092923 - San Diego Edition

Tagalog most spoken language in 15 US cities besides English and Spanish – study

TAGALOG is the most spoken language besides English and Spanish in households across 15 different U.S. cities, according to a new study.

The wider study found what languages are most popular in each U.S. state and revealed Tagalog to be the most used language in Nevada (besides English and Spanish).

The Word Finder X study found that Tagalog is the most spoken language besides English and Spanish in the following cities:

• Anchorage, Alaska

• Chula Vista, California

•Long Beach, California

•Riverside, California

•San Diego, California

What payment methods are telltale signs of scams?

PAYMENT methods that scammers insist you use like gift cards, cryptocurrency and wire transfer are telltale signs of scams, the Federal Trade Commission reported at a Sept. 22 Ethnic Media Services news briefing.

For the first six months of 2023, $4.4 billion dollars were lost across over 1.1 million reports of consumer fraud, per the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network — “and we know from our working experience, and from surveys, this is only the true tip of the iceberg,” said Lois Greisman, Associate Director of the FTC Division of Marketing Practices.

Forms of contact, payment

The primary point of contact that scammers use to reach people is social media, by which $658 million was reported lost in the first half of 2023. Phone calls have the highest per person reported losses, with a median loss of $1,400 per person.

“Just as scammers like certain forms of contact, like the telephone, which are most effective at getting someone to part with their money,” said Greisman, “they like certain types of payment because they can take the money with very little trail, while for the consumer it’s virtually impossible to

by Jean Mangaluz Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, September 27, led the launch of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD). Marcos presented the plan in a launching ceremony in the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, together with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, United

Carlson, and Economic Development Chief Arsenio Balisacan.

“Encapsulated within the NIASD is the blueprint that will accelerate the country’s innovation governance as well as promote a culture of innovation among scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and of course, citizens,” said Marcos in his speech.

According to the president, the document represents a commitment to integrate innovation into the national agenda.

PH, US, Japan boost security cooperation

by Javier Joe isMael,

THE Philippines, the United States and Japan will craft a “work plan” that would advance their trilateral cooperation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday, September 23 as the three states explore ways to further promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko convened the second trilateral ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23.

Manalo, Blinken and former Japanese foreign minister Hayashi Yoshimasa convened the first Philippine-U.S.-Japan

OVP spent P125 million confidential funds in 11 days

by sheila crisostoMo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Office of Vice President Sara Duterte spent the controversial P125million confidential funds in 2022 in just 11 days, the Commission on Audit (COA) confirmed on Monday, September 25.

The COA made the disclosure during Monday’s fifth day of plenary debates on House Bill 8980 or the 2024 General Appropriations Bill at the House of Representatives.

Through its budget sponsor, House committee on appropriations senior vice president Stella Luz Quimbo, the COA corrected Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Vice President Sara Duterte Philstar.com photo

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“This comprehensive document provides the country’s vision and long-term goals for innovation, serving as a roadmap and strategy guide to improve innovation governance, deepen and accelerate innovation efforts, and foster the integration of public-private partnerships in advancing innovation,” said the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in a statement.

The document aligns with Republic Act 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act. The NIASD was

House OKs proposed P5.768 trillion 2024 budget on final reading

by gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — The proposed P5.768 trillion

2024 budget was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading late Wednesday night, September 27, just before session was adjourned.

House Bill No. 8980, which contains the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), was approved with 296 lawmakers in the affirmative, 3 in the negative, and zero abstentions.

The House was able to pass the GAB on the same day that the bill was approved on second reading thanks to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s certification of the proposed measure as urgent.

With the approval, the House can transmit the GAB to the Senate on time, allowing senators to study the proposed budget for a longer time.

Currently, it is still unclear what amendments would be made to the GAB, as no committee u PAGE 2

ministerial meeting in Jakarta in July.

DFA spokesman Ma. Teresita Daza said the ministers “will come up with a work plan” after discussing possible activities under the trilateral cooperation.

The U.S. State Department said the officials also agreed to “continue to call out behavior that is inconsistent with international law,” including China’s recent actions near Ayungin Shoal that interfered with the Philippines’ lawful exercise of high seas freedom of navigation.”

On the security cooperation, the ministers sought ways to enhance their countries’ partnership on maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance and

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Divorce bill an uphill battle – Tulfo

MANILA — While a Senate panel has approved a consolidated measure that provides for absolute divorce based on various grounds, Sen. Raffy Tulfo has expressed belief that the proposal is facing an “uphill battle” in the upper chamber.

Tulfo, one of the senators who signed the committee report recommending the passage of the divorce bill, said religion is a big factor why other members of the Senate would not support the legal dissolution of marriage.

“I think religion is one big factor. We are all religious. Because of religion, we don’t have divorce as their pastors would lobby not to support it. They cannot go against the church,” he told “The Chiefs” on OneNewsPh last

Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Contributed Photo

Marcos, Duterte trust, performance ratings dip

by red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

THE performance and trust ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte dipped in the second quarter, independent pollster OCTA Research said on Tuesday, September 26.

Its second quarter Tugon ng Masa Survey conducted from July 22-26, 2023, showed Marcos’ trust ratings at 75 percent, 8 percent lower than the 83 percent trust rating in the first quarter.

Only 8 percent of Filipinos distrust him, while 17 percent of adult Filipinos are undecided.

The Visayas gave the lowest trust rating of 63 percent, which is also his lowest rating among the class ABC socioeconomic group. The president’s performance rating was 71 percent, a 9 percent drop from his 80 percent rating last March 2023. Only 10 percent were dissatisfied with the president’s performance, while 19 percent of adult Filipinos were unsure about his performance.

His satisfaction ratings were high among Class D at 71 percent and Class E at 72 percent, while his lowest among socioeconomic classes is at Class ABC at 62 percent. Meanwhile, Duterte’s rating, though high at 83 percent, was also lower than the 87 percent she got in the previous

The president’s trust rating is highest in the National Capital Region at 81 percent and among socioeconomic class D and E at 76 percent. u PAGE 2

Franco Jose baroña ManilaTimes.net

States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay

LANTERN MAKING SKILLS. Traditional Christmas lantern maker Leoning de Guzman Toledo, 70, makes it look easy at her workshop in Kamuning, Quezon City, on Monday, September 25. She said she has been making lanterns for over two decades now, a skill that financed the education of her three children who became a pharmacist, an engineer and a businessman. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Marcos, Duterte trust, performance...

quarter. Only 2 percent of the respondents distrust her, and 14 percent were ambivalent.

Her trust rating in Mindanao was highest — 97 percent, while her trust rating in Luzon was the lowest at 75 percent.

Among socioeconomic classes, Class E had the highest trust rating for the vice president at 92 percent, while Class ABC had the lowest at 78 percent.

Duterte’s performance rating also remained high, with 82 percent of Filipino adults happy about her performance, slightly

lower than the 84 percent recorded in the March survey.

Her performance rating was highest in Mindanao at 96 percent, while her lowest satisfaction ratings came from the NCR at 73 percent and Balanced Luzon at 74 percent.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez garnered trust ratings of 56 percent and 54 percent, respectively, in the same survey.

Zubiri’s ratings increased by 6 percentage points, while Romualdez dipped by 1

percentage point.

On the other hand, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s trust rating is at 27 percent, a decrease of 12 percentage points from the 39 percent reported in March 2023.

Among congressional leaders, Zubiri got a 57 percent performance rating, while Romualdez received a 55 percent.

The survey had 1,200 respondents. It had a nationwide margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent and plus or minus 6 percent across major areas. n

Divorce bill an uphill battle – Tulfo...

Saturday night, September 23.

He added that he could not say who among the remaining 23 senators would support the divorce bill. Committee Report No. 124, which recommended the passage of the measure, was signed by Tulfo, its author Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, Senate Minority

Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda and Senators Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Robinhood Padilla and Grace Poe.

Although they signed the committee report, Poe and Cayetano indicated their intentions to interpellate and introduce amendments to the

proposed measure.

Tulfo, who has a television show, said he is in favor of the proposed divorce bill after he received and continues to receive complaints about husbands maltreating and abusing their wives.

“I’m in favor of divorce due to the number of complaints of husbands beating their wives. The wives wanted to file annulment, but it’s an expensive and long process. It’s difficult for a woman to move on. She can’t live with another man as she might be sued,” he added.

For the senator, a marriage can be dissolved only with strong reasons like the wife being abused by the husband who is a drunkard, womanizer, addict and the like.

Last week, the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality approved a consolidated measure that provides for absolute divorce based on various grounds, including five years of separation, whether continuous or broken, and the commission of the crime of rape before or after marriage. (by Cecille Suerte Felipe/Philstar. com) n

Tagalog most spoken language in...

•Stockton, California

•Henderson, Nevada

•Las Vegas, Nevada

•Reno, Nevada

•Gilbert, Arizona

•Corpus Christi, Texas

•Jacksonville, Florida

•Chesapeake, Virginia

•Norfolk, Virginia

•Virginia Beach, Virginia. The wider study found

what languages are most popular in each U.S. state and revealed Tagalog to be the most used language in Nevada (besides English and Spanish). (Inquirer.net) n

approved by Marcos on June 30, 2023. According to Neda, the NIASD

amendments were raised.

House committee on appropriations chairman and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, however, said that they are looking to realign confidential funds in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education towards defenseoriented agencies.

Before the bill was approved, Deputy Majority Leader and Pangasinan 6th District Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas moved to assign a small committee to thresh out the different individual amendments by different lawmakers.

“Consistent with our parliamentary precedent, I move to create a small committee to receive and resolve all individual amendments to House Bill No. 8980,” Primicias-Agabas said. The small committee will be composed of:

has plans from 2023 to 2032. With the theme of “Reshaping the Future, Advancing Filipinnovation,” the event has

Marcos unveils PH path to progress... House OKs proposed P5.768 trillion...

over 700 guests, including Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Neda Chief Arsenio Balisacan, and more. n

California increases

minimum wage, protections for fast-food workers

LOS ANGELES – Alongside fast-food workers, labor leaders, and legislators, Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, September 28 signed legislation increasing the minimum wage for fastfood employees to $20 per hour, beginning April 1, 2024. The legislation, AB 1228 by Assemblymember Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena), authorizes the Fast Food Council to set fast-food restaurant standards for minimum wage, and develop proposals for other working conditions, including health and safety standards and training.

“California is home to more than 500,000 fast-food workers who – for decades – have been fighting for higher wages and better working conditions. Today, we take one step closer to fairer wages, safer and healthier working conditions, and better training by giving hardworking fast-food workers a stronger voice and seat at the table,” said Governor Newsom.

“Today, we witnessed the

signing of one of the most impactful fast food wage laws that this country has ever seen,” said Assemblymember Holden. “We did not just raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour for fast food workers. We helped a father or mother feed their children, we helped a student put gas in their car, and helped a grandparent get their grandchild a birthday gift. Last month, when we were knee deep in negotiations, hundreds of workers slept in their cars and missed pay days to come give their testimony in committee and defend their livelihood.

Sacrifice, dedication, and the power of a government who serves its people is what got us to this moment. My goal for AB 1228 was to bring relief and solutions where they were needed and together with my colleagues and Governor Newsom, that is what we have done. Thank you to the SEIU and all who supported this important effort. We, as a state, should be proud.”

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OVP spent P125...

Brosas, who sought confirmation on the disposition of the P125 million in confidential fund.

Brosas and the other Makabayan bloc lawmakers earlier reported that the controversial funding was spent in 19 days. The budget was granted to the OVP for the year 2022 by the Office of the President.

“In truth, I was also surprised when I heard the news that it was spent within 19 days so I asked COA and reviewed various reports. It was obligated not within 19 days but 11 days instead,” Quimbo, Marikina representative, said.

To this, a surprised Brosas replied: “It’s hard to comprehend that if that is for surveillance, how many reward payments have been made to spend P11 million per day… Did OVP submit liquidation report to the Office of the President, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House?”

Quimbo replied in the affirmative, noting that the liquidation report was submitted by the OVP on Jan. 17, 2023.

She added that at present, COA is still doing an audit of such expenses but the agency was already able to submit its preliminary observation or audit observation memorandum (AOM) to the OVP.

The agency has committed to finish the audit of the confidential fund by Nov. 15.

Quimbo underscored that AOM is “confidential in nature” but issuing it conveys COA’s request for additional documents from the OVP to shed light on certain expenses.

The COA has a proposed budget of P13.360 billion out of the P5.678 trillion in the national budget for 2024.

Duterte has yet to respond to COA’s findings. But in a statement sent to reporters, the OVP said that “we have not yet received an AOM from COA.” (With reports from Neil Jayson Servallos) n

Japan boost security...

disaster relief efforts.

“They committed to uphold our shared values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, and reaffirmed our shared vision, as equal and sovereign partners, for a free and open Indo-Pacific region that upholds international law,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The three officials also discussed ways to support economic resiliency and enhance engagements on energy, infrastructure and digital economy issues.

In his remarks, Blinken said the U.S. looks forward to strengthening the partnership “to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and also to foster, to strengthen economic resilience and to promote the common prosperity of our people.”

“I think all three countries believe strongly that our collaboration, not only on a bilateral basis but on a trilateral basis, can produce very positive benefits not only for our countries but also for other countries and partners in the region and beyond,” he said.

Kamikawa, meanwhile, underscored the importance of “multilayered collaboration with allies and like-minded countries” for upholding a rules-based order, especially with what Japan labeled as “recent severe strategic environment” in the region, including the situation in the South China Sea.

The meeting builds on the September 6 trilateral talks among President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Jakarta, Indonesia, where they discussed the maritime security environment in the South China Sea and reviewed ways in which their three countries could enhance trilateral maritime cooperation, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

The trilateral meeting comes as China continues its aggression in the disputed waters amid a report that two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels have been shadowed by a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship while patrolling Escoda (Sabina) Shoal and Rozul

(Iroquois) Reef, features in the West Philippine Sea that are part of the country’s exclusive economic zone, from September 1 to 21.

Ray Powell, SeaLight director, said on Saturday that the BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan arrived at Escoda Shoal in the early morning of September 19.

Powell said the two vessels “appeared to examine its northeast approaches before entering the shoal’s interior from the southeast and remaining there overnight.”

On the other hand, CCG 4301 left its patrol near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and arrived at midday of the same day to observe the PCG vessels from the west.

Powell, who is also the project lead for Project Myoushu at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said later that evening, the CCG ship briefly went back to China’s naval base located at the artificial island near Mischief Reef before returning to Sabina Shoal.

The following day, September 20, he said 10 Chinese maritime militia ships were deployed from Mischief Reef “apparently concerned” that the PCG ships would attempt to approach its outpost aboard the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

He said the maritime militia ships took up blocking positions east of Ayungin, joining two others that were already there.

However, the two PCG ships moved north from Escoda Shoal to inspect Rozul Reef while CCG 4301 “ranged 120 kilometers (km) to the east for reasons that are not clear, finally turning back to the northwest toward Rozul Reef at 4 a.m. on September 21.

“CCG 4201 arrived at Rozul Reef 1600 on September 21, just as the two PCG ships started for home,” said Powell, a 2021 fellow at Stanford’s Distinguished Careers Institute.

He said the CCG ship “shadowed” the PCG vessels for 120 km and did not turn back until they were about 30 km southwest of Escoda Shoal.

Powell said the CCG ship was mostly “dark” or was not broadcasting its automatic information system (AIS) during that period.

He said CCG ships frequently

resort to dark operations when they do not want to be detected.

AIS is a signaling system used to identify a vessel’s type, position, course, speed and other navigation safety information, and is required by the International Maritime Organization for larger nonmilitary ships operating in international waters.

‘Hypocritical’

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. described as “hypocritical” the recent statement issued by China that the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal is actually causing “irrevocable harm” to the marine environment.

“Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. China continues to damage the [West Philippine Sea] by its illegal reclamation activities in the [South China Sea], and it was found to be a violator of international law in the 2016 Arbitral Award when such activities damaged the marine environment,” Teodoro said in a statement issued on Saturday.

“Disingenuous propaganda lines such as this only serve to expose China’s insincerity and will only heighten the mistrust by the Filipino people and the rest of the world of the Chinese Government,” he added.

The Philippine government has announced that it will pursue the filing of environmental cases against China for its numerous destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea for many years.

The announcement came just days after the PCG confirmed the report recently released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command about the severe damage inflicted upon the marine environment and coral reef in the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.

These were the same areas where approximately 33 Chinese maritime vessels were monitored to be “swarming” from August 9 to September 11.

China, however, denied “harvesting” and damaging the corals off Rozul Reef and said that the Philippines was “creating a political drama from fiction.”

“If the Philippines truly cares about the ecological environment of the South China Sea, it should tow away the

illegally ‘grounded’ warship at Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) as soon as possible, stop it from discharging polluted water into the ocean and not let the rusting warship bring irrevocable harm to the ocean,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Thursday, September 21, referring to Ayungin Shoal by its name assigned by Beijing.

