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INVITATION TO BID FOR THE TORPEDO BUILDING AND PIER E2 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT (ITB 24/25-01)

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE TORPEDO BUILDING AND PIER E2 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT (ITB 24/25-01)

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority (Transportation Authority) will receive sealed construction bids for the TORPEDO BUILDING AND PIER E2 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. The Bid Submission Deadline is Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT). An electronic bidding process has been adopted for this solicitation. Paper bids will not be accepted. Electronic bids shall be submitted through https://www.bidexpress.com. All bidders must register on https://www.bidexpress.com and create Digital ID through Bid Express to submit a bid. It can take up to five (5) business days to process your Digital ID and it is highly recommended that a Digital ID be active 48 hours in advance of submitting an electronic bid. Costs associated with obtaining said Digital ID and submitting a bid using Bid Express shall be the sole responsibility of the bidder. Contract Documents, any addenda, and bid forms will be available from https://www.bidexpress.com/solicitations/36751.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting for the project will be held electronically on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (PST) at the virtual meeting platform Zoom. Attendees can register by visiting http://www.sfcta.org/torpedo-e2-prebid.

Bids will be opened electronically and read aloud on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT) at the virtual meeting platform Zoom. Attendees can register by visiting www.sfcta.org/torpedo-e2-opening.

The project consists of 2 adjacent projects: Torpedo Building Preservation Improvements and Reconstruction of the Pier E-2 Parking Lot on Yerba Buena Island, in the City and County of San Francisco.

The project includes an aspirational Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Small Business Enterprise goal of 22%.

“It’s our constitutional responsibility to exercise our roles as justices and provide the public service of the delivery of justice,” they said.

Esquivel, Ortiz and Batres said they intended to continue working remotely.

Court workers across Mexico have stopped work to protest the judicial reform proposal in recent weeks.

On Monday, the vast majority of more than 1,000 SCJN employees present at a meeting voted in favor of job action. The court employs a total of 3,647 workers.

Critics of the constitutional bill — which would allow citizens to directly elect Supreme Court justices and other judges — assert that its approval would undermine the independence of the judiciary.

United States Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar earned a rebuke from López Obrador late last month after asserting that the “popular direct election of judges is a major risk to the functioning of Mexico’s democracy.”

Salazar also claimed that “the debate over the direct election of judges … as well as the fierce politics if the elections for judges in 2025 and 2027 were to be approved, will threaten the historic trade relationship we have built, which relies on investors’ confidence in Mexico’s legal framework.”

He made similar remarks at a press conference on Tuesday, saying that the reform could cause “a lot of damage” to the Mexico-U.S. relationship “if it’s not done well.”

“… I’m saying this because of all the concerns that are reaching me from people who truly want the best for Mexico and the United States. What I can say is that there is a great deal of concern,” Salazar said.

New York-based investment bank Morgan Stanley downgraded its investment outlook for Mexico due to concern over the proposal, while Canadian Ambassador to Mexico Graeme Clark said that investors from his country were also worried.

On Tuesday morning, hundreds of court workers blocked access to the lower house of federal Congress as they sought to prevent lawmakers from discussing the government’s judicial reform proposal.

However, the ruling Morena party organized the transfer of the legislative session to a recreational center in the Iztacalco borough of Mexico City. The session was scheduled to commence at 4 p.m. Mexico City time, with a vote on the constitutional bill expected sometime in the late afternoon or on Tuesday night.

As of Sept. 1, Morena and its allies have a two-thirds majority in the Chamber of Deputies, allowing them to approve constitutional reforms without support from opposition lawmakers.

The Morena-led coalition is just one vote short of a supermajority in the Senate, putting it in a strong position to approve the judicial reform proposal in the upper house as well.

Constitutional reforms must also be ratified by at least 17 of Mexico’s state legislatures — a requirement that shouldn’t be an obstacle for Morena given that the ruling party and its allies have majorities in the congresses of more than 20 states.

With reports from Milenio, Animal Político, El Universal and Reforma

NOTICE OF CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN FOSTER CITY, CALIFORNIA

CNSB # 3845708
NOTICE OF CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following persons have been nominated
for the offices appointed to be filled at the General Municipal Election consolidated
with the Statewide General/Presidential Election to be held at the Municipality of Foster
City on Tuesday, November 5, 2024:
City Council Member [full four-year term]
Vote for no more than Three (3)
Richa Awasthi, Mother/Entrepreneur
Phoebe Shin Venkat, Entrepreneur/Planning Commissioner
Shankar Kenkre, Entrepreneur
Suzy Niederhofer, Municipal Finance Director
Patrick J Sullivan, Incumbent
NOTIFICATION OF MEASURE TO BE VOTED ON
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the following measure will appear on the General Municipal Election
ballot consolidated with the Statewide General/Presidential Election to be held
at Foster City Hall on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Vote Centers will be open beginning 29 days prior to Election Day. On Election Day, Vote Centers will be open between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Voting may be done by mail, or in person on paper or electronic voting machine.
Contact the City Clerk at 650-286-3250 for more information.
_______________________________________
Priscilla Schaus, City Clerk
Posted: August 28, 2024
Measure V (Simple Majority Approval):
To protect the financial stability of Foster City and maintain essential
services, including 911 emergency response, property crime prevention,
street repair, and infrastructure maintenance, shall an ordinance be adopted to amend the business
license tax by varying the rates from $0.75 to $3.00 per $1000 of gross revenue,
retaining the minimum tax of $100/$200 and increasing the maximum tax payment, both with annual adjustments for inflation,
generating approximately $1,400,000 annually for locally controlled general fund purposes,
until terminated by the voters?
Yes 
No 

