves, Harvard law professor and historian Mi chael J. Klarman wrote in his 2016 book “The Framers’ Coup: The Making of the United Sta tes Constitution.”

Gouverneur Morris, a New Yorker who wrote the preamble to the Constitution, argued that “the ignorant and the dependent can be as little trusted with the public interest” as could children, Klarman wrote. James Madison warned that voting should be restricted to the wealthy, “the safest repositories of republican liberty,” because the poorer classes would be swayed by populist appeals. Benjamin Franklin, the most prominent dissenter, pointed out that it was the commoners who had fought for and won American independence and that the rich were hardly immune to corrupting influences.

In the end, the property requirement failed to make it into the Constitution in part because many states already had extended the franchise beyond landholders. Disenfranchising those voters, the constitutional convention de

legates feared, could wreck what already see med to be shaky prospects for approving the new Constitution.

Their compromise left decisions on vo ter qualifications to the states, but it placed the choice of U.S. senators and the president in the hands of state legislators, not voters. That changed in the early 19th century as state le gislatures increasingly delegated the choice of presidential electors to ordinary voters, and in 1913, after the 17th Amendment decreed the popular election of senators.

Does a right to vote exist today?

Various constitutional amendments pro hibit denying voting rights to women, racial mi norities, citizens older than age 18 and people unable to pay election-related fees like poll ta xes.

But the Constitution contains no explicit right to vote. Rather, the Supreme Court has re cognized an implicit right to vote via the 14th Amendment, enacted in 1868 after the Civil War, which aimed to protect the civil rights of people who had been enslaved and guarantees “the equal protection of the laws.”

The court has recognized it in a handful of decisions dealing with the meaning of those amendments. “Undeniably the Constitution of the United States protects the right of all quali fied citizens to vote, in state as well as in fede ral elections,” Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote in the historic 1964 ruling, Reynolds v. Sims, that cemented the concept that every vote has an equal value. But even a Supreme Court ru ling falls short of the guarantees of rights such as freedom of speech and religion that are em bedded in the Bill of Rights.

In practice, the Constitution leaves most decisions about the ballot to state and federal legislators, saying that the “times, places and manner” of elections are state matters unless

Congress sets nationwide standards.

What most Americans see as an inaliena ble right to vote is actually the product of de cades of court rulings and legislative decisions, most of them — but hardly all — slowly expan ding a legal guarantee of the ability to cast a ba llot. Congress could give everyone the right to vote by mail, but since it has not, mail balloting is subject to a jumble of state laws. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, gave women the right to vote, but by then, Wyoming had been letting women vote for 50 years, even when it was a territory, not a state.

What does the future hold?

For decades, courts and Congress have taken the lead in upholding a legal right to vote — in the Voting Rights Act of 1965; in the 1966 Supreme Court case, Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections, which outlawed poll taxes; and in federal legislation in 1993 that set ground rules for registering new voters and removing exis ting voters from the rolls.

In lawsuits seeking to enforce or protect existing election laws, the 14th Amendment’s implicit guarantee of voting rights has become a mainstay of plaintiffs’ arguments.

“As long as those precedents are respec ted, I think it’s fair to say there’s a constitutional protection of a basic right to vote,” Edward B. Foley, a leading scholar of election law at Ohio State University, said in an interview.

But the evolution of an increasingly con servative Supreme Court with a skeptical ap proach to voting rights and an emerging record of upending precedents means that the current interpretation of the right to vote is no longer a sure bet, he said. The court is considering two major voting cases this term — one that could limit the Voting Rights Act’s power to remedy racial disparities in political districts, the other arguing that state courts have no authority to overturn legislative decisions on political redis tricting and election laws — that could reverse once-solid precedents.

Indeed, what most voters would consider a foundational right — electing a president — exists nowhere in the Constitution, which says presidential electors may be appointed “in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct.”

Democrats in both the U.S. House and Senate filed legislation last year that would es tablish a statutory right to vote, but neither bill has received a hearing. And for years, voting rights advocates have pressed for a new consti tutional amendment affirming citizens’ right to cast a ballot. So far, it has all been to no avail.

Voters prepare to cast their ballots during the Democratic primaries in Brooklyn, Aug. 23, 2022.

Puerto Rico ICON: A great event that promotes entrepreneurship

Rico, but we can frame it globally. We want to bring ideas to Puerto Rico to fix their problems or present solutions for situations around the world.”

The nonprofit has identified key players in Puerto Rican so ciety that work with human capital, agriculture, food security and other essential issues for society to progress.

“I think the country knows how to identify the problem; we must identify the solutions and the lack of capital to bring them through,” Santana said.

This year the convention’s focus is on the start-up commu nity. Access to capital is usually what stalls those in a more mature state and who need to take the leap to grow.

“We identify these companies that need an injection of ca pital to take their business to another level,” Santana said. “At this event, we have about 35 organizations looking to raise capital in Puerto Rico. You can know how to go through traditional doors, like banking and private equity firms. Still, when you want to scale up, you need access to more sophisticated capital. What we do is match start-ups with potential investors.”

To do this, Puerto Rico ICON will divide its event into two phases. One is Mentorship Day, on Nov. 8, where a company can explain its business model and why it would need a mentor and, if the nonprofit identifies it as a worthy cause, it can invite the com pany for a free consultation (limited to 75 companies). Mentor and mentee will converge to learn how to push the start-up to the next level, with the mentor sharing its knowledge and ideas.

The next day will be a series of conferences to cement knowledge, exchange ideas, and network. At least 50 speakers are invited that day, with forums ranging from real estate, inves

tment and food security to brain drain and blockchain, among others. Guests can participate in an exclusive networking activity where they will be able to connect with key decision-makers from Puerto Rico, the United States, and Latin America. The event is designed for investors, developers, entrepreneurs, capital mana gers, directors of nonprofit organizations, and government offi cials, among others.

Among the prominent speakers to participate in the event are Steve Wiggins, an entrepreneur and investor in the health sec tor; Jacobo Ortiz Blanes, president of Las Brisas Property Manage ment; Rodolfo Sánchez-Colberg, founder and managing partner of Parliament Capital Management; Andrew Keys, president of Digital Asset Risk Management Advisors (DARMA Capital); and Jordan Fried, CEO of Immutable Holdings (NEOHOLD).

To participate, a $2,500 donation per person will allow Puerto Rico ICON to hold the event, and any remaining funds will be funneled to the farming community that suffered losses due to Hurricane Fiona.

“I think we glorify the athlete and the singer, but we have many entrepreneurs who are doing super well, and part of what we want to gather at the event is to interview successful entrepre neurs and have them tell us their stories to inspire a future gene ration to dare to become entrepreneurs,” Santana said. “What we are trying to do is to represent the ecosystem’s players at different stages.”

Tickets for Puerto Rico ICON 2022 are available online: http://pricon2022.eventbrite.com. Those interested can also visit the institute’s webpage (iconpr.org) or contact the organization directly at info@iconpr.org.

By ALEJANDRA M. JOVER TOVAR alejandra.jover@gmail.com

Greatentrepreneurial ideas need great mentors and capital to see them through. That’s the tenet of ICON Puerto Rico Institute, a nonprofit leadership organization linking small companies and investors for two years in a think-tank model that allows companies to flourish in Puerto Rico.

Ricky Santana, who co-founded ICON with Karla Barrera and Happy Walters, is organizing this year’s encounter -- one of the main events in finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership -between start-up companies and mentors on Nov. 8 and 9 at the Ritz Carlton Reserve on Dorado Beach.

“We wanted to do something more intimate because we are not presenting to the major stakeholders in Puerto Rico, and once we can demonstrate that, we can do a world-caliber event, then showcase it in two or three days with a Puerto Rican flavor,” said the producer of the event.

“Our focus has always been on how we help Puerto Rico by creating a platform that connects ideas and having great people talking about great ideas in Puerto Rico. Through education, we try to address specific situations on the island,” said Santana, an event promoter for the past 25 years. “Many of the efforts in Puer to Rico are redundant; we didn’t come to reinvent the wheel, but rather to get those sectors together and empower those ideas. Moreover, the Puerto Rican component will always be important; for example, the energy issue is not only a challenge in Puerto

Ricky Santana, cofounder of ICON Puerto Rico Institute

The nonprofit ICON Puerto Rico Institute has identified key players in Puerto Rican society that work with human capital, agriculture, food security and other essential issues

society to

Tech’s biggest companies are sending worrying signals about the economy

the disruptive upstarts that they once were. YouTube, which is owned by Google, and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram social media platforms are being upended by the much younger TikTok. Meta said Wednesday that its profit in the most recent quarter was down more than 50% from a year ago.

The slowdown has been more severe among companies in young markets like crypto and the gig economy but also the more staid chipmakers. The value of bitcoin has plunged by two-thirds this year, dragging a host of startups down with it. Uber, the ride-hailing pioneer, has slashed spending as investors have lost their patience with unprofitable businesses.

is costing the company a lot of money. Meta said its Reality Labs division, which is responsible for the virtual reality and augmented reality efforts that are central to the metaverse, had lost $3.7 billion compared with $2.6 billion a year earlier.

“Look I get that a lot of people might disagree with this investment,” Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, said on a call with financial analysts Wednesday. “But from what I can tell, I think this is going to be a very important thing and I think it would be a mistake for us to not focus on any of these areas, which I think are going to be fundamentally important to the future.”

By TRIPP MICKLE

Googlethis week reported a steep decline in profits. Social media companies such as Meta said that advertising sales — the heart of its businesses — have rapidly cooled off. And Microsoft, perhaps the tech industry’s most reliable performer, predicted a slowdown through at least the end of the year.

Tech companies led the way for the U.S. economy over the past decade and buoyed the stock market during the worst days of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, amid stubborn inflation and rising interest rates, even the biggest giants of Silicon Valley are signaling that tough days may be ahead.

The companies are navigating the same problems as the rest of the economy. Pumped up by aggressive consumer spending during the pandemic, they invested to keep up with demand. Now, as that spending is slowing, they’re trying to adjust. It hasn’t been easy.

Amazon, which had 798,000 employees at the beginning of 2020, is reining in expansion of its warehousing operations, mothballing buildings, pulling out of leases and delaying plans to open facilities. The company employed 1.52 million people in the second quarter, almost 100,000 fewer than at the end of March.

Most companies would love to have the problems of the tech industry’s leaders. Between them, Google and Microsoft made $31.5 billion in profits in their most recent quarter. On Thursday Apple is expected to say that it made more than $20 billion in profits in a quarter that will otherwise be considered a disappointment.

But their sudden slowdown is exposing a weakness. The Big Tech companies haven’t really found a new, very profitable idea in years. Despite years of investment in new businesses, Google and Meta still rely mostly on ad sales. The iPhone, 15 years after it upended the industry, still drives Apple’s profits.

That has left some of them vulnerable to

Semiconductor companies are cutting spending on factories and machinery as sales of PCs, smartphones and appliances slow. Texas Instruments told financial analysts Tuesday that the contagion is spreading to sales for things like heating controls and factory robots. COVID-related lockdowns in China and the growing threat of trade and technology restrictions have made things worse.

“We’re in for a dark winter,” said Brent Thill, a technology analyst with the investment firm Jefferies. “From small to big to large — no one is immune.”

Google and Microsoft assured investors this week that they would slow hiring and monitor rising energy and supply chain costs. Apple has said it plans to be more deliberate about how it expands its workforce as the economy struggles.

Other companies are embarking on new strategies. Netflix, weakened by slowing subscription growth, hopes to revive its business next month with the release of a lower-priced service that is subsidized by ads.

Meta is pouring billions into the construction of a so-called metaverse, which it hopes will be tech’s next big thing. But that investment

Apple is expected to report Thursday that iPhone sales rose 7% for its fiscal year that ended in September, a sharp deceleration from the nearly 40% increase it posted last year. Wall Street analysts predict that sales will decline next year as customers in its two biggest markets, the United States and China, struggle with economic slowdowns.

A similar turnabout in computer sales threaten to compound Apple’s woes, as well as drag down its longtime rival, Microsoft. The computer market is deteriorating at its fastest rate in decades. The decline is hobbling Apple’s Mac business and led Microsoft to forecast a roughly 30% decline in Windows sales over the final months of this year.

“There were so many PCs purchased in the last two years that there’s no demand,” said Mikako Kitagawa, a technology analyst with Gartner, a market research firm. “Plus, hiring is frozen, so businesses don’t need new PCs.”

Microsoft has shaken off sluggish computer sales before by leaning into the explosive growth of its cloud computing product, Azure. But that business has begun to soften as cloud customers look to reduce spending.

Microsoft said Tuesday that Azure sales increased 35%, a slowdown from earlier this year. Industry analysts expect Amazon, which reports earnings Thursday, to also say that growth of its cloud computing business has slowed.

The industry’s slackening started with a downturn in online advertising sales. The cracks in that business began to form early this year when Apple introduced privacy changes that made it harder for Meta and Snap to target their digital advertising. On Wednesday, Meta warned that it didn’t see any relief on the horizon to the declining ad market.

“We’ve still got a ways to go,” said Steve Milunovich, a longtime Wall Street analyst who now consults for technology companies. “This reset is overdue.”

Microsoft is one of several big tech companies saying that their businesses are cooling.

Wall Street mixed, European shares end nearly

U.S.

stocks were mixed and European shares ended nearly flat on Thursday as investors balanced mixed earnings reports and economic data, while the pound retreated from mid-September highs.

Oil prices extended their rally on optimism over record U.S. crude exports. The U.S. dollar gained against major cur rencies.

The more dovish tone pushed the euro back below par ity against the U.S. dollar . Yields on the benchmark 10-year German bund dropped to a three-week low of 1.978% .

U.S. treasury yields slid further after data showed growth in U.S. consumer spending slowed in the third quarter, a sign inflation is peaking and the Federal Reserve can soon ease its aggressive hiking of interest rates.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) rose 0.61% following a slew of upbeat earnings reports and data that showed U.S. economic growth rebounded in the third quar ter.

The S&P 500 (.SPX) lost 0.61% and the Nasdaq Com posite (.IXIC) dropped 1.63%, pressured by weak tech sector earnings, including a slump in shares of Facebook owner Meta (META.O).

“The U.S. is not currently in recession, given the strength of the consumer sector. However, excluding the more vola tile categories, the trajectory for growth looks weak,” Jeffrey Roach, Chief Economist for LPL Financial, said.

“A silver lining is markets have possibly priced in much of the near-term recession risks.”

The MSCI world equity index (.MIWD00000PUS), which tracks shares in 47 countries, fell 0.57%.

Asian markets benefited from speculation among inves tors that major central banks are considering slowing their aggressive interest hikes, given signs of an economic slow down.

Europe’s STOXX 600 (.STOXX) ended slightly lower after recovering most of the session’s losses. It touched its highest level since Sept. 20 as the European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde spoke.

London’s FTSE 100 was up 0.25% (.FTSE) while Germa ny’s DAX was up 0.12% (.GDAXI), both recovering earlier losses.

Investors are focused on the outlook for future rate hikes.

“We expect the ECB to slow its pace of rate rises, hiking ‘only’ another 50 bps in December,” said Altaf Kassam, head of EMEA investment strategy and research at State Street Global Advisors.

Caterpillar Inc (CAT.N) and McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N) rose after reporting earnings, while Facebook-parent Meta Platforms Inc (META.O) slumped on a drop in third-quarter profit.

Emerging market stocks extended gains to a third straight session. MSCI’s index of EM stocks (.MSCIEF) was up 0.9%.

Bank of Canada delivered a smaller-than-expected rate hike late on Wednesday, bolstering investors’ hopes that

banks would slow their aggressive pace of rate hikes.

Thursday also showed the Federal Reserve’s in terest rate increases hurt consumer spending.

PUERTO RICO STOCKS

The Fed is expected to deliver a 75-bps hike in Novem ber.

The yen gave back early gains seen ahead of Friday’s Bank of Japan meeting. Most analysts expect the central bank to maintain its ultra-low interest rates .

LICENCIADA IVETTE R. GARCÍA CRUZ

NOTARIO

Putin denies Russia intends to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine

By ANTON TROIANOVSKI and IVAN NECHEPURENKO

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday tried to appeal to conservatives in the United States and Europe, using an an nual foreign policy speech to accuse West ern elites of trying to impose their “pretty strange” values on the rest of the world.

Putin also denied that Russia was pre paring to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, despite his frequent hints in recent months that he might do so, asserting, “We have no need to do this.”

During a nearly four-hour speech and question-and-answer session at a confer ence in Moscow, the Russian president re lied on arguments used to animate the cul ture wars in the United States and Europe, making reference to “dozens of genders,” “gay parades” and “neoliberal elites.”

His remarks, coming as the Russian army is losing ground in Ukraine, appeared intended to capitalize on political divisions in the United States and other Western de mocracies that have only heightened since they began showering Ukraine with military aid to fend off the Russian invasion.

The themes of Putin’s speech took on particular resonance given the coming midterm elections in the United States and growing discontent in Europe over the costs

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with the heads of delegations of the Conference of Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies of the Common wealth of Independent States countries via a videoconference at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022.

of the war. He said in America, “there’s a very strong part of the public who maintain traditional values, and they’re with us.”

“There are at least two Wests,” Putin said. One, he said, is a West of “traditional, mainly Christian values” for which Rus sians feel kinship. But, Putin said, “there’s another West — aggressive, cosmopolitan,

neocolonial, acting as the weapon of the neoliberal elite,” and trying to impose its “pretty strange” values on everyone else.

Putin claimed it was the West that was escalating nuclear tensions surrounding Ukraine. “There’s no sense in it for us, nei ther political nor military,” he said.

His comments on nuclear weapons, at an annual foreign policy conference in Moscow, are unlikely to reassure Ukraine or Western nations. He and other senior offi cials have repeatedly suggested that Russia might resort to nuclear weaponry. And the Kremlin’s assurances in the past have often proved untrustworthy; top officials issued multiple denials in the days before the war that Russia intended to invade Ukraine.

“This is a trick — it shouldn’t make anyone relax,” Tatiana Stanovaya, a Russian political analyst, said, noting that Putin has blamed every escalation in the war, includ ing the invasion itself, on the West and its support for an independent Ukraine. “His goal is to show that escalation is the prod uct of Western policies.”

Putin insisted that Russia did not fun damentally see itself as an “enemy of the West.” Rather, he said — as he has before — that it was “Western elites” that he was fighting, ones who were trying to impose their “pretty strange” values on everyone else.