‘No factual basis’

Herman Tiu Laurel, Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute president, said the allegation made by the PCG and the AFP that China was somehow responsible for the destruction of the corals in the Rozul Reef is without “solid, factual basis.”

He pointed out that coral destruction in the South China Sea has been a “halfcentury-old problem” caused by destructive dynamite and cyanide fishing. Such illegal fishing practices were due to the government’s neglect of the Filipino fishermen’s economic plight, failure of the policing by the PCG and in recent decades due to the warming of the oceans and rising acidity of the sea, said Laurel.

He cited a survey of Philippine coral reefs conducted from 2015 to 2017 and published in the Philippine Journal of Science that showed there are no longer any reefs in excellent condition and 90 percent were classified as either poor or fair.

Laurel further cited a 2017 report by the United Nations wherein it was predicted that all 29 World Heritage coral reefs, including one in the Philippines, will die by 2100 unless carbon emissions are drastically reduced.

He said another contributing factor to the destruction of corals is the unhampered dynamite and cyanide fishing.

“Blast fishing and dynamite fishing are practices of many subsistence Filipino fishermen desperate for sizable catches to sustain family incomes severely depleted by decades of increasing poverty, poverty that the Philippine government has not been able to alleviate,” Laurel said during a forum on Saturday.

“Nor has the PCG been able to stop the practice of illegal and deleterious fishing practices,” he added. (With reports from the Philippine News Agency) n

County awarded more state funds to help people living in encampments

MORE state funds are heading to San Diego County to help people experiencing homelessness along the region’s riverbeds.

The newest is a $5.1 million grant for the Sweetwater Riverbed, including an area paralleling Interstate 805 in the South County and known as “The Jungle.”

Under leadership of San Diego County Board of Supervisors

Chairwoman Nora Vargas, the county’s Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities led the grant application in collaboration with the City of Chula Vista, National City and California Department of Transportation to the state’s $240 million Encampment Resolution Fund.

“These new funds will greatly expand our ongoing work with the regional partners to bring services into the riverbed,” said Chairwoman Vargas who

represents that community. “I look forward to working with our County teams, the City of Chula Vista, National City and Caltrans on putting this important funding to use.”

The Encampment Resolution Fund aims to help local jurisdictions resolve encampments and provide permanent housing and service connections.

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

This is the second such grant awarded to a County-led partnership.

In June, the County, the City of San Diego, City of Santee and California Department of Transportation, got nearly $17 Million to address homeless encampments in the San Diego riverbed. Outreach teams there have already started helping people get into housing and

What payment methods...

get this money back.”

cleaning up the riverbed. This newest award, also to the County’s Department of Homeless Solutions & Equitable Communities, will help an estimated 75 people experiencing homelessness along the Sweetwater riverbed.

“We are looking forward to working with our partners in the Sweetwater riverbed to better understand people’s unique circumstances and needs,” said Barbara Jiménez, County Community Operations Officer. “I’m confident that working together, and with these new resources, we will move more people into housing.”

Over the next several months, the County will finalize planning and work with the partner entities to bring together the staff and resources necessary to start work on the Sweetwater riverbed program.

(Fernanda Lopez Halvorson/ County of San Diego Communications Office) n

County and court officials preview start of new CARE Act program

COUNTY and Court officials outlined plans on Wednesday, September 27 for the launch of the Community Assistance, Recovery & Empowerment Act (CARE Act) program to help severely impaired people living with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.

Starting Sunday, Oct. 1, the County of San Diego will be one of seven pilot Counties in the state to get an early start on implementing the CARE Act program. It will do so in

collaboration with the Superior Court, the Public Defender, legal advocacy, contracted service providers, and community partners.

“I’m excited for our county to be a leader in launching this new program,” said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas.

“We want to make sure that the public is aware how this latest tool may help them. If our community doesn’t know how to access this latest resource, they can’t leverage it.”

Referrals to the program can be initiated

by family members, behavioral health providers, first responders, or other approved petitioners. Details are online at sandiegocounty.gov/CAREAct.

The CARE Act program is designed as a voluntary treatment program for adults, 18 years and older. While some people experiencing homelessness may meet the state law’s impairment definitions, it is not a homeless housing program. The new

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By far the greatest losses by payment method owe to bank transfers, for which $901 million was reported lost in the first six months of 2023 alone.

An example of this scam: “I get a call. I am told my grandson has been in a car accident, can’t find an insurance card, and needs surgery right away. The only way he can get it is if I go to my bank and I ask them to transfer $7,895 to an account in Canada,” Greisman said.

Other common payment methods include wire transfers, by which $164 million was lost in the first half of 2023; credit cards, by which $123 million was lost; gift cards, by which $109 million was lost; debit cards, amounting to $106 million; and payment apps like Zelle and Venmo, and Cash App, amounting to $102 million.

Much of these losses owe to imposter, lottery, investment, and business fraud — for example, “You get a phone call from the IRS that you owe back taxes, or from the sheriff’s office that there’s a warrant out for your arrest, or you’ve won the lottery and all you have to do is pay a processing fee” by sending or reading aloud the numbers of “a gift card for $100, or a few hundred,” Greisman said.

In the case of larger payments in the thousands and tens of thousands through cryptocurrency and wire transfers, “there may be an ‘expert’ online who wants to teach you how to get rich quick trading cryptocurrency, or becoming an entrepreneur by selling on eBay,” she added.

Sophia Siddiqui, an attorney for the FTC Division of Marketing Practices, said that due to low regulations, cryptocurrency has been on the rise over recent years as “the payment method preferred by scammers. Through online trading groups or social media, they’ll say they’re making millions in cryptocurrency, and that they’re offering investment advice for a limited time for an upfront $10,000 fee. You pay using their link, they put that money in their crypto wallet, and never contact you again.”

Never send money “to someone you don’t know or trust, who pressures you to pay immediately, or says that a certain payment method like a wire, gift card, or crypto is the only way to pay,” said Siddiqui.

Owing to low regulations and small paper trails, it’s very unlikely that money lost to cryptocurrency and wire scams, and gift cards can be recovered. Conversely, credit cards offer the best protections under federal law.

Stopping scams

“If you call your bank and say you didn’t authorize a charge on your credit card, they have to investigate, and you shouldn’t be liable for more than $50 — many banks won’t even charge you that,” said Siddiqui.

Likewise, for a gift card like Amazon, or a wire transfer like Western Union, “contact the company and ask them to reverse the charge. If you send cash or a gift card in the mail, ask USPS to intercept the package. If you give a scammer your social security number, go to identitytheft.gov to see what steps to take, like monitoring your credit,” she continued. “If you give a scammer access to your phone or computer, update your security software, run a scan, and delete anything problematic.”

Those facing a scam can report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and find information on how to avoid scams in various languages including Arabic, Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Spanish, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese at ftc.gov/languages.

Red flags

The best weapon in the fight against scams is, by far, education, Greisman and Siddiqui agreed.

Never underestimate how persuasive a scammer can be,” said Greisman. “What most helps is informing people about red flags. The bottom line is that how they want you to pay is the red flag. If you get a call or message asking with threats or promising returns for a gift card, a wire transfer, crypto — hang up, delete it, go offline, do whatever you need to do to stop contact. That’s not how a government entity or other institution would reach you.”

Likewise, Siddiqui added, it boils down to this: “Only a scammer will guarantee that you will make a lot of money with no risk.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic media Services) n

California increases...

PAGE 3

What AB 1228 does

• Repeals and replaces provisions of the statute creating the Fast Food Council within the Department of Industrial Relations, creating a process to develop minimum fast food restaurant employment standards, related to wages, working conditions, and training – upon the withdrawal of the AB 257 referendum: –

Establishes a minimum wage of $20 per hour for fastfood workers beginning April 1, 2024 and allows the council to increase this wage annually.

– The annual wage increase is capped at the lesser of 3.5% or the annual increase in the US-CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

• Allows the Council to develop and propose other labor, health or safety standards for rule-making by the appropriate body.

• Ensures consistency for a statewide industry wage by stating only the Council may set wages for fast food workers until January 1, 2029.

• The Council and its authority sunset January 1, 2029.

“After ten years of vibrant and courageous activism, which included raising the minimum wage for all workers in the state and bringing billions of dollars into working families’

pockets, fast food workers have now achieved something historic,” said David Huerta, president of SEIU California and SEIU USWW. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Governor for his leadership in fighting poverty, empowering workers, and moving us toward a more just and equitable society.”