MACLA hosts exhibition “A Bridge Over the San Juan River: A Story of Borders”

Southern Gallery

by Magdy Zara

The Latin American Art and Culture Movement (MACLA) opens the exhibition “A Bridge Over the San Juan River: A Story of Borders,” which examines the overlooked conflict between Nicaragua and Costa Rica’s border along the San Juan River

Artists Irene Carvajal and Imara Osorno, both based in San Jose, transcend divisions through painting, video, and on-site installation.

Irene Carvajal is a Costa Rican-American mixed-media artist and teacher based in San Francisco. Her work examines labor, gender, and colonialism and their intersections with politics, globalized economies, and identity. Imara Osorno is a Nicaraguan-American multidisciplinary artist also based in San Francisco. Her work spans painting, printmaking, and sculpture, exploring themes of identity, immigration, and memory, often imbued with a deep appreciation for mythology and storytelling.

This exhibit will be open to the public from September 6 through November 10 of this year, starting at 12 noon at the MACLA gallery, located at 510 South 1st Street in San Jose.

San Mateo County Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

San Mateo County, as well as other communities in San Francisco, has special programming to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this time they will hold the Verbo Multicultural Community Festival.

The Verbo Multicultural Community Festival brings together, showcases, and celebrates the vibrant diversity of the Latino community that represents more than nine countries in Central and South America. This year’s festival is especially significant as it commemorates Verbo’s 25th anniversary of serving this community.

This day will feature live music, free food, and family fun; so attendees will be able to dance, taste typical dishes from different countries, as well as exciting games, entertainment for the whole family.

The appointment is at The San Jose Earthquakes, on September 8.

“Corazón del Pueblo” Exhibition at the MCCLA

In the framework of the Latin American Heritage Month, the Mission Cultural Center for Latin Arts has scheduled a series of events among which the group exhibition Corazón del Pueblo stands out.

One of these events is the well-deserved tribute to Patricia Rodríguez, the Chicana pioneer who co-founded Mujeres Muralistas.

Some of the activities planned during this month of celebration are: the art exhibition of “ARTería del Corazón de Patricia Rodríguez”; the celebration of Nina Serrano’s 90th birthday with poetry and live music with Friends of the gallery; On September 13th, the Sip n Paint Latino Pride with Eugenio Rodriguez will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35. On September 14th, the Mexican Night will take place from 4 p.m., while the closing reception is scheduled for October 12th from 3 to 6 p.m.

All of these events will take place in the main gallery of the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, located at 2868 Mission St., San Francisco.

Southern Exposure celebrates its 50th anniversary

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Southern Exposure and honor its legacy, a group art exhibition will be held that highlights its role in the Bay Area art scene.

This exhibition is called “A Leaf, a Gourd, a Shell, a Net, a Bag, a Sling, a Sack, a Bottle, a Pot, a Box, a Vessel.”

Southern Exposure has a major impact on the Bay Area’s diverse arts ecosystem and serves as an important site to spark conversations, explore new formats, launch careers, and educate young people.

Featured works are by artists: Erina Alejo & William Collins; Enrique Chagoya & Kara Maria; Futurefarmers (Amy Franceschini & Michael Swaine) & Shaun O’Dell; Marcel Pardo Ariza & Julián Delgado Lopera; and Pablo Tut.

The 50th anniversary celebration kicks off with a kickoff party featuring a variety of entertainment, including a DJ set by Brown Angel, sweet treats, draft beer from BareBottle Brewing Company, screen printing, and a plant-sharing installation curated by exhibiting artist Erina Alejo, among others.

The grand opening will be on September 14 and will run through November 16, 2024 and will be held at Southern Exposure 3030 20th Street in San Francisco.

MACLA hosts exhibition “A Bridge Over the San Juan River: A Story of Borders”

Southern Gallery

by Magdy Zara

The Latin American Art and Culture Movement (MACLA) opens the exhibition “A Bridge Over the San Juan River: A Story of Borders,” which examines the overlooked conflict between Nicaragua and Costa Rica’s border along the San Juan River

Artists Irene Carvajal and Imara Osorno, both based in San Jose, transcend divisions through painting, video, and on-site installation.

Irene Carvajal is a Costa Rican-American mixed-media artist and teacher based in San Francisco. Her work examines labor, gender, and colonialism and their intersections with politics, globalized economies, and identity. Imara Osorno is a Nicaraguan-American multidisciplinary artist also based in San Francisco. Her work spans painting, printmaking, and sculpture, exploring themes of identity, immