Wednesday Feb 21, 2024

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

San Juan The

Star

DAILY 50¢

Can We Build Up Solar Power Without Harming Nature?

P7-8

A Call to Ban Blacktop ‘Cartel’

Anti-Corruption Group Seeks Bill to Eliminate Conflicts of Interest in Asphalt Paving Contracts

Gender-Based Violence to Be Addressed in Aguas Buenas School Initiative P5

NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL P 16

P3

Fallen Police Officers Honored in Capitol Ceremony P4

2 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

GOOD MORNING 3

February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star, the only paper with News Service in English in Puerto Rico, publishes 7 days a week, with a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday edition, along with a Weekend Edition to cover Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Anti-corruption group calls for bill to ban conflicts of interest in asphalt contracts

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facture and apply the material.

“An asphalt contractor who does not own a mixing manufacturing plant can never compete,” Pérez said.

“Additionally, the Puerto Rico Asphalt LLC monopoly prevented the Municipality of San Juan from saving 30% on the million-dollar cost of asphalt in these contracts.

It means that if we had an Asphalt Anti-Monopoly Law in Puerto Rico, the Municipality of San Juan would have saved about $7 million from these contracts.”

The same happens with Super Asphalt, DB Asphalt, A&M Asphalt, Alex Asphalt, Transporte Rodríguez Asfalto, Robles Asphalt, Asphalt Solutions, Santa Isabel Asphalt “and everyone who today manufactures and in turn monopolizes the daily supply and application of asphalt” on the island, the anti-corruption group stressed.

“Likewise, we ask the federal inspector of the federal Department of Justice to carry out investigations into this illegal practice in Puerto Rico, which is a territory of the United States and where the majority of asphalt projects are financed with federal funds,” Pérez said. “We know that these monopolistic practices violate countless federal laws on collusion, the Rico Act, white collar crimes, illicit enrichment, and many more federal criminal offenses.”

or Puerto Rico to eliminate rampant government corruption, the Puerto Rican Anti-Corruption Committee urged lawmakers Tuesday to introduce legislation that would “ban the asphalt mixture manufacturer,” or “asfaltera,” from being “the asphalt application contractor.”

Several organizations said the island has a “Puerto Rico Asphalt Cartel” that has a “mafia-like monopoly” that is responsible for the recent arrests of several mayors.

“If Puerto Rico had an Anti-Monopoly Law on asphalt, prohibiting the partners, shareholders, and owners of the asphalt mix manufacturing plants from also having contracts to apply the material, these mayors would not have been convicted of federal crimes,” said Willie Pérez, spokesperson for the Puerto Rican Anti-Corruption Committee.

He also said such a law will help control asphalt prices since it would create a more competitive market, generating savings for the central government and the municipalities.

“This is also why we do not have good roads in Puerto Rico, since here the one who produces the asphalt mixture material does not provide a guarantee of the product and the one who applies it does not provide a guarantee because they know that they have a monopoly,” Pérez said.

“This does not happen in the concrete industry. Here in Puerto Rico the concrete plants are not dedicated to being concrete contractors and it creates tremendously good competition that benefits in that the concrete plants have to offer a good price,” he pointed out.

“So if we see that, with concrete, Puerto Rico benefits in this way where the one who produces the material does not monopolize the construction and application of concrete at all, then why do we let the asphalt conglomerates have such a monopoly?”

He charged that companies like Puerto Rico Asphalt LLC (formerly Betteroads) have a monopoly on Several organizations contend that a “Puerto Rico Asphalt Cartel” has a “mafiaMunicipality of San Juan contracts like monopoly” on road paving projects that looms large in the recent arrests of for $22 million, since they manu- several mayors.

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Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Lawmakers defend charter schools

Rep. José Hernández Concepción

By THE STAR STAFF

S

an Juan Rep. José “Cheito” Hernández Concepción and Sens. Nitza Morán Trinidad and Juan Oscar Morales Rodríguez defended the permanence of charter schools on Tuesday, arguing they have been essential to the educational and social development of young people from San Juan.

“Charter schools are an important complement to the ed-

ucational system in San Juan, which includes the Department of Education and private institutions. All these sectors complement each other to provide a better education to our children,” said Hernández Concepción, who represents District 3. “In my district there are several charter schools. One of them, the Leap Steam Academy, has an enrollment of around 800 students, with 80 percent coming from sectors such as Parcelas Falú, Hill Brothers and public housing complexes such as Monte Hatillo, among others. This model works; just asking the students, parents, and communities that these schools serve is enough.”

As previously reported in the STAR, the Multisector Group in Defense of Public Education called upon the island Legislature on Tuesday to pass Senate Joint Resolution (RCS by its Spanish initials) 424, which would impose a moratorium on charter schools in Puerto Rico.

Last week, the Multisector Group visited senators at the Capitol, with the endorsement of more than 22 organizations, to demand the approval of RCS 424 to establish a moratorium on establishing and expanding charter schools. The measure was introduced on May 26, 2023. On Sept. 1, 2023, the Senate Education Committee submitted a report recommending its approval.

The organization said RCS 424 should be approved because it is a matter of urgency to stop diverting public funds into private hands through the Education Department’s Office of Public Schools Alliance.

Charter schools are publicly funded, tuition-free schools, but they differ from traditional public schools in several ways.

Rather than being part of the public school system, which dictates curriculum and standards in all schools, charters operate autonomously through individual agreements, or charters, with the local government.

The Education Department has delayed repairs to public schools, many of which have structures in precarious condition, including leaky roofs or broken-down restrooms. The island’s charter schools, meanwhile, have a budget that exceeds $40 million in public funds.

The “nonprofit” model of charter schools benefits from public funds and the privatization of public assets, a situation that can potentially result in embezzlement and corruption within the agency.

Over the past two years, at least three scandals related to charter schools have occurred in Puerto Rico, with more than 1,000 reports of scandals in charter schools in the United States.

Lawmaker: Judges’ salary increases subject to legislation

By THE STAR STAFF

H

ouse Finance Committee Chairman Jesús Santa Rodríguez said Tuesday that in order to include salary increases for judges as a budget item for the next fiscal year, he will wait for legislation to be approved as a condition of including the allocation in the budget resolution.

“To be able to put through a salary increase, you need a law.

And … even the letter submitted by the [Financial Oversight and Management] Board, at that time, specifies it,” Santa Rodriguez said at a press conference. “Which is why money was taken out in the custody of the Office of Management and Budget.

The governor has already submitted a bill. What I believe here is that all parties must sit down to reach an agreement. As long as there is no law that stipulates what the increases are going to

Rep. Jesús Santa Rodríguez

be, whatever they are, there is no way for you to put money in that budget, responsibly.”

“I’m not going to put it on. In other words, there has to be a law and there has to be consensus,” the legislator added. “What I’m doing is forcing them to sit down and reach a consensus, to reach an agreement. That’s the responsible thing to do; that’s what the country expects.”

In several interviews, House Speaker Rafael “Tatito” Hernández Montañez has insisted that after the June primary he will address legislation on salary increases for judges and other government officials.

Santa Rodríguez, along with Reps. Domingo Torres García and Deborah Soto Arroyo, released the schedule of public hearings for the evaluation of the budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, which begins on July 1.

Fallen police officers are honored in Capitol ceremony

By THE STAR STAFF

G

ov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia participated on Tuesday in the ceremony in honor of the police officers who fell in the line of duty, which was held on the south side of the Capitol, where tribute was paid to Lt. Edwin Maldonado, who died last year.

“Police work is a noble and challenging vocation that requires great courage and an unwavering commitment to public service,” the governor said in a written statement.

“Our police officers work tirelessly to protect our people, facing difficult situations and making crucial decisions at unexpected times. It is important to recognize and appreciate that service, since our police officers are the backbone of our security and peace of mind. Today, as we celebrate Puerto Rico Police Week, we dedicate this activity to those who made the supreme sacrifice.”

“We pay tribute to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding the peace and security of our communities,” Pierluisi continued. “And we take a special

moment to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. In the case of Lieutenant Maldonado, his sacrifice was an example of nobility and dedication in search of the well-being of all without exception.”

The ceremony was attended by the leaders of the House of Representatives, Rafael “Tatito” Hernández Montañez and the Senate, José Luis Dalmau Santiago, along with other legislators, as well as Puerto Rico Police Bureau Commissioner Antonio López Figueroa and officials from the Department of Public Safety.

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

5

Gender-based violence to be addressed in Aguas Buenas school initiative

By THE STAR STAFF

I

n response to the urgent need to address the issue of gender-based violence, the municipality of Aguas Buenas announced the start of a series of talks aimed at students from public schools in the town.

In an effort to eradicate gender-based violence from an early age, an initiative entitled “Building a Future Without Violence: Eradicating Gender-Based Violence From School,” seeks to address social issues through educational workshops and interactive activities in schools.

“Gender-based violence harms our society and it is urgent to identify all possible tools to stop this social problem,” Aguas Buenas Mayor Karina Nieves Serrano said. “For this reason, we decided to start this project, which has the endorsement of the Department of Education and its school principals to educate our children about the importance of respect, equality and empathy.”

“Building a Future Without Violence: Eradicating Gender-Based Violence From School” is an initiative that seeks to address social issues through educational workshops and interactive activities in schools.

“This educational program will consist of talks given by experts in the field, who will offer crucial information about the different types of violence and how to identify and prevent them, as well as foster healthy and respectful relationships,” the mayor said. “These talks will be adapted to the different ages and levels of understanding of the students, from sixth grade to fourth grade, to ensure that the message reaches all participants effectively.”

In addition to the talks, interactive and dynamic activities will promote open dialogue, the exchange of ideas and personal reflection, in order to educate young people in a comprehensive way, creating a safer and more equitable school and social environment for all, Nieves Serrano noted.

The initiative will impact a total of 1,975 students from the Alfonso López O’Neill, Pedro Albizu Campos, SU Bayamoncito, Carmen D. Ortiz, Luis Muñoz Marín and Superior Urbana schools and the Juego, Exploro y Aprendo Educational Center.

Activists to block traffic on March 8 to demand action against gender violence

By THE STAR STAFF

T

he Feminist Collective in Construction plans to block traffic on the Las Américas expressway on March 8 as part of a series of actions seeking an end to gender-based violence in Puerto Rico.

In a preliminary event designed as

part of a lead-up to that mass action, the activists planned to hold a caravan on Tuesday evening as “an exercise in occupying the streets and demanding that the government address the gender-based violence crisis with the priority it deserves.”

“We will stop night traffic in the country to stop gender-based violence,”

stated a call for participation in the caravan issued earlier on Tuesday. The mobilization was slated to begin on Ponce De León Avenue, in front of the main gate of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

The evening protest against gender-based violence on the island was to be

part of “We for Our Lives” day, in which accountability was demanded regarding the government’s management of the gender violence state of emergency in Puerto Rico and the implementation of prevention measures.

It was also part of the call for the Women’s Strike on March 8.

Man held who allegedly stabbed and threatened to kill his partner in front of daughter

By THE STAR STAFF

T

According to the police, the accused man allegedly attacked his partner in the presence of his minor daughter, stabbing her in the shoulder with a kitchen knife, and threatened to kill her and burn her house down.

he Puerto Rico Police Bureau said Tuesday that agents captured José Miguel Ortiz Laracuente, who is accused of stabbing his partner in front of his youngest daughter in San Germán on Sunday.

According to the police, Ortiz Laracuente, 35, was arrested Monday night by agents from the Mayagüez Intelligence and Arrests Division on Ramón Arbona Avenue in Mayagüez.

The police investigation indicates that the subject allegedly attacked his partner in different parts of the body in the presence of

his minor daughter. He stabbed her in the shoulder with a kitchen knife, threatened to kill her and to burn her house down.

Due to those alleged actions, prosecutor Hassan Maldonado of the Mayagüez Prosecutor’s Office found cause against Ortiz Laracuente on five charges, after which the court set bail at $2.5 million.

The investigation was led by agents Pablo López, from the precinct, and Ernesto Ramos and Carlos Lugo from the Criminal Investigation Corps of Mayagüez.

The police indicated that the accused individual has a criminal record from a previous case of robbery.

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The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Fiscal board increases highway concession P3 to the maximum payable

By THE STAR STAFF

T

he Financial Oversight and Management Board has approved an increase to $1.26 billion, the maximum payable amount of a public-private partnership (PPP) concession contract, to operate toll highways PR-5 and PR-22, according to a recent letter.

The increase in the contract with Metropistas is $115 million over the previous amount of $1.15 billion, documents showed.

The letter sent by Jaime A. El Koury, the oversight board’s general counsel, to Highways and Transportation Authority (HTA) Executive Director Edwin González Montalvo notes that the original contract stems from a competitive procurement process issued by the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority on June 15, 2010 for the operation, management, maintenance, construction, rehabilitation, and tolling of toll roads PR-5 and PR-22.

The contract has a maximum payable amount of $1.15 billion and a term lasting from its date of execution of Sept. 26, 2011 to Sept. 26, 2051.

“The contract has been amended six times, increasing the maximum payable amount by $115 million to $1.26 billion without altering the term,” the letter notes. “The proposed amendment, which constitutes the seventh

The increase in the contract with Metropistas is $115 million over the previous amount of $1.15 billion, documents showed.

amendment to the contract, incorporates additional language … providing that the concessionaire shall have the right, upon notice to HTA and at its own expense, to enter into a new electronic toll collection (ETC) service contract for the provision of tolling services in respect of the island network, or to self-perform any or all of the services contemplated to be otherwise provided under

the new ETC service contract.”

The language aims to ensure consistency between the contract and the new public-private partnership contract for the concession of toll roads PR-20, PR-52, PR-53 and PR-66, as amended and approved with observations by the oversight board on Dec. 8, 2023, in reference to the financial close of the PPP contract.

The concessionaire will procure the new ETC service contract through a competitive procurement process, the board said, noting that the proposed amendment does not alter the term or maximum payable amount.

Debtwire Municipals notes that in December 2023, Puerto Rico Toll Roads reached financial close on the public-private partnership for the PR-20, PR-52, PR-53 and PR-66 toll roads.

Meanwhile, the oversight board also approved increasing the maximum payable amount to KPMG to almost $10 million to audit the commonwealth’s financial statements, according to a separate letter to Puerto Rico Treasury Department Assistant Secretary of Administration Josué Cardona.

The proposed amendment, which constitutes the second amendment to the contract, contemplates the audit of the financial statements of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

Governor: Gunfire detection system has been discontinued in favor of other methods

By THE STAR STAFF

G

ov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia said Tuesday that the contract for a gunshot detection system called Shotspotter that was installed in several public housing units in the San Juan metropolitan area has expired and will not be renewed in favor of superior methods.

“The federal government, the U.S. Department of Housing [and Urban Development], made the decision some time ago not to continue funding that program, not to give us the funds to continue that program. But now

we have other electronic methods of detecting criminal activity. I’m talking about cameras that are being installed on major thoroughfares, a command center at the level of the Department of Public Safety that monitors [such activity],” the governor said in response to questions from reporters. “Now we have other electronic systems that are better, let’s say. And anyway, as I said, that was a program that was funded by the U.S. Department of Housing, which decided to stop funding it.”

“The systems were located in public housing, mainly, and that’s why it was the federal Department of Housing that provided the funds and some time ago decided not to do it,” Pierluisi added.

“And we have replaced that system with other electronic methods to monitor the incidence of crime.”

The Shotspotter system was installed in the summer of 2013 by the administration of then-Gov. Alejandro García Padilla. It began as a pilot program within a perimeter of several square miles in the San Juan metropolitan area.

Shotspotter is a cyber monitoring system that operates by placing dozens

of acoustic sensors in a given perimeter, which have the ability to, within 30 seconds, detect the detonation of a firearm, identify if it is an automatic weapon, record the shots individually, identify on a location map or global positioning system, or GPS, the exact place and time when the weapon was fired as well as automatically notify nearby patrols. The system operated in some public housing units in San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Bayamón, parts of Carolina and Guaynabo.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

7

The planet needs solar power. Can we build it without harming nature? competing interests out there.”

Potential solar sites are so ecologically varied that federal guidelines on wildlife and habitat wouldn’t be or pronghorn, those antelope-like creatures of the appropriate, he said. And solar developers already take American West, the grassland north of Flagstaff, precautions for animals and plants that are protected Arizona, is prime habitat. It gives the animals the under the Endangered Species Act, the intensive care food and conditions they need to survive fall and winter. unit for wildlife.

But for a nation racing to adopt renewable energy, Fences make good neighbors the land is prime for something else: solar panels. The Up to one-third of potential solar development in sun shines strong, the terrain is flat and high-voltage the United States could overlap with areas that have high transmission lines are in place from a decommissioned value for wildlife movement, according to one study, as coal plant. Energy collected here could speed to major animals move to adapt to climate change. (Rooftop and metropolitan regions across the West, part of a colossal other small-scale solar can go a long way toward taking wave of clean power needed to stave off the worst effects pressure off big installations, but U.S. energy demand of global warming. would still require a surge in large-scale projects.)

Animals need humans to solve climate change. But One way to reduce solar’s damage is wildlifethey also need places to live. Loss of habitat is the top friendly fencing. driver of a staggering global decline in biodiversity, the National electricity codes require fencing to protect variety of life on Earth. The boom in solar power, set to be A GPS collar is attached to a pronghorn near Flagstaff, Ariz., on Oct. 16, the fastest-growing energy source in the United States, is 2023. The process helps researchers understand how animals interact with people from electrical hazards and infrastructure from damage. Simply replacing the conventional chain-link predicted to fence off millions of acres across the nation, energy infrastructure. (Nina Riggio/The New York Times) version with fencing that has wider gaps will let creatures blanketing them in rows of glassy squares. such as foxes scamper through. Raising the bottom of a The good news for wildlife is that there are ways kly to attach a tag to his ear and a GPS collar around his neck. fence off the ground, to offer a few inches of passage, for solar developers to make installations less harmful The collar will track how he responds to the solar farm, accomplishes the same thing. and even beneficial for many species, including fences that let In Florida, a combination of 4- and 6-foot fencing allows some animals pass, wildlife corridors, native plants that nurture which will be broken up into sections. Fifteen corridors ranging from a quarter-mile to more than a half-mile will offer habitat panthers and deer to jump into many of Florida Power and Light’s pollinators and more. solar facilities, said Jack Eble, a company spokesperson. Wooden But at this pivotal moment, as solar farms sprout nation- and passage for pronghorn, mule deer and elk.

A moment later the pronghorn galloped away, an unk- supports that shore up fences let medium-size animals crawl over, wide, those measures often go unused. Among the reasons: a and larger openings at the bottom give access to small animals. patchwork of local and state regulations governing large-scale nowing participant in an experiment in coexistence.

Competing interests at play “We have not experienced any issues with wildlife damasolar, not enough research on how animals interact with it and On the surface, the most wildlife-friendly practice may ging solar panels or other solar-related infrastructure to date,” an absence of federal guidelines on siting or design.

“We’re faced with two truths: We have a climate change seem obvious.

Eble said.

“If you start with a site that has really no conservation value crisis, but we also have a biodiversity crisis,” said Meaghan But so far, wildlife-friendly fencing is not commonly used, Gade, a program manager at the Association of Fish & Wildlife — it’s cleared, it’s degraded, whatever — then everything you do according to Josh Ennen, a senior scientist at the Renewable EnerAgencies. “We have to be mindful that there’s wildlife that are at that point is a win,” said Liz Kalies, an ecologist who studies gy Wildlife Institute, a nonprofit collaboration that seeks to find dependent on these habitats, and we have to be smart and clean energy for the Nature Conservancy and works in North solutions to wildlife conflicts and is mostly funded by industry. thoughtful about how we’re doing this deployment so that we Carolina, where forests have been felled to make way for solar.

Developers are often unfamiliar with the options for Pollinators such as bees, for example, can benefit from solar wildlife-friendly fencing, and it may not be easily available. can hold both of those crises at the same time.”

Eighty percent of states rely on voluntary approaches to facilities that replace crops treated with pesticides, especially Furthermore, many worry it will backfire if federally prowhen the new installations include native species (nearby crops minimize impacts to species and habitat, according to the astected animals use the permeable fencing to wander onto the sociation. As developers race ahead, the decisions they make can benefit, too). In Kentucky, a solar farm is going up at the site site. Suddenly, developers would have to worry about fines for of a former coal mine. driving over, say, a baby desert tortoise. today will reverberate for decades.

But for developers, it’s not so easy. Getting permits and Regulations can get in the way, too. Around the country, On the grassland north of Flagstaff, a ranching family, solar developers and state wildlife biologists have come together to financing for work on former industrial sites can be tricky be- solar facilities are subject to a disparate patchwork of local and try solutions on the fly. One sunny day last fall, a helicopter cause of risks including leftover toxic waste. Rural communities state rules, some of which require specific kinds of fencing.

A trade-off for the future descended over a herd of pronghorn streaking across shrubby sometimes oppose the conversion of agricultural areas to solar, arguing that arable land should be protected for food security grasslands near the site of a planned solar farm.

At Babbitt Ranches in Arizona, the solar farm’s fenPronghorn are exceptional for their combination of speed and to maintain the economic health of farming towns. cing will be raised off the ground for smaller animals such And crucially, developers need to be able to move the as rabbits. Pronghorn, mule deer and elk will be kept out and endurance. If there were a global mammal marathon, a electricity, which makes the availability of transmission infras- because of the developer’s concerns that they could damage pronghorn would probably win.

Even though they look like antelopes, they are more clo- tructure paramount to any site. equipment or hurt themselves. For those animals, they’re “While it would be nice to think that there’s all of these planning the corridors. sely related to giraffes. While Arizona’s pronghorn population is stable, it’s a small fraction of the species’ historical numbers. low-conflict areas that developers could just go build on and Long known for Hereford cattle and quarter horses, Babbitt On this day, a net shot from the helicopter, a buck fell and everybody would leave them alone, in reality that’s not how Ranches stretches over 700,000 acres of private and leased public a wrangler jumped out. He tied the buck’s feet, and a biologist things work,” said Tom Vinson, vice president of policy and land. Transmission lines have drawn a crowd of clean-energy blindfolded the heaving animal, hoping to calm him. Monitoring regulatory affairs at the American Clean Power Association, developers, and the first wind turbines are up. his temperature for signs of dangerous distress, they worked quic- which represents utility-scale solar developers. “There’s always Continues on page 8

By CATRIN EINHORN

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8

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Atmospheric river brings more rain and flooding to California

By SARAH MERVOSH,VIK JOLLY and ORLANDO MAYORQUIN

sued evacuation warnings for certain vulnerable communities. On Monday morning, authorities in Santa Barbara found a woman’s body in Misuch of California was pounded by another sion Creek. A Santa Barbara Police Department wave of rain earlier this week in the latspokesperson, Sgt. Ethan Ragsdale, said it was too early to tell whether her death was related est storm to test the state after a deadly to the storm, but the police said no foul play was deluge caused widespread power outages and suspected. destructive mudslides two weeks ago.

