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NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c a n C o m m u n i t y N e w s pa p e r

Also published in LOS ANGELES • ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY • LAS VEGAS

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Is Novavax, the latecomer COVID-19 vaccine, worth the wait?

ERIN Kissane, a co-founder of the COVID Tracking Project, rolled up her sleeve for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in mid-October soon after it was finally recommended in the United States. Like many people with autoimmune diseases, she wants to protect herself from a potentially devastating covid infection.

Kissane’s autoimmune arthritis seems to make her susceptible to unusual vaccine side effects. After getting an mRNA booster last year, her joints ached so painfully that her doctor prescribed steroids to dampen the inflammation. She still considers the mRNA vaccines “miraculous,” knowing covid could be far worse than temporary aches.

Nonetheless, when the pain subsided, she pored through studies on Novavax’s shot, a vaccine that is based on proteins rather than mRNA and has been used since early 2022 in other countries. Data from the United Kingdom found that people more frequently reported temporary reactions — like low fevers, fatigue, and pain — as their immune system ramped up in the days following booster vaccination with Moderna’s mRNA

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Marcos says joint patrols with US have started in West Philippine Sea

by Jacob Lazaro, Jerome Aning Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, November 21 announced that the Philippines and the United States have started their three-day joint maritime and air patrols in the West

Philippine Sea. “Today (Tuesday) marks the beginning of joint maritime and air patrols — a collaborative effort between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command in the West Philippine Sea,” he said on his social media accounts.

LOS ANGELES — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) reopened Interstate 10 on Sunday night, November 19, weeks earlier than the original estimate for repairs, following Governor Gavin Newson’s announcement.

Traffic started flowing on five lanes in each direction between Alameda Street and the East Los Angeles interchange, ahead of the Monday morning (November 20) commute and before the Thanksgiving holiday, reducing the disruption to Los Angeles commuters.

Newsom’s announcement, eight days since the fire, comes far ahead of the original project schedule and was made possible because of the around-the-clock efforts of crews and engineers on and off-site, betterthan-expected structural testing results, rapid debris removal, and close coordination between state, local, and federal government officials to safely expedite repairs of a major freeway that is a critical backbone to the

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by Nestor Corrales Inquirer.net

LIGHTSCAPADES. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (center) graces the Eastwood Holiday Lightscapades in Eastwood City, Libis in Quezon City on Tuesday night, Nov. 21. Eastwood City is lighting up the festive season with a dazzling display of colors, music, and lights through more than 2.5 million sparkling lights and a lights and sound show.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

JUST when we thought a few cups of extra rice over our adobo or curries wouldn’t hurt our health, well, think again. A new study reveals that Filipinos and Indians are among the Asian American groups at higher risk for high blood pressure.

Given that six to seven percent of the U.S. population make up 24 million Asian Americans, research on cardiovascular diseases and their risks to this group are

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The Philippines is now 13th among the most populous countries in the world.

“Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific region, MANILA — The Philippines’ population the Philippines is at seventh place,” may reach 115 million by the end of the Tacardon said. year, the Commission on Population and He noted that the 1.6-percent increase Development (CPD) said on Monday, in population growth rate annually meant November 20. that the country’s population “has already “The Philippines, based on the 2020 stabilized.” census, has recorded 109 million Filipinos, “Total fertility rate (in the Philippines) and it is estimated that it will reach around showed that a woman of reproductive 115 million by the end of 2023,” CPD deputy health normally gives birth to two children executive director Lolito Tacardon said in an only. This is based on the 2022 Health and interview with “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” Demographic Survey. This means that the program over government-run PTV. total fertility level slows down the country’s The number is based on the country’s population growth,” Tacardon explained. population growth rate of 1.6 percent At the same time, the CPD official stressed annually, according to Tacardon.

by Rhodina Villanueva Philstar.com

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Filipinos are also among the top smokers in the Asian American group in the US Inquirer.net

HONOLULU — President Marcos returned to the Philippines on Monday night, November 20 bringing home $672.3 million worth of investment pledges from his weeklong trip to the United States.

Flight PR001, carrying the President and the Philippine delegation, arrived at Villamor Air Base past 9 p.m. from Honolulu in Hawaii, the last leg of his U.S. trip.

Aside from Hawaii, Mr. Marcos had a working visit in Los Angeles, California, and attended the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in San Francisco, California.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said the president secured investments worth $400 million in the

Philippines population may reach 115 million by yearend

‘We don’t want Study: Filipino adults among those likely to suffer from high blood pressure Sara impeached’

by Mary Villegas

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Marcos brings home $672M in investment pledges from US

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Caltrans reopens all lanes of I-10, weeks ahead of schedule

But the president did not specify where the joint patrols are in the West Philippine Sea, other than to say these were to continue until Thursday, November 23.

Marcos said the joint activity was aimed at enhancing the interoperability — or the capacity

often overlooked.

Apparently, some researchers came up with this new study using data from the 13 million Asian adults who participated in the National Health Interview Survey from 2013 to 2018.

Dividing the data into four groups— Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and other Asian descent—the researchers found that Filipinos are at higher risk of having high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes than the Chinese.

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PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood

by Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, November 20, saying she does not deserve to be impeached and that he only has positive things to say about her work.

While claiming that it is not unusual to hear about efforts to oust a leader, Marcos said he is closely watching the issue because he is against impeaching the vice president, who was his runningmate in the 2022 elections.

“Binabantayan namin nang mabuti (We are monitoring it closely) because we don’t want her to be impeached,” Marcos told reporters here. “She does not deserve to be impeached so we will make sure that this

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PHILIPPINE TERRITORY. In this June 2022 photo, a Philippine Navy member displays a Philippine flag during a visit to Sandy Cay, a sandbar just 7.4 kilometers (4 nautical miles) from Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. A number of Chinese naval ships were in the vicinity during the Navy’s visit.

Photo by Marianne Bermudez / Philippine Daily Inquirer

PH woos Asean to craft code on South China Sea

by Nestor Corrales Inquirer.net

HONOLULU — The Philippines is working on a separate code of conduct with neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam regarding their territorial conflicts in the South China Sea as a broader agreement with China has not been progressing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday, November 20.

The president said talks on a regional code of conduct with China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, have been slow and Beijing’s “aggressive” behavior in the disputed waterway has made its relations with the Philippines more tense.

Speaking at a forum at the

Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies here, the president admitted that tensions in the South China Sea were growing “with persistent unlawful threats and challenges against Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction over our exclusive economic zone.”

“We are still waiting for the code of conduct between China and Asean and the progress has been rather slow unfortunately,” he said, referring to efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“We have taken the initiative to approach those other countries around Asean with whom we have existing territorial conflicts, Vietnam being one of them, Malaysia being another and to make our own code of conduct.

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NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From The Front Page

Marcos says joint patrols with US... Marcos brings home $672M in...

PAGE 1 of military equipment of both military forces to operate in conjunction with each other — in patrolling the area.

“This significant initiative is a testament to our commitment to bolster the interoperability of our military forces in conducting maritime and air patrols. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to enhance regional security and foster a seamless partnership with the United States in safeguarding our shared interests,” he said.

The president said the joint maritime and air patrols are part of a series of events agreed upon by the Mutual Defense BoardSecurity Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) of both nations.

The MDB-SEB is a framework for security and cooperation, providing an opportunity for the Philippines and the United States to exchange views on security concerns and plan the range of military activities they will conduct the following year, including the “Balikatan” exercises that are held annually.

In 2012, the Philippine government, asserting its sovereign rights over the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), renamed the portion of the South China Sea comprising the maritime areas of the western side of the Philippine archipelago as the West Philippine Sea. The West Philippine Sea includes the Luzon Sea as well as the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), according to Administrative Order No. 29 issued by former President Benigno Aquino III. The announcement came a day after the president told a forum in Hawaii that the situation in the South China Sea, most of which is claimed by Beijing, had become more “dire than it was before.”

Noting that a broader agreement with China has not progressed, he said the Philippines was working instead on a code of conduct with its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) with conflicting claims on the South China Sea. “We are still waiting for the code of conduct between China and Asean and the progress has been rather slow, unfortunately,”

which would allow American companies to export PAGE 1 telecommunications sector; $250 million in nuclear equipment and technology to Manila. semiconductor and electronics; $20 million in Manila Electric Co. and American firm Ultra pharmaceutical and health care; $2 million in Safe Nuclear Corp. also signed a prefeasibility artificial intelligence for weather forecasting; and study on micro modular reactors to explore clean $300,000 in renewable energy. and sustainable energy options in the Philippines.

The U.S.-based Astranis and Orbits Corp.

Filipino firm Lloyd Laboratories and U.S.-based signed a $400-million project for the country’s DifGen Pharmaceuticals also pledged to invest own internet satellites on the sidelines of the $20 million for the establishment and operation Apec Summit, which is seen to bring internet of the first U.S. Food and Drug Administrationconnectivity to unserved and underserved areas approved manufacturing facility in the Philippines in the Philippines. while Ayala Corp.’s AC Health and Varian Medical Aside from the dedicated internet satellites, Systems partnered to build the first Philippine the Department of Science and Technology cancer hospital. also signed an agreement with leading artificial In San Francisco, the president told members intelligence meteorology company Atmo Inc. of the Semiconductor Industry Association in the to build a high-resolution weather forecasting United States that both the public and private system for the country, which would be Asia’s sectors in the Philippines were ready to work with biggest AI-driven weather forecasting program the group should it plan to invest or expand in the once operational. country.

The president earlier said he also wanted a He said the Philippine government considered deal with technology giant Starlink of American the semiconductor and electronics industries billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to improve the among its top priority sectors, citing the Corporate perennial connectivity issues in the country.

Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or Priority sectors CREATE Act, which could grant incentives for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during an arrival ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, after his weeklong trip from the United States.

The Philippines also signed the breakthrough up to 40 years to highly desirable projects with a

File photo by Ryan Leagogo / Inquirer.net 123 agreement or the “peaceful nuclear minimum investment capacity of P50 billion and 1992 and released a declaration cooperation agreement” with the United States, generate about 10,000 jobs. n he lamented.

Late Monday night, November urging unnamed parties “to 20, however, China expressed exercise restraint,” calling on its opposition to Mr. Marcos’ “all parties concerned to apply proposal, insisting that Asean the principles contained in the must stick to their previous Treaty of Amity and Cooperation 1996.

Philippines’ position in the South in Southeast Asia as the basis PAGE 1 agreement.

After two years of inconclusive China Sea, but he said “rhetoric “Any departure from the DOC for establishing a code of Hopefully, this will grow further framework and its spirit will international conduct over the and extend to other Asean negotiations, China and Asean is not enough.” countries,” the president noted. settled for a nonbinding “We need to upgrade our be null and void,” Ministry of South China Sea.” He added that the increasing Declaration on the Conduct of defense and civilian law Slow progress Foreign Affairs spokesperson In 1996, the regional grouping tensions in the South China Parties in the South China Sea enforcement capabilities not Mao Ning said in a press briefing only to defend ourselves but also in Beijing, referring to the officially endorsed to Beijing Sea required that “we partner (DOC) in 2002.

