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MARCH 4-10, 2022 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

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DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

AG Bonta announces arrests in alleged Inland Empire hospice scam totaling over $4.2M CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob Bonta on Thursday, February 24 announced the arrests of 14 individuals who were charged in San Bernardino County Superior Court in connection with two hospice companies accused of stealing more than $4.2 million from the federal Medicare and state MediCal programs.

Based in San Bernardino County, New

550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel: (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • Email: info@asianjournalinc.com

California drops indoor mask mandate for unvaxxed, schools

by AJPress CALIFORNIA this week announced that it is dropping indoor mask mandate requirements, including for unvaccinated residents and in schools.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that on March 1, masks will no longer be required for

unvaccinated individuals, but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings.

“California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic,” Newsom said.

Masks will still be required for everyone in high

transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities.

The Golden State is also joining western states in ending school mask mandates next week.

By March 12, California along with Oregon and Washington, will drop the requirement for students

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141 Filipinos still remain in Ukraine despite escalating violence

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by Neil

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who had promised to spearhead singlepayer when he ran for governor four years ago, dashed its chances this year when he declined to publicly support it.

The demise of single-payer in Marcos still not sure about joining California trips up efforts in other states Comelec-initiated presidential debate

SELFIE. A group of women takes a selfie after a Mass at a crucifix in front of the St. Peter Parish: Shrine of Leaders along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Ash Wednesday, March 2. Putting ash on the foreheads of the faithful is now allowed as the government eased most restrictions due to the country’s improving COVID-19 situation.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

SACRAMENTO — Single-payer health care didn’t stand a chance in California this year.

Even in this deep-blue bastion, Democratic lawmakers shied away from legislation that would have put state government in charge of health care and taxed Californians heavily to do so — a massive transformation that would have forced them to take on the powerful health care industry.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who had promised

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by Neil

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

MANILA — Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is still unsure whether or not he will join the debate organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“I don’t know, I’m still looking at the format,” Marcos Jr. said in an ambush interview on Tuesday, March 1 when asked

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

MANILA — Some 141 Filipinos — some of whom are hesitant or refuse to be repatriated — are still in Ukraine amid the conflict with Russia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported Wednesday, March 2.

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola said 45 Filipinos are in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv who do not want to evacuate yet despite the threat of the invasion. Meanwhile, 15 are in Lviv which is close to the border of neighboring country Poland.

Moreover, 55 Filipinos are located close to the border of Hungary who evacuated but are not yet ready to cross the border to another country.

“Gusto muna nila doon. Nandun yung wait-andsee attitude (Some want to stay there for now. There is this wait-and-see attitude),” Arriola said in an interview with Teleradyo.

“The rest of them, kalat-kalat na po… Medyo

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if he will attend the Comelec-initiated event.

The Comelec presidential debate will be on March 19. Marcos Jr.’s spokesperson, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, previously said that his presidential bet’s attendance at the activity will only be confirmed “if his hectic campaign schedules permit.”

The camp of Marcos Jr. earlier wrote Comelec and other presidential candidates, requesting to tackle the format of the debate

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President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with key government officials prior to his public address at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, February 28.

Malacañang photo by Karl Alonzo

Long-awaited New Filipina co-founded Pres. Duterte hopes gateway in LA’s software aims to stymie human trafficking at the source Historic Filipinotown his successor will New initiative hopes to reduce number of victims, to be unveiled in May continue war on drugs especially those of Filipino descent

by KlArize

MedeNillA AJPress

IN a digital world where scamming has essentially become institutionalized, the risk of falling prey to con artists, thieves, and swindlers has become unfortunately easier as the internet evolves.

But the insidiousness of the deep underbelly of the internet largely centers around human trafficking, which has only increased in scope with the advent of the internet and social media.

Human trafficking — the illegal trade

by AJPress

and exploitation of individuals to benefit from their work, service, and bodies — is also referred to as modern slavery, a highly sophisticated web of criminals that seek to profit from the torment, trauma, and torture of unsuspecting victims.

But as the global human trafficking network has grown, so have the efforts by anti-human trafficking advocates.

In conjunction with other anti-human trafficking advocates, community organizations, and coders, Annalisa Enrile, Ph.D. — a Filipina American professor of

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THE highly-anticipated gateway marking the entrance of Historic Filipinotown is slated to be unveiled in May, according to an update from Los Angeles Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell’s office.

In a release sent on February 25, O’Farrell, whose district covers Historic Filipinotown, said the Eastern Gateway will be installed and publicly unveiled in time for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May. “After many years, countless meetings, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, I’m proud to share that the Historic Filipinotown Eastern

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MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, March 1 expressed hope that his successor would continue his controversial war against illegal drugs, saying he is worried that the drug problem would make a resurgence.

“Itong drugs, I hope that whoever would sit as President, would continue this — if not the ferocity that I did, and I accept it, maski man lang ‘yung a little lower than my standard,” he said in a taped public address aired on Tuesday morning, March 1.

(I hope that whoever sits as

President would continue the initiative — if not the ferocity that I did, maybe just a little lower than my standard.)

“Kasi talagang sisirain ang bayan natin. I am very worried of the resurgence of the drug problem,” he added.

(Because it will destroy our country. I am very worried about the resurgence of the drug problem.)

He said the continuation of the campaign against illegal drugs would protect the next generation because “they will

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MARCH 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

From The FronT Page

Long-awaited gateway in LA’s Historic Filipinotown to...

KIDDIE PARK. It doesn’t take much to bring joy to children, like spending a day at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Thursday, March 3. The city government has no vaccination requirement for those aged 17 years and below under Alert Level 1 but parents and guardians are encouraged to have their children protected against COVID-19.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

New Filipina co-founded...

PAGE 1 social work at the University of Southern California with almost 30 years of experience working on anti-human trafficking efforts — has developed and tested a new software that aims to thwart traffickers before they traffick.

The software, named Project Gridlock, currently zeroes in on sex trafficking — the coercion and transportation of individuals for the purpose of sex exploitation — by targeting advertisements on escort websites and other virtual avenues where pimps seek to recruit unsuspecting victims.

According to Enrile, the software’s algorithm goes through escort ads, picks up the phone numbers, and spams the pimps using language and messaging that makes it sound like a potential buyer trying to make a connection. And because the team utilizes a bunch of different phone numbers to communicate with these traffickers, they won’t know which calls are legitimate or ones coming from Project Gridlock.

Enrile said that Project Gridlock worked with the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, law enforcement representatives, child welfare experts, trafficking survivors, and other experts on the subject matter to identify the websites and online avenues most frequented by traffickers, pimps, sellers and buyers.

Project Gridlock was launched in Los Angeles over Super Bowl weekend, and Enrile told the Asian Journal that from that Friday, Feb. 11 to Sunday, Feb. 13 the software was able to target 5,000 pimps and traffickers.

“We believe it causes disruption, and at the very least it pushes people out and at the very most, it requires perpetrators to address how they’re exploiting in a different way,” Enrile told the Asian Journal in a Zoom interview on Friday, Feb. 18.

“If this is where we are seeing the most growth, especially around large events like the Super Bowl and you see this explosion of ‘new-to-town’ ads, can you rough this system enough so that you can push these traffickers, who have these quotas to meet, out in the open?”

Enrile posed.

Enrile explained that it was difficult to get the project kickstarted because of the lack of visible achievements that come with prevention efforts, i.e. there’s not much to see before a trafficker trafficks. When a trafficker who has already trafficked is arrested by law enforcement, for example, they can measure the severity of that person’s crimes.

“It’s not really a win for them.

And that’s a problem, like with any prevention program, it’s like, how do you measure something that doesn’t exist because you’ve

stopped it?” Enrile said, adding that a large chunk of antitrafficking efforts that are victimcentric focus on recovery after the fact.

“Let’s give [victims rehabilitation] services, but nobody ever wants to say, ‘Let’s teach buyers not to buy. Let’s teach perpetrators not to sell,’” she noted.

But Enrile noted that much of the support for the program came from support from antitrafficking advocacy community.

Two weeks before the Super Bowl, Enrile’s Filipina American friend — Charisma De Los Reyes, who also happens to be commercial sexual exploitation of children program coordinator for Child Welfare Services in San Diego County — helped raise funds to pilot the project.

Within five days of fundraising, the group garnered $10,000 to start the project, which Enrile said is constantly being refined to better serve the community in the name of protecting would-be victims and inhibiting traffickers.

“I think that you have to be willing to take a chance on these out-of-the-box ideas,” Enrile said.

And for Enrile, it is worth it to take on these large, disruptive changes to a massive global exploitation ring that operates in plain sight.

“Sex trafficking is a small percentage of the numbers when we talk about human trafficking, but it is responsible for almost the majority of the profit that is derived from human trafficking as a whole.

Human trafficking, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO), is a $150 billion industry, and sex trafficking specifically accounts for a whopping $99 billion.

Generally, traffickers tend to target migrants, disabled people, and other vulnerable individuals. But victims tend to be disproportionately women, specifically, women of color and children. According to the ILO, 71% of trafficking victims are women and girls, and 1 in 4 victims are children.

As a Filipina American expert on the issue, for Enrile, there is inextricable emotional proximity to the fact that Filipinos are among the most-targeted groups by traffickers. Enrile explained that the fact that labor is the Philippines’ largest export coupled with the fact that migration from the country is notably high, the risk of trafficking increases.

“We tend to take jobs that are also very invisible, jobs that are service-oriented and dirty, dangerous, and demeaning that makes us more vulnerable to trafficking,” Enrile explained.