Mission Creek can turn into a raging river An atmospheric river, a type of storm in during heavy rainfall; during the storm two weeks which Pacific winds blow narrow, intense bands ago, the creek overflowed its banks, prompting of moisture over the West Coast, brought heavy some home evacuations. rain to Southern California in the morning and Under a light drizzle Monday afternoon in then severe thunderstorms and wind gusts to the Santa Barbara, Mark Maslan and his wife, Ann Bay Area in the afternoon. A map of the state from Cumming, walked by the swollen creek. They the National Weather Service lit up with warnings have lived in town since 1990 and near the creek forecasting flood, hail and possible tornadoes. for about two decades.

“It’s just a huge swath of moisture,” said “We’re glad that the reservoirs are filling and Rich Thompson, a meteorologist with the weather it’s good for drought conditions, but I wonder about service in Los Angeles. the resiliency of the infrastructure,” said Maslan, Atmospheric rivers often cause California’s A flooded road in Goleta, Calif., Feb. 19, 2024. Parts of California were an English professor at the University of Califorheaviest rain, snow and floods. Monday’s storm did being pounded with another wave of rain on Monday, the latest storm to not appear to be as damaging as the one earlier test the state, two weeks after a deadly deluge caused widespread power nia, Santa Barbara. “This creek overflowed once this month. But more rain is expected over the outages and destructive mudslides. (Mark Abramson/The New York Times) and it seems like it’s becoming a regular threat.” next few days, with flood watches in effect for In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass had millions of people, mostly in California, through implored residents over the weekend to prepare. rain has nowhere to go,” he said.

Wednesday.

In the city’s hilly neighborhoods on Sunday, homeownMidmorning Monday, steady rain pelted Los Angeles, ers and workers prepared sandbags and laid plastic tarps over On Monday afternoon, as a storm moved into southwestern San Mateo County, south of San Francisco, forecasters and the California Highway Patrol cleared vehicle crashes. muddy hillsides that still bore the scars of the last storm.

Some residents, including Staci Broussard, 58, took care warned of a possible “land spout” — a weak tornado likely Northwest of Los Angeles, at the beach in Ventura, a few hardy to reinforce their properties soon after the previous storm. caused by a waterspout reaching land. Around the same time, kite surfers braved the elements.

Flash flood warnings were in effect through Monday Broussard’s home in Baldwin Hills Estates, a neighborhood a line of thunderstorms swept over the northern Central Valley, evening for the Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills overlooking South Los Angeles, was damaged by the previous with forecasters predicting hail and possible flooding. and Beverly Hills. atmospheric river to rip through the city.

Southern California bore the brunt of the storm early Farther north, the San Francisco Peninsula, which includes The slope behind Broussard’s home crumbled, knockMonday. As much as 10 inches of rain had fallen in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, with the highest totals in the foothills San Francisco, was expected to receive up to 2 1/2 inches of ing down a portion of her backyard iron fence, bringing mud of the mountains, according to the weather service. The airport rain. Rainfall of 3 to 5 inches was expected in the Santa Cruz and vegetation down the hill from her neighbor’s home on a in Santa Barbara shut down Monday and was to remain closed Mountains, and 3 to 6 inches along the Big Sur Coast. hill above.

Much of the Sacramento Valley was put under a wind “until further notice” because of flooding on the airfield.

Broussard and her neighbor staked down tarps over the Thompson said there were many reports in the morning advisory through Tuesday morning. A man who was camping hillside to prevent more mud from sliding down. of “roadway flooding, some rocks and debris across roadways, near a creek in El Dorado Hills, east of Sacramento, was rescued “As you can see, we have tarps all over because this is from surging floodwaters early Monday, KCRA-TV reported. road closures.” happening all over this neighborhood, unfortunately,” BrousOfficials in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties is- sard said Sunday.

“The soil is so saturated from the previous storm that this

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The planet needs solar power. Can we build it without harming nature?

From page 7

Clenera, a solar developer, approached the ranch in 2018.

For Babbitt President Bill Cordasco, the idea of a large solar project was appealing both financially and morally. It would bring in revenue for the family business while helping reduce climate risks for future generations. But he knew the pronghorn relied on that land. Cordasco wanted to find a solution that would meet everyone’s needs, including the pronghorn.

“If you guys aren’t interested in working through this pronghorn deal, it ain’t going to happen,” he recalled telling Clenera during their first in-person meeting.

Clenera was interested.

State wildlife officials had data from earlier GPS collaring, so they knew how pronghorn and mule deer moved through the area. A renewable energy ordinance passed by Coconino County, where Flagstaff is, gave additional teeth to the importance of maintaining wildlife linkages in solar facilities.

A back-and-forth over the site design led to adding migration corridors and closing off some dead-end areas where animals could have gotten trapped or disoriented. Developers and wildlife officials discussed the pros and cons of quartermile versus half-mile corridors. (Would the smaller ones be

wide enough for the animals to use? Would the larger be worth a significant increase in the overall footprint?) In the end, everyone agreed on the range of different corridors, creating a kind of natural experiment.

The miles of additional high-voltage cable and the extra fencing required to break big sections of solar panels into smaller ones make the project more expensive, Clenera officials said, though they declined to say how much. Cordasco also asked them to help fund long-term studies on the impact of the solar farm on wildlife migration.

“It’s a lot of money,” said Tom Fitzgerald, vice president of development at Clenera. “That’s also the cost of getting all of the stakeholders to get behind you and to support your project, and to pay to be a contributing member of any community.”

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

9

Republican attacks on Biden’s climate law raise concerns before election

By MADELEINE NGO

T

he United States has experienced a surge in clean energy projects, representing more than $200 billion in new investments since President Joe Biden signed an expansive climate bill into law more than a year ago. But the election and the potential for a Republican takeover is prompting concern that key parts of the law could be upended.

Former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, has repeatedly attacked central elements of the Inflation Reduction Act, including tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles. As a result, corporate executives have begun facing questions in recent weeks about the possibility that the legislation could be rolled back or changed in ways that could affect their clean energy investment decisions.

Republican lawmakers have tried, unsuccessfully, to repeal much of the law since it was passed entirely with Democratic votes in 2022.

Company officials and energy researchers say a broad repeal of the law remains unlikely, given that many new projects are creating jobs and generating investment in Republican districts.

But a Republican administration would most likely try to influence the programs in other ways, such as through regulatory changes that would not require an act of Congress. That could have a significant impact on which companies and industries benefit from the programs and could impede achievement of the Biden administration’s climate goals.

“We’ve got to win the presidency and both houses” of Congress, said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “Otherwise it’s all going to be on the chopping block.”

The Inflation Reduction Act contains various tax credits and other subsidies to incentivize companies to deploy more clean energy projects. It also includes tax breaks for consumers to offset the cost of electric vehicles, heat pumps and other energy-efficient appliances.

Thomas Pyle, the president of the American Energy Alliance, which represents fossil fuel interests, said a “large swath” of the law’s provisions would most likely be on Republicans’ “target list.”

For instance, a new administration could enforce stricter requirements for the types of electric vehicles that qualify for the $7,500 tax credit, Pyle said. Some Republican lawmakers have already pushed for tougher limits on electric vehicle components in an effort to

bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce the country’s reliance on China. That could cut the number of eligible vehicles, potentially hindering progress toward the Biden administration’s goal of having electric vehicles make up half of new car sales by 2030.

Kevin Book, a managing director at Clearview Energy Partners, said a Republican administration could also try to limit the locations that are eligible for tax credits that offset the cost of installing electric vehicle charging stations. The Biden administration has released guidance that would allow a broad range of locations, covering much of the country outside major cities, to qualify.

Trump has assailed major aspects of the law on the campaign trail, including the tax credits for electric vehicles, which he said were for “rich people” to purchase “luxury electric cars.”

“We are a nation whose leaders are demanding all electric cars, despite the fact that they don’t go far, cost too much and whose batteries are produced in China,” Trump said at a rally in New Hampshire last month.

He has also targeted wind power, arguing that natural gas is a much cheaper option and that wind installations “ruin our plains and fields.”

The Trump campaign did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Questions about a possible rollback of the law have begun to permeate corporate earnings calls. In January, John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy, an energy company that develops and operates renewable projects across the country, was asked about the sustainability of the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act in the event of a “Republican trifecta.” In response, Ketchum said he thought any repeal was unlikely because many of the benefits were flowing to Republican states and rural communities.

“It certainly is advantageous for obvious reasons for Democrats, but it also has a big benefit to Republicans,” Ketchum said.

For now, company executives operating in the clean energy space are betting that Republicans would have a hard time repealing the legislation even if they controlled both chambers of Congress. Since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, more than half of the announced major clean energy projects and 67% of all announced jobs related to them have been in Republican districts, according to an analysis from E2, an environmental nonprofit organization.

“It’s not like it’s going to be a cakewalk

for Republicans to do this,” Pyle said.

And some changes to the law could be welcomed by U.S. industries.

A Republican administration could make it easier for firms to gain access to lucrative tax credits for producing hydrogen, said Sasha Mackler, executive director of the energy program at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Biden administration officials have proposed tight restrictions for the credit intended to encourage hydrogen production with the least impact on carbon emissions. Most hydrogen is currently made from natural gas, through a process that generates greenhouse gases. Environmental groups and some hydrogen developers have praised the rules, but other companies and industry groups have criticized the proposal.

David Carroll, the chief renewables officer at Engie North America, an energy company that builds and operates utility-scale solar, wind and battery storage projects, said in an interview that officials were monitoring potential rollbacks “very, very closely.” While he acknowledged that there was a chance the law could be rolled back or modified, he said the number of jobs it had brought to Republican-led states such as Indiana and Texas would most likely play a big role in lawmakers’ decision-making.

“If you really look at our development portfolio and where we’ve been making investments, it has primarily benefited Republican districts,” Carroll said.

White House officials have made the same point in warning of Republican attempts to alter the climate law.

“Extreme congressional Republicans would hurt their own constituents by repealing the Inflation Reduction Act, which would offshore more than 100,000 jobs already created in their districts while raising prices for prescription drugs, health care and utility bills,” Michael Kikukawa, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement.

Still, there is an expectation among energy researchers and business groups that Republicans would try to roll back parts of the law, in part because lawmakers will be looking to offset the cost of extending the Trump tax cuts, which are set to expire in 2025. The estimated cost of the Inflation Reduction Act’s energy incentives has effectively doubled since it passed, largely because forecasters believe the legislation will be more popular than they originally expected.

Lori Esposito Murray, the president of the Committee for Economic Development at The Conference Board, said the issue was reminiscent of Republicans’ repeated attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which underwent some changes but largely remained a “viable program.”

“Business leaders need to be considering that the policies may change,” Murray said.

“How significant those changes will be remains to be seen.”

Former President Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a campaign event in Conway, S.C., Feb. 10, 2024. Trump has attacked provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act on the campaign trail. (Sean Rayford/The New York Times)

10 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Capital One to acquire Discover, creating a consumer lending colossus

A Capital One ATM in New York, Jan. 13, 2024. The lender Capital One says it will acquire Discover Financial Services in a deal that would combine two of the largest credit card companies in the United States. (John Taggart/The New York Times)

By LAUREN HIRSCH and EMMA GOLDBERG

C

apital One announced earlier this week that it would acquire Discover Financial Services in an all-stock transaction valued at $35.3 billion, a deal that would merge two of the largest credit card companies in the United States.

“A space that is already dominated by a relatively small number of megaplayers is about to get a little smaller,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree.

Capital One, with $479 billion in assets, is one of the

Loyalty Finance LLC

Préstamos Personales Pequeños otorgados para la semana que terminó el Sábado, 17 de febrero de 2024 Tasa Mínima (%)

Promedio Ponderado (%)

Tasa Máxima (%)

140.00%

151.77%

163.00%

nation’s largest banks, and it issues credit cards on networks run by Visa and Mastercard. Acquiring Discover will give it access to a credit card network of 305 million cardholders, adding to its base of more than 100 million customers.

The country’s four major networks are American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover, which has far fewer cardholders than its competitors.

But consumer advocates pushed back on the possible deal, saying it posed antitrust concerns. “It is very difficult to imagine how federal regulators could allow Capital One to buy Discover given the requirement that mergers benefit the public as well as insiders,” Jesse Van Tol, CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, said in a statement.

The acquisition by Capital One will be one of the first tests of regulatory scrutiny on bank deals since the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said last month that it intended to slow down approvals for mergers and acquisitions.

“It’s hard to know which way it would go, but there will certainly be a lot of attention paid to this deal because of the money and magnitude of the companies involved,” Schulz said.

Complicating the landscape is the fact that other deals in the financial industry have come under renewed scrutiny,

said David Schiff, a senior partner at West Monroe, a digital services consulting firm. These include New York Community Bank’s acquisition of billions of assets from Signature Bank during the regional banking crisis last year.

New York Community Bank recently reported a sizable loss for its most recent quarter, and said it would set aside more capital to act as a buffer against future problems.

Much of its troubles stem from the weakening commercial real estate market, but Schiff said that politicians could point to the deal as an example of one that regulators were too quick to approve.

As part of the acquisition, Capital One will pay Discover shareholders a 26% premium based on the company’s closing stock price Friday. At the close of the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval and is expected in late 2024 or early 2025, Capital One shareholders will own approximately 60% of the combined company and Discover shareholders will own the rest.

Discover was valued at about $28 billion when the market closed Friday, and Capital One was valued at about $52 billion.

The deal is part of Capital One’s strategy to build a global payments network, helping it work directly with merchants and small businesses. And it gives Discover greater scale to compete with other credit card companies. Capital One said the agreement would generate $2.7 billion in pretax savings.

“Our acquisition of Discover is a singular opportunity to bring together two very successful companies with complementary capabilities and franchises, and to build a payments network that can compete with the largest payments networks and payments companies,” Richard Fairbank, founder, chair and CEO of Capital One, said in the statement.

In June, Capital One acquired Velocity Black, a digital concierge company that brings together travel, entertainment, shopping and dining offerings for consumers.

Discover is emerging from a period of turbulence. The company’s former CEO, Roger Hochschild, stepped down in August amid a regulatory review of incorrectly classified credit accounts. In October, the company said it was taking steps to improve its corporate governance, and in December, it announced its new CEO, Michael G. Rhodes. The company’s profit in the fourth quarter of 2023 fell 62% from the same period the year before.

The once-giant retailer Sears introduced the Discover card in 1985. Discover later became a part of Morgan Stanley before the investment bank spun it out through an initial public offering of stock in 2007.

Given Discover’s recent challenges, the question is whether “regulators view this as a white knight coming in to help fix a troubled player in the market or whether they view this as a limitation of competition — and therefore something to avoid,” Schiff said.

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

11 Stocks

Nasdaq leads Wall St losses as Nvidia slides; Walmart hits record high T he tech-heavy Nasdaq led losses on Wall Street on Tuesday as chipmaker Nvidia fell sharply ahead of its highly anticipated earnings report, while retail industry bellwether Walmart’s upbeat forecast limited losses on the Dow. Shares of the chip designer fell nearly 6%, while the broader Philadelphia semiconductor index shed 2.5% as other chip stocks also followed.

Investors are worried if Nvidia’s quarterly results, expected after markets close on Wednesday, will justify its lofty valuation and add to the frenzy around artificial intelligence (AI) or hurt AI optimism.

AI-fueled bets have helped Nvidia become the thirdmost valuable U.S. company and recently replace Tesla as Wall Street’s most traded stock. Tesla shares fell 3.9%.

“The sellout that we’re seeing today is driven by the reversal in SMCI (Super Micro Computer) because a lot of hot money was chasing these AI names and then we had the vicious selloff on Friday,” said Dennis Dick, a trader at Triple D Trading.

Shares in Super Micro Computer extended losses by 11.3%, after finishing down 20% on Friday as investors took a break from betting on the stock as a big beneficiary of strong AI technology demand.

Walmart hit a record high and was last up 3.4% after the U.S. retail giant forecast fiscal 2025 sales largely above Wall Street expectations and raised its annual dividend by 9%.

This helped cushion the impact on Dow Jones.

The S&P 500 consumer staples sector, which houses Walmart, rose 1.1%, while information technology dropped 1.8%.

A weeks-long rally on Wall Street was stalled by hotterthan-expected U.S. inflation data last week that dampened market expectations for an imminent start to the Federal Reserve’s easing cycle.

The rate cut is expected in June, according to a slim majority of economists polled by Reuters, who also flagged risk of a further delay in the first cut.

Investors are awaiting the release of minutes from the Fed’s latest policy meeting as well as remarks from a slew of central bank officials later this week.

At 11:40 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 49.57 points, or 0.13%, at 38,578.42, the S&P 500 was down 32.50 points, or 0.65%, at 4,973.07, and the Nasdaq Composite was down 195.28 points, or 1.24%, at 15,580.37.

Smart-TV maker Vizio jumped 14.9% after Walmart said it would buy the company for $2.3 billion.

Discover Financial Services surged 14.4% on Warren Buffett-backed consumer bank Capital One’s plans to acquire the U.S. credit card issuer in a $35.3 billion deal.

Intel added 0.6% following a report on Friday that the Biden administration is in talks to award more than $10 billion in subsidies to the semiconductor firm.

Declining issues outnumbered advancers for a 1.31-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and for a 1.63-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.

MOST ASSERTIVE STOCKS

PUERTO RICO STOCKS

COMMODITIES

CURRENCY

The S&P index recorded 27 new 52-week highs and three new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 53 new highs and 65 new lows.

Wall St returns from its long weekend to a mix of interest rate cut doubts, retailer updates and the biggest U.S. corporate deal of the year - while China’s latest monetary easing was brushed off by markets overseas.

With the Federal Reserve releasing minutes of its January policy meeting on Wednesday, the rates market has been

dragged kicking and screaming back closer to where the Fed had originally indicated at the end of last year.

After sparky new year consumer and producer price readings last week, two and 10-year Treasury yields hit their highest for 2024 on Friday and Fed futures pricing now has little more than 90 basis points of cuts in the mix for the year.

That’s now within range of the 75bps of 2024 cuts indicated by Fed policymakers in December.

Don’t fight the Fed? The inflation backdrop won’t have been helped by the latest jump in oil prices, which hit their highest in more than three months on Tuesday and crude is now back positive year-on-year for the first time since October.

12 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

In chaotic retreat, hundreds of Ukrainian troops feared captured or missing

By JULIAN E. BARNES, THOMAS GIBBONS-NEFF and ERIC SCHMITT

H

undreds of Ukrainian troops may have been captured by advancing Russian units or disappeared during Ukraine’s chaotic retreat from the eastern city of Avdiivka, according to senior Western officials and soldiers fighting for Ukraine, a devastating loss that could deal a blow to already weakening morale.

The Russian capture of Avdiivka has emerged as a significant symbolic loss for Ukrainian troops, a sign of the battlefield impact of the failure of the U.S. Congress, so far, to approve more military assistance as dwindling supplies of artillery shells make it even harder to hold the line.

Estimates of how many Ukrainians were captured or missing vary, and a precise count may not be possible until Ukraine solidifies new defensive lines outside the city. But two soldiers with knowledge of Ukraine’s retreat estimated that 850 to 1,000 soldiers appear to have been captured or are unaccounted for. The Western officials said that range seemed accurate.

U.S. officials say the loss of Avdiivka is not a significant strategic setback, arguing that Russian gains in eastern Ukraine will not necessarily lead to any collapse of Ukrainian lines and that Moscow is unlikely to be able to follow up with another major offensive.

But the capture of hundreds of soldiers could change that calculus. U.S. officials have said in recent days that morale was already eroding among Ukrainian troops, in the wake of a failed counteroffensive last year and the removal of a top commander. Because of those problems, the officials said, Ukraine’s military has struggled with recruitment.

Ukrainian military officials have said they want to mobilize up to 500,000 more people, but the request has met political resistance and is stalled in parliament. The capture of hundreds of soldiers, especially those with battlefield experience, would make the need for more troops more acute and complicate the effort to recruit more.

As a result, the fall of Avdiivka may be more important than it initially seemed.

The Ukrainian military command has acknowledged that some soldiers were captured in the retreat from Avdiivka but has tried to downplay the numbers and the significance.

On Saturday, Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavsky, the commander of Ukraine’s military fighting in the area, said on the Telegram messaging application that the retreat had gone according to plan but “at the final stage of the operation, under pressure from the superior forces of the enemy, some Ukrainian servicemen fell into captivity.” He did not disclose how many troops were captured.

Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesperson for Tarnavsky, disputed reports that hundreds of soldiers were captured, calling it misinformation. But he acknowledged that Russia had captured some service members and that a “certain number” of soldiers were missing.

But some soldiers and Western officials said a failure to

Ukrainian solders fire an M101A1 105mm howitzer at Russian targets near Avdiivka, Ukraine, Feb. 14, 2024. Hundreds of Ukrainian troops may have been captured by advancing Russian units or disappeared during Ukraine’s chaotic retreat from the eastern city of Avdiivka, according to senior Western officials and soldiers fighting for Ukraine. (Tyler Hicks/The New York Times) execute an orderly withdrawal, and the chaos that unfolded Friday and Saturday as the defenses collapsed, were directly responsible for what appears to be a significant number of soldiers captured.

They said the Ukrainian withdrawal was ill-planned and began too late. The soldiers and Western officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence assessments that are at odds with Ukrainian government statements.

Retreating under withering artillery fire, drones and airstrikes is one of the most difficult military maneuvers, challenging commanders to minimize loss of life and allow units to fall back without ceding more land than intended.

Based on interviews with soldiers, Ukraine’s forces were unprepared for how quickly the Russian advance in Avdiivka gathered speed last week.

Ukraine tried to buy time for its regular infantry forces to pull back, out of the city, using its special operation forces and the elite 3rd Separate Assault Brigade to cover the retreat. But the units could not slow the Russian advance or get every Ukrainian soldier out.

Senior Ukrainian officials say the Russian forces also suffered heavy losses in the battle. Russia took Avdiivka by sheer mass, sending in troops and armored vehicles until Ukrainian defenses folded. Thousands of Russia soldiers were killed and wounded, the officials said.