“It’s time to get to work so we can bring real solutions shaped by real workers to the Fast Food Council. Today’s victory is just the beginning,” said Ingrid Vilorio, a California fast food worker and leader in the Fight for $15. “From day one of our movement, we have demanded a seat at the table so we could improve our pay and working conditions. This moment was built by every fast-food worker, both here in California and across the country, who has bravely gone on strike, exposed the issues in our industry and made bold demands of corporations that we knew could do better by their frontline workers. We now have the power to win transformational changes for every fast-food cook, cashier and barista in our state. We hope that what we win here shows workers in other industries and other states that when we fight, we win!”

(Gov. Newsom Office Release) n

Dateline PhiliPPines

PH Coast Guard removes shoal barrier

by Franco Jose c baroña ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has removed the floating barrier installed by the China Coast Guard (CCG) off Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

In a report issued late Monday night, September 25, the PCG said it “executed a special operation” to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc in compliance with the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The PCG said the directive was issued by National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who also sits as chairman of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS). It did not specify the exact time the operation was conducted.

“The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman on the West Philippine Sea.

“It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in Bajo de Masinloc, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory,” he added.

Tarriela cited the 2016 Arbitral Award that affirmed Bajo de Masinloc as a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen.

“Thus, any obstruction

Three-pronged fight vs drugs proposed

by bernadette taMayo ManilaTimes.net

SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go has emphasized the roles of law enforcement, rehabilitation and prevention in combatting drug problems in the country.

The senator, in a chance interview after the launch of the 159th Malasakit Center in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, on September 15, proposed a three-pronged approach to address illegal drugs.

Go said every administration had its approach to combat the drug problem. He said former president Rodrigo Duterte pursued a “massive campaign” against drugs.

“I support President [Ferdinand] Bongbong Marcos [Jr.] in whatever approach [to address the drug problem]. The fight against illegal drugs must continue,” he said in Filipino.

Sen. Bong Go ManilaTimes.net file photo victims [of drug syndicates].”

Go has filed a bill to institutionalize a technical vocational education and livelihood program for rehabilitated drug dependents.

hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates international law. It also infringes on the Philippines’ sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc,” he said.

The floating barrier, which measures 300 meters in length, was discovered by the PCG and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel

u PAGE 7

County and court officials preview start...

program is one of many county programs that support those with behavioral health needs. For additional information about the new program, people can call the county’s Access and Crisis Line (ACL) at 1-888-724-7240 – or the national crisis line at 9-8-8.

The county expects to spend between $15 million – $20 million the first year on CARE Act and for about 1,000 people to be considered. About a quarter of the people engaged are estimated to qualify and transition to confirmed cases, with others guided toward previously existing behavioral health programs.

“County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) has assembled a team to support the launch of the CARE Act program with our partners,” said Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of County Behavioral Health Services. “Collectively, we will improve the lives of eligible people in our community, while also offering important existing resources and help to others.”

Signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sep 14, 2022, the CARE Act creates a process for those filing a petition with the civil court to connect adults to voluntary treatment if they meet criteria and would benefit from the program. The Superior Court makes an initial determination about whether the petition appears to meet program criteria. If it does, the Court will order BHS to conduct an

investigation and report back within 14 days.

Should the Superior Court support establishing a case, a CARE Plan will be developed with County BHS, in partnership with the petitioned individual and their lawyer.

Once a CARE Plan is accepted by the Superior Court, BHS and community-based providers will actively engage the connect the individual to services. Services available include behavioral health treatment, stabilization medication, housing and other supports as needed.

“The San Diego Superior Court is well prepared to begin reviewing petitions and working with the County, individuals and their counsel on both eligibility and the best plan going forward for those who take part in CARE Act proceedings,” said Superior Court Judge Kimberlee Lagotta.

Program participation is 12 months but may be extended depending upon individual circumstances. People who successfully complete the program and are graduated by the Court will remain eligible for ongoing treatment and supportive services to support long term recovery.

California’s other participating CARE Act pilot Counties are Glenn, Orange, Riverside, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and the City and County of San Francisco. Los Angeles County starts Dec. 1 with the rest of the state required to begin next year.

(Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

He raised the need to empower law enforcement agencies to earn the trust of the people they are mandated to protect.

Go sought a “competent and corruption-free police force and other law enforcement agencies to effectively combat drug syndicates.”

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography also raised the need to rehabilitate drug users. “Most of them are merely

He said the third approach centers on prevention, particularly among the youth. “We encourage the youth to get into sports. That is one way to keep them away from drugs.”

Go, also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, has advocated sports-related programs as a means to divert the youth from the lure of illegal drugs and criminality.

The senator filed Senate Bill (SB) 422, which aims

WHAT NOW? Filipino fishermen look at the floating barrier placed by China to stop them from fishing in rich waters. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard

Out of school

A more comprehensive study is needed, but the data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority this week provides a glimpse into another troubling aspect of education in this country. In 2022, according to the PSA study, 18.6 percent of Filipinos aged five to 24 did not attend school. This translates into about 7.85 million children and youths, the PSA said.

Asked about the reasons for staying out of school, the biggest percentage at 21.1 cited the completion of a college or postsecondary degree. Employment was the second biggest reason cited, at 19.7 percent, followed by lack of interest (12.6 percent), marriage (10.7 percent) and the high cost of education or financial problems (9.9 percent).

While education is no sure-fire guarantee of personal advancement, it generally opens opportunities and raises the chances of improving the quality of life. Education also plays a critical role in national competitiveness and prosperity.

The most competitive countries give top priority to education and innovation, pouring resources into the provision of quality education that is accessible to all their citizens.

In the Philippines, universal free education from kindergarten to tertiary level has not translated into quality education. The COVID lockdowns worsened the problem, with education

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

IT’S bad enough that our Philippine Coast Guard vessels and boats bringing food, water and other supplies to our troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal are continuously being harassed and bullied, our fishermen regularly being prevented from plying their livelihood by Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels – and now, our precious coral reefs in seabeds within our exclusive economic zone are slowly but surely being destroyed.

stakeholders concerned that the learning gap became wider during the two years of forced shift to a blended education mode dominated by remote learning.

The economic tsunami caused by the pandemic also worsened the capability of many parents to finance the formal education of their children. There are many other expenses apart from tuition and basic miscellaneous fees that parents must shoulder in sending their children to school. During the pandemic lockdowns, many parents especially those with several school-age children could not afford the gadget requirements for blended learning, despite state subsidies and donations from private groups.

Even before the lockdowns, the government was already grappling with a high dropout rate in basic education as well as learning gaps that were manifested in the results of international tests, including one that showed Filipino 10-yearolds faring poorly in reading comprehension, mathematics and science. The government is

tweaking the K-12 curriculum to address the learning gaps. Teachers, meanwhile, continue to press for better pay, resources and working

conditions. The PSA report should give more urgency to the reforms needed in the education sector. (Philstar.com)

Triple whammy in our territorial waters

According to a report filed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command (WesCom) and confirmed by the Philippine Coast Guard that conducted extensive underwater surveys, the marine ecosystems in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal are dying – if not already dead – most likely caused by the illegal and indiscriminate activities of Chinese vessels that have been swarming the areas, resulting in the massive destruction of coral reefs in the aforementioned West Philippine Sea features.

From Aug. 9 to Sept. 11 alone this year, approximately 33 Chinese maritime militia vessels in Rozul Reef and 15 in

Escoda Shoal were monitored by the Philippine Coast Guard. Quoting divers who conducted the underwater surveys, WesCom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said “there is nothing left” of the corals in Rozul Reef, adding that they have been “destroyed, and only debris was there.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that about “25 percent of the ocean’s fish depend on healthy coral reefs” where “fishes and other organisms shelter, find food, reproduce and rear their young in the many nooks and crannies formed by corals.” The rich biodiversity found in the

habitat created by corals is also the reason why coral reefs are described as the “rainforests of the sea.”

A report published at the MIT Science Policy review in August 2020 disclosed that coral reefs “provide ecosystem services worth $11 trillion annually by protecting coasts, sustaining fisheries, generating tourism and creating jobs across the tropics,” and that as many as one billion people across the planet depend on coral reefs for food, income and coastal protection.

More than 500 species of coral and more than 2,000 species of fish live in the waters of the Philippines, which is part of the most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystem in the world known as the “Coral Triangle” that covers 5.7 million square kilometers of ocean waters spanning across parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and the Philippines, according to NOAA.

As early as 2019, Dr. Deo Florence Onda, an oceanographer and professor at the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute, has been warning that the Philippines is losing an estimated P33 billion worth of damage to its reef ecosystem annually, all because of China’s land reclamation activities within our exclusive economic zone.

Aside from illegal fishing activities, Chinese vessels have also been poaching giant clams under the reefs and taking corals and the species therein, which they use as decorative materials,

ornaments and jewelry, said maritime law expert Professor Jay Batongbacal.