According to the United States State Department’s report on trafficking from the Philippines,

PAGE 1 Gateway will be installed and unveiled this spring,” O’Farrell in a statement. “This project has been a labor of love by so many people in Historic Filipinotown. This beautiful, historic landmark will be a source of pride for the Filipino community, and will rightfully celebrate this vibrant neighborhood and the incredible contributions Filipino Americans make to the City of Los Angeles.”

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the City of LA commissioned the gateway, named “Talang Gabay: Our Guiding Star,” to be placed along the stretch of Beverly Boulevard that designates the eastern entrance into the neighborhood.

Designed by Filipino artists Eliseo Art Silva — whose work includes the “Gintong Kasaysayan” mural in HiFi’s Unidad Park — and Celestino Geronimo, Jr., the gateway has design elements giving a nod to Filipino culture and its roots in Historic Filipinotown.

Among the symbols include the parol (star-shaped lantern associated with Christmastime), the Gumamela flower also known as hibiscus, which pays tribute to frontline workers; and the Sarimanok (a legendary bird in Maranao art that symbolizes good fortune).

The construction has a price tag of $587,000 and will rise 30 feet high and span 82 feet across Beverly Boulevard at the entrance.

LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Jessica Caloza, the first Filipina American on the commission who was integral in the planning of the gateway, said it is a part of LA’s investments in “projects that uplift underrepresented communities.”

“The key to building and enhancing the beautiful neighborhood we all know as Historic Filipinotown has always been community. The community has long advocated for more visibility and was committed to bringing the Eastern Gateway to life, and thanks to Councilmember O’Farrell’s leadership and all our community partners, we are almost at the finish line,” said Caloza said in a statement.

The effort to install a landmark at the eastern entrance to Historic Filipinotown has been in the works for nearly two decades,

The Eastern Gateway in Historic Filipinotown is expected to be completed in May 2022 in time for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The long-awaited project, which features elements of Filipino culture, will be placed on the stretch of Beverly Boulevard along the eastern entrance of the neighborhood.

Illustration courtesy of the Office of Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell

beginning with a community study of Historic Filipinotown improvements commissioned in March 2003 by then-Councilmember Eric Garcetti, according to the release.

“Our community finally had a ‘win’ in 2002, when the City Council, under the leadership of then-Councilmember Eric Garcetti, officially designated a 2.5 square mile area just west of downtown Los Angeles as Historic Filipinotown,” said Joselyn GeagaRosenthal, local community leader and Building and Safety Commissioner with the City of Los Angeles. “20 years later, we have another win: a majestic Eastern Gateway to Historic Filipinotown will rise on Beverly Boulevard! This was hard won — the result of 40 years of community advocacy getting key champions along the way, including this chapter today, from the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell.”

In 2018, through a Council motion, O’Farrell committed an initial $152,000 for the Eastern Gateway Project and then identified additional funding for the completion of the landmark. With full funding finally secured, the community helped guide the process which led to design renderings that were released in June 2020. Construction began in March 2021.

Community leaders and community-based organizations, including longtime legacy non-profits in Historic Filipinotown such as the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), Search

to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), and Filipino American Service Group, Inc (FASGI), also took part in the planning process.

“Pilipino Workers Center is excited and proud of being a part of the collective process to make this HiFi gateway project a reality!” said Aquilina Soriano Versoza, Executive Director of Pilipino Workers Center (PWC).

“It really took a robust collaboration of community and city officials to accomplish the completion of the eastern HiFi gateway project. The gateway is a great project for creating visibility for the Filipino American community in HiFi and Los Angeles. That visibility gives organizations like PWC more power to lift up the issues our community is facing.”

Currently, a 3D model of the installation is displayed at O’Farrell’s District Office along Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park.

An estimated 10,000 Filipino Americans continue to reside in Historic Filipinotown, while over 600,000 Fil-Ams are said to live in the greater Los Angeles area, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

“Our community has been waiting for this for so long, and we are so excited,” said Cecile Ramos, longtime community leader.

“Dreams do come true! As someone who has lived and worked in this neighborhood for many years, I am grateful that our beautiful community is being celebrated for its contributions to our great city.” n

California drops indoor mask mandate for unvaxxed...

PAGE 1 to wear masks while at school, leaving the decision up to districts and local jurisdictions.

The announcement came on Monday, Feb. 28 that schools and child care facilities will not have to wear masks, even if they will continue to be strongly recommended.

“Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving

forward,” the governor added.

Local jurisdictions, like Los Angeles County, may have additional requirements beyond the state guidance.

LA County is following the state in dropping school masking measures, but will continue to recommend indoor masking at child care sites and K-12 schools, according to the county Department of Public Health.

“School districts may continue to require masking at schools and during school activities and are encouraged to consult with teachers, staff, parents and students as they consider the

appropriate safety protections for their school community, recognizing that many individuals may want to continue additional protections,” the department said in a statement.

While the LA Unified School District has not put out a statement on whether it will drop the mask mandate, the United Teachers Los Angeles, the teachers’ union, said it is premature to discuss ending the mask mandate for schools.

“LAUSD schools have been the safest and most well equipped in the country because educators and families united to demand critical health and safety

protocols,” union President Cecily Myart-Cruz said. “These protocols, like indoor masking, have protected tens of thousands of educators and more than half a million students, along with their families. It is premature to discuss removing these health and safety measures while there are still many unvaccinated youth in our early education programs and schools.”

As of Tuesday, March 1, Public Health reported 1,093 new positive cases in LA County, bringing the total to 2,797,628 cases. Further, 58 new deaths were reported, with 30,773 deaths to date. n

AG Bonta announces arrests in alleged Inland Empire...

PAGE 1 Hope Hospice, Inc. and Sterling Hospice Care, Inc. reportedly enrolled patients who were not terminally ill into hospice care, many of whom told investigators that they were allegedly enrolled without their knowledge or understanding of what hospice was.

All of the arrested defendants face multiple felony counts including conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, insurance fraud, grand theft, and fraudulent insurance claims, with some defendants also facing charges related to identity theft, money laundering, and tax evasion. Two defendants remain at large.

“End-of-life care is a difficult process for families to endure, and patients should be able to trust that their hospice providers are acting in good faith,” said Bonta. “The crimes allegedly committed by the defendants against their patients, Medicare, and our state’s Medi-Cal program will not be tolerated. My office is committed to protecting the well-being of Californians and prosecuting those who abuse the financial integrity of our healthcare system.”

An investigation led by the California Department of Justice and assisted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the California Employment Development Department revealed that from 2015 to 2021, the defendants allegedly billed Medicare and Medi-Cal for millions of dollars, fraudulently claiming that they were providing hospice care to patients who had less than six months to live when in fact these patients were not terminally ill.

Each of the defendants allegedly played a role in the scam, u PAGE 4 which consisted of: paying illegal kickbacks to recruit patients for

hospice care, including patients who did not qualify for hospice because they were not terminally ill; taking patient identity information and using it to put them in hospice without their knowledge; falsely representing to patients what services they would be receiving; and billing patients with one company, only to switch them to the other company in order to avoid detection.

When a patient is enrolled in hospice care, they give up their opportunity under the Medicare and Medi-Cal programs to receive medical treatment to prolong their life, such as chemotherapy for cancer patients. As a result of the defendants’ alleged actions, numerous ineligible patients were incorrectly certified as terminally ill and tricked into receiving hospice services, which would have made access to potentially lifesaving medical care difficult in the event that any of them required it.

The case was investigated by the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA). Through DMFEA, the Department of Justice works to protect Californians by investigating and prosecuting those who perpetrate fraud on the Medi-Cal program. DMFEA also investigates and prosecutes those responsible for abuse, neglect, and fraud committed against elderly and dependent adults in state licensed facilities. DMFEA regularly works with whistleblowers, the California Department of Health Care Services, and state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute Medi-Cal provider fraud and elder abuse, and fraud by entities other than Medi-Cal providers when their actions result in fraudulent claims. n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 4-10, 2022

SFIO announces new F&B expansions in Malaysia, regional headquarters in Dubai GLOBAL investment holding company Starfleet Innotech, Inc. (SFIO) (OTC: SFIO) announced a series of expansions across new markets for their food and beverage businesses. Through their Malaysiabased team, SFIO has launched Hungry Dudes, a mall kiosk concept for cafe fare in Kuala Lumpur, with additional sites reserved for later this year. SFIO will soon be converting these Hungry Dudes kiosks into locations for their flagship F&B business, Epiphany Cafe.

Over the next two years, the company is targeting to launch at least 100 licensed outlets, establish centralized commissaries to service them, and strike strategic partnerships with convenience stores to boost brand awareness. By the end of 2023, SFIO plans to have flagship sites for Epiphany Cafe in 10 major regions.

To that end, SFIO also just opened their regional headquarters in the United Arab Emirates, following the successful completion of their registration in Dubai. This office will oversee the conglomerate’s growth in the region, beginning with negotiations with key distributors for the company’s Gorgeous Coffee products. SFIO’s Dubai team is now conducting market research and feasibility studies, paving the way for Epiphany Cafe’s entrance into the Middle East. This regional office will also serve as the remote hub for SFIO’s technology division, managing the conglomerate’s subscriptionbased software and hardware offerings, such as the Neurosky health monitoring wearables that the company recently secured exclusive distribution rights over within the United Arab Emirates.

“We kicked off this quarter with the announcement that 2022 will be the year we begin expanding aggressively,” said CEO Jeths Lacson. “Not even halfway through the quarter, we’ve already made significant progress entering two new markets with our F&B offerings.”