In a question-and-answer session after the speech, the event’s moderator, foreign policy analyst Fyodor Lukyanov, pressed Putin on the fact that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine does not appear to have gone ac cording to plan. And he said that there was a widespread view that Russia had “under estimated the enemy.”

“Honestly, society doesn’t understand — what’s the plan?” Lukyanov asked.

Putin brushed aside the implicit criti cism, arguing that Ukraine’s fierce resis tance showed why he was right to launch the invasion. The longer Russia had waited, he said, “the worse it would have been for us, the more difficult and more dangerous.”

Putin repeated Russia’s unfounded claims that Ukraine was preparing to deto nate a radioactive “dirty bomb” on its terri tory and blame Moscow. Ukraine and the West say that the claims are disinformation that could be used as a pretext by the Krem lin to use a nuclear weapon.

In Ukraine, officials ridiculed Putin’s speech. Mykhailo Podolyak, an aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, said the Russian president was accusing the West of what he has been doing himself, like violating another country’s sovereignty. “Any speech by Putin can be described in two words: ‘for Freud,’” Podolyak posted on Twitter.

CIA director visited Ukraine this month

By JULIAN E. BARNES

The CIA director traveled to Ukraine this month to meet with Ukrainian intelligence officials and President

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a U.S. official.

William J. Burns, the CIA director, was in Kyiv, the capital, to discuss the United States’ continued intelligence cooperation

with Ukraine and reinforce Washington’s support in the war against Russia, the of ficial said. The official spoke on the condi tion of anonymity to discuss the director’s travel, which is kept secret.

U.S. intelligence has been critical to helping the Ukrainians target Russian arms depots behind the front lines, attack com mand and control nodes, and find weak nesses in Russian defenses that Kyiv has exploited in its counterattacks.

It is not clear how many trips to Ukraine that Burns has made, although he traveled to Kyiv immediately before the invasion with a stark warning to Zelenskyy to shore up the defenses of the capital.

That trip, officials have said previously, helped the Ukrainians improve their defens es at the nearby Hostomel airport and repel an attack by elite Russian airborne troops.

There have been some tensions be tween Ukraine and the United States over

Kyiv’s covert attacks inside Russia and its strikes in Crimea, the peninsula Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Some American officials believe the covert campaign is a distraction from the effective Ukrainian counterattack in the south and northeast.

Still, despite those tensions, American officials have said that cooperation with Ukraine continues and that relationships between senior U.S. leaders and their Ukrainian counterparts remain strong.

William J. Burns, the CIA director

War in Ukraine likely to speed, not slow, shift to clean energy, IEA says

By BRAD PLUMER

The energy crisis sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is likely to speed up rather than slow down the glo bal transition away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner technologies like wind, so lar and electric vehicles, the world’s lea ding energy agency said Thursday.

While some countries have been bur ning more fossil fuels such as coal this year in response to natural gas shortages caused by the war in Ukraine, that effect is expected to be short-lived, the Interna tional Energy Agency said in its annual World Energy Outlook, a 524-page re port that forecasts global energy trends to 2050.

Instead, for the first time, the agency now predicts that worldwide demand for every type of fossil fuel will peak in the near future.

One major reason is that many coun tries have responded to soaring prices for fossil fuels this year by embracing wind tur bines, solar panels, nuclear power plants, hydrogen fuels, electric vehicles and electric heat pumps. In the United States, Congress approved more than $370 billion in spending for such technologies under the recent Inflation Reduction Act. Japan is pursuing a new “green transforma tion” program that will help fund nuclear power, hydrogen and other low-emissions technologies. China, India and South Ko rea have all ratcheted up national targets for renewable and nuclear power.

And yet, the shift toward cleaner sou rces of energy still isn’t happening fast enough to avoid dangerous levels of glo bal warming, the agency said, not unless governments take much stronger action to reduce their planet-warming carbon dioxi de emissions over the next few years.

Based on current policies put in place by national governments, global coal use is expected to start declining in the next few years, natural gas demand is likely to hit a plateau by the end of this decade and oil use is projected to level off by the mid2030s.

Meanwhile, global investment in clean energy is now expected to rise from $1.3 trillion in 2022 to more than $2 tri llion annually by 2030, a significant shift, the agency said.

“It’s notable that many of these new clean energy targets aren’t being put in place solely for climate change reasons,” said Fatih Birol, the agency’s executive di

rector, in an interview. “Increasingly, the big drivers are energy security as well as industrial policy — a lot of countries want to be at the leading edge of the energy industries of the future.”

Current energy policies put the world on track to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2025 and warm roughly 2.5 degrees Celsius (4.5 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100 compared with preindustrial le vels, the energy agency estimated. That is in line with separate projections released Wednesday by the United Nations, which analyzed nations’ stated promises to tac kle emissions.

By contrast, many world leaders hope to limit average global warming to around 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid some of the most dire and irreversible risks from cli mate change, such as widespread crop failures or ecosystem collapse. That would require much steeper cuts in greenhouse gases, with emissions not just peaking in the next few years but falling nearly in half by the end of this decade, scientists have said.

“If we want to hit those more ambi tious climate targets, we’d likely need to see about $4 trillion in clean energy inves tment by 2030,” Birol said, or double what the agency currently projects. “In particu lar, there’s not nearly enough investment going into the developing world.”

This year, global carbon dioxide emis sions from fossil fuels are expected to rise roughly 1% and approach record highs, in part because of an uptick in coal use in places like Europe as countries scramble to replace lost Russian gas. (Coal is the most polluting of all fossil fuels.)

Still, that is a far smaller increase than some analysts had feared when war in Ukraine first broke out. The rise in emis sions would have been three times as lar ge had it not been for a rapid deployment of wind turbines, solar panels and elec tric vehicles worldwide, the agency said. Soaring energy prices and weak economic growth in Europe and China also contribu ted to keep emissions down.

But even though the current energy crisis is expected to be a boon for cleaner technologies in the long run, it is exacting a painful toll now, the report found.

Governments around the world have already committed roughly $500 billion this year to shield consumers from soaring energy prices. And while European na tions appear to have enough natural gas in storage to get them through a mild winter

this year, the report warns that next win ter in Europe “could be even tougher” as stocks are drawn down and new supplies to replace Russian gas, such as increased shipments from the United States or Qatar, are slow to come online.

The situation looks even more dire in developing countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, which are facing energy shor tages as deliveries of liquefied natural gas are diverted to Europe. Nearly 75 million people around the world who recently gained ac cess to electricity are likely to lose it this year, the re port said. If that happens, it would be the first time in a decade that the num ber of people worldwide who lack access to modern energy has risen.

There is still a possi bility that soaring energy prices could produce so cial unrest and pushback against climate and clean energy policies in some countries. While the re port concluded that clima te change policies are not chiefly responsible for the spike in prices — instead, it notes that renewable power and home weatherization

efforts have actually blunted the impact of energy shocks in many regions — there is always the risk that governments could feel pressured to change course, Birol said.

The new report comes less than two weeks before nations are set to gather at U.N. climate talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where diplomats will discuss whether and how to step up efforts to curb fossil fuel emissions and provide more fi nancial aid from richer to poorer nations.

Sheep grazing in front of a coal-fired power plant and wind turbines near Luetzerath, Germany, in October, 2022.

A haunting case in Mexico finally solved, until the evidence fell apart

By NATALIE KITROEFF, RONEN BERGMAN and OSCAR LÓPEZ

TheMexican president said his gover nment had finally solved the mystery behind the haunting disappearance of 43 students, one of the worst human rights abuses in the country’s recent history.

In August, the government unveiled a truth commission report saying that after being abducted in 2014, the students were killed by drug traffickers working with the po lice and the military. A slew of arrest warrants followed.

But since then, the case has unraveled. Arrest warrants for military suspects were revoked. The lead prosecutor resigned. And now the backbone of the government’s ex plosive new report is in question.

In an interview with The New York Ti mes, the head of the truth commission said that much of what it presented as crucial new evidence could not be verified as real.

“There’s a percentage, a very important percentage, that is invalidated,” said the offi cial, Alejandro Encinas.

The extraordinary admission — along with a review of government documents, a previously undisclosed recording and inter views with several people involved in the inquiry — points to how the government’s rush to deliver answers resulted in a series of missteps: a truth commission that relied on unsubstantiated evidence and a criminal investigation that botched the prosecution of key suspects.

Pressure came from the very top: Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, announced in June that his gover nment knew what happened to the missing students and would put the matter to rest this year, even though investigators hadn’t yet nai led down the proof.

But problems also stemmed from dys function within his administration, where offi cials investigating the abduction withheld key information from one another, undermining their own case.

Instead of a political victory, a campaign promise to finally close an open wound in the country has become a liability for the presi dent, as families of the missing students have slammed the government for failing to deliver truth or justice.

“They needed to do something impec cable, but they didn’t,” said Santiago Aguirre, the primary lawyer representing the families. “It ends up looking a lot like what happened before, finishing up without verifying, more out of politics than out of conviction of having the truth clarified.”

On the night they vanished in September 2014, the students, in keeping with a tradition that was largely tolerated by local bus compa nies, had commandeered a number of buses to drive to a demonstration in Mexico City commemorating a 1968 student massacre.

But the students were intercepted by gunmen, including municipal police officers, who forced them off the buses, shot some of them and took the rest away. After that, little is known about what happened.

The government of President Enrique Peña Nieto fumbled its investigation, produ cing a version of events it called “the histo rical truth” that blamed drug traffickers and local police officers and was disputed by international investigators. Even as evidence emerged linking federal security forces to the abduction, most of the students were never found.

For López Obrador, the case carried spe cial significance.

The victims — students at a rural teachers college in Ayotzinapa, a poor community in southern Mexico — were at the core of his base of support. The deeply flawed investiga tion under Peña Nieto fed a broader wave of discontent with the political establishment in Mexico, which favored the outsider candida cy of López Obrador and helped sweep him into power in 2018.

As president, López Obrador’s first exe cutive order created a truth commission to investigate the disappearance. To lead the in quiry, he appointed Encinas, a longtime friend and former senator.

Families of the students were brought to the national palace for regular meetings and felt that finally they were being taken seriously. The government opened a separate criminal investigation, helmed by a widely respected special prosecutor, Omar Gómez Trejo. The

remains of two students were identified.

But after three years passed without much else in the way of groundbreaking de velopments, López Obrador began to grow anxious.

“The president asked me, ‘What happe ned? Release the information,’” Encinas said in an interview, later adding, “We have two years left in the government, we have to show results, and the attorney general’s office has to prosecute.”

So in February, Encinas scrambled for an swers: He flew to Israel to meet alone with Tomás Zerón de Lucio, a former Mexican official accused of deliberately compromising the previous administration’s investigation into the abduction.

Zerón, the former director of Mexico’s equivalent of the FBI who now lives in Israel and is applying for asylum there, has been charged with torturing witnesses and planting evidence. In January, Mexico submitted to Is rael an extradition request for Zerón.

A month later, during a nearly three-hour lunch in Tel Aviv, Israel, Encinas pleaded with Zerón for information about the students’ remains that he may have withheld while in power — offering the “president’s support” in exchange for his cooperation, according to a recording of the conversation reviewed by the Times.

The trip to Israel yielded no new infor mation. But two months later, in April, Enci nas finally got what seemed to be a big break: a trove of WhatsApp messages purportedly sent in 2014 by criminals, members of the mi litary and other officials previously implicated in the abduction.

The messages appeared to lay out in gruesome detail how and where drug tra ffickers disposed of the students’ bodies, according to an unredacted copy of the government’s report reviewed by the Times.

The messages also suggested — for the first time, according to experts in the case — that a senior military officer was directly involved in the disappearance of six of the students.

Then in June, López Obrador announ ced that the government had figured out what happened to the missing students. “The Ayo tzinapa matter will be done this year,” López Obrador said.

In the weeks that followed, officials rus hed to fulfill that promise, making decisions that directly undercut their own investiga tion — in part because people working side by side on the case did not fully trust one another.

The messages, shared with Encinas by a single source as a series of 467 screen cap

tures, were cross-referenced with other pie ces of evidence. But Encinas did not share them with the attorney general’s office, even though, he said, those officials could have done a forensic analysis to verify the messa ges’ authenticity.

Encinas withheld the messages because he worried they would be leaked, he said, and he felt an obligation to present “a timely” report to the students’ families.

A similar sense of urgency had taken hold in the attorney general’s office.

As Encinas was getting ready to unveil his findings in August, the attorney general, Ale jandro Gertz Manero, pushed his lead prose cutor to prepare an arrest warrant for the for mer attorney general, who became the face of the previous administration’s sham inves tigation, according to several people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

The lead prosecutor, Gómez Trejo, be gged for more time to gather additional evi dence against the former attorney general but was overruled, the people said. Prosecutors with little experience on the case then took it over, and the former attorney general was arrested.

But the case against him was later sus pended by a judge who openly admonished the new prosecutors for shoddy work.

Then, weeks after angering leaders of the armed forces by requesting arrest warrants for military officers, prosecutors reversed cour se and asked a judge to cancel more than a dozen of them, citing, among other issues, “deficient evidence” in their own case. Gertz Manero’s office also launched an internal audit of the case compiled by Gómez Trejo, who resigned after being sidelined.

Four military officers, including a general, remain in custody and are awaiting trial.

The truth commission was also in trou ble. Almost as soon as Encinas published his report, the WhatsApp messages became a focus of scrutiny. A team of international in vestigators who have been following the case for years pointed out that the messages’ tone differed from what they had seen in other in tercepted communications.

After questions about the messages sur faced publicly, Encinas subjected them to a more thorough review. He said that he had been unable to verify many of the screens hots, and has had to scrap some of them.

“There are some we’ve had to discard,” he said. “They don’t have enough elements to be confirmed.” Encinas conceded that the source who provided the messages could have fabricated them. “Anything is possible,” he said, “There is no 100% guarantee.”

Members of the Mexican Army and the federal police arrive in Iguala, Mexico, Oct. 7, 2014.

Brazil’s polls were wrong. Now the right wants to criminalize them.

By ANDRE SPIGARIOL and JACK NICAS

In the first round of Brazil’s closely wat ched elections this month, the polls were off the mark. They significantly underes timated the support for the far-right incum bent, President Jair Bolsonaro, and other conservative candidates across the country.

Many on the right were furious, critici zing the pollsters as out of touch with the Brazilian electorate.

That response was expected. What happened next was not.

At the urging of Bolsonaro, some of Brazil’s leaders are now trying to make it a crime to incorrectly forecast an election.

Brazil’s House of Representatives has fast-tracked a bill that would criminalize pu blishing a poll that is later shown to fall out side its margin of error. The House, which is controlled by Bolsonaro’s allies, is expected to vote and pass the measure in the coming days.

The bill’s final shape and fate is unclear. House leaders have suggested they may soften the legislation, and its prospects in the Senate, where opponents of Bolsonaro are in the majority, appear far less certain.

Still, whatever the measure’s fate, the proposal and other efforts to investigate pollsters for their recent miscalculations are part of a broader narrative pushed by Bol sonaro and his allies, without evidence, that Brazil’s political establishment and the left are trying to rig the election against him.

As Brazil prepares to vote in a presi dential runoff Oct. 30, the surveys conti nue to show Bolsonaro trailing his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a former president, although the race seems to be tightening.

For his part, Bolsonaro has taken to ca lling the polling firms “liars,” claimed that their mistakes swung up to 3 million votes to da Silva in the first round, and has advo cated for the firms to face consequences.

“Not for getting it wrong, OK? An error is one thing,” he said. “It’s for the crimes they committed.”

He has not said what crimes he belie ves were committed.

The Brazilian Association of Pollsters said in a statement that it was “outraged” at the attempts to criminalize surveys that turn out to be inaccurate.

“Starting this type of investigation du ring the runoff campaign period, when the polling companies are carrying out their

work, demonstrates another clear attempt to impede scientific research,” the group said.

Polling firms added that their work was not to predict elections, but to provide a snapshot of voters’ intentions at the time a survey is conducted.

The bill in Congress is not the only effort to target pollsters. Following a request from Bolsonaro’s campaign, Brazil’s justice minister ordered the federal police to open an investigation into polling firms over their surveys before the first election round. And Brazil’s federal antitrust agency opened its own inquiry into some of the nation’s top polling institutions for possible collusion.

Alexandre de Moraes, a Supreme Court justice and Brazil’s elections chief, quickly ordered both of those investigations halted, saying that they lacked jurisdiction and that they appeared to be doing the president’s political bidding. In turn, Moraes orde red Brazil’s election agency to investigate whether Bolsonaro was trying to use his power over federal agencies inappropria tely.

Moraes has emerged as the top check on Bolsonaro’s power over the past year, drawing criticism at times for measures that, according to experts in law and go vernment, represent a repressive turn for Brazil’s top court.

Among other moves, he has jailed five people without a trial for posts on social

media that he said attacked Brazil’s institu tions. On Thursday, election officials further expanded his power by giving him unilate ral authority to suspend social media plat forms in Brazil that do not quickly comply with his orders to remove misinformation.

Moraes and Brazil’s Senate appear poi sed to protect polling firms from measures that target their surveys.

Yet repeated claims that pollsters are corrupt could further weaken their ability to provide the best possible gauge of public opinion. Some of Bolsonaro’s top advisers have urged his suppor ters to ignore survey takers in or der to sabotage their results.

“Do not respond to any of them until the end of the elec tion!!! That way, it’ll be certain from the start that any of their results are fraudulent,” Ciro No gueira, Bolsonaro’s chief of staff, wrote on Twitter. “Was their ab surd screw-up criminal? Only a deep investigation will tell.”

The top polling firms had forecast that Bolsonaro would receive roughly 36% of the vote in the first round. He received 43.2%, a seven-point gap that was outside virtually all polls’ margins of error.

Their performance was even

worse in many down-ballot races. In Rio de Janeiro, the polls showed that the conserva tive candidate for governor was ahead by about 9 percentage points. Instead, he won by 31 points.

In Sao Paulo, some polls showed that a left-wing candidate for Senate was ahead of his opponent by 14 percentage points hea ding into the first election round. Instead, a right-wing candidate won by nearly that same margin — a swing of 28 percentage points from what the preelection polls had found.

The polling firms have blamed a variety of factors for their flawed forecasts, inclu ding outdated census data that hampered their ability to survey a statistically repre sentative sample of voters. The firms said their polls were also undercut because a larger-than-expected wave of voters swit ched their ballots to Bolsonaro from thirdparty candidates at the last minute.

