051923 - San Diego Edition

California launches anti-hate crime hotline

SACRAMENTO – California officially launched CA vs. Hate, a new multilingual statewide hotline and website that provides a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts. making it the first state to formally declare its strong and active opposition against hate.

In time for Asian and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, CA vs Hate is a direct response to the rise in reported hate crimes in California, which reached their highest levels since 2001 – jumping almost 33% from 2020 to 2021. Asian communities are among the most victimized by hate incidents and crimes.

Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), is spearheading the campaign, sending an unequivocal message that hate will not be

Comelec approves online voting for overseas Filipinos

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

Comelec chairman George Garcia said the online voting for overseas voters was approved in an effort to increase voter turnout.

“Higher overseas voter turnout. Spending P411 million resulting [in] a dismal 39 percent turnout (although highest in history) is not value for money so to speak,” Garcia said.

“Why are not so many overseas [F]ilipinos voting personally or by mail (presently the mode of voting for them)? Maybe they need another mode,” he added.

Garcia bared that the poll body is now in the process of creating a roadmap for electronic voting

EDCA sites not US bases – envoy

by Pia lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson clarified on Wednesday, May 17 that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines, which grant American troops greater access, are not U.S. military bases.

“These are not U.S. bases,” Carlson said in an interview on ANC as she explained that the EDCA sites are Philippine military bases where the U.S. provides financial support and contributes capital for necessary improvements.

A CALIFORNIA state senator has introduced a resolution to establish a sister state relationship with the Philippine province of Bulacan.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D –Burbank), authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 57 (SCR 57), which outlines the sister state relationship and introduced it on the state Senate floor on Monday, May 15.

Bulacan is located north of Metro Manila and is considered the most populous province in Central Luzon and the third most populous in the Philippines after Cebu and Cavite.

The measure “will promote mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges between the State of California and the Province of Bulacan,” according to a release from Portantino’s office.

The measure passed with an unanimous vote and standing ovation from senators present.

“I am proud to introduce this resolution that launches the start of a special friendship between our state and the Province of Bulacan,” Portantino said in a statement. “The sister state relationship will encourage our regions to develop partnerships and provide opportunities for mutual prosperity.”

SCR 57 extends an invitation to the people

CA resolution introduced to establish sister state relationship with PH province of Bulacan Marcos: PH

by Catherine s. Valente ManilaTimes.net

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte agreed with the recent remarks of his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., that abuses were committed during his administration’s war on illegal drugs but insisted that “those were never intended.”

During his program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” aired on SMNI News, Duterte was asked to comment on Marcos’ reply to a question on the alleged abuses during a forum in Washington last week.

“Yes, that was allegedly attributed to the president. I am not sure if he was quoted in the complete context of the statement. I am sure that it was not intended to criticize me because he knows how hard it is to be president, especially with the

closer to bringing Teves back

by Catherine s. Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is getting closer to bringing embattled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. back to the Philippines after East Timor’s “quick” rejection of his application for political asylum.

Marcos mentioned East Timor’s decision to turn down the asylum request of Teves during a bilateral meeting with East Timor’s Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak on the sidelines of the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations

u PAGE 3

She emphasized that all activities conducted by the U.S. in the country are done at the invitation of the Philippine government, including the use of EDCA sites.

“It’s important to note that these are not our sites. We have no rights to these sites. It’s not as simple as u PAGE 2

serious problem right now,” Duterte said.

“You know what I am supposed to do. I cannot be libertarian; I can only be a stoic human being dedicated to enforce the law because you are the implementers, you are the enforcers,” he said.

The former chief executive said that Marcos was correct when he made the statement.

“Tama siya na (He is correct that) along the way, in the enforcement of the law, [there is] a rigid attitude toward the enforcement of the law, abuses will be committed. Now, I’ll go further; not only abuses, sometimes killing, unnecessarily, or even an innocent person,” Duterte said.

“Along the way, [there is] collateral damage, marami ‘yan (there are many) But those were never intended, I am

DOT launching ‘enhanced tourism slogan’ soon

by DaPhne galVez Inquirer.net

MANILA — “It’s more fun in the Philippines” no more?

by Faith argosino Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday, May 13 that the court’s decision on the drug case of his nemesis Leila de Lima “should be accepted.” In a statement released through Atty. Salvador Panelo, the ex-chief executive maintained he has “nothing to do with the case” and “never interfered with the

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to launch an “enhanced tourism slogan” in the next few weeks, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said on Tuesday, May 16.

“The DOT has not yet come out with an enhanced tourism slogan as a country brand, but I assure you you’ll love it,” she said in a Palace briefing.

“There will be [a preview] in the next few weeks. But we will make sure to engage in consultation with our tourism stakeholders first as their

opinions matter very much to us,” Frasco added.

Asked if the Philippines’ marketing strategy will also change, Frasco said the “main change” would be the shift in focus of the DOT to “highlight the heart and soul of the Filipino.”

She said the transformation is evident in the country’s culture, festivals, food and products.

“Everything that makes us diverse and unique and a proud Filipino people that gives us pride of place. We are putting forth the best of the best of the Philippines to the world because it cannot be denied that we do give the world our best,” she said. n

Ex-President Duterte on De Lima’s acquittal: Verdict ‘should be accepted’

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday, May 17 approved internet voting for registered overseas voters in the 2025 national and local elections.

NEW AFP OFFICIALS. Senators Imee Marcos, Christopher Lawrence Go, Grace Poe and Joseph Victor Ejercito greet the newly promoted officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed

generals and colonels on Wednesday, May 17.

photo by Avito Dalan

‘Marcos right on drug war abuses’ But ex-president Duterte says these were ‘never intended’

Diving with a green sea turtle is one of the main attractions on Apo Island off Dauin, Negros Oriental. These turtles breed along the beaches of the island and feed in its waters. DOT photo

Comelec approves online voting for overseas...

for overseas Filipinos.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Comelec said that the the conduct of electronic overseas voting was approved based on the following laws:

• Section 16.11, Republic Act (RA) No. 9189 which allows Comelec to “study the use of electronic mail, internet, or other secured networks in the casting of votes of qualified overseas Filipino voters”

• Section 28, RA No. 10590: “explore other more efficient, reliable and secure modes or systems, ensuring the secrecy and sanctity of the entire process, whether paper-based, electronic-

based or internet-based technology or such other latest technology available, for onsite and remote registration and elections”; and

• Section 23, RA No. 10590: “determine other alternative modes of voting, thereby allowing the Commission to promulgate, without further legislation from Congress, its own rules and regulations for appropriate implementation of such voting system duly determined by the Commission.”

In 2022, Garcia called on Congress to consider allowing “internet voting,” after some overseas Filipino voters struggled to vote in person during the 2022 national elections. n

California launches anti-hate...

tolerated in the Golden State. Newsom and the legislature earlier allocated $110 million to anti-hate programs.

“We stand firm for a California for All and it is important that we hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and provide resources for those individuals victimized by hate crimes,” stressed Newsom.

“Now, Californians have another tool to ensure that not only justice is served, but that individuals have access to additional resources to help deal with the lingering wounds that remain after such a horrendous crime occurs,” Newsom added.

First partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom underscored that “all should create a California where all our dreams are possible, where we all belong and Californians will feel safe and heard. There is no room here for bigotry and hate-fueled violence.”

For his part, State Attorney

General Rob Bonta in an email sent a stated that he is proud of this effort to help California’s diverse communities report hate incidents and connect them to resources.”

“Hate is not welcome in California, and now more than ever we must stand united against hate and extremism,” Bonta stated in an email. “By utilizing every resource possible, we will raise awareness around the staggering rise in hate crimes and proactively prevent future extremism from occurring.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) started the push for a state hate crime reporting hotline in 2021.“The pandemic of hate was not only targeting Asians so many other communities here in California. Thus, the launch of this state initiative versus hate to track data on hate incidents, provide support for victims, and make all of our communities safer,” Muratsuchi said.

Hotline services are

confidential and provided for free, regardless of immigration status. These services are offered in a culturally competent manner and will help people identify options and next steps after a hate incident or hate crime has occurred. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. CA vs Hate Resource Line and Network is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NOHATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time. For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, should call 911. For more information on CA vs Hate, visit CAvsHate.org. (Jun Nucum/ Inquirer.net) n

Ex-President Duterte on De Lima’s...

judicial process.”

“The judgment of the court should be accepted. Frankly, I’m not interested in the outcome of the case as I have nothing to do with it. I have never interfered with the judicial process. I always say let the law take its course,” Duterte said.

Panelo, who was Duterte’s chief legal counsel and spokesperson at one point, also shared his take on the court’s decision, saying “the acquittal is flawed” and that “the evidence extant supports a judgment of conviction.”

“As a lawyer, it is my position that final judgment of a competent court must be accepted

no matter how one disagrees with it,” he noted.

“In this particular De Lima case, the acquittal is flawed. The evidence extant supports a judgement of conviction,” he also said.

According to Panelo, the court was mistaken when it took former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge (OIC) Rafael Ragos’ recantation of his testimony as justification to doubt the guilt of de Lima.

Ragos recanted his testimony against de Lima in November 2022, telling the court that he was coerced into signing prepared affidavits on three occasions in 2016 and 2017 to say that de Lima has been receiving bribe money from drug lords at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). n

EDCA sites not US bases...

snapping a finger and suddenly having access to everything,” she said.

Earlier, President Marcos gave assurance that the new EDCA sites will not be utilized for offensive operations. However, China has criticized the establishment of these sites, claiming that they pose a threat to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly targeting Beijing.

The Pentagon addressed these concerns by affirming that the U.S. is not seeking permanent bases in the Philippines through the new EDCA sites. It emphasized that activities carried out would be responsive to the needs and priorities of local communities.

“We provide funding and insert capital to make improvements that are to the benefit of both the Philippine military and also be helpful to the U.S. military in the event that any threat against either one of the two members of this mutual defense treaty alliance,” Carlson said.

During the recent U.S.Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington, top diplomatic and defense officials from both countries issued a joint statement affirming their support for the swift operationalization of the new sites as military bases under the EDCA.

The U.S. also pledged financial assistance to facilitate this process.

With this, Carlson stressed that Washington’s commitment to the Philippines “stands on its own” and is not about China.

“The Mutual Defense Treaty dates back to 1951. Our commitment to the Philippines stands on its own,” she said. “(It) extends to Philippine armed forces, aircraft and public vessels, including those of its Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea.”

Carlson added: “There’s so much that we’re working together. It’s not about China. It’s certainly not about China alone. It’s about what we do together and it dates back decades.”

She said that the Indo-Pacific region is a critical regional trade hub, noting that a large percentage of that passes through the West Philippine and South China Seas.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy (PN) will continue to make its presence felt in the disputed West Philippine Sea, but will not initiate any escalation of

tensions.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosia Ezpeleta stressed that the PN will continue to take direction from the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea.

“We will continue to protect our territory. The Philippine Navy will continue to upgrade. We maintain to be the vanguards of our territory,” Ezpeleta said.

The government has allocated P10 billion for the modernization of the Navy, with two high-tech ships scheduled to be delivered annually from next year until 2028.

“We are entering the capability stage. Compared to two years back, we are operating with dilapidated vessels. We are very capable now compared to ten years ago in terms of number of ships, trainings and all,” said Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Fleet deputy commander.

The Navy is also working to strengthen its recruitment program to attract more technical personnel with backgrounds in engineering, IT and computers.

Ezpeleta took pride in a Filipino scientist who had invented a remote-controlled gun named “Buhawi” which they now use in smaller ships.

“We have many engineers and scientists developing our arms. We are also training the capacity of our personnel,” he said.

Moreover, the Navy has procured nine advanced ships from Israel, and personnel have undergone comprehensive training on ship operations and maintenance.

Collaboration with nongovernmental organizations is

also underway to support the Navy’s modernization goals. Ezpeleta revealed ongoing negotiations for the allocation of 10 hectares of reclaimed land along Roxas Boulevard for Philippine Navy use.

On Wednesday, Gen. Andres Centino, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, was in Balabac, Palawan to urge the fast-tracking of military infrastructure projects on the island. Centino was particularly interested in the completion of the Balabac military runway, one of four additional EDCA sites that can receive assistance from the U.S. for base development. Balabac’s strategic location as a municipality on an island chain in the West Philippine Sea, through which vessels from international waters pass, is crucial for detecting and identifying foreign intrusions.

The Balabac military runway, which will be a joint-use air facility for the Philippine Air Force and the local government unit, is part of a larger project for further development of the facility under the EDCA partnership with the U.S.

The AFP also aims to develop the Narciso del Rosario Naval Station in Onok Island into a full naval base that can receive EDCA base development assistance.

Visiting Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong underscored on Wednesday the arbitral ruling that Australia supports for a stable and prosperous region where norms apply.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Wong said Australia’s national interests are aligned with the Philippines’. –Jose Rodel Clapano, Rainier Allan Ronda n

MaryKay Carlson, the United States’ new envoy to the Philippines, arrives in the country on July 22, 2022. Release / US Embassy in the Philippines

‘Marcos right on drug war abuses’...

sure, by the law enforcement agency,” he added.

At a forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Marcos last week said there had been abuses committed during the “previous administration” in the war on illegal drugs, which focused too much on law enforcement.

“In my view what had happened in the previous administration is that we focused very much on enforcement. And because of that, it could be said that there are abuses by certain elements in the government and that has caused some concern with many, in many quarters about the human rights situation in the Philippines,” Marcos said.

“Well, I cannot speak to what my predecessor had in mind and what his idea was. But what I can speak to is the policy that we have undertaken and that I said the drug war continues to be at the source of many — much criminality in the Philippines,” he added.

The president also said

CA resolution introduced to establish sister state...

1

of the Philippine Province of Bulacan to join with California in a sister state relationship. The resolution aims to promote the prosperity of both regions and to improve international understanding and goodwill between both regions.

“The Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC) and the Fil-Am community of Glendale and Los Angeles County are very humbled and honored to receive Senate Resolution SCR 57, authored by Senator Portantino,” commented Edith M. Fuentes, past president and executive board member of FABAGGLAC. “We are thankful to him for choosing the historical and rich in heritage, arts and culture Province of Bulacan as the Sister Province of California. This is a perfect recognition especially during Asian Pacific

American Heritage Month. This recognition affirms the many contributions of FilipinoAmericans to the history, culture and achievements of California and the United States. We appreciate the chance to further our friendship and relationship with the State of California. I look forward to many years of a great sisterprovince relationship.”

Comprised of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is California’s 27th largest export partner. According to the most recent United States Census, there are approximately 4,000,000 Filipino Americans living in the United States, with nearly half living in California, many of whom are American citizens or dual citizens.

Preparations and research for the Resolution was collaborated by Senator Portantino’s staff and spearheaded by Fuentes from FABAG-GLAC. (AJPress) n

you do not give him enough leeway?” the former president said.

“[There is] collateral damage in a shootout inside the house of a suspect; sometimes the innocent members of the family get it. But abuses, there are many, because of the high-handed manner of enforcement,” he added.

The bloody drug war of Duterte caught the attention not just of the foreign media and criticism from different organizations, but also the International Criminal Court (ICC).

TMT File photo that even after the anti-drug campaign waged during Duterte’s time, “the syndicates have grown stronger, wealthier and more influential, worryingly so.”

“But instead of going after everyone,” Marcos said, his administration tried “to identify the key areas that we have to tackle ... so that we can see a diminution of the activity of the drug syndicates.” Since Duterte took office in

2016, more than 6,000 were killed in sting operations, based on government figures. But rights groups estimated that the number of drug-war killings could be as high as 30,000.

During the SMNI interview, Duterte again justified the use of lethal force in police operations, saying the officers had to “overcome the resistance” of the suspects being arrested.

“So what’s the point in empowering somebody if

In January, the ICC authorized the resumption of its investigation into the drug war and the Davao Death Squad killings in the Philippines. Duterte, who initiated the drug war, pulled the Philippines out of the ICC in 2019, a year after The Hague-based tribunal began a preliminary investigation into the crackdown. Marcos has, so far, ruled out reversing Duterte’s decision to pull the Philippines out of the ICC. n

Marcos: PH closer to bringing Teves...

(Asean) Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on Thursday, May 11.

During the meeting, Marcos thanked Ruak for the prompt action, saying it would now be easier for authorities to bring Teves back to the country to answer the allegations against him.

“In denying his request for political asylum, then we are going closer in the case to bringing him back home to face the allegations that have been made [against him]. But again, we thank you for your very quick response in that regard,” Marcos told Ruak.

Teves, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, has been ordered to leave East Timor within five days after his application for political asylum was rejected by the government. He is currently in the capital city of Dili.

On Thursday, Marcos renewed his call on Teves to return to the Philippines and face the charges against him.

In an interview with the Philippine media onboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR001, the president said the Philippine government would wait for the entire process to conclude.

“It turns out that Congressman Arnie Teves applied for political asylum but was denied. So, I think they will continue to go through the process — there is an appeals

process for those who are applying. But this was denied. We’ll just wait for the process to be completed,” he said.

When asked for his advice to the embattled lawmaker, Marcos said, “Come home. That’s the best advice I can give him. Come home.”

Teves, a former deputy speaker, left the country on February 28, with his travel authority from the House of Representatives having long expired.

Last March 15, the 300-strong House unanimously voted to hand down a 60day suspension on Teves for “disorderly behavior.”

PH ‘partner’

Meanwhile, Marcos assured Ruak that the Philippines will be East Timor’s “partner” as it moves toward becoming a full-fledged member of the Asean.

“In the Philippines, you have a partner. We have always been supportive,” Marcos told Ruak, saying he expects a continuing intra-Asean discussion and coordination, as well as stronger bilateral connections between the two countries.

“It has always been our view that the membership of [East Timor] in Asean could only strengthen Asean. I’m very happy that the process has continued and you are now here to join us as an observer, with the ultimate end of becoming a full-fledged member of Asean,” he added.

The president also expressed elation over East Timor’s journey toward becoming a democratic state and eventually becoming an Asean member-state.

“I’m very happy that to see the fruition of what we have been discussing in Asean, including the membership of [East Timor],” Marcos said.

“I came then happy to see that there has been progress, and they will now have observer status and are beginning to participate in the discussions with what we have. As you can see, the strength of Asia really is the commonality,” he added.

Ruak, for his part, expressed gratitude to Marcos for the Philippines’ continued support of East Timor’s Asean membership bid, noting that Dili has been working hard to comply with all the criteria and conditions set by the regional bloc.

“The Philippines is a great friend of [East Timor]. We have a big community of Filipinos in our country, but we have also a big community of Timorese in the Philippines. We have the missionaries; we have the teachers. So it’s not just diplomatic relations, it’s also an emotional link,” Ruak said through a translator.

“Additionally, we have had the support of the Philippines since the very first moments of our independence,” he added, mentioning the presence of Filipino peacekeepers under the banner of the United Nations. n

Former president Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

PAGE

BILATERAL MEET. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (left) shakes hands with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong during their bilateral meeting held at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City on Thursday, May 18. The Australian government is allocating 89.9 million Australian dollars (approximately P3.32 billion) worth of official development assistance to the Philippines for 2023 and 2024.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

State lawmakers eye forced treatment to address overlap in homelessness and mental illness

by April Dembosky, kQeD AnD AmeliA TempleTon, oregon public broADcAsTing AnD cArrie Feibel

MANY of the unhoused people in Portland, Oregon, live in tents pitched on sidewalks or in aging campers parked in small convoys behind grocery stores.

Mental illness can be part of the story of how a person ends up homeless — or part of the price of survival on the streets, where sleep and safety are scarce. Homeless people in Multnomah County, which includes Portland, die about 30 years earlier than the average American. These grim realities have ratcheted up the pressure on politicians to do something.

High housing costs and financial adversity are among the root causes of the burgeoning population on the streets.

About 1 in 3 people who are homeless in Portland report having a mental illness or a substance use disorder, and the combination of homelessness and substance use or untreated mental illness has led to very public tragedies.

People with schizophrenia, for example, have died of hypothermia on the city’s streets. One resident gave birth in a snowstorm to a stillborn infant. Methamphetamine, cheaper and more potent than it used to be, is creating a heightened risk of overdose and psychosis.

In Oregon, some politicians, including Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, have proposed changing the civil commitment law so doctors have more leeway in compelling treatment for patients too sick to know they need care. Without such changes, they argue, people with untreated addictions or mental illnesses are stuck cycling between the streets, county jails, and state psychiatric hospitals.

“I think we can do better by people than allowing them to flounder,” said Janelle Bynum, a state legislator who represents

suburbs southeast of Portland. Bynum, a Democrat, signed on to a pair of bills, introduced by Republicans this year, that would expand the criteria for involuntary commitment in Oregon.

“My intention was to signal how cruel I think our current system is,” she said.

Half of the country’s unsheltered people live in California, and though only about a quarter to a third of homeless people are estimated to have a serious mental illness, they are the ones other residents are likely to encounter in California’s cities. Mayors from San Francisco, San Jose, and San Diego have all expressed frustration that the threshold for psychiatric intervention is so high.

‘Why Aren’t You Doing Something?’

“When I’m often asked, ‘Mayor, why aren’t you doing something about this person who is screaming at the top of their lungs on the street corner?’ and I said, ‘Well, they’re not a threat to themselves or to others,’ that rings hollow,” said Todd Gloria, mayor of San Diego.

Now, state lawmakers in Sacramento, backed by mayors, have introduced laws and bills that would help bring more people into treatment, even against their will.

Last year, legislators approved a new approach to mental health care — called CARE Court — that allows judges to issue treatment plans for people with certain diagnoses. That program begins on a pilot basis this fall in seven counties, including San Diego and San Francisco counties, with the rest of the state expected to join next year. This year, a bill moving through the legislature would expand who qualifies for a conservatorship or involuntary psychiatric hold.

The bill is gathering support and sponsors are optimistic that Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will sign it if it passes. But it’s been controversial: Opponents fear a return to bygone policies of locking people up just for being sick.

Half a century ago, California policymakers shuttered state psychiatric institutions, denouncing them as inhumane. Involuntary commitment was deemphasized, and state laws ensured that it was used only as a last resort. The thinking was that the patient should have autonomy and participate in their care.

But politicians across California are now reconsidering involuntary commitments. They argue that not helping people who are seriously ill and living in squalor on the streets is inhumane. Psychiatrists who support the bill say it would constitute a modest update to a 56-year-old law.

The shift is dividing liberals over the very meaning of compassion and which rights should take precedence: civil rights like freedom of movement and medical consent, or the right to appropriate medical care in a crisis?

“The status quo has forced too many of our loved ones to die with their rights on,” said Teresa Pasquini, an activist with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Her son has schizophrenia and has spent the past 20 years being “failed, jailed, treated, and streeted” by what she called a broken public health system.

“We are doctors who have to watch these people die,” said psychiatrist Emily Wood, chair of the government affairs committee of the California State Association of Psychiatrists, a sponsor of the

u PAGE 7

AI may be on its way to your doctor’s office, but it’s not ready to see patients

by DArius TAhir KFF Health News

WHAT use could health care have for someone who makes things up, can’t keep a secret, doesn’t really know anything, and, when speaking, simply fills in the next word based on what’s come before? Lots, if that individual is the newest form of artificial intelligence, according to some of the biggest companies out there.

Companies pushing the latest AI technology — known as “generative AI” — are piling on: Google and Microsoft want to bring types of so-called large language models to health care. Big firms that are familiar to folks in white coats — but maybe less so to your average Joe and Jane — are equally enthusiastic: Electronic medical records giants Epic and Oracle Cerner aren’t far behind. The space is crowded with startups, too.

The companies want their AI to take notes for physicians and give them second opinions — assuming they can keep the intelligence from “hallucinating” or, for that matter, divulging patients’ private information.

“There’s something afoot that’s pretty exciting,” said Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego. “Its capabilities will ultimately have a big impact.” Topol, like many other observers, wonders how many problems it might cause — like leaking patient data — and how often. “We’re going to find out.”

The specter of such problems inspired more than 1,000 technology leaders to sign an open letter in March urging that companies pause development on advanced AI systems until “we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable.” Even so, some of them are sinking more money into AI ventures.

The underlying technology relies on synthesizing huge chunks of text or other data — for example, some medical models rely on 2 million intensive care unit notes from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston — to predict text that would follow a given query. The idea has been around for years, but the gold rush, and the marketing and media mania surrounding it, are more recent.

The frenzy was kicked off in December 2022 by Microsoftbacked OpenAI and its flagship product, ChatGPT, which answers questions with authority and style. It can explain genetics in a sonnet, for example. OpenAI, started as a research venture seeded by Silicon Valley elites like Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Reid Hoffman, has ridden the enthusiasm to investors’ pockets. The venture has a complex, hybrid for- and nonprofit structure. But a new $10 billion round of funding from Microsoft has pushed the value of OpenAI to $29 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported. Right now, the company is licensing its technology to companies like Microsoft and selling subscriptions to consumers. Other startups are considering selling AI transcription or other products to hospital systems or directly to patients.

Hyperbolic quotes are everywhere. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers tweeted recently: “It’s going to replace what doctors do — hearing symptoms and making diagnoses — before it changes what nurses do — helping patients get up and handle themselves in the hospital.”

But just weeks after OpenAI took another huge cash infusion, even Altman, its CEO, is wary of the fanfare. “The hype over these systems — even if everything we hope for is right long term — is totally out of control for the short term,” he said for a March article in The New York Times.

Few in health care believe this latest form of AI is about to take their jobs (though some companies are experimenting — controversially — with chatbots that act as therapists or guides to care). Still, those who are bullish on the tech think it’ll make some parts of their work much easier.

Eric Arzubi, a psychiatrist in Billings, Montana, used to manage fellow psychiatrists for a hospital system. Time and again, he’d get a list of providers who hadn’t yet finished their notes — their summaries of a patient’s condition and a plan for treatment.

Writing these notes is one of

the big stressors in the health system: In the aggregate, it’s an administrative burden. But it’s necessary to develop a record for future providers and, of course, insurers.

“When people are way behind in documentation, that creates problems,” Arzubi said. “What happens if the patient comes into the hospital and there’s a note that hasn’t been completed and we don’t know what’s been going on?”

The new technology might help lighten those burdens.

Arzubi is testing a service, called Nabla Copilot, that sits in on his part of virtual patient visits and then automatically summarizes them, organizing into a standard note format the complaint, the history of illness, and a treatment plan. Results are solid after about 50 patients, he said:

“It’s 90% of the way there.” Copilot produces serviceable summaries that Arzubi typically edits. The summaries don’t necessarily pick up on nonverbal cues or thoughts Arzubi might not want to vocalize. Still, he said, the gains are significant: He doesn’t have to worry about taking notes and can instead focus on speaking with patients. And he saves time. “If I have a full patient day, where I might see 15 patients, I would say this saves me a good hour at the end of the day,” he said. (If the technology is adopted widely, he hopes hospitals won’t take advantage of the saved time by simply scheduling more patients. “That’s not fair,” he said.)