“That said, it’s important to note that we are taking a ‘measure-twice, cut-once’ approach to this growth – entering markets only after we’ve done the requisite studies and properly localized our playbooks,” Lacson said. “We’re excited about all the immediate growth we’re seeing, both in terms of global footprint and shareholder value. But we want to ensure this growth is sustainable in the long-term. So, we’re investing heavily in understanding the markets we’re entering.”

To further facilitate that growth, SFIO is also building out the capacities of its Philippines-based technology division. Richard

Prodigalidad, who leads SFIO’s technology efforts, describes this division as the “scaffolding supporting this period of hypergrowth”.

“Right now, we’re expanding in multiple important directions,” Prodigalidad said.

“We’re entering new markets, while also striking partnerships to fund and accelerate those expansions. Behind all that is a global team, operating across time zones and various markets. The only way to ensure this is all scalable is through technology.”

Prodigalidad leads a stable of developers, designers, project managers, and communications specialists working across blockchain, artificial intelligence, wellness technologies, e-commerce, and learning management systems.

Currently in the technology division’s pipeline is one such learning management system, designed to consolidate and streamline the training resources for businesses like Epiphany Cafe. Catering to the brands’ franchisees and employees across different markets, this digital learning platform replaces traditional training methods, allowing for more affordable, scalable, and localized onboarding processes. In addition to being a knowledge hub for Epiphany Cafe’s franchise operations, these platforms will also see use across SFIO’s other units – offering ondemand access to the entrepreneurship master classes of The Global Academy and training courses for the real estate division’s agents.

According to Statista, the global online e-learning market is forecasted to grow exponentially to reach over $370 billion by 2026. This growth is led in large part by the use of learning management systems, which in 2019 generated roughly $18 billion in the U.S. alone.

“Having a platform like this allows us to grow rapidly while ensuring the quality of our operations and our workforce, keeping us aligned around latest developments and shared values,” Prodigalidad said. “Eventually, we’ll be developing this proprietary learning management system into a subscription service for other organizations like SMEs that want to scale their knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and training processes. We’re planning to roll out this subscription service by the third quarter of this year.”

In the meantime, SFIO’s learning management system will be servicing new and existing Epiphany Cafe locations across New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, and the United States as early as Q2 2022.

(Advertising Supplement)

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MARCH 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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The demise of single-payer in California trips up efforts...

PAGE 1 to spearhead single-payer when he ran for governor four years ago, dashed its chances this year when he declined to publicly support it.

Instead, the first-term Democrat, who is running for reelection this November, is pushing for “universal health care,” which aims to provide all Californians with coverage but, unlike single-payer, would keep private health insurance intact.

Newsom’s retreat devastated progressive activists and the powerful California Nurses Association union, which championed the cause. The death of single-payer in the nation’s most populous state also deals a major blow to similar campaigns elsewhere in the nation — which had looked to California for inspiration and leadership — casting doubt on their ability to succeed.

“We’re also fighting in New York, but just like in California, there’s not 100% Democratic consensus among legislators,” said Ursula Rozum, co-director of the Campaign for New York Health, which is working to pass singlepayer legislation. “It feels like a constant question of ‘Can we win this?’”

Health policy experts agree that California’s failure to adopt single-payer dampens momentum across the country.

“California, given its size and politics, has always been a bellwether for progressive policy, so this certainly sends a signal to other states about how hard this is,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF. But Rozum and single-payer activists in Colorado, Washington state, and elsewhere say that rather than giving up, they are taking key lessons from California’s failure: It is essential to win — and keep — support from the governor. Groups pushing single-payer must unite Democrats, bringing in businessfriendly moderates and broader support from organized labor. And they say they must learn how to counter intense lobbying by doctors, hospitals, and health insurance companies fighting to preserve the status quo.

“We’ve seen what happened in California, so we are working hard to get our governor on the record in support of single-payer so she will sign it when it gets to her desk,” Rozum said. “And just like there, our union movement is divided. We know we need them to have any chance of moving forward with our bill.”

So far, single-payer proponents haven’t been able to broaden their movement beyond liberal activists or convince people that they should pay higher taxes in exchange for scrapping health care premiums, deductibles, and copays.

The only state that has passed single-payer, Vermont, didn’t implement it.

Vermont adopted a single-payer plan in 2011 with unequivocal support from its thengovernor, Democrat Peter Shumlin. But he abandoned the effort in 2014 amid growing concerns about tax increases and runaway health care costs.

“There isn’t a political party in the world that’s going to raise their hands every year to increase taxes on hard-working citizens,” Shumlin told KHN. “That’s the big mistake I

made in Vermont.”

But progressive dreams for single-payer didn’t die when Vermont retreated. “Medicare for All” became a liberal rallying cry for Democrats nationally when Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders stumped for it during his presidential campaigns. After President Joe Biden was elected, the movement shifted to the states, in part because Biden has opposed Medicare for All. Activists in Colorado are mobilizing for another single-payer campaign after the overwhelming defeat of a 2016 ballot initiative that failed partly because of intense health care industry opposition. Organizers in Washington state are pushing legislation and trying to get a single-payer initiative on the ballot next year.

Shumlin said Democrats must be prepared to take on deep-pocketed industry groups and rein in soaring health care spending — or they’ll be confronted with the political difficulty of constantly raising taxes.

“California is the best state to lead this because it has the fifth-biggest economy in the world. It’s all about scale,” Shumlin said. “And if California gets it right, other states and the federal government will follow. But this is hard stuff, so get ready to get bloodied.”

Some Democratic lawmakers and the California Nurses Association had hoped California would lead the way this year and that Newsom would be their champion.

State Assembly member Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) introduced legislation sponsored by the union that would have created governmentrun health insurance for all state residents while significantly raising taxes on employers, employees, and businesses to pay for it.

State estimates pegged the cost at roughly $360 billion a year, with a little less than half coming from tax increases and the rest from the federal government.

On Newsom’s first day in office in 2019, he said, “I committed to this and I want folks to know I was serious.” But since then, he has distanced himself from single-payer.

Instead, he has created a commission to study the concept and asked the Biden administration for permission to collect federal money that flows to the state via the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and Medicare, which California could use to help finance a single-payer system. But Biden can’t simply approve the request — California would need complicated federal waivers and approval from Congress.

Newsom has shifted to a platform of “universal health care,” which includes Medicaid coverage for all income-eligible unauthorized immigrants and state-funded subsidies for Californians who buy health insurance from Covered California, the state’s Obamacare insurance exchange.

Newsom said in January that he has long believed single-payer is “inevitable” but signaled that the federal government should take the lead.

Kalra decided not to bring his bill up for a vote in the state Assembly, saying on Jan. 31 that he couldn’t muster enough support.

“It makes it harder to get the votes you need when I’m trying to convince my colleagues

that there’s an absolute path to success,” Kalra said. “We have a governor who campaigned on single-payer, and if we’re going to successfully have single-payer health care in California, at some point we need his engagement and it needs to be genuine.”

Kalra said he’s considering introducing another bill next year but conceded that he must shift his strategy to bring more Democrats and unions into the campaign.

These are lessons other states are heeding.

“There’s no question that had California passed a single-payer health care plan, we’d be in a position in the state of Washington to say, ‘Look what California is doing,’” said Andre Stackhouse, campaign director for Whole Washington, an advocacy group trying to get a single-payer initiative on the ballot next year.

Stackhouse worked on behalf of California’s single-payer campaign this year, helping with a phone-banking campaign to pressure lawmakers. He’s part of a new national coalition called Medicare for All Everywhere, a group of organizers and volunteers working to identify why single-payer efforts fail and how to overcome political and lobbying obstacles.

California was a key test, he said. “We’ve learned all the ways Democrats can kill a bill, but we can’t spend all of our time grieving this loss and the huge setback that it is,” Stackhouse said.

For instance, a major goal for the movement is to persuade more unions to join the fight.

Although the nurses union is leading the battle in California, other unions are against singlepayer.

“As trade unionists, we believe everybody should have health care, but there’s a big fear that we’re going to lose the benefits that we have,” said Chris Snyder, political director for the local International Union of Operating Engineers in Northern California. “We have our own health care trust fund, and we don’t want benefits that we’ve fought for for decades to be taken away or watered down.”

Lack of union support is a major problem in New York, where Democratic Assembly member Richard Gottfried has introduced a single-payer bill in every legislative session for the past 30 years.

“What is keeping the bill from moving in the legislature is opposition from public employee unions,” Gottfried said. “They feel they have negotiated excellent coverage, so we need to convince them that the New York Health Act is as good or better than what they have now.”

Gottfried said he has been negotiating with teachers, sanitation workers, and other trade unions on legislative language that would provide “more explicit guarantees” that union members would receive better coverage without paying more out-of-pocket than they already do.

It’s not clear if the measure will get a vote this year.

“Whichever state goes first will help build momentum for other states,” he said.

This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. (By Angela Hart/Kaiser Health News) n

DISINFECTION. An airport staff sprays disinfectant on the boxes containing newly delivered Pfizer vaccine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 Wednesday, March 2. The 804,000 doses intended for pediatric vaccination were procured by the national government through the World Bank.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Pres. Duterte hopes...

PAGE 1 have a serious problem in their hands” if the drug problem is not mitigated.

“Kung ganito katindi ang pamamalakad nila, kung hindi sabayan ng katindi ng resolve, matatalo ka,” he added.

(If the drug problem is so serious now, if you don’t meet it with as much intensity, you will lose.)