A chaotic retreat is not inevitable. Withdrawing troops without taking heavy losses is difficult but possible, if it is done in a deliberate, unrushed operation, according to American strategists.

In Avdiivka, Ukraine appeared to have waited too long to start withdrawing, and the frantic retreat quickly turned costly.

For the Ukrainians, the challenge of pulling out of Avdiivka was compounded by the fact Russia had surrounded the city on nearly three sides. A single paved road was the most viable way into and out of the city. That route, which Ukrainian troops nicknamed the road of life, came under direct threat earlier this month, making the withdrawal far more dangerous.

When Ukrainian forces began pulling back, unverified open source videos and photos showed units retreating under artillery fire and bodies scattered along roads and in tree lines. Ukrainian military units have long struggled to communicate with one another because they often have different radio equipment. Soldiers with knowledge of the retreat said the communication problems were a factor in the withdrawal, leading to soldiers being captured, killed and wounded.

The soldiers interviewed by The New York Times suggested that some units pulled back before others were aware of the retreat. That put the units left behind at risk of encirclement by the Russians.

Since the war began nearly two years ago, Russian forces have tried to encircle and capture Ukrainian forces. While well-prepared defenses and overhead drones have prevented many of those maneuvers from succeeding, in Avdiivka, the Russian encirclement appears to have worked. Western officials suggest the maneuver was one reason soldiers were captured during the retreat.

Unverified videos posted to social media also showed Russian forces executing Ukrainian troops in and around Avdiivka. On Sunday, the prosecutor’s office in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk oblast said on Telegram it was launching an investigation into “into the shootings of unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war in Avdiivka and Vesele.”

The Kremlin itself does not appear to have been prepared for the speed of the Ukrainian collapse in Avdiivka.

Often, Kremlin propaganda pushed through the state-controlled news media leads the themes on Russian social media, said Jonathan Teubner, the CEO of FilterLabs AI, which studies Russian messaging and public opinion. But as the Ukrainian defense in Avdiivka collapsed, the discussions on Russian social media started shifting before the Kremlin settled on new messaging.

“Russia wasn’t really prepped for this, either, in terms of a prepared propaganda blitz,” Teubner said. “They have now pounced on it but haven’t managed to launch a successful coordinated messaging campaign yet.”

Prisoners of war are one of the biggest challenges to morale in any war. Ukraine has pressed Russia repeatedly to agree to exchange prisoners.

As of November, the Ukrainian government said that Russia had 3,574 Ukrainian military personnel in captivity.

In January, Ukraine used a Western-provided Patriot missile to take down a Russian cargo plane that officials thought was carrying missiles and munitions. Russian officials said it was transporting Ukrainian prisoners of war.

U.S. officials have said it appeared probable that some Ukrainian prisoners were on the plane.

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

13

Wife, protector and now political heir: Yulia Navalnaya rallies Russians

By NEIL MacFARQUHAR

I

t was August 2020, and Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Russia’s most famous opposition leader, was striding through the battered, gloomy hallways of a provincial Russian hospital, looking for the room where her husband lay in a coma.

Alexei Navalny had collapsed after being given what German medical investigators would later declare was a near-fatal dose of the nerve agent Novichok, and his wife, blocked by menacing policemen from moving around the hospital, turned to a cellphone camera held by one of his aides.

“We demand the immediate release of Alexei, because right now in this hospital there are more police and government agents than doctors,” she said calmly in a riveting moment later included in an Oscar-winning documentary, “Navalny.”

There was another such moment Monday, when under even more tragic circumstances, Navalnaya faced a camera three days after the Russian government announced that her husband had died in a brutal Arctic maximumsecurity penal colony. His widow blamed President Vladimir Putin for the death and announced that she was taking up her husband’s cause, calling on Russians to join her.

“In killing Alexei, Putin killed half of me, half of my heart and half of my soul,” Navalnaya said in a short, prerecorded speech posted on social media. “But I have another half left — and it is telling me I have no right to give up.”

For more than two decades, Navalnaya has shunned any open political role for herself, saying that her purpose in life was to support her husband and to protect their two children.

“I see my task is that nothing changes in our family: The children were children, and the home is a home,” she said in a rare interview in 2021 with the Russian edition of Harper’s Bazaar.

That changed Monday.

Navalnaya faces a distinct challenge in trying to rally a disheartened opposition movement from abroad, with hundreds of thousands of its adherents driven into exile by an increasingly repressive Kremlin that has responded to any criticism of its invasion of Ukraine two years ago with harsh jail sentences. Her husband’s political movement and his foundation, which exposed corruption in high places, were declared extremist organizations

The Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow on Nov. 30, 2012. The sudden death of Alexei Navalny left a vacuum in Russia’s opposition. His wife, Yulia Navalnaya, signaled that she would try to fill the void. (James Hill/The New York Times) in 2021 and barred from operating in Russia.

While not dismissing the difficulties, friends and associates believe that Navalnaya, 47, has a shot at succeeding through what they call her combination of intelligence, poise, steely determination, resilience, pragmatism and star power.

She is also — unusually — a prominent female figure in a country where well-known women in politics are a rarity, despite their many accomplishments in other fields. Aside from the broad moral authority she has attained through her husband’s death, analysts said, she may benefit from a generational gap in Russia, where younger, post-Soviet Russians are more accepting of gender equality.

As soon as Navalnaya made her declaration Monday, the Russian state propaganda machine cranked into action, trying to portray her as a tool of Western intelligence agencies and someone who frequented resorts and celebrity parties.

Navalnaya was born in Moscow into a middle-class family — her mother worked for a government ministry while her father was

employed in a research institute. Her parents divorced early, and her father died when she was 18. She received a degree in international relations, then worked in a bank briefly before meeting Navalny in 1998 and marrying him in 2000. Both were Russian Orthodox Christians.

A daughter, Daria, now a student in California, was born in 2001 and a son, Zakhar, in 2008. He attends school in Germany, where Navalnaya lives.

Even if not openly political, Navalnaya always appeared at her husband’s side. She was with him at demonstrations and during his many court cases and jail sentences. She was with him again during his 2013 campaign for mayor of Moscow, and in 2017, when an attack with a green, chemical dye nearly blinded him in one eye.

In 2020, when Navalny was poisoned, she publicly demanded of Putin that her husband be evacuated by air ambulance to Germany, and through his 18 days in a coma, she stayed at his side, talking to him and playing favorite songs like “Perfect Day” by Duran Duran. “Yulia, you saved me,” he wrote on social

media after he regained consciousness.

Navalnaya endured a poisoning attempt in Kaliningrad a couple of months earlier that was surely meant for him, friends said, but she did not dwell on it.

Although she had many occasions to cry, Navalnaya said in an interview with a popular YouTube channel in 2021 that she always wrestled to maintain her composure in public, not least to avoid giving Russian government officials the satisfaction. “It should not get us down, she said. “They want it to get us down.”

Friends and associates described her as Navalny’s protector, his sounding board, the shoulder he cried on and his closest adviser.

“The politician Alexei Navalny was always really two people: Yulia and Alexei,” said Yevgenia Albats, a prominent Russian journalist now at Harvard University. Tall, attractive and with their strong connection clearly evident in public, “they always looked like a Hollywood couple,” said Mikhail Zygar, a Russian journalist and historian.

Navalny was famous for his public spats with politicians, journalists and others, and his wife has been known to sharply rebuke those who attacked him. But overall, she comes with much less political baggage and thus has a better chance of getting the infamously fractious Russian opposition to work together, Zygar said.

Navalnaya has been compared to other women who have picked up political battle flags from slain or imprisoned husbands. They include Corazon Aquino, whose husband was gunned down as he stepped off the plane from exile in the Philippines in 1983; she went on to defeat the entrenched, despotic President Ferdinand Marcos. There is also Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who led the opposition in the 2020 presidential election in Russia’s neighbor Belarus after her husband was imprisoned.

She herself was forced into exile.

Ultimately, analysts suggested that a “normal person” with moral authority might succeed where a professional politician could not.

“She wants to accomplish the task that Alexei has tragically left incomplete: make Russia a free, democratic, peaceful and prosperous country,” said Sergei Guriev, a family friend and a prominent Russian economist who is the provost at the Paris Institute of Political Studies. “She is also going to show to Putin that removing Alexei will not destroy his cause.”

14

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The wife of Haiti’s assassinated president is accused in his killing

By DAVID C. ADAMS and ANDRE PAULTRE

A

Haitian judge has indicted 51 people for their roles in the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, including his wife, Martine Moïse, who is accused of being an accomplice, despite being seriously wounded in the attack.

A 122-page copy of the indictment by Judge Walther Voltaire that was provided to The New York Times does not accuse her of planning the killing nor does it offer any direct evidence of her involvement.

Instead, it says that she and other accomplices gave statements that were contradicted by other witnesses, suggesting that they were complicit in the killing. The indictment also cites one of the main defendants in the case in custody in Haiti, who claimed that Martine Moïse was plotting with others to take over the presidency.

The accusations echo those contained in a criminal complaint filed by a Haitian prosecutor and submitted to Voltaire. The official charge against Moïse is conspiracy to murder.

A lawyer for Moïse, Paul Turner, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

But Turner, who is based in South Florida, had earlier denied the accusations in the criminal complaint.

“She was a victim, just like her children that were there, and her husband,” he told the Times. Turner said his client is in hiding and her current location is unknown to all but a few people.

Moïse has long criticized the Haitian investigation, saying officials have shown little interest in unmasking the masterminds of the crime.

Jovenel Moïse, 53, was killed in the early hours of July 7, 2021, when a team of Colombian commandos, hired by a Miami-area security company, stormed the president’s home in a wealthy suburb of the Haitian capital, according to the Haitian investigation.

The president and his wife were shot after the gunmen entered the couple’s bedroom and ransacked the home, apparently in search of documents and cash.

In statements immediately after the assassination, Martine Moïse said she hid under the couple’s bed to protect herself from the attackers, according to the indictment, which is dated Jan. 25. It was obtained by AyiboPost, an online Haitian news website.

Martine Moïse, the widow of President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti, in Miami, July 29, 2021. Moïse was charged by a Haitian judge with conspiring in his assassination — an attack she was seriously injured during. (Maria Alejandra Cardona/The New York Times) However, the indictment says that the gap between the bed and the floor was 14 to 18 inches, raising questions about her credibility.

In an interview with the Times several weeks after her husband’s killing, Moïse recalled being shot in her hand and elbow and

hearing their attackers looking for something in Jovenel Moïse’s files.

The accusation against Moïse’s widow is also based on the testimony of a key witness, Joseph Badio, a former official in the Justice Ministry who is accused of being one of the orchestrators of the assassination. Badio was

A man lights candles on an altar for the assassinated President Jovenel Moïse on the day prior to his funeral in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, July 22, 2021. (Federico Rios/The New York Times)

arrested in October after spending two years in hiding.

According to the indictment, Badio said Martine Moïse was plotting with others, including Claude Joseph, who was the prime minister at the time of the assassination, to get rid of her husband “to monopolize power.”

Despite a 2-1/2-year investigation, the indictment leaves many questions unanswered. While it goes into some detail about the night of the assassination, it does not explain the motive for the crime nor how it was financed.

A separate U.S. investigation in Miami has resulted in federal charges against 11 men accused of conspiring to kill Jovenel Moïse.

Six men have pleaded guilty, while the other five are scheduled to go on trial in May. Martine Moïse is expected to be a witness.

Some critics have said they believe the indictment in Haiti is tainted by politics, accusing the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry of using the investigation to attack its critics, including Martine Moïse and Joseph.

“They are using the Haitian justice system to advance their Machiavellian agenda,” Joseph said.

Henry’s office said there had been no interference in the investigation.

“The prime minister has no direct relationship with the examining magistrate, nor does he control him,” said Jean-Junior Joseph, a spokesperson for Henry. “The judge remains free to issue his order in accordance with the law and his conscience.”

Under Haiti’s legal system, the initial complaint was prepared by a public prosecutor, Edler Guillaume, a political appointee of the current government.

The charges cited by Voltaire can be appealed within 10 days of the accused receiving a copy of the indictment.

Since the death of Jovenel Moïse, gangs have seized control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, killing and kidnapping thousands of people. Haiti has no president, nor any other elected national officials, after the terms expired for members of the country’s legislature.

The United Nations has approved a security force led by Kenya to be deployed to Haiti to help quell the violence, but it was blocked last month by a Kenyan court, although the Kenyan government, which is appealing the decision, has said it still plans to send police officers to Haiti.

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

15

Florida’s fraudster and Russia’s killer

By MAUREEN DOWD

W

hen I covered George H.W. Bush’s presidential campaign in 1988, he was so eager to wrap himself in the American flag that he took us to a New Jersey flag factory. That way, he could claim that the GOP was “on the American side” while caressing pieces of striped, red-and-white nylon.

At the time, it seemed like a cynical move by Republicans, trying to bogart patriotism. But at least they respected our country enough to try to monopolize its symbol.

That vanishing breed of Republican pledged allegiance to the American flag. Now Republicans pledge allegiance to Donald Trump’s ego. He has to be bigger than everything — even America itself.

“Bush wrapped himself in the American flag,” David Axelrod said. “Trump wants to wrap himself in the Mar-aLago flag.”

Just as Trump has remade the Republican Party in his own nasty and selfish image, he wants to remake America in his own nasty and selfish image.

Trump doesn’t seem to subscribe to any of the verities about this country. He doesn’t believe that the United States is exceptional. He only believes that Trump is exceptional — an exception to all the rules that the rest of us live by.

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If American laws get in his way — like counting votes to choose a president — he tries to smash them. He’s bigger than democracy, after all.

If American values get in his way — like our distaste for authoritarians like Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban — he mocks those values. When Putin and Orban flattered Trump, that seemed more important to the Mar-a-Lago megalomaniac than our nation’s proud history of facing down autocrats.

Bill O’Reilly asked President Trump in 2017 why he respected Putin even though he was “a killer.”

“You got a lot of killers,” he replied. “What, you think our country’s so innocent?”

America the Beautiful, our Shining City on a Hill, is not so hot. Get in his way and Trump will bust up institutions, trash courts, tear down cultural icons like Taylor Swift and egg on acolytes to storm the Capitol.

He doesn’t see America as the idealistic leader of the free world. He sees the world as “The Hunger Games,” as Axelrod put it. And frighteningly, Trump sometimes acts as if he prefers America’s enemies to America.

The former president shocked the world last weekend when he said at a rally that if NATO countries did not pay more for defense, he would “encourage” Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” to our allies. President Joe Biden called that “un-American.”

Trump’s bromance with the sociopathic Putin, unimpeded by Putin’s foul bid to swallow Ukraine, grew even more sickening with news that the Russian president’s most potent opponent, Alexei Navalny, 47, died mysteriously in an Arctic prison — very, very suddenly, as high-profile Putin critics often do.

“Make no mistake: Putin is responsible,” Biden said.

When a CNN reporter asked if Trump had a response to the heroic Navalny’s death, the Trump campaign pointed her to a Truth Social post that wasn’t about Navalny or Putin. It was about how awful America is.

“America is no longer respected,” Trump posted, “because we have an incompetent president who is weak and doesn’t understand what the World is thinking.”

This American Carnage garbage is how he bonds with his base, many of whom are deeply cynical about politics and government, seeing hypocrisy and conspiracies everywhere.

His hallucinatory worshippers admire him as a strongman, even when he’s shown to be liable for sexual assault and an aggrandizing con man whose real estate empire was a Potemkin village. On Friday, a New York judge ordered Trump to pay a penalty of $355 million plus interest and barred him from holding high-up roles at any New York business — including his own — for three years, saying about Trump & Co., “Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological.”

President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin during a joint news conference in Helsinki, July 16, 2018. If American values get in his way — like our distaste for authoritarians like Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban — Trump mocks those values, Maureen Dowd writes. (Doug Mills/The New York Times) The Renfields to Trump’s Dracula are also busy playing sycophants to dictators. At an Axios conference in Miami, Jared Kushner — who was festooned with $2 billion in Saudi investments after he left the White House — called Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a “visionary leader.” Asked about the crown prince’s complicity in Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, Kushner replied with exasperation, “Are we really still doing this?”

Before Navalny’s death, Tucker Carlson — who scorned Ukraine’s desperate fight for its independence — cavorted in the Kremlin. His interview with Putin was so indulgent that even Putin complained of a “lack of sharp questions.”

In an interview with an Egyptian journalist, Carlson defended his decision not to ask Putin about freedom of speech or assassinations of his opponents.

“Every leader kills people,” Carlson said blithely, adding, “Leadership requires killing people, sorry.”

Will the craven Republicans ever stand up against autocracy — at home or abroad?

Navalny’s death at the hands of the murderous Putin has given momentum to the push for military assistance for Ukraine.

It’s the American thing to do.

16 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Implementan aplicación móvil Global Entry en el Aeropuerto Internacional LMM POR CYBERNEWS

C

AROLINA – La Oficina de Operaciones de Campo de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos en San Juan anunció hoy la implementación y disponibilidad de la nueva aplicación móvil de Global Entry para miembros aprobados en el Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Muñoz Marín (SJU).

“La nueva aplicación móvil Global Entry aprovecha las últimas tecnologías para mejorar la seguridad y al mismo tiempo mejorar aún más la experiencia de viaje de los viajeros confiables de CBP”, dijo Roberto Vaquero, director de Operaciones de Campo para Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes de los Estados Unidos en declaraciones escritas.

Con la nueva aplicación, los viajeros simplemente toman una foto a modo de “selfie”, que se comparará con una galería de fotos para verificar

su identidad mediante biometría facial. Una vez enviada la foto, el viajero recibirá un recibo en la aplicación. Una vez que el viajero llega al área de inspección primaria, puede pasar por alto los portales de Global Entry e ir directamente a los oficiales de CBP para procesar de manera eficiente su entrada a los Estados Unidos mostrando su recibo móvil.

CBP ampliará el uso de la aplicación en los aeropuertos donde se realice el procesamiento de Global Entry en el futuro.

La aplicación es gratuita y estará disponible para descargar desde Google Play Store o Apple App Store a partir del 20 de febrero de 2024.

Global Entry es uno de los programas de viajero confiable del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional y se utiliza en los puertos de entrada terrestres, aéreos y marítimos a los Estados Unidos en todos los aeropuertos principales y en todos los aeropuertos de autorización previa.

Todos los solicitantes se someten a verificaciones de antecedentes rigurosas y recurrentes y a una entrevista en persona antes de la inscripción inicial. Para mantener a los miembros de Global Entry como viajeros de bajo riesgo, cualquier violación de los términos y condiciones del programa resultará en medidas de cumplimiento apropiadas y la terminación de los privilegios de membresía del viajero.

“Los viajeros aprobados condicionalmente pueden programar sus entrevistas en línea en el Centro de Inscripción del Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Muñoz Marín”, indicó Vaquero.

El centro de inscripción de Global Entry en LMMIA está abierto de lunes a sábado de 8:00 de la mañana a 8:00 de la noche y los domingos de 8:00 de la mañana a 6:00 de la tarde.

Más información sobre Global Entry y los programas de viajero confiable de CBP está disponible en la página de Global Entry.

IRS anuncia horario especial sabatino para ayuda en persona el 24 de febrero en Centros de Asistencia al Contribuyente en Puerto Rico POR CYBERNEWS

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AN JUAN – Como parte de un esfuerzo continuo para mejorar el servicio en esta temporada de impuestos, el Servicio de Impuestos Internos anunció hoy un horario especial sabatino en dos Centros de Asistencia al Contribuyente (TAC, por sus siglas en inglés) en Puerto Rico, de 9 a.m. a 4 p.m. el 24 de febrero.

No se necesita programar cita para poder asistir.

Los centros que estarán abiertos son los siguientes: Los Frailes Industrial Park 475, Calle C, Guaynabo, PR 00968 2050 Ponce Bypass, Suite 312, Ponce, PR 00716 “Estamos muy enfocados en brindar el mejor servicio posible a los contribuyentes. Estos horarios de los sábados están diseñados para ayudar a quienes tienen horarios de trabajo ocupados en la semana a obtener la ayuda que necesitan en un momento más conveniente para ellos”, dijo el comisionado del IRS, Danny Werfel en declaraciones escritas.

“El financiamiento de la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación nos ha permitido ampliar nuestros servicios, herramientas y recursos para los contribuyentes trabajadores, incluidas estas aperturas especiales de los sábados”, añadió.

El IRS anima a todos a consultar primero IRS.gov para información acerca de estos horarios especiales antes de viajar a los centros. Incluso pueden encontrar un recurso en línea, como la herramienta Asistente tributario interactivo, para responder a su pregunta o

resolver su inquietud tributaria y evitar tener que viajar a una oficina.

En los TACs, las personas reciben ayuda en persona de los empleados del IRS. Por lo general, estos centros solo abren de lunes a viernes y normalmente se necesitan citas. Sin embargo, durante este horario de sábado, las personas pueden acudir sin cita previa a todos los servicios que se ofrecen habitualmente en una oficina, excepto para realizar pagos en efectivo.

Para programar una cita durante el horario habitual, llame al 844-545-5640.

Habrá interpretación profesional de idiomas extranjeros disponible en muchos idiomas a través de un servicio por teléfono. Para las personas sordas o con problemas de audición que necesitan servicios de intérprete de lenguaje de señas, el personal del IRS programará citas para una fecha posterior. Alternativamente, estas personas pueden llamar a TTY/TDD al 800-829-4059 para programar una cita.

Favor de venir preparado Las personas deben traer los siguientes documentos: Identificación actual con foto emitida por el gobierno, Tarjetas de Seguro Social o ITIN para ellos y todos los miembros de su hogar, incluidos su cónyuge y dependientes (si corresponde), Cualquier carta o notificación del IRS recibida y documentos relacionados, Para los servicios de verificación de identidad, dos

formas de identificación y, si ya presentó la declaración de impuestos, una copia de la declaración del año en cuestión.

Durante la visita, el personal del IRS también puede solicitarle la siguiente información: Una dirección postal actual, Comprobante de información de la cuenta bancaria incluida en una declaración de impuestos para recibir pagos o reembolsos mediante el depósito directo.

Muchos TACs amplían el horario de atención los martes y jueves Otra opción para que las personas obtengan ayuda en persona fuera del horario normal de funcionamiento de un TAC es visitar antes o después del horario habitual de funcionamiento los martes y jueves. Muchos TACs en todo el país han extendido su horario de atención en estos días hasta el 16 de abril. Para ver si un TAC cercano ofrece horarios adicionales, consulte su listado en IRS.gov/taclocator (en inglés).