Nabla Copilot isn’t the only such service; Microsoft is trying out the same concept.

At April’s conference of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society — an industry confab where health techies swap ideas, make announcements, and sell their wares — investment analysts from Evercore highlighted reducing administrative burden as a top possibility for the new technologies.

But overall? They heard mixed reviews. And that view is common: Many technologists and doctors are ambivalent. For example, if you’re stumped about a diagnosis, feeding patient data into one of these programs “can provide a second opinion, no question,” Topol said. “I’m sure clinicians are doing it.” However, that runs into the current limitations of the technology.

Joshua Tamayo-Sarver, a clinician and executive with the startup Inflect Health, fed fictionalized patient scenarios based on his own practice in an emergency department into one system to see how it would perform. It missed lifethreatening conditions, he said. “That seems problematic.”

The technology also tends to “hallucinate” — that is, make up information that sounds convincing. Formal studies have found a wide range of performance. One preliminary research paper examining ChatGPT and Google products using open-ended board examination questions from neurosurgery found a hallucination rate of 2%. A study by Stanford researchers, examining the quality of AI responses to 64 clinical scenarios, found fabricated or hallucinated citations 6% of the time, co-author Nigam Shah told KFF Health News. Another preliminary paper found, in complex cardiology cases, ChatGPT agreed with expert opinion half the time.

Privacy is another concern. It’s unclear whether the information fed into this type of AI-based system will stay inside. Enterprising users of ChatGPT, for example, have managed to get the technology to tell them the recipe for napalm, which can be used to make chemical bombs.

In theory, the system has guardrails preventing private information from escaping. For example, when KFF Health News asked ChatGPT its email address, the system refused to divulge that private information. But when told to role-play as a character, and asked about the email address of the author of this article, it happily gave up the information. (It was indeed the author’s correct email address in 2021, when ChatGPT’s archive ends.)

“I would not put patient data in,” said Shah, chief data scientist at Stanford Health Care. “We don’t understand what happens with these data once they hit OpenAI servers.” Tina Sui, a spokesperson for u PAGE 5

On Pag-asa visit, Estrada pledges push for AFP budget hike

by Xave GreGorio Philstar.com

PAG-ASA ISLAND, Kalayaan

— Sen. Jinggoy Estrada committed on Thursday, May 18 to push for an increase in the budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as it requested additional equipment to detect and monitor foreign incursions into the country.

“I’ve always been supportive of their needs,” Estrada told reporters here in Pag-asa Island. “Whatever they need … I’ll try to talk with my fellow senators to increase the budget for the AFP.” The military has more than P110 billion in the 2023 national budget, and around P65 billion in the AFP modernization program this year. Estrada, the chairperson of the Senate defense panel, visited Pag-asa, which is part of the Kalayaan municipality of Palawan to check on troops deployed there and on residents of the island town. In the AFP’s wishlist is a new radar that can detect foreign vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which spans 200 nautical miles from the coastline.

“Right now, we have limited capability,” AFP chief-of-staff Andres Centino said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force is proposing P657.54 million worth of projects, including a wastewater treatment facility and a 300-meter extension of the runway on Pag-asa Island.

The PAF is currently improving its facilities on Balabac Island in Palawan, which Centino described to be a “very strategic location” as it

COVID-19 hospital admissions going up

by Mayen JayMalin, Delon Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — Hospital admissions for COVID are starting to go up nationwide, according to the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc.

PHAPi president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano reported that COVID-19 admissions in private hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other parts of the country have exceeded 20 percent in the past days.

“We noticed that for the past two or three days, the number of cases really slightly increased. The rate of admissions in private hospitals also increased slightly,” De Grano said in mixed English and Filipino during the Laging Handa public briefing.

“Before, we only had less than 20 percent hospital admissions. Now, a few although not all, increased by more than 20 percent, and the others up to 50 percent. But it depends on the number of allocated beds,” he added.

medical facilities in those regions, thus most of the patients are crowding.

He further noted that most COVID-19 admissions are considered “coincidental,” which means they sought consultation for other medical reasons, but turned out positive for the virus during screening.

At this time, De Grano said the majority of the COVID-19 cases are mild thus patients are advised to just isolate at home.

“We are closely monitoring the moderate and severe cases with comorbidities and are immune-compromised. Those should be monitored and should they worsen, at least they are already in the hospital,” he pointed out.

Even with the rising admissions, De Grano gave assurance that there is no reason for patients to fear going to hospitals to seek medical consultation.

Troops render arrival honors for Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who visited Pag-asa Island in Palawan on Thursday, May 18. Philstar.com photo by Xave Gregorio is near to an international sea lane.

“It is important that we are able to detect or identify who is coming in within our territorial waters,” he said.

‘They might invade us’ Foreign vessels and aircrafts still come close to Pag-asa Island, which is located in the tense South China Sea.

Lt. Erwin Fermo of Joint Task Unit Pag-asa said in a briefing that in a week an average of one Chinese Coast Guard vessel, four or five Chinese fishing vessels, one to two Vietnamese ships and one foreign aircraft come close to the island. The AFP’s protocol is to issue a radio challenge to these foreign vessels and aircrafts when they come within 12 nautical miles of the coastline. But even then, troops admitted that sometimes their radio challenges go unanswered or do not make these vessels and aircraft to go away.

Philippine Navy Commodore

Alan Javier said that in those cases, they document the incidents and report them to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea.

Still, the presence of foreign vessels — in particular those from China — so close to Pagasa keeps some schoolchildren here anxious.

“We’re afraid they might invade us,” 10-year-old Irish Mendoza told reporters in Filipino.

Some of the much older residents, however, do not share these concerns.

“We’re not afraid of them,” construction worker Roland Palay told Philstar.com. “They don’t come near us since they know the boundary of Pagasa.”

“Unless, of course, you go near Mischief Reef. They would really come after you,” he said referring to the atoll that Manila calls Panganiban Reef. n

AI may be on its way to your doctor’s...

OpenAI, told KFF Health News that one “should never use our models to provide diagnostic or treatment services for serious medical conditions.” They are “not fine-tuned to provide

medical information,” she said. With the explosion of new research, Topol said, “I don’t think the medical community has a really good clue about what’s about to happen.” KFF Health News is a national

newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. n

Aside from NCR, De Grano said private hospitals in Calabarzon, particularly Cavite and Laguna as well as Aklan and Davao region, also posted a slight uptick.

However, he explained that there are few

He encouraged the public to wear face masks and to get vaccinated to protect themselves from the virus. He, however, admitted that reimposing the mandatory face mask policy would be difficult since it has already been lifted.

De Grano also assured the public of the private hospitals’ readiness to handle a possible rise in El Niño-related diseases. n

Back to masking

SOME quarters worried about the impact on tourism and certain businesses may not like it, but the city governments of Manila and Baguio have gone ahead and restored limited mask mandates.

In densely populated Manila, masking is again mandatory at city hall, which also houses the prosecutors’ offices and several judicial courtrooms. Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, a physician, may yet push through with her plan to include crowded public areas such as Divisoria among the places where masking will again be mandatory.

In Baguio City, masking is again required in commercial establishments and crowded outdoor areas. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said this is a precautionary measure amid the expected surge in visitors this month. While he did not mention it, the upcoming graduation ceremonies and related activities at the Philippine Military Academy traditionally make the month of May a peak period for tourism in Baguio.

Certain quarters have expressed concern that restoring mask mandates could scare away travelers, harming the tourism industry, which is just starting to recover from the COVID restrictions. Amid the continuing increase in COVID infections and the positivity rate for testing, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said recently that it saw no need to reimpose mandatory masking.

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

WE received a large number of emails and messages expressing their overwhelming satisfaction at the outcome of the official visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Washington, D.C. – described as “remarkable” and “a standout” by Center for Strategic and International Studies president John Hamre, pointing out the president brought a “new dynamism” to the relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

Aside from engagements with key U.S. Cabinet officials on the various aspects of our bilateral relations, we also had several discussions centering on economic trade and investment.

Together with our economic team, all of us at the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C. and our friends from the American Chamber of Commerce as well as the U.S.ASEAN Business Council are all gearing up for the “follow through,” as instructed by President Marcos, on the many

Public Lives

Randy david

TO do justice is what the legal system believes to be its function. But that is a selfserving description. From an outsider’s perspective, the law’s function appears to be, strictly speaking, no more than to follow due process, no matter how long this may take. Courts of law rule on the validity of facts and the applicability of laws as these are presented to them. Very rarely, if at all, do they permit themselves to comment beyond what is submitted for resolution, especially if doing so risks incurring the enmity of politically influential individuals. Nowhere do we see this more starkly than in the continuing legal saga of former justice secretary and former senator Leila de Lima. She has spent the last six years in detention on criminal charges filed by a regime she had been investigating for human rights violations. Critics of the regime

Weeks before this meeting, the government had restored mask mandates in the light railway services in Metro Manila, the region where the highest cases and positivity rates have been recorded.