In 2005, the first draft of to enable us to become a reliable nonbinding Declaration on the the idea of a code of conduct, with our allies and our friends Conduct of Parties in the South after it failed to obtain China’s around the world, so as to come guidelines to implement the partner in promoting and China Sea (DOC) signed between endorsement of international to some kind of resolution and to DOC was drawn up, but it was guaranteeing regional security,” not adopted until 2011. he said. norms of behavior over disputed maintain the peace.”

China and Asean in 2002.

In November 2002, members China has since refused to Without mentioning Beijing, claims in the South China Sea. ‘Important task’ said Manila’s regular Though the DOC fell short of of Asean and China signed in discuss it further, arguing that he Mao added that formulating a code of conduct in the South a binding code of conduct, as Phnom Penh a nonbinding the time was not ripe yet and routine and resupply missions China Sea was an “important the Philippines had sought, the declaration on conduct in the preferred to deal with individual to Ayungin (Second Thomas) through bilateral Shoal have been subjected to task” to fully implement the DOC. agreement was pushed by Asean South China Sea, the first time claimants that China accepted a multilateral negotiations. “coercive tactics and dangerous Nothing much has been to ease tensions in the area.

Series of violations maneuvers of coast guard and Mao also reacted to Mr. agreement over the disputes in accomplished in this regard, “The law is clear as defined maritime militia vessels in the with the Department of Foreign Marcos’ warning that China’s the region.

Though the declaration fell by the Unclos and the final and West Philippine Sea, putting the Affairs earlier noting that the aggression has been inching negotiations that began in closer to the country’s shoreline, short of a binding code of binding 2016 award on the lives of our people at risk, and 2013 have so far resulted in the building facilities in some shoals conduct, as the Philippines had South China Sea arbitration,” challenging the rule of law.” sought, the agreement was Marcos pointed out, referring to According to him, there are finalization only of the preambular within the Philippine EEZ. “China’s position and claims pushed to ease tensions in the the United Nations Convention also rampant illegal, unreported, part or the introductory section of concerning the South China area and create guidelines for on the Law of the Sea and the and unregulated fishing and the code.

July 12, 2016, ruling of the militarization of reclaimed China, despite agreeing to Sea issue are solidly grounded conflict resolution.

Members of Asean have Permanent Court of Arbitration features in the South China Sea. work on a code of conduct as in history and the law,” Mao been trying to obtain China’s in The Hague, Netherlands, He likewise cited the presence early as 2002 through the DOC, claimed.

“China carrying out endorsement of international invalidating Beijing’s nine-dash of maritime militia vessels and had previously argued that the time was not ripe yet and said it construction activities on its own norms of behavior over the issue line claim that covered nearly the reef damage in Escoda (Sabina) and Rozul (Iroquois) Reefs. preferred to deal with individual territory is a matter purely within since 1992 when Asean issued its entire South China Sea. “Supported by the rules-based The President disclosed that claimants through bilateral the scope of China’s sovereignty first statement on the disputes.

The regional grouping first international order and our China had shown interest in and other countries have no negotiations.

Asean first became involved right to point fingers at it,” she became involved in the South growing partnerships, both time- shoals and sea features that were China Sea problem in July 1992 tested and new ones, we will “closer and closer” to Philippine in South China Sea issues in July insisted. n and issued a declaration that insist on the preservation of the coastlines, with the nearest urged unnamed parties “to sovereignty and integrity of the shoal about 111 kilometers (60 exercise restraint” and for the country, while working closely nautical miles). first time called on “all parties with international partners “Unfortunately, I cannot report concerned to apply the principles in the bilateral, regional, that the situation is improving. contained in the Treaty of Amity and multilateral settings in The situation has become more and Cooperation in Southeast developing rules and processes dire than it was before,” he said, Asia as the basis for establishing to address these challenges,” adding that some features in the a code of international conduct Marcos said.

South China Sea were “slowly over the South China Sea.” He thanked the United States turned into military bases.”

Asean officially endorsed the and the growing number of —with reports from Inquirer idea of a code of conduct in allied countries in support of the Research and Reuters n

PH woos Asean to craft code on...

Caltrans reopens all lanes of I-10...

PAGE 1 American and global economy.

As repairs continue over the coming months, the public should expect some temporary closures on occasional weekends and overnight, along with intermittent lane closures.

The 10 Freeway fire began on a site rented by Apex Development, Inc. (Apex). Two months prior to the fire, Caltrans sued Apex, seeking to remove the company from the leased property for failing to pay its rent and subletting the property without authorization. A hearing is set for early 2024 in that lawsuit. Apex was responsible for maintaining the fenced-off site while they continued to assert rights under the lease. CAL FIRE’s investigation into the fire — suspected to be arson — remains ongoing.

A person of interest has been identified and members of the public are encouraged to provide any leads or tips, which can be sent anonymously to the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408 or arsonbomb@fire.ca.gov.

Last weekend, Newsom proclaimed a state of

emergency in Los Angeles County to support the state’s response. The proclamation facilitates clean-up and repair work and directs Caltrans to request assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, which the state secured.

The 10 Freeway is a major artery that serves hundreds of thousands of Angelenos daily. After testing samples and assessing damage from the site, state transportation officials determined the damage could be repaired without demolishing and rebuilding the 450-foot span of the freeway, which could have taken upwards of 6 months.

Union crews continue to work around the clock to get the freeway open by tomorrow morning. While I-10 is closed to all vehicles, Caltrans workers are seizing this traffic-free opportunity to carry out a wide-ranging “swarm” maintenance operation – sweeping, repairing bridge railings and broken concrete, painting over graffiti, cleaning drains and culverts, removing litter, weeds, and overgrown vegetation, and sealing broken access doors. n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023

Filipino journalist’s seething memoir of Duterte’s drug war among TIME Magazine’s 2023 100 must-reads

HOLIDAY LANTERNS. Parol (Christmas lantern) maker, Denmar Delima, displays his lanterns along Tionko Street in Davao City on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Delima sells the lanterns, made of bamboo and colored cellophane, for as low as P65 to as high as P1,100 each.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

‘We don’t want Sara...

PAGE 1 is something we will pay very close attention to.”

“Lahat naman kami mayroong ganyan eh (All of us have been through this). So, I don’t think it’s particularly unusual, I don’t think it’s particularly worrisome,” he added.

“There will always be an element that would want to change the result of an election,” he said.

He described his relationship with the vice president, who is also the education secretary, as “excellent.”

“On a professional level, nothing but good things to say about the work she has done in the Department of Education,” the president said.

Earlier, Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said there were talks about impeaching Duterte at the House of Representatives but leaders of the chamber denied this. Rumors about the supposed efforts to impeach Duterte came as the vice president is facing controversy over her request for intelligence funds in the 2024 national budget.

TIME Magazine just published its 100 must-read books of 2023 list, which includes Filipino trauma journalist Patricia Evangelista’s memoir, partly a retelling of the human cost of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody drug war, “Some People Need Killing.”

The magazine lauded Evangelista’s newly published book as “one of the most harrowing and brave books published this year.” TIME’s editorial director Lucas Wittman says of the former Rappler reporter: “She’s unflinching in bearing witness to the thousands of dead killed under Duterte’s reign of terror.”

In the book, Evangelista traces the populist rise of Duterte, his egregious track record as Davao City’s mayor for over two decades, and how he fulfilled his promise of killing drug personalities at the cost of Filipino lives during his term as president.

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Portrait by Mark Nicdao courtesy of Patricia Evangelista and Book cover courtesy of Random House.

Photos from Instagram/@patevangelista

She zeroes in on the president’s violent rhetoric and the government’s complacency in trying to justify these killings with words like “nanlaban” or “fought back, forcing police officers to shoot them.”

Since its release in October 2023, the book subtitled “A

Memoir of Murder in My Country,” has received praise by foreign and local press alike including The New Yorker editor David Remnick, who compared Evangelista’s work with that of George Orwell.

Evangelista joins other notable

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Philippines population may...

PAGE 1 that the fertility rate has an impact on the country’s age structure.

“The dominant now is the working-age group population of 15 to 64 years old. The dependents, who are aged zero to 14, are getting fewer in number. Its implication is that if the country becomes successful in building human resources such as the working-age population, there is a chance to accelerate economic development,” he said.

“If all or many are working, all will contribute to development rather than receiving help from the government. There is positive contribution to economic development,” he added.

If the number of children in the family is manageable, there will be more investment when it comes to their health, studies and well-being as a family, according to Tacardon.

He said that the CPD is continuously addressing the increasing number of teenage pregnancy cases in the country. n

Study: Filipino adults among those...

Vice President Sara Duterte

The House of Representatives, dominated by the allies of Marcos, has realigned the combined P650-million confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President

Philstar.com file photo

and Department of Education to security agencies dealing with the threats in the West Philippine Sea. (Alexis Romero, Michael Punongbayan, Ghio Ong/Philstar.com) n

PAGE 1 Findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions conference in Philadelphia. According to Heart.org, these results are just the first chapters while the rest are meant for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Filipino adults taking the lead in high blood pressure When it comes to cardiovascular health, Filipino adults are at the forefront of high blood pressure—a major culprit for heart attacks, strokes, and heart diseases. In fact, PRESYON studies in the Philippines found that hypertension rates soared from 22 percent in the 1990s to 37 percent in 2021.

With the World Health Organization’s

recent confirmation that too much sodium intake can cause high blood pressure, it’s no surprise that Filipinos are top candidates given our penchant for salty, sweet, and savory foods.

Furthermore, the study also reveals Filipino adults have higher rates of smoking. Owing to this outcome, Sudsheesha Perea, a medical student at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, highlighted the need for more studies on the heart health of all Asian subgroups.

In addition, Dr. Latha Palaniappan, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University and an internal medicine doctor, also noted the importance of more research into the specific Asian group at higher risk for strokes, asthma, cancer, and even mental health. n

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Dateline USA

NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

New online permit finder tool launched City of San Diego water treatment

plants earn national awards

Search feature allows quick and easy access to data for more than one million permits

SAN DIEGO – In a continued effort to expedite processing times and deliver high-quality customer service on digital platforms, the City of San Diego has unveiled a new online tool to allow San Diegans to easily access to permit activity and historical data. Using Permit Finder – an interactive geographic information system (GIS) platform – San Diegans can now view records of more than one million permits, all in one convenient place.

By making permit data available through a userfriendly online platform, the city is also improving efficiencies for Development Services Department (DSD) staff who can now focus their time on permit reviews and processing.

“This new tool is the latest step the city is taking to improve transparency for permit applicants and interested residents,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “By having decades of information available at a

customer’s fingertips, we’re now able to free up staff who previously spent hours upon hours searching through permit records to answer questions.

We’re making things easier for San Diegans and saving valuable time.”

With Permit Finder, residents and business owners can easily search for past permit history on a property or project, making it easier and faster to move forward with new project plans.

Features include: • Permit data dating back to 2003, covering 20 years of projects from the online permitting portal and Project Tracking System.

• The ability to search for projects and permits using a City of San Diego address, an Accessor’s Parcel Number, a project number, a permit number or an approval number.

• Easily customizable reporting features, allowing users to research previous permits and current projects or approvals for

each property address within the City of San Diego.