Some polling firms also said they be lieved that many conservative voters were unwilling to answer their surveys.

The share of older voters far exceeded expectations, potentially because of a go vernment announcement this year that vo ting was a new way to establish proof of life and keep retirement benefits active. Polls on the eve of the election showed that older voters supported Bolsonaro over da Silva.

President Jair Bolsonaro, center, at an event in São Paulo, Oct. 12, 2022.

By BRET STEPHENS

DearKanye West, or “Ye”: We’ve never met, and I hope we never will. Still, I’d like to express a sort of gratitude. With a few outbursts in a few days — you threatened in a tweet this month to go “death con 3” on “JEWISH PEOPLE,” and it’s been downhill from there — you’ve probably done more to raise public awareness about the persistence, prevalence and nature of antisemitism than any other recent event.

It’s remarkable how long it took us to get here. For 2020, the FBI reports that Jews, who constitute about 2.4% of the total adult population in the United States, were on the receiving end of 54.9% of all religiously motivated hate crimes. On many nights in New York City, Hasidic or Orthodox Jews are being shoved, harangued and beaten.

So far, this has been one of the most underreported stories in the country — itself a telling indicator in an era that is otherwise hyper-attuned to prejudice and hate.

At times, the reporting has all but accused Jews of bringing the violence on themselves, with lengthy stories about allegedly pushy Jewish neighbors or rapacious Jewish landlords. At other times — such as after the attack in January on a Texas synagogue by a British Muslim man who had traveled 4,800 miles to get there — reporters seem to have gone out of their way to find non-antisemitic motives for nakedly antisemitic attacks.

More often, attacks on Jews are treated as regrettable yet somehow understandable expressions of anger at Israel. In May 2021, Jewish diners at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles were physically assaulted by a member of a group that, according to a witness, was chanting “Death to Jews” and “Free Palestine.” A KABC report of the event was headlined, in part: “Mideast tensions lead to LA fight.”

To suggest that “Mideast tensions” led to a “fight” is to obscure both the nature and motive of the assault. Imagine the absurdity of a headline that read: “High Levels of Crime in Minority Neighborhood Lead Police Officer to Kneel on Man’s Neck for Eight Minutes.”

Actually, Ye, you probably can imagine it, since you’ve also blamed George Floyd for his own death. But it’s

worth pondering the extent to which, in American culture today, Jews are excluded from inclusion and included in the excluded. That is, the Jewish people’s status as an oftpersecuted minority goes increasingly unrecognized, while the Jewish people’s position as a legitimate target for contempt and ostracism is becoming increasingly accepted.

Take Hollywood, where the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opened its doors last year with a panel dedicated to “Creating a More Inclusive Museum.” Yet, as The New York Times’ Adam Nagourney reported in March, “Through dozens of exhibits and rooms, there is barely a mention of Harry and Jack Warner, Adolph Zukor, Samuel Goldwyn or Louis B. Mayer” — the Jews who essentially founded the modern movie industry. (After an outcry, the museum now plans a permanent exhibition for them.)

Or take the law school of the University of California, Berkeley, where nine student groups announced in August that they would not host any speakers who support Zionism, a move that is tantamount to the exclusion of most Jews. In an astonishing defense, law school dean Erwin Chemerinsky noted that the bylaw, which he acknowledged was “discriminatory,” had been adopted by only “a handful of student groups” and had not yet been acted upon — as if Berkeley or any other public law school would tolerate for one instant a single student group that announced its intention to exclude, say, a speaker who believes in trans rights.

Or take Israel itself. Is the Jewish state so uniquely evil that, alone among 193 U.N. member states, it has no moral right to exist? Or is it the unique evil of antisemitism that directs this kind of obsessive hatred at one state only — while generally ignoring or downplaying the endless depredations of regimes in, say, Caracas, Venezuela; Ankara, Turkey; Havana; and Tehran, Iran?

These are surely not the things you had in mind when you decided to go “death con 3” on my people. Nor were they necessarily top of mind for many of the celebrities who denounced you in tweets and Instagram posts. But your bigotry is as good a place as any to begin to have an honest conversation about antisemitism — one that will hopefully last longer than your own career’s self-destruction.

Honest would be to acknowledge that antisemitism is

as much a left-wing phenomenon as it is a right-wing one. Honest would be coming to grips with the fact — as Henry Louis Gates Jr. did in these pages in 1992 — that antisemitism infects corners of Black politics as much as it infects the politics of white supremacy. Honest would be holding to account people who were complicit in your antisemitism — such as Tucker Carlson, who praised your “bold” beliefs while editing out your antisemitic remarks from his interview with you. Honest would be coming to terms with the extent to which anti-Zionism has become the antisemitism of our day, echoing the same sordid conspiratorial tropes about Jews as swindlers and impostors.

Honest would also be admitting that you speak for more people than many Americans would have cared to admit. For that, but only that, you deserve thanks.

BACARDÍ y Municipio anuncian evento: La Feria en Cataño

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CATAÑO – Con la participación de los tra dicionales artesanos, trovadores y kioskos de comida típica, Bacardí y el Municipio de Cataño presentan el evento: la Feria en Cata ño.

“Durante poco más de tres décadas, la Fe ria BACARDÍ fue el evento que abría la Navi dad en Puerto Rico. Era el acontecimiento que unía a la familia puertorriqueña para disfrutar de nuestra cultura y tradición, a través de la música, artesanía y gastronomía. Por eso nos emociona anunciar esta nueva edición de la Feria, esta vez de Cataño para el mundo”, dijo Sofia Montañez, gerente de marca de Bacardí en Puerto Rico en declaraciones escritas.

El evento será el sábado, 3 y domingo, 4 de diciembre en el Frente Marítimo del muni cipio costero. Con el auspicio de la Compañía de Turismo y Rones de Puerto Rico, la Feria contará un programa musical que incluye: Julio Cesar Sanabria, los Pleneros de la Cres ta, Luis Vázquez, los Rivera Destino y PJ Sin Suela. Además, contará con exponentes de la música popular como; Pico a Pico de Trova dores, Moncho Rivera, Planéalo y Algarete,

hace pública

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S AN JUAN – El secretario del Departamento de Edu cación (DE), Eliezer Ramos Parés, indicó el jueves, que se publicó la Carta Circular 015-2022-2023 con el propósito de apoyar la implementación del Currículo de Equidad y Respeto, fundamentado en tres principios: el desarrollo de valores universales, el desarrollo del pen

SAN JUAN – El informe preliminar de COVID-19 del Departamento de Salud (DS) reportó el jueves cinco muertes y 173 personas hospitalizadas.

una respuesta a los reclamos de los consumi dores y del público en general, Bacardí y el Municipio Autónomo de Cataño han unido esfuerzos para invitar a todos los puertorrique ños a revivir esos momentos de cultura de la emblemática de la Feria de Bacardí.

Por su parte, el alcalde Alicea Vasallo, celebró que su compromiso con el pueblo se hiciera realidad. “Desde que era ciudadano común tenía la visión de que este evento tan reconocido en Puerto Rico, y por turistas, re gresara a celebrarse, esta vez en nuestro Fren te Marítimo. Agradezco la receptividad de los directivos de Bacardí por desarrollar este evento y hacerlo posible. Además de posicio nar a Cataño como lugar idóneo para grandes eventos culturales, apoya al comercio local y confirma que somos La Capital Mundial del Ron”, destacó.

“En la Compañía de Turismo de Puerto Rico estamos muy entusiasmados de colabo rar con el reinicio de la celebración anual de la Feria Bacardí. Este evento es una oportuni dad excepcional para resaltar y preservar las tradiciones de las artes puertorriqueñas, ge nerar actividad económica para beneficio de empresarios locales y hacer a nuestro destino

uno aún más diverso y atractivo tanto para residentes como para visitantes”, dijo Carlos Mercado Santiago, director ejecutivo de la CTPR.

Como parte de las actividades, Bacar dí contará con una instalación en la que los participantes tendrán la experiencia de Casa Bacardí. Además, parte de los recau dos por la venta de artículos promocionales de la marca se destinará una organización sin fines de lucro que ofrece servicio en el pueblo.

Para el evento se han tomado las medi das de seguridad y accesibilidad necesarias para mantener el disfrute de los miles de per sonas que se espera visiten el pueblo durante ese fin de semana, incluyendo la activación de efectivos de la Policía Municipal y Estatal, puntos de cotejo en diferentes áreas, estacio namientos adicionales y transportación en lancha desde el terminal de San Juan.

La emblemática Feria BACARDÍ, que por 33 años se celebró en los predios de la des tilería Bacardí en Cataño, se inició en 1976, como una iniciativa de la empresa para re conocer la riqueza musical y artesanal puer torriqueña.

sobre equidad y respeto

samiento crítico y creativo y la atención a la diversidad y pluralidad social en cada salón de clases.

“Es fundamental fortalecer los principios, valores y el respeto en nuestros niños y jóvenes. El enfoque de esta política pública es mirar desde una nueva perspec tiva la educación de nuestros estudiantes para, además de formar profesionales, desarrollar seres humanos afa bles, sensibles, solidarios y que reconozcan la equidad entre todos los seres humanos. Queremos erradicar la violencia, transformando el pensamiento desde la base del respeto a todos”, expresó el titular en comunicación escrita.

La implementación del currículo, que será de ma nera transversal, adaptado a todos los niveles educativos -de prekínder a duodécimo grado-, promueve que los estudiantes sean objetivos y abiertos en la solución de conflictos, mientras se fomenta el pensamiento crítico

dirigido a la equidad y el respeto.

Ramos Parés añadió que, “durante un año, aproxi madamente, hemos trabajado en conjunto con maestros, líderes comunitarios, empleados docentes, legisladores, entre otros grupos en la revisión de este currículo, con el fin de contar con todas las perspectivas. Este año se implementará el mismo, pero se revisará periódicamen te para continuar integrando elementos que refuercen el mismo o adaptándolo, de acuerdo con las necesidades que se identifiquen”.

La violencia, en todas sus manifestaciones, es un problema complejo y requiere de la unión de diversas acciones y esfuerzos, desde todos los frentes guberna mentales y sociales. El DE se une a estos esfuerzos me diante la implementación de un currículo que establece la equidad y el respeto entre todos los seres humanos y la enseñanza de los derechos humanos”.

El total de muertes atribuidas es de 5,214.

Hay 148 adultos hospitalizados y 25 menores. El monitoreo cubre el periodo del 6 al 19 de octubre de 2022.

La tasa de positividad está a 14.23 por ciento.

POR CYBERNEWS

entre otros.

Luego de un acercamiento inicial del al calde de Cataño, Julio Alicea Vasallo y como

spooky Halloween comics for horror fans

By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES

Halloweenmay come only once a year, but sinister and suspenseful sto ries can be found on a regular basis in the world of comics. Here is a selection of books — some scarier than others — to satisfy a thirst for horror. Among them: a col lection of vintage science-fiction comics, a coming-of-age take on “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and a series about the survivors of a cataclysm.

‘The Nice House on the Lake’ (DC Comics)

“How do you think the world will end?” is not a typical icebreaker, but it is the ques tion that a man named Walter asks some of the people he encounters. In issue No. 1, he invites several of them to visit his lake house, which turns out to be a safe haven from an apocalyptic event that occurs shortly after their arrival, something which Walter knew was imminent. The rest of the series, written by James Tynion IV, drawn by Álvaro Martínez Bueno and colored by Jordie Bellaire, is de voted to the survivors recalling meeting Wal ter and adapting to their new circumstances. Walter can provide them with nearly anything they desire, which can be good and bad. The series is building to a conclusion in Issue No. 12 on Dec. 13.

‘Ice Cream Man’ (Image Comics)

There are supernatural elements in this series, but at its core are stories about human feelings and failings: frustration, longing, re gret, pain and more. The throughline: a ma levolent ice cream truck driver named Rick, who pulls strings in the background. Each new issue, written by W. Maxwell Prince, drawn by Martín Morazzo and colored by Chris O’Halloran, brings something unex pected: One story about a plane crash has both scary and comically absurd moments, while another less-dire issue is presented in tiers of red, yellow and orange, each color fol lowing a divergent life path of a character just after he has bought ice cream.

‘The Night Eaters: She Eats the Night’ (Abrams ComicArts)

Come for the haunted house, creepy dolls and human-devouring creatures, but stay for the family drama. This story, the first installment of a trilogy written by Marjorie

Liu and drawn and colored by Sana Takeda, revolves around Milly and Billy, Chinese American twins, and their parents, Ipo and Keon, who immigrated from Hong Kong. The siblings are struggling through adulthood and the weight of parental expectations. The story mines a lot from mama Ipo, who has her rea sons for being so stern, which leads to some arch humor. In one scene, Billy, impressed with Ipo’s toughness, remarks: “That’s thirdworld strength.” His sister quickly corrects him: “Global south. We don’t use third world anymore.”

‘Hollow’ (Boom! Studios)

If The CW network wanted to turn Wash ington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” into a teenage-friendly show, it would look something like this graphic novel, “Hollow,” which is more gently spooky than intensely macabre. Written by Shannon Watters and Branden Boyer-White and drawn by Berenice Nelle, the novel follows today’s residents of Sleepy Hollow, where everyone is fascinated by the legend of the Headless Horseman. There is a mystery afoot but also a coming-ofage story for Isabel Crane, a fresh face in town who needs to navigate life in a new school. Some of the characters at first seem like they are cast from teenage drama cookie-cutter molds, but they defy expectations. There are nice moments for the adults, too.

‘Home to Stay! The Complete Ray Brad bury EC Stories’ (Fantagraphics)

Drawn by a who’s who of talent, in cluding Joe Orlando and Wallace Wood, this hardcover collection features adapted stories from celebrated science-fiction writer Ray Bradbury. The tales can be dense — volumi nous captions and lengthy word balloons, of ten in the same panel — but potent. One of them, about a blind woman and her faithful dog, seems out of place until a sad and grue some twist. Another surprise is how Bradbury got into comics, which is told in a back-page essay. In 1952, he was notified about an un authorized adaptation of his short story “Mars Is Heaven!” in EC Comics. He did not have the $2,000 in legal fees needed to sue at the time, so he opted instead to write a letter to EC suggesting that it simply forgot to send him a check for the work. It promptly paid him, and a partnership was born.

Mike Davis, who wrote of Los Angeles and catastrophe, dies at 76

By NEIL GENZLINGER

MikeDavis, an urban theorist and his torian who in stark, sometimes pre scient books wrote of catastrophes faced by and awaiting humankind, and espe cially Los Angeles, died Tuesday at his home in San Diego. He was 76.

The cause was esophageal cancer, his daughter and literary agent Róisín Davis said.

Davis, an unabashed leftist who once organized anti-war rallies for Students for a Democratic Society and was arrested at sev eral protests, garnered considerable attention with his second book, “City of Quartz: Exca vating the Future in Los Angeles” (1990), in which he wrote that Los Angeles “has come to play the double role of utopia and dysto pia for advanced capitalism.”

That book examined the mythologies that had evolved about Los Angeles and Southern California, thanks to noir movies, surf culture and Hollywood, and contrasted those images with the harsh realities faced by thousands of Angelenos, especially members of minority groups.

“What we’re going to find out in short order is that for tens of thousands of people, there’s only one rung of the ladder,” Da vis told the Los Angeles Times in Decem ber 1990, just after the book’s publication. “There’s no place to climb up.”

That comment, and the book, seemed particularly prophetic a little more than a year later, in April 1992, when disastrous rioting swept South Los Angeles after a jury did not convict four police officers who had been charged with assault in the beating of Rodney King, which had been captured on videotape.

Davis acquired a reputation as a seer, though in the preface to a 2006 reissue of that book he resisted that characterization.

“If there were premonitions of 1992 in ‘City of Quartz,’ ” he wrote, “they were sim ply reflected anxieties visible on every graffi ti-covered wall or, for that matter, every lawn sprouting a little ‘Armed Response’ sign,” a reference to the home security warning plac ards that become ubiquitous on the lawns of the affluent in the 1980s.

Davis turned to fires and other natural disasters in “Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster” (1998), which included a particularly provocative chapter titled “The Case for Letting Malibu Burn.” That book too came to be seen as prophetic, and Davis found himself being interviewed

every time devastating fires came through the area. Though nature delivered the wrath, he wrote, hubris and greed deserved the blame.

“Los Angeles has deliberately put it self in harm’s way,” he said in the opening chapter. “For generations, market-driven ur banization has transgressed environmental common sense. Historic wildfire corridors have been turned into view-lot suburbs, wetland liquefaction zones into marinas, and floodplains into industrial districts and housing tracts. Monolithic public works have been substituted for regional planning and a responsible land ethic. As a result, Southern California has reaped flood, fire and earth quake tragedies that were as avoidable, as unnatural, as the beating of Rodney King and the ensuing explosion in the streets.”

His 2005 book, “The Monster at Our Door: The Global Threat of Avian Flu,” talked about the likelihood of pandemics. Matt Ste inglass, reviewing it in The New York Times, called it a “brilliant, concise jeremiad.” Among other things, Davis wrote in that book that pandemics would affect low-income people disproportionately, an assessment borne out years later by the COVID-19 crisis.

Detractors questioned the accuracy of some of Davis’ assertions and the hyperbole of his prose. That criticism seemed to peak after he won a $315,000 MacArthur “genius” grant in 1998.

“I understand having acquired a public stature and being someone with unpopular ideas that I’m going to get attacked — being a socialist in America today, you better have a thick skin,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “There is a kind of intolerance in the city for people who say things that went wrong haven’t been fixed.”

Michael Ryan Davis was born March 10, 1946, in Fontana, California, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles, to Dwight and Mary (Ryan) Davis. He spent his early years in Fontana before his family moved to the San Diego area.

His father was active in the meat cut ters union, and the struggles Dwight Davis experienced made a strong impression on his son, who described his father as a patriotic man who had faith in the inevitability of hu man progress.

“By the end of his life, he’d seen his union destroyed and his pension plan taken away,” Davis said in 1998. “It’s hard to see your parents lose their beliefs.”

Also formative was an experience he had at 16: A cousin took him to a civil rights

rally in San Diego organized by the Congress of Racial Equality.

“The courage and moral beauty of what these ordinary human beings were fighting for struck me,” he said, “and I have never for gotten it.”

At about the same time, he became a meat cutter himself for two years when his father became ill. He also began working for Students for a Democratic Society, helping to organize anti-war rallies.