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

17

Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira are back. Will ‘Walking Dead’ fans follow?

By CALUM MARSH

W

hen Rick Grimes, the rugged, righteous former sheriff played by Andrew Lincoln in AMC’s zombie horror series “The Walking Dead,” was written out of the series at Lincoln’s request in its ninth season, the show seemed to lose its hero, its heart and its hopeful moral center. A wellweathered and much brutalized leader, Rick was part of an ever-expanding ensemble but always felt like the main character.

Rick’s departure created a vacuum that the show — which concluded in November 2022 after more than 150 episodes and 11 seasons — could never quite fill, even as a six-year time jump moved the story ahead into the future. Audiences seemed to lose interest, too: Ratings plummeted toward the end of the show’s run to a fraction of what they were during its mid-2010s peak popularity.

Rick was never actually killed off: He left “The Walking Dead” under mysterious (and somewhat contentious) circumstances, whisked away by an unexplained helicopter with the promise of one day returning in a planned series of movies. Those movies instead morphed into a new six-part miniseries that reveals what happened to Rick after his sudden departure.

“The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” premiering Feb. 25 on AMC and AMC+, finds Lincoln reprising his signature role in a new setting: a dystopian metropolis called the Civic Republic ruled by a military police force called the Civic Republic Military, or CRM. “The Ones Who Live” reunites Rick with his wife, Michonne, the katana-wielding firebrand played by Danai Gurira, who left “The Walking Dead” early in the 10th season. Gurira and Lincoln serve as executive producers on “The Ones Who Live,” with Gurira also credited as a creator alongside Scott M. Gimple, the former “Walking Dead” showrunner and current chief content officer for the “Walking Dead” universe.

In a video interview from Los Angeles just before the premiere screening of “The Ones Who Live,” Lincoln and Gurira were chatty and playful, with the air of old friends who are totally at ease together. Lincoln, blithe and funny, kept insisting that Gurira answer questions first, while Gurira, trying to hastily scarf down a salad, mimicked him back: “You go ahead.”

“No, you go ahead!” “No, YOU go ahead!”

They eventually managed to discuss why they left “The Walking Dead,” why they came back and how “The Ones Who Live” differs from

Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, who reprise their roles from “The Walking Dead” for a new six-part spinoff mini-series “The Ones Who Live,” in Los Angeles on Jan. 22, 2024. The show has a new setting: a dystopian metropolis called the Civic Republic ruled by a military police force. (Ryan Pfluger/The New York Times) the original. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Q: Andrew, the first time we spoke was during the show’s fifth season. That was 10 years ago. Could you have imagined, back then, that you’d still be playing this character a decade later?

LINCOLN: No, not at all. That was an interesting time. During those seasons, we just rode this extraordinary wave. It was a phenomenon. And a large part, a third of my professional career, has been spent doing this, slaying the zombies.

Q: Danai, you joined the show in Season 3. What were your first impressions of Andrew and the rest of the cast?

GURIRA: This guy? I was a little concerned. No, I’m kidding. Everyone was really incredible. I was amazed by Andy, Steven (Yeun, who played Glenn), Chandler (Riggs, who played Carl). They were already a tight-knit family; they already loved each other and were very embracing of new people like myself. They expected a lot from me and from everybody, because they had built it on their blood, sweat and tears. That’s what attracted me to it, actually, because I like contributing my own blood, sweat and tears.

Q: This show feels pretty different from the original “Walking Dead,” at least cosmeti-

cally. Was that to give the audience something new or because the two of you wanted a new experience creatively?

LINCOLN: It was a bit of both. This show is part of the same story; all of this stuff has been there in the background. We wanted to answer all the questions that we had and hopefully the audience will have about the larger world.

GURIRA: One of the reasons all of this works is because there are so many ways that you can imagine it going. People want to see different aspects and be surprised, like, “Oh, my God, what’s that?” These things we show, they could easily happen if this sort of thing happened for real. Cannibals, or the Governor, or the CRM — those are all things that could sprout out of the world of zombies. That’s what allows it to endure and to always have fresh new stories.

LINCOLN: Let’s put it this way. If this show is the Titanic, the iceberg is the CRM. Q: Many people who watched “The Walking Dead” for a long time abandoned it at some point before the end. What would entice them to watch this one?

LINCOLN: It’s six episodes.

GURIRA: Can I be really honest? I didn’t watch all of “The Walking Dead.” So I understand that. But I’m still very interested in this show. It does stand on its own. I mean, keeping up with all 11, 12 seasons? I did not. Andy had left by Season 9, and even if you stopped watching in Season 6, that’s when Rick and Michonne get together. You’ll be like, “OK, got it.”

There’s flashbacks. Audiences today have no problem catching up with things; the trick with audiences today is to keep ahead of them. Do you want to see a unique take on epic love? I’ve never seen a love story like this. If they want to watch a unique apocalyptic love story, this is it.

Q: We finally see your characters reunite after years apart. What was that like to film?

GURIRA: When we finally got together in the episodes, it was like the spark was lit, and it was like, “This is why we’re doing this.”

Personally, I just was so happy for her — until things go awry.

LINCOLN: So after about three minutes.

Q: You both speak very fondly about your time in the original show. Given how enjoyable it was, why did you decide to leave?

GURIRA: It felt like time for me to go.

The beauty of this show is that it’s all-encompassing; it leaves you entirely wiped at the end of the day. But there were other things I had a

lot of desire to explore, and I couldn’t do that if I was giving my all to this show.

LINCOLN: Mine was a family decision.

As the show got bigger, the tour of duty got longer. And as my children got older, I couldn’t keep them in schools on both sides of the Atlantic. They needed me. It became unbearable.

My daughter reminds me that I’ve missed eight of her birthdays. I needed to come home.

Q: And yet you’ve returned.

LINCOLN: I remember going down to a beach that’s in the middle of nowhere where no one ever visits, and there was this guy walking his dog. He stopped and looked at me, and I thought he might know my work. He went, “Rick, for (expletive) sake, when are you coming back?” Excuse my language; I read your paper. Anyway, that kept happening, so there was a real obligation to finish it. The fans are the best part of this whole thing.

Q: Danai, how did the show change after Andrew left?

LINCOLN: It got a lot better.

GURIRA: No. It was hard. It was very hard. It did change dynamics. We stayed a family and we stayed connected, but you could definitely feel the absence. I loved the storytelling that I got to do — Michonne’s belief that Rick was still out there, and the idea of being a full-out mother with two kids. There was all this stuff for me to play with, but it was in the presence of his absence.

Q: Andrew, what it was like for you after leaving? Did you keep up with the show at all?

GURIRA: No, he couldn’t care less.

LINCOLN: It was a very strange decompression. I was absolutely exhausted. It felt very monastic, doing this day to day, making sure we didn’t drop a scene, that we got it right. I felt like the CEO of a conglomerate, which is not the job I signed up for. Those were the responsibilities that came with this juggernaut of a show. Press requests and things are not my natural thing.

Q: You also had this enormous fandom to deal with.

LINCOLN: It was quite surreal to walk out in front of 10,000 people, and half of them are dressed like you and the other half have tattoos of your face on them. I’m quite quiet.

I would go back and retreat to the countryside and walk my dogs and be at home and cook food and be a glorified Uber driver for my children. There was ground to make up. It was a life choice. I love acting with a passion. But I also love not acting.

18

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

5 horror movies to stream now

By ERIK PIEPENBURG

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his month’s picks are about being trapped: in a relationship, in a trunk and by Nazi demons.

‘Laced’ Writer-director Kyle Butenhoff wastes no time explaining his film’s central dastardly deed: Molly (Dana Mackin) poisons the meal she makes one wintry night for her husband, Charlie (Butenhoff), for whom she’s been harboring deep resentments. The trouble is her food wasn’t spiked strongly enough, leaving Charlie sick, not dead.

Molly can’t bring herself to suffocate him, so her co-conspirator and lover, Victoria (Hermione Lynch), comes over to finish the job. That’s when Molly’s brother, Austin (Zach Tinker, excellent) shows up, and the film starts leveling up head-snapping twists before a bloody and delirious finish.

Butenhoff’s wickedly-crafted, single-location thriller unfolds with all the sinister intimacy of an Agatha Christie drama but shot through with perverse revenge-seeking calculations. (This movie would knock ‘em dead onstage.)

Far from being opportunistic or exploitative, Butenhoff convincingly weaves together coming out stories — of being abused, and of being a lesbian — that make his film a surprisingly compassionate nail-biter. (Rent or buy it on major platforms.)

‘Where the Devil Roams’ No one is making bold, weird indie horror quite like the Adams family. From their home in the Catskills, John Adams, his wife, Toby Poser, and their daughter, Zelda Adams, put out stylishly punk-rock scary movies (“Hellbender”) that are as singularly gruesome as they are worthy of a Vogue spread.

They’re at it again in their latest, set in the Depression Era, where they play a killer clan: Seven (John Adams), a war veteran with PTSD; Maggie (Poser), his bloodthirsty wife; and their daughter, Eve (Zelda Adams), who doesn’t speak but carefully studies her family’s every slaughter.

(All three are credited with writing and directing.) Part of the carnival circuit, the family travels a snowy landscape in their jalopy, killing people along the way seemingly for sport, but also, perhaps, as part of a morbid quest for immortality.

The film’s philosophical questions are cryptically asserted, something about Gnosticism and the origins of

Andeno Co

Tasa mínima, promedio ponderado, y máxima para préstamos personales pequeños otorgados para la semana que terminó el sábado, 17 de febrero de 2024

Tasa Mínima (%)

Promedio Ponderado (%)

Tasa Máxima (%)

30%

30%

31%

From left, Zach Tinker, Dana Mackin and Hermione Lynch in “Laced.” (Dark Sky Films) evil. But who cares when there’s such a strong, anachronistic, metalhead style, like an extra-gory Marilyn Manson video. Poser and John Adams’ costumes are ratty but ravishing, and Trey Lindsay’s special visual effects are pukeinducingly effective. (Stream it on Tubi.)

‘Trunk: Locked In’ Last year one of the most outrageous movies I recommended was a German comedy-thriller about a man trapped in a well-trafficked porta-potty. I’m back with a German single-location setup, but this time a woman is trapped in the trunk of a car, and there’s nothing funny about it. It still may make you gag.

Malina (Sina Martens) wakes up disoriented in a trunk with no idea how she got there, until she replays a video that shows how she and her boyfriend (Artjom Gilz), were assaulted by an unknown assailant (Poal Cairo). As she hemorrhages blood from a massive gash on her body, Malina pieces together that she was kidnapped as part of an organ trafficking ring, and the car is speeding to her doom.

The film’s writer, director and editor, Marc Schiesser, masterfully swoops the camera across every inch and through just about every little crack and slot in the titular vehicular death trap. (Cinematographers are Daniel Ernst and Tui Lohf.) Martens’ quivering lips and panicked eyes are focused on in extreme close-up when the camera isn’t otherwise in overdrive. If you can stomach claustrophobia, drowning and getting cozy with a corpse, stick with the film through its final twist. It’s worth the ick. (Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.)

‘The Seeding’ I knew I was in for a trip when director Barnaby Clay opened his film with a close-up of a dirt-smeared toddler gnawing on a severed adult finger. The rest of the movie, while not quite a trip — a sadistic staycation is more like it — is a solid folk horror-survival thriller that explores what

it means to have, and lose, sexual self-determination.

After getting lost in the desert while photographing an eclipse, Wyndham (Scott Haze) happens upon a feral-looking kid who leads him to a cabin at the bottom of a majestic cliff. There, a young woman, Alina (Kate Lyn Sheil), lets Wyndham stay the night, even though he’s desperate to get home. In the morning, the ladder Wyndham climbed down is missing bottom rungs, and worse, a gang of demented tweens and teens peer over the cliff, tormenting him and setting in motion the rest of film’s fiendish cat-and-mouse game. Fans of the evil kid movie “Who Can Kill a Child?” and the psychos-in-the-wild thriller “The Hills Have Eyes” will appreciate Clay’s admiration for old-school exploitation depravity. (Rent or buy on major platforms.)

‘Underground’ The premise of Lars Janssen’s found footage ghost story is as absurd as it is deliciously sinister: A bachelorette party gets trapped inside a World War II bunker complex where they fight off the spectral Nazis and assorted demons who lurk among the wet, dark halls.

Abigail (Alexandera Rhiana Rowe) and Ella (Maaike Tol) are out celebrating their upcoming wedding with female friends who are recording the festivities as a wedding gift. When a cabby kicks one of the women out for puking, they find themselves in a deserted part of town where, drunk and stupid, they decide to check out the bunker.

Once inside, they fail to find a way out, and instead encounter creepy mannequins and a brightly-lit exhibition of Nazi memorabilia. Then, in a drama-accelerating moment that made my skin crawl, a phone in a display case rings.

As much as I enjoyed watching these poor bachelorettes run screaming from grotesque creatures and Nazi tormentors, the real star of the film is the location: The German Underground Hospital, an actual ward during the German occupation of the Channel Islands. (Stream it on Screambox.)

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

19

Therapists trade the couch for the great outdoors

By CHRISTINA CARON

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ometimes a pine cone is just a pine cone.

But on a January day, the rough edges of the cone — and the lone feather sticking out of it — meant something different to Rachel Oppenheimer, 25, a counselor at the Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative in Towson, Maryland.

“Growing up, I had some challenges,” Oppenheimer said, referring to her prickly teenage past, “some struggles with managing my emotions.”

But her grandmother, who died four years ago, was soft like the feather, and gave her unconditional love that reminded Oppenheimer how important it was to treat herself with “soothing tenderness,” especially when she became self-critical.

Oppenheimer and her clinical supervisor, Heidi Schreiber-Pan, were visiting Talmar, a nonprofit farm that offers therapeutic programs and vocational training — a short drive from the busy road and nondescript strip malls near their office. At the farm, the only sounds were a burbling stream, trilling birds and several inches of snow crunching beneath their feet. It was the perfect location to teach Oppenheimer therapeutic techniques that make use of the natural world.

They set up camping chairs under a bright blue sky during their session — a makeshift office without walls — and discussed how to create a circular design called a mandala. Next they would arrange items that Oppenheimer found on the ground, each symbolizing the complex feelings that stemmed from mourning her grandmother.

Schreiber-Pan is one of a growing number of therapists who are taking their therapy sessions outdoors and, in some cases, training other counselors to do the same. They say that combining traditional talk therapy with nature and movement can help clients feel more open, find new perspectives and express their feelings, all while helping them connect with the outside world.

“It’s a sense of belonging to something bigger — and that is, I think, a really powerful ‘aha!’ moment for a lot of people,” Schreiber-Pan said. As humans evolved they spent much of their time

Therapists Rachel Oppenheimer and Heidi Schreiber-Pan during an outdoor training session in nature-informed therapy, in Towson, Md., on Jan. 22, 2024.

Mental health practitioners are hiking, camping and braving the elements with their clients — all in an effort to help them connect with the Earth, and with themselves. (Rosem Morton/The New York Times) outdoors, she added, yet our modern life is mostly spent indoors, looking at digital devices.

Outdoor therapy falls under the umbrella of ecotherapy, a broad and nebulous term that includes activities as varied as equine therapy and outings including wilderness and adventure therapy. During the pandemic, while many therapists moved online, others held sessions outside, seeking a safer way to meet in person. But the concept has been around for much longer.

Decades ago, psychiatrist Dr. Thaddeus Kostrubala, author of the 1976 book “The Joy of Running,” was known for jogging alongside his patients. The practice never really caught on, in part because most therapists were trained to meet with clients in controlled indoor settings, to maintain confidentiality and strong boundaries.

Now, however, students are being trained in ecotherapy at a smattering of schools, including Lewis and Clark College in Oregon and Prescott College in Arizona.

And some therapists, such as Schreiber-Pan, are creating their own curricula. In 2020, she founded the Center for Nature Informed Therapy, which offers certification and continuing education credits to any social worker or certified counselor

who completes the program. So far, more than 100 people have graduated.

Outdoor sessions are not one size fits all. Not every client will want to walk in the snow, for example. Schreiber-Pan and other therapists also give clients the option to explore nature indoors, drawing from a collection of shells, stones, sticks and spiky gumballs. And there is no special license for this therapy — no established best practices that would dictate the exercises or activities that therapists should use when meeting with clients outdoors.

Some in the field are leery of the emerging discipline. Petros Levounis, president of the American Psychiatric Association, said he would feel a bit “skeptical” about taking a patient to the park.

“There is a formality in psychotherapy — tried and true parameters,” he said. “You sit across from them; there’s the 45-minute session. And I don’t know exactly what would happen in the outdoors.

It starts raining. What do you do with the patient?”

Psychiatrists need to think about it more carefully, he added, and consider special training “before we sign on the dotted line of such novel interventions.”

Even so, he added, a number of stud-

ies have found that being immersed in nature can be beneficial to mental health. A 2023 analysis of the effects of “forest bathing,” the Japanese practice of taking a relaxing walk through the woods, suggested that it can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. And being physically active is associated with a lower risk of depression. One review of a variety of studies went so far as to conclude that “physical activity should be a mainstay approach” when managing psychological distress.

‘It connects me to being human’ Outdoor or nature-informed therapy has especially become a big draw for men and people under 40, Schreiber-Pan and other therapists said.

Chase Brockett, 36, who lives in Portland, Oregon, began hiking therapy in 2022 and continued for about a year and a half, despite having to pay for sessions out of pocket.

“It connects me to being human, to being alive,” he said. “Not being subject to the world, but being a part of it.”

During his sessions, he and his therapist, Aimee Frazier, would go out in all kinds of weather, including rain.

“You have to be uncomfortable and just accept that’s what’s happening,” he said, a lesson that became an analogy for his anxiety. “I think a lot of anxiety comes from A) viewing anxiety as a bad thing and B) trying to escape it at all times.”

Therapists also see other benefits: clients who are more receptive and relaxed.

“I think that for some young people, therapy feels very prescribed,” said Andrew Tepper, founder of Boda Therapy, who often works with adolescents and young adults in New York City and the Catskill Mountains. “It’s one lane. Oh, we’re going to sit. We’re going to talk and maybe we’ll play a board game. And with that, I think, comes some resistance.”

Tepper, a psychotherapist, steers his clients toward outdoor movement — hiking or skiing — if they are receptive to it. During one retreat in early February, he took three clients snowshoeing, went on long walks and cooked lunch over a campfire.

“I believe therapy can be fun, and part of that is doing a little upfront assessment of what your clients like to do,” he said.

20 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

3 sumptuous palaces to explore on your Spanish vacation

By ANDREW FERREN

O

ne of the most important cultural events in Madrid in recent years was the public opening, just before the pandemic, of a collection that had been sitting behind the closed doors of a private palace for about 200 years.

The Palacio de Liria, the grand 18th-century home of the Alba family — among Spain’s (and Europe’s) oldest and most storied aristocratic families — is set in a tranquil garden just steps from the bustling Plaza de España in central Madrid. Often compared to the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid for the masterpieces it contains and the noble residents who lived there, the house is filled with works by Titian, Rubens, Velázquez, Goya and other artists favored by the Spanish court. There are also vast literary and historic archives, as well as letters written from the Americas by explorers Christopher Columbus, Francisco Pizarro and Hernán Cortés.

Since assuming the title in 2014, the 19th duke, Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, through the Casa de Alba Foundation, decided to share his family’s treasures with the world — an effort that began in 2015 with the opening of other singular family properties like the Palacio de las Dueñas in Seville and the Palacio de Monterrey in Salamanca. Here is a tour of those three sumptuous palaces, along with a stop in the small town of Alba de Tormes.

First, a little background The Duchy of Alba, created in 1472 when King Henry IV of Castile elevated Don García Álvarez de Toledo from count to duke, takes its name from an early family seat in Alba de Tormes, near Salamanca. Over the centuries, the dukes and duchesses of Alba have distinguished themselves in various ways. In the 16th century, the third duke, sometimes called the Iron Duke, was known for his military campaigns in the Eighty Years’ War. In the 18th century, the 13th duchess beguiled the painter Goya, who portrayed her several times.

Along the way, the Alba lineage became deeply intertwined with the lineages of other noble families. Titles were amassed. The 18th Duchess of Alba — whose name was Maria de Rosario Cayetana Paloma Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Fernanda Teresa Francisca de Paula Lourdes Antonia Josefa Fausta Rita Castor Dorotea Santa Esperanza Fitz-James Stuart y Silva, Falcó y Gurtubay — had more noble titles (more than 40) than first names. Doña Cayetana, as she was called, was the most titled aristocrat in the world and, until she died in 2014, kept the Alba name in the public eye, mostly by doing and dressing exactly as she pleased, sometimes scandalizing an adoring public.

Her eldest son has kept a lower profile and so the three palaces he has opened retain the imprint of his mother’s passion for displaying family photos and tiny precious objects, enhancing the sense of home versus museum.

Palacio de Liria, Madrid Screened from the street by towering cedars and ancient magnolias, the crisp, colonnaded Baroque facade of Liria can be glimpsed only when one is inside the garden. Designed primarily by architect Ventura Rodríguez in the late 18th century and largely rebuilt in the 20th, according to plans by British architecture heavyweight Edwin Lutyens, Liria Palace is the grandest Alba home and continues to be the duke’s principal

The rear facade of the Palacio de Liria in madrid on Jan. 2, 2024. The Palacio de Liria is the grandest Alba home and continues to be the 19th (and current) duke’s principal residence. (Emilio Parra Doiztua/The New York Times) residence, with family cars in the driveway and dogs frolicking on the lawn.

For 15 euros (about $16.40), visitors get a 65-minute audio tour of 14 glorious rooms, including the library, which houses, among other treasures, the oldest Bible in the Spanish language, a second edition of Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” and nearly half of Columbus’ extant correspondence — including his hand-drawn maps of Hispaniola from his voyage in 1492.

Beneath a luminous dome, the main staircase leads up to a gallery hung with portraits highlighting the family links to the Stuart monarchs of Britain. An enfilade of connected rooms reveals in astonishing succession the Alba family’s rich history as illustrated through a splendid art collection.

Palacio de Monterrey, Salamanca The 16th-century Palacio de Monterrey (9.50 euros for a 50-minute audio tour) illustrates the vicissitudes experienced by many noble dwellings. Its imposing facade suggests a splendid family home, albeit one a fraction of the size it was intended to be as financial constraints meant that only one wing was built. Marriage brought it into the Alba family around 1700.