Opponents of mandatory masking have said it is better for people to decide if they want to keep themselves safe from infection through masking and other basic COVID health safety protocols such as hand hygiene. Those protocols, however, are not just for self-protection, but also to prevent the infected from spreading their virus to others.

Health experts have warned that both vaccine and natural immunity to COVID are waning, allowing Omicron, its subvariant Arcturus and other highly transmissible strains of the original Wuhan virus to penetrate the defenses.

The health experts are warning that vulnerable sectors such as the weak elderly and persons with comorbidities can still suffer repeat bouts with COVID and land in the hospital intensive care unit. Apart from the fact that COVID can still kill, the experts warn of the possibility of developing long COVID, whose complications are unpredictable and whose treatment is uncertain.

With these warnings, the city governments of Manila and Baguio have decided to act to protect public health. Those worried about the impact of mandatory masking on tourism should

instead press the government to obtain ASAP the bivalent vaccines for Omicron and its mutations. Those shots will allow people to feel confident enough to ditch their masks. (Philstar.com)

Renewed US-PH economic ties: Our real work begins

areas of cooperation that have been identified which, in the words of the president, “will help advance our key priorities with respect to agriculture and food security, promoting energy security as we transition to clean energy and boost trade and build resilience of our supply chains, enhancing connectivity and digitalization, also climate change mitigation and adaptation.”

His meetings with key business organizations as well as top American companies have been very promising and productive, judging from commitments that have been made such as the $1.3 billion worth of investments that potentially will create approximately 6,700 new jobs for Filipinos.

The positive reception from American business executives is undoubtedly an offshoot of his meetings with U.S. business groups during his trip to New York in September last year for the 77th United Nations General Assembly, with his schedule arranged in such a way that dinners became business meetings with American executives from various industries and sectors. In fact, his meeting with

officials of the New York Stock Exchange and the forum where he was joined by the country’s economic managers became an opportunity to highlight the Philippines as ready for business and a smart investment choice.

There is no doubt the Philippines is poised for an impressive economic growth, with the administration focused on seeing the country achieve upper middle-income status in the next two years. Financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank have projected the country’s economic growth at 6 percent this year.

While there may be “various risks and challenges, the economic outlook for the Philippines in the near and medium term remains solid,” assured NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. Another positive news is the increase in the country’s employment rate to 95.3 percent in March, up from the 94.2 percent recorded in the same period in 2022, according to the latest report from the Philippine Statistics Authority. With the United States still one of our top trading partners, we

are certainly looking forward to more foreign direct investments coming from U.S. investors. We are currently preparing for the first-of-its-kind, largest business delegation that President Joe Biden promised to send to the Philippines to be led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. We are already working on this with our friends at the White House, targeting the third quarter of this year, with a possible followup on developments after the delegation’s visit to Manila following the APEC meetings in San Francisco this November.

One of the top priorities we are working on is the renewal of our participation in the United States GSP – the Generalized System of Preferences – the oldest and largest U.S. trade program that provides nonreciprocal dutyfree privileges for more than 3,500 products entering the U.S. market from 119 beneficiary countries that include the Philippines.

The country’s eligibility for the GSP expired in December 2020 but the renewal has been delayed for several reasons, among them the pandemic and the previous speakership issue in the U.S. Congress,

whose approval for the renewal is required. We have already started meeting with several members of the U.S. Congress for the renewal, and are greatly encouraged by the support of U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Idaho Senator Mike Crapo regarding our bid for reauthorization of the GSP. Both have expressed such support with other partners in the U.S. Congress. As President Marcos noted, both countries have benefited from the GSP, which could be expanded to cover other products.

We will also be continuing our initiatives for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, although I have to admit that this will be quite challenging since the U.S. is pushing for the IndoPacific Economic Framework to have a wider reach on trade agreements, specifically with ASEAN countries. Nonetheless, we are working on sectoral FTAs which could be more plausible.

During the U.S. official visit, PBBM was very specific on key economic challenges that must be addressed, in particular “food, energy, health security, digital connectivity and the cross-cutting issues of climate change and pandemic

preparedness.”

Noting that “economic security is national security” with the latter no longer simply about territorial defense, the president encouraged companies to look to the Philippines as they diversify and reconfigure supply chains. He also urged the U.S. government and the private sector to consider investing in the areas of clean energy, decarbonization agriculture, critical green minerals, telecommunications and health care that offer high potential for growth.

As the president profoundly stated, the real victory was not when he won the elections in May 9 last year by an overwhelming number of votes – the real victory will be towards the end of his term in June 2028 when he would have achieved the ultimate goal of economic wellbeing for every Filipino and uplifted their quality of life. (Philsar.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.

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

The continuing saga of Leila de Lima

have variously described the evidence on which these cases rested as “fabricated,” “contrived,” or “invented.” But nowhere are such words to be found in the court rulings that have pronounced De Lima innocent. She is acquitted, period. Nothing is said about the criminal culpability of those who wickedly masterminded and knowingly participated in the preparation of fake testimonies and the filing of bogus charges that landed her in jail. Since no charges have been filed against these persons, they are of no interest to the courts.

The objective consequences of the mandate of due process may sometimes be, in themselves, a form of injustice. A mother, a daughter, an elected public servant was targeted by no less than the country’s president. She was subjected to malicious scorn by some of her own colleagues in the legislature, falsely accused of a crime, and deprived of her liberty. It took four years before the cases against her moved. Two judges have ruled that the evidence against

her is insufficient to warrant a conviction. How are we supposed to take all this?

Last Friday, May 12, Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 Judge Abraham Joseph B. Alcantara acquitted De Lima of the crime of conspiring in illegal drug trading inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). Yet he could not order her release; instead, the just acquitted De Lima was escorted back to her detention cell inside Camp Crame.

Why? Because there is another pending case against her for more or less the same charge of abetting and profiting from drug trading inside the NBP. That case, Criminal Case No. 17-167, is the last of the three cases that were filed on Feb. 17, 2017. It is lodged in another branch (Branch 256) of the Muntinlupa RTC. The hearings are set to begin in June.

De Lima’s lawyers in this remaining case have filed a petition for her temporary release on the ground that the evidence against her is weak, a claim that has now been validated by the May

12 decision. But, taking their cue from Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, government prosecutors have responded to the De Lima petition for bail by offering to present evidence in support of her continued detention. (Remulla has said he would not oppose a petition for bail if applied for on humanitarian grounds but would oppose it if sought on the merits of the case.) The judge has yet to rule on the petition for bail. Earlier, in February 2021, a Muntinlupa RTC judge dismissed the charges against the embattled former senator in the first of the three cases filed by the DOJ, then headed by Vitaliano Aguirre II. Four years had passed since the then newly elected senator was arrested and ordered detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center.

The cases against her were virtually frozen in 2018, 2019, and 2020—while her chief nemesis, Rodrigo Duterte was president. Six judges either recused themselves or retired—a sign that the courts were not too keen to hear cases

that were clearly entwined with political interests.

Things began to move again only toward the end of Duterte’s presidency. It was as though a dark heavy cloud that had dulled consciences suddenly lifted. One after the other, key witnesses, who said they had been coerced into giving false testimonies against De Lima in exchange for the withdrawal of charges against them, recanted. The first to do so was self-confessed drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa, followed by former Bureau of Corrections officer in charge Rafael Ragos, and then by former De Lima aide Ronnie Dayan.

In the face of these recantations, the cases against De Lima stood entirely on the supposed declarations of high-profile drug inmates who were totally under the control of the DOJ. In his ruling last Friday, Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara stated that Ragos’ testimony was particularly crucial. His retraction substantially weakened the government’s case against the former senator. As a general rule, the

judge noted, recantations are not given much weight. “The rare exception is when there is no evidence sustaining the judgment of conviction other than the testimony of a witness or witnesses who are shown to have made contradictory statements … ”

It is terrifying to think that someone as prominent as De Lima, a former head of the country’s Commission on Human Rights and an elected senator, could find herself caught in a tangled mess such as this, the hapless victim of an elaborate scheme to game an imperfect legal system. One can only wonder how many ordinary people have been sent to prison in this manner and have been forgotten. I’m sure there’s a law against this, but what are the chances of anyone being convicted for malicious prosecution? (Inquirer.net)

* * *

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.

* * * public.lives@gmail.com

State lawmakers eye forced treatment...

conservatorship bill, SB 43. “We have to talk to their families who know that they need that care, and we have to say we don’t have any legal basis to bring them into the hospital right now.”

Under current California law, a person can be held in the hospital involuntarily if they are a danger to themselves or others or if they are unable to seek food, clothing, or shelter as a result of mental illness or alcoholism. Doctors want to add other substance use disorders to the criteria, as well as an inability to look out for one’s own safety and medical care. (The state law defines what is known as “mental health conservatorship,” which is separate from the probate conservatorship that Britney Spears was under.)