Permit Finder’s goal of being both efficient and effective for all users marks the next step in the #DigitalDSD initiative and furthers continued efforts to streamline processes for the benefit of both residents and businesses.

“We’re pleased to bring this comprehensive and user-friendly Permit Finder service to San Diegans,” said DSD Assistant Director Gary Geiler. “Our team knows how much of a difference the time spent looking for answers and updates can make for customers. The work that’s gone into developing this tool will bring that down significantly while also making pertinent information clearer and more dynamic than ever.” #DigitalDSD aims to enhance all DSD workplace systems and costeffectively leverage technology to increase productivity and improve customer service

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Miramar, Otay facilities honored by Partnership for Safe Water

SAN DIEGO – Two of the City of San Diego’s water treatment plants are being recognized on a national level by the Partnership for Safe Water for a commitment to superior water quality.

The Miramar Water Treatment Plant received the 10-Year Presidents Award for Water Treatment, having received a Presidents Award every year since 2013. It is one of only four plants in the country to earn this award. The Otay Water Treatment Plant received the Phase III 15-Year Directors Award for Water Treatment, having received the Directors Award every year since 2008.

Otay is also one of just four plants in the country to earn this award.

“These prestigious awards recognize our commitment to producing high-quality drinking water for all San Diegans,” said Juan Guerreiro, Director of the city’s Public Utilities Department, which operates the plants. “These honors reflect

the dedication of the men and women who work every day to make our water system one of the best in the country.”

The Partnership for Safe Water is an alliance of six drinking water organizations: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, National Association of Water Companies and the Water Research Foundation. The city’s water treatment plants have been recognized by the Partnership for Safe Water many times over the past decade.

The awards recognize the Public Utilities Department’s excellence in optimizing water treatment plant and water distribution system operation and performance. To earn these awards, treatment plants must demonstrate a continuous commitment to providing highquality water to customers, even

beyond regulatory requirements.

In operation since 1962, the Miramar Water Treatment Plant provides treated drinking water to an estimated 500,000 customers in the northern section of the city. Located adjacent to the city’s Miramar Reservoir, the plant has a capacity of producing 144 million gallons of treated drinking water per day. The Miramar Plant will play an important role in the city’s Pure Water program, which will provide nearly half of San Diego’s water supply locally by the end of 2035.

The Otay Water Treatment Plant began operation in 1914 and is located near the city’s Lower Otay Reservoir. The plant provides drinking water to an estimated 100,000 customers in the southern area of the city. The smallest of the Ccty’s three water treatment plants, Otay Water Treatment Plant has the capacity to produce 34 million gallons of treated drinking water per day.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours STARTING November 20, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. If you didn’t order tests since the program reopened in September, the site will let you place two orders for a total of eight tests. Order your test kits through COVIDtests.gov. Orders will ship free starting the week of November 27, 2023.

The kits will include instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates. Many kits have had their expiration dates extended beyond what may be printed on the packaging.

You don’t have to pay for shipping, and you’ll never be asked for a credit card or bank account number. You only need to give a name and shipping address. If you’d like an email confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service, you

can submit your email address. Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer.

So, remember: • Only go to COVIDtests.gov to order your free test kits from the federal government. When you click to order, you’ll be redirected to special.usps. com/testkits. If you’re following a link from a news story, double-check the URL that shows in your browser’s address bar.

• No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government to ask for your information to “help” you order free kits. Don’t give out your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. Do not respond. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(Colleen Tressler/Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC) n

Is Novavax, the latecomer COVID-19...

PAGE 1 vaccine versus the one by Pfizer. And those boosted with Novavax’s had fewer complaints than either of those. That finding was corroborated in an analysis of international data published last year.

Such studies have driven people with long covid and chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME/CFS) to seek out Novavax, too, since the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention greenlighted Novavax’s vaccine — updated to protect against recent omicron coronavirus variants — about three weeks after recommending updated mRNA vaccines in September.

Waiting paid off for Kissane, whose arm was briefly sore. “It was a dramatically different experience for me,” she said. “I hope that plays out for others.”

Another group who waited on Novavax are biologists who geek out over its technology. When asked why he opted for Novavax, Florian Krammer, a virologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, replied on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Because I am [a] vaccine nerd, I like insect cell produced vaccines.”

Whereas mRNA vaccines direct the body to produce spike proteins from the coronavirus SARSCoV-2, which then train a person’s immune system to recognize and fight the virus, Novavax simply injects the proteins. These proteins are grown within moth cells in a laboratory, while other protein-based shots use cells from mammals. And Novavax has said that a special ingredient derived from the bark of Chilean soapbark trees enhances the vaccine’s power.

Research suggests that the Novavax vaccine is about as safe and effective as the mRNA shots. Its main disadvantage is arriving late to the scene.

Vaccine uptake has plummeted since the first shots became widely available in 2021. Nearly 70% of people got the primary vaccines, compared with fewer than 20% opting for the mRNA covid boosters released last year. Numbers have dwindled further: As of Oct. 17, only 5% of people in the United States had gotten the latest covid vaccines, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Daniel Park, an epidemiologist at George Washington University, said low rates might improve if people who felt lousy after their last mRNA shots gave Novavax a try. It protects against severe illness, but researchers struggle to specify just how effective this and other vaccines are, at this point, because studies have gotten tricky to conduct: New coronavirus variants continuously emerge, and people have fluctuating levels of immunity from previous vaccines and infections.

Still, a recent study in Italy suggests that Novavax is comparable to mRNA vaccines. It remained more than 50% effective at preventing symptomatic covid four months after vaccination. Some data suggests that mixing and matching different types of vaccines confers stronger protection — although

other studies have found no benefit.

Given all this, Park held out for the Novavax vaccine on account of its potentially milder side effects. “Between a demanding full-time job and two young kids at home, I wanted to stay operational,” he said. His arm was sore, but he didn’t have the 24-hour malaise accompanying his last mRNA shot.

Most people don’t strike a fever after mRNA shots. Even when they do, it is brief and therefore far less detrimental than many cases of covid.

In fact, most reactions are so minor that they’re hard to interpret. During clinical trials on mRNA vaccines, for example, up to a third of people in the placebo group reported fatigue and headaches after injection.

People with ME/CFS and long covid — a potentially debilitating condition that persists months after a covid infection — have responded to covid vaccinations in a wide variety of ways.

Most participants with long covid in an 83-person Canadian study said their levels of fatigue, concentration, and shortness of breath improved following vaccination. Inflammatory proteins that have been linked to long covid dropped as well.

However, larger studies have yet to corroborate the hopeful finding. Jennifer Curtin, a doctor who co-founded a telehealth clinic focused on long covid and ME/CFS, called RTHM, said vaccines seem to temporarily aggravate some patients’ conditions. To learn how Novavax compares, she posted polls on X in late October asking if people with long covid or ME/CFS felt that their symptoms worsened, improved, or stayed the same after Novavax. Most replied: unchanged.

“It’s not scientific, but we need to figure it out since these folks don’t want to get covid,” Curtin said. “My patients are all wondering about what vaccine to get right now.”

Adding to the uncertainty, the rollout of Novavax and mRNA vaccines has been bumpy as pharmacies struggle to predict demand and insurance companies figure out how to reimburse providers for the shots. Unlike previous vaccine offerings, these options are no longer fully covered by the federal government. A testament to this season’s struggle to get vaccinated is that at least one do-gooder has created an online tool to find open appointments for Novavax.

Buoyed by anecdotes of relief from others with long covid, Hayley Brown, a researcher at the Center for Economic and Policy Research who has the condition, opted for Novavax recently.

Unfortunately, her symptoms have flared. She said a temporary discomfort will still be preferable to risking another infection. “As someone with long covid, the idea of getting covid again is terrifying.”

(Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News) KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF— an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

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D ateline Philippines 7 witnesses against De Lima China artificial islands to recant testimonies

forward,” they stated.

by Franco Jose C. Baroña The witnesses include Germa Agojo, Tomas ManilaTimes.net Doniña, Jaime Patcho, Wu Tuan Yuan also known MANILA – Seven persons deprived of liberty as Peter Co), Engelberto Durano, Jerry Pepino, and (PDLs) who stood as witnesses in the pending drug Hans Anton Tan. They are all currently serving case against former senator Leila de Lima have sentences at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) signified their intention to retract their testimonies.

The Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 granted De “At this point, we would like to state that our Lima to post bail for her remaining drug case on participation as witnesses in the drug cases against November 13. former DoJ (Department of Justice) Secretary De Lima has been detained at the Philippine De Lima was vitiated by undue compulsion and National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, influence, and thus, any judicial statement made Quezon City since 2017 after being implicated in by us, is void of lack of consent,” the witnesses the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison said in a signed letter addressed to the Muntinlupa while she was justice secretary.

Regional Trial Court RTC) Branch 206 dated Nov. While under detention, several witnesses had 17, 2023. recanted their allegations against the former “We no longer desire to live our lives with the senator. knowledge that we allowed ourselves to become These witnesses said they had been coerced. pawns or instruments of injustice. We wish to live a The former senator won her first two cases in life of dignity, integrity, and responsibility moving 2021 and in early 2023, respectively. n

Ex-president Rodrigo Duterte vows to rejoin politics if Sara gets impeached

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

FORMER president Rodrigo Duterte said he would be forced to run for either vice president or senator if Vice President Sara Duterte gets impeached over the use of confidential and intelligence funds.

Duterte issued the statement following reports that some members of the House of Representatives were hatching a plan for the ouster of his daughter.

“Alam ninyo ba kapag ginawa ninyo ‘yan, babalik ako sa pulitika. Mapilitan ako; it’s either I run for senator or I will run for vice president maski matanda na ‘ko (if you do that, I will return to politics. I will be

forced to either run for senator or for vice president even though I’m old),” Duterte said in an interview on SMNI on Monday night, November 20.

“Mapipilitan akong lumabas sa retirement (I will be forced to come out of retirement). When I begin to talk, election is just around the corner, talagang magka-babuyan tayo (it will get messy). I do not lose anything, I’m retired,” he added.

ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro earlier said there were “informal discussions” among her colleagues about a possible impeachment case against Duterte.

But Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other leaders in the lower chamber denied the rumors.

“I’m not aware of anything.

Nothing filed, no news of that,” Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said.

The impeachment rumors came after the House stripped Duterte’s offices of confidential funds and removed her ally Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as deputy speaker.

On Monday, the president said he and his allies were not seeking the impeachment of Duterte, as he denied supposed cracks in their UniTeam alliance.

“We don’t want her to be impeached. We don’t want her to — she does not deserve to be impeached,” Marcos said.

Marcos said he has an

u PAGE 7

Filipino journalist’s seething...

PAGE 3 novelists, poets, and writers in TIME’s 100 must-read books of 2023 such as the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature awardee French author Annie Ernaux.

Among those featured in the list are Emma Cline for America’s

newly beloved summer read “The Guest,” R.F. Kuang for her satirical literary masterpiece “Yellowface,” activist Naomi Klein with her incisive look at the modern afflictions of life in her latest book “Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World,” and

EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscars, and Tony) award winner Barbra Streisand with her memoir “My Name is Barbara.”