While not as grand as intended, the facade is among the

The main staircase of the Palacio de Liria in Madrid on Jan. 2, 2024. The storied Alba family has thrown open the doors of its art-filled homes in Madrid, Seville and Salamanca, inviting visitors inside for a taste of a bygone era. (Emilio Parra Doiztua/The New York Times)

finest examples of the Spanish Plateresque architectural style, with its carved floral and figural motifs that animate the towers, cornices, windows and entrance.

The palace was used as a school in the 19th century and then left derelict until the interior was restored in the 1940s and ’50s by the 18th Duchess of Alba and her father. It is now the coziest and most unpretentious of the three houses — though it does have a bedroom that was used by the former King Juan Carlos I, a family friend, as a teenager.

Alba de Tormes Little remains of the once splendid 16th-century Renaissance palace in Alba de Tormes, where operas and plays premiered for the third duke and his guests, who included King Ferdinand II of Aragon.

Today only a tower with some frescoes can be visited (entrance, 3 euros). A climb to the top offers sweeping views of the gently rolling Castilian plains and the broad, slow meander of the Tormes River, suggesting what life may have looked like in 1582, when St. Teresa of Ávila, the Carmelite nun, mystic and philosopher, was summoned by the third duchess to bless the birth of their son. Heeding the duchess’s call despite being ill, St. Teresa died soon after arrival and was buried in Alba de Tormes. Church fathers in Ávila insisted she be interred in her hometown and the body was returned.

However, at the request of a later duchess of Alba, a papal decree was granted for returning the saint to Alba de Tormes, where her body — or what is left of it — remains. On each transfer of her corpse, multiple body parts were taken to satisfy a flourishing market in saints’ relics. Her fingers, arms and heart and part of her jaw are all enshrined in far-flung churches. Her tomb in Alba de Tormes draws thousands of faithful visitors every year and requires five separate keys to open it, one of which is owned by the Duke of Alba; another is kept at the Vatican.

Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville The bougainvillea facade of the Palacio de las Dueñas (entrance, 12 euros) is a mind-blowing expanse of intensely colored papery purple flowers clinging to the guest wing — and with more than 30 guest rooms, it adds up to a lot of purple. Within a year of its opening in 2015, Dueñas became one of the top five most visited sites in Seville.

Built between the 15th and 16th centuries in the Renaissance style, it features Gothic and, especially, Moorish influences — most notably the concept that homes should appear fortresslike on the outside and paradisiacal within. The palace’s layout includes 11 patios and gardens and nine fountains, including two tiled ones that have been gurgling away for nearly 500 years. Inside are works by 16th-century artists like Sofonisba Anguissola and Jacopo Bassano.

The Alba family acquired the house in 1612, when the previous owner needed ransom money to rescue a relative who had been kidnapped and taken to North Africa. Dueñas was the 18th duchess’s favorite home, where, well into her 80s, she danced flamenco every morning for exercise. There’s even a flamenco-inspired room filled with her dresses as well as bullfighting memorabilia and other Andalusian relics. Poet Antonio Machado was born in the house when his father was the estate administrator, and he evokes its beauty in several poems.

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

21

A collapse of the Amazon could be coming ‘faster than we thought’

By MANUELA ANDREONI

U

p to half of the Amazon rainforest could transform into grasslands or weakened ecosystems in the coming decades, a new study found, as climate change, deforestation and severe droughts like the one the region is currently experiencing damage huge areas beyond their ability to recover.

Those stresses in the most vulnerable parts of the rainforest could eventually drive the entire forest ecosystem, home to a tenth of the planet’s land species, into acute water stress and past a tipping point that would trigger a forest-wide collapse, researchers said.

While earlier studies have assessed the individual effects of climate change and deforestation on the rainforest, this peer-reviewed study, published last week in the journal Nature, is the first major research to focus on the cumulative effects of a range of threats.

“This study adds it all up to show how this tipping point is closer than other studies estimated,” said Carlos Nobre, an author of the study. Nobre is a Brazilian Earth systems scientist who studies how deforestation and climate change might permanently change the forest.

The study overlapped data on forest cover, temperature and rainfall patterns, and then factored in other variables that might make various sections of the forest more or less fragile, such as the presence of roads or legal protections, to map out where the rainforest is most likely to transform.

The regional profiles that emerged showed that a tenth of the Amazon was highly vulnerable to transforming into grasslands or degraded ecosystems with lower tree cover. Another 47% of the forest has moderate potential to transform, they found, including mostly untouched areas that are more vulnerable to extreme droughts such as the current one.

These changes could push the forest to a tipping point that would lead to the collapse of the whole forest ecosystem.

“We don’t really know when we are going to reach it,” said Bernardo Flores, a postdoctoral researcher at the Federal University of Santa Catarina and the lead author of the study. But, he added, as the drought that set in last year shows, “we are approaching it faster than we thought.”

Lincoln Muniz Alves, a climatologist at the National Institute for Space Research in Brazil who wasn’t involved in the study, said it added to the knowledge about the forest’s resilience to the challenges it faces. “The study makes progress in the understanding of the tipping point,” he said. “In general, previous scientific papers have mostly explored the impact of deforestation.”

Recent research has shown that parts of the forest in the southeast of the Amazon that have experienced largescale deforestation and fires have already started emitting

Land is burned to create pastureland for cattle in Mato Grosso State, Brazil, Sept. 1, 2019. A new study weighed a range of threats and variables in an effort to map out where the rain forest is most vulnerable. (Victor Moriyama/The New York Times) more carbon dioxide than they absorb because the rainforest there has been damaged past the point of recovery.

The collapse of part or all of the Amazon rainforest would release the equivalent of several years’ worth of global emissions, possibly as much as 20 years’ worth, into the atmosphere as its trees, which store vast amounts of carbon, are replaced by degraded ecosystems. And because those same trees pump huge amounts of water into the atmosphere, their loss could also disturb global rainfall patterns and temperatures in ways that aren’t well-understood.

The researchers also estimated the limits of what the forest could withstand in terms of various threats. Global warming should not exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, deforestation should be kept below 10% of the original tree cover, and the annual dry season cannot exceed five months for the forest to remain intact, the study found.

To that end, governments need to not only halt carbon emissions and deforestation, but also restore at least 5% of the rainforest, the study said.

“If you pass those thresholds, then the forest could, in principle, collapse or transition into different ecosystems,” Flores said. “There is probably one tipping point of the

system that is shaped by the interaction of these different stressors.”

There are, however, still unknowns. Researchers don’t fully understand why some trees die after a drought while others don’t; different biodiversity profiles across regions make general conclusions tricky; and, crucially, scientists still don’t fully understand the complex interactions of factors such as drought, deforestation and other threats.

Still, said Marina Hirota, a professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina and another author of the paper, governments shouldn’t wait for more clarity to act.

“Sometimes science takes a little bit longer to really inform what we need,” Hirota said. “Are we going to wait and see, and blame uncertainty for not doing anything?”

Institution

Minimun Rate (%)

Weighter Average Rate (%)

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Kashable LLC

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8.98%

22 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

An easy one-pot chicken dinner that’s as generous as they come

By CLARE DE BOER

S

ometimes, delicious is obvious. You can’t miss the charred curds on tandoori chicken, the crisp edges on a lasagna, the ripe flesh of a peach. But what draws us to a bowl of rice cooked in coconut milk? Or bread pudding?

Desirability can be harder to spot when it’s one thing absorbing another. But it’s these saturation points — where an ingredient that gives meets one that takes — that comfort. We fold warm, peeled potatoes through mayonnaise, sauce our noodles in the pan and unravel over a potpie with a squidgy layer of puff pastry soaked with what’s below.

Food that’s long on this sort of satisfaction isn’t technical.

In fact, while being a professional chef has given me technical ability, it’s a loyalty to my appetite that makes the food. My role at home — like any cook — is facilitator, here to provide the conditions that draw flavor and juices out of one ingredient to hand off to the next.

This recipe for chicken cooked with noodles is the opposite of flashy or groundbreaking.

Skimming the ingredient list, you could mistake it for chicken Alfredo. But too often chicken Alfredo is a wasted opportunity. Seared, sliced chicken breast and creamy pasta are combined only at the time of serving — a romance without rapport — but in this recipe, the two ingredients are layered in one pot with plenty of water to make something deeper, lighter and intuitive.

There are many ways to let chicken and noodles have at it: You can boil the bird and cook noodles in the resulting stock.

You can braise the chicken to make a more concentrated sauce, which is delicious over buttered noodles.

This recipe splits the difference. It begins by roasting a whole, butter-rubbed, Parmesan-rind-stuffed chicken and a head of garlic under high heat. The skin and butter brown, the garlic sweetens, the bird infuses with the nutty flavors of the cheese. The pot is deglazed with water, less than you would use in a soup, but more than for a braise. Then, the noodles cook in the same pot so they can take in all that flavored broth. In a final act of generosity, the noodles share their starches with the broth, thickening it into a sauce.

Good things happen when ingredients are given a warm introduction and a chance to know one another.

One-pot creamy chicken and noodles

By Clare de BoerThink of this warming dish as a relay race, each ingredient handing its flavor to the next. During the (almost!) hands-off cooking, a head of garlic and a whole chicken stuffed with a Parmesan rind roast, then give themselves to salted water, which in turn flavors the egg noodles that soften around the bird. Salt and water are your best tools here: Season the chicken, season the water and season both again.

Don’t hesitate to add more water as the noodles are cooking to

One-pot creamy chicken and noodles. Both the bird and the egg noodles cook in the same vessel for a creamy meal that’s not just warming, it’s also so easy to clean up. (Matt Taylor-Gross/The New York Times) make sure they’re submerged. Every brand will absorb a slightly different amount of liquid, and you want a result that’s splashy enough to take on all the Parmesan you will grate at the table.

Use your largest pot so everything fits. A 7- to 9-quart Dutch oven has ideal proportions with its wide base and chickenheight sides. You can substitute any short, quick-cooking pasta for egg noodles, and introduce sauteed mushrooms, spinach or herbs at the end, if that’s your mood.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings Total time: 2 hours Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 Parmesan rind, plus grated Parmesan for serving 1 head garlic, cloves segmented, kept in their sheaths 1 pound wide egg noodles 1 sprig rosemary 3 tablespoons sour cream or crème fraîche Preparation: 1. Heat the oven to 500 degrees. Remove the chicken and the butter from the refrigerator to lose their chill while the oven heats.

2. Pat the chicken dry, then rub the chicken all over with the butter (dot if it’s not smearable). Generously sprinkle salt into the cavity and all over the skin, then follow with pepper.

Stuff the Parmesan rind into the cavity of the chicken and place

the chicken in a large Dutch oven. Scatter the garlic cloves around the chicken. Roast, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

3. When the chicken is golden and a chestnut-colored caramel has formed around the base of the bird, transfer the pot to the stovetop. Squash the garlic cloves with the tines of a fork to squeeze out their roasted flesh. Discard the sheaths if you’d like.

4. Pour in enough water to come up mid-thigh around the bird (5 to 8 cups), avoiding the crisp breast skin. Bring the water to a simmer over high heat. Lower the oven temperature to 400 degrees and return the pot to the oven without its lid.

Cook for another 60 minutes.

5. When the chicken looks like it’s giving up the will to hold itself together, remove the pot from the oven and place it on a burner over a high flame. Taste the liquid and season with salt.

6. Press the noodles into the broth and poke them down as they soften to make sure they’re all submerged. Add another 2 to 4 cups of water if necessary to keep the noodles just covered. Boil over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring the noodles occasionally, until they’re cooked through.

7. Turn off the flame and bury the rosemary sprig among the noodles. Let sit for 5 minutes for the rosemary to infuse and for the broth to thicken. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream, taste and season the broth. Finish with a generous grind of black pepper and the final tablespoon of sour cream. Take the pot to the table and pull apart the chicken, serving it with a tangle of noodles, and lots of grated Parmesan on top.

The San Juan Daily Star LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE ARECIBO

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2019-HB1 Demandante Vs.

HECTOR ANTONIO RONDON NIEVES T/C/C HECTOR RONDON T/C/C HECTOR A. RONDON T/C/C HECTOR A. RONDON NIEVES T/C/C HECTOR RONDON NIEVES; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados Civil Núm.: AR2023CV00096.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: LA PARTE DEMANDADA, AL (A LA) SECRETARIO(A) DE HACIENDA DE PUERTO RICO Y AL PÚBLICO GENERAL:

Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de CIALES, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América y/o Giro Postal y Cheque Certificado, en mi oficina ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de CIALES, el 7 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: BARRIO BARAHONA de Morovis. Solar: SOLAR “A”.

Cabida: 743.472 Metros Cuadrados. LINDEROS: NORTE, con uso público, según el plano de inscripción. SUR, con Sucesión Márquez. ESTE, con Parcela número Ciento Ochenta y Uno (181) remanente según el plano de inscripción. OESTE,

@

con propiedad de Iglain Márquez e Ismael Serpa, según el plano de inscripción. Predio de Terreno en forma triangular marcada con la letra “A” según el plano de inscripción, con una cabida de setecientos cuarenta y tres punto cuatrocientos setenta y dos metros cuadrados (743.472 MC) equivalentes a cero punto ciento ochenta y nuevas cuerdas (0.189 cdas).

Ubicado en el Barrio Barahona de Morovis, Puerto Rico. Finca número 15,615 de Morovis, inscrita al Tomo Digital Karibe, Registro de la Propiedad de Manatí. La Hipoteca Revertida consta inscrita en Karibe, finca 15,615 de Morovis, Registro de la Propiedad de Manatí, inscripción 3ª. Propiedad localizada en: 181 CALLE MANUEL CACHO, BO. BARAHONA, MOROVIS, PR 00687. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas anteriores o preferentes: Nombre del Titular: N/A. Suma de la Carga: N/A. Fecha de Vencimiento: N/A. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Titular: Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano. Suma de la Carga: $145,500.00.

Fecha de Vencimiento: 7 de agosto de 2095. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes.

El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anteriores, y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo de mínima subasta la suma de $145,500.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de CIALES, el 14 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $97,000.00, 2/3 partes del tipo mínima establecido originalmente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se establece como mínima para la TERCERA SUBASTA, la suma de $72,750.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de CIALES, el 21 DE MARZO DE 2024, A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor ascendente a la suma de $59,966.69 por concepto de principal, más la suma de $32,811.95 en intereses acumulados al 30 de mayo de 2023 y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 3.184% anual hasta su total y completo pago; más la sumas de $11,870.51 en seguro hipotecario; $1,952.71 de seguro; $525.00 de tasaciones; $357.00 de inspecciones; $6,171.00 en mantenimiento; $3,533.00 en adelantos de honorarios de abogado; más la cantidad de 10% del pagare original en la suma de $14,550.00, para gastos, costas y honorarios de abogado. A tenor con la Regla 44.3 de Procedimiento Civil se condena a la parte demandada a pagar intereses aplicables sobre el importe de la presente sentencia incluyendo costas y honorarios de abogado, desde esta fecha y hasta que sea satisfecha. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efectos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha subasta.

Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás constancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para ser examinadas por los (las) interesados (as). Y para su publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públicos de Puerto Rico. Expedido en Arecibo, Puerto Rico, hoy 12 de enero de 2024. GERARDO E. REYES MELÉNDEZ, ALGUACIL CONFIDENCIAL PLACA #109. ***

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SALÓN NÚM. (404). SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA Y COBRO DE DINERO. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R. SS.

A: LUIS QUILES RODRĺGUEZ t/c/c LUIS A. QUILES RODRĺGUEZ; MARÍA HERNÁNDEZ RIVERA: Y AL PUBLICO EN GENERAL:

El Alguacil que suscribe, certifica y hace constar que en cumplimiento de Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Parcela marcada con el número quinientos cincuenta y uno en el plano de inscripción de la comunidad Rural Campo Rico del Barrio Hato Puerco del término Municipal de Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de cuatrocientos cuarenta y seis punto sesenta y ocho metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con Parcela número quinientos cincuenta y dos de la Comunidad; por el SUR, con quebrada; por el ESTE, con Parcela número quinientos cincuenta y nueve de la comunidad; y por el OESTE, con calle número once de la comunidad y parcela número quinientos cincuenta de la comunidad. Finca número #8,919, inscrita al folio 43 del tomo 183 de Canóvanas. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección III de Carolina. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: 551 Calle

(787) 743-3346

23 11, Campo Rico, Canóvanas, P.R. 00729. Se informa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravamen posterior, una vez sea otorgada la escritura de venta judicial y obtenida la Orden y Mandamiento de cancelación de gravamen posterior. (Art. 51, Ley 210-2015). En relación a la finca a subastarse, se establece como tipo mínimo de licitación en la Primera Subasta la suma de $100,327.68, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca Modificación #129, otorgada en San Juan, el día 28 de febrero de 2020, ante la notario Alexandra M. Serracante Cadilla, inscrita al tomo Keribe de Canóvanas, finca #8,919, inscripción Sexta. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 12 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $100,327.68.

Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 19 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo sitio y servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes del precio pactada para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $66,885.12. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 27 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar y regirá como tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta la mitad del precio pactado para la primera, o sea, la suma de $50,163.84. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo, para con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: La suma de $97,170.98, con intereses a 4.25% anual, desde el 1ro de diciembre de 2021, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, más los cargos por demora que se corresponden a los plazos atrasados desde la fecha anteriormente indicada a razón de la tasa pactada de 4% de cualquier pago que éste en mora por más de quince (15) días desde la fecha de su vencimiento, más una suma equivalente a $9,380.00, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipo-

tecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables.

Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Expedido en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 31 de enero de 2024. Hector L Peña Rodriguez, Alguacil.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA.

LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2019-PR1 Parte Demandante VS.

JORGE JUAN BANACHET OCASIO SIERRA

Parte Demandada CIVIL NÚM. CA2023CV00786.

SALÓN NÚM. (407). SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA Y COBRO DE DINERO. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R.. SS.

A: JORGE JUAN BANACHET OCASIO SIERRA: Y AL PUBLICO EN GENERAL:

El Alguacil que suscribe, certifica y hace constar que en cumplimiento de Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, procederé

a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar de forma irregular número diez de la manzana dieciocho, radicado frente a la calle San Rafael del Municipio de Carolina, Puerto Rico, con una capacidad superficial de ciento cuarenta y seis metros cuadrados con veintinueve centésimas de metros cuadrado. En lindes por el NORTE, diecisiete metros cuadrados con setenta y ocho centésimas y sesenta y un centésimas de metro, con dos solares municipales ocupados por la Sucesión de Don Emilio Fragoso y por la familia Zurinaga, respectivamente; por el SUR, en nueve metros con catorce centímetros y en nueve metros nueve centímetros, con un solar del municipio ocupado por Dólares Ortiz y con terrenos de la Sucesión Soto, respectivamente; por el ESTE, en cuatro metros ochentisiete centímetros y dos metros veintiocho centímetros con otros dos solares del municipio ocupados por la familia Zurinaga y por el señor Antipo Euraskin, respectivamente; y por el OESTE, con ocho metros ochenticinco centímetros, con la calle San Rafael. Enclava una casa de dos plantas dedicada a vivienda y comercio. Consta inscrita al folio 50 del tomo 889 de Carolina Sur, finca número #35,802, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección II de Carolina. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: #53 Calle San Rafael, Carolina, P.R. 00979. Según figura en el Estudio de título, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada al siguiente Gravamen preferente a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: a. Aviso de Demanda de fecha 17 de octubre de 2005, expedido en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, en el Caso Civil número FCD205-1428(205), sobre cobro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca, seguido por Doral Financial Corporation, contra Jorge Becerril Fuentes, también conocido como Jorge Luis Becerril Fuentes y su esposa Zhymy Nuñez Rivera y la sociedad legal ganancial com-

puesta por ambos, por la suma de $10,996.96, más intereses y otras sumas, anotado el día 20 de agosto de 2007, al folio 158 del tomo 1410 de Carolina Sur, finca número 35,802, Anotación A. Se le notifica a los acreedores preferentes anteriormente identificado para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados. Se informa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravamen posterior, una vez sea otorgada la escritura de venta judicial y obtenida la Orden y Mandamiento de cancelación de gravamen posterior. (Art. 51, Ley 210-2015). En relación a la finca a subastarse, se establece como tipo mínimo de licitación en la Primera Subasta la suma de $109,413.53, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Modificación de Hipoteca #976, otorgada en San Juan, el día 15 de noviembre de 2012, ante la notario Magda V. Alsina Figueroa, inscrita al folio 165 del tomo 1481 de Carolina Sur, finca #35,802, inscripción 12ma. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 12 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 10:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $109,413.53. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 19 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 10:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo sitio y servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes del precio pactada para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $72,942.35.

Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 27 DE MARZO DE 2024 A LAS 10:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar y regirá como tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta la mitad del precio pactado para la primera, o sea, la suma de $54,706.76.

Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo, para con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: La suma de $100,626.41, la cual se desglosa a continuación: una suma principal por la cantidad de $99,138.58, con intereses a 7.75% anual, desde el 1ro de agosto de 2021, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, más una suma de principal diferida

24 (piggyback) por la cantidad de $1,487.83 la cual no genera intereses, más los cargos por demora que se corresponden a los plazos atrasados desde la fecha anteriormente indicada a razón de la tasa pactada de 5% de cualquier pago que éste en mora por más de quince (15) días desde la fecha de su vencimiento, más una suma equivalente a $7,200.00, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipotecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables. Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes.

Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Expedido en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 31 de enero de 2024. Hector L Peña Rodriguez, Alguacil. 278, Placa.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CABO ROJO.

SINTIA G. PEREZ GUZMAN

Parte Demandante VS

DANNY SUAREZ

Parte Demandada CIVIL NIJM. CB2023CV00837.

SOBRE: EXEQUATUR. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO.

A: DANNY SUAREZ

Se le apercibe que la parte demandante por mediación del Lcdo. Rafael Fabre Colon, P.O. Box 277, Mayagüez, Puerto

Rico 00681, Tel. 787-265-0334, ha radicado la acción de epígrafe en su contra. Copia de la demanda, emplazamientos y del presente edicto le ha sido enviado por correo a la última dirección conocida. Pueden ustedes obtener más información sobre el asunto revisando los autos en el Tribunal. Se le apercibe que tiene usted un término de treinta (30) dias para radicar contestación a dicha demanda de Exequátur y cualquier escrito que estime usted conveniente a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https: //unired. ramajudicial pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaria del Tribunal de epígrafe, pero que de no radicarse escrito alguno ante el Tribunal dentro de dicho término el Tribunal procederá a ventilar el procedimiento sin más citarle ni oIrle. Dada en Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, hoy 1 de febrero de 2024. LCDA NORMA G SANTANA IRIZARRY, SECRETARIA GENERAL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA. POR: MARIA AVILES BONILLA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE GUAYAMA SALA SUPERIOR DE GUAYAMA

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V.