Wood, who practices in Los Angeles, gave two examples of people she and her colleagues have tried, but struggled, to care for under the current rules. One is a man who doesn’t take his diabetes medication because he’s not taking his schizophrenia medication and doesn’t understand the consequences of not managing either condition.

Wood explained that even if he repeatedly ends up in the emergency room with dangerously high blood sugar, no one can compel him to take either medication under current law, because poorly managing one’s health is not a trigger for conservatorship.

Another man Wood described has a developmental disability that went untreated in childhood. He developed an addiction to methamphetamine in his 20s. Wood said the man is now regularly found sleeping in a park and acting inappropriately in public. His family members have begged doctors to treat him, but they can’t, because substance use disorder is not a trigger for conservatorship.

To Wood, treating these people, even when they’re unable to consent, is the compassionate, moral thing to do.

“It’s essential that we respect all the rights of our patients, including the right to receive care from us,” she said.

But other advocates, including some of those working for Californians with mental illnesses, see the issue very differently. Lawyers from the nonprofit Disability Rights

California said the proposed expansion of conservatorship and the ongoing rollout of CARE Courts are misguided efforts, focused on depriving people of their liberty and privacy.

Instead, they said, the state should invest in better voluntary mental health services, which help maintain people’s dignity and civil rights. The group filed a petition in January to try to block the implementation of CARE Courts. These advocates are particularly concerned that people of color, specifically Black residents, who are overrepresented in the homeless population and overdiagnosed with schizophrenia, will now be disproportionately targeted by more forceful measures.

“When people are told that they have to go to court to get what they should be getting voluntarily in the community, and then they get a care plan that subjugates them to services that still do not meet their cultural needs, that is not compassion,” said Keris Myrick, an advocate who has schizophrenia and has experienced homelessness.

More Housing: Another Badly Needed Prescription

Under current state law in Oregon, a person can be held for involuntary treatment if they are a danger to themselves or others or are at risk of serious physical harm because they cannot provide for their basic personal needs due to a mental illness.

Oregon, like California, does not include substance use disorders as grounds for commitment.

But its law is slightly broader than California’s, at least in one respect: Legislators amended it in 2015 to give doctors more leeway to step in if a person’s psychosis or other chronic mental illness is putting them at risk of a medical crisis.

Terry Schroeder, a civil commitment coordinator with the Oregon Health Authority, said that, before the change, a person would have to be nearly comatose or within a few days of death to meet the criteria for doctors to forcibly treat them for their own welfare.

The law now allows care providers to intervene earlier in an ongoing medical crisis.

In Oregon and California, the lack of adequate treatment options is frequently invoked in the ongoing debates over

forced commitment and conservatorship.

“Expanding conservatorships doesn’t solve for those structural issues around the lack of housing and the lack of funding for treatment services,” said Michelle Doty Cabrera, executive director of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California.

Cabrera’s group also questions the premise that forced treatment works, and there is indeed little evidence that compulsory treatment for substance use disorder is effective, and some evidence that it could even be harmful.

Critics of involuntary commitment have questioned the California Legislature’s objectives. If the ultimate goal of forced treatment is to reduce homelessness — and ease the moral failing of ill people sleeping on the street or using drugs in the open — then lawmakers are writing the wrong prescription, they said.

“The problem of homelessness is that people don’t have housing,” said primary care physician Margot Kushel, director of the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco’s Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative.

“If you had all the treatment in the world and you didn’t have the housing, we would still have this problem.”

Supporters of involuntary commitments say both are needed. Many of the California lawmakers backing expanded conservatorship and CARE Courts are also backing efforts to increase the housing supply, including a $3 billion bond measure for the construction of small, neighborhood-oriented residences for people with mental illness.

Nationwide, rents have risen more quickly than people’s incomes in the past 20 years, particularly impacting people who rely on a fixed income, such as monthly disability payments.

This article is part of a partnership that includes KQED, OPB, and KFF Health News.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Kuwait entry ban stays as PH seeks ‘long-term solution’

MANILA – Kuwait’s suspension of visa issuance and entry ban on Filipinos will stay as the Philippine government tries to hash out a “long-term solution” to issues between the two nations involving overseas Filipinos working there.

“They insist we are violating their law. So status quo pa rin (it’s still status quo). We will need more talks in (the) future,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said on Thursday, May 18.

The statement came after the bilateral talks between Filipino and Kuwaiti officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Kuwait from May 16 to 17.

De Vega underscored the need to implement the existing Philippine-Kuwait labor agreement.

“This kind of long-term solution will not be achieved in one round of discussions. The alternative would be for us to immediately agree to everything they insist on, or for them to agree to everything we insist on,” he said.

“That is not realistic in diplomatic negotiations, even with a friend and partner like Kuwait.”

Kuwait imposed an entry ban and suspended the visa issuance to all Filipinos coming to the Gulf state in May, 10 months after the Philippine government halted the deployment of first-time household service workers there.

Kuwait did not formally disclose the reason behind its decision but the local media reported

that it stemmed from the country’s alleged noncompliance with the 2018 labor agreement concerning the operation of a temporary shelter for distressed Filipinos inside the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

In a separate statement, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the delegation had explained before Kuwaiti officials “that all actions taken by the Philippine embassy and the Philippine government are solely to ensure the safety and welfare of our own nationals.”

“Providing protection to a country’s citizens abroad is a well-established duty of consular offices under international law and conventions,” she said.

“We thank the Kuwait government for its hospitality throughout the delegation’s twoday visit. The Philippines remains open to constructive dialogue on how to address current concerns.”

Daza reiterated that Manila fully respects Kuwaiti laws and that the delegation personally expressed its “profound appreciation” for Kuwait’s hospitality to more than 200,000 Filipino workers.

Representing the Philippines during the talks were senior officials of the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers, as well as its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. (PNA) n

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009618 MMG Financial Services located at 1506 Oak Dr SPC 32, Vista, CA 92084.

Registrant: Marietta M Geronimo, 1506 Oak Dr SPC 32, Vista, CA 92084. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2023.

Signature: Marietta M Geronimo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/01/2023. AJ 1171 05/05, 05/12, 05/19, and 05/26/2023. AJSD 1171

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009360

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009308

DH Haleness located at 815 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Horacio De La Cruz Rodriguez, 527 2ND Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Horacio De La Cruz Rodriguez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/26/2023. AJ 1167 05/05, 05/12, 05/19, and 05/26/2023. AJSD 1167

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009783 L ASHEDBYILIEZA located at 1178 Surf Crest Drive, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: Ilieza Reyes Galdiano, 1178 Surf Crest Drive, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Ilieza Reyes

Galdiano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/03/2023. AJ 1172 05/05, 05/12, 05/19, and 05/26/2023. AJSD 1172

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007626

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009103

I Am Divine Boutique located at 4098 Boston Ave., San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Clara Isidro Millan, 4098 Boston Ave., San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Clara Isidro Millan. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/25/2023. AJ 1169 05/05, 05/12, 05/19, and 05/26/2023. AJSD 1169

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009088

Changing Styles Hair Cuts And More located at 1625 Sweetwater Rd Ste E, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: CME INC, 9270 Amys St Unit 26, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Carmen Araceli Rios. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/25/2023. AJ 1173 05/05, 05/12, 05/19, and 05/26/2023. AJSD 1173

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008430

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: DAX G. PUCKETT

A Petition for Probate has been filed by JOHN PUCKETT in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO

The Petition for Probate requests that JOHN PUCKETT be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

Date: 06/06/2023

Time: 10:30 A.M

Dept.: 504

Judge.: Daniel S. Belsky

Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101

Branch Name: Central, Probate

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.

You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

a. Barnaby located at 2521 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92011.

Registrant: Studio Big Whoop Corp, 155 Harriet St #12, San Francisco, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/16/2023.

Signature: Pete Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/01/2023.

AJ

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008429

Cosmos Burgers And Beer located at 208 N Coast HWY, Oceanside, CA 92054.

Registrant: Oceanside Cosmos LLC, 208 N Coast HWY, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/17/2023.

Signature: Zeki Eren Unur. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/17/2023.

AJ 1178 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1178

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010835 Arlez & Arlez Rental located at 47 D Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: Armando Serrano, 47 D Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/17/2023.

Signature: Armando Serrano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/17/2023. AJ 1182 05/19, 05/26, 06/02, and 06/09/2023. AJSD 1182

a. Charm Bling located at 1895 Avenida Del Oro #4387, Oceanside, CA 92056.

b. Your Pretty Nails located at 1895 Avenida Del Oro #4387, Oceanside, CA 92056.

Registrant: Vanessa L Williams, 104 1/2 Clementine St., Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/26/2023.

Signature: Vanessa L Williams. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/27/2023.

and

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009546

Eyes On Eastlake Optometry located at 1360 Eastlake Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

Registrant: Eyes On Eastlake Optometry INC, 2160 Bluestone Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Ailleen Jacob. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/01/2023.