TIME’s 100 Books is an annual list that features fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. (Inquirer. net) n

5

nearing Philippines coasts

by Alexis Romero Philstar.com

CHINESE military facilities on reclaimed land features in the West Philippine Sea have come alarmingly close to the country’s coastlines, President Marcos said on Monday, November 20 as he expressed concern over what he called “false narratives,” “coercive tactics” and “dangerous maneuvers” aimed at restricting activities in Philippine territorial waters.

In his remarks at the AsiaPacific Center for Security Studies, Marcos said the Philippines has to work with its allies, including treaty partner United States, to maintain peace in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines calls its area in the South China Sea the West Philippine Sea. Marcos did not specifically mention China, but he was apparently referring to the Asian giant, which had reclaimed numerous land features in the West Philippine Sea and turned them into bases and fortresses from which Chinese aircraft and ships are deployed to harass Philippine vessels and fishing boats.

He said tensions in the West Philippine Sea are growing, with “persistent unlawful threats and challenges” against the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.

Such actions, he said, were violations of international law, specifically the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and were inconsistent with the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea. Marcos lamented that progress has been slow in the crafting of a code of conduct for South China Sea claimants.

He revealed that the Philippines has approached other countries in the region with which it has disputes like Vietnam and Malaysia “to make

our own code of conduct.”

“Supported by the rulesbased international order and our growing partnerships, both time-tested and new ones, we will insist on the preservation of the sovereignty and integrity of the country, while working closely with international partners in the bilateral, regional and multilateral settings in developing rules and processes to address these challenges,” the president said.

Marcos described the role of the Philippines’ alliance with the U.S. as “critical,” noting that Washington is Manila’s most traditional ally and sole treaty partner.

“The increasing tensions in the South China Sea require that we partner with our allies and our friends around the world so as to come to some kind of resolution and to maintain the peace,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippines appreciates the “concrete manifestations” of the U.S. of its continued support as well as the growing number of foreign partners backing the Philippines’ position.

“So, I have said it before and I will say it again, the Philippines will not give a single square inch of our territory to any foreign power. The law is clear as defined by the UNCLOS and the final and binding 2016 Award on the South China Sea Arbitration,” he added.

Marcos was referring to the ruling of an arbitral court based in The Hague, which voided China’s expansive maritime claim in the resource-rich South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its EEZ. China vowed not to recognize the landmark ruling, calling it a mere piece of paper.

Unlawful activities Marcos detailed unlawful activities in the West Philippine Sea that endanger lives and harm the environment.

He said the Philippines’ regular routine and resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal are subjected to “coercive tactics

and dangerous maneuvers”

by Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels.

The president also cited the “rampant illegal, unreported and unregulated” fishing and

u PAGE 7 NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San Diego (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Bids for the below named Public Works project.

The solicitation, including plans and specifications, may be obtained from the City’s website at: https://www.sandiego.gov/ cip/bidopps Contractors intending to submit a Bid must be prequalified.

Please refer to the solicitation for instructions.

Project Name: Alvarado 2nd Extension Pipeline Project Number: K-24-2005Estimated Value: DBB-3-C $127,000,000 Mandatory Pre-Bid Virtual Meeting: 12/5/2023 at 10:00 A.M. Bid Due Date: 1/8/2024, at 2:00 P.M. License Requirement: A It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts. Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned, and womenowned businesses are strongly encouraged. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms.

The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate with regard to race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, disability, medical condition or place of birth; and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis.

Bids shall be received no later than the date and time noted above at: City of San Diego’s Electronic Bidding Site PlanetBids at: h t t p s : / / w w w. p l a n e t b i d s . com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=17950 Claudia C Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department November 21, 2023 11/24/23 CNS-3759372# ASIAN JOURNAL

6

NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Opinion

Ready for AI... or not

Features

The Philippines, according to President Marcos, is “embracing” the future with artificial intelligence. He issued the statement as he invited technology companies and venture capitalists in the U.S. to be partners of the Philippines in “navigating the AI future.”

The meeting with the tech entrepreneurs was among the highlights of the president’s participation in this year’s AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, California. He said the government is currently crafting a National AI Strategy that “aims to position the Philippines as a center of excellence in artificial intelligence.”

Let’s hope the techpreneurs will be enticed and help Filipinos embrace AI. U.S.-based digital tech giant Cisco, in a recent study conducted among companies in the Philippines, found that while 98 percent of the firms want to adopt AI to boost efficiency and competitiveness, only a low 17 percent are ready to employ AI technology in their operations. Nearly half of the firms lack the proper infrastructure to meet AI challenges.

Cisco assessed AI readiness based on strategy, infrastructure, data, talent, governance and culture.

Apart from helping companies transition to AI technologies, the government must also address the impact of AI on jobs. Experts have warned

that one of the biggest generators of employment in the country, business process outsourcing, is among the most vulnerable as AI increasingly takes over BPO functions. BPO workers aren’t the only ones at risk of displacement. In May this year, management consulting firm Kearney estimated that up to 100,000 jobs in the Philippines could become obsolete within three to four years. Among those expected to be badly hit, Kearney said, are retail and back-office roles involving traditional manual data entry. It noted that the impact is already becoming evident in areas such as financial institutions and telecommunications.

Another study conducted by the International Data Corp. ranked the Philippines 12th among 14 economies in the Asia-Pacific on progress in automation.

Experts have been stressing the urgency of ManilaTimes.net photo upskilling and reskilling vulnerable workers. Both the public and private sectors are struggling to higher paying jobs overseas. AI can also create keeps advancing at warp speed. Responses to the get the skilled workers needed for embracing opportunities for new types of employment, but problem must be able to keep up with the rapidly AI technology. Many of the top talents prefer this will require proper training in a field that evolving challenges. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

What APEC means for all of us

Babe’s Eye View Babe Romualdez NO matter what some people may think, there is no doubt presidential trips, in my view, are extremely important considering we live in an everevolving global village where barriers to economic growth and development are factors in life. There are trips that directly play a significant role in the lives of people, and obviously, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco is one of many.

Composed of 21 member economies, APEC has become an important international body where leaders have an opportunity to tackle free trade and investment concerns in order to advance shared goals and interests through economic and technical cooperation.

APEC members are some of the fastest growing economies in the world. They account for almost 40 percent of the global population (approximately 3 billion people), representing 62 percent of world GDP and 48 percent of world trade in 2021,

with real GDP increasing from $19 trillion in 1989 to $58.2 trillion also in 2021.

Obviously, the regional forum is important for us since 11 of the Philippines’ top trading partners are members, accounting for about 85 percent of our total imports and exports worldwide.

In his keynote address during the CEO Summit last Thursday, November 16, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pointed out that, “As member economies of APEC, we are accountable to our people and future generations to deliver sustained growth and prosperity.”

But while signs “point to darker clouds, this opportunity to collaborate once more is light in the economic horizon in our efforts to pre-empt a prolonged downturn and its very negative consequences,” he said, recognizing that the “resolve to gather” during the APEC Summit is already a testament to their “commitment to improve the lives of the people” in the region.

“We must leverage APEC’s core value propositions as the premier regional forum in the Asia Pacific, incubator of innovative ideas, pathfinder

for collaborative solutions to emerging trade issues, and platform for forward-looking and responsive economic and trade policies,” the president said, emphasizing that economies must develop in a manner that is “resilient, sustainable, and mitigates negative externalities.”

It was very refreshing to see the president engaging in a dynamic manner with CEOs, top business executives, investors and venture capitalists in the technology sector during a roundtable discussion where he highlighted the readiness of the Philippines to embrace artificial intelligence and invited them to become partners in navigating “the AI future.”

During the economic briefing that he conducted with U.S. investors, President Marcos explained in simple but eloquent terms what the country is doing and trying to do to attract more businesses to come into the Philippines.

“With a solid reform agenda and unabating growth amid headwinds, the Philippines is ready to take off as a leading investment hub in Asia. A wealth of opportunity awaits you in the Philippines, and we are

MAD

Sketches

Ana Marie Pamintuan OK, who started that naughty talk about the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte?

No one will admit it in the House of Representatives, where smoke usually indicates the presence of fire.

Knowing that impeachment is a game of numbers, the tiny genuine opposition bloc couldn’t have created the spark, although it was ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro who was first quoted by the media about it. She later clarified that the discussions were “informal” and an impeachment initiative at this point is “premature.”

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel confirmed last week that there were indeed such talks, which he said prompted the Makabayan bloc to discuss the prospects for its success.

Despite the denials all around, the story had people scrambling to find out who takes over in case the vice presidency becomes vacant.

Section 9, Article VII of the Constitution states: “Whenever

there is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice President during the term for which he was elected, the president shall nominate a vice president from among the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, who shall assume office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the members of both Houses of the Congress, voting separately.”

In 2001, after EDSA Dos presented the presidency on a silver platter to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, she picked senator Teofisto Guingona as her VP. The constitutional provision has triggered speculation that some folks want VP Sara’s position, which is just a heartbeat away from the presidency.

Officially, the House leaders dismissed the story as “fake news.”

But people likened the denial to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s claim that he is not fomenting destabilization, even as he admits meeting with retired military and police officers. In the next breath, he issues a warning to “you who are conniving in Congress,” to “watch the military and the police closely.”

* * * The connivers apparently refer to Speaker Martin Romualdez and Castro, whom Duterte has tagged as a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Duterte believes Romualdez has been wooing the support of different sectors including the left in preparation for his presidential bid in 2028, while at the same time neutralizing the likely strongest rival, VP Sara.

Daughterte, after haughtily firing off that salvo against an unnamed tambaloslos, appears to have retreated, leaving her father to fight her battles.

The emerging political alliance with the Reds, Duterte says, is causing “uneasiness” among government forces who have lost many colleagues in the counterinsurgency campaign.

His warning was issued as the talks swirled about his daughter’s possible impeachment.

Certainly, the House super majority has the numbers to send an impeachment complaint against VP Sara to the Senate.

The mood in the House can be surmised from the exodus from Rody Duterte’s party the PDPLaban to Lakas-CMD, the party of Romualdez, and President

ready to explore new horizons with your investments in the coming years,” the president highlighted.

“By bringing conversations on the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals, policy roadmap, and investment opportunities closer to the international business community, we aim to reintroduce the Philippines and jumpstart meaningful, concrete, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” the president added.

We were invited to a small private dinner specifically hosted for the president by VISA executive chairman Alfred Kelly Jr. at his private penthouse apartment located in downtown San Francisco.

With us were about a dozen top CEOs in the United States, who engaged in a lively and candid discussion with the president on the economic prospects of the Philippines and our relationship with the U.S. Al Kelly, who also happens to be the APEC 2023 Private Sector Host Committee Co-Chair, lauded President Marcos for his leadership and shared the view of many that the president is now considered to be one of the leading, most influential

world leaders today. The VISA executive chairman had this kind of projection because of the president’s charisma and eloquence, impressing listeners with the way he explained things that showed he is knowledgeable in geopolitics, global economic concerns, the war in Ukraine and other matters worldwide that the businessmen wanted to hear his views on. I was extremely proud to witness our president’s interaction with the CEOs in an area I always knew him to be at his best – a candid discussion on a wide array of topics.