In his 20s he joined the Teamsters union and drove a truck for five years. His routes took him all over Southern California, acquainting him with its geography and its varied communities, knowledge that would underpin his writing.

He didn’t start on his path to becom ing a scholar until relatively late: At 28 he enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, aided by a scholarship from the meat cutters union. He eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in economic history there, and also studied in Britain. After graduating he lived in Britain for several years, serving as managing editor of New Left Review, a Marxist journal. In 1986 he returned to Cali fornia to teach at the Southern California In stitute of Architecture in Santa Monica.

That same year his first book, “Pris oners of the American Dream: Politics and Economy in the History of the U.S. Working Class,” was published. The formidable title

was off-putting, and so was the text. John Ga bree, in a review in Newsday, said that Davis “writes in the sometimes impenetrable style of a social scientist.”

He adopted a more reader-friendly approach in “City of Quartz” and his later books, many of which made bestseller lists. They included “Dead Cities, and Other Tales” (2002), “Planet of Slums: Urban Involution and the Informal Working Class” (2006) and, most recently, “Set the Night on Fire: L.A. in the Sixties” (2020), written with Jon Wiener. Among Davis’ admirers is Jay Caspian Kang, a staff writer for The New Yorker and a former opinion writer for The New York Times.

“The best writers burrow themselves in the back of your eyeballs and color every thing you see,” Kang wrote in the Times in June after Davis said he was stopping cancer treatments. “Davis is that for me — my Cali fornia is the California he excavated through his reporting, his scholarship, his activism and his unflappable moral integrity.”

Davis’ wife, Alessandra Moctezuma, survives him. Four previous marriages end ed in divorce. In addition to his daughter Róisín — from his third marriage, to Brigid Loughran — he is also survived by a son, Jack Spalding Davis, from his fourth marriage, to Sophie Spalding; and a daughter, Cassandra Davis, and a son, James Connolly Davis, both from his current marriage; and a sister, Janna Lazelle-Lake.

Mike Davis in the Angeles National Forest in California in 1999.

David Antonio’s fashion universe

By IRIS EDÉN SANTIAGO Special to The STAR

t’s 6 p.m. and the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel lob by is busy as usual. Tourists coming in and out. Others sit at the majestic lobby bar blending in with locals for a relaxing cocktail on a Friday night.

An hour later on that same night the scene chang es. It’s now seven o’clock and the valet parking area at the hotel entrance is full. Uber drivers in line keep dropping off impeccably dressed women. The lobby is

Angélica Medina

now packed. People dressed to im press are making their way through the crowd to get to the ballroom on the second floor.

Local movers and shakers sip champagne and eat bite-sized deliciousness while waiting for the doors to open. They are here to at tend fashion designer David Anto nio’s haute couture extravaganza. The collection “Made in Puerto Rico” was successfully presented in September’s New York Fashion Week, and now that it is being shown at the Vanderbilt Hotel, lo cals can’t wait to get a glimpse.

The sold out event benefits “AdoptaAhora,” a local nonprofit organization, founded by Sylvia Villafañe, to promote the adoption of older chil dren and teens from foster homes.

This crowd is unique. The ballroom is grand. There is magic in the am biance as the show re minds people of how it used to be before the pandemic. No masks. No restrictions. Just a

Helen Urquía

fantastic night out in trendy Condado.

The event is a win win. Guests get to see one of the best shows in town while helping one worthy cause. You see, this foundation is not just helping kids get adopted, they are form ing families while making sure kids ages 6 to 17 get a new start in a safe, stable and loving home.

Puerto Ricans respond to organizations making our island a better community. Thus the big turnout. Among the dressed to kill at the show, beloved sing er Nydia Caro, political analyst Zoé Laboy, and Museum of Contemporary Art Executive Director Marianne Ramírez Aponte. Also in

attendance? Fabulous socialites -- most wearing David Antonio -- the likes of Ruby Lefranc, Cuchy Recio, Mari bel González, Angelica Medina, Daniela Dapena, Laura Font, Iris Rodrigo, Milagros Arrieta, Francina Bonnelly, Melissa Delgado, and television personality Ramón Gat

to Gómez, who also modeled.

The collection is vibrant, fresh and glitzy. It’s a look at new trends done in an ever elegant way. The collection clearly pleases the daring side of younger gen erations without forgetting women who treasure more classic styles. The savvy designer presented conversation pieces galore, colorful options to take you from daytime to cocktail hour to seasonal gala affairs. Especially fabulous? The off-the-shoulders blouse in fuchsia with architectural ruffles, the use of plumes in mini dresses and hems, and the slim

Ruby Lefranc

Maribel González

Daniela Dapena

Nydia Caro and Laura Font

Sylvia Villafañe

Don’t pass up these 12 Loire reds

By ERIC ASIMOV

For longer than I can remember, Loire reds have been under-the-radar choices for wine lovers in search of great values.

Why do they seem obscure? It’s not for lack of attention. Wine writers have extolled their virtues for decades, but the general public has long appeared unmoved. Perhaps they are destined to be niche wines. But they do have their fans.

Natural wine lovers know the Loire as having spawned many excellent producers in the early days of the movement. Some of them, like Clos Rougeard and Richard Leroy for his chenin blancs, have become cult labels, highly coveted and ultraexpensive.

But for the most part, the Loire plods along, producing a wide selection of wonderful wines, with talented younger producers joining in regularly.

I recently explored New York wine shops for Loire reds and found a dozen bottles that

I highly recommend. Some are great thirstquenchers that are moderately priced. Others are too expensive for many people, which I un derstand. But they are still excellent values rela tive to what you might get for the same price in some other French regions or the Napa Valley.

I’ve spoken generally of the Loire Valley, but it actually encompasses many different re gions, from the Muscadet production zone in the west near where the river empties into the Atlantic, to Sancerre and a host of lesser-known areas in the east. I’ve focused on two central areas, the Anjou-Saumur region near the city of Angers and the Touraine area near the city of Tours.

Cabernet franc is the dominant red in both areas, though plenty of other grapes can also be found, including cabernet sauvignon, malbec (known regionally as côt), gamay, pine au d’aunis and grolleau. Most of these bottles are cabernet franc wines, but not all.

Please remember these 12 bottles are just a snapshot of the wide array of top-notch

Bottles of red wine from France’s Loi re region, in Newburgh, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2022.

wines available from the region. They are by no means the 12 best bottles. Not being on this list should not be interpreted as a slight. I could not find some producers I wanted, and I found others who were new to me whom I wanted to include.

Most likely, you, too, won’t find all the bottles you are seeking. The best solution is to patronize the best wine shop near you and ask the merchants for good substitutes for the wines

you can’t find. You may discover something you love.

Here are the 12 bottles, in ascending or der of price.

Marc Plouzeau Château de la Bonnelière Chinon Rive Gauche 2021, 12.5%, $17

This is absolutely delicious Chinon and a great value. It’s easygoing cabernet franc, grown organically on gravel soil, but not simplistic. It’s light-bodied and full of flavors, with red fruit, flower and a touch of licorice. While refresh ing, it’s structured enough to feel substantial. (Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, Pennsylvania)

La Grange aux Belles Vin de France Le Vin de Jardin 2021, 11.5%, $22

La Grange aux Belles comprises a small group of vignerons who makes wine naturally in the Anjou region of the Loire. Le Vin de Jar din is classic thirst-quenching natural wine: juicy, supple and fruity, yet dry. It’s made from the grolleau grape, which is mostly used in the Loire for inexpensive rosés. This is delicious, a great bottle to lightly chill and share with friends

while watching a game. (Selected by Fifi/Steven Graf, Ridgewood, New York)

Nadège La Vignes Herbel Vin de France Vigneronne 2019, 12.5%, $28

Here is another natural wine from the Anjou, a little more serious than Le Vin de Jardin but just as delicious. Nadège Lelandais farms organically and biodynamically, using grapes from various plots in the area. Vigneronne is made of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, fermented in fiberglass vats and aged in older barrels. It’s fragrant with red fruits and cedar, and the fine tannins provide structure to the wine. (Selected by Fifi/Steven Graf)

La Famille Mosse Vin de France Cabernet Franc Vintage 2018, 13.5%, $32

Agnès and René Mosse, the longtime proprietors of this organically farmed estate, have been joined by Joseph and Sylvestre Mosse of the next generation. The wines continue to be superb. The Vintage cuvée is a selection of the best barrels of cabernet franc, which is given additional age in a big oak vat. It’s beautifully balanced, quite floral and structured enough to stand up to a juicy steak. (Louis/Dressner Selections, New York)

Domaine des Frères Vin de France Le Pérou 2020, 12.5%, $32

Domaine des Frères, a new estate, was, as its name suggests, started by two brothers, Henri and Valentin Bruneau, who both left their engineering jobs to grow grapes and make wine. They farm organically, roughly 27 acres spread through the Chinon region and take a largely hands-off approach to winemaking, adding only a small amount of sulfur dioxide, an antioxidant, at bottling. The 2020 Le Pérou, their first vintage, is fresh and alive, with flavors of red fruit and mint, along with tannins that are present but subtle. A delicious debut. (Avant-Garde Wines & Spirits, New York)

Domaine du Bel Air Bourgueil Les Marsaules 2018, 13.5%, $37

The Gauthier family, the longtime owners of this Bourgueil estate, farm organically. This cuvée is from Les Marsaules, a lieu-dit, or distinctive vineyard area, where the family owns about 4.5 acres. The wine ages in barrels for three years. It’s fragrant with red cherry aromas and persistent fruit flavors with a stony, mineral edge. (Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco, New York)

Domaine Guiberteau Saumur 2019, 13.5%, $37

Romain Guiberteau is one of the leading vignerons in the Saumur region, with excellent vineyards all farmed organically. This cuvée, one of his introductory reds, is made from grapes grown on silt and sand over limestone. It’s ripe and rich, with enticing aromas of flowers and red fruits, and an earthy, mineral edge. (Becky Wasserman & Co./Frederick

Wildman & Sons, New York)

Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Clos Guillot 2019, 14%, $38

Year in, year out, Bernard Baudry is one of the most reliable producers in the Touraine region for wines that are not only delicious but intriguing. Matthieu Baudry has now taken over from his father, who is mostly retired, but the quality remains high. Le Clos Guillot is made from organically farmed vines on a limestone slope and aged in older barrels and in concrete. The wine is tense and energetic with red fruit and jalapeño flavors and pronounced minerality. It will benefit from a few more years of aging. (Louis/Dressner Selections)

Domaine des Closiers Saumur-Champigny Les Closiers 2020, 13%, $40

Domaine des Closiers is an ambitious estate under new ownership since 2018. It converted its vineyards to organic and biodynamic and so far, the results have been more than encouraging. Despite the lively acidity and fine tannins, this wine is smooth, almost mellow, with stony cherry flavors. It’s enjoyable now but will improve over the next five years. (The Rare Wine Co., Brisbane, California)

Fabien Duveau Saumur Champigny Les Hauts Poyeux 2019, 12.5%, $50

Fabien Duveau took over his family estate in 2008. Duveau, an eighth-generation vigneron, returned the vineyards to organic farming, as had been customary before chemical farming was introduced in the 20th century. Les Hauts Poyeux, from the upper portion of the Poyeux vineyard, has sandy soils over limestone and clay. The wine is light but intense, with deep aromas and complex flavors of flowers, earthy red fruits and herbs. (Schatzi Wines, Milan, New York)

Château Yvonne Saumur Champigny 2019, 13.5%, $54

This superb Saumur Champigny comes from a biodynamically farmed vineyard on clay and limestone soils. It’s a serious wine, but not self-important or calling attention to itself with needless flourishes. Rather, the unadorned aromas of red fruits, flowers and herbs are complex. On the palate, it has earthy, mineral flavors that will benefit from several years of aging. (Coeur Wine Co., New York)

La Porte St. Jean Saumur Les Pouches 2019, 12.5%, $57

Sylvain Dittière, the founder of La Porte St. Jean, farms organically in several different vineyard sites in the Saumur region. He ferments wines traditionally, adding nothing to the grapes but a small amount of sulfur dioxide. Les Pouches is youthful and complex. The tannins are fine but still apparent and will need a few years to soften, but the wine is pure and clear, with lingering floral, fruit and herbal flavors. (Avant-Garde Wines and Spirits)

How to make the best souf fl é (it’s much easier than you think)

By CLAIRE SAFFITZ

Whenit comes to making soufflés, there’s a lot of fear-mongering: “Don’t overmix the batter, or they won’t rise.” “Don’t open or slam the oven door, or they’ll fall.” “Don’t overbake, or they’ll be dry.” “Eat them right away, or they’ll be ruined!”

All of it could make a home baker shy away from soufflés, but that would be a shame. Lofty, voluminous soufflés are one of the most elegant, high-reward desserts, and they’re actually quicker and less complicated than those warnings would have you believe.

Stabilize your egg whites

A flavored base lightened with beaten egg whites and baked into a cloudlike consistency, soufflés require a certain amount of technical knowledge, starting with an understanding of egg whites.

When egg whites are whipped, the proteins in them, called albumin, denature (meaning that the bonds that hold them together break down). These denatured proteins trap air bubbles and retain water, creating a foam. That foam is then folded into the soufflé base, and, in the oven, the tiny air bubbles expand from the heat and cause the batter to rise.

Since egg white foam is inherently unstable and will start to collapse almost immediately, so much of soufflé-making revolves around preserving as much air as possible.

For a more stable foam, start with older eggs — preferably from the supermarket and not the farmers’ market — as very fresh egg whites won’t whip up as easily. While the eggs are still cold, separate the whites from their yolks. (Cold yolks are less likely to rupture and leave behind traces of fat in the whites, which will interfere with the formation of the foam.) Then, let the whites come to room temperature before whipping them in a very clean bowl. Just make sure to avoid any plastic bowls, as the plastic can retain fat residue.

Once the whites are opaque and foamy — waiting until this point helps them achieve their maximum volume — gradually add the sugar while still beating the whites. This helps stabilize them and reduces the chance of overbeating. Then, keep whipping them until they’re glossy and form stiff peaks. Any less may leave the whites droopy and formless, resulting in denser soufflés that collapse quickly, while any more may produce clumpy whites that are difficult to incorporate, yielding dry soufflés.

Build a better base

If stiffly beaten egg whites give a soufflé its hallmark lightness, the flavored base, which is often yolkenriched, provides structure and support. Sweet soufflés commonly use pastry cream, and savory ones often employ béchamel.

While some chocolate soufflés are gluten-free, relying only on melted chocolate for structure, this recipe calls for a thin pastry cream thickened with a bit of flour and flavored with chocolate and cocoa powder. The gluten from the flour adds just enough structure to support the soufflés without muting any of the chocolate flavor. The fat from the yolks, chocolate and milk will speed the collapse of the egg foam, so fold the batter gently and try to work quickly once it’s assembled.

Then, pull out your ramekins. Compared with one larger vessel, they cumulatively offer more surface area, which leads to more even, consistent cooking.

Ready your ramekins

Because egg white foam is sticky, the ramekins should be thoroughly greased and coated with sugar to prevent the batter from anchoring to the sides during baking, which could lead to domed and cracked soufflés. Apply a generous coating of room-temperature butter all over the vessels, using upward strokes along the sides to encourage the batter’s rise. Make sure to butter along the rims as well, as this is where the bat-

ter is most likely to stick. A final dusting of sugar also aids the batter’s rise, as the crystals act like grips.

Taking a few careful steps during assembly will help produce soufflés with flat tops and tall, straight sides, making them as impressive-looking as anything you can order in a fancy French restaurant. Fill the ramekins completely with batter, then scrape off any excess with a straightedge for a smooth, level finish. (Ramekins filled to the very top with a well-made batter should double in height in the oven.) Then, after sprinkling the tops with sugar, run a finger along the inner rims, wiping away the batter. This last trick is just one more way to prevent sticking and help the soufflés rise straight upward. After an initial blast of heat from a hot oven kick-starts their rise, they cook at a lower temperature to allow time for the centers to cook before the sides dry out.

Know when you’re done

Determining doneness can be tricky, as the window when the batter is neither undercooked and runny nor overcooked and dry is brief. The best test is to press the centers of the soufflés gently with a fingertip and feel for a subtle springiness, an indication that the eggs are barely set. Serve the soufflés straight from the oven, but know that proper whipping of the egg whites and the small amount of flour in the base give them good staying power, so while collapse is inevitable, it isn’t imminent.

The process of making soufflés is undoubtedly finicky, but don’t let this be a deterrent. A technically imperfect chocolate soufflé is still delicious, and your friends and family are unlikely to notice if you underbeat the egg whites or left the soufflés in the oven a minute too long.

You’re not risking much in the way of time or ingredients, and, though the potential for mistakes may be high, the potential for greatness is even higher.

Chocolate Soufflés

While soufflés are delicate and sensitive creations, they’re also fundamentally simple, consisting of a flavored base that’s lightened with beaten egg whites. The keys to success are beating the egg whites properly so they’re stable and voluminous, working quickly to prevent their collapse, and thoroughly greasing the ramekins so the mixture can rise unencumbered in the oven.

Chocolate

Yield: 4 servings

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

Unsalted butter, at room temperature, for ramekins

7 tablespoons/87 grams granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling and for ramekins

3 large egg yolks

1/3 cup/80 grams whole milk

2 tablespoons brewed coffee

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy

4 ounces/113 grams bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao), coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5 large egg whites, at room temperature

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation:

1. Arrange an oven rack in the center position and heat the oven to 425 degrees. Brush the bottoms and sides of 4 (6-ounce) ramekins with room-temperature butter, using straight, upward strokes along the sides and brushing all the way to the rim. Sprinkle the ramekins with sugar and shake to coat, then tap out the excess. (The upward strokes and sugar give the batter something to cling to as it rises.) Set aside ramekins.

2. Fill a medium saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons/37 grams of the sugar and 2 of the egg yolks until combined, then whisk more vigorously until the mixture is pale, light and thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stream in the milk, whisking constantly, followed by the coffee. Add the flour and cocoa powder, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, then set the bowl over the saucepan, taking care that the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Cook the mixture over the double boiler, whisking constantly, until it’s the consistency of thin pancake batter, faintly holds the marks of the whisk and any foam has subsided, about 5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the saucepan (careful: It’s hot).

3. Add the chopped chocolate to the bowl and whisk briefly to incorporate it, then set aside the bowl for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. Slowly whisk the mixture until smooth, then whisk in the remaining egg yolk and the vanilla extract. Set aside the bowl to cool slightly. (Don’t let it cool completely, or the chocolate will harden.)