AJ 1179 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1179

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008805

Maunaco Adult Residential Facility located at 1549 Yanonali Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Olive Home LLC, 1549 Yanonali Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Francois Marcelin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/20/2023.

Studio D Beauty located at 3356 Hancock St., Unit D, San Diego, CA 92110.

Registrant: Coraima Hurtado Favela, 1775 Oro Vista Rd., Apt 297, San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Coraima Hurtado Favela. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/05/2023. AJ 1176 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1176

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010203

Agape Consulting located at 9921 Carmel Mountain Rd, 309, San Diego, CA 92129.

Registrant: 7 Crowns Healing, 9921 Carmel Mountain Rd, 309, San Diego, CA 92129. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: A. Gargia. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/09/2023. AJ 1180 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1180

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010431

168Mobile Livescan And Notary located at 8720 Ariva Ct #414, San Diego, CA 92123.

Registrant: Siri Bhumnugkij, 8720 Ariva Ct #414, San Diego, CA 92123.

This business is conducted by Induividual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Siri Bhumnugkij.

Lobster Lab located at 890 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant: Cosmos Burger LLC, 890 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/17/2023.

Signature: Zeki Eren Unur. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/17/2023. AJ 1177 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1177

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9009799 Gold Plate Auto Sales located at 1925 Euclid Ave Ste 109C, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Gold Plate Auto Sales, 985 Pepperdine Ct, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Darwin P Payawal. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/03/2023. AJ 1181 05/12, 05/19, 05/26, and 06/02/2023. AJSD 1181

SAN DIEGO

Catriona says wedding with Sam will happen by next year

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

MONTHS after confirming her engagement to Sam Milby, Catriona Gray revealed that their wedding will take place sometime by “next year” as they want to enjoy the bliss of being an engaged couple.

Gray spoke about making the most out of her time as an engaged woman during an interview with celebrity doctor Vicki Belo, which was uploaded on the latter’s YouTube channel on Thursday, May 18.

“Oh gosh, mga next year,” she said in response to Belo, who asked her about the exact date of their wedding.

“I just want to enjoy this season. It’s a once in a lifetime season, so we just want to enjoy it and take our time,” she added.

During the interview, the Miss Universe 2018 titleholder admitted that while she and Milby knew each other “for a long time,” she didn’t fall in love with the singer-actor at first sight even if they had a “lot of mutual friends.”

“We had a lot of mutual friends. And when I did [Binibining Pilipinas], my stylist was also his stylist. So, we had a lot of common friends. But it wasn’t until the end of 2018 where I had gone to Japan with Erickson [Raymundo] who is my mentor, [and] who happens to be Sam’s manager,” she said.

“So, we were like, ‘Oh, have you gone to church?’ ‘Let’s go to church.’ I went with Erickson… and that’s where I met Sam again there. And we just happened to run in similar circles,” Gray continued. She, however, didn’t indicate the moment where they crossed paths for the first time.

God-centered relationship

Gray also said that she and Milby share a relationship that is God-centered, where she noted that being with a Christian partner made her realize the importance of “guard[ing] her heart.”

“At first, before I was Christian, I didn’t understand what it means to be Christian. I didn’t understand the rules and boundaries that are meant to be put in place for young Christian couples, but when I grew up, I realized that they’re there to protect you and guide you because it really does guard your heart in the most amazing way,” she said.

The former beauty queen admitted that she was “so guarded and apprehensive” when she met Milby for the first time, but it was his “gentle” personality that made her fall in love with him.

“I felt like I was so guarded and apprehensive when I first met Sam. But he is just such a gentle

Sam

person

he really made me feel safe with him,” she said. “I never felt that he wanted to use who I was. [Since] I’m a [type of] public figure [who is] Miss Universe, there’s this kind of hesitancy if this person likes me for me, or do they just want to be associated with me, but he always made me feel safe.”

Gray also shared that the singer-actor “really made an effort” to know her family and friends during the course of their relationship.

“He never made me feel that he was trying to use [who I am] to his advantage, or anything. And we have such similar values, one being our faith. Two, we’re both super family-oriented that he really made an effort with my family and friends,” she said.

The “Raise Your Flag” singer then revealed that while Milby didn’t win the affections of her parents right away, he eventually won over them completely.

“Right away? Um, they’re a bit more, just wanting to know more about him a bit more, but once they got to know him, they really love him. So with our engagement, they’re really so happy. My dad was tearing up because he’s so happy,” she added.

When asked about having kids in the future, Gray admitted that she wanted to have “maybe two children” but she’s leaning towards having “one boy and one girl” or “two girls” when the time comes.

“Because I’m so close to my mom, and I really love our relationship together. So my heart would just burst when I have a little girl,” she explained.

Gray and Milby confirmed their engagement in February 2023, although they remain tight-lipped about the details of their wedding.

The couple went public with their relationship in May 2020, which happened to fall on the exact date of the singer-actor’s 36th birthday. n

Kylie attends Johnny Depp’s Cannes Festival film premiere

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MISS International 2016 and actress Kylie Verzosa made a surprise appearance at the opening day of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

Kylie was present for the premiere of this year’s opening film “Jeanne du Barry” by Maiwenn, Johnny Depp’s comeback movie where he stars as King Louis XV opposite the director who portrays the titular character.

According to a public relations agency Yugen PR, Kylie was personally invited by the Cannes organizing team to attend the premiere. The same agency said Kylie is reportedly the first Filipino to ever walk a red carpet premiere ceremony at the festival’s opening day. The actress-model walked the red carpet steps of Cannes in a black couture gown by Mark

“Dream come true,” Kylie said

in an Instagram post with photos of her on the Cannes steps. “It was so surreal.”

A number of fellow beauty queens expressed their support for Kylie, including Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 1st runnerup Maurren Wroblewitz, and newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee. Celebrities that commented words of praise too were actresses Anne Curtis and Iza Calzado, hosts Raymond Gutierrez and KaladKaren, photographer BJ Pascual, designer Francis Libiran, and model-content creator LA Aguinaldo.

The 2023 Cannes Film Festival runs until May 27 with 21 movies in competition for the Palme d’Or, which was last won by this year’s jury president Ruben Ostlund for his film “Triangle of Sadness” starring Dolly de Leon. n

Michael V renews vows with wife of 25 years

FUNNY man Michael V’s secret to his lasting marriage with non-showbiz wife, Carol Bunagan, is “no secret at all.”

“It’s been 25 years of memories, good and bad. Quarter of a century of mostly happy, and sometimes sad. Kung gano’n katagal kinaya nating magtiis, then what’s another quarter of pure wedded bliss,” the main man of “Bubble Gang” said in their renewal of vows video shot in Penang, Malaysia.

In between the trademark wacky shots featuring the couple, they exchange solemn words of appreciation for each other.

Kami ni Bitoy kasi, ironically, madalas kaming mag-clash, pero ‘pag lagi ko siyang tinitingnan, I’m almost thankful to wake up next to him,” said Carol.

Bitoy added: “She’s my one and only. Nag-iisa sa buhay ko. Parang siya ‘yung nag-repackage sa akin hindi lang sa showbiz, kundi personally. The secret is no secret. Dapat wala kayong tinatago sa isa’t isa. Kahit ano ‘yun. Kahit ano pa ang nararamdaman mo. It doesn’t matter if you’re mad, if you’re sad, if you’re happy. You just have to tell your partner what makes you feel that way. Mas maganda kung mai-detalye mo sa kanya. I’m pretty

Pechanga Resort Casino shoots hole-in-one with newly named LPGA sponsor, course ambassador Gabriella Then

PECHANGA Resort Casino

has officially partnered with professional golfer Gabriella

Then to act as their Ambassador to the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

Bill Anderson, Pechanga Resort Casino’s Chief Marketing Officer, announced the sponsorship at the CM Pro-Am Golf Tournament in April. He remarked about Then’s unique story, citing her perseverance as a source of inspiration to young golfers around the world. The partnership serves to support Then’s tour and her efforts as she promotes the sport to young girls and women everywhere.

A Southern California girl, Gabriella Then has shot up the ranks in the women’s golfing community with an impressive record of achievements. Starting tournament golf at nine years old, Then went on to compete in her first U.S. Women’s Open by the age of 14. She attended the University of Southern California where she played college golf, earning an All-American title before joining the Epson Tour in 2017.

After missing out on advancing to Stage II of LPGA’s Qualifying School in 2019, Then considered giving up the sport entirely to pursue other ventures. She left professional golf for 18 months before reigniting her passion and love for the game. With a

newfound sense of purpose and clarity, Then went on to win three times in four months in the Cactus and Women’s All Pro Tours. Then found her stride again.

Gabriella won the Ladies European Tour (“LET”) QSchool in 2022 earning her status on LET. In the mid-season, Then tested her once again flourishing golf game on the Epson Tour where she earned her first Epson Tour win in her second start of the season. At the end of the 2022 Epson Tour season, Then

finished seventh in the points race, earning her status on the LPGA Tour in 2023.

Pechanga Resort Casino is thrilled to welcome Gabriella Then to their team and is excited to support her as she continues to showcase her talent and passion for the game.