The president had an informal cocktail meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and also met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on the sidelines of the APEC Summit.

Of course, the meeting with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who has become a good friend of the president, was extremely important for both our countries, reaffirming the strength of their alliance and underscoring the shared intent to grow and modernize this alliance. They also discussed “strengthening and broadening

economic cooperation bilaterally and through the IndoPacific Economic Framework.”

An important breakthrough was the signing of the landmark 123 Agreement that will pave the way for the U.S. to share nuclear technology and material with the Philippines for peaceful uses. The president sees the agreement as a milestone in ensuring a more energy secure and green Philippines, expressing optimism for nuclear energy to become part of the country’s energy mix by 2032.

As of this writing, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already reached out to our Department of Foreign Affairs for the much-anticipated meeting between President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they are expected to discuss the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea and find ways to maintain peace and prevent the situation from escalating. (Philstar.com) ***

Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

Manuel, however, said the Makabayan bloc noted the obvious: if Sara Duterte will be impeached over the P125 million in confidential funds that she requested for her first six months as VP, and spent in just 11 days in December last year, the approving authority (and source of the funds) will have to be included in the complaint. This happens to be another impeachable official – the president himself.

This can render the impeachment of the VP into a move leading to MAD – mutually assured destruction – of the warring Duterte and Marcos / Romualdez clans.

So perhaps the House denials of the impeachment talk are genuine, and the idea was floated simply to annoy the Dutertes. Tit for tat for Rody Duterte annoying the Romualdez-led House with his continuing tirades, and now vague warnings about military and police unrest.

Romualdez has said he’s “not aware of anything. Nothing filed, no news of that… there’s nothing in the offing, nothing in general.” * * * On Friday night, November 17, Romualdez, who is with his cousin BBM as usual in the latest overseas trip,

released a carefully worded statement addressing Duterte’s broadsides. Significantly, there was no categorical denial that Romualdez is eyeing the presidency.

Instead he urged everyone to focus on the challenges faced by the nation and called for “collective efforts” to address pressing problems, stressing that elections are not the answer to a hungry stomach.

“Regarding my personal political aspirations, I am currently committed to my role as speaker and serving the needs of our nation. My focus is on the present responsibilities and not on future electoral possibilities,” Romualdez stated.

He acknowledged the “valuable contributions” of Rody Duterte and maintained he is “grateful for the former president’s engagement with the political discourse, and I understand the curiosity surrounding the 2028 elections.”

VP Sara, asked about her political plans, said over the weekend: “I never really aspired to run for vice president, much more for president.” But she did run for VP. Rodrigo Duterte has openly expressed suspicion that the criminal complaint for grave threats filed against him by Castro bears the fingerprint of Romualdez.

If that sounds outrageous, there is also speculation, generated by the worsening rift within the UniTeam, that even the release on bail of former senator Leila de Lima, although ordered by a regional trial court, was aimed at spiting Rodrigo Duterte.

Even former opposition senator Antonio Trillanes is now suspected of forging an alliance with the administration, to serve as another thorn in the Dutertes’ side.

All these realignments shouldn’t be surprising in our rambunctious democracy. We know that politics is addition; politics makes strange bedfellows. What’s (mildly) surprising is that the intramurals are happening this early.

Some folks have warned that VP Sara, whose survey ratings remain high despite the recent double-digit plunge, could suffer the fate of former vice president Jejomar Binay, who made no secret of his plan to seek the presidency. At the rate the UniTeam intramurals are going, however, both the VP and the Speaker can end up bloodied on the road to 2028. (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

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

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

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China artificial islands...

FOSTERING LOVE FOR READING. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte (center) launches her children’s book “Isang Kaibigan” as she led this year’s celebration of Araw ng Pagbasa at the Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City on Tuesday, Nov. 21. Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto (left) and Department of Education Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Gina Gonong joined the vice president during the event, which aimed to foster a love for reading among learners and enhance their understanding of reading and literacy as pivotal in cultivating critical thinking.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

‘Unity vital in battling global warming, climate change’ MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, November 22 emphasized the importance of unity in mitigating the effects of global warming and climate change.

In his pre-recorded video message during the opening of the 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, Marcos enjoined the Climate Change Commission (CCC) to promote unity and cooperation for a “more resilient and adaptable nation.”

The president made the call, as he expressed hope to reach his goal of having a “new Philippines that is strong in trials, peaceful, and safe for the people and full of hope for a good future.”

“The impact of global warming and climate change is becoming more evident in our present time. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and a decline in biodiversity are stark reminders of the need to quickly respond to this immediate environmental concern,” he said.

“We all have a role to play in this mission. So we must work together, take a stance in support of our planet. Let us be involved in creating solutions to mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change.”

Under Proclamation 1667 issued on Nov. 18,

2008, the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week is celebrated every Nov. 19 to 25.

In adherence to this proclamation, the CCC organizes a series of activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.

The 16th Annual Climate Change Consciousness Week underscores the importance of community collaboration and collective action to address climate change.

This year’s theme for the week-long commemoration, “Bayanihan para sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag,” is anchored on Marcos’ vision of a low-carbon economy and climate-resilient country.

The opening ceremony for the 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week was graced by representatives of national government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations.

In observance of the week-long event, the art exhibit, “Stories of Resilience,” opened with a collection of photographs and poetry capturing the resilience, hope, and inspiration of Filipinos in the face of climate change and disasters. (PNA) n

PAGE 5 militarization of reclaimed features in the South China Sea. He said recent Philippine inspection of Escoda (Sabina) and Romulo (Iroquois) Reefs revealed a “direct correlation between the presence of maritime militia vessels and reef damage in those features.”

“If only for that, the impact on biodiversity and the environment are… I’m afraid are assessed as possibly already irreversible.

This imperils livelihoods. This imperils the future generations of Filipinos,” Marcos said.

“The strong, factual messaging in support of our lawful exercise of our rights under international law, and which will call out recent incidents in our EEZ, it demonstrates the strength of our alliance and partnership and challenges attempts to perpetuate false narratives,” the president said.

However, Marcos argued that rhetoric is not enough to ensure security in the West Philippine Sea. “We need to upgrade our defense and civilian law enforcement capabilities not only to defend ourselves but also to enable us to become a reliable partner in promoting and guaranteeing regional security. That would require greater substantial infusions into funding streams needed for our armed forces and coast guard modernization plans, including lines of effort to enhance cyber cooperation,” the chief executive said.

“I am optimistic from our recent engagements with our American counterparts, including U.S. legislators, and certainly in the executive department, to elevate our partnership and dedicate resources to match our commitments,” he pointed out.

Marcos said the Philippines

and the U.S. have been working on a bilateral planning and tracking mechanism that is seen to accelerate concrete and substantial capability development investments and activities to meet shared defense and security objectives over the next five years.

The defense chiefs of the two countries also met in Jakarta on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers Meeting Plus, to discuss efforts to further strengthen their alliance, he added.

“Our growing network of partners, including Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the UK, European Union will serve as force multipliers which will help us bring our country closer to the vision of a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation, within a secure and prosperous region,” Marcos said.

“So, I hope to continue this dialogue with all of you as we make our way on this principled path that we have chosen.”

Marcos delivered his strongly worded statements days after his meeting in San Francisco with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with whom he discussed ways to lessen the tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Before delivering his remarks, Marcos visited the headquarters of the U.S. Indo Pacific Command, the first Philippine president to do so, according to Malacañang.

He also visited the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, where he offered a wreath to honor those who died during the attack by Japanese forces on Dec. 7, 1941.

Myanmar In an interview at the same forum, President Marcos described the conflict in Myanmar as a “very, very difficult problem” of the Association of Southeast Asian

7

Nations (ASEAN).

“There is a great deal of impetus for ASEAN to solve this problem. But it is a very, very difficult problem,” the president said.

According to Marcos, the Philippines is interested in the developments in Myanmar because Filipinos were among those being trafficked to the conflict-torn country.

More than two million people have been displaced by the clashes between ethnic armed groups and the Myanmar military, according to the United Nations.

ASEAN members had criticized Myanmar’s junta for failing to achieve significant gains on a plan that was supposed to address a crisis that stemmed from a military coup that unseated an elected civilian government.

The junta has been prohibited from participating in ASEAN summits since 2022. Myanmar has been replaced by the Philippines as the event’s host for 2026.

During the ASEAN Retreat in Jakarta last September, Marcos said one test of the regional bloc’s relevance is its ability to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the Myanmar problem.

He stressed that ASEAN’s significance in the international stage can only be maintained so long as it can show the rest of the world that it continues to be “a force for positive change.”

“We remain firm that the resolution to the Myanmar crisis should be Myanmarowned and Myanmar-led. We continue to support the efforts of the ASEAN Chair to engage all stakeholders in Myanmar,” he said.

“We reiterate that all efforts in Myanmar should be in line with the five-point consensus and done in coordination with the Chair of ASEAN,” he added.n

New online permit finder tool launched Ex-president Rodrigo Duterte vows...

PAGE 4 delivery. Among its latest enhancements are the rollout of an online permitting system for all new development projects, virtual inspections, the innovative Zoning and Parcel Information Portal, the online Small Cell Supplemental GIS Tool and the digitization of more than eight million records.

DSD reviews, approves, permits and inspects all private development in the city and is on track

to approve more than 70,000 projects this year.

These efforts help customers create new housing units and job centers, increase access to the internet, facilitate expansion and replacement of water, sewer and telecommunications systems and protect San Diego’s natural resources. For more information about programs and services, visit sandiego.gov/DSD. (City of San Diego Release) n

PAGE 5 excellent relationship with Duterte.

“On a professional level, I have nothing but good things to say about the work that she has done in the Department of Education. On a very personal level, we get along very well,”

the president said.

Full support The vice president said that her family would support her father if he decides to go back to politics.

“Kung ano man yung decision ni Pangulong Duterte ay buo ang suporta ng pamilya sa

kanya, just like kung ano man ang mga desisyon naming anak regarding sa politika (Whatever the decision of [former] president Duterte, the family will support his decision, just like [how he respected our] decision in regards to politics),” she said. n

8

NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

ANNOUNCEMENT

LEGAL SERVICES / EMPLOYMENT / FOR RENT SD#0282

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: FENCING AT AUDEO CHARTER SCHOOL A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023, outside between the two buildings at Audeo Charter School, 3420 and 3430 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108. 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 December 14, 2023. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0680-50-00-00 Fencing at Audeo Charter School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $615,000 and $715,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require 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, C-13, 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 CC24-0680-50-00-00.

LEGAL SERVICES NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF John Hai Hoang CASE NO: 37-2023-00023564-PR-PW-CTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: John Hai Hoang AKA Son Hai Hoang A Petition for Probate has been filed by Szavrina Thuytien Hoang in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO. The Petition for Probate requests that Szavrina Thuytien Hoang be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent.

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

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

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 01/04/2024 Time: 1:30 P.M. Dept.: 503 Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 Branch Name: Central, Probate If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

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

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

ESTATE OF: JOHN HAI HOANG SzAvRINA THuYTIEN HOANG 2143 WATERSIDE DRIvE CHuLA vISTA, CA 91913 PubLICATION DATES: 11/10, 11/17, AND 11/24/2023 AJ 1282 AJSD 1282

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Letta Valdean Wedemeyer CASE NO: 37-2023-00040218-PR-PR-CTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Letta Valdean Wedemeyer A Petition for Probate has been filed by Kitty Mateo in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO. The Petition for Probate requests that Kitty Mateo be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent.