Videos released by the PCG showed the crushed corals, with “visible discoloration” in the seabed of Escoda Shoal that is indicative of “deliberate activities… undertaken to modify the natural topography of its underwater terrain,” said PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela.

Not surprisingly, reactions to the videos ranged from shock to sadness to anger over the colossal damage that has been wrought upon our marine ecosystem. But what is even more disturbing – totally infuriating – to many Filipinos is that the destruction of the coral reefs is actually a prelude to land reclamation by the Chinese. In Tagalog, “niluluto tayo sa sariling mantika” (we are being cooked in our own fat) – constructing artificial islands with our own corals. Both Senator Francis Tolentino and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro have warned about this. Intelligence we gathered confirm that these corals are deliberately being crushed, processed and dumped on the seabed.

Since 2013, China has been turning disputed land features in the Spratlys into military bases with ports, runways and other infrastructure. But to use the damaged corals from Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal to make the artificial islands? Absolutely unacceptable.

Support is growing for the filing of cases against China before an international tribunal for the destruction of our corals, and elevating the issue before the UN General Assembly. Calls

are also mounting to make China pay billions of pesos not only for the enormous destruction of our coral reefs but for robbing our fisherfolk of their livelihood and threatening the food security of Filipinos. And for those who continue to make a lot of noise complaining about our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States – wake up! Just think – when the USS Guardian accidentally ran aground on Tubbataha Reef in January 2013, the U.S. paid P87 million for the damage the minesweeper had caused.

China, on the other hand, has built bases in maritime areas that are located within our exclusive economic zone and scoffingly dismisses the destruction of the corals in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal as “political drama.”

So who is being a responsible member of the community of nations, and who is not? As Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla pointed out, “with or without the territorial dispute, the destruction of the environment is a sin against humanity.”

There is absolutely no justification for this type of behavior by the Chinese. We must do all we can and join hands with the international community in putting a stop to these insane activities, and bring everything to its just conclusion. (Philstar.com)

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

*

* * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Staying up to date with the new COVID vaccine

prevalent COVID-19 variant and is available for administration starting from late September, 2023.

Q: Does everyone need to get the new COVID-19 vaccine?

Q: I have already received the updated Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine when it came out last year. Do I still need to get vaccinated for COVID-19?

A: Like flu virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. The bivalent vaccine which was available since September 2022 isn’t well matched to the currently circulating strains of COVID. A new vaccine has been developed and was approved by the FDA on Sep 11, 2023. The new vaccine provides better protection against the currently

A: CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to prevent serious illness requiring hospitalization. The people most at risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 are over age 65 or have health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease. The risk of

hospitalization is pretty low for those under 18-year-olds. But if you are 65-74 that risk is 36 times higher. The older you are, the higher your risk is. So, if you are over age 65 or have underlying condition, it is especially important to get the most updated vaccine. Note that young people should be considered to get vaccinated not only for themselves but also to protect the older adults who live with them.

Q: If I already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

A: COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19. You may consider delaying your vaccine by at least 3 months

from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you recovered a positive test. People who already had COVID-19 and don’t get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get vaccinated after their recovery.

Q: Do I need to wait after getting a flu vaccine or another vaccine before getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

A: There is no recommendation waiting period between getting a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a Flu vaccine, at the same visit. Possible side effects after getting vaccinated are

generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccines.

Q: Does my health insurance cover the flu and COVID-19 vaccines? What if I don’t have health insurance?

A: Yes, Medicare Part B and most state Medicaid cover Flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. All Health Insurance

Marketplace plans and most other private insurance plans cover these vaccines without charging out-of-pocket cost when provided by an innetwork provider.

People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers; state,

local, tribal, or territorial health department; and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Your state health department can tell you where to go for free and low-cost vaccines, including community centers, schools, and religious centers.

*

* * 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.

* * * National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

This satellite photo shows the damage on coral reefs in the Scarborough Shoal due to Chinese fishermen’s harvesting of giant clams. File photo

Marcos rejects tariff reduction on rice

by cecille suerte FeliPe, alexis roMero Philstar.com

MANILA — President Marcos rejected on Tuesday, September 26 a proposal to temporarily cut the tariff on imported rice to lower the prices of the food staple, citing projections that global prices would decrease.

Marcos, also the agriculture secretary, made the remark after a sectoral meeting at Malacañang that tackled the proposed rice tariff reduction.

“We decided with the agriculture and economic managers that … it was not the right time to lower the tariff rates because the projection of world rice prices is that it will go down,” a Palace statement quoted the president as saying.

“So this is not the right time to lower tariffs. Tariffs are generally lowered when the price is going up,” he added.

Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) had recommended a reduction in the tariff on imported rice to help decrease local rice prices. The tariff cut would eventually lead to the simultaneous lifting of Executive Order No. 39, which set price caps on regular and well-milled rice in the market, she added.

Under the order, the price cap on regular rice is at P41 per kilogram while the mandated

price ceiling on well-milled rice is at P45 per kilogram. During the sectorial meeting, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Agriculture Undersecretaries Leocadio Sebastian and Mercedita Sombilla agreed that it was not the right time to reduce tariff rates because of the downtrend of rice prices in the global market.

Marcos said the price cap would continue to be in effect since it has to be studied carefully.

“We will study it carefully,” the president said when asked if he would lift the policy.

Imee joins rally

Sen. Imee Marcos on Tuesday joined protest actions in front of the Department of Finance (DOF) building calling for the resignation of President Marcos’ economic managers amid plans to reduce or remove tariff on imported rice that would affect local farmers.

“All my friends are here. All our friends who are farmers, fishermen – everyone from Northern Luzon to Central Luzon as well as friends from Southern Luzon are here. I’m just supporting,” said Marcos when asked about her presence at the rally.

The rallyists demanded the resignation of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Balisacan.

Marcos, the eldest sister of President Marcos, brought food and water as a show of support for those opposing DOF’s proposed tariff reduction on imported rice. n

Three-pronged fight vs...

to provide free legal assistance to the country’s uniformed

personnel, particularly those wrongfully accused. He also proposed SB 428

establishing drug rehabilitation and treatment centers in every province nationwide. n

PH Coast Guard removes shoal...

onboard Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Datu Bankaw when they conducted a routine maritime patrol on September 22 in the vicinity of the atoll.

Based on the accounts of Filipino fishermen who frequented the area, three CCG Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and a Chinese maritime militia service boat installed the floating barrier upon the arrival of the BFAR vessel in the vicinity of the shoal.

Doubts

Manila-based Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI) President Herman Tiu Laurel, however, questioned the veracity of the photos and videos released by the PCG showing ropes tied to the supposed floating barrier being cut by divers.

Laurel told The Manila Times that the images and videos did

not provide other important details, such as whether the entire barrier was actually removed and the time the operation was conducted.

“The scarcity of important details of the PCG report and video of the barrier removal operation leaves too many questions unanswered, leading to doubts about the authenticity of the operation and report,” he said.

Laurel cited a social media post of the international research network South China Sea Probing Initiative (SCSPI) reviewing the images publicly released by Tarriela.

The post pointed out that a floating barrier is temporarily deployed between two ships, which is “not quite like the one [PCG personnel] removed.”

Meanwhile, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) said it will review all incidents

involving Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea since the 2016 Arbitral Award was handed down. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said whatever details they collect will serve as evidence to support a possible case against China.

“The OSG will gather information on all incidents at the WPS since the first arbitral award in 2016, including the most recent ones involving reef destruction and floating barriers,” Solicitor General Guevarra said in a statement.

“We need solid evidence that will stand up in any tribunal,” he added.

Guevarra also said authorities will evaluate all possible legal options before making a recommendation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and to the Department of Foreign Affairs. n

ANNOUNCEMENT

SD#0272

Advertisement for Bids

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for:

JOINT USE FIELD, FENCING, AND OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS AT WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023, in front of the main office of Wilson Middle School, 3838 Orange Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com

All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on OCTOBER 26, 2023 Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0119-24-00-00 Joint Use Field, Fencing, and Off-Site Improvements at Wilson Middle School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $11.5 million and $12.2 million. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC24-0119-24-00-00

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2023-00041666-CU-PT-CTL TO ALL INTERESTED

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017264

Infinite Pathway located at 4921 Dafter Pl, San Diego, CA 92102.

Registrant: Benjamin Ian Jackman Hill, 3880 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92110. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/21/2023.

Signature: Benjamin Ian Jackman Hill. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/21/2023.

AJ 1250 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, and 09/29/2023 AJSD 1250

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9018359 21st Century Auto Detailing located at 1833 Corte Galeana, Chula Vista, CA 91914. Registrant: Jesus Andres Conde, 1833 Corte Galeana, Chula Vista, CA 91914. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/11/2018.