4. In a large metal or glass bowl — avoid plastic, as it can hold on to fat residue — combine the egg whites and salt, and use a hand mixer to beat on medium-low speed until the whites are broken up and frothy, about 20 seconds. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue to beat until the whites are foamy and opaque, about 30 seconds, then gradually add the remaining 4 tablespoons/50 grams sugar in a slow, steady stream, beating constantly. Once all the sugar is added, continue to beat just until you have dense, glossy egg

Chocolate soufflés, in New York on Oct. 3, 2022. Delicate and sensitive soufflés are absolutely worth the effort.

whites that hold a stiff peak. Try not to overbeat, or the whites will take on a dry, grainy texture and be difficult to incorporate into the chocolate base.

5. Scrape about one-third of the beaten egg whites into the bowl with the chocolate mixture, and whisk quickly and briefly to combine. Using a large flexible spatula and broad, decisive strokes, fold in the remaining beaten egg whites in 2 additions, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl and rotating the bowl as you work, until the mixture is almost entirely streak-free.

6. Gently scrape the batter into the prepared ramekins, dividing it evenly and using all of it. (The ramekins should be filled to the very top.) Tap the ramekins delicately on the work surface to help settle the batter, then, working one ramekin at a time, use a small offset spatula or a butter knife to smooth the surface and, working over the batter bowl, scrape off any excess batter so that it’s level and flush with the very top of the ramekin. If necessary, transfer any excess batter from one ramekin to another to ensure they’re all filled to the very top. Repeat until all the ramekins are leveled. (At this point you could have a small amount of batter left over — if so, discard it.)

7. Lightly sprinkle the surfaces of the batter with a thin, even layer of sugar, then, working with one ramekin at a time, run a clean thumb around the inside of the rims to wipe away a ring of batter and expose †the inner lip of the ramekins all the way around. (Use the natural indentation inside the ramekins as a guide for how deep to make the ring.) This will ensure that your soufflés rise straight upward and maintain level tops. Wipe away any streaks of batter from the rim and outsides of the ramekins.

8. Place the ramekins on a sheet pan, spacing them evenly. Transfer the sheet pan to the oven, immediately reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees and bake until the soufflés are risen, firm and springy to the touch across the surfaces, and have a slight wobble, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the soufflés from the oven and serve immediately.

AVISO PÚBLICOA

LEGAL NOTICE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Small Business Administration)

Plaintiff v. JOHN DOE AND RICHARD ROE as those unknown persons who may be the holders of the lost mortgage note or have any interest in this proceeding,

Defendants

CIVIL NO. 3:22-cv-01330-SCC.

ACTION FOR CANCELLATION OF LOST MORTGAGE NOTE (Segaloal, Inc. d/b/a The Hair Club). SUMMONS BY PUBLI CATION.

TO: JOHN DOE AND RICHARD ROE

Unknown holders of a pro missory note of $536,000.00 executed on March 28, 2011, by Segaloal, Inc., d/b/a The Hair Club, as acknowledged by affidavit number 2,155 sworn before Héctor R. Crespo Mi lián, and secured by a voluntary mortgage in favor of the plaintiff created by Mortgage Deed No. 7 executed on March 28, 2011, before Notary Public Héctor R. Crespo Milián, over the fo llowing properties, described in the Spanish language as: COMERCIAL: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Unidad de Ofi cina marcado con el número 507 ubicado en el quinto piso del Condominio Centro Inter nacional de Mercadeo, Torre II, gobernado por el Régimen de Propiedad Horizontal, y locali zado en el Barrio Pueblo Viejo, del municipio de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Tiene una cabida de 1,980.619 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 184.006 metros cuadrados. Su entrada principal se encuentra en el lado Este que la conecta con el corredor común del piso. Colinda por el NORTE, en una extensión de 43’5½”,equivalentes a 13.246 metros, con la Oficina número 508; por el SUR, en una exten sión de 43’5½”, equivalentes a 13.246 metros, en parte con la escalera de escape comunal y parte con el espacio comunal; por el ESTE, en una exten sión de 45’10”, equivalentes a 13.970 metros, con corre dor común del piso; y por el OESTE, en una extensión de 45’10”, equivalentes a 13.970 metros, con el espacio exterior. Le corresponde una participa ción en los elementos comunes generales del edificio igual a 1.343%. The aforementioned Mortgage Deed is recorded over this property in the Regis

try of the Property of Guaynabo, at page 119 (vuelto) of volume 1,469 of Guaynabo, property number 47,138, 6th inscription. This property secures the afo rementioned Deed of Mortgage in the amount of $183,368.42.

COMERCIAL: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Unidad de Ofi cina marcado con el número 508 ubicado en el quinto piso del Condominio Centro Inter nacional de Mercadeo, Torre II, gobernado por el Régimen de Propiedad Horizontal, y locali zado en el Barrio Pueblo Viejo, del municipio de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Tiene una cabida de 2,992.792 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 278.041 metros cuadrados. Su entrada principal se encuentra en el lado Este que la conecta con el corredor común del piso. Colinda por el NORTE, en una extensión de 43’5½”,equivalentes a 13.246 metros, con la Oficina núme ro 501, parte con el pozo del elevador de carga y parte con corredor común del piso; por el SUR, en una extensión de 43’5½”, equivalentes a 13.246 metros, con la Oficina 507; por el ESTE, en una extensión de 74’0”, equivalentes a 22.555 metros, en parte con la escale ra interior de escape comunal, parte con el pozo del elevador de carga, parte con corredor común del piso y parte con un pozo del sistema de aire acon dicionado; y por el OESTE, en una extensión de 74’0”, equi valentes a 22.555 metros, con el espacio exterior. Le corres ponde una participación en los elementos comunes generales del edificio igual a 2.029%.

The aforementioned Mortgage Deed is recorded over this pro perty in the Registry of the Pro perty of Guaynabo, at page 123 of volume 1,469 of Guaynabo, property number 47,139, 8th inscription. This property se cures the aforementioned Deed of Mortgage in the amount of $352,631.58. Pursuant to the Order for Service by Publication entered on August 26, 2002, by the Honorable Silvia L. Carre ño-Coll , United States District Judge (Docket No. 4 ), you are hereby SUMMONED to appear, plead or answer the Complaint filed herein no later than thirty (30) days after publication of this Summons by serving the original plea or answer in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, and serving a copy to counsel for plaintiff Pedro Jaime López Bergollo, Esq., at SBA District Office for the District of PR & USVI, 273 Ponce de León Ave., Suite 510, Plaza 273, San Juan, PR 00917-1930, telephone numbers (787) 7665269. This Summons shall be published by edict once a week

for six (6) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general cir culation in the Island of Puerto Rico. Should you fail to appear, plead, or answer to the Com plaint as ordered by the Court and noticed by this Summons, the Court will proceed to hear and adjudicate this cause aga inst you based on the relief demanded in the Complaint.

BY ORDER OF THE COURT, summons is issued pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1655, Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(e) and Rule 4.5 of the Rules of Civil Procedure for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 30th day of August, 2022. MA

RIA ANTONGIORGI-JORDAN, ESQ.CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT. By: Viviana Diaz-Mu lero, Deputy Clerk.

***

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE UNITED STATES DIS TRICT COURT FOR THE DIS TRICT OF PUERTO RICO PNH CAPITAL, LLC.

Plaintiff V.

FOUNTAINEBLEU PLAZA, S.E; SEDCORP. INC. AND EDWIN LOUBRIEL ORTIZ

Defendants Civil No.: 3:17-cv-01383. (GLS). COLLECTION OF MO NIES, FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE AND OTHER CO LLATERAL. NOTICE OF SALE.

To: DEFENDANTS AND GENERAL PUBLIC.

On January 21, 2022, this Ho norable Court issued Judgment in favor Bautista Cayman Asset Company, now PNH Capital, LLC, and against defendants, Fountainebleu Plaza, S.E., Se dcorp, Inc., and Edwin Loubriel Ortiz (“Defendants”). Defen dants were ordered to pay plain tiff as of November 19, 2021, the amount of $1,531,182.92 in connection with the Loan Agreement itemized as follows: Principal: $851,109.26. Inter est: $454,997.44. Late Fees: $19,301.72. Legal Expenses: $200,000.00. Environmental: $550.00. Insurance: $342.00. Valuation Expenses: $4,882.50.

Pursuant to said judgment and the Order of Execution of Judg ment, the undersigned appoin ted Special Master was ordered to sell, at public auction for U.S. currency in cash or certified check, without appraisement or right to redemption, to the highest bidder, at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 - Fe deral Building, Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, or at any other place designa ted by said Clerk, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the plaintiff, the following property: RÚSTICA: Predio de terreno radicado en el Barrio Mamey

de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico con una cabida superficial de ochenta y seis mil doscientos treinta y dos metros cuadrados con mil cuatrocientos ochenta y cuatro diez-milésima de otro (86,232.1484), equivalentes a veintiuna cuerdas con nueve mil trescientos noventa y ocho diez-milésimas (21.9398); en lindes por el NORTE, en varias alineaciones que totalizan una distancia de 377.708 metros lineales con el Sr. Tito Con cepción, Fountainebleu Plaza, S.E. antes Salveg, Inc., Sr. Andino Cancel y el Sr. Andrés Salazar; por el SUR, en varias alineaciones que totalizan una distancia de 138.7535 metros lineales con solar número 9 que proviene de esta finca y cuyo dueño es el Sr. Oriel Ra mírez Rodríguez, con camino municipal y el Sr. Andrés Sa lazar; por el ESTE, en varias alineaciones que totalizan una distancia de 294.9143 metros lineales con el Sr. Felipe Baer ga, Sr. Félix Urbina García y el Sr. José María Martínez; por el OESTE, en varias alineaciones que totalizan una distancia de 569,1409 metros lineales con el Sr. Loreto Meléndez, servidum bre de paso segregada de esta finca y camino municipal. Es remanente esta finca luego de segregado solar con cabida de 5,120.2426 metros cuadrados. Equivalentes a l.3028 cuerdas, inscrito al folio 133 del tomo 1,428 de Guaynabo. Property Number 16,778 is recorded at page 191 of volume 301 of Guaynabo, Registry of Proper ty of Puerto Rico, Section of Guaynabo. Physical Address: Avelino Cancel Road, North of Kilometer 1.6, Road 835, Ma mey Ward, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. The property is subject to the following liens: By its origin: Free of liens. By itself: EASEMENT: In favor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, according to the Resolution issued in the Court of First Ins tance, Court of San Juan, dated June 29, 1983, Civil #E83-22 1 to E83-223, recorded at page 192 of volume 301 of Guayna bo, 3rd inscription. TRANSFER

OF EASEMENT: In favor of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewage Authority, as stated in the Resolution dated April 6, 1994 issued by the Supe rior Court of Puerto Rico, San Juan, recorded at page 192 of volume 301 of Guaynabo, 4th inscription. EASEMENT: In favor of Puerto Rico Power Authority, for the value of $1.00.

According to the Certification dated January 15, 2003, sworn under affidavit 4406 and signed before the Notary Public Os valdo Pérez Marrero, recorded at page 140 of volume 1425 of Guaynabo, inscription 8ª.

MORTGAGE: In guarantee of a mortgage note in favor of Bea rer, or to its order, for the sum of $950,000.00, with interest at the rate of 2% per year on the preferential interest (Prime Rate), as established from time to time by Citibank, N.A in the City of NY, whose interest will never be less than 6.25%, and due upon presentation, as per deed #6, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 31, 2003, before Notary Public Ma nuel Correa Calzada, recorded at page 140vto of volume 1425 of Guaynabo, 10th inscription.

MORTGAGE MODIFICATION:

To modify the Mortgage of $950,000.00 to the amount of $2,000,000.00, which arises from the 10th inscription, as per deed #77, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Decem ber 29, 2003, before the Notary Public Manuel Correa Calzada, recorded at page 140 of volume 1425 of Guaynabo, Marginal Note inscription of February 11, 2010. COMPLAINT: The object of this entry is the Mortgage in favor of Bearer, for the sum of $950,000.00, which arises from inscription #10. Plaintiff: Doral Bank; Defendant: Holder, Amount Owed $860,219.00, for principal plus interest, Complaint, Bayamón Court in civil case #DCD2014-0264 on January 28, 2014, recorded at page 218 of volume 1480, Annotation A of date of May 21, 2014. Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the hol ders thereof. It shall be unders tood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any property tax, liens, (express, ta cit, implied or legal), shall con tinue in effect. It being unders tood further that the successful bidder accepts them and is su brogated in the responsibility for the same and that the bid price shall not be applied toward their cancellation. The amount of $2,000,000.00, as set forth in the mortgage deed, shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the first public sale. Should the first public sale fail to pro duce an award or adjudication, two-thirds of the aforementio ned amount or $1,333,333.33 shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the second public sale. Should there be no award or adjudication at the se cond public sale, the minimum bidding amount for the third pu blic sale shall be $1,000,000.00. Said sale to be made by the appointed Special Master is subject to confirmation by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the deed of conveyance and

possession to the property may be executed and delivered after the judicial sale. Upon confir mation of the sale, an order shall be issued canceling all junior liens. THEREFORE, pu blic notice is hereby given that the appointed Special Master, pursuant to the provisions of the Judgment herein before re ferred to, will, on the NOVEM BER 14, 2022, AT 10:30 A.M., in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder the property des cribed herein, the proceeds of said sale to be applied in the manner and form provided by the Court’s Judgment. Should the first judicial sale set herei nabove be unsuccessful, the SECOND JUDICIAL SALE of the property described in this Notice will be held on the NO VEMBER 21, 2022, AT 10:30 A.M., in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Should the second judicial sale set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the THIRD JUDI CIAL SALE of the property des cribed in this Notice will be held on the NOVEMBER 28, 2022, AT 10:30 A.M., in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, Federal Building, 350 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. The records of the case and of these proceedings may be examined by the parties at the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 29th day of September, 2022. AGUEDO DE LA TORRE, APPOINTED SPECIAL MASTER.

LEGAL NOTICE

AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Demandados Civil Núm.: CA2021CV00900.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPO TECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉ RICA, 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 Manda miento de Ejecución de Senten cia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Su perior de Carolina, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por mo neda de curso legal de los Esta dos Unidos de América y/o Giro Postal y Cheque Certificado, en mi oficina ubicada en el Tribu nal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina, el 5 DE DICIEM

BRE DE 2022, A LAS 9:45 DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se des cribe a continuación: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento Número DOCE “F” (12-F). Este apartamento de dos dormitorios localizado en el lado Oeste del ala Norte de la Duodécima planta residencial del edificio Este del Condomi nio Los Pinos, cuyo condominio ubica en un solar de tres punto cuatrocientos cincuenta y seis cuerdas, equivalentes a trece mil quinientos ochenta y cuatro pinto cero cinco metros cua drados, cuyo solar colinda por el NORTE, que es su frente, con el kilómetro uno punto dos de la carretera estatal número ciento ochenta y siete, estando dicho solar localizado en el Ba rrio Cangrejo Arriba del muni cipio de Carolina, Puerto Rico.

El apartamento tiene un área superficial de mil ciento cin cuenta y siete pies cuadrados, equivalentes a CIENTO SIETE PUNTO CINCUENTA METROS CUADRADOS (107.50 M.C.).

Colindando el mismo por el NORTE, con el apartamento Número Doce “H”; por el SUR, con el área central de servicio del piso, donde el cuarto del incinerador y los elevadores; por el OESTE, con el espacio abierto sobre un patio central Norte del Condominio; y por el ESTE, con el pasillo central

del piso por donde tiene su entrada al apartamento cuyo pasillo lo conecta a su vez con los elevadores y las escale ras del edificio a través de las cuales el apartamento tiene acceso al vestíbulo central y a las demás áreas comunes del piso tercero de ambos edificios del Condominio y a sus patios circundantes y a la calle de la colindancia Norte del solar. Espacio de estacionamiento para un automóvil localizado y marcado en uno de los garajes del lado Este del condominio. Finca número 27,345, inscrita al folio 234 del tomo 544 de Ca rolina Norte, Registro de la Pro piedad de Carolina, Sección I. Propiedad localizada en: 6410 AVE. ISLA VERDE, COND. LOS PINOS ESTE APTO. 12-F, CAROLINA, PR 00979. Según figuran en la certificación re gistral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas anteriores o preferentes: Nombre del Ti tular: N/A. Suma de la Carga: N/A. Fecha de Vencimiento: N/A. Según figuran en la certi ficación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gra vada por las siguientes cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Titular: Secretario de la Vivien da y Desarrollo Urbano. Suma de la Carga: $480,000.00. Fe cha de Vencimiento: 27 de di ciembre de 2090. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la pro piedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutan te antes descritos, si los hubie re, continuarán subsistentes. El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anterio res, y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo de mínima subasta la suma de $480,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina, el 12 DE DICIEM BRE DE 2022, A LAS 9:45 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha se gunda subasta la suma de $320,000.00, 2/3 partes del tipo mínima establecido original mente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se estable ce como mínima para la TER CERA SUBASTA, la suma de $240,000.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubi cada en el Tribunal de Primera

PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CEN TRO JUDICIAL DE SAN JUAN, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYA

MÓN

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. JOSE ORLANDO RIVERA GARCIA, SU ESPOSA BRENDA EUNICE OCASIO GONZALEZ Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Demandados

Civil Núm.: BY2019CV02412.

(504). Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDI NARIA “IN REM”. EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL.

A: JOSE ORLANDO RIVERA GARCIA, SU ESPOSA BRENDA EUNICE OCASIO GONZALEZ Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS.