Duterte earlier said he will never apologize for the

fatalities that resulted from his administration’s bloody war on drugs.

In Tuesday’s televised public address, he reiterated that he instructed policemen to avoid getting killed in police operations.

“Sabi ko sa police, ‘wag kayo magpauna,” he said.

(I told the police that they should not let themselves be killed.) (By Daphne Galvez/ Inquirer.net) n

New Filipina co-founded...

PAGE 2 “A significant number of Filipino migrant workers become victims of sex trafficking or labor trafficking in numerous industries, including industrial fishing, shipping, construction, manufacturing, education, home health care, and agriculture, as well as in domestic work, janitorial service, and other hospitality-related jobs.”

Of the estimated 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in 170 different countries, 3% are working without contracts, making them more susceptible to trafficking.

Additionally, traffickers work with facilitators around the world through “social networking sites and other digital platforms, recruit unsuspecting Filipinos through illegal recruitment practices such as deception, hidden fees, and production of fraudulent passports, overseas employment certificates, and contracts to exploit migrant workers in sex and labor trafficking,” the State Department wrote.

The history of exploitation of Filipinos is deeply rooted in

United States militarism when it comes to sexual exploitation.

Enrile said the painful stereotype of Filipinas among American soldiers as “little, brown, f*cking machines” also influenced her work to stop sex trafficking, with Project Gridlock in particular, which sought out Filipina- and Asian-centric ads.

As of press time, Project Gridlock is in the process of possibly collaborating with law enforcement agencies and institutions that may benefit from the software to aid in stopping trafficking at the source. Enrile said that the team is constantly looking to refine the software and better target these traffickers to stop exploitation before it actually happens.

“It’s like a tennis game,” Enrile explained. “The traffickers get ahead, we get ahead, the traffickers get ahead and we get ahead. We’re constantly pivoting around each other to address these incremental shifts, but lately, I’ve been wanting to see what are the huge, disruptive shifts we can do to stop this problem.” n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

5

Marcos still not sure about joining...

PAGE 1 prior to March 19.

In the letter, Marcos Jr.’s campaign manager Benhur Abalos Jr. said it would be “more proper and prudent if all presidential candidates will be given an opportunity to discuss before the Commission among themselves the format, which will include the issues to be discussed, the time

PLANT MAINTENANCE. A worker douses with water the plants and trees on the center island along BIR Road, Quezon City on Wednesday, March 2. As the weather heats up, most plants need for water increases.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

ADB, World Bank see strong PH growth

by AnnA LeAh

e. GonzALes ManilaTimes.net

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank are optimistic that the Philippine economy will perform better this year but noted that risks to growth include the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and supply chain disruptions that may cause inflation to pick up.

ADB Country Director for the Philippines Kelly Bird during The Manila Times’ “Economic Outlook for 2022: Looking Beyond the Pandemic Endgame” virtual forum on Tuesday, March 1 said the economy is expected to grow by 6 percent this year from a 5.6-percent expansion in 2021.

Bird also said growth this year will be driven by the rampedup vaccination program and spending on infrastructure.

The Philippines has so far inoculated 63.18 million Filipinos as of February 28.

Of the total, 10.13 million already received their booster shot.

He said that the successful vaccination program allowed the Philippines to relax mobility restrictions and reconnect with the rest of the world.

“Now these alone will boost the economic recovery for the first half of this year and should continue to help improve consumer and business confidence and restore jobs,” he said.

The more than 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) public spending on infrastructure this year, Bird also said, is expected to boost economic

growth.

“This will lift economic growth, especially some of the big infrastructure projects that start civil works this year,” he added.

Bird, however, noted that the emergence of new and more dangerous variants of the COVID-19 virus continues to be a risk to growth.

“This would lead to renewed mobility restrictions. Although I think this risk now it’s much lower than what it was six months ago due to widespread vaccinations, it does highlight the importance of the vaccine booster program, providing added community protection for 2022,” he said.

Other risks to growth include the supply chain disruptions that could cause inflation to pick up.

Inflation last year hit 4.5 percent, above the government’s 2 to 4 percent target.

In January, it slowed down to 3.0 percent.

“We saw a pickup in inflation in the Philippines last year, but it’s gone back down to within 2 to 4 percent range, but there’s always going to be pressure on inflation,” Bird said.

World Bank Group Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei Ndiame Diop, meanwhile, said the Philippines is one of the countries that “have been rebounding quite significantly.”

For this year, the World Bank expects economic growth to hit 5.9 percent supported by public investment and household consumption.

Diop, however, warned that the tensions between Russia and Ukraine are expected to have an impact on the Philippines and

East Asian countries.

“The conflicts and the sanctions are likely to increase international prices of food and fuel because Russia and Ukraine are very large suppliers of these goods. So the spillover effects or ramification of the war can be very bad,” he said.

Data showed that as of March 1, the price of Brent crude is already at $99.84 per barrel.

In the Philippines, oil companies have already raised pump prices for eight consecutive weeks.

The price increase amounted to P8.75 per liter for gasoline and P10.85 per liter for diesel.

“The increase in fuel prices feeds through the increase in fertilizer prices and hence, the price of all agricultural products,” Diop said.

Since Russia and Ukraine are also large producers of wheat, he further warned that rice prices may also go up as most consumers shift the demand from wheat to rice.

“Rice, for instance, represents 8 percent of the average consumer’s basket in the Philippines and 16.4 percent of the bottom 30 percent of households and an increase in rice price would therefore increase poverty unless mitigated by the targeted social assistance,” Diop said.

Moving forward, he also said the further reopening of the economy, continued investing in infrastructure and providing targeted cash support or assistance to struggling groups in case of an increase in prices of food and fuel are needed to support growth. n

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Inquirer file photo

allotment for each, the right to respond and rebut his/her arguments, who will be the moderator, among others.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the Comelec announced that it would inform presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the general topics that would be tackled in the debates.

Asked if he will attend now that the topics are to be released prior to the event, Marcos Jr. said: “That’s basically the same as the others.”

Marcos Jr. has been drawing flak for always declining major presidential interviews, debates, and forums that his rivals generally attend.

The first one Marcos Jr. turned down was an interview with veteran journalist Jessica Soho, who he called “biased.” He also skipped the presidential forum organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), citing supposed conflict in his schedule.

Most recently, he did not participate in the presidential debate organized by CNN Philippines.

But he attended the debate arranged by media network SMNI, which is owned by televangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who earlier endorsed Marcos Jr. for president. However, presidential candidates like Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and Vice President Leni Robredo did not attend the SMNI debate.

Marcos Jr. has also so far accommodated interviews by broadcaster Korina Sanchez and TV personality Boy Abunda. n

Over 40 Filipinos arrive in Lviv and are awaiting repatriation amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Photo from the Department of Foreign Affairs website

141 Filipinos still remain in Ukraine...

PAGE 1 kalat-kalat sila ngayon pero marami na rin ang nakatawid,” she added.

(The rest are scattered…

They are scattered right now but many have already crossed borders.)

According to Arriola, 40 Filipinos have already been evacuated out of Ukraine.

However, she noted that some

Filipinos refuse or are hesitant to be repatriated.

Some Filipinos in Lviv who refuse to be evacuated were instead given financial assistance, said Arriola.

“We’re giving more kasi maraming may hesitance kasi yung iba married talaga sa Ukranian… Nagiging mahirap sa ating mga kababayan na iwan yung kanilang pamilya. Because

of the family separation, there is really a lot of hesitance,” she added.

(We’re giving more because there’s really hesitancy since some are married to Ukraine nationals… It’s hard for our countrymen to leave their families.)

Some household workers, Arriola said, also prefer to stay with their employers. n

6

MARCH 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Preparing for the new normal

Features Philstar.com photo

AFTER two years of mobility restrictions, people are eager to shift to a postpandemic “new normal” particularly in the National Capital Region, which accounts for about a third of the country’s economic output. There is high anticipation that by next week, the NCR will be de-escalated to Alert Level 1 and the economy can fully reopen.

After two years of battling COVID-19, however, the country is also fully aware of the continuing risks posed by the coronavirus. With the average daily COVID death toll nationwide steady at around 100, and considering the pandemic situation in other parts of the world, the country cannot rush the lifting of restrictions even as economic reopening continues.

The government’s pandemic response team has added metrics for de-escalation to Alert Level 1: 80 percent of seniors and persons with comorbidities as well as 70 percent of the general population must be fully vaccinated. Several epidemiologists say the additional parameters are not enough, and that the vaccination target for seniors with comorbidities should be 100 percent.

At 80 percent, it would still leave about 1.8 million elderly and immune compromised at risk.

The consequences are being seen in the

ongoing COVID surge in Hong Kong, where hospitals have become overwhelmed. This has led to people who test positive for COVID including Filipina domestic helpers being forced out of their employers’ homes. Hong Kong had enjoyed near-zero COVID cases for most of the pandemic, but the highly infectious Omicron variant managed to penetrate its defenses. And the cases have not been mild, which is why hospitals are overflowing with the infected. By most accounts, the cases needing hospitalization are mostly unvaccinated seniors and those with comorbidities.

Similar problems have been reported in Singapore and Indonesia, although their healthcare situation is not as dire as in Hong Kong.

From below 200 cases per day in mid-December last year, Indonesia recorded 57,049 new Omicron-driven infections last Feb. 15 – breaking its pandemic record of 56,757 cases driven by the

Editorial

deadly Delta variant on July 15 last year.