Signature: Jesus Andres Conde. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/06/2023. AJ 1254 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, and 09/29/2023 AJSD 1254

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9019114

SD Lash Ascension located at 1923 Morena Blvd, Ste B, San Diego, CA 92110.

Registrant: Caroline Nguyen, 6308 Rancho Mission Rd, #387, San Diego, CA 92108. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME.

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017405

a. Ivan Camacho El Caballero Del Exito located at 1490 Santa Diana Rd #9, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

b. Ivan Camacho located at 1490 Santa Diana Rd #9, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Jesus Ivan Camacho Davila, 1490 Santa Diana Rd #9, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/19/2022.

Signature: Jesus Ivan Camacho Davila. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/22/2023. AJ 1248 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, and 09/29/2023 AJSD 1248

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9018361

Precious Sessions located at 5450 San Onofre Ter, San Diego, CA 92114.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017919

Grelaz Complete Auto Repair located at 107 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Roger Lazarte, 411 S. Siena St, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/01/2004.

Signature: Roger Lazarte. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/30/2023.

AJ 1251 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, and 09/29/2023 AJSD 1251

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9015992 Mr G General Repair And Maintenance Service located at 414 Vista San Lucas, San Diego, CA 92154. THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON: 04/01/2022, and assigned File no. 20229007694 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Romel R. Gelacio, 414 Vista San Lucas, San Diego, CA 92154. This Business is Conducted by: A Married Couple Signature: Romel Gelacio. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/01/2023. AJ 1255 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, and 10/06/2023. AJSD 1255

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9018971

a. Resilient Pathways located at 10439 Prospect Ave Suite H, Santee, CA 92071.

b. Moonhowlers DBA Howling Moon Coffee located at 10439 Prospect Ave Suite H, Santee, CA 92071.

Registrant: Carolina Serrano, 5450 San Onofre Ter, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/06/2023.

Signature: Carolina Serrano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/06/2023. AJ 1252 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, and 09/29/2023 AJSD 1252

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9018843

a. Christine’s Movers located at 2291 Dunlop St. Business Unit 20, San Diego, CA 92111.

b. Christine & Stella Logistics INC located at 2291 Dunlop St. Business Unit 20, San Diego, CA 92111.

Registrant: C & S Logistics INC, 1947 Dartmoor Drive, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE

NAME(S) AS OF 09/13/2023.

Signature: Arslan Turganov. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/13/2023. AJ 1257 09/15, 09/22, 09/29, and 10/06/2023. AJSD 1257

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9019309

Icedout Dough located at 1126 San Jacinto Glen, Escondido, CA 92026.

Registrant: Jessica Madamda Montgomery, 1126 San Jacinto Glen, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/08/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9018042

SJA Investigations located at 2211 Bancroft St, San Diego, CA 92104.

Registrant: Santiago Julian Alves, 2211 Bancroft St, San Diego, CA 92104. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/30/2023.

Signature: Santiago Julian Alves. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/31/2023. AJ

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9018400

Mayra’s Cleaning Services Pro located at 702 R Ave Apt#7, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Mayra Ramona Iriarte Villanueva, 702 R Ave Apt#7, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME.

Signature Mayra Ramona Iriarte Villanueva. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/06/2023. AJ 1253 09/08, 09/15, 09/22, and 09/29/2023 AJSD 1253

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9018561

Suarez’s Cleaning Services located at 215 Antoni Glenn #1102, Escondido, CA 92025.

Registrant: Jose Trinidad Suarez III, 215 Antoni Glen #1102, Escondido, CA 92025. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/08/2023.

Signature: Jose Trinidad Suarez III. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/08/2023. AJ 1258 09/22, 09/29, 10/06, and 10/13/2023. AJSD 1258

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9019292 El Bondi Gluten Free Empanadas located at 2647 Ariane Drive, San Diego, CA 92117.

Registrant: Maria Fernanda Lopez Ortiz, 3432 Boundary St, San Diego, CA 92104. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME.

this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1256

Signature Caroline Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/18/2023.

AJ 1259 09/22, 09/29, 10/06, and 10/13/2023 AJSD 1259

Registrant: Anna Reyes, 12019 Sabre Springs Parkway, Apt 363, San Diego, CA 92128. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/13/2023.

Signature: Anna Reyes. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/08/2023. AJ 1260 09/22, 09/29, 10/06, and 10/13/2023 AJSD 1260

Signature: Jessica Madamda Montgomery. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/20/2023. AJ 1261 09/29, 10/06, 10/13, and 10/20/2023. AJSD 1261

Signature Maria Fernanda Lopez Ortiz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/20/2023. AJ 1263 09/29, 10/06, 10/13, and 10/20/2023 AJSD 1263

Sauce culture and culinary heritage: A conversation with Chef Jerome Grant

by MOMar G. Visaya / AJPress

SAUCE culture is a universe all its own. From dabbling in dipping techniques to stashing extra packets for a rainy day, it’s a world Chef Jerome Grant, a Filipino-American culinary leader, knows intimately.

Filipinos have an undying love for their sawsawan, concocting the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy for every dish. It’s a world where a medley of flavors, from tangy, vinegar-based concoctions to sweet and sour condiments, come together in perfect harmony. Whether it’s a dash of calamansi in fish sauce or a fusion of banana ketchup, vinegar, and soy sauce, the art of sauce-making is practically woven into the Filipino DNA.

This culinary tradition holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, and Chef Jerome understands this sentiment profoundly. With over a decade of culinary expertise, he has not only mastered the craft of blending diverse flavors but also dedicated himself to representing culture through food all while elevating everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

For almost four years now, Chef Jerome has been an integral member of the McDonald’s Culinary Council, where he brings his diverse culinary expertise to the table.

We had the opportunity to speak with the Philippine-born chef at the NYC launch of two new sauces at McDonald’sthe Sweet & Spicy Jam and Mambo Sauce. These sauces, set to tease and tantalize taste buds, exemplify Chef Jerome’s dedication to blending flavors that reflect his upbringing and cultural heritage.

“It’s a privilege to represent culture through food. We have this group where we talk about new innovations, we talk about new flavors, and mambo sauce has been on our list for a while,” Chef Jerome told the Asian Journal. His involvement in crafting these iconic sauces demonstrates his passion for introducing new, vibrant flavors to the American palate.

Mambo sauce, inspired by the rich culinary tapestry of Washington, D.C., holds a special place in the chef’s heart. This sweet, spicy, and vinegary sauce embodies the fusion of barbecue and Asian influences. “It’s one

of those types of things where you could put it on anything and everything; I even put it on my tocino,” he shared.

The Sweet & Spicy Jam on the other hand, with its unique blend of red pepper, Szechuan peppercorn, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar, promises a bold, breakfast-inspired dipping experience.

Starting Oct. 9 for a limited time, fans can enjoy these new flavors with all their McDonald’s favorites.

“We get inspiration for the food our fans love by exploring the incredible tastes and flavors found in communities across the country,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA. “Sweet & Spicy Jam and Mambo Sauce live at the intersection of flavor and culture – pulling from decades of rich food history and tradition in local restaurants and home kitchens, and bringing the delicious spice, sweetness, and kick of heat we know today’s customers are craving.”

Since sauce culture is a viral thing on social media, the fast food chain has partnered with six food content creators to celebrate the arrival of these sauces and for them to review the sauces so they can share pairing suggestion ideas with customers on their respective TikTok channels.

Mahal BBQ

Chef Jerome’s culinary

AJPress

Momar G. Visaya prowess extends beyond his role at McDonald’s. He is the visionary behind Mahal BBQ, a concept that marries American BBQ with playful Filipino flavors. “We’re talking about my upbringing, my family’s story through food,” Chef Jerome said. The venture, currently seeking a permanent home, is poised to be a cultural and culinary destination that showcases his Filipino heritage.

“My dream for Mahal is to be able to open up small Mahals across the East Coast,” he shared. His ambition is to provide a platform for guests to immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of his family’s culinary journey. Through Mahal, Chef Jerome aims to offer an authentic experience, celebrating the fusion of American and Filipino flavors.

Born in Pampanga, Philippines, Chef Jerome moved to the United States at the age of four. Reflecting on his childhood memories, he recalls the natural simplicity of life in the Philippines. “I remember eating snacks on the street. I remember taking baths in buckets,” he shared. These experiences have profoundly shaped his culinary identity and are woven into the fabric of Mahal Barbecue.