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

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

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 11/30/2023 Time: 1:30 P.M. Dept.: 503 Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 Branch Name: Central, Probate If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

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

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

ESTATE OF: LETTA VALDEAN WEDEMEYER KITTY MATEO 9056 PENTICTON WAY SAN DIEGO, CA 92126 PubLICATION DATES: 11/10, 11/17, AND 11/24/2023 AJ 1283 AJSD 1283

CASE NUMBER: 37-2023-00046513-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Mark Thomas Hafen filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Mark Thomas Hafen to Mark Thomas Lewis.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/19/2023 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: NOV, 06, 2023 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1287 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, and 12/08/2023 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

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

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.

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

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

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

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

AJSD 1287

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022101

Photo Art Genius located at 2890 Silver Medal Rd Unit 8, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

Registrant: a. Renee Rose Tagulao Onate, 2890 Silver Medal Rd Unit 8, Chula Vista, CA 91915. b. John Paul Onate, 2890 Silver Medal Rd Unit 8, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

This business is conducted

by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/20/2023.

Signature: Renee Rose Tagulao Onate.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/27/2023.

AJ 1279 11/03, 11/10, 11/17, and 11/24/2023.

AJSD 1279

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022723

Wises Barber Shop located at 5575 Baltimore Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942.

Registrant: Nathaniel Wise, 4965 Pine St, La Mesa, CA 91942.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/23/2023.

Signature: Nathaniel Wise.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/08/2023.

AJ 1284 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023.

AJSD 1284

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023214

a. Minh Ky Restaurant located at 4644 El Cajon Blvd #101, San Diego, CA 92115. b. Mi Minh Ky located at 4644 El Cajon Blvd #101, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: 3T Family Kitchen LLC, 11304 Treyburn Way, San Diego, CA 92131.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/01/2023.

Signature: Thinh Phan.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/16/2023.

AJ 1288 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023. AJSD 1288

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023492

Willys Handyman Service located at 3122 E 19th St, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Guillermo Osuna, 3122 E 19th St, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Guillermo Osuna.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/21/2023.

AJ 1292 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023.

AJSD 1292

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022902

Nandri Indian Cafe located at 108 E 8th St, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: a. Isaac Carl Amirian, 245 Woodlawn Ave Apt C3, Chula Vista, CA 91910. b.

Angel Kagitha Aseervadam, 245 Woodlawn Ave Apt C3, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted

by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/09/2023.

Signature: Isaac Carl Amirian.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/09/2023.

AJ 1291 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023.

AJSD 1291

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022407

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022301

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022716

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9022246

Bundook located at 3863 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941.

Registrant: a. Jennifer Lesure Oswald, 3863 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941. b. Joseph Nicholas Oswald, 3863 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941.

This business is conducted

by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Jennifer Lesure Oswald.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/02/2023.

AJ 1280 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023 AJSD 1280

Lucky Spa located at 9565 Jamacha Blvd, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Royal Holidays Wellness Center Inc, 9565 Jamacha Blvd, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted

by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/01/2023.

Signature: Heidi Qi. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/01//2023.

AJ 1281 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023. AJSD 1281

Anchor Down Security located at 4455 49th St #E, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Donnell Powell, 4455 49th St #E, San Diego, CA 92115.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/09/2017.

Signature: Donnell Powell.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/08/2023.

AJ 1285 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, and 12/01/2023.

Power Real Estate Group located at 2390 E Orangewood Ave #400, Anaheim, CA 92806.

Registrant: Jose Samano, 2390 E Orangewood Ave #400, Anaheim, CA 92806.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2021.

Signature: Jose Samano.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/31/2023.

AJ 1286 11/17, 11/24, 12/01, and 12/08/2023. AJSD 1286

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023162

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023124

AJSD 1285

Unleashed Designz located at 1421 Felspar St #1, San Diego, CA 92109.

Registrant: Lea Gambuti, 1421 Felspar St #1, San Diego, CA 92109.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/15/2023.

Signature: Lea Gambuti.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/15/2023.

AJ 1289 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023.

AJSD 1289

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023556

Nina International Beauty located at 1105 E Plaza Blvd Suite B, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: She’s International LLC,1105 E Plaza Blvd Suite B, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/16/2023.

Signature: Nina Garner.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/21/2023.

AJ 1293 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023.

AJSD 1293

Eloquence Of Jade located at 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 206, San Diego, CA 92108.

Registrant: Lynnel Gonzales-Azurin, 6593 Plaza Ridge Rd, San Diego, CA 921114.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Lynnel Gonzales-Azurin.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/15/2023.

AJ 1290 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023

AJSD 1290

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9023452

MonteMar Property Management located at 4269 Sleeping Indian Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028.

Registrant: Imelda P. Cunniff, 4269 Sleeping Indian Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Imelda P. Cunniff.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/20/2023.

AJ 1294 11/24, 12/01, 12/08, and 12/15/2023

AJSD 1294

SAN DIEGO

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023

JOURNAL

9

9

N OV E M B E R 24 , 2 0 23

INSPIRING ‘FILIPINO RENAISSANCE’

Trailblazing Pinoys share their journey at ‘PH Time is Now’

by Momar G. Visaya / AJPress

OBBY Lopez stands on the threshold of a groundbreaking achievement, a feat untouched in B the annals of entertainment history – a triple EGOT. With multiple Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards already adorning his illustrious career, he is an Oscar award away from an unparalleled milestone.

Honored at the recent ‘PH Time is Now’ event at the Harvard Club, Lopez, despite his towering presence in the industry, remains remarkably unassuming. When asked about the significance of his double EGOT status, he humbly remarked, “I’m not sure that it means anything.” Yet, this understated artist’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Born in Manhattan to a Filipino-American family, Lopez’s trajectory led him from Yale University to crafting songs for small theaters and ultimately birthing the acclaimed Avenue Q. In 2013, at the age of 39, he secured his first EGOT, becoming the youngest and the first Asian to attain this revered quartet of awards, accomplishing it within a mere nine years.

Fast forward four years, and Lopez etches his name in history once again. In March 2018, he clinched his second Oscar for co-writing “Remember Me” from Pixar’s “Coco,” cementing his status as the sole individual on the planet to boast a double EGOT. With four Emmys, three Grammys, two Oscars, and three Tonys, Lopez has ascended to legendary stature, spanning the realms of television, music, film, and theater. This unassuming trailblazer now stands at the cusp of a triple EGOT, a testament to his unparalleled talent and impact on the entertainment landscape.

Lopez is best known for his work on musicals such as “The Book of Mormon” and “Avenue Q,” as well as for composing the songs featured in the Disney animated film “Frozen” with his wife Kristen.

At the event, Lopez shared the story of his father Frank who was born on a ship on the way to the United States from Manila.

It is believed that the ship was the last GI boat to leave Manila after World War II and Bobby’s grandmother was aboard on a personal mission to find her father.

Lopez also shared his excitement about having more time now to be with fellow Filipinos at events and see Filipinos making it big.

“I’m so excited about it. I’m always so happy to see a Filipino succeed because I feel like your team is winning, it’s really great,” Lopez told the Asian Journal.

One source of Filipino pride on Broadway these days is Here Lies Love, the first all-Filipino musical in the Great White Way’s history.

The multiple Tony Award winner was in awe about what the musical was able to achieve.

“I love Here Lies Love, it was so exciting and I just want to see it again,” Lopez said. “I never would have imagined seeing a musical with an all-Filipino cast!”

Cultural and artistic revival While the event did not explicitly center on a Filipino renaissance, various speakers echoed the theme, recognizing a cultural and artistic revival within the Filipino community.

This resurgence is evident in various creative and cultural expressions, as well as in the exploration of indigenous traditions and historical

Care.com founder Sheila Lirio Marcelo and Rechie Valdez, the Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville and the first Filipino woman elected as a Member of Parliament in Canada in a fireside chat at the PH Time is Now event.

PHTimeIsNow was launched in 2018 to create a platform for global Filipino trailblazers, mentors, and changemakers to share their personal stories of learning, growth, and success through connecting and inspiring activities in hopes of helping the next generation tp reach greater heights in their personal and professional lives. Last month, the organization gathered Filipino trailblazers around the globe in New York City to celebrate Filipino excellence.

Photos courtesy of PH Time is Now

influences, reflecting a renewed appreciation for Filipino identity, arts, cuisine, and cultural heritage.

Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder of Care.com is happy that there is such a thing.

“Absolutely, there is a Filipino renaissance,” she said.

“I am just so thrilled to be supporting amazing Filipinos, Filipino Americans, rise as much as they can to lift all boats and inspire all Filipinos.”

Marcelo mentioned a couple of Filipino-founded companies where she is an adviser. The first is Enroot founded by Christina Patwa (she partnered with Brad Pitt) and the other is Mostra Coffee.

Marcelo said that despite her stature as CEO, there are still instances where she is underestimated. “No matter what, I think the internal Filipina in me is to be compassionate and understanding and help lift people up and better understand their unconscious bias when it happens and to do it with kindness.”

“It is good to see trailblazing Filipinos inspiring others,” she said. “I am so thrilled to be here to support and it’s such an honor to represent Filipinos and lift their stories.”

Among those inspiring stories belonged to Rechie Valdez, who attended the same event in 2018 as a banker and a baker. This year, she returned as one of the speakers.

Valdez was elected as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville in 2021, representing the Liberal Party of Canada. She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament. Last July, Prime Minister Justine Trudeau appointed her to his cabinet as Minister of Small Business.

In her conversation with Marcelo, Valdez talked about her journey in Canada as an entrepreneur who found herself in politics and that she takes immense pride in her Filipinoness.

Taking her oath was a powerful moment for her and she knew that it was all for her parents, “for all of their hard work and sacrifice being immigrants to Canada.”

Valdez highlighted the dedication, hard work, and grit that Filipinos possess, stating that we are capable of

overcoming challenges and excelling in any society. She emphasized the strong sense of family love that characterizes Filipino culture.

“To be back here as a speaker this time is a phenomenal moment for me,” Valdez told us.

“I’m mostly here to reconnect with Filipinos from across the American and Canadian diaspora and you know what it’s all about?

Hearing and sharing today that you learn something new and let that be a spark that you bring home.”

That was what she herself did back in 2018 at the first PH Time is Now event, which is why she is thankful to founder Carissa Villacorta for gathering inspiring Filipinos with great stories to share with the world.

In a message to the younger generation, Valdez encouraged them to believe in themselves and their creations. She shared that she did not have the same opportunities earlier in her life, and she wanted the younger individuals to understand that they have the potential to succeed. The key, according to Valdez, is self-belief and confidence in what they can achieve.

UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador Award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Davila served as the event’s host, conducting insightful fireside dialogues with the guest speakers, among them community leader and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, Tony Award winner Clint Ramos, entrepreneur Rebecca Kersch, ABC7’s Nina Pineda, author Neeta Bhushan, designer Jef Albea joining Lopez, Valdez, and Marcelo.