In the Philippines, people’s preference for cheaper antigen testing, whose results are not recorded by the government, is blurring the pandemic picture and skewing projections that are critical for determining COVID alert levels. Hospital bed utilization, however, indicates that there is truly a downtrend at least in serious infections in

the NCR. Still, the unpredictability of Omicron and the possibility of more variants emerging make continued adherence to safety protocols of utmost importance amid economic reopening, particularly masking in public places, physical distancing and regular disinfection. The new normal does not mean pre-pandemic normal. (Philstar.com)

Presidential debates: Finding your true north amid the deep toxic division fueled by fake news and disinformation

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS WE are less than 11 weeks away from the consequential May 9, 2022 presidential elections. Campaign season is now in full gear with political rallies in different parts of the country, online discourse and the controversial debates — all intended by the electoral system to give voters the opportunity to make better informed and conscientious decision in choosing the true leader who will steer the country in the right direction.

Unfortunately, the very new platforms that help voters be better engaged and participative in this civic exercise has proven to be a double-edged sword. The painful fact we now realize is that people may be reaching out to other voters in different parts of the world, thanks to social media and the internet, but are more deeply divided than ever, so much so that we feel we are living in two parallel universe.

Let us do a throwback to a notso-distant past together.

In the olden days before social media and the internet, we all watched and listened to the same choices of newscasts and interviews in a handful of channels, read the news from the same options of publications.

In a healthy democracy, news organizations aimed at protecting their integrity and credibility to keep their viewership high, and so they exercised due diligence in confirming news from sources and do true honest to goodness investigative research before delivering the news.

This was changed by the 24/7 news cycles of cable news in the 90s and the individualized on-demand news consumption beginning the turn of the millennium. With more competition among sources of information, “Breaking News” became the race, the sense of urgency to report ahead of the others became more important than diligence and precision in reporting.

And with a wider gamut of programming formats, the difference between entertainment and news has increasing became blurred, with more news organizations now utilizing the shock factor and sensationalism the audience find in reality shows.

Traditional news media organization had again had to deal with new reality brought about by new technology that allowed newscasts, news reports, breaking news, documentary, commentary etc. by anybody through the internet via YouTube, podcasts, etc. Every person now technically can have his or her

own channel. The gatekeeping of information that used to be shared by a few news organizations who adhere to the social responsibility of delivering accurate and factual news and information have been taken away from them.

This opened the gates to the use of YouTube, Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. as channels of content that are NOT vetted or filtered for their truth, accuracy and precision.

As long as you can produce something, you have the platform to air and promote it to reach a wider audience.

This is why in our engagement with other people in today’s world, made us ask ourselves “Where is that coming from?

Saang planeta ka ba nakatira (What planet do you live in?)?” especially when such platforms are being used and abused to purposely effect disinformation for some people’s dirty political tactics to deceive people, win their “trust” and mobilize them to action according their political agenda. This, unfortunately has caused people to mistrust each other’s sanity, intention, honesty, when in the past, we all believed we were working together for the same goal.

This brings us back to the importance of having debates during campaign period. It is during the campaign season that

each and every candidate will have the opportunity to introduce herself/himself to the voters, share her/his vision and platform to the people on how to make their life better in the next six years through her/his leadership and governance.

Convincing the electorate why they are the better candidate is done by each campaign through political ads, media interviews, online features, campaign sorties/ events/rallies, door-to-door reaching out to people through grassroots campaigning, mailers, etc.

However, there are campaigns that may have dished out information about the candidates’ life narrative, educational and professional background, achievements, etc. that have not been vetted or tested to be true and accurate.

Then there is the sin of omission, where candidates may have wittingly or unwittingly covered up any material information, documents, records, etc. that may reveal much about their character – something that is of paramount importance in choosing whom to vote for and be accorded with so much power and public trust that go with the Office of the President.

Debates, therefore, while not legal requirement, have been used every election cycle,

Ukraine: Another global crisis

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez IT is so distressing to know that just as there is good news regarding our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic with several studies indicating that booster shots will continue to offer protection against serious illness and even death for months and perhaps even years – once again we are entering another worldwide crisis with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In my column last week, I wrote that the last thing the world needs is another war considering that the global economy continues to be fragile.

A lot of people could definitely relate with the sentiment of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres when he said that “this is the saddest moment of my tenure…” as he issued an appeal to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

“In the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia.

In the name of humanity, do not

allow to start in Europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century, with consequences not only devastating for Ukraine, not only tragic for the Russian Federation, but with an impact we cannot even foresee in relation to the consequences for the global economy,” Guterres said.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, February 24 immediately caused oil prices to soar to over $105 per barrel for the first time since 2014, while the global financial markets went tumbling down. Eastern European leaders as well as U.S. President Joe Biden condemned Putin’s actions, using words such as “horrific,” “reckless,” “atrocious” and “barbaric” – and announced a wave of new sanctions that plunged the Moscow index to more than 30 percent and caused the Russian ruble to hit record lows.

Aside from the U.S., the UK, France and other European Union nations, Japan, Australia, New Zealand as well as Taiwan have also weighed in, with the sanctions aimed at Russian

oligarchs and targeting financial institutions as well as the technology, energy and transport sectors, among many others. Many however feel that the sanctions are not strong enough and that the impact will be felt probably after several months. Besides which, the sanctions will not hurt Putin personally as he is reportedly sitting on a pile of cash and has prepared a war chest.

Nevertheless, several people admitted that the statement from European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen could send shivers down one’s spine as she outlined the “massive and targeted sanctions” European leaders plan to impose: “These sanctions will suppress Russia’s economic growth; increase the borrowing costs, raise inflation, intensify capital outflows and gradually erode its industrial base.”

One of the main pillars of the sanctions would be to limit Russia’s access to crucial technology. “We want to cut off Russia’s industry from the technologies desperately

needed today to build a future… and this ranges from high-tech components to cutting-edge software. This will also seriously degrade the Russian economy in all areas in the future,” von der Leyen warned, stressing: “It is president Putin who will have to explain this to his citizens. I know that the Russian people do not want this war.”

In fact, protests have erupted to show disapproval of the attack on Ukraine, with thousands of Russians taking to the streets in many cities that include Moscow and St. Petersburg, chanting “No to war!” Journalists have also issued an open letter denouncing the invasion, while activists utilized social media, urging people to engage in mass protest actions. Several celebrities and artists working in state-funded institutions have also reportedly quit their jobs in disgust. According to reports, more than 1,700 have been arrested amid warnings

by Russian authorities about the legal consequences of staging protests.

What is also making the situation very poignant for

and especially now, so that the fragmented electorate will have the chance to see the candidates vying for the presidency in one setting, subjected to the same questions covering varied issues important to the people.

This is a rare opportunity for voters to assess the candidates’ knowledge about issues, compare and contrast the substance and sincerity of their answers to the questions, observe their demeanor in the way they respond to questions, their demeanor toward the other candidates and the debate moderators, see how they think fast under pressure, because as President, this is an important qualification for the job.

Debates are also important tools to fact check candidates’ claims, and bring out material information some candidates may be hiding so that they are given the opportunity to explain head on.

Debates provide one singular opportunities for the candidates and the Filipino people to share one moment together, digest the same information at the same time, watch the candidates together in real time without filter or editing.

And so if the candidates truly want to help the Filipino people make one of the most important decisions they will make for

their family and the nation, then they should take participating in debates seriously and sincerely.

At the end of the day, the candidates need to show their respect for their soon to be boss – the Filipino people – and the electoral process. They need to convince the Filipino people that their interest and welfare matter most to them as their elected leader, more than anything else; that in good faith they are allowing themselves to be vetted, cross-examined for their honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Only those who are hiding something , only those who feel entitled to the presidency, will not consent to this process and will continue to push for their own self-serving agenda. ***

people in Russia who have expressed disapproval of the attack is that they have relatives and friends in Ukraine – a nation that was once part of the Soviet Union until the people overwhelmingly voted in a referendum to become independent in 1991. And while becoming the world’s pariah may not really matter much to Vladimir Putin, Russians like Novaya Gazeta editor Dmitry Muratov are dismayed at the thought. “Our peace-loving Russian people will now feel the hatred of the world because we are starting a third world war in the center of Europe,” he lamented.

Security experts and analysts say that the invasion does not only threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty but also the geopolitical order, warning that the attack on Ukraine could lead to aggression against other countries. As NATO SecretaryGeneral Jens Stoltenberg said, “Peace in our continent has been shattered… We now have a war in Europe, on a scale and of a type that we thought belonged to history.”

Even as the attack against Ukraine continues and its president says they have been left

all alone to defend their country as powerful forces watch from afar, he called on Ukrainians to remain steadfast in their resolve to fight back against invaders.

And although thousands have fled to neighboring European countries such as Poland and Hungary, Ukrainians said they will fight to the very end. In fact, weeks before the attack, women have been getting defense training, including how to handle firearms to help their army in any way they can. Social media posts are also circulating about a Ukrainian pilot nicknamed the “Ghost of Kyiv” who reportedly shot down six Russian fighters.

In the midst of all the uncertainty caused by the situation in Ukraine, one thing is certain: It is the people – both Russians and Ukrainians – who will suffer most in the end.