Chef Jerome is most notable for his tenure as the inaugural chef of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Sweet

Asian Persuasion charms audiences, scoops Audience Award at Soho Film Fest

By MoMar g visaya AJPress

JHETT Tolentino, celebrated for his Tony and Grammy awards, recently took a courageous step into the director’s chair with his debut full-length film, “Asian Persuasion.” The film made its world premiere at the Soho International Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in Tolentino’s illustrious career. The film had two sold-out screenings and it won the Audience Award for full-length feature. The creative process was not without its challenges, as Tolentino candidly revealed, “Editing was a very excruciating process for me because I love all of them. I had to give up a lot of great scenes and I had to stay objective and stay true to the story.”

“Asian Persuasion” delves into the surge of Asian content, riding the wave of its unprecedented popularity. The film boasts a stellar cast, including industry veterans like Dante Basco, Paulo Montalban, and KC Concepcion.

Their seasoned performances added a depth that only accomplished actors can bring. Geneva Carr and Kevin Kreider further elevated the ensemble, leading Tolentino to affirm, “You can never go wrong with casting like this.”

“It was a great project and we had great partners and collaborators,”shared Mike Ang, who wrote the screenplay. “It’s my first time as a filmmaker so this journey has been very special. I had a vision and other people came to help me make that a reality and I can’t thank them enough.”

Balancing the demands of filming with fundraising posed its own set of challenges during the production phase. Tolentino admitted, “While we were in production, we’re still fundraising, so to me, that was a challenge that really took a lot of time. Instead of just focusing artistically, I had to allocate my time to be a producer.”

When asked about the possibility of returning to Broadway as a producer,

Home Cafe and the National Museum of the American Indian’s Misitam Cafe. His work at both landed him three James Beard Award nominations and was one of the ‘16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America’ by the New York Times in 2019. During the pandemic, he collaborated with fellow Filipino American chefs for Taste of the Philippines where they showcased and highlighted Filipino cuisine. While it’s been a while since his last visit to the Philippines, Chef Jerome is eager to reconnect with his roots. “Way overdue for a visit,” he says with a smile. His mother Charry Lorna Paison hails from Cebu, and he’s excited to explore the vibrant culture and cuisine of his mother’s homeland.

Chef Jerome Grant’s culinary journey so far is a fusion of flavors, culture, and heart. From his role at McDonald’s to his visionary venture, Mahal Barbecue, he is a force in the culinary world. With each dish, he weaves a tale of heritage and tradition, inviting us all to savor the richness of his Filipino roots. As he dreams of opening small Mahals across the East Coast, it’s clear that Chef Jerome’s influence will continue to grow. So, whether you’re drizzling on some Sweet & Spicy Jam over your burger or fried chicken sandwich or savoring the Mambo Sauce with your fries and nuggets, you’re tasting a bit of his dedication to sharing the rich tapestry of his heritage with the world. n

Tolentino revealed the financial complexities of the industry.

“In one musical, I can make five films,” he pondered. His newfound love for filmmaking stems from its enduring nature, in stark contrast to the transient nature of live theater.

Tolentino emphasized the invaluable learning curve of his directorial debut. Acknowledging his unconventional path, he immersed himself in studying lenses and frames. Drawing inspiration from directors without formal film education, he said, “I had to look into other directors who did not go to film school also because I did not.

I’m an accountant by profession so I had to learn. If I had to change anything, it would be like investing in more equipment like the drone operators, and the Steadicam operators, because that really boosts the feel and the visual of the movie.”

The film stands as a heartfelt tribute to New York, a city that profoundly shaped Tolentino’s career and life’s trajectory. “We owe it to New York. We are all here because of that, and we are where we are because of New York City,” he expressed with heartfelt gratitude.

As “Asian Persuasion” embarks on its festival circuit journey, audiences are in for a treat. The film is set to premiere in the Philippines, with a touring premiere scheduled for November across Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Clark in Pampanga. Following its New York debut, the film will enchant audiences at the Richmond International Film Festival in Richmond, Virginia, and San Diego in the coming month. n

Chef Mike Lingo, McDonald’s menu innovation team and Chef Jerome Grant, one of the chefs from McDonald’s expert advisory council explain the inspiration behind the addition of two new sauces that will be available across the United States for a limited time starting Oct. 9.

photo by

Chef Jerome Grant is a Filipino-American chef based in Washington, DC and is the chef-owner of Mahal BBQ, an American barbecue concept with a playful twist of Filipino flavors. Chef Jerome is a three-time James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic (2019), Best American Cookbook (2019), and Best New Restaurant (2017) aside from being named by the New York Times as one of the ’16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America’.

Chef Jerome says that you could put the two new sauces “on anything and everything, I even put it on my tocino.” The sauces complement the chicken nuggets, fries, even the burgers and fried chicken sandwiches.

Jhett Tolentino and Mike Ang celebrate their film’s award with (top, from left) Darin Friedmann, executive producer; Richard Gervais, investor, and Betty Ng. Photo by Troi Santos

City of San Diego begins project to upgrade outdated park in Scripps Ranch

How life experiences invigorate actors’ dramatic performances

Former Star Circle batchmates Dennis Trillo and Bea Alonzo reunite after 2 decades

By allan PolicarPio Inquirer.net

BEA Alonzo and Dennis Trillo’s reunion project, the romance drama series “Love

Before Sunrise” is, as one might say, right in their wheelhouse.

Regarded as two of the finest actors of their generation, Bea and Dennis have proven their mettle in heavy drama time and time again both in films and on television for the past two decades. But while their names have become synonymous with the said genre, the work doesn’t really get any easier, they said.

“I have done a lot of dramas, and I believe they’re the reason people came to know me. But it can be exhausting to be honest— crying and doing intense scenes can be draining,” she told the Inquirer in a huddle, shortly after an advanced press screening for the soap’s pilot episode. But more than the physical and emotional toll, the real challenge, she said, is making sure that every portrayal is different from the last.

“The truth is, I have already done other projects with similar themes. Others would ask why keep doing the same things? So, I think the challenge is figuring out how to make the role different within the box you’re given,” she said. This is where new life experiences come in. “Sa tingin ko, walang paulit-ulit, because as I get older, of course, I learn from my experiences. And there are moments and scenes that have

me drawing from my personal life. And some of those things I didn’t have in the past, because I had yet to experience them,” she said.

Dennis echoed Bea’s sentiments, adding that doing dramas will never not be challenging. But the fact that he was paired with someone he hadn’t worked with for more than 20 years is more than enough to shake things up.

“Whatever kind of drama project you’re doing, the goal is to be emotionally affecting. You need to come up with scenes that will inspire and touch them, make them laugh and cry,” said Dennis, who was launched together with Bea as part of Star Circle batch 10 back in 2002.

“You have to put in the hours and work hard to be effective.

Drama is no joke. And with different partners you create different dynamics. So, here in this show, you will get to see something different with the two of us together,” he added.

Rekindling

Produced by GMA Network and Viu Philippines and directed by Mark Sicat dela Cruz, “Love Before Sunrise” airs weeknights starting Sept. 25 on GMA 7’s primetime block.

Stella (Bea), a nursing student reeling from her father’s untimely demise, crosses paths with Atom (Dennis), a local eatery cook yearning for a sense of family. They fall for each other. However, once family and career enter the equation, they end up

“High-quality parks are essential amenities in all neighborhoods, and these improvements to Jerabek Park exemplify our ongoing efforts to upgrade outdated parks and open new parks in communities that need them,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “I’m grateful to Assemblymember Maienschein for securing $4 million in state funding –more than half the total construction cost –for this project.”

The $7.6 million project will provide the community with new amenities for people of all ages. Improvements include two children’s play areas, fitness equipment,

a restroom and concession stand, a picnic shelter, sidewalks and bleachers that are accessible for all users, a resurfaced parking lot and other park furnishings. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.

“Thank you so much, Mayor Gloria, Assemblymember Maienschein and former Councilmember Mark Kersey, for ensuring state funding reached this vital part of our Scripps Ranch community,” said City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert. “I was happy to support this project at every opportunity, and the changes and accessibility improvements to our park facilities will transform the experiences of children and families at Jerabek Park today, and for future generations.”

Jerabek Park was built in 1984 and included an amphitheater and a comfort station and a concession building. A decade later, a kid’s playground was added to the park. Since 1994, the park has not received

any significant renovations.

Project will provide first significant upgrades to Jerabek Park in nearly 30 years SAN DIEGO – In an effort to provide more accessible and safe recreational spaces for San Diegans to enjoy, Mayor Todd Gloria, City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert and State Assemblymember Brian Maienschein on Thursday, September 21 joined City staff and community members to kick off construction on the Jerabek Park improvements project in Scripps Ranch.