Yo, MARIBEL LANZAR VE LÁZQUEZ, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO

SABER: Que el día 10 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2022 A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Supe rior de Bayamón, en el Cuarto Piso, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se or denó por la vía ordinaria al me jor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos corres pondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Bayamón durante horas labora bles. Que en caso de no produ cir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el día 17 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2022, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 1RO. DE DICIEMBRE DE 2022, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MA ÑANA en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propie

dad a venderse en pública su basta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar número Quin ce (15) del Bloque “AD” en la URBANIZACIÓN LEVITTOWN del Barrio Sabana Seca de Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, con un área de TRESCIENTOS DIEZ PUNTO CINCUENTA (310.50) METROS CUADRADOS. En lindes: por el NORTE, en VEIN TITRÉS PUNTO CERO CERO (23.00) METROS, con el solar número Catorce (14); por el SUR, en VEINTITRÉS PUNTO CERO CERO (23.00) METROS con el solar número Dieciséis (16); por el ESTE, en TRECE PUNTO CINCUENTA (13.50) METROS, con los solares nú mero Cuarenta y Cuatro (44) y Cuarenta Tres (43); y por el OESTE, en TRECE PUNTO CINCUENTA (13.50) METROS, con Calle Margarita (según pla no Calle número Cuatrocientos Ocho (408). Sobre este solar enclava una casa de cemento y bloques para una familia. La es critura de hipoteca se encuen tra inscrita al folio 210 vuelto del tomo 586 de Toa Baja, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Segunda, finca núme ro 6,772, inscripción décimo sexta. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Levittown, AD15, Margarita St., Toa Baja, Puer to Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $122,127.02 de principal, inte reses al 5.5% anual, desde el día 1ro. de diciembre de 2017, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $13,851.50 es tipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mí nima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será de $138,515.00 y de ser nece saria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será una equi valente a 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la suma de $92,343.34 y de necesitarse una tercera su basta la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir la suma de $69,257.50. Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la tota lidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el im porte de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Esta dos Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación y que todo licitador acepta como suficiente la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes preferen tes, si los hubiese, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la res ponsabilidad de los mismos,

sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad a ser vendida en pública subas ta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Po drán concurrir como postores a todas las subastas los titulares de créditos hipotecarios vigen tes y posteriores a la hipoteca que se cobra o ejecuta, si algu no o que figuren como tales en la certificación registral y que podrán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de algu no en sus ofertas. Si la oferta aceptada es por cantidad ma yor a la suma del crédito o cré ditos preferentes al suyo, al ob tener la buena pro del remate, deberá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o en cheque de gerente, la totalidad del cré dito hipotecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro cré ditos posteriores al que se eje cuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Baya món, Puerto Rico, a 14 de oc tubre de 2022. MARIBEL LAN ZAR VELÁZQUEZ, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPE RIOR DE BAYAMÓN.

***

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE LAS PIEDRAS

RECOVERY

Demandante Vs.

LLC

NELSON VÉLEZ NIEVES H/N/C RED CUP; LIZA

MAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente direc ción 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 dic tar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el reme dio solicitado en la demanda o cualquier otro sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejerci cio de su sana discreción, lo en tiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia al abo gado de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. José F. Aguilar Vélez cuya dirección es: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-8518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección jose. aguilar@orf-law.com y a la di rección notificaciones@orf-law. com. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, hoy día 26 de septiembre de 2022. En Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, el 26 de septiembre de 2022. IVELISSE C. FONSECA RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL AUXILIAR. ILEA NETTE RIVAS SERRANO, SE CRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTA DOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LI BRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, S. S. A: FULANO DE TAL Y FULANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS CON INTERÉS EN LA SUCESIÓN DE NILDA

Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, hoy 18 de octubre de 2022. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. LINDA I. MEDINA MEDINA, SECRETARIA AUXI LIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

Demandados Civil Núm.: LP2022CV00012.

Sala: 302A. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO.

A: NELSON VÉLEZ NIEVES H/N/C RED CUP, POR SÍ Y EN REPRESENTACIÓN DE LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES QUE COMPONE JUNTO A LIZA SANTANA DÁVILA - URB OLIMPIC VILLE #49 LAS PIEDRAS, PUERTO RICO 00771 / PO BOX 49 LAS PIEDRAS, PUERTO RICO 00771.

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 ale gación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SU

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJAR DO GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC Demandante V. LA SUCESIÓN DE NILDA ESTHER ROBLEDO RIVERA, TAMBIÉN CONOCIDA COMO NILDA E. ROBLEDO RIVERA COMPUESTA POR JUAN ROSA ROBLEDO; FULANO DE TAL Y FULANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS CON INTERÉS EN LA SUCESIÓN; LA SUCESION DE JUAN ROSA SANCHEZ COMPUESTA POR JUAN ROSA ROBLEDO; MENGANO DE TAL Y MENGANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS CON INTERÉS EN LA SUCESIÓN; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Demandados

Civil Núm.: RG2022CV00300.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EM PLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO E INTERPELACIÓN. ESTA DOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA,

ESTHER ROBLEDO RIVERA, TAMBIÉN CONOCIDA COMO NILDA E. ROBLEDO RIVERA Y MENGANO DE TAL Y MENGANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS CON INTERÉS EN LA SUCESIÓN DE JUAN ROSA SANCHEZ. Queden emplazados y notifi cados que en este Tribunal se ha radicado Demanda Enmen dada sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca en su contra. Conforme al caso de Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argen taria vs. Latinoamericana de Exportación, Inc., 164 DPR 689 (2005) y el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R. A. §11021, se le requiere a la Sucesión de Nilda Esther Ro bledo Rivera, también conocida como Nilda E. Robledo Rivera y de la Sucesión de Juan Rosa Sánchez, que en el término de treinta (30) días, haga Declara ción aceptando o repudiando la herencia del causante. Se les apercibe que de no expresar su intención de aceptar o repudiar la herencia dentro del término provisto, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. Por la presente se le emplaza y notifica que debe contestar la demanda dentro del término de treinta (30) días a partir de la publi cación del presente edicto y deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Adminis tración de Casos (SUMAC), el cual podrá 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 pre sentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar Sentencia en Rebeldía en su contra y con ceder el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su discreción, lo entiende pro cedente. Los abogados de la parte demandante son: Lcdo. Andrés Sáez Marrero T.S.P.R. Núm. 18074 TROMBERG, MORRIS & POULIN, LLC 1515 South Federal Highway, Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33432 Tel. 877-338-4101

Fax: 561-338-4077 prservice@tmppllc.com asaez@tmppllc.com

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE HATILLO LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2019-PR1 Demandante V. EDGAR Y MILDRED MARTINEZ ROSARIO COMO HEREDEROS CONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE NORGA MARIA ROSARIO RODRIGUEZ; FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, ZUTANO DE TAL, ZUTANA DE TAL, A, B Y C COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN; SECRETARIO DE HACIENDA Y SECRETARIO DE JUSTICIA Demandada Civil Núm.: HA2022CV00153. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EM PLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉ RICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A La Parte Demandada: FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, ZUTANO DE TAL, ZUTANA DE TAL, A, B Y C COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE NORGA

MARIA ROSARIO RODRIGUEZ.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsi va a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días de haber sido diligenciado este emplazamien to, excluyéndose el día del dili genciamiento, notificando copia de la misma al (a la) abogado (a) de la parte demandante o a ésta, de no tener representa ción legal. Si usted deja de pre sentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y con ceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Por la presente el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, conforme al caso de Banco Bil bao Vizcaya Argentaria vs. La tinoamericana de Exportación, lnc., 164 DPR 689 (2005), le or dena que en el término de trein ta (30) días, haga declaración

aceptando o repudiando la he rencia de la Sucesión de Norga María Rosario Rodríguez. Se le apercibe que de no expresar su intención de aceptar o repudiar la herencia dentro del término que se le fijó, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Adminis tración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electróni ca: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. La parte demandante ha radicado una acción de co bro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca por deuda vencida y la misma está garantizada sobre la siguiente propiedad: RÚSTI

CA: Parcela de terreno marca da con el número ocho (8) del bloque “D” de la Urbanización Corales de Hatillo, localizada en el barrio Carrizales de Hati llo, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 284.05 metros cuadrados y en lindes al Norte, en 12.35 metros, con calle #6; al Sur, en 12.35 metros, con solar #3 del bloque “D”; al Este, en 23.00 metros, con el solar #9 del bloque “D” y al Oeste, en 23.00 metros, con el solar #7 del bloque “D”. Enclava en dicho solar una casa construida de concreto armado y bloques para fines residenciales. Finca #15840 inscrita al folio 185 del tomo 237 de Hatillo, Registro de la Propiedad de Arecibo, Sección II. Los abogados de la parte demandante son: García-Chamorro Law Group, P.S.C., 1225 Ave. Ponce de León, Suite 706, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00907, Tel. (787) 977-1932, Fax (787) 722-1932.

Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, hoy 11 de octubre de 2022. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRE TARIA REGIONAL. BRENDA TORRES MUÑIZ, SECRETA RIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INS TANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN REVERSE MORTGAGE

FUNDING, LLC. Demandante V. THE MONEY HOUSE, INC.; JAMES B. NUTTER & COMPANY; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS DEL PAGARE EXTRAVIADO

Demandado(a) Civil: VB2022CV00339. Sala: 501. Sobre: SUSTITUCIÓN O RESTITUCIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICA CIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JAMES B. NUTTER & COMPANY; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS DEL PAGARE EXTRAVIADO. (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus cribe le notifica a usted que el 17 de octubre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debi damente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted en terarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta no tificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circula ción general en la Isla de Puer to 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 Sen tencia, Sentencia Parcial o Re solución, de la cual puede esta blecerse 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 publi cación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archi vada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 18 de octubre de 2022. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el 18 de octubre de 2022. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. NEREIDA QUILES SANTANA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE HATILLO LEGACY MORTGAGE

ASSET TRUST 2019-PR1 Demandante V. EDGAR Y MILDRED

MARTINEZ ROSARIO

COMO HEREDEROS CONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE NORGA MARIA ROSARIO RODRIGUEZ; FULANO

DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, ZUTANO DE TAL, ZUTANA DE TAL, A, B Y C COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN; SECRETARIO

DE HACIENDA Y SECRETARIO DE JUSTICIA

Demandada

Civil Núm.: HA2022CV00153. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EM PLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉ RICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A LA PARTE

DE GANANCIALES

DEMANDADA: EDGAR Y MILDRED MARTINEZ ROSARIO COMO HEREDEROS CONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE NORGA MARIA ROSARIO RODRIGUEZ.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsi va a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días de haber sido diligenciado este emplazamien to, excluyéndose el día del dili genciamiento, notificando copia de la misma al (a la) abogado (a) de la parte demandante o a ésta, de no tener representa ción legal. Si usted deja de pre sentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y con ceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Por la presente el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, conforme al caso de Banco Bil bao Vizcaya Argentaria vs. La tinoamericana de Exportación, lnc., 164 DPR 689 (2005), le or dena que en el término de trein ta (30) días, haga declaración aceptando o repudiando la he rencia de la Sucesión de Norga María Rosario Rodríguez. Se le apercibe que de no expresar su intención de aceptar o repudiar la herencia dentro del término que se le fijó, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Adminis tración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electróni ca: https://unired.ramajudicial.

pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. La parte demandante ha radicado una acción de co bro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca por deuda vencida y la misma está garantizada sobre la siguiente propiedad: RÚSTI

CA: Parcela de terreno marca da con el número ocho (8) del bloque “D” de la Urbanización

Corales de Hatillo, localizada en el barrio Carrizales de Hati llo, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 284.05 metros cuadrados y en lindes al Norte, en 12.35 metros, con calle #6; al Sur, en 12.35 metros, con solar #3 del bloque “D”; al Este, en 23.00 metros, con el solar #9 del bloque “D” y al Oeste, en 23.00 metros, con el solar #7 del bloque “D”. Enclava en dicho solar una casa construida de concreto armado y bloques para fines residenciales. Finca #15840 inscrita al folio 185 del tomo 237 de Hatillo, Registro de la Propiedad de Arecibo, Sección II. Los abogados de la parte demandante son: García-Chamorro Law Group,

P.S.C., 1225 Ave. Ponce de León, Suite 706, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00907, Tel. (787) 977-1932, Fax (787) 722-1932.

Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, hoy 11 de octubre de 2022. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRE TARIA REGIONAL. BRENDA TORRES MUÑIZ, SECRETA RIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYA MÓN SALA SUPERIOR BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs.

CARMEN IRIS RODRÍGUEZ MERCADO

T/C/C CARMEN RODRÍGUEZ MERCADO

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: BY2022CV00807. Sala: 703. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. ESTADOS UNI DOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRE SIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El Alguacil que sus cribe por la presente anuncia y hace constar que en cumpli miento de la Sentencia dictada el 9 de junio de 2022, la Orden de Ejecución de Sentencia del 6 de septiembre de 2022 y el Mandamiento de Ejecución del 6 de septiembre de 2022 en el caso de epígrafe, procederé a vender el día 1 DE DICIEM BRE DE 2022, A LAS 9:45 DE LA MAÑANA en el Cuarto Piso de la Oficina del Alguacil de Subastas, localizada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Sala Superior, ubicado en la Carretera Número Dos (#2), Kilómetro 10.4, Esquina Este ban Padilla, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, al mejor postor en pago de contado y en moneda de los Estados Unidos de Améri ca, cheque de gerente o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal; todo título, derecho o interés de la parte demandada sobre la siguiente propiedad: URBANA: Solar radicado en la Urbanización Santa Rosa situa da en el Barrio Juan Sánchez de Bayamón, Puerto Rico, que se describe con el Número 16 de la Manzana 31, con un área de 315.00 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con el solar número 15, distancia de 21.00 metros; por el SUR, con el solar número 17, distancia de 21.00 metros; por el ESTE, con Calle Número 28, distancia de 15.00 metros; y por el OESTE, con el solar número 48, distan cia de 15.00 metros. Inscrita al folio 231 del tomo 256 de Baya món Sur, Finca Número 11255, Registro de la Propiedad de Ba yamón, Sección I. La escritura

de hipoteca consta inscrita al folio 17 del tomo 1934 de Baya món Sur, Finca Número 11255, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección I. Inscrip ción sexta. Dirección Física: Urb. Santa Rosa, 31-16 Calle 28, Bayamón, PR 00959-6533. Número de Catastro: 15-085058-309-16-001. El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta será de $70,000.00. De no haber adju dicación en la primera subasta se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA, el día 8 DE DICIEM BRE DE 2022, A LAS 9:45 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lu gar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será de dos terceras partes del tipo mínimo fijado en la prime ra subasta, o sea, $46,666.66.

De no haber adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebra rá una TERCERA SUBASTA, el día 15 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2022, A LAS 9:45 DE LA MA ÑANA, en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será la mi tad del precio pactado, o sea, $35,000.00. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el tribunal lo estima conveniente.

Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta es mayor. Dicho remate se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer a la demandante el importe de la Sentencia por la suma de $68,237.61 de princi pal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al 5.625% anual desde el 1 de enero de 2018 hasta su completo pago, más $677.25 de recargos acumulados, los cuales continuarán en aumento hasta el saldo total de la deuda, más la cantidad estipulada de $7,000.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados, así como cualquier otra suma que contenga el contrato del présta mo. Surge del Estudio de Título Registral que sobre esta pro piedad pesa el siguiente grava men posterior a la hipoteca que por la presente se pretende eje cutar: Aviso de Demanda: Plei to seguido por Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Vs. Carmen Iris Rodríguez Mercado también conocida como Carmen Rodrí guez Mercado, ante el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Su perior de Bayamón, en el Caso Civil Número BY2022CV00807 sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecu ción de Hipoteca, en la que se reclama el pago de hipoteca, con un balance de $68,237.61 y otras cantidades, según De manda de fecha 25 de febre ro de 2022. Anotada al Tomo Karibe de Bayamón Sur. Ano tación A. Se notifica al acree dor posterior o a su sucesor o cesionario en derecho para que comparezca a proteger su derecho si así lo desea. Se les advierte a los interesados que todos los documentos relacio nados con la presente acción de ejecución de hipoteca, así

como los de Subasta, estarán disponibles para ser examina dos, durante horas laborables, en el expediente del caso que obra en los archivos de la Se cretaría del Tribunal, bajo el número de epígrafe y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general en Puerto Rico por espacio de dos sema nas y por lo menos una vez por semana; y para su fijación en los sitios públicos requeridos por ley. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubie re, al crédito del ejecutante, continuarán subsistentes; en tendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate y que la propiedad a ser ejecuta da se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores tal como lo expresa la Ley Núm. 210-2015. Y para el conoci miento de los demandados, de los acreedores posteriores, de los licitadores, partes inte resadas y público en general, EXPIDO para su publicación en los lugares públicos correspon dientes, el presente Aviso de Pública Subasta en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy 18 de octubre de 2022. EDGARDO ELÍAS VARGAS SANTANA, ALGUA CIL AUXILIAR PLACA #193, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CEN TRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMÓN, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INS TANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN ISLAND PORFOLIO SERVICES, LLC., COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

Demandante Vs. MIGUEL A.

CRESPO ARROYO

Demandado (a)

Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV01210.

Sala: 508. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. NOTIFI CACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: MIGUEL A.

CRESPO ARROYO

EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus cribe le notifica a usted que el 17 de octubre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debi damente 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 notifica

ción. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedi miento 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 conta dos a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notifica ción ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 18 de octubre de 2022. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 18 de octubre de 2022. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SE CRETARIA REGIONAL. MAR THA ALMODÓVAR CABRERA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRI BUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTAN CIA SALA DE CAMUY ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC COMO AGENTE DE ACE ONE FUNDING LLC Demandante V. HERIBERTO UBINAS FERNANDEZ Demandado(a) Civil: QU2021CV00115. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFI CACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO ENMENDADA.

A: HERIBERTO UBINAS FERNANDEZ. (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus cribe le notifica a usted que el 05 de octubre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debi damente 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 notifica ción. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedi miento 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 edic to de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edic to. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 18 de octubre de 2022. En Camuy, Puerto Rico, el 18 de octubre de 2022. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE

GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA. YOLANDA RIVERA COLÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOT ICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INS TANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN CARIBE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Demandante V. SUCESION EDWIN MEDINA VAZQUEZ, COMPUESTA POR JOCELYN ANNETTE MEDINA PANETO, CELIA PANETO GUZMAN, JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE

Demandado(a)

Civil: SJ2022CV06112. Sala: 802. Sobre: COBRO DE DINE RO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SEN TENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE.

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

EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus cribe le notifica a usted que el 21 de octubre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debi damente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted en terarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta no tificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circula ción general en la Isla de Puer to 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 Sen tencia, Sentencia Parcial o Re solución, de la cual puede esta blecerse 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 publi cación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archi vada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 21 de octubre de 2022. En SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, el 21 de octubre de 2022.

GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ CO LLADO, SECRETARIA. ELSIE PRATTS MELÉNDEZ, SECRE TARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN YAHAIRA MARIE

GIRONA JORGE

Demandante V. ASLE ASDALBERTO CRUZ DIAZ

Demandado(a)

Civil: SJ2022RF00754. Sobre: DIVORCIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: ASLE ASDALBERTO CRUZ DIAZ.