Davila, longstanding advocate for women’s and children’s rights, was in New York recently as UN Women’s National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines. In this role, she will amplify critical issues and inspire change, drawing attention to the role of women in development and nation-building, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“It is an honor to be UN Women’s first National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines. I will be working with many others who speak out in support of UN Women to help bring about positive change in mindsets, behaviors, and hopefully, in the everyday lives of women and girls,” Davila said.

As a new National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, Davila joins a select group of celebrated personalities in the fields of entertainment, sports, and activism, including awardwinning actors Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman, worldrenowned soccer player Marta Vieira da Silva and model and activist Cindy Sirinya Bishop, amongst many other influential figures.

Goodwill Ambassadors bolster the United Nations’ reach and awareness through enhanced visibility, strategic with national PH Time is Now founder Carissa Villacorta with double EGOT awardee Bobby Lopez and UN alignment objectives, expansive outreach Women’s global ambassador Karen Davila.

beyond traditional circles, accessible communication on gender equality, and authentic advocacy based on lived experiences.

The PH Time is Now event not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted a collective resurgence of Filipino identity, arts, and culture. Through the narratives of trailblazers like Bobby Lopez, Rechie Valdez, and others, the Filipino community is witnessing a renaissance that goes beyond borders, inspiring Karen Davila shared the stage with Broadway stalwarts, among them (top photo) Bobby Lopez, the next generation to believe in known for Avenue Q and Book of Mormon and (bottom photo) Here Lies Love producers - Tony themselves and their potential. n Award winner Clint Ramos and Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmynominated filmmaker, and Tony-nominated theatrical producer.

10 NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Derek makes a showbiz comeback

by Ronnie Carrasco ManilaTimes.net

PWC and UDW members celebrate the grand opening of their new office in San Diego.

PWC, UDW open its doors to San Diego community New joint office, new hub for caregivers in San Diego

SAN DIEGO – On November 20, 2023, the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California (PWC) and the United Domestic Workers of America (UDW-AFSCME Local 3930) were joined by the community of San Diego to celebrate the grand opening of their new joint office, located at 1365 W Vista Way, Suite 100, Vista, CA 92083.

The program started with an office blessing led by Father Miguel Romero of St. Mark’s Church and was followed by an indigenous blessing of the 4 directions in Visayan language, led by Dr. Catherine Luib. PWC members entertained the attendees with song and dance performances in traditional Filipino music and language. Workers, members and staff also joined the celebration with community singing and dancing. An open house was held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. where members of the community were able to explore the offices and community spaces.

Program emcees Clytie Causing (codirector, Community Action, PWC) and Editha Adams (statewide president, UDW) expressed their immense joy and excitement for their organizations to be housed under one roof. Both organizations aim to improve the lives of domestic workers and their families by building collective power through education, self-sufficiency and leadership building. With this new office, PWC and UDW hope to be able to reach the underserved communities of San Diego and provide them with more services, resources and support.

Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and United Domestic Workers of America (UDW) aim to transform the healthcare industry by fighting for issues that impact families and communities, such as immigrant rights, gender equity and workplace justice.

One of the speakers, UDW executive director, Doug Moore said, “Coalition work is what UDW does best. Our union is a union of homecare and childcare providers. They take care of people with disabilities and they take care of the elderly in their homes.”

Through coalition work with PWC and other organizations, they are also finding different pathways and solutions to affordable healthcare for the low income and the middle-class communities of California, while also advocating for the rights of the workers in the care industry.

Over the past 2 decades, the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) has been actively fighting for the rights of domestic workers, particularly, Filipino caregivers in Southern California. PWC has won over $9 million in back wages for caregivers and by the end of next year, they will have collected about $6 million, which is a great triumph for workers. Versoza expressed that they are not solely focused on getting back wages for workers but are also geared towards finding long-term solutions for domestic workers to have better working conditions and to end the exclusion from basic healthcare protections.

“We have to create a whole solution to both affordability of healthcare and the jobs, and we have to build worker power through the process,” said Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of PWC. “We’re also building worker-owned cooperatives, building models in the private sector that are building democratically-run worksites

Derek Ramsay Photo from Instagram/@ramsayderek07

the couple would rather sacrifice their showbiz career and do a lot of traveling: they got the means.

Isn’t this what Derek’s erstwhile buddy John Estrada once said of him: “He’s actually rich”?

No, Derek having lots and lots of it has nothing to do with his self-imposed retirement.

More than ever, Derek feels like

Kathryn’s celebrity friends unfollow Daniel, Andrea over rumored betrayal

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

From left: Editha Adams (statewide president, UDW), Doug Moore (executive director, UDW) and Aquilina Soriano Versoza (executive director, PWC)

and are actually lifting the jobs because we also fight against wage theft.”

PWC also announced the upcoming launch of their worker-led neighborhood turf teams in 7 locations in Southern California. With the opening of their new office, and as they expand their network and influence in San Diego, they plan to continue their efforts to organize workers and build people power for a more equitable future.

Aside from partnering with the United Domestic Workers of America (UDW), PWC is also a member of multiple coalitions for social justice such as the Los Angeles Worker Center Network (LAWCN), the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and the California Domestic Workers Coalition (CDWC).

Through their programs and advocacy work, PWC targets to build a future of care where everyone can actually have real options for the type of care that they want. For PWC, transforming healthcare means that individuals can age in their own communities with dignity. “It is a future where even caregivers, when they are older, would be able to receive the kind of care they have also been giving. That is the world we want to create,” said Versoza.

The new office of PWC and UDW is open during business hours from Mondays to Fridays.

Residents of San Diego and community members are welcome to visit the office for consultation and to seek help for issues involving workers’ rights, immigrants’ rights and homecare. They will also provide services such as Workforce Development Training programs (free training for caregivers), legal consultation, free tax preparation, I-TIN applications, assistance in phone and utility bills and more.

Versoza ended the program by encouraging the community with inspiring words, “We are doing this together with the members of PWC and UDW. And that’s what makes us so powerful. Our heart together for social justice and our fight. We are going to fight for everyone.”

(PWC/UDW Release) n

Pier was damaged again by high surf this month; upcoming winter storms may pose additional risk repaired damage to the railings and buildings for an estimated cost of $230,000. The most recent repairs provided less than four months of access before the pier suffered additional damage.

Over the past five years, the city has spent approximately $1.7 million to repair the pier, not including the cost of staff time and additional resources, and it has been closed to the public approximately 30% of the time due to damage.

“The cycle of damage and repairs for the Ocean Beach Pier has been an increasing challenge in recent years – and one that we cannot prevent,” said City Engineer Rania Amen, Director of the Engineering and Capital Projects Department.

“Our teams will monitor the situation throughout the storm season and be ready to fully assess the structure, both above and below the water, once it is appropriate.”

As a result of the repeated repairs in recent years and a 2018 study that determined the pier has reached the end of its service life, the city has launched the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal project, which aims to provide a long-term solution for the pier, likely through a replacement.

The city has hosted a series

KATHRYN Bernardo’s celebrity friends unfollowed Daniel Padilla and Andrea Brillantes over a rumored betrayal.

Chie Filomeno and Robi Domingo unfollowed Daniel and Andrea on Instagram, while Loisa Andalio and Miles Ocampo

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

“Sino?” asked Mama Loi. “Eh siyempre hindi naman to confirmed ha. Kaya dapat marinig din natin ang panig nila. Kasi nili-link si Daniel kay Andrea Brillantes,” Ogie answered. “’Di ba nakakaloka,” he added.

“Pero ‘di ba, Nay, dati may mga gano’n na chika?” asked Mama Loi again.

“Oo nga eh, hanggang ngayon ‘di mamatay-matay,” Ogie said.

“Hindi nga, na ang pinagselosan ni Kathryn ay si Andrea Brillantes. Na may nagchika pa sa akin na nagkikita ng lihim o pasikretong nagkikita si Daniel at si Andrea...” he further said in his talk show with Mama Loi. Meanwhile, a screenshot of Daniel’s supposed conversation with a fan is now viral on X, formerly Twitter.

“Relax na kayo aming mga Kathniels. Tama na ang pag aalala. Breathe. Ako na ang bahala sa lahat. Mahal namin kayo sagad,” Daniel supposedly Photo from Instagram/@supremo_dp said. n

only unfollowed Andrea.

Earlier this month, veteran showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz claimed that a source told him that Daniel and Andrea were allegedly secretly seeing each other.

“Talagang pinag-uusapan sa social media ‘yung ngang diumano ang hiwalayan ni Daniel at Kathryn na ang dahilan daw ay si...” Ogie said.

No baby plans yet for Yeng

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

‘to pero wala naman akong nararamdaman.’ Pero nu’ng first date namin, nu’ng kaharap ko na siya, ninerbyos ako,” she recalled.

“Na-predict ko na na mas mamahalin ko ‘to kaysa mamahalin niya ako. Tina-try ko pang pigilan. After nu’ng date namin na ‘yon, sabi ko lakad muna tayo. Three hours naglakad kami around BGC (Bonifacio Global City) na naka-heels ako. Sabi ko, ‘Nako, ma-iinlove talaga ‘ko nito kasi kaya ko nang maglakad ng naka-heels,” she added.

After their first date, Yeng called Victor because she couldn’t sleep.

“Pero first date namin, ‘pag-uwi ko ng bahay parang sasabog ‘yung puso ko. Hindi ako makatulog so tinawagan ko siya ng 4 a.m. tapos sabi ko, ‘Hello, gising ka pa? Gusto mo ba talaga ko?’ Sabi niya, ‘Oo, gusto Yeng Constantino talaga kita e.’ Tapos sabi ko, Photo from Instagram/@yeng ‘Pag itutuloy mo, ‘wag mo kong calm pero sa loob ko, ‘yung kaba iwanan ha,’” she said.

Yeng and Victor tied the knot ko grabe. Sabi ko, ‘Bakit ganon?

Kasama naman sa worship team on February 14, 2015. n

SINGER Yeng Constantino and husband Victor “Yan” Asuncion revealed that they have no plans yet to have a baby.

Victor said he wants Yeng to enjoy her life first because she began working at an early age. The couple were guests on broadcast journalist Karen Davila’s YouTube vlog.

“Wala pa po right now. When we got married, sinabi namin na after two years mag-baby na kami. Pero ngayon eight years na kami pero wala pa rin,” Victor said.

“For Yeng, nakikita ko na ‘Ahh ngayon lang siya nagiging bata.’

She’s been working since ‘yung early age niya. Parang ngayon, I can finally provide for her na. Pwede kang maglaro-laro ngayon,” he added.

Yeng revealed that she knew Victor was the right one for her on their first date. of community workshops to “First date pa lang. Nu’ng gather input from San Diegans nagsasalita siya, mukha akong about what they want to see in a potential pier replacement.

During the most recent workshop in September, the city unveiled three preliminary design concepts: The Squint Test, The Remora and The Braid.