This park is one of 18 parks that are expected to be improved in fiscal year 2024, while three new parks are expected to be opened to the public.

“As an Assemblymember and former Councilmember who has represented Scripps Ranch, I’m thrilled to see the renovations to Jerabek Park are already underway,” said State Assemblymember Brian Maienschein. “The $4 million I secured for ADA improvements will make the park accessible to all residents in our community.”

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department manages more than 40,000 acres of park assets, including more than 400 parks, 26 miles of shoreline, 60 recreation centers, 14 pools, seven skate parks and three golf courses. For additional information regarding the city’s park system, visit sandiego.gov/parks-and-recreation. (City of San Diego Release) n

State awards funding to City of San Diego to resolve encampments in target area

City secures $3.2M to help unsheltered residents in corridor along interstate 15 SAN DIEGO – Working to move more San Diegans off the streets and into housing, the City of San Diego was recently awarded a $3.2 million grant from the State of California to held end people’s homelessness in a corridor along Interstate 15 in Council District 9. San Diego was one of eleven communities across the state to be awarded a portion of $81 million in the latest round of Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF). San Diego received $2.45 million in ERF grant funds in a previous round in 2022.

“Every single day, we are working to get people out of unsafe tent encampments, connected to services and on a path to permanent housing,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This state funding builds on our ongoing efforts and is helping people across California get out of encampments and into homes.”

The ERF program is a competitive grant that aims to assist local jurisdictions in ensuring the safety and

wellness of people experiencing homelessness in encampments; resolve critical encampment concerns and transition individuals into safe and stable housing; and encourage a data-informed, coordinated approach.

As part of the grant application process, the City of San Diego’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department and

Council District 9 identified an area along the Interstate 15 corridor from Adams Avenue south to Thorn Street with a heavy concentration of encampments. The city seeks to serve approximately 90 individuals throughout the entire term of the grant and connect an estimated 60 individuals to permanent or long-term housing.

“We must take every opportunity and use every tool available to address our homelessness crisis. This funding will help our unsheltered neighbors find long-term housing and give District 9 residents peace of mind knowing that people of a nearby encampment will be housed,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “My office will continue to work with the Mayor, HSSD and other partners in the community to identify more opportunities that will help us achieve our goal of ending homelessness.”

The grant-related outreach and housing efforts will be made in partnership with the California Department of Transportation, which is responsible for addressing encampments along state roadways. Outreach teams will provide targeted solutions to meet each individual’s unique needs for housing, including housing stability services, landlord engagement, deposit assistance, rental subsidies and additional supportive services for basic needs and healthcare

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

City of San Diego asks residents for input on ways to invest $135M in federal funds into communities

New

County accepts one-year congressional grant to fund MCRT expansion

THE Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) program that supports people confronting mental health struggles is getting a multi-million-dollar boost.

On Tuesday, September 26 the County Board of Supervisors accepted $4.48 million in onetime Congressional Directive Spending grant funding to expand the MCRT program.

The grant will fund new MCRTs to support areas with higher call volumes, which most recent data shows as East County, and for a pilot team that will respond directly to schools.

The way it works is when a call about someone experiencing a mental health crisis is made, it can be routed to the MCRT service from several places, including 9-1-1, law enforcement and the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Representing a shift from law enforcement being the principal responder to all behavioral health-related calls, the program’s clinicians have responded to more than 6,700 calls since its January 2021 launch.

“About half of our clients contacted by our MCRT

teams were stabilized in the field and connected with services, reducing the stress on law enforcement and other expensive services,” said Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of Behavioral Health Services.

Once a call has been received and evaluated, a team of behavioral health experts can be dispatched to meet someone in crisis where they are. Once MCRT arrives on-scene they assess the person, de-escalate any concerns, and connect them with services like counseling, case management, and substance use treatment.

Preliminary regional call volumes show the East region responding to 445 calls this summer compared to 359 calls in the Central region. North Coastal received 297 calls, South received 272 and North Inland 187 from June to August.

Nearly 30% of all MCRT clients were under 25-years-old, emphasizing the need to expand support to youth in schools to connect students with behavioral health experts quickly.

(Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

How life experiences...

going their separate ways.

Years later, they meet again. Stuck in unhappy marriages, Stella and Atom regret letting each other go. Things get complicated when the two start throwing caution to the wind and giving in to their rekindled feelings.

While Bea and Dennis have already worked together—in the youth-oriented 2002 television series “K2BU”—that was so long ago they might as well be working for the first time. “It feels new and familiar at the same,” as Bea succinctly put it.

“But I like this feeling because there’s a level of trust. We were launched at the same time, so somehow, I feel like I can trust him. Even if we were apart, I became his fan from the sidelines and I would always cheer and root for him in his projects. I feel lucky and honored to be working with him,” Bea said.

Dennis described the reunion “magical.” “We started out in show biz at the same time. We went to the same workshops. I think our first dance production [on television] was with each other. We rehearsed together. And now, after 20 years, we get to work on such a good project,” he said. “I also feel lucky to be working with a talented actress like her. It’s the perfect project for us.”

If there was any awkwardness, it was only because they had to shoot some of the show’s most emotionally charged scenes in the first few days.

“There was a little ilangan because on our first day, we had to do scenes wherein the characters are already together. But Dennis and I are professional actors. We got over it easily to make the scenes work … Dennis has an air of mystery to him, which I think helped me with the falling-in-love scenes,” Bea said. As far as professionalism goes, Dennis was always “10 steps ahead,” Bea observed. “He’s a kind leading man. He’s a gentleman. He was never late. He came to the set knowing all his lines and what he had to do. So I felt like I had to step up.

Chemistry “There was a taping day in Tagaytay. The traffic was terrible because I believed it was a holiday. The calltime was 1 p.m. Dennis was already there, while I and the production crew were all stuck in traffic. He was able to anticipate the traffic,” said Bea, who teased Dennis over the recent popularity of his funny TikTok videos.

Ayaw akong turuan ni Dennis, eh! He’s the shy and quiet type. I want to enter his head, see what’s in his mind, because there were times when he would just smile or laugh suddenly by himself. So I was like, ‘Share mo naman ‘yan, baka puro kalokohan sa loob,’” she said, laughing.

Dennis, meanwhile, admitted to being starstruck by Bea on the set. “I was so nervous, I had to check the scene breakdown and how much I was supposed to do with her. Of course, that’s Bea we’re talking about … I have to do well. But once we found our rhythm, everything was free-flowing,” he said.

Chemistry is something that comes out organically. But sometimes, a deep understanding of the script helps. “When you really understand the relationship of the characters you portray, that reflects in the acting,” said Dennis, who admires not only Bea’s acting talent, but also the way she gives back to her fans. “I respect her and her work … the awards she has won. But aside from her talent, I see her love for her fans. She doesn’t get tired of taking photos with them. You can feel her love for people who appreciate her,” he said. n

five-year

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego is asking for input on how to use $135 million in federal funding to serve and invest in communities. San Diegans are invited to participate in a series of workshops and to take an online survey to help identify priorities as part of the city’s Consolidated Plan, which is prepared every five years. Goals identified in the fiveyear plan help guide the investment of funds from three federal funding streams: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships program (HOME) and the Emergency Solutions Grants program (ESG). The planning process is the framework for a community-wide discussion to identify housing, community development and economic development needs and

consolidated

plan will guide city’s focus on housing, economic development and more

priorities.

“We want the community’s creative input as we move forward with making datadriven, place-based investment decisions, particularly for San Diego’s communities of concern,” said Christina Bibler, Director of the City’s Economic Development Department (EDD). “This federal funding will allow the city to continue to deliver critical services in alignment with our communities’ needs.”

The city receives funding from the federal government each year to invest in lowand moderate-income communities. Funding can be used to increase access and availability of affordable housing, to improve sidewalks, parks and libraries, to provide services and shelters for those experiencing homelessness,

for public services to support youth, seniors, veterans or other underserved groups, and for employment training and workforce development.

The new Consolidated Plan will cover fiscal years 2025-2029 and community members are invited to attend meetings and take an online survey. Information gathered from the survey will help city staff identify the challenges affecting San Diego residents and their households, and potential solutions on how the city should address those issues.

Residents can learn more about the planning process at the in-person community meetings and participate in interactive activities. Requests for disabilityrelated accommodations and interpretation at the meetings can be emailed to cdbg@ sandiego.govat least five

business days before the event. The locations, dates and times include:

• City Heights/Weingart Library on Monday, Oct. 2, 67:30 p.m. • Skyline Hills Library on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

For more information about the Consolidated plan, please visit sandiego.gov/cdbg/general/ consolidatedplanmaterials. (City of San Diego Release) n

State awards funding to City of San...