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

EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus cribe le notifica a usted que el 21 de octubre de 2022, este

Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debi damente 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 notifica ción. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedi miento 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 edic to de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edic to. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 21 de octubre de 2022. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 24 de octubre de 2022. GRISELDA RODRÍ

GUEZ COLLADO, SECRETA RIA. ORIA I. SANTANA CARO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INS TANCIA SALA DE SAN JUAN - SUPERIOR BANCO POPULAR DE PR

Vs

ZORRILLA POSADA, LAUREANO

Caso: KCD2016-1178. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTEN CIA POR EDICTO.

LAUREANO

ZORILLA POSADA.

EL SECRETARIO(A) que sus cribe le notifica a usted que el 20 de octubre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debi damente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted en terarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta no tificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circula ción general en la Isla de Puer to 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 Sen tencia, Sentencia Parcial o Re solución, de la cual puede esta blecerse 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 publi cación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archi vada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 24 de octubre de 2022. Lic. Figueroa Castro, Melisa. Melisa.figueroa@gmail.

com. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 24 de octubre de 2022. GRI SELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLA DO, SECRETARIA. KAROLYN RIVERA NAVARRO, SECRE TARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

POPULAR MORTGAGE Demandantes Vs. PANAMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION; ORIENTAL BANK; JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE, COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES DEL PAGARÉ Demandados Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV05843.

Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PA GARÉ HIPOTECARIO EXTRA VIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNI DOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRE SIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: PANAMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION.

B: JOHN DOE; RICHARD ROE, POSIBLES TENEDORES DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO DESCRITO MÁS ADELANTE.

Por la presente se le notifica que se ha radicado una De manda donde se solicita se cancele el siguiente pagaré, el cual está extraviado, así como la hipoteca que garanti za su pago: a. pagaré a favor de PAFC, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $17,000.00, más intereses a una tasa de 12.5% anual sobre el balance adeudado, con vencimiento el día 1 de diciembre de 2019, suscrito el día 8 de noviembre de 1999 y garantizado por hi poteca constituida mediante la escritura número 835 otorgada en esa misma fecha ante el no tario Alberto C. Rafols Méndez, y consta inscrita al folio móvil del tomo 1414 de Río Piedras Norte, inscripción 6ta de la finca número 23809. Por la presente se les emplaza y requiere para que notifique a la Lcda. Marit za Guzmán Matos, PMB 767, Avenida Luis Vigoreaux, Guay nabo, Puerto Rico 00966, telé fono (787) 758-3276, abogada de la parte demandante, con copia de vuestra contestación a la demanda radicada en este caso contra ustedes, dentro de un término de treinta (30) días contados a partir de la publica ción de este Edicto. Por la pre sente se les apercibe de que de no comparecer a formular alegaciones dentro de treinta (30) días contados a partir de la fecha de la publicación de este Edicto, se le anotará la

DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs.

FRAWZI NAJI ALKADI, TAMBIÉN CONOCIDO

COMO FAOMZI NAJI

ALKADI Y SU ESPOSA KAMILA NAJI NAJI, TAMBIÉN CONOCIDA

COMO CAMILA F. NAJI NAJI Y COMO CAMILA FAOUZI NAJI, Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES

COMPUESTA POR AMBOS Demandados Civil Núm.: CA2022CV00713.

(403). Sobre: COBRO DE DI NERO (EJECUCIÓN DE HIPO TECA POR LA VÍA ORDINA RIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA. Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL.

A: FRAWZI NAJI ALKADI, TAMBIÉN CONOCIDO COMO FAOMZI NAJI ALKADI Y SU ESPOSA KAMILA NAJI NAJI, TAMBIÉN CONOCIDA

COMO CAMILA F. NAJI NAJI Y COMO CAMILA FAOUZI NAJI, Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS; US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CSMC2007-5, POR TENER AVISO DE DEMANDA ANOTADO A SU FAVOR POR LA SUMA DE $126,670.85.

Yo, MANUEL VILLAFAÑE

BLANCO, Alguacil de este Tri bunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO

SABER: Que el día 5 DE DI CIEMBRE DE 2022 A LAS 2:30

DE LA TARDE, en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Ca rolina, Carolina, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se or denó por la vía ordinaria al me jor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos corres pondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Carolina durante horas labora bles. Que en caso de no produ cir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el día 12 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2022, A LAS 2:30 DE LA TARDE y en

caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 19 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2022, A LAS 2:30 DE LA TARDE en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a ven derse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBA NA: Parcela de terreno deno minada Parcela B guión Ocho (B-8) de la URBANIZACIÓN ROUND HILL COURTS COR PORATION, con una cabida de TRESCIENTOS SETENTA Y UNO PUNTO VEINTICUATRO (371.24) METROS CUADRA DOS, radicada en el Barrio Las Cuevas del término municipal de Trujillo Alto; en lindes por el NORTE, en una distancia de nueve punto diecisiete (9.17) metros lineales, con la Calle Amapola de la Urbanización Round Hill; por el SUR, en una distancia de once punto treinta y cuatro (11.34) metros lineales, con terrenos de la Ur banización Nuestra Señora de Lourdes; por el ESTE, en una distancia total de treinta y tres punto cuarenta y seis (33.46) metros lineales, con el solar número Siete(7) de la Urba nización Round Hill Courts; y por el OESTE, en una distancia total de cuarenta y uno punto sesenta y ocho (41.68) metros lineales, con el solar número Nueve (9) de la Urbanización Round Hill Courts Corporation. En la propiedad anteriormente descrita enclava una estructu ra de concreto y bloques para uso residencial. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscri ta al folio 62 del tomo 700 de Trujillo Alto, Registro de la Pro piedad de San Juan, Sección Cuarta, finca número 30,037, inscripción séptima. Modifica da la hipoteca relacionada en la inscripción 7ma., en cuanto a que se cancela parcialmen te en la suma de $14,562.30, para un nuevo principal por la suma de $135,437.70, sus in tereses serán al 6.75% anual, vencedero el día 1ro. de mayo de 2037, con un pago final de $8,037.70, según la escritu ra número 275, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 22 de agosto de 2017, ante la Notario Público Carla Colón Gómez, inscrita al tomo Ka ribe de Trujillo Alto, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección Cuarta, finca número 30,037, inscripción 8va. La di rección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Round Hill Courts, Calle Ama pola, (antes B-8) B-772, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satis facer a la parte demandante la suma de $119,238.95 de princi pal, intereses al 6.75% anual, desde el día 1ro de febrero de 2020, hasta su completo pago, $8,037.70 de principal diferido, más la cantidad de $15,000.00 estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están liquidas y

exigibles. Que la cantidad mí nima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será de $135,437.70 y de ser nece saria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será una equi valente a 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la suma de $90,291.80 y de necesitarse una tercera su basta la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir la suma de $67,718.85. Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la tota lidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el im porte de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Esta dos Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, continuarán subsistentes, en tendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad a ser vendida en pública subasta se encuentra afecta al siguiente gravamen posterior: Aviso de Demanda, del día 23 de marzo de 2017, expedida en el Tribunal de Pri mera Instancia, Sala de Trujillo Alto, en el Caso Civil Número FECI2017-00381, sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hi poteca, seguido por US Bank National Association as Trustee for CSMC2007-5 contra Fawzi Naji Alkadi, Camila Naji Naji y la Sociedad Legal de Ganan ciales compuesta por ellos, por la suma de $126,670.85, más costas, gastos e intere ses, anotado el día 3 de agosto de 2017, al tomo Karibe, finca 30,037 de Trujllo Alto, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección Cuarta, Anotación A.

La propiedad a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Podrán concurrir como postores a todas las su bastas los titulares de créditos que figuren como tales en la certificación registral y que po drán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de alguno en sus ofertas. Si la oferta acep tada es por cantidad mayor a la suma del crédito o créditos preferentes al suyo, al obtener la buena pro del remate, debe rá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o en cheque de ge rente, la totalidad del crédito hi potecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro créditos pos teriores al que se ejecuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TES

TIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para cono cimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y

sello del Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 14 de octubre de 2022. MANUEL VILLAFA ÑE BLANCO #830, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPE RIOR DE CAROLINA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE LARES GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC Demandante V. CARMEN MARIA

MORALES VELEZ Y YADIRA LISSETTE GUZMAN-MORALES

Demandados

Civil Núm.: AR2018CV00313.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTE CA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTA DOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ES TADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUER TO 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 Manda miento de Ejecución de Senten cia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Su perior de Lares, en el caso de epígrafe procederá a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor en efectivo, cheque ge rente, giro postal, cheque certi ficado en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América al nombre del Alguacil del Tribu nal de Primera Instancia, en mi oficina ubicada en el Tribu nal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Lares, el 6 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2022, A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte deman dada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar marcado F-1 de la urbaniza ción Palmas del Sol radicado en el Barrio Pueblo del térmi no municipal de Lares, Puerto Rico, con una cabida de 276.00 metros cuadrados. En lindes NORTE, en 23.00 metros con el lote marcado F-2; SUR, en 23.00 metros con el lote mar cado Park A; ESTE, en 12.00 metros con la Calle Numero 5 y por el OESTE, en 12.00 me tros con el lote marcado Park A. Enclava una residencia de un nivel la cual está compues ta de sala, comedor, cocina, tres cuartos, un baño y una marquesina. Afecta a una ser vidumbre de teléfono de 5` de ancho a favor de Puerto Rico Telephone Company que dis curre por el frente del solar. Finca 18029. Inscrita al folio 88

del tomo 377 de Lares, Regis tro de la Propiedad de Utuado. Propiedad localizada en: URB. PALMAS DEL SOL 65 CALLE 4F1, LARES, PR 00669. Se gún figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas anteriores o preferentes: a. CONDICIONES RESTRICTIVAS del programa gubernamental denominado “Home Investment Partnership Program” por un término de 10 años, según consta de la escri tura 32 otorgada en San Juan el 6 de diciembre de 2003 ante el notario Elba Millan Guerra, e inscrita al folio 88 del tomo 377 de Lares, finca 18029, inscrip ción 1ª. Según figuran en la cer tificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gra vada por las siguientes cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: a. HIPO TECA en garantía de pagaré a favor de Autoridad para el Financiamiento de la Vivienda de Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma de $15,000.00 sin intereses y vencimiento 6 de diciembre de 2011. Constituida por la Escritura 639 otorga da en Lares el 6 de diciembre de 2003 ante el notario José Rubén Vélez Marrero, e inscri ta al folio 88 del tomo 377 de Lares, finca 18029, inscripción 3ª. b. HIPOTECA en garantía de pagaré a favor de PJ Esta do Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma de $20,000.00 sin intereses y vencimiento 10 años. Constitui da por la Escritura 34 otorgada en San Juan el 6 de diciembre de 2003 ante el notario Ruth Noemi Morillo Limardo, e inscri ta al folio 88 del tomo 377 de Lares, finca 18029, inscripción 4ª. Se entenderá que todo li citador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gra vámenes anteriores y los pre ferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes. El rematante acepta dichas car gas y gravámenes anteriores, y queda subrogado en la res ponsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo mínimo de subasta la suma de $36,355.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Lares, el 13 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2022, A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda su basta la suma de $24,236.66, dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo establecido origi nalmente. Si tampoco se pro duce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se estable ce como mínima para la TER CERA SUBASTA, la suma de

$18,177.50, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubi cada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Lares, el 20 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2022, A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto sa tisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dic tada a su favor ascendente a la suma de $24,991.10 de princi pal, intereses al tipo del 5.00% anual según ajustado desde el día 1ro. de diciembre de 2017 hasta el pago de la deuda en su totalidad, más la suma de $3,305.00 por concepto de ho norarios de abogado y costas autorizadas por el Tribunal, más las cantidades que se adeudan mensualmente por concepto de seguro hipotecario, cargos por demora, y otros adeudados que se hagan en virtud de la escri tura de hipoteca. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen poste rior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUN DA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efec tos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la cele bración de dicha subasta. Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás cons tancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para ser exa minadas por los (las) interesa dos (as). Y para su publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas pu blicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públi cos de Puerto Rico. Expedido en Lares, Puerto Rico, hoy día 18 de octubre de 2022. JOSÉ

F. RIVERA PÉREZ, ALGUACIL REGIONAL. ISMAEL SERRA

NO CARDONA, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CEN TRO JUDICIAL DE LARES, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE AIBONITO

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, INC.

Demandante V.

MARIA DEL CARMEN ROJAS CARRASQUILLO, JOHN DOE

Demandadas

Civil Núm.: AI2022CV00328.

Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO POR LA VÍA JUDICIAL. EMPLA ZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉ

RICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUER TO RICO, S.S.

A: MARIA DEL CARMEN ROJAS CARRASQUILLO COMO TENEDOR DESCONOCIDO DEL PAGARÉ a favor de First Financia! Caribbean Corporation d/b/a HF Mortgage Bakers, o a su orden, endosado en blanco (al Portador), por la suma $60,625.00, devengando 8% de interés, vencedero el 1 de noviembre de 2024, constituida mediante la escritura número 974, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 27 de octubre de 1994, ante el notario David V. Barbosa Alameda, e inscrita al folio 254 del tomo 211, finca número 11,503 de Aibonito, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Barranquitas. Este Pagaré fue modificado en cuanto a sus intereses mediante la escritura número 868, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 25 de noviembre de 2014, ante el notario José Humberto Martínez Camacho, e inscrita al folio 254 del tomo 211, finca número 11,503 de Aibonito, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Barranquitas.

Por la presente se le emplaza y notifica que debe contestar la demanda incoada en su contra dentro del término de treinta (30) días a partir de la publica ción del presente edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Adminis tración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electróni ca: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr/sumac/, salvo que se repre sente por derecho propio. Si usted deja de presentar y no tificar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el Tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y con ceder el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Los abogados de la parte demandante son.

ABOGADOS DE LA PARTE

DEMANDANTE: Lcdo. Reggie Díaz Hernández

RUA Núm.: 16,393

BERMUDEZ & DIAZ LLP Suite 209

500 Calle De La Tanca San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901

Tel.: (787) 523-2670

Fax: (787) 523-2664 rdíaz@bdprlaw.com

Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y el sello de este Tribunal, hoy 20 de octubre de 2022. ELIZA

BETH GONZÁLEZ RIVERA, SECRETARIA GENERAL. NÉ LIDA APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR SAN JUAN ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

Demandante Vs. EDWIN SUAREZ CASTRO Demandada Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV01926. Salón: 503. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. EM PLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉ RICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: EDWIN

SUAREZ CASTROURB. PUERTO NUEVO, 1214 CALLE CANADÁ, SAN JUAN, PR, 00920.

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 ale gación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SU MAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente direc ción electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presen tar 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 re beldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la de manda o cualquier otro sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discre ción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la par te demandante, el Lcdo. Kevin Sánchez Campanero cuyas di recciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 009368518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección kevin.sanchez@ orf-law.com, a la dirección no tificaciones@orf-law.com. EX TENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 2 de sep tiembre de 2022. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 2 de septiembre de 2022. Griselda Rodríguez Collado, Secretaria. Elizabeth Agosto Núñez, Secretaria De Servicios A Sala.

Connections abound, but Philadelphia has an edge on Houston

By TYLER KEPNER

The118th World Series, which starts in Houston on Friday (8:03 p.m. ET, Fox) with the Astros hosting the Philadelphia Phillies, will be the ultimate test for an esoteric but fascinating theory: When it comes to professional sports, Phil adelphia owns Houston.

The Phillies were in the city in early October, for the final series of the regular season, and they clinched their first playoff berth since 2011. It was a fitting place to do it, because so much of what’s good about Philly sports — not a hotbed of champion ship activity, if we’re being honest — can be traced to Houston.

The most important victory in Phillies history came in Houston, in the seismic 1980 National League Championship Se ries, when the team of Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton finally broke through to reach the World Series. They went on to win the first championship in team history.

The second came in 2008, and the pitcher on the mound at the end, Brad Lidge, came to the Phillies in a trade with Houston. Calling the action from the Phil lies’ broadcast booth was the beloved Harry Kalas, whose son, Todd, is now the Astros’ television play-by-play announcer.

Harry Kalas came to the Phillies from the Astros in 1971, hired by longtime club executive Bill Giles, who also came from Houston. Kalas stayed on the job until his death in 2009, and now has a statue on the concourse at Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies play a recording of his victory anthem, “High Hopes,” after every win.

When the Phillies exiled Mitch Wil liams in 1993, after he had given up Joe Carter’s World Series-winning homer for Toronto, they shipped him to the Astros for another closer, Doug Jones, who promptly

made the All-Star team. Several other Phil lies standouts — starters Curt Schilling and Roy Oswalt and outfielder Hunter Pence — arrived through trades with the Astros.

This goodwill trend goes beyond baseball. The Philadelphia Eagles were 6-0 against the Houston Oilers and are 5-0 against the Houston Texans, with an other game scheduled in Houston for next Thursday, on the off-day before a possible Game 6 of the World Series. The hero of the Eagles’ only Super Bowl win, in Febru ary 2018, was quarterback Nick Foles, a native of Austin, Texas. (Close enough.)

In basketball, when the Philadelphia 76ers sought a superstar in 1982 to help Julius Erving finally win an NBA title, they traded with the Houston Rockets for Mo ses Malone, the reigning MVP. Malone immediately won another MVP and helped the 76ers sweep the NBA Finals.

That was the last title for the 76ers, who acquired another former MVP for the Rockets, James Harden, in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets last year. The architect of the current 76ers is Da ryl Morey, who previously guided the Rockets.

(And we haven’t even mentioned the buzzer-beater by Villanova’s Kris Jenkins to win the 2016 NCAA Division I men’s bas ketball championship, in Houston.)

So, yes: For a city that rarely reaches the top — the long-departed Athletics still have more titles than any existing lo cal franchise — Philadelphia has a strange pattern of success when Houston gets in volved. It should be no surprise that the greatest Phillie of all, Schmidt, picks this World Series to follow the trend.

“A key part of becoming a champi onship team is believing it and feeling it,” Schmidt said, noting that Houston has gotten used to reaching the World Se ries. “Four times in six years? Say what you want, but it would be hard to say that Houston’s hungrier than the Phillies. Every player wants to win the World Series when they’re in it, no doubt about it, but for the Phillies to accomplish what they’ve ac complished based upon where they were at one time during the season makes them sort of feel like they’re unbeatable.”

Houston is a great team, Schmidt ac knowledged, and who could argue? The Astros are 113-56 this season, including a 7-0 romp through the American League playoffs. But to Schmidt, the Phillies’ men tal edge will prevail.