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. Offering more than 5,500 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)

Kylie Verzosa at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival

Photo from Instagram/@kylieverzosa

u PAGE 10 Michael V and his wife Carol Bunagan renew their vows again in Penang, Malaysia.

Photo from Instagram/@michaelbitoy

Milby and Catriona Gray Photo from Instagram/@samuelmilby and patient

that

LPGA player Gabriella Then, newly designated course ambassador, at the Journey at Pechanga championship golf course.

From left: Wade Lai, Pechanga Resort Casino Chief Marketing Officer Bill Anderson, Pechanga’s course and LPGA ambassador Gabriella Then, Pechanga Development Corporation 2nd Vice President John Palinkas, and Pechanga Resort Casino General Manager Tjeerd Brink.

Bumgarner. The ball gown had an exaggerated train adorned with black feathers, complemented with silver jewelry from Luna by Drake.

County water-quality device named public works ‘project of the year’

THE County’s Sweetwater

Lane Community Park

the ocean. APWA’s Awards Program recognizes outstanding individuals, groups and chapters representing the best in the public works profession. Installed and managed by the Public Works Department (DPW), the project’s primary goal is to protect the environment and improve water quality. DPW worked closely with local residents,

landowners, the Spring Valley Community Planning Group and the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation to bring it to fruition.

The project team changed the storm drain system to include an offline underground stormwater treatment facility that is a trash capture device.

The device, also known as a debris-separating baffle box (DSBB), removes trash, debris, sediment and other pollutants found in runoff.

The DSBB receives approximately 274 acres, or more than 200 football fields, of runoff that contains trash, sediment and debris from residential and commercial land uses.

Construction of the DSBB was completed December 2021 and took approximately four months. The park was able to remain open during that time, limiting impact to the community. The total project cost was just under $890,000.

During the first maintenance of the device, which occurred in October 2022, approximately 6 cubic yards, or about three pickup truck beds full, of trash, sediment and debris was removed, preventing those pollutants from entering San Diego’s waterways.

(Shauni Lyles/County of San Diego Communications Office)

City of San Diego helps residents and business owners obtain unclaimed money

More than $830,000 ready to be claimed

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego is urging anyone who did business with the city to check and see if they might be owed a refund or payment. According to the city’s Unclaimed Monies Report, there is $833,165 in unclaimed money that can be returned to more than 900 people and businesses. Check amounts range from $1 to $80,600. Updated quarterly and free of charge, anyone can review the Unclaimed Monies Report at any time or file a claim. Unclaimed monies are checks owed to people or businesses due to refunds or vendor payments. The city regularly issues checks based on the addresses it has on file and, on occasion, receives returned checks that are undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service. Checks that are returned to the city and remain uncashed after six months become unclaimed monies.

“Many of the people on the Unclaimed Monies Report may not be aware, and an unexpected check from the City of San Diego may help their financial situation,” said Roma Nichols, Disbursements Manager with the Department of Finance. “We encourage the public to visit the city website and search for their name or business name to see if

you are owed money.”

Last year, the city returned approximately $262,000 to 50 recipients listed on the Unclaimed Monies Report, representing only 22% of the returned unclaimed monies. The average claim was $4,800.

Payees have approximately one year after check issuance to claim their money. For checks issued before April 1, 2022, the last day to submit a claim is Monday, June 19, 2023. Unclaimed funds will be transferred to the City of San Diego General Fund on July 1, 2023. To search for unclaimed money or to file a claim, visit sandiego.gov/finance/ unclaimed.

To submit a claim, print and complete the Unclaimed Monies Form and mail it to: City of San Diego, Department of Finance Unclaimed Monies Claim Processing 202 C St. – Mail Station 7A San Diego, CA 92101. Once the claim is verified, a check will be issued in three to four weeks. Questions about unclaimed monies may be submitted to DoF@sandiego. gov or 619-236-6310.

(City of San Diego Release) n

San Diego city officials, business leaders unveil progress on Fifth Avenue ‘slow street’ plan

Newly installed bollards help create a pedestrian promenade to promote accessibility, economic development in Gaslamp Quarter

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and downtown business leaders have unveiled a new Slow Street on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown. City of San Diego Transportation Department crews completed construction of the infrastructure necessary to place bollards at intersections along Fifth Avenue to block vehicle traffic and create small pedestrian-centered plazas. The bollards will replace temporary gates that were previously being used.

“San Diego’s downtown rebounded from the pandemic faster and stronger than most other U.S. cities, and one of the factors that helped keep our Gaslamp Quarter restaurants and shops in business was our closure of Fifth Avenue to vehicle traffic to make it an enticing outdoor attraction,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “Today, we celebrate a major milestone in our effort to create a permanent promenade along Fifth Avenue by unveiling new bollards that will turn the whole street over to pedestrians from lunchtime to closing time, creating a dynamic place for all to enjoy.”

Mayor Gloria and Councilmember Whitburn unveiled the bollards that will be used to close the street in a ceremony on Tuesday, May 16. Under the plans, each block of Fifth Avenue, from Broadway on the north to K Street on the south, will be closed daily to vehicle traffic, creating safe and walkable promenades. The closures would take place between 12 p.m. and 2 a.m. and not impact cross-street traffic on east and west streets connecting to Fifth Avenue.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria File photo/www.sandiego.gov

Outside permitted hours, the street will be open to vehicle traffic to allow for services, trash and recycling collection, and deliveries. The steel bollards will be removed daily by the Gaslamp Quarter Association and stored nearby when the street is open to vehicles.

Repurposing Fifth Avenue during certain days and hours of the week as a Slow Street will foster a more accessible, pedestrian-friendly environment, provide additional seating areas for visitors and customers of the surrounding businesses, and encourage alternative modes of transportation.

“The Fifth Avenue Promenade will promote a bustling pedestrian atmosphere that is safe and accessible,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents District 3. “It will highlight the best of Downtown San Diego including its diverse dining, shopping and entertainment

“The installation of these bollards on Fifth Avenue is the first step in a larger vision for the Gaslamp Quarter,” said Michael Trimble, executive director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association.

“The Gaslamp Promenade has been years in the making, and I’m proud to share this with everyone who visits the neighborhood.”

“Walkability and pedestrian activation aren’t just best practices in creating welcoming urban spaces – they’re the lifeblood of vibrancy in our urban neighborhoods. The Gaslamp Promenade is pushing the envelope of what we know our urban center should be by transforming one of Downtown’s most sought-out destinations into a pedestrian-friendly corridor while also improving public safety,” said Betsy Brennan, president and CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. “We’re excited to see how this project contributes to the continuing evolution of Downtown and look forward to it being another great addition to our urban center’s mix of quality outdoor amenities.”

By the end of 2023, the city expects to have completed a study to evaluate the feasibility of more proposed improvements along Fifth Avenue. Earlier this year the city received a Safe Streets for All federal grant to develop a Slow Streets program and evaluate criteria for more applications around San Diego.

The Slow Streets Program aligns with the city’s Climate Action Plan and Vision Zero goals while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all.

(City of San Diego Release) n

City of San Diego highlights safe  and sustainable infrastructure during Building Safety Month

‘It starts with you’ slogan emphasizes the importance of safe buildings and infrastructure for all

SAN DIEGO – On May 16, 2023, the San Diego City Council recognized May as Building Safety Month to remind San Diegans about the critical role of building code enforcement staff and first responders in assuring safe, efficient and livable buildings for all. Building Safety Month is an international campaign, promoted by the International Code Council, to raise awareness about building safety.

In a continued effort to ensure safe places of work and play, 75 city employees responsible for building inspection and structural engineering recently became certified (or re-certified) during a state-issued safety assessment training. During the training, held on May 8 and 9, staff from the city’s Development Services Department (DSD) learned how to perform post-disaster damage inspections both locally and outside San Diego.

“The city recognizes that successful urban growth and development depends on the safety of proper design and construction of new homes and buildings with supportive infrastructure,” said DSD Director Elyse W. Lowe. “The international ‘It Starts with You’ campaign

means we all have the responsibility to raise awareness about building safety on a personal and global scale to prevent needless loss of lives. If a structure doesn’t look safe due to cracks in walls or foundations, please report it so the city can inspect it for safety and code compliance.”

The city ensures the structural integrity of all buildings in San Diego through building safety and Fire-Rescue officials, code inspectors, structural engineers, builders and design professionals.

In 2022, DSD staff completed almost 143,000 inspections to ensure new and past construction projects and properties within the city meet safety and compliance standards. The city encourages everyone to observe their surroundings and take steps to prevent disasters at home.

“A small act as simple as checking the safety of electrical cords is important,” said Lowe. “Don’t overload electrical outlets or use appliances with damaged cords in order to prevent a fire in your residence or office.”

To learn more about building safety and for tips on how to keep your home or office safe, visit buildingsafetymonth.org.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Michael V renews vows with wife of 25...

The trash capture device in the storm drain system, known as a debris-separating baffle box (DSBB), removes trash, debris, sediment and other pollutants found in runoff. File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

that are welcoming to locals and visitors alike.”