JOSE ORTIZ Y OTROS

Demandado(a) JUAN C. FORTUÑO FAS JCFORTUNO@FORTUNO-LAWCOM Caso Núm. GM2023CV00841 (Salón 303) Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO Y OTROS. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y /O PARTES INTERÉS EN LA SUCESIÓN DE JOSÉ EDUARDO ORTIZ MANDES

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

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 12 DE FEBRERO DE 2024, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 13 de febrero de 2024. En Guayama, Puerto Rico, el 13 de febrero de 2024. Marisol Rosado Rodríguez, Secretaria.

F/Stephanie Escalante Ortiz, Secretaria Auxiliar del Tribunal.

siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 12 de FEBRERO de 2024. En SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, el 12 de FEBRERO de 2024. GRISELDA RODRIGUEZ COLLADO, Secretario(a). f/ MARTHA ALMODOVAR CABRERA, Secretario(a) Auxiliar del Tribunal.

cación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 12 de FEBRERO de 2024. En VEGA BAJA, Puerto Rico, el 12 de FEBRERO de 2024. LAURA I. SANTA SANCHEZ, Secretario(a). f/ MARITZA ROSARIO ROSARIO, Secretario(a) Auxiliar del Tribunal.

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SAN JUAN SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN.

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMÓN SALA SUPERIOR DE VEGA BAJA.

ASUNTO: EXEQUATUR (Divorcio).

EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. DEL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

Demandante v.

GLORIA OTERO CANO Y OTROS

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMON SALA SUPERIOR.

SHARON ENID ROMAN GUTIERREZ T/C/C SHARON ENID ROMAN T/C/C SHARON ROMAN

OCHENTA y UNO (28.81) meMYRTA FELIX ORTIZ JUAN DEL PUEBLO TIC/E MYRTA FELIX T/C/C tros lineales, con la Carretera Y OTROS Estatal número SETECIENTOS Demandado(a) MYRTA Z. FELIX Y LA TREINTA y OCHO (738); y por LIZBET AVILÉS VEGA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE el OESTE, en una distancia LIZBET_A VILES@Y AHOO.COM BIENES GANANCIALES de VEINTITRES punto CERO Caso Núm.: CM2023CV00715 CERO (23.00) metros lineales, (SALÓN 101 CIVILCRIMINAL).

COMPUESTA POR AMBOS; Y LOS ESTADOS con el solar H guión DOS (H-2). Sobre: CANCELACIÓN O Enclava una residencia de conUNIDOS DE AMÉRICA creto de una planta. Afecto a RESTITUCIÓN DE PAGARÉ

Demandados CIVIL NÚM.: CG2023CV02908 SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA IN REM EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA. PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS. ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS.

A: ISMAEL REYES COTTO T/C/C ISMAEL REYES; Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE PARTE DEMANDANTE BIENES GANANCIALES LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE RICARDO GUARISMA COMPUESTA POR PARTE DEMANDADA ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO AMBOS DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- Civil Núm.: BY2023CV06844.

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

BANCO POPULAR Demandante v.

SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE Demandado(a) BIENES GANANCIALES Y Caso Núm.: VB2019CV00421 OTROS

Demandado(a) Caso Núm.: SJ2019CV06080 (SALÓN 508 CIVIL). Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. GUILLERMO A. SOMOZA COLOMBANI BILLYSOMOZA@YAHOO.COM

A: RENE POLANCO HERNANDEZ COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESION DE MOISES MARTINEZ LEBRON Y DE LA SUCESION DE JOSEFINA PAULINO HERNANDEZ; FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, ZUTANO DE TAL, ZUTANA DE TAL, A, B Y C COMO MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION DE MOISES MARTINEZ LEBRON Y DE LA SUCESION DE JOSEFINA PAULINO HERNANDEZ

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 15 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y,

A: RICARDO GUARISMA 627 Lenway Dr Orlando, Florida 32807.

DE: SHARON ENID ROMAN GUTIERREZ T/C/ SHARON ENID ROMAN T/C/C SHARON ROMAN Barrio Juan Domingo Calle San Miguel #2 Guaynabo, PR 00966

(SALÓN 201 CD, CM, TR Y CR). Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. GUILLERMO A. SOMOZA COLOMBANI B I L LY S O M O Z A @ YA H O O . POR LA PRESENTE se le emCOM plaza, se le notifica que una A: GLORIA OTERO demanda ha sido presentada CANO; LA SUCESION DE en su contra y se le requiere JOSE TIBURCIO REYES para que conteste la demanda de los treinta (30) días NATER COMPUESTA dentro siguientes a la publicación de POR SUS MIEMBROS, este Edicto, radicando el oriFULANO DE TAL, ginal de su contestación ante el Tribunal correspondiente y FULANA DE TAL Y GLORIA OTERO CANO notificando con copia de la misEN LA CUOTA VIUDAL ma a la parte demandante a la dirección antes indicada. Se le USUFRUCTUARIA apercibe que de no hacerlo, se beEL SECRETARIO(A) que podrá dictar Sentencia en resuscribe le notifica a usted beldía concediendo el remedio que el 06 DE AGOSTO DE solicitado en la demanda, sin ci2021, este Tribunal ha dictado tarle ni oírle más. EXTENDIDO Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial BAJO MI FIRMA Y EL SELLO o Resolución en este caso, DEL TRIBUNAL, en Bayamón, que ha sido debidamente rePuerto Rico, hoy día 1 de fegistrada y archivada en autos brero de 2024. Lcda. Laura i donde podrá usted enterarse Santa Sanchez, Secretario (a) detalladamente de los términos del Tribunal. Normary A Alamo de la misma. Esta notificación Arriaga, Secretario (a) Auxiliar. se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación geLEGAL NOTICE neral en la Isla de Puerto Rico, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO dentro de los 10 días siguientes DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUa su notificación. Y, siendo o NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA representando usted una parte SALA DE CAGUAS en el procedimiento sujeta a CARRINGTON los términos de la Sentencia, MORTGAGE SERVICES, Sentencia Parcial o ResoluLLC ción, de la cual puede estaDemandante Vs. blecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publi-

ISMAEL REYES COTTO T/C/C ISMAEL REYES; MYRTA ZORAIDA FELIX ORTIZ T/C/C MYRTA Z. FELIX ORTIZ T/C/C

POR LA PRESENTE, se les emplaza y se les notifica que se ha presentado en la Secretaria de este Tribunal la Demanda del caso del epígrafe solicitando la ejecución de hipoteca y el cobro de dinero relacionado al pagaré suscrito a favor de VIG Mortgage Corp., o a su orden, por la suma principal de $262,500.00, con intereses computados sobre la misma desde su fecha hasta su total y completo pago a razón de la tasa de interés de 5.060% anual, la cual será ajustada mensualmente, obligándose además al pago de costas, gastos y desembolsos del litigio, más honorarios de abogados en una suma de $26,250.00, equivalente al 10% de la suma principal original. Este pagaré fue suscrito bajo el affidávit número Armando J. Martínez Vilella. Lo anterior surge de la hipoteca constituida mediante la escritura número 117 otorgada el 19 de abril de 2017, ante la misma notario público, inscrita al tomo Karibe de Cayey Sección II de Caguas, finca número 22,832, inscripción 9na. La hipoteca grava la propiedad que describe que describe a continuación: URBANA: Parcela identificada en el plano de inscripción como el solar número TRES (3) del bloque H de la URBANlZACION LOS CEDROS, localizada en el Barrio Montellano del municipio de Cayey, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de QUINIENTOS DIEZ punto CINCUENTA y SIETE (510.57) metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en una distancia de VEINTIDOS punto SETENTA y NUEVE (22.79) metros lineales, con los solares H guión CUATRO (H-4) y H guión CINCO (H-5); por el SUR, en una distancia de VEINTICINCO punto CUARENTA (25.40) metros lineales con la calle número DIECISEIS (16); por el ESTE en una distancia de VEINTIOCHO punto

EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICAuna servidumbre de UNO punto CIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR CINCUENTA (1.50) metros a EDICTO. favor de la Puerto Rico TeleA: JUAN DEL PUEBLO phone Company, que discurre Y JUANA DEL PUEBLO a todo lo largo de su colindanCOMO POSIBLES cia SUR. Finca número 22,832, TENEDORES Y inscrita al folio 135 del tomo 557 de Cayey. Registro de la CUALESQUIER PERSONA Propiedad de Caguas, Sección DESCONOCIDA CON de Segunda. Se apercibe y adPOSIBLE INTERÉS EN vierte a ustedes como personas LA OBLIGACIÓN CUY desconocidas, que deberá preA CANCELACIÓN POR sentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado DECRETO JUDICIAL SE de Administración y Manejo de SOLICITA. Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede (Nombre de las partes que se le accesar utilizando la siguiente notifican la sentencia por edicto) dirección: https://unired.rama- EL SECRETARIO(A) que susjuducial.pr, salvo que se repre- cribe le notifica a usted que el sente por Derechos Propio, en 08 DE FEBRERO DE 2024, cuyo caso deberá presentar este Tribunal ha dictado Sensu alegación responsiva en la tencia, Sentencia Parcial o secretaria del Tribunal De no Resolución en este caso, que contestar la demanda radican- ha sido debidamente registrado el original de la contestación da y archivada en autos donde ante la secretaria del Tribunal podrá usted enterarse detade Primera Instancia, Sala de lladamente de los términos de San Juan, y notificar copia de la misma. Esta notificación se la contestación de esta a la publicará una sola vez en un parte demandante por conduc- periódico de circulación general to de su abogada, GLS LEGAL en la Isla de Puerto Rico, denSERVICES, LLC, Atención: tro de los 1 O días siguientes Lcda. Genevieve López Stipes a su notificación. Y, siendo o Dirección: P.O. Box 367308, representando usted una parte San Juan, P.R. 00936-7308, en el procedimiento sujeta a los Teléfono: 787-758-6550, den- términos de la Sentencia, Sentro de los próximos 30 días a tencia Parcial o Resolución, partir de la publicación de este de la cual puede establecerse emplazamiento por edicto, que recurso de revisión o apelación será publicado una sola vez en dentro del término de 30 días un periódico de circulación dia- contados a partir de la publicaria general en la isla de Puerto ción por edicto de esta notificaRico, se le anotará la rebeldía ción, dirijo a usted esta notificay se dictará sentencia, conce- ción que se considerará hecha diendo el remedio solicitando en la fecha de la publicación de en la Demanda sin más citarle este edicto. Copia de esta noni oírle. Se ORDENA a la parte tificación ha sido archivada en demandante a que, en vista de los autos de este caso, con feque Ismael Reyes Cotto t/c/c cha de 12 de Febrero de 2024.

Ismael Reyes; y la sociedad le- En Hatillo, Puerto Rico, el 12 gal de bienes gananciales com- de Febrero de 2024. VIVIAN Y. puesta por ambos; proceda a FRESSE GONZALEZ, Secrenotificar la presente Orden me- tario( a). f/SUHAIL SERRANO diante publicación de un edicto MOYA, Secretario(a) Auxiliar a esos efectos una sola vez en del Tribunal. un periódico de circulación diaria general de la Isla de Puerto Rico. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal hoy 8 de febrero de 2024. Lisilda Martínez Agosto, Secretaria. Vionnette Espinosa Castillo, Secretaria Auxiliar.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS.

SUZETTE ANGELIE ROLON CRUZ

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO Demandante v.

DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUEXPARTE NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA Demandado(a) CENTRO JUDICIAL DE ARECaso Núm.: CD2022CV00162 CIBO SALA SUPERIOR DE (SALÓN 0304 SALA CRIMIHATILLO. NAL). Sobre: EXPEDIENTE DE BALDOMERO DOMINIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE GARCIA SOTO SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. VÍCTOR M. RIVERA TORRES Demandante v.

VICTOR.RIVERA@RCRTRBLAW.

The San Juan Daily Star

DE DESCRIBE Y A: CUALQUIER PERSONA ESPECIALMENTE A SUS QUE PUDIESE TENER POSIBLES HEREDEROS INTERÉS Y TODA DESCONOCIDOS DE PERSONA A QUIEN EXISTIR LA SUCESIÓN PUDIERA PERJUDICAR DE ERNESTO SANTIAGO LA INSCRIPCIÓN cmco, LAUREAN O SOLICITADA MORALES ROSARIO (Nombre de las partes que se le y A SUS POSIBLES notifican la sentencia por edicto) HEREDEROS EL SECRETARIO(A) que susDESCONOCIDOS DE cribe le notifica a usted que el 10 DE ENERO DE 2024, este EXISTIR LA SUCESIÓN Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, DE LAUREAN O Sentencia Parcial o Resolución MORALES ROSARIO. en este caso, que ha sido debiCOM

damente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 22 de ENERO de 2024. En CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, el 22 de ENERO de 2024. LISILDA MARTINEZ AGOSTO, Secretario(a). f/ARLEEN HERNANDEZ PELUYERA, Secretario(a) Auxiliar del Tribunal.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE ARECIBO.

ISRAEL CARABALLO RODRÍGUEZ MARGARITA REYES CANDELARIA PETICIONARIOS vs

EX PARTE

CIVIL NÚM: AR2024CV00055.

SOBRE: RECTIFICACIÓN DE CABIDA EXPEDIENTE DE DOMINIO. Artículo 195 (3) de la Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria del Estado Libre asociado de Puerto Rico.

EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS E.E.U.U. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PR. S.S.

A: CUALQUIER PERSONA DESCONOCIDA QUE PUDIERA TENER INTERÉS EN ESTE EXPEDIENTE DE DOMINIO Y /O EN LA PROPIEDAD QUE MAS DELANTE

Por la presente se notifica para que comparezcan, si lo creyeren pertinente, ante este Honorable Tribunal dentro de los veinte (20) días contados a partir de la última publicación de este edicto a exponer lo que a sus derechos convenga en el expediente promovido por la parte peticionaria para adquirir su dominio sobre la siguiente finca: -RÚSTICA: Solar radicado en el barrio Puente de Camuy, Puerto Rico, compuesto de 451.00 metros cuadrados.

En lindes por el Norte, en 14.46 metros, con Ernesto Santiago Chico; por el Sur, en 6.70 metros, con la finca principal de la cual es segregación; por el Este, en 40.80 metros, con Luciano Morales y por el Oeste, en 41.20 metros, con una calle aún sin nombre. TRACTO REGISTRAL: Se segrega de la finca #3,460, inscrita al folio 55 del tomo 71 de Camuy.

DOMINIO. Consta inscrito a favor de ISRAEL CARBALLO RODRÍGUEZ y su esposa MARGARITA REYES CANDELARIA, quienes adquieren por compra que hicieran a Miguel Ángel Guzmán Soto y su esposa Rosa María Machado González, por el precio de $70,000.00, según consta de la escritura #107, otorgada el día 31 de mayo de 2004, ante la notario público Vivian S. Alfonso Rivera, al folio 92 del tomo 362 de Camuy, finca #10,239, inscripción 8ª, el día 28 de febrero de 2004. CARGAS Y/O GRAVÁMENES. a) Por su procedencia: Libre de cargas. b) Por sí: l. Hipoteca constituida por los titulares en garantía de un pagaré favor de Doral Mortgage, o a su orden, por la suma de $56,000.00, intereses al 6ó% anual y vencimiento el día 1 de junio de 2034, según consta de la escritura #108, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 11 de mayo de 2004 (así surge), ante la notario público Vivian S. Alfonso Rivera, inscrita al folio 92 del tomo 362 de Camuy, finca #10,239, inscripción 9ª, el día 28 de septiembre de 2004. Sujeta a cláusula de aceleración. 2. Hipoteca constituida por los titulares en garantía de un pagaré favor de la Autoridad para el Financiamiento de la Vivienda de Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 de $15,000.00, sin intereses y vencimiento el día 30 de octubre de 2012, según consta de la escritura #109, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 31 de mayo de 2004, ante la notario público Vivian S. Alfonso Rivera, inscrita al folio 92 del tomo 362 de Camuy, finca #10,239, inscripción 10ª, el día 4 de octubre de 2004. Sujeta a condiciones restrictivas del programa La llave para tu hogar por 8 años. También, se le informa que el Tribunal acogió la solicitud y el caso será señalado oportunamente para vista en su fondo en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Arecibo, a la cual usted puede comparecer personalmente o asistido por abogado a presentar cualquier oposición que tuviera a la petición. Este edicto deberá ser publicado en tres (3) ocasiones dentro del término de veinte (20) días, en un periódico de circulación general diaria, para que comparezcan si quieren algar su derecho.

Toda primera mención de persona natural y/o jurídica que se mencione en el mismo, se identificará en letra tamaño 10 puntos y negrillas, conforme a lo dispuesto en las Reglas de Procedimiento Civil, 2009. Se le notifica a usted que este Tribunal ha ordenado su citación, para que presente oposición a este expediente, si se viesen perjudicados con la inscripción que se solicita; advirtiéndole que de no hacerlo dentro del término de veinte (20) días a contar desde de la fecha de la última publicación del edicto, la parte peticionaria podrá solicitar y obtener la aprobación de este expediente de dominio y la correspondiente inscripción a su nombre en el Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección Primera de Arecibo, el dominio de la finca anteriormente descrita. Usted deberá presentar su posición a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación en la secretaría del Tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación dentro del referido término, el Tribunal podrá dictar sentencia, previo a escuchar la prueba de valor de la parte peticionaria, sin más citarle ni oírle, y conceder el remedio solicitado en la Petición, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. En Arecibo, Puerto Rico hoy 5 de febrero de 2024.

Vivian Y. Fresse González, Secretario(a) Regional. Alexandra Álvarez Natal, Secretario(a) Auxiliar del Tribunal.

DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- la tasa de interés de 5.060% NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA anual, la cual será ajustada mensualmente, obligándose SALA DE SAN JUAN WILMINGTON SAVINGS además al pago de costas, gasFUND SOCIETY, FSB, tos y desembolsos del litigio, más honorarios de abogados NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT en una suma de $23,250.00, SOLELY AS TRUSTEE equivalente al 10% de la suma FOR FINANCE OF principal original. Este pagaré AMERICA STRUCTURED fue suscrito bajo el affidávit número 7973 ante el notario DaSECURITIES Cardona Dingui. Lo anterior ACQUISITION TRUST vid surge de la hipoteca constituida 2019-HB1 mediante la escritura número Demandante Vs. 490 otorgada el 5 de octubre SUCESIÓN DE CARMEN de 2012, ante el misma notario público, inscrita al Tomo Karibe IRIS FIGUERELLA de Sabana Llana, finca número MONTALVO T/C/C 9,797, inscripción 7ma. La hiCARMEN IRIS poteca grava la propiedad que FIGUEREYA MONTALVO describe que describe a contiT/C/C CARMEN nuación: URBANA: Solar marFIGUEREYA MONTALVO cado con el número veintisiete del Bloque “AB” del Plano de COMPUESTA POR Inscripción de la Cuarta ExtenRICHARD ROLDÁN sión, Primera Etapa de la UrbaFIGUERELLA T/C/C nización Country Club, situada RICHARD ANTHONY en el Barrio Sabana Llana del ROLDÓN FIGUERELLA, Municipio de Río Piedras, San FULANO Y SUTANO DE Juan, Puerto Rico, con una caTAL COMO MIEMBROS bida superficial de trescientos cuarentiseis metros cuadrados DE NOMBRES con noventisiete centímetros DESCONOCIDOS; cuadrados (346.97), en lindes CENTRO DE por el NORESTE, en diecinueve metros cincuenta cenRECAUDACIÓN tímetros, con la Calle sesentiDE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES; ESTADOS cuatro; por el SUROESTE, en veintitrés metros, con el solar UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA veintiséis; por el SURESTE, Demandados en quince metros, veinte cenCIVIL NÚM.: SJ2023CV11751 tímetros, con el solar doce del (508) SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN Bloque “AB” de la Primera ExDE HIPOTECA IN REM. EMtensión; por el NOROESTE, en PLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO once metros setenta centímeE INTERPELACION. EMPLAtros, con la Calle trescientos ZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. siete; por el NORTE, en cinco ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉmetros cincuenta centímetros, RICA. PRESIDENTE DE LOS con la intersección de la Calles ESTADOS UNIDOS. ESTADO sesenticuatro y trescientos sieLIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERte. Enclava una casa. Finca núTO RICO. S.S. mero 9,797, inscrita al folio 16 A: SUCESIÓN DE del tomo 220 de Sabana Llana.