These concepts feature ideas for specific amenities as previously prioritized by community members, including how the pier meets the land, on-pier viewing areas and public gathering SAN DIEGO – A clogged sewer line is the last spaces, among others. San thing anyone wants to deal with during the holiday Diegans were asked to provide season, which is why the City of San Diego is input on the designs through reminding people not to pour fats, oils and grease an online survey. Results from down the drain. that survey will help shape the Many San Diegans will be doing extra cooking preferred design concept, which at home during the holiday season, and everyone is expected to be presented to should know that cooking grease can coat sewer the public early next year. pipelines, leading to pipeline blockages, messy “The extended closure of spills and the need for expensive repairs. the iconic Ocean Beach Pier Public Utilities Department crews have had to further highlights the need to respond to three sewer spills this year that were potentially replace the current the result of fats, oils and grease that had clogged structure,” said Strategic Capital a pipeline and could have been prevented.

Projects Assistant Director Spilled sewage can eventually reach San Elif Cetin. “We have spent Diego’s bays, rivers and beaches, causing unsafe months collaborating with San conditions and temporary closures.

Diegans about what they would “Keeping fats, oils and grease out of your like to see if the current pier drain and sewer lines is always a smart routine to is replaced and we are excited to protect not only your home, but the surrounding share that preferred design with environment as well,” said Juan Guerreiro, Director the community in 2024.” of the city’s Public Utilities Department. “By The project is currently in disposing of these substances properly, you can the preliminary engineering save yourself from expensive plumbing repairs.”

Following a few simple steps can help prevent u PAGE 11

City of San Diego to keep Ocean Beach Pier closed through storm season SAN DIEGO – As a result of recent damage and with the potential for additional structural impairment from the upcoming storm season, the City of San Diego will keep the Ocean Beach Pier closed through the early part of 2024. San Diego Lifeguards closed the pier on Oct. 20 as a precaution during high surf conditions. While it was closed, the pier incurred surface damage and has remained closed since. Once the storm season has passed, the city will reassess and determine the next steps for the iconic 57-year-old pier.

The city has remained committed to providing a safe pier for San Diegans and visitors to enjoy despite recurring damage from storms and high surf in recent years.

In 2019, the pier was damaged in January and was closed until May. City staff repaired damage to the railings and utilities for an estimated cost of $430,000.

In January 2021, the pier was damaged again and was closed until that July. A contractor repaired structural issues while city staff repaired damage to the railings for an estimated cost of nearly $1 million.

This past January, the pier was damaged once again and was closed until early July. City staff

IT’S not at all “goodbye, showbiz!” for Derek Ramsay as the Filipino-British actor has an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival to watch out for — “(K)ampon.”

As the very title suggests, it apparently is a horror film. If I’m not mistaken, this is the same project originally offered to Kris Aquino (during her healthier days, of course) opposite Derek.

For some reason, the plan fizzled out.

It will be remembered that the onslaught of the global pandemic in 2020 had sidelined Derek.

It was by choice that he had ditched a couple of TV and film assignments with the gnawing fear that he might contract the dreaded virus (yet he was not spared anyway).

Derek’s decision to turn his back on showbiz has rubbed off on his wife Ellen Adarna whose last appearance was via a shortlived sitcom on TV. It is pretty understandable why

working on his own terms, and at his own pace.

Can he not be his own boss?

Doesn’t he have the right to set his own rules?

Any curious movie buff, however, cannot help but ask what was it that made Derek stage a showbiz comeback? Is his forthcoming festival entry something he hasn’t done before?

Is it because of his leading lady Beauty Gonzales, his wife Ellen’s close friend — them being both Visayans?

Or does Derek feel it’s about time he got back on his toes, and there’s no better time than Christmas? Does it mean we’ll be seeing much of Derek in the coming holidays and beyond?

What about Ellen, isn’t she just as eager-beaver to make her screen presence felt all over again, at least before she plans to get pregnant in the Year of the Dragon?

With all the network collaborations going on these days, Derek and Ellen may want to take advantage of these. n

Don’t ruin your holidays by pouring grease down the drain City of San Diego provides important tips to avoid sewage issues that could result in costly repairs

costly sewer spills: • Never pour fats, oils or grease down the sink drain or garbage disposal. Home garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the plumbing system.

• Pour small amounts of cooled cooking oil (this includes salad dressing, frying oil and bacon fat) into a non-recyclable package or container, such as an old milk carton, and dispose of it in the garbage. Grease, oils and other liquids are not allowed in green bins for organic waste recycling.

• Wipe dishes and pots coated with greasy leftovers with a disposable towel before washing or placing them in the dishwasher.

• Put strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps such as meat trimmings and other solids and then empty them in your green bin, not the garbage disposal.

To report a sewer spill, call the Public Utilities emergency hotline at 619-515-3525. For additional information about preventing sewer spills, visit the city’s website at https://www.sandiego.gov/publicutilities/sewer-spill-reduction.

(City of San Diego Release) n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023

11

Newsom administration New report highlights efforts to protect releases GenAI report businesses, workers in San Diego County SACRAMENTO — On Tuesday, November 21, the Newsom Administration released a report outlining the state’s opportunities to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) while highlighting potential harms. This is the first of several expected reports and deliverables required by the Executive Order the Governor issued two months ago.

“This is an important first step in our efforts to fully understand the scope of GenAI and the state’s role in deploying it. We’re taking a nuanced, measured approach – understanding the risks this transformative technology poses while examining how to leverage its benefits,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.

What’s in the report • Provides a preliminary analysis of risks and high-risk use cases, while still reaping the economic and transformative benefits of GenAI; • Examines how the state could prioritize tools to expand program access, improve the speed of ongoing work, summarize and classify information, and utilize complex datasets, and highlights the importance of secure, controlled pilots in doing so; • Highlights potential uses for improving accessibility to government services, including identifying groups that – for language barriers or other reasons – are disproportionately not accessing services for which they are eligible; • Describes the potential GenAI risks, noting that the issues must be addressed to ensure that Californians will collectively benefit from this technology.

Next steps The Governor’s Executive Order also directs the state to develop: • Risk-Analysis Report: Direct state agencies and departments to perform a joint risk-analysis of potential threats to and vulnerabilities of California’s critical energy infrastructure by the use of GenAI. • Procurement Blueprint: To support a safe, ethical, and responsible innovation ecosystem inside state government, agencies will issue general guidelines for public sector procurement, uses, and required training for application of GenAI – building on the White House’s Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and the National Institute for Science and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework. State agencies and departments will consider procurement and enterprise use opportunities where GenAI can improve the efficiency, effectiveness, accessibility, and equity of government operations.

• Deployment and Analysis Framework: Develop guidelines for agencies and departments to analyze the impact that adopting GenAI tools may have on vulnerable communities. In consultation with stakeholders and the Legislature, the state will establish the infrastructure needed to conduct pilots of GenAI projects, including California Department of Technology approved

environments or “sandboxes” to test such projects.

• State Employee Training: To support California’s state government workforce and prepare for the next generation of skills needed to thrive in the GenAI economy, agencies will provide trainings for state government workers to use state-approved GenAI to achieve equitable outcomes, and will establish criteria to evaluate the impact of GenAI to the state government workforce.

• GenAI Partnership and Symposium: Establish a formal partnership with the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University to consider and evaluate the impacts of GenAI on California and what efforts the state should undertake to advance its leadership in this industry. The state and the institutions will develop and host a joint summit in 2024 to engage in meaningful discussions about the impacts of GenAI on California and its workforce.

• Legislative Engagement: Work with Legislative partners and engage key stakeholders in a formal process to develop focused policy recommendations, informed by EO deliverables, for responsible use of AI, including any guidelines, criteria, reports, and/or training.

• Evaluate Impacts of AI on an Ongoing Basis: Periodically evaluate for potential impact of GenAI on regulatory issues under the respective agency, department, or board’s authority and recommend necessary updates as a result of this evolving technology.

“California can pioneer thoughtful and innovative approaches to GenAI adoption in state government,” said Secretary Amy Tong, who led the multi-agency team to deliver the report following two months of intensive consultation with academic, government, and community stakeholders and industry experts.

“Through careful use and well-designed trials, we will learn how to deploy this technology effectively to make the work of government employees easier and improve services we provide to the people of California.”

“California is home to 35 of the world’s top 50 AI companies,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).

“We’ll continue leading this industry and lifting up workers in the AI economy to create even more demand for businesses to locate and hire here in California.”

“Through responsible planning and implementation, GenAI has the potential to enhance the lives of Californians,” said Liana Bailey-Crimmins, Director of the California Department of Technology. “The State is excited to be at the forefront of this work. With streamlined services and the ability to predict needs, the deployment of GenAI can make it easier for people to access government services they rely on, saving them time and money.”

(Gov. Newsom’s Office Release) n

City of San Diego to keep Ocean Beach Pier closed...

PAGE 10 and planning phase and still needs to go through additional review, including California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act permitting, other regional agency permitting, design and construction.

After the preferred design concept is completed, a detailed project schedule and cost estimate will be prepared.

Currently, $8.4 million in state funding is designated for the project, and the city will pursue other state and federal grants.

(City of San Diego Release) n

THE county’s Office of Ethics, Compliance and Labor Standards (OECLS) has a new report out highlighting their accomplishments in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

The Board of Supervisors formed the Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement in May 2021 to serve as a central location for education and resources for employers and workers, undertake research and data analysis regarding worker issues and pursue additional enforcement measures to protect workers. Since that time, the Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement has merged with the county’s Office of Ethics and Compliance to form one office now known as OECLS. “Through community engagement, data-driven decision making, and a passion for creating a culture of high labor standards compliance in San Diego County, OECLS works to positively impact the lives of workers and businesses in San Diego County,” said Director Branden Butler.

The report details progress made in the last fiscal year and continuing steps the department will implement moving forward.

The full 2022/23 report can be viewed online by visiting https:// w w w. s a n d i e g o c o u n t y. g o v / content/sdc/OLSE/reports.html.

Some highlights include: • The formation of the 43 community stakeholder Fair Workplace Collaborative – to

develop OECLS education, outreach, and enforcement initiatives.

• Partnering with the Employee Rights Coalition (ERC) on a worker outreach campaign that provides direct assistance for workers who need help with wage and work-hour violations.

• OECLS contracted the Shaw Law Group to provide free educational seminars on employment law to nearly 2,000 small businesses in San Diego County.

• OECLS worked in partnership with ERC and the District Attorney’s Office with victims of the workplace shooting at Atkins Nursery. This partnership

provided legal, food and benefits assistance, along with victim’s services counseling.

• In May 2023, the Board approved an OECLS proposal to create the Workplace Justice Fund. The program will help all San Diego County workers with prevailing wage claims who have not yet been paid and those who are victims of retaliation following a complaint made to OECLS. • Established the Good Faith Restaurant Owners Program.

It notifies restaurants of their existing unpaid wages to workers and offers information on steps to correct the situation to maintain a County Retail Food

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

Permit.

• OECLS and the County Office of Evaluation, Performance and Analytics (OEPA) built a dashboard detailing the wage theft in San Diego County. OEPA was created to use modern analytics to sift through the County’s vast collection of data in new ways; to look for patterns, trends and associations that can help leaders improve programs, services and policies.

For more information, go to the Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement’s webpage at https://www.sandiegocounty. gov/content/sdc/OLSE.html.

(Sir Milo Loftin/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

12 NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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