As a quote attributed to Winston Churchill put it, “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.” (Philstar.com) ***

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989. She was a news anchor, TV host and radio commentator and public service host for ABS- CBN and DZMM. She is now working on her advocacies independently, serving the Filipino audience using different media platforms. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos. Also on Twitter, Instagram: Gel Santos Relos

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL SERVICES CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00006004-CU-PT-CTL

LEGAL SERVICES CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00005275-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Ariana Gilda Garcia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Ariana Gilda Garcia to Maya Samantha Loria.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/28/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: FEB 10, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT MICHAEL T. SMYTH Judge of the Superior Court AJ 874 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, and 03/11/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #874

7

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00004697-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Annette Sada filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Annette Sada to Nikki A Sada.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/22/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: FEB 07, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT MICHAEL T. SMYTH Judge of the Superior Court AJ 877 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, and 03/11/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #877

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00006099-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Ginathao Tran Lam filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Ginathao Tran Lam to Ginathao Tran Lam Johnson.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/05/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB. 16, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 879 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, and 03/18/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing.

One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #879

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Jacqueline Highbaugh AKA Jacqueline Spidle filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Jacqueline Highbaugh AKA Jacqueline Spidle to Isis 13.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/04/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB. 16, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT MICHAEL T. SMYTH Judge of the Superior Court AJ 880 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, and 03/18/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #880

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9002449

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00006442-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Jason Jimena AKA Jason Aguilera Jimena AKA Jason A. Jimena filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Jason Jimena AKA Jason Aguilera Jimena AKA Jason A. Jimena to Jason Aguilera.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/06/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB. 18, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 881 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, and 03/18/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #881

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9003384

Valencia Parkway Care Home located at 749 Valencia Parkway, San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Alexis S. Artates, 2230 Reo Dr., Apt A, San Diego, CA 92139.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/01/2020.

Signature Alexis S. Artates.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2022.

AJ 870 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, and 03/04/2022.

MOCHINUT SD POWAY located at 14791 Pomerado Rd., Poway, CA 92064.

Registrant: SDMOCHI2 INC, 14791 Pomerado Rd., Poway, CA 92064.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 02/07/2022.

Signature Sung Go Song.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/09/2022.

AJ 872 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, and 03/11/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9003383

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9003386

AJSD 870

SOMISOMI MIRA MESA located at 9168 MIRA MESA BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CA 92128.

R e g i s t r a n t : S D SWEETLAND INC, 9168 MIRA MESA BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CA 92128.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 02/01/2022.

Signature Sung Go Song.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/09/2022.

AJ 871 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, and 03/11/2022.

AJSD 871

AJSD 872

TWO HANDS CORN DOG CONVOY located at 3860 CONVOY ST., STE 100, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111.

Registrant: SDSUNG INC, 3860 CONVOY ST., STE 100, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 02/07/2022.

Signature Sung Go Song.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/07/2022.

AJ 873 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, and 03/11/2022.

AJSD 873

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME(S) STATEMENT NO. 2022-9003514

a. Anazai Music Enterprises located at 4414 Delta St., Apt #6, San Diego, CA 92113. b. AME located at 4414 Delta St., Apt #6, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Jahaziel Anazai Sanchez, 4414 Delta St., Apt #6, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Jahaziel Anazai Sanchez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/10/2022.

AJ 875 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, and 03/11/2022.

AJSD 875

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME(S) STATEMENT NO. 2022-9003513

a.

Market Acquisition Solutions located at 4414 Delta St., Apt #6, San Diego, CA 92113. b. MAS located at 4414 Delta St., Apt #6, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Jahaziel Anazai Sanchez, 4414 Delta St., Apt #6, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Jahaziel Anazai Sanchez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/10/2022.

AJ 876 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, and 03/11/2022.

AJSD 876

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9004000

Happy Bath Mobile Grooming located at 3276 Greely Ave., San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: a. Jose A Ramirez, 3276 Greely Ave., San Diego, CA 92113. b. Erika Ramos, 3276 Greely Ave., San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted

by Co-Partners.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Jose A Ramirez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/16/2022.

AJ 878 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, and 03/11/2022.

AJSD 878

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9003760

a. Selene Ferregut Services located at 669 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91977. b. Ferregut Services located at 669 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91977.

Registrant: Selene B Ferregut, 502 Galeon Ct., Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Selene B Ferregut.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/14/2022.

AJ 882 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, and 03/18/2022.

AJSD 882

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9002703

a. UPSHOTS located at 585 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92069. b. San Diego Hang Gliding School located at 585 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant: John Charles Heiney, 1320 Richland Road, San Marcos, CA 92069.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 03/01/2002.

Signature John C. Heiney.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/01/2022.

AJ 883 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, 03/18/2022.

AJSD 883

8

MARCH 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

LEGAL SERVICES SUMMONS (SUM-100) CASE NO. 20STCV43620.

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): 1. ZI OUYANG, AND DOES 1 TO 50, INCLUSIVE YOU ARE BEING SUED

BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): 1. RAUL SANTOS NOTICE! You have been sued.

The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff.

A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case.

There may be a court form that you can use for your response.

You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form.

If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelp california.org) the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (http://www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

AVISO: Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion y papales legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefonica no lo protegen.

Su repuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su repuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca.

Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas.

Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9003061 B&B Auto Reg located at 9514 Winter Gardens Blvd., Lakeside, CA 92040.

Registrant: Bahar Babaei, 9514 Winter Gardens Blvd., Lakeside, CA 92040.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 02/04/2022.

Signature Bahar Babaei.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/04/2022.

AJ 884 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, and 03/18/2022.

AJSD 884

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9004179

Castro Painting located at 1520 East 14th Street, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: a. Cesar Castro, 1520 East 14th Street, National City, CA 91950. b. Jesus Castro, 1520 East 14th Street, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by General Partnership.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Cesar Castro.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/17/2022.

AJ 888 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, and 03/25/2022. AJSD 888

LEGAL SERVICES

incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales.

Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov ) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name, address and telephone number of the court is (El nombre y direccion de la Corte es:) Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, 312 N. Spring Street, Los Angels, California, 90012.

The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Ted L. Travis, ESQ. SBN 140594 / Frank Y. Ariel, ESQ. SBN 158516 Ariel Law Group 11845 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 800 Los Angeles, California 90064 Phone: 310-477-2626 Date: 11/13/2020 N. ALVAREZ, Clerk CASE NO. 20STCV43620 STATEMENT OF DAMAGES (Personal Injury or Wrongful Death) Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, 312 N. Spring Street, Los Angels, California, 90012.

CENTRAL DISTRICT UNLIMITED JURISDICTION Plaintiff: RAUL SANTOS Defendant: ZI OUYANG To ZI OUYANG Plaintiff RAUL SANTOS seeks damages in the above-entitled action as follows: 1. General Damages a. Pain, suffering, and inconvenience $225,000 b. Emotional distress $50,000 e. Other (specify) Loss of Enjoyment of Life ; Physical Impairment $195,000 f. Other (specify) Anxiety ; Grief ; Disfigurement ; Humiliation $55,000 2. Special Damages a. Medical Expenses (to date) $17,837 b. Future medical expenses (present value) $24,767 Date Nov 17 2020 TED L. TRAVIS. ESQ SBN 140594 Attorney for Plaintiff AJ 866 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, and 03/18/2022 AJSD #886

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9003532

MASH IRON WORKS located at 1440 Levant Lane #5, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Mashyxat Kazimi, 1440 Levant Lane #5, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Mashyxat Kazimi.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/10/2022.

AJ 885 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, and 03/18/2022.

AJSD 885

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9004723 Honey Hawaiian located at 6963 Ramfos Circle, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Leila Sapla, 6963 Ramfos Circle, San Diego, CA 92139.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Leila Sapla.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/24/2022.

AJ 891 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, and 03/25/2022.

AJSD 891

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00006870-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Isaac Daniel Garduno Arceo filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Isaac Daniel Garduno Arceo to Isaac Daniel Garduno.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/12/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB. 23, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 887 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, and 03/25/2022.

ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #887

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00006895-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Peter D. Chu, Esq. State Bar# 98935 Attorney For: Jason Duane Leon filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Jason Duane Leon to Jason Duane Leon-Baptista.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/11/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: FEB. 23, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 889 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, and 03/25/2022.

ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #889

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00006892-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Peter D. Chu, Esq. State Bar# 98935 Attorney For: Mintsen Chen Wen filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Mintsen Chen Wen to Mintsen Chen.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/11/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB. 23, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 890 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, and 03/25/2022.

ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #890

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00007472-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Suleyma Guzman on behalf of a minor child filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Natalie Guzman Navarrete to Natalie Sanchez Guzman.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/13/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: FEB. 28, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 892 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, and 03/25/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #892

SAN DIEGO

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 4-10, 2022

JOURNAL

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9

M A R C H 4 , 2 0 22

James Beard Awards names 12 Fil-Am semififinnalists S

by MoMar

G. Visaya / AJPress

IX chefs, two restaurateurs, one pastry chef, a bar that offers an outstanding bar program, and a couple of emerging chefs.

That is how Filipino Americans in the food and hospitality industry fared on Wednesday, Feb. 23 as the James Beard Foundation announced its 2022 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists in advance of the returning James Beard Awards.

In the category of Emerging Chef, Mia Orino and Carlo Gan of Kamayan ATL (Atlanta) are in the running. This is open to chefs who display exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who are likely to make a significant impact in years to come.

A couple of Filipino restaurants - ABACÁ, San Francisco; Kasama, Chicago - are in the running for Best New Restaurant, which honors a restaurant that opened in 2020 or 2021 that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine and hospitality and seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come.

Margarita Manzke of République in Los Angeles got another nod under the Outstanding Pastry Chef category. Genever, also in Los Angeles is a semifinalist for the Outstanding Bar Program category. This award is given to a restaurant or bar that demonstrates exceptional care and skill in the selection, preparation, and serving of cocktails, spirits, and/or beer.