CARMEN IRIS Registro de la Propiedad de FIGUERELLA MONTALVO Puerto Rico, Sección V de San Juan. Se apercibe y advierte a T/C/C CARMEN IRIS como personas descoFIGUEREYA MONTALVO ustedes nocidas, que deberá presentar T/C/C CARMEN su alegación responsiva a traFIGUEREYA MONTALVO vés del Sistema Unificado de Administración y Manejo de COMPUESTA POR Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede RICHARD ROLDÁN accesar utilizando la siguiente FIGUERELLA T/C/C dirección: https://unired.ramaRICHARD ANTHONY juducial.pr , salvo que se reROLDÓN FIGUERELLA, presente por Derechos Propio, FULANO Y SUTANO DE en cuyo caso deberá presentar TAL COMO MIEMBROS su alegación responsiva en la secretaria del Tribunal De no DE NOMBRES contestar la demanda radicanDESCONOCIDOS. do el original de la contestación POR LA PRESENTE, se les ante la secretaria del Tribunal emplaza y se les notifica que se de Primera Instancia, Sala de ha presentado en la Secretaria San Juan, y notificar copia de de este Tribunal la Demanda la contestación de esta a la del caso del epígrafe solicitanparte demandante por conducdo la ejecución de hipoteca y to de su abogada, GLS LEGAL el cobro de dinero relacionado SERVICES, LLC, Atención: al pagaré suscrito a favor de Lcda. Genevieve López Stipes EMI Equity Mortgage lnc., o a Dirección: P.O. Box 367308, su orden, por la suma principal San Juan, P.R. 00936-7308, de $232,500.00, con intereses Teléfono: 787-758-6550, dencomputados sobre la misma tro de los próximos 60 días a desde su fecha hasta su total LEGAL NOTICE partir de la publicación de este y completo pago a razón de emplazamiento por edicto, que ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO

25

será publicado una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general en la isla de Puerto Rico, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia, concediendo el remedio solicitando en la Demanda sin más citarle ni oírle. INTERPELACION Se les ORDENA a ustedes a que dentro del término legal de TREINTA (30) días, contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia de Carmen Iris Figuerella Montalvo t/c/c Carmen Iris Figuereya Montalvo t/c/c Carmen Figuereya Montalvo a saber: Richard Roldán Figuerella t/c/c Richard Anthony Roldón Figuerella, Fulano de Tal y Sutano de Tal como herederos de nombres desconocidos. Se les APERCIBE que de no expresarse dentro de ese término de TREINTA (30) días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. También se les APERCIBE que luego del transcurso del término de TREINTA (30) días antes señalado contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia de los causantes Carmen Iris Figuerella Montalvo t/c/c Carmen Iris Figuereya Montalvo t/c/c Carmen Figuereya Montalvo; y, por consiguiente, responden por las cargas de dicha herencia conforme dispone el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil de Puerto Rico de 2020, según enmendado. Se ORDENA a la parte demandante a que, en vista de que la sucesión de Carmen Iris Figuerella Montalvo t/c/c Carmen Iris Figuereya Montalvo t/c/c Carmen Figuereya Montalvo a saber: Richard Roldán Figuerella t/c/c Richard Anthony Roldón Figuerella, Fulano de Tal y Sutano de Tal como herederos de nombres desconocidos; proceda a notificar la presente Orden mediante publicación de un edicto a esos efectos una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de la Isla de Puerto Rico.

Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal hoy 14 de febrero de 2024. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, Secretaria Regional. Carmen F. García Figueroa, Secretaria Servicios a Sala.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMON SALA SUPERIOR.

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante vs.

SERGIO ROMERO MOLINA, IVELISSE ORTIZ RODRIGUEZ y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes

Gananciales compuesta por ambos

Demandados CIVIL NÚM. DCD2017-0613 (402). SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCION DE PRENDA y EJECUCION SENTENCIA (VIA ORDINARIA).

EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: Público en General A: SERGIO ROMERO MOLINA, IVELISSE ORTIZ RODRIGUEZ y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos.

Yo, EDGARDO ELIAS VARGAS SANTANA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA 193, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 13 de marzo de 2024 a las 10:00 de la mañana, en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Bayamón, en el Cuarto Piso, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia.

Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Bayamón durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una segunda subasta para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el día 20 de marzo de 2024, a las 10:00 de la mañana y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 3 de abril de 2024, a las 10:00 de la mañana en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: DESCRIPCION REGISTRAL: Urbana: BARRIO HATO TEJAS de Bayamón Norte. Solar: 1. Cabida de 335.268 Metros Cuadrados. Linderos: Norte, en una distancia de veintitrés punto veinticuatro metros (23.24) con el solar número dos. Sur, en una distancia en arco con un largo de diecisiete punto catorce metros (17.14) con la calle Montaña. Este, en una distancia de quince punto veintiséis metros (15.26) con solar dedicado escuelas. Oeste, en varias alineaciones totalizando dieciséis punto treinta y cinco metros (16.35) con la calle Monte.” A. Inscrita al tomo 26 del sistema de folio móvil de Bayamón Norte, finca #5051,

inscripción 7ma, del Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Tercera. B. Inscrita al folio 162 del tomo 243 de Bayamón Norte, finca #5051, inscripción 10ma, del Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Tercera. C. Inscrita al folio 162 del tomo 243 de Bayamón Norte, finca #5051, inscripción 12da, del Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Tercera. Modificada la hipoteca de la inscripción 7ma., en cuanto al interés que será al 7.99% anual, según la escritura número 27, otorgada en Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, el día 18 de abril de 2002, ante la Notario Público Iraida Latoni Maldonado, inscrita al folio 162 del tomo 243 de Bayamón Norte, finca #5051, inscripción 9na., del Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Tercera. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Valle Verde III Norte, DC-14, Calle Montes, Bayamón, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $157,500.00 de principal, con 5 años de intereses según garantizado por la hipoteca al 7.990% anual, desde el día 30 de septiembre de 2008, hasta su total y completo pago, más la cantidad de $15,750.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, que la parte demandada se obligara a satisfacer como suma líquida y sin necesidad de nueva liquidación y aprobación por este Tribunal, más la cantidad que se adeuda mensualmente a partir del día 30 de octubre de 2008, por concepto de las partidas enumeradas que incluyen contribuciones e impuestos, primas de seguro contra riesgos y seguro de hipoteca, más los cargos por demora, más cualquiera otros adelantos que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta será la suma de $142,000.00 para el pagaré identificado A, 3,000.00 para el pagaré identificado B y $12,500.00 para el pagaré identificado C, para un total de $157,500.00 en la primera subasta y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será una equivalente a 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la suma de $94,666.67 para el pagaré identificado A, $2,000.00 para el pagaré identificado B, y $8,333.33 para el pagaré identificado C para un total de $105,000.00 en la segunda subasta y de necesitarse una tercera subasta la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir la suma de $71,000.00 para el pagaré identificado A, 1,500.00 para el pagaré identificado B y $6,250.00 para el pagaré identificado C, para un total de $78,750.00 en la tercera subasta. Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta

26 se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente.

Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación y que todo licitador acepta como suficiente la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Podrán concurrir como postores a todas las subastas los titulares de créditos hipotecarios vigentes y posteriores a la hipoteca que se cobra o ejecuta, si alguno o que figuren como tales en la certificación registral y que podrán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de alguno en sus ofertas. Si la oferta aceptada es por cantidad mayor a la suma del crédito o créditos preferentes al suyo, al obtener la buena pro del remate, deberá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o en cheque de gerente, la totalidad del crédito hipotecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro créditos posteriores al que se ejecuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a 7 de febrero de 2024. EDGARDO ELIAS VARGAS SANTANA, ALGUACIL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMON.

POTECA POR LA VIA ORDINARIA Y COBRO DE DINERO. ANUNCIO DE SUBASTA. El suscribiente, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala de Fajardo, a los demandados de epígrafe y al público en general hace saber que venderá en pública subasta en la Oficina de Alguaciles, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Fajardo, al mejor postor, en moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América en efectivo, cheque certificado, o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, el derecho que tenga la parte demandada en el inmueble que se relaciona más adelante para pagar la SENTENCIA por $115,591.85 de balance principal, el cual se compone de $97,663.27 de primer principal y un principal diferido por la suma de $18,328.58, más los intereses adeudados sobre la suma de $97,663.27 de primer principal y un principal diferido por la suma de $18,328.58, más los intereses computados al 4.250% anual hasta su total pago y completo pago desde el primero de junio de 2019; cargos por demora devengados, más la suma de $7,570.00 estipulada para honorarios de abogado pactada en la escritura de hipoteca y cualesquiera otras sumas que por cualesquiera concepto legal se devenguen hasta el día de la subasta. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar número catorce (14) de la Urbanización Jardines de Ávila, radicada en el Barrio Saco, del término municipal de Ceiba, con una cabida superficial de tres cientos cuarenta y dos punto ochenta y ocho (342.88) metros cuadrados. Colinda por el NORTE, en una distancia de treinta dos punto cincuenta y uno (32.51) metros, con el solar número trece (13); por el SUR en una distancia de treinta dos punto ochenta (32.80) metros, con el solar número quince (15); por el Este, en diez punto cinLEGAL NOTICE cuenta (10.50) metros, con la ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO calle uno (1); y por el Oeste, en DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- una distancia con la Autoridad NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA de Carreteras. Enclava una estructura residencial de horSALA DE FAJARDO. migón. Inscrita al folio ochenta LIME HOMES, LTD. y cinco (85) del tomo ochenta y Parte Demandante Vs. cuatro (84) de Ceiba, Registro RUTH RODRIGUEZ de la Propiedad de Fajardo, BORRERO y la Sucesión Finca número cinco mil ciento de JULIO VAZQUEZ setenta y tres guion A (5,173ALVAREZ compuesta por A). Dirección Física: 14 1ST, John Doe y Richard Roe Urbanización Jardines Avilés, como posibles herederos Ceiba, PR, 00735. La primera se llevará a cabo el día desconocidos de éste; la subasta 9 de abril de 2024, a las 10:30 Administración para el de la mañana, y servirá de tipo sustento de menores, y el mínimo para la misma la suma Centro de Recaudación de $119,881.67 sin admitirse de ingresos municipales oferta inferior. En el caso de que el inmueble a ser subasParte Demandada CIVIL NUM. FA2022CV01067. tado no fuera adjudicado en la SOBRE: EJECUCION DE HI- primera subasta, se celebrará

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

una segunda subasta el día 16 de abril de 2024, a las 10:30 de la mañana, y el precio mínimo para esta segunda subasta será el de dos terceras partes del precio mínimo establecido para la primera subasta, o a sea la suma de $79,921.11.

Si tampoco hubiera remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 23 de abril de 2023, a las 10:30 de la mañana, y el tipo mínimo para esta tercera subasta será la mitad del precio establecido para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $59,940.84. El mejor postor deberá pagar el importe de su oferta en efecto, cheque certificado o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se dará por terminado el procedimiento, pudiendo adjudicarse el inmueble al acreedor hipotecario dentro de los diez días siguientes a la fecha de la última subasta, si así lo estimase conveniente, por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada conforme a la sentencia, si ésta fuera igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta y abonándose dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta fuera mayor. Se avisa a cualquier licitador que la propiedad queda sujeta al gravamen del Estado Libre Asociado y CRIM sobre la propiedad inmueble por contribuciones adeudadas y que el pago de dichas contribuciones es la responsabilidad del licitador. Que se entenderá por todo licitador acepte como suficiente la titulación y que los cargos y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes en entendiéndose que el rematador los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse su extinción al precio rematante. Todos los nombres de los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surgen de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Y para conocimiento de licitadores, del público en gene-

ral y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general diaria en Puerto Rico y en los sitios públicos de acuerdo a las disposiciones de la Regla 51.7 de las de Procedimiento Civil, así como para la publicación en un periódico de circulación general diaria y en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas con antelación a la fecha de la primera subasta y por lo menos una vez por semana. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento indicado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables.

(Art. 102 (1) de la Ley núm.

210-2015). Expedido el presente en Fajardo, Puerto Rico, a 26 de enero de 2024. SANDRALIZ MARTINEZ TORRES, ALG. CONFIDENCIAL #737. JORGE A ORTIZ ESTRADA, ALGUACIL REGIONAL INTERINO #622. ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE FAJARDO.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA

CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC. Demandante Vs.

MARTINEZ T/C/C MANUEL ANDRES PEREZ MARTINEZ T/C/C MANUEL A. PEREZ MARTINEZ T/C/C MANUEL ANDRE PEREZ T/C/C MANUEL ANDRES PEREZ T/C/C MANUEL A. PEREZ T/C/C MANUEL PEREZ.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al Tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación de este edicto.

Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: http://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberé presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaria del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

Greenspoon Marder, LLP Lcda. Frances L. Asencio-Guido R.U.A. 15,622 TRADE CENTRE SOUTH, SUITE 700 100 WEST CYPRESS CREEK ROAD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309 Telephone: (954) 343 6273 Frances.Asencio@gmlaw.com Expedido bajo mi firma, y sello del Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, hoy día 19 de enero de 2024. LCDA. KANELLY ZAYAS ROBLES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. LOURDES DÍAZ MEDINA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

RICO, SS.

A: ROBERTO DIAZ DEL VALLE.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al Tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación de este edicto.

Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: http://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberé presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaria del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

Greenspoon Marder, LLP Lcda. Frances L. Asencio-Guido R.U.A. 15,622 TRADE CENTRE SOUTH, SUITE 700 100 WEST CYPRESS CREEK ROAD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309 Telephone: (954) 343 6273 Frances.Asencio@gmlaw.com Expedido bajo mi firma, y sello del Tribunal, en Fajardo, Puerto Rico, hoy día 18 de enero de 2024. WANDA SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA. IVELISSE SERRANO GARCÍA, SUB-SECRETARIA.

SUCESION MANUEL ANDRE PEREZ MARTINEZ T/C/C LEGAL NOTICE MANUEL ANDRES ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO PEREZ MARTINEZ DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUT/C/C MANUEL A. NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA PEREZ MARTINEZ T/C/C SALA DE BAYAMON MANUEL ANDRE PEREZ ORIENTAL BANK T/C/C MANUEL ANDRES Demandante V. PEREZ T/C/C MANUEL ALIDA MARTINEZ A. PEREZ T/C/C MANUEL BERRIOS LEGAL NOTICE Demandado PEREZ COMPUESTA ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO CIVIL NUM.: BY2023CV05500 POR ANDRE PEREZ COBRO DE DINERO ACEVEDO; JOHN DOE DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU- SOBRE: NAL DE PRIMERA INSTAN- POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EMY JANE DOE COMO CIA SALA SUPERIOR DE RÍO PLAZAMIENTOP OR EDICTO. POSIBLES HEREDEROS GRANDE EN FAJARDO ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMEDESCONOCIDOS; WILMINGTON SAVINGS RICA. EL PRESIDENTE DE ESTADOS UNIDOS DE FUND SOCIETY, USB, LOS EE.UU. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO AMERICA; CENTRO NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT RICO. SS. DE RECAUDACION DE SOLELY AS TRUSTEE A: ALIDA INGRESOS MUNICIPALES FOR FINANCE OF MARTINEZ BERRIOS Demandados AMERICA STRUCTURED POR MEDIO del presente edicCivil Núm.: CA2023CV03724.

SECURITIES to se le notifica de la radicación Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIde una demanda en cobro de ACQUISITION TRUST POTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO dinero por la vía ordinaria en la 2018-HB1 POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: ANDRE PEREZ ACEVEDO; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE SUCESION MANUEL ANDRE PEREZ

Demandante Vs.

ROBERTO DIAZ DEL VALLE; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados Civil Núm.: RG2023CV00535.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO

que se alega que usted adeuda a la parte demandante, Oriental Bank, ciertas sumas de dinero, y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado de este litigio.

El demandante, Oriental Bank, ha solicitado que se dicte sentencia en contra suya y que se le ordene pagar las cantidades reclamadas en la demanda.

POR EL PRESENTE EDICTO se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda dentro

de los treinta (30) días de ha- algún interés en el pagaré ber sido diligenciado este emhipotecario a que se hace plazamiento, excluyéndose el referencia más adelante día del diligenciamiento. Usted en el presente edicto, que deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema se publicará una sola vez.

Unificado de Manejo y Adminis- Se les notifica que en la Detración de Casos (SUMAC), al manda radicada. en el caso de cual puede acceder utilizando epígrafe se alega que el 30 de la siguiente dirección electró- noviembre de 2015, se otorgó nica: https://www.poderjudicial. un pagaré a favor de Secretary pr/index/php/tribunalelectroni- of Housing and Urban Developco/, salvo que se represente por ment, o a su orden, por la suma derecho propio, en cuyo caso de $567,000.00 de principal, deberá presentar su alegación con intereses al 3.697% anual, responsiva en la Secretaría del y vencedero el 2 de mayo de Tribunal. Si usted deja de pre- 2084, ante el Mario E. Pérez sentar su alegación responsiva Acosta. En garantía del padentro del referido término, el garé antes descrito se otorgó tribunal podrá dictar sentencia la escritura número 102, el 30 en rebeldía en su contra, y con- de noviembre de 2015, ante el ceder el remedio solicitado en Notario Mario E. Pérez Acosta, la Demanda, o cualquier otro, inscrita al sistema Karibe de si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de Guaynabo, finca 13445, inscripsu sana discreción, lo entiende ción 16a, Registro de la Propieprocedente, sin más citarle ni dad de Guaynabo. El inmueble oírle. El abogado de la parte gravado mediante la hipoteca demandante es: Jaime Ruiz antes descrita es la finca 13445 Saldaña, RUA número 11673; inscrita al folio 155 del tomo Dirección: PO Box 366276, 203 de Guaynabo, Registro de San Juan, PR 00936-6276; Te- la propiedad de Guaynabo. La léfono: (787) 759-6897; Correo obligación evidenciada por el electrónico: legal@jrslawpr. pagaré antes descrito fue salcom. Se le advierte que dentro dada en su totalidad. Dicho grade los diez (10) días siguientes vamen no ha podido ser cancea la publicación del presente lado por haberse extraviado el edicto, se le estará enviando a original del pagaré. El original usted por correo certificado con del pagaré antes descrito no ha acuse de recibo, una copia del podido ser localizado, a pesar emplazamiento y de la deman- de las gestiones realizadas. da presentada al lugar de su Secretary of Housing and Urúltima dirección conocida: Urb. ban Development es el acreeValle de Cerro Gordo, V11 Ca- dor que consta en el Registro lle Onix, Bayamón, PR 00957- de la Propiedad. Oriental Bank 6861; Urb. Monterrey, C12 fue último tenedor conocido del Calle Madrid, San Lorenzo, PR pagaré antes descrito. POR LA 00754. EXPEDIDO bajo mi fir- PRESENTE se le emplaza para ma y el sello del Tribunal en BA- que presente al tribunal su aleYAMON Puerto Rico, hoy día gación responsiva dentro de los 29 de ENERO de 2024. LCDA. 30 días de haber sido publicado LAURA l. SANTA SANCHEZ, este emplazamiento, excluyénSecretaria. LUREIMY ALCEA dose el día del diligenciamiento. Usted deberá presentar su GONZALEZ, Sub- Secretaria. alegación responsiva a través LEGAL NOTICE del Sistema Unificado de MaESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO nejo y Administración de Casos DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL (SUMAC), al cual puede acceGENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRI- der utilizando la siguiente direcBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTAN- ción electrónica: https://www. poderjudicial.pr/indcx.php/ CIA SALA DE GUAYNABO tribunal-electronico/, salvo que ORIENTALBANK el caso sea de un expediente Demandante V. físico o que se represente por SECRETARY OF derecho propio, en cuyo caso HOUSING AND URBAN deberá presentar su alegación DEVELOPMENT; JOHN responsiva en la Secretaría del DOE & RICHARD ROE Tribunal y notificar copia de la Demandados mismas al (a la) abogado(a) de CIVIL NUM. GB2024CV00059 la parte demandante o a ésta, SOBRE: CANCELACIÓN DE de no tener representación leHIPOTECA CON INSTRU- gal. Si usted deja de presentar MENTO EXTRAVIADO. EM- su alegación responsiva dentro PLAZAMIENTO POR EDIC- del referido término, el tribunal TO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE podrá dictar sentencia en rebelAMÉRICA. EL PRESIDENTE día en su contra y conceder el DE LOS EE.UU. EL ESTADO remedio solicitado en la demanLIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R. SS. da, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE, personas discreción, lo entiende proceAdemás, se la apercibe desconocidas que se dente. que, en los casos al amparo designan con estos de la Ley Núm. 57-2029, titunombres ficticios, que lada Ley para la Prevención puedan ser tenedor o del Maltrato, Preservación de tenedores, o puedan tener la Unidad Familiar y para la

The San Juan Daily Star Seguridad, Bienestar y Protección de los Menores, entre los remedios que el Tribunal podrá conceder se incluyen la ubicación permanente de un (una) menos fuera de su hogar, el inicio de procesos para la privación de patria potestad, y cualquier otra medida en el mejor interés del (de la) menor. (Artículo 33, incisos b y f de la Ley Núm. 57-2023). Se le advierte de su derecho a comparecer acompañado(a) de abogado(a) en los casos que proceda.

Representa a la parte demandante el Lcdo. Javier Montalvo Cintrón, RUA#18,682, Delgado Fernández, LLC, PO Box 11750, Fernández Juncos Station, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910-1750. Tel. (787) 2741414, jmontalvo@delgadofernandez.com Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, hoy 30 de enero de 2024. Lcda. I. Santa Sánchez, Secretaria Regional II. F/Sara Rosa Villegas, Secretaria Tribunal Conf. I.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V.

LA SUCESIÓN DE ALEJANDRINA TORRES LAPORTE, COMPUESTA POR FULANO DE TAL, MENGANO DE TAL, COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION; DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA; DEPARTAMENTO DE JUSTICIA

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

ción electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Se le apercibe que de no contestar la demanda dentro del término aquí estipulado, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia sin más citarle ni oírle.

Por la presente el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, conforme al caso de Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria vs. Latinoamericana de Exportación, Inc., 164 D.P.R. 689 (2005), le ordena que en el término de treinta (30) días, haga declaración aceptando o repudiando la herencia de la SUCESIÓN DE ALEJANDRINA TORRES LAPORTE. Se le apercibe que de no expresar su intención de aceptar o repudiar la herencia dentro del término que se le fijó, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. Los abogados de la parte demandante son: Lcdo. Guillermo A. Somoza Colombani, P.O. Box 366603, San Juan, PR 009366603. Tel. (787) 919-0073, Fax (787) 641-5016. Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, hoy 25 de enero de 2024. LCDA. KANELLY ZAYAS ROBLES, Secretaria General. Ida Fernández Rodríguez, Secretaria Auxiliar.

LEGAL NOTICE ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE FAJARDO SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO

ORIENTAL BANK, Demandante,V.,

CARMEN PEREZ LINARES

plazamiento, excluyéndose el día del diligenciamiento. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://www.poderjudicial. pr/index/php/tribunalelectronico/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaría del Tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra, y conceder el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente, sin más citarle ni oírle. El abogado de la parte demandante es: Jaime Ruiz Saldaña, RUA número 11673; Dirección: PO Box 366276, San Juan, PR 00936-6276; Teléfono: (787) 759-6897; Correo electrónico: legal@jrslawpr.com. Se le advierte que dentro de los diez (10) días siguientes a la publicación del presente edicto, se le estará enviando a usted por correo certificado con acuse de recibo, una copia del emplazamiento y de la demanda presentada al lugar de su última dirección conocida: Cluster II Apto. 29E, Villas de Río Mar, Rio Grande, PR 00745. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal en FAJARDO, Puerto Rico, hoy día 30 de ENERO de 2024. WANDA l. SEGUI REYES, Secretaria. Linda Medina MEDINA, Sub-Secretaria.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUDemandada.