“I think that carries a lot of weight in a series,” he said. “I think the World Series is going to play out this way: a split in the first two games, the Phillies winning two out of three at home, and the Phillies winning in seven games, 7-6.”

A seven-game series? Now that would be something new for the Phillies. All of the other teams that existed before the expansion era — including the Chicago White Sox, who did it in a best-of-nine se ries — have played a Game 7. The Phillies have played decisive fifth games but have still never played a postseason Game 7.

For openers

The Phillies were the visitors for the first official games at the Astrodome and Minute Maid Park, following exhibitions between Houston and the New York Yan kees.

On April 12, 1965, they spoiled the opening of baseball’s first indoor stadium with a 2-0 victory behind Chris Short’s four-hitter and a two-run homer by Dick Allen, with Ruben Amaro Sr. scoring the first run. On April 7, 2000, at Minute Maid Park, the retractable-roof stadium origi nally named Enron Field (oops), another Phillies lefty, Randy Wolf, came away with a 4-1 win. Doug Glanville, who will work this year’s World Series pregame show for ESPN Radio, led off with a single and Scott Rolen hit the first home run.

Héctor the strikeout collector

The Phillies’ 10-season playoff ab sence can roughly be described as the Héctor Neris Era. They missed the postsea son every year from 2012 through 2021, and Neris, a right-handed reliever from the Dominican Republic, pitched in the last eight of those seasons.

He left his mark in the Phillies’ record books with his final pitch for the team: a splitter to fan the Miami Marlins’ Jazz Ch isholm Jr. for his 520th strikeout, breaking Ron Reed’s club record for strikeouts by a reliever. Neris signed with Houston last December and has worked in 75 games, including five in the postseason, for the Astros.

A Hall of Famer in the dugout

The Astros’ Dusty Baker, who ranks ninth on the career list for managerial victories, seems certain to someday be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. But the Phillies’ manager, Rob Thomson, is

Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on July 9, 2022. Davis’s day job is calling games for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but this season he also became Fox’s lead voice for the All-Star Game and the World Series.

already a Hall of Famer, having been in ducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Mary’s, Ontario.

A former minor league catcher, Thom son — who lives in Sebringville, Ontario, and was born in Sarnia, Ontario — played for the Stratford Hillers in Canada’s ama teur Intercounty Baseball League. He also represented Canada at the 1984 Summer Olympics, when baseball was a demon stration sport rather than a medal-awarding competition. He is the majors’ first full-time manager from Canada in nearly 90 years, and he will be the first Canadian to man age in the World Series.

A restful Sunday

For decades, Major League Baseball had fearlessly scheduled at least one World Series game on a Sunday night, despite competition from football. Now, for the first time since the NFL introduced Sunday night games in 1987, there will be no World Series game on a Sunday. The World Series moves to a new schedule this year, with the first two games on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday reserved for travel.

Last year’s Sunday night World Series broadcast — Game 5 between Houston and Atlanta — drew 13.64 million viewers, about 2 million fewer than the competing NBC broadcast of the Dallas Cowboys’ game with the Minnesota Vikings in Week

8 of the season. A potential seventh game in this World Series would take place on Saturday, Nov. 5, which would be the lat est the event has taken place. The last time it stretched to Nov. 4 was for the Game 6 finale of the Phillies’ and Yankees’ World Series in 2009.

Rookie on the call

This will be the first World Series for Joe Davis, who took over as Fox’s lead baseball play-by-play broadcaster when Joe Buck left for ESPN last winter. Buck had called each of the last 22 World Series and 24 overall, stretching to 1996, when Davis was a boy in Michigan aspiring to have a job like this.

“That’s the coolest part,” Davis, 34, said in an interview this summer, “thinking that Joe Buck has called all these World Se ries moments throughout my lifetime, and how these are burnt into my memory, and I’m pinching myself thinking that it’s going to be my responsibility to caption and cap ture those moments.”

Davis, who also calls games for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be joined by analyst John Smoltz. This will be the fifth World Series in the booth for Smoltz, matching his total on the mound as a Hall of Fame pitcher for Atlanta.

Benched brothers

The NLCS featured the Nola brothers

— Aaron, a Phillies starting pitcher, and Austin, a San Diego Padres catcher. The World Series teams also have brothers on either side, but neither is active. Nick Ma ton played 18 games at various positions for the Phillies, and right-handed reliever Phil Maton made 67 appearances for the Astros.

The brothers faced each other on the final day of the regular season, and Nick got a hit — which turned out to be very costly for his brother. Phil punched a lock er stall in frustration after the game, break ing a bone in his pitching hand and costing himself a spot on the Astros’ postseason roster. The Phillies included Nick on their roster for the wild-card round but have left him off since.

Feeling a draft

The Astros have a few remaining cor nerstones from their years of picking high in the draft — third baseman Alex Breg man, starter Lance McCullers Jr. and out fielder Kyle Tucker — but their three No. 1 overall picks are all gone. Carlos Correa, the top pick in 2012, left as a free agent for Minnesota (he’s on the market again), and Brady Aiken, the 2014 choice, was injured and did not sign. The 2013 choice, though, wound up with the Phillies this season: Mark Appel, a former Stanford University ace.

The right-handed Appel had pitched in the minors for the Phillies since 2016 — with a three-year retirement in between — before making his big league debut in June at age 30. He worked in six games with a 1.74 ERA before elbow inflammation ended his season. The Phillies, meanwhile, had one No. 1 overall draft choice during their rebuild: outfielder Mickey Moniak in 2016. Moniak hit .129 in parts of three seasons for the Phillies, who traded him to the Los Angeles Angels in August for righthanded pitcher Noah Syndergaard.

Reggie from Wyncote

The man with the most championship rings at the World Series will likely be Reg gie Jackson, a close friend and special ad viser to Astros owner Jim Crane. Jackson played for three title-winning teams with Oakland and two with the Yankees in the 1970s, part of a Hall of Fame career that earned him the nickname Mr. October.

Jackson, 76, was born outside Phila delphia in Abington, Pennsylvania, grew up in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, and is the only major leaguer from Cheltenham (Pennsylvania) High School. Alas, he spent his entire career in the American League before interleague play, and never played a game in Philadelphia — or in Houston, which was a National League city until 2013.

The Astros and the Phillies in a big series? We’ve seen this before.

By TYLER KEPNER

The Philadelphia Phillies’ marquee man, a prolific power hitter who has never led his team to the World Se ries, steps to the plate. It is the eighth inning of Game 5 of the National League Champi onship Series. The Phillies are trailing by a run with the tying run on base. This is hero

time.

Two strikes. Fastball on the outside cor ner. The slugger starts his swing.

For Mike Schmidt, the greatest player in Phillies history, it was a moment of con founding indecision. He started his swing, checked it, and the ball caught the corner for a called third strike.

For Bryce Harper, the greatest current Phillie, it was a moment of stirring satisfac tion. Harper tore into the pitch and drove it over the fence in left-center. The Phillies won the pennant and will meet the Hous ton Astros in the World Series. It starts on Friday (8:03 p.m. ET, Fox) in Houston, the same city where Schmidt struggled in 1980, in an autumn that ultimately became his own.

series that featured four extra-inning games. Schmidt was awe-struck when Harper went deep.

“I said to myself, ‘I can’t believe what I just saw,’ ” Schmidt said in a telephone interview Tuesday. “You don’t see hitters go to the opposite field very often, if ever, to win a game, especially of that magnitude. You have to have total con trol of yourself to go with the pitch in that situation.

Then Schmidt, the MVP of that World Series against Kansas City, gave Harper a powerful compliment.

“That guy,” Schmidt said, “he is one of, if not the, greatest performer under pressure I’ve ever seen.”

Of the Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Har per, Hall of Famer and former Phillie Mike Schmidt said: “That guy, he is one of, if not the, greatest performer under pressure I’ve ever seen.”

Schmidt, 73, will be in Philadelphia for the games next week. On Sunday, from his home in Jupiter, Florida, he watched Harper connect for the clutch hit that eluded him in that 1980 NLCS, when the Phillies slipped past the Astros in a rollicking best-of-five

“Normally a guy will pop that up, swing and miss it, hook it to the second baseman, because normally the pressure of the moment takes over and causes you to be over anxious. And to be able to hit that fly ball to left field, it’s almost like he said, ‘Hey, let me show you how to win this game. I want to hit this fly ball to left field.’”

The Phillies of the Harper era are mak ing their first visit to the World Series, just like the Phillies of Schmidt’s era did in 1980. The Houston series that led them there might be the most wrenching and riveting postsea son series ever.

“It has, to be sure, been a wild, memo rable, classic baseball series,” Jayson Stark wrote in The Philadelphia Inquirer, even be fore the uproarious finale. “It has been one that could make a baseball fan out of an ar madillo.”

The Astros — who moved to the Ameri can League in 2013 — were making their first postseason appearance as champions of the NL West. The Phillies, meanwhile, had lost in the NLCS in 1976, 1977 and 1978. In 1980, they had the league’s MVP in Schmidt, the Cy Young Award winner in Steve Carl ton, and a nagging sense that their core of veterans — Bob Boone, Larry Bowa, Greg Luzinski, Garry Maddox — might never ful fill its promise.

“The magnitude of what this meant,” said Ed Wade, then the Astros’ public rela tions director, “for both franchises, was re ally extreme.”

It had been an eventful year for the Astros. Before the season, they signed two future Hall of Famers in free agency: sec ond baseman Joe Morgan and starter Nolan Ryan, who teamed with another strikeout artist, J.R. Richard, for the most dominant one-two rotation tandem in baseball. Then Richard suffered a career-ending stroke in

late July.

“We still probably had one of the best pitching staffs, but with him nobody was ever going to beat us,” Enos Cabell, the As tros’ third baseman, said Monday. “Just be cause nobody could beat J.R. at that time.”

Both teams staged breathless races to win their divisions, the Astros taking a onegame playoff over the Dodgers in Los Ange les the day before the NLCS began in Phila delphia. Houston lost the opener to Carlton, 3-1, with Luzinski belting a two-run homer.

It would be the only home run of the series and the only game decided in nine in nings. No postseason series since (minimum five games) has had so few homers, and no other postseason series has ever had four extra-inning games.

The Astros drew even in Game 2 at Vet erans Stadium with a 7-4 victory in 10 in nings, then took Game 3 at the Astrodome, 1-0, in 11 innings. The knuckleballing Joe Niekro pitched 10 innings, and Tug McGraw, the Phillies’ indefatigable closer, was work ing his fourth inning of relief when Denny Walling won it with a sacrifice fly.

Then things got really crazy, prompting this description of Game 4 from McGraw: “It was like a motorcycle ride through an art museum,” he said. “You see the pictures but afterward you don’t remember what you saw.”

The Phillies needed to do something that had never happened in the 12 years of the league championship series: win the pennant by taking Games 4 and 5 on the road. And the Astrodome, of course, was no ordinary road venue. Four years earlier, the Astros had drawn fewer than 900,000 fans all season. In 1980, they drew more than 2.2 million — and it sounded as if they had all shown up for the playoffs.

“It was as loud as I’ve ever heard any thing,” Greg Gross, a Phillies outfielder, said Tuesday. “You really couldn’t talk; if you wanted to say something to somebody, they could be 4 feet away and you had to yell at them. It was just constant, and it never let up. And when they got a hit or came back and tied it every time, it got even louder.”

In any case, the Astros held a multi-run lead through seven innings with a chance to close out the Phillies — just as they would in Game 5. This time, Gross singled to start a three-run rally, but the Astros came back to tie it on a Terry Puhl single in the bottom of the ninth.

With one out and Cabell at the plate, Puhl took off for second — and was doubled off first when Cabell flied to right. The ABC broadcast crew was aghast, but that was Houston’s style. The Astros hit only 75 hom ers that season but had 194 stolen bases.

“We played all tight games all the time, because we couldn’t hit home runs in our park,” Cabell said. “The Phillies would maul people.”

But with Schmidt held to a .208 aver age and no homers in the NLCS, the Phillies showed that they could win with small-ball, too — and get a little dirty doing it. In the 10th inning of Game 4, Luzinski smashed a two-out double with Pete Rose on first base. Rose charged around the bases for the goahead run, plowing into catcher Bruce Bo chy, knocking him over with a forearm to the face.

“That was the biggest wreck I’ve ever seen in my life,” Cabell said. “He knocked Bochy almost halfway into the stands.”

After the 5-3 loss, the Astros came back with Ryan in Game 5, and took a 5-2 lead into the eighth. Wade — who had interned for the Phillies and would go on to serve

as the general manager for both teams — boarded the elevator to the clubhouse level to prepare for a celebration. By the time he got to the ground floor, a rally was under way. He met his former boss, the Phillies’ P.R. man, Larry Shenk.

“Now you’ve got both P.R. guys — me and the guy who hired me — and we’re pacing back and forth down there until the game ends,” Wade said.

Bowa punched a single to center. Ryan reached out to deflect a ground ball by Boone — a sure double-play that turned into an infield single. That brought Gross, a former Astro, to the plate. Normally a hitter who worked the count, Gross noticed Ca bell playing back and decided to bunt the first pitch. His knowledge of the Astrodome helped.

Gross sent his bunt trickling, deaden ing the ball and sending it trickling out of the reach of Cabell and Ryan. That loaded the bases, and after a walk to Rose — who theatrically flipped his bat — Ryan left for a reliever. One batter later, Schmidt came to bat for his strikeout against Ken Forsch.

“I laid an egg in that Houston series,” Schmidt said. “I didn’t really do anything.”

Before Schmidt could dwell on his fail ure, though, Del Unser tied the game with a single. Schmidt has often said that the most important at-bat of his career wasn’t even his own; it was Unser’s for redeeming him.

The Phillies took a two-run lead on a triple by Manny Trillo, but McGraw — who would be a star of the World Series — lost it in the eighth. It took a go-ahead double from Maddox in the 10th, and steely re lief from starter Dick Ruthven, to seal the pennant for the Phillies. Maddox — whom Wade had asked to be the best man at his upcoming wedding — caught a fly ball by Cabell to end it.

“Garry Maddox and I played against each other in high school,” Cabell said. “I thought that ball was in the alley, I was run ning as hard as I could. But he was a heck of a center fielder.”

As for Schmidt, he celebrated with teammates but could not hide a certain emptiness at having let people down. He was among the last to board the team bus — and his teammates, sensing his mood, gave him a standing ovation that finally al lowed Schmidt to relax.

Looking back, Schmidt said, the story embarrasses him; he should not have been selfish at such a moment of joy. His modern Phillies counterpart, he is certain, would have handled it better.

“I should have gotten on the bus yell ing and screaming and going, ‘Way to go!!’” Schmidt said. “Bryce Harper would have done that, right?”

Mike Schmidt and the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after winning the 1980 World Series. Schmidt went on to be named the series’ most valuable player.

Sudoku

How to Play:

Fill in the empty

elds 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

Answers to the Sudoku and Crossword on page 37Aries (Mar 21-April 20)

Someone can seem sweet and charming, but do they really have your best interests at heart? Today’s line-up hints at an ulterior motive that you might not have suspected. Before you decide to entrust them with a key task or a plan, it may help to ask a few searching questions. It’s possible that there’s a person better suited waiting on the side lines for you to notice them.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

You may be making things more difficult for yourself than is necessary, Taurus. If you want something very much, as the present backdrop indicates, then you could be willing to go to great lengths to make it happen. But there is such a thing as trying too hard, and this can hold you back. Adopting a lighter touch might make reaching your goal much easier and more enjoyable.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You could be driven to explore ideas that might increase your income. And if one intrigues you, you won’t want to hear any criticism of it, Gemini. Take your time, as the current line-up may find you a tad obsessed with making it happen, only to lose interest a few days down the line. You’d be better off going with another plan that is taking off slowly, but brings a better result.

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

If you ask a question, be sure you want to know the answer Cancer, as others might not hold back from letting you know what they think. The edgy and at times caustic Mercury/Pluto angle, means that words have power, and that much good work could be undone if feelings are expressed too harshly. Avoid getting involved in power games, as it won’t do you any good.

Leo (July 24-Aug 23)

You could argue about something continuously, but would it get you anywhere, Leo? Mercury’s conflicting angle with Pluto, can encourage blame games and manipulation designed to make you back down and go with someone’s plan. Yes, it may be a tricky few days, but with Mercury in Libra, putting yourself in their shoes might give insights that help turn things around.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)

Feel you have to compromise your values to make your creative ideas or business appeal? With Mercury your ruler challenged by an intense planet, it can seem that to do well you’ll need to stifle your authentic voice. Yet if you weren’t so harsh and critical of yourself, you would find it easier to be more spontaneous, which could allow your natural genius to emerge, Virgo.

Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

As a Libra, you can be sensitive to situations in which there may be a degree of conflict. The present astrological picture suggests this could be one of those times, and that you might be tempted to cater to everyone. This can leave you feeling drained. Indeed, the cosmic setup suggests that standing up for what you know is right may create a very positive shift.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

It’s not your conscious thoughts, but your subconscious patterns that may be communicating themselves to you, and making you falter. Something can be triggering old fears and causing you to resist moving forward. Over the coming days, it could seem you’re fighting a losing battle in this regard, but a fresh perspective might bring leading insights that counteract this, Scorpio.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

You may be taking a certain situation very seriously, and although commendable, this might be the reason you seem to have hit a dead end. If you’re continuously mulling this over, then you could be going around in circles. Yet with savvy Mercury in the picture, being around others can inspire a playful and creative approach, allowing you to tap into a spring of fresh ideas.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)

Putting too much pressure on yourself to succeed? If you adopted a lighter and easier approach, you’d be so much more at ease with attempting a plan or goal. The current Mercury/Pluto link suggests you can’t bear the thought of failing, and this might encourage you to try to be too perfect. You’ll only tangle yourself in knots. Relax and go with the flow for excellent results.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)

The way cosmic forces are tending, you may feel it is your duty to speak the truth on a matter of importance, even if doing so means total honesty. Do you really need to though? Expressive Mercury’s tie to powerful Pluto, suggests that doing so could be therapeutic, even if difficult. If there’s something you’ve wanted to get off your chest, you might feel happier for doing so.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

The coming days can see you involved in some intense activities that may be linked with a community project, or perhaps the preparation for a social event. This could be a busy time, which is why you should make sure that work is delegated fairly. If it seems you have the main share, then discuss this and find a way for others to chip in. There’s no need to struggle alone, Pisces.