Dale Talde of Goosefeather in Tarrytown, NY is up for the Best Chef: New York State award while five FilAm chefs are duking it out for the Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA) award - Carlo Lamagna, Magna Kusina (Portland, OR); Melissa Miranda, Musang (Seattle); Sheldon Simeon, Tin Roof (Kahului, HI); Jojo Vasquez, Fond (Lahaina, HI); and Aaron Verzosa, Archipelago (Seattle).

“Honored and humbled by the nomination of #jbfa for best chef NY thank you to the team @goosefeather and my beautiful wife @agneschung for the support thank you being on this journey,” said Top Chef alum Talde.

His fellow Top Chef buddy Sheldon Simeon also expressed

Melissa Miranda Photo from Instagram/@meltronica

Jojo Vasquez with his wife

Francis Ang Photo from Instagram/@cheffrancisang

Timothy Flores Photo from Instagram/@timothyryanchi

Margarita & Walter Manzke

Photo from Republique LA

his thanks in an Instagram post.

In 2019, his new restaurant then called Lineage was up for Best New Restaurant.

“Humbled to be in such great company.

Overjoyed to see so much Hawaii talent getting their well deserved recognition,” Simeon said.

Jojo Vasquez of Fond posted, “Woke up to some congrats messages. So honored to be amongst some Uber talented chefs across the nation. Being noticed with our humble little neighborhood eatery for a semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific.”

A first-time nominee, Genever, a Filipina-run cocktail gem in LA’s Historic Filipinotown games for its gin-based drinks, said “To

Sheldon Simeon Photo from Instagram/@chefwonder

Photo from Instagram/@jojovasquez

say we’re honored, humbled, straight-up blown away is an understatement.”

“We’re so fortunate to still be here after an incredibly challenging two years that many of our fellow hospitality partners did not survive.

We feel truly blessed for the support we’ve had from our suppliers, friends, families, and our amazing Genever team,” the IG post read. “It really does take a village.”

Francis Ang, chef and owner of Abaca expressed his gratitude to their supporters.

“I am blown away. From a small mom and pop popup to a @beardfoundation semifinalist,” he said. “How our family has grown. This was possible because of them--the constant hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance--this recognition is for you. I have learned to be a better leader because of them. I am proud of my #AbacáPamilya.”

Esquire Magazine named Abaca one of the best new restaurants in the United States in 2021, along with Kasama Chicago, helmed by the husband-and-wife team of Timothy Flores and Genie Kwon. The New York Times also named two Filipino restaurants - Kasama and Archipelago - in the publication’s The Restaurant List 2021, which honored the 50 most vibrant and delicious restaurants they were “most excited about right now”.

“Congrats to our team!

Though we are thankful to be on this years @ beardfoundation chef list, if it were not for your passion, dedication, hard work… your puns… we would not be where we are today. Y’all make

Aaron Verzosa

Photo from Archipelago Seattle

Archipelago, our community, and culture great. We are beyond thankful for each and every one of you,” Verzosa posted on Archipelago’s Instagram page.

He also acknowledged “our pamilya, Kuya @twistedfilipino, ate @meltronica, kuya @ chefwonder” and their teams for the honor.

“We know when it comes to Mia Orino and Carlo Gan of Kamayan ATL Photo from Instagram/@engineeredcapture our culture it takes a family to move these visions forward,” he said.

This year’s winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 13 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and Genever owners Trisha Perez, Tinette Sumiller and Roselma Samala Photo courtesy of Instagram/@Genever a culture where all can thrive.

Founded more than 30 years ago, the James Beard Foundation “celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive,” according to its announcement.

The 2022 James Beard Awards will be the first in two years, after a hiatus during which the Awards underwent a full audit of its policies and procedures, continuing the work to remove bias, increase transparency and accessibility, and making the program more aligned with the Foundation’s Carlo Lamagna mission and values. n Dale Talde

Photo from daletalde.com

Photo from Instagram/@twistedfilipino

10

MARCH 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS AS the pandemic continues to infect and kill people in the United States and around the world, Ukraine is ravaged not only by COVID-19 but by Russia’s Putin-22, a modern-day Hitler, a ruthless power-hungry land-grabber and murderer. The unprovoked attack has killed civilians, including children, in this Eastern European country with a population of 44.62 million, south of Belarus, and bordered by Russia on the east and northwest.

The bold, steadfast leadership and supreme courage of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have heartened and emboldened his people, including old men and women and teenagers (as families) to fight the superior, well-armed, Russian invaders, many Ukrainians with Molotov cocktails only (a brilliant strategy), some with kitchen knives, as their weapons to protect their country.

Zelensky had inspired the whole world with his love of country and resolute bravery, insisting on staying in his office, risking his life, ready to personally join the battle, arm-to-arm with his people and other Ukrainian officials, against the Russian tanks and soldiers marching towards the capital city, Kyiv, as the world watches with anxiety, admiration, pride, solemn joy, compassion, and prayers for Zelensky and his people.

All nations of goodwill must support this bitter struggle of the Ukrainian people, and get rid of Putin, who is now threatening “any country meddling in his invasion of Ukraine” with his “nuclear option,” which could endanger the entire planet.

Indeed, Vladimir Putin must be stopped now and charged with a crime against humanity and be brought to justice before the Hague Tribunal, to serve as a warning to all other brutal tyrants and potential invaders around the globe. Still undefeated and undeterred, Zelensky, the David, deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, while despot Putin, the crazy Goliath, owns the condemnation of the world. Nuclear Putin is potentially much worse than all the COVID-19 variants in this pandemic combined.

The mental health and emotional toll of Putin’s savage aggression, besides the dislocation and displacement of 600,000 Ukrainians so far (possibly 4 million more), and the mounting deaths caused by Putin’s army on these loyal, brave, and proud people, whose love for their country and democracy is truly heart-warming, need our compassion and prayers.

In the meantime, these are the COVID-19 statistics as of Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 4:14 PM (EST): Globally: 438,100,391

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

COVID-19, Putin-22 TKO returns with a big bang,

cases, deaths - 5,980582; U.S.: 80,665,325 cases, deaths - 976,171; the Philippines: 3,663,059 cases, deaths - 56,451; Ukraine: 4,809,624 cases, deaths – 105,505; Russia: 16,495,369 cases, deaths - 352,446.

Omicron deaths Omicron (BA.1), and its subvariant, Stealth Omicron (BA.2), are milder but not mild and should not be confused as nonkillers. Almost 4,000 COVID-19 deaths were reported in the United States on Wednesday, February 23, 99.8 percent of them suspected as caused by Omicron by the U.S. CDC, and around 69-74% a month before.

Stealth Omicron, after more than 50 mutations in the bodies of the unvaccinated, and which has been found in all 50 U.S. states, is considered to be 30 percent more contagious, perhaps more lethal too, than Omicron, which is still dominant in many countries.

In Denmark and South Africa, the BA.2 is the dominant variant, between 80-90 percent.

The UK Health Security Agency (HSA) reported on February 25 that BA.2 accounted for 30.5 percent of its cases the previous week, which was only 4.1 percent in January. UK found no evidence of increased risk of hospitalization with BA.2 compared with Omicron, and that the vaccines are effective for both and for other past variants.

Studies revealed that there was 67 percent effectiveness against symptomatic BA.2 infection two weeks after a booster shot.

Florida reported 131,699 cases and 1,324 deaths from Stealth Omicron in the first week of February. This subvariant also has the ability to reinfect those who already had the Omicron infection in the past, as shown in dozens of cases in Denmark.

In the United States, COVID-19 infections continue to flatten out.

The U.S. CDC revealed the 7-day moving average of new cases was 68,815 on February 15, plunging from 105, 794 the week before.

There are almost a million deaths in the United States so far.

For seniors, especially with health issues (COPD, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney illness, etc.), people who are immunocompromised, and those with severe allergies, are still at high risk to get sick with breakthrough infections. We cannot let our guard down yet.

It’s too premature. The virus is still replicating and mutating in the bodies of those millions of unvaccinated people in the United States, and churning out new, possibly more serious strains.

New subvariant H78Y The Stealth subvariant of Omicron had “spawned a potentially deadlier subvariant” of its own, H78Y, found in Denmark, making up about 30 percent of its cases a few weeks ago, now diving to around 1 percent of the cases, perhaps because more than 81.6 of the people are fully vaccinated.

live at Pechanga Theater!

Those who are fully vaccinated, or those who had COVID-19 infection before, could still be infected or re-infected IT’S gonna be another (breakthrough infections and evening of fun-filled reinfection by new variants and laughter, excitement and subvariants that are still not family entertainment and identified). After an infection, one togetherness at the Pechanga is immune only to the infecting Resort Casino in Temecula, variant, but not to other variants.

California.

Health news capsules T.K.O. (Tawanan!

SARS-CoV-2 was likely present Kantahan! Overload!), comes in live mammals sold at a Wuhan back with a bang come wet market in late 2019, where it Saturday, March 5, 2022, to then spread to humans shopping perform live at 8p.m., at the and working there, scientists halls of Pechanga Theater with concluded in a pair of reports tons of jokes and antics to kick totaling 150 pages, according to off your New Year. the New York Times. This seems Pechanga Resort Casino to clear the mystery around the is well-known for hosting the origin of SARS-CoV2 virus of best and the brightest Filipino COVID-19. entertainers and provides a A New Hampshire hospital wholesome entertainment to received hundreds of harassing the delight of the crowd and phone calls and a bomb patrons of the casino. threat from a group called Fan-faves Bugoy Drilon “The Truth Seekers,” whose and Kris Lawrence will appear members demanded that as special guests of the T.K.O a COVID-19 patient there troupe — Negi, Wacky Kiray, receive ivermectin, per the and Rufa Mae Quinto.