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CIVIL NUM.: FA2023CV00837 SALA SUPERIOR DE GUAYSOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Demandados NABO. POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EMCIVIL NÚM. CA2023CV02970 BANCO POPULAR DE SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO PLAZAMIENTOP OR EDICTO. PUERTO RICO ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMEY EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. PARTE DEMANDANTE VS. POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EM- RICA. EL PRESIDENTE DE Sucesión de PLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. LOS EE.UU. EL ESTADO LIESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉ- BRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO JACQUELINE COLLAZO RICA. PRESIDENTE DE LOS RICO. SS.

A: CARMEN ESTADOS UNIDOS. ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERPEREZ LINARES TO RICO. S.S. POR MEDIO del presente edicA: FULANO DE TAL Y to se le notifica de la radicación MENGANO DE TAL, LOS de una demanda en cobro de POSIBLES HEREDEROS dinero por la vía ordinaria en la que se alega que usted adeuda DESCONOCIDOS DE a la parte demandante, Oriental LA SUCESIÓN DE Bank, ciertas sumas de dinero, ALEJANDRINA TORRES y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado de este litigio.

LAPORTE Por la presente se le emplaza El demandante, Oriental Bank, y notifica que debe contestar la ha solicitado que se dicte sendemanda dentro del término de tencia en contra suya y que se treinta (30) días a partir de la le ordene pagar las cantidades publicación del presente edicto. reclamadas en la demanda.

Usted deberá presentar su ale- POR EL PRESENTE EDICTO gación responsiva a través del se le emplaza para que presenSistema Unificado de Manejo y te al tribunal su alegación resAdministración de Casos (SU- ponsiva a la demanda dentro MAC), al cual puede acceder de los treinta (30) días de hautilizando la siguiente direc- ber sido diligenciado este em-

27

DE RECAUDACIÓN DE DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN ORTIZ RIVERA, LIONEL de la parte demandante, Lcda. presarse dentro del término de Marjaliisa Colon Villanueva, treinta (30) días a partir de la A. ORTIZ BRISTOL, INGRESOS MUNICIPALES DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAal PO BOX 7970, Ponce, P.R. publicación de este edicto en MIENTO POR EDICTO E INSAULO ORTIZ BRISTOL (CRIM) 00732-7970; Teléfono: 787- torno a la aceptación o repudiaTERPELACION. ESTADOS PARTE DEMANDADA COMO MIEMBROS 843-4168. En dicha demanda ción de la herencia, se presumiUNIDOS DE AMÉRICA. EL CIVIL NÚM. GB2019CV01237 DE LA SUCESIÓN DE se tramita un procedimiento de rá que han aceptado la herenPRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTA(201). SOBRE: COBRO DE DOS UNIDOS. EL ESTADO LI- LIONEL ANTONIO ORTIZ cobro de dinero y ejecución de cia del causante Lionel A. Ortiz DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE hipoteca bajo el número men- Camacho y Flor Matilde CamaBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO CAMACHO Y DE LA HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORcionado en el epígrafe. Se ale- cho Pagan y por consiguiente, RICO. SS. SUCESIÓN DE FLOR DINARIA. MANDAMIENTO ga en dicho procedimiento que responderán por las cargas de A: ANNETTE y REQUERIMIENTO DE INMATILDE CAMACHO la parte Demandada incurrió dicha herencia conforme dispoMARSTON CRUZ • TERPELACIÓN POR EDICPAGAN, JOHN DOE Y en el incumplimiento del Con- ne el 1578 del Código Civil de 2329 Paseo Alegre, Urb. TO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE RICHARD ROE COMO trato de Hipoteca, al no poder Puerto Rico, 31 L.P.R.A. sec.

AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE Levittown, Toa Baja, POSIBLES HEREDEROS pagar las mensualidades ven- 11021. Expedido bajo mi firma DE LOS E.E.U.U. EL ESTADO Puerto Rico, 00949-4307. cidas correspondientes a los y sello del Tribunal en BayaDESCONOCIDOS DE LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUER- POR LA PRESENTE se le meses de mayo de 2023, has- món, Puerto Rico. A día 24 de LA SUCESIÓN DE TO RICO. ta el presente, más los cargos enero de 2024. LCDA. LAURA emplaza para que presente al LIONEL ANTONIO A: DAVID ALLAN GARCÍA Tribunal su alegación responsipor demora correspondientes. I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECREAdemás, adeuda a la parte de- TARIA. VIVIAN J. SANABRIA, ORTIZ CAMACHO PASCIOLLA por sí y como va a la demanda dentro de los mandante las costas, gastos y SUB-SECRETARIA. Y DE LA SUCESIÓN heredero de JACQUELINE treinta (30) días de haber sido honorarios de abogado en que diligenciado este emplazamienDE FLOR MATILDE COLLAZO TORRES LEGAL NOTICE incurra el tenedor del pagaré to, excluyéndose el día del diliCAMACHO PAGAN; t/c/c JACKIE COLLAZO genciamiento, notificando copia en este litigio. De acuerdo con ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO TORRES a las siguientes de la misma al abogado de la MARA ORTIZ CAMACHO dicho Contrato de Garantía Hi- DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUCOMO HEREDERA direcciones: 708 CALLE parte demandante. Si usted potecaria la parte Demandante NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA declaró vencida la totalidad de CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SAN deja de presentar su alegación DE FLOR MATILDE CENTRAL, APT. 404, la deuda ascendente a la suma JUAN SALA SUPERlOR DE responsiva dentro del referido CAMACHO PAGAN; COND. ROYAL HOUSE, de $52,461.04, más intereses a SAN JUAN término, el Tribunal podrá dicSAN JUAN PR 00907 y tar sentencia en rebeldía en su LA ADMINISTRACIÓN razón del 6% anual, así como VAPR FEDERAL URB PRADO ALTO, L14 contra y conceder el remedio PARA SUSTENTO DE todos aquellos créditos y suCREDIT UNJON CALLE 6, GUAYNABO, PR solicitado en la demanda, o MENORES Y EL CENTRO mas que surjan de la faz de la Demandante V. obligación hipotecaria y de la cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en DE RECAUDACIÓN DE 00966-3030.

FRANCES M Se interpela al demandado el ejercicio de su sana discre- INGRESOS MUNICIPALES hipoteca que la garantiza, incluROBLES ANDINO para que acepte o renuncie a la herencia de la causante JACQUELINE COLLAZO TORRES t/c/c JACKIE COLLAZO TORRES dentro de los 30 días subsiguientes a la fecha que fuese requerido que conteste, en cumplimiento con el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil de Puerto Rico, 31 L.P.R.A. § 11021, entendiéndose que, si no se expresa dentro de dicho término, acepta el caudal relicto. En caso de renuncia; la misma se hará por instrumento público o por escrito judicial. La parte demandada deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Administración y Manejo de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del Tribunal. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal, hoy, 31 de enero de 2024, en Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Lcda. Laura I Santa Sanchez, Secretario Regional II. f/ Sara Rosa Villegas, Sec. Trib.

Conf I.

ción, lo entiende procedente.

Se le advierte, además, a los herederos que, conforme al caso de Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaría vs. Latinoamericana de Exportación, lnc., 2005 TSPR 50, Op. De 22 de abril de 2005; tienen la opción de aceptar o repudiar la herencia del causante, dentro del término de 30 días a partir de su emplazamiento. De no expresar su intención de aceptar o repudiar dicha herencia dentro del término que se le fijó para contestar a la demanda incoada en su contra, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada, así como el presente emplazamiento.

ABOGADOS DE LA PARTE DEMANDANTE: Lcdo. Reggie Díaz Hernández RUA NÚM.: 16,393 BERMUDEZ & DIAZ LLP Attorneys at Law Suite 209 500 Calle de la Tanca San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 Tel.: (787) 523-2670 Fax: (787) 523-2664 rdíaz@bdprlaw.com EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el Sello del Tribunal, hoy 2 de febrero de 2024. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SANCHEZ, Secretaria. Ivette M. Marrero Bracero, Sub-Secretaria.

Parte Demandada Caso Civil Núm.: BY2023CV06859. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA Y COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO E INTERPELACIÓN POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: LIONEL A. ORTIZ RIVERA, YARA M. ORTIZ RIVERA Y SAULO ORTIZ BRISTOL POR SI Y COMO HEREDEROS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE LIONEL A. ORTIZ CAMACHO Y DE LA SUCESIÓN DE FLOR MATILDE CAMACHO PAGAN Y A JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE SUCESIÓN DE LIONEL A. ORTIZ CAMACHO Y DE LA SUCESIÓN DE FLOR MATILDE CAMACHO PAGAN.

TORRES t/c/c JACKIE COLLAZO TORRES compuesta por SARA ELISA GARCÍA COLLAZO POR LA PRESENTE se les emy MENGANO DE TAL, plaza y requiere para que conposible heredero teste la demanda dentro de los LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE desconocido; DAVID treinta (30) días siguientes a la ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO ALLAN GARCÍA publicación de este Edicto. UsDE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUPASCIOLLA, por sí ted deberá radicar su alegación GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRI- NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA responsiva a través del Sistema y como heredero de BUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTAN- SALA DE BAYAMÓN Unificado de Manejo y AdminisJACQUELINE COLLAZO CIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE FIRSTBANK tración de Casos (SUMAC), al TORRES t/c/c JACKIE BAYAMON SALA SUPERIOR cual puede acceder utilizando PUERTO RICO COLLAZO TORRES; BANCO POPULAR DE la siguiente dirección electróniParte Demandante Vs. EMPIRE REAL ESTATE, PUERTO RICO ca: http://unired.ramajudicial.pr/ AURELIA NICHOLS Demandante V. sumac/, salvo que se presente LLC; DEPARTAMENTO RAMOS COMO por derecho propio, en cuyo ANNETTE DE HACIENDA por HEREDERA DE LIONEL caso deberá radicar el original MARSTON CRUZ conducto de la DIVISIÓN ANTONIO ORTIZ de su contestación ante el TriDemandado DE CAUDALES CAMACHO; LIONEL A. bunal correspondiente y notifiCIVIL NÚM.: BY2023CV06964 RELICTOS; CENTRO SALA: 503 SOBRE: COBRO ORTIZ RIVERA, YARA M. que con copia a los abogados

yendo $8,800.00, pactado para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado. La parte Demandante presentó para su inscripción en el Registro de la Propiedad correspondiente, un AVISO DE PLEITO PENDIENTE (“Lis Pendens”) sobre la propiedad objeto de esta acción cuya propiedad es la siguiente: URBANA: Solar número dieciocho (18) de la manzana P, Santa Mónica, Pájaros de Bayamón, con cabida de Trescientos cincuenta punto cero cero (350.00) metros cuadrados, colinda por el Norte, con el solar número diecisiete (17), distancia de veinticinco punto cero cero (25.00) metros; metros, y, con el solar número diecinueve (19), en igual distancia; por el Este, con calle número siete (7), distancia de catorce punto cero cero (14.00) metros, y por el Oeste, con el solar número veintidós (22), en igual distancia. Enclava una casa. Inscrita al folio ciento noventa y uno (191) del tomo quinientos diecisiete (517) de Bayamón, finca número veintitrés mil quinientos doce (23,512), Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección I. SE LES APERCIBE que de no hacer sus alegaciones responsivas a la demanda dentro del término aquí dispuesto, se les anotará la rebeldía y se dictará Sentencia, concediéndose el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. Además, como miembro de la Sucesión de Lionel A. Ortiz Camacho y de la Sucesión de Flor Matilde Camacho Pagan se ha presentado una solicitud de interpelación judicial para que sirva en el término de treinta (30) días aceptar o repudiar la herencia. Se le apercibe que si no compareciera usted a ex-

Demandado(a) ADELA SURILLO GUTIÉRREZ ADELA.SURlLLO@GMAJL.COM CASO NÚM.: SJ2023CV09448 (SALÓN 504 CIVIL) SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: FRANCES M. ROBLES ANDINO

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 12 DE FEBRERO DE 2024, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 12 de febrero de 2024. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 12 de febrero de 2024. Griselda Rodríguez Collado, Secretaria. F/ Marily López Martínez, Secretaria Auxiliar del Tribunal.

28 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The San Juan Daily Star

Behind the unprecedented rise in young impact players in baseball

By BRITTANY GHIROLI / THE ATHLETIC

Y

oung players are reshaping MLB. Last year, rookie hitters amassed 68.6 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), the second most ever, according to FanGraphs.

Along with rookie pitchers’ 46.3 WAR, the combined impact on the sport was 114.9 WAR, which trails only the class of 2015, led

by Kris Bryant and Carlos Correa, as MLB’s best.

There has been no recent change in the average age of hitters (27.8), and only a sixmonth age dip for pitchers (from 28 1/2 to 28 years old), but first-year players are increasingly making their presence felt.

In 2023, five position players 22 and under had a WAR above 4, which is generally considered to be the level of an All-Star.

In 2013, there were only two players that young, Mike Trout and Manny Machado, to reach that mark. In 2003, just one: Hank Blalock.

In 2022, Julio Rodríguez, then 21, made the Seattle Mariners’ opening day roster as their everyday center fielder, and was at his first All-Star Game three months later. Last year, the New York Yankees made 21-yearold Anthony Volpe their youngest shortstop since Derek Jeter. Jordan Walker became the only St. Louis Cardinal not named Albert Pujols to post a 16-homer season at age 21 or younger.

When the Cincinnati Reds called up Elly De La Cruz in June, the 22-year-old hit cleanup. Eury Pérez was inserted into the Miami Marlins’ starting rotation from Class AA, less than a month after turning 20. Two top prospects, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll and the Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson, played pivotal roles in their team’s playoff runs on the way to Rookie of the Year awards. They started the season at 22 and 21 years old.

“Now we have grizzled veterans like Soto at 25, right?” Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said of Juan Soto, whom the Yankees acquired in December.

Rizzo added: “When we had these old September call-up rules, you saw a lot of kids come up and just get a feel for it or watch on the bench. The difference now is guys are getting thrown into the fire and compete right away.”

The proliferation of young impact players

Houston Astros’ Carlos Correa (1) and José Altuve (27) celebrate after winning Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. Last year, MLB rookie hitters and pitchers amassed a combined 114.9 Wins Above Replacement, which trails only the class of 2015, led by Correa and Kris Bryant, as the league’s best ever. (Annie Mulligan/The New York Times) in the game is the result of a confluence of events: The explosion of cutting-edge data and training methods, along with a shift in mindset among many front offices about developing big-league players; the 2022 collective bargaining agreement, which discourages service time manipulation; and the era of tanking and rebuilding that means using younger, cheaper players.

Developing in the big leagues is “a more recent trend,” said Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes, who played in the big leagues from 2011 to 2015 with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The emergence of bat path tracking and velocity training — as well as advances in nutrition, weight training and recovery — have spearheaded improvements at the bigleague level. In 2024, every team has a group of analysts and data researchers. Most have pitching labs or velocity camps, or both, and players still often seek help from a growing sector of independent training facilities in the offseason to refine skills or resuscitate a stalled career.

“Players in the big leagues are improv-

ing like they never have before, and there’s no next league for them to go to,” said Andy McKay, a Seattle Mariners assistant general manager. “So this gap keeps getting wider and wider. And I do think that trend is here to stay.”

In December 2020, MLB announced 43 minor league franchises had lost their affiliations, a streamlining move that limits an organization’s total head count and can have ripple effects up the chain. Let’s say a team had one of their rookie ball teams eliminated.

All of those guys instead go to Low A now, and most of those Low A guys go to High A, and so on. That means a team’s Class AAA roster is filled with younger players, squeezing out some veteran Class AAA players.

Rising injury rates may also be a factor for the rise in young impact players, as teams are constantly in need of fresh arms.

Gone are the days when teams might need a dozen pitchers for a season. It’s not uncommon now for a team to need 30 to 40 arms a year, which can force them to dip into the lower levels of the minors. If you think a guy has big-league stuff and he’s in Class AA,

why not give him a shot rather than making a waiver claim or trying to acquire another player?

There is always an adjustment period no matter how talented a player is.

“You can’t simulate Yankee Stadium or the pressure of pitching in the playoffs,” said Chris Antonetti, Cleveland’s president of baseball operations. “You try to do the best you can to develop guys and prepare them for those moments, but there are some things that are unique to MLB that guys need to do to succeed.”

In 2022, Seattle’s Rodríguez, the Detroit Tigers’ Spencer Torkelson, the Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. and Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene were all top prospects who made their team’s opening day rosters.

The league is trying to inject some action back into the game. The new rules put in place before the 2023 season, which include bigger bases and limit pitcher pickoffs, favor teams who are young and athletic on the bases. The ban on shifts has led to more balls put in play, making defense even more important. This, too, could help the steady stream of young players. The data suggests defense and base running often peak earlier in a player’s career, so teams that feel as if they have a weapon in those areas may pull the trigger, if they feel he can handle the mental aspect of any potential offensive slump.

Rebuilding teams will always employ more young players, who are inexpensive and under team control, two magic phrases in an efficiency-obsessed industry. But if it were just about cost, we wouldn’t be dazzled by the likes of Rodríguez, Henderson and Carroll.

This spring, we could see the Orioles’ Jackson Holliday, the Milwaukee Brewers’ Jackson Chourio and the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes make their big-league debuts, as well as full seasons from young standouts like Evan Carter of the Texas Rangers and Junior Caminero of the Rays. The wait to see baseball’s best young talent isn’t as long as it used to be.

“If you’re good enough to help the team win, even if the team thinks there’s still 15% of improvement left in you, you are still going to get called up,” said Ben Cherington, the general manager of the Pirates. “I do think that’s changed.”

The San Juan Daily Star

GAMES

29

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Sudoku

How to Play:

Fill in the empty fields with the numbers from 1 through 9.

Sudoku Rules: Every row must contain the numbers from 1 through 9 Every column must contain the numbers from 1 through 9 Every 3x3 square must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Crossword

Wordsearch

Word Search Puzzle #K579BJ

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HOROSCOPE 30 Aries

The San Juan Daily Star

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

(Mar 21-April 20)

Have you been invited to a party that’s supposed to take place today? If you think you haven’t, Aries, you’d better check your calendar again. All signs suggest that you could forget a lot of important things right now and one might be a social event, perhaps business related. This might not be one of your best days. Usually you tend to have a memory like an elephant. Just for the time being, keep your calendar handy!

Libra

(Sep 24-Oct 23)

This definitely isn’t a good day to stay home and do household chores, Libra. If you do, some sad and rather irrational thoughts may plague you throughout the day. No matter what the weather’s like, it would be far better to get out and do anything that keeps your mind focused on something positive. Go shopping, attend a sports event, see a movie, or visit a friend. Whatever you do, get your mind off yourself.

Go enjoy your day.

Taurus

(April 21-May 21)

Scorpio

Gemini

(May 22-June 21)

Sagittarius

(Nov 23-Dec 21)

Capricorn

(Dec 22-Jan 20)

Too much mental or physical exercise could have you feeling a bit burned out today, Taurus. You could be considerably slower on the uptake than usual, and those around you could be surprised that you, normally very energetic, seem to be moving like a snail. Spend as much time resting as you can, because you’ll need to recoup your stamina. If you must work, concentrate on routine tasks requiring very little conscious effort.

Although your partner may be feeling very sensual at this time, Gemini, you might not feel much like getting passionate. You’ve had a stressful few days and can barely move, so your response to sexual overtures is apt to be lukewarm at best. Your affection certainly hasn’t diminished, but your partner could interpret your behavior that way. Whatever you decide to do, make sure your friend knows exactly how you feel and why you feel that way.

Cancer

(June 22-July 23)

Your home could be a gloomy place today, Cancer.

A member of the household is likely to be away, and this person’s presence is apt to be very sorely missed.

The only thing you can do under the circumstances is make sure everyone keeps busy until the absent one returns. One way to distract the family is to get them to clean up the house in anticipation of a warm welcome!

Leo

(July 24-Aug 23)

(Oct 24-Nov 22)

Some disappointing news could put you into a rather gloomy state at some point today, Scorpio. Someone close to you might suddenly have to leave town for several weeks and you’ll be lonely without them.

There isn’t much point in dwelling on this, however.

You’ll just have to stay in touch via phone or email and look forward to the time when your friend comes back. You should be pretty busy during those days, anyway!

The fundraising activities of a group with which you’re affiliated are going very well, Sagittarius, but today you’re likely to find that things seem to be stalled.

Checks may not come in the mail, important people don’t return your phone calls, or someone doesn’t show up to do the job at hand. This situation is frustrating, but it probably won’t last beyond today. By tomorrow you should all be your busy selves again. Hang in there!

The fundraising activities of a group with which you’re affiliated are going very well, Sagittarius, but today you’re likely to find that things seem to be stalled.

Checks may not come in the mail, important people don’t return your phone calls, or someone doesn’t show up to do the job at hand. This situation is frustrating, but it probably won’t last beyond today. By tomorrow you should all be your busy selves again. Hang in there!

Aquarius

(Jan 21-Feb 19)

An older relative or neighbor may need your assistance today, Leo. This is apt to be a very inconvenient time for someone to ask for help, because you have plenty of chores of your own. Nonetheless, you’ll go to the rescue because that’s your nature. Take care to plan your time carefully, pace yourself, and try not to do too much at once. That way you’ll live to help again tomorrow.

If you’ve got something you’re trying to study, Aquarius, this isn’t the day to do it. Your concentration is likely to be off, and what you’re reading will probably look like Greek to you. Unless it’s really necessary, it would be best to put the books aside until tomorrow, since you probably won’t absorb much today. Trying to read could give rise to the illusion that you’ve learned something. Be on the safe side and put it off!

Virgo

Pisces

(Aug 24-Sep 23)

Your creative talents could seem totally blocked today, Virgo. You may have a project you really want to work on. You have the mental focus, but the creative element just might not be there. This could prove so frustrating that you want to throw something.

Do this if you must (preferably a pillow). Still, the only answer might be to shelve your work until tomorrow. You should be back to normal by then.

(Feb 20-Mar 20)

Dark, depressing dreams could plague your sleep tonight, Pisces, probably alternating with silly ones that make you laugh out loud. You could wake in the morning totally confused by these images, and your tendency might be to dismiss them. Don’t do this. Your dreams are trying to tell you something about yourself. Have you had your emotional ups and downs lately? Have you alternately laughed and cried over something? Think about it!

Answers to the Sudoku and Crossword on page 29

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

31

CARTOONS

Herman

Speed Bump

Frank & Ernest

BC

Scary Gary

Wizard of Id

For Better or for Worse

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Ziggy

32 Wednesday, February 21, 2024

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