Washington Post. Ivermectin, Negi and Wacky Kiray like hydroxychloroquine, has commonly do various comedy been found to be effective against streaks in both local and COVID-19. national scenes while making Scientists around the world waves in the Filipino American believe “that many countries comedies. lifting protective measures Highly acclaimed by her against SARS-CoV2 have followers and audience, Rufa increased the spread and Mae Quinto will render special contributed to more mutations.” performances with matching Many states in the U.S. are songs and laughter that will beginning to unmask and do surely wow the crowd. As away with social distancing, an entertainer, she has done which is premature. various comedy shows in both Together with more than 3,700 local and international scenes. other scientists, leading experts Bugoy Drilon and Kris in the United Kingdom posted Lawrence – both winners an open letter “criticizing Prime in reality television singing Minister Boris Johnson’s decision competitions in the Philippines to end all protective measures – have the ability to capture against COVID-19, warning that increased and uncontrolled SARS-CoV-2 transmission would bring new risks.”

Indeed, we still need to be careful, vigilant, and patient. We are almost at the finish line. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, SAN DIEGO – Want to see the and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ impact of arts and culture in your gmail.com. neighborhood? The City of San Diego has published data from the past fiscal year that highlights City-funded nonprofit arts and culture organizations in areas citywide. The annual update to the data-driven and multilayered mapping tool, launched in 2019, displays the meaningful impact these organizations have had in neighborhoods through performances, exhibits, festivals and arts education, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Available by visiting sandiego. gov/impactmap, the mapping Plastic Landscapes: Use tool helps users visualize and recycled materials to make a view data, identify gaps and landscape collage. trends, and compare arts and • DIY Inspirational Herb culture activities throughout all Terracotta Mini-Garden: Design San Diego neighborhoods from and color a terracotta pot and fiscal years 2019 to 2021. use the pot to germinate herb “The maps measure the seeds in organic soil. overall reach of our partnering • Farming Robots Force: Build arts and culture organizations a spider robot using bricks, across the City and their vital role gears, axles, motors, sensors in enhancing the quality of life for and controllers and then help our communities,” said Jonathon the robot collect fruit to bring to Glus, Executive Director for the marketplace. the Commission for Arts and • Branch Out Academy: Learn Culture. “The latest update also how to plant and care for trees captures the COVID-19 impacts in an urban environment and on the outreach activities and take home a sapling to grow. programming and the importance Any student who participates of the City’s investment in the in a Spring into STEAM local arts and culture ecosystem program will receive a “Grow Your Own Herb Garden” kit and a copy of the book “Heroes of the Environment” by Harriet Rohmer. For more information and to register, visit sandiego. gov/STEAM. With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary. org.

(SDPL Release) n

the hearts of the audience with their songs and performances.

Mark your calendars on March 5 with the number one entertainment hub in Southern California- Pechanga Resort Casino at Temecula, California. Tickets starting at $38 may be purchased by calling 888-810-8871 or via online at www.pechanga.com.

Shows in the Pechanga Theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience. With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-of-the-art, acoustically perfected sound, plus comfortable chairs and an up-close view from every theater seat.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the

country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property

by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Pechanga offers more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.

For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

City of San Diego releases 2021 interactive map highlighting recent arts and culture impact on neighborhoods

Online mapping tool captures trends and patterns of city cultural investments by fiscal years

San Diego Public Library Program encourages students to grow their STEAM skills This year’s spring into STEAM challenge focuses on agriculture, botany and forestation

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego Public Library kicked off its annual Spring into STEAM challenge on Tuesday, March 1.

The science-focused program offers in-person and virtual workshops to strengthen local students’ STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) skills.

This year’s theme “Let’s Grow!” explores sustainability, agriculture and plant life.

Workshops will teach students to grow and care for plants from seed, build robots to harvest crops and create art

from recycled materials.

Spring into STEAM programs are free to youth ages 9 to 12 and will be offered in March, April and May both online and at San Diego Public Library locations.

Most programs are scheduled for weekday afternoons and weekends. The workshops are a collaboration with local science experts and organizations including Robothink, Toshwerks, Arts Education Connection San Diego and Tree San Diego. There are four programs to choose from: • Trash into Treasure: Creating

to sustain and support these organizations as they build back.”

In fiscal year 2021, the city directed $5.7 million to 168 nonprofit organizations. While some organizations experienced challenges with the delivery of programming, more than 460,000 participants engaged in activities at more than 360 schools, libraries, parks and other unique locations citywide last year. Outreach activities and programming decreased from the previous year by about 220 venues. This decrease is mainly attributed to the disruption to operations and negative financial impacts caused by the COVID-19

pandemic.

Despite reduced availability of project sites and outreach venues in 2021, City-funded organizations responded to COVID-19 by moving some services to online platforms that created new and engaging ways to experience the arts.

Using the mapping tool, it was discovered that a museum in downtown, for example, reached all nine of the City’s Council districts by augmenting virtual or hybrid learning at 45 schools and a library, as well as at 13 other venues.

“The 2021 map is a powerful visual marker that recovery efforts for these organizations to return and rebuild to pre-COVID-19 outreach and programmatic levels will take time,” said the City’s Chief of Civic Arts Strategies Christine Jones. “The City’s investment in the local arts and culture sector is vital for the well-being of San Diego’s creative life and helps to support a dynamic and diverse cultural workforce and infrastructure for arts engagement of people across all of our neighborhoods.”

The City of San Diego advances and drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives, and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/artsculture.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Community

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 4-10, 2022

11

Why do sophisticated investors prefer Pahrump, Nevada?

THERE are many reasons why people go to Pahrump, Nevada.

Time Magazine did a poll on projected population growth or loss by percent for the period 1980 to 2000, entitled “America in The Year 2000,” which said that the State of Nevada, one of the most rapidly of all is growing states then, was expected to increase its population from about 800,000 to almost 2 million by the start of the 21st century.

In 1996, there were 30 million tourists that came to Las Vegas. According to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, each tourist spent an average of $300 which meant $9 billion in gross revenues for the city. Additionally, the estimated population of Nevada in 2021 was approximately 3.14 million, with Clark County estimated to be at 2,388,515, for a growth rate of 1.73%.

What is the effect of this population boom in Las Vegas? It creates a large demand for Pahrump land. In fact, many residents of Las Vegas are now moving out and relocating to Pahrump, many of whom are my clients. Not all of them are retirees. Many still work in Las Vegas but preferr to live and raise their families in Pahrump where they believe it is peaceful, tranquil and a great place to raise their kids.

The major reasons cited for their preference in Pahrump over Las Vegas are heavy traffic, crowded classrooms and the growing crime rate.

Pahrump is about 60 miles from Las Vegas and is an estimated 45- to 55-minute drive. Pahrump is dubbed as the “bedroom community of Las Vegas” not only to seniors but also for the young as well. Pahrump is a perfect example of an “EXURB”. Many are aware of the words suburban and urban communities. An “EXURB,” according to Harry Dent, a well sought economist and advisor to major 500 Fortune companies, is an area that is between 60 to 80 miles away from a center of development that has hit a million in population or more. The County of Clark where Las Vegas is located just hit 3.14 million in 2021, and it is still growing.

Celebrating with my clients, Jorge and Reggie Bondoc of Houston, Texas, after getting their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on a commercial lot.

The Time Magazine report in 1983 showed that Nevada was one of the few states with a projected population growth of more than 100%.

Among the many factors that contribute to the tremendous growth of the valley include the Sun Belt climate, improvements in Highway 160 between Las Vegas and Pahrump, better medical facilities and the rapid influx of retail businesses. For instance, Walmart and Home Depot employ a large number of Pahrumpians.

According to reliable source Silverton Hotel may break ground in May and the Spring Mountain Motor Sports is building many of its presold million-dollar homes, including those already built featuring a 26,000-square-foot house with 17 bathrooms.

Another job on the pipeline is the glove factory to be built on a 10-acre parcel by my investor, Andrew Hoang from Orange County, CA, which will create hundreds of jobs in Phase 1. Also, notable is the Front Sight that attracts hundreds of members

Fely Quitevis (extreme right) with Hung (SBA Loans) and Annie Yeh who bought commercial lots near Highway 160.

and tourists each month that create room shortage in Pahrump.

With several banks, casinos, wineries, drugstore outlets and all burger chains (except In and Out Burger), Pahrump almost has everything. Many huge projects in neighboring Las Vegas under construction such as The Sphere, and the Drew Hotel with proposed grand opening next year with 3,000 rooms and about 6,000 jobs, will definitely attract thousands of new residents and heavier foot traffic for Las Vegas, which is one another huge reason why old-time residents are moving out to Pahrump.

Precious Properties is a full-service company serving its clientele since 1992 and can be reached at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. Realtor Fely Quitevis with Alka Products CEO/President Andrew Hoang, who is building (Advertising Supplement) a glove factory in Pahrump.

A young investor, IT specialist Chris Dela Cruz of San Antonio, Texas, with Fely Quitevis.

Realtor Fely Quitevis (2nd from left) with Philippine Realtor Bing Palma Gil Roldan and repeat investors Jorge and Reggie Bondoc, the King and Queen of Ritello USA 2021.

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MARCH 4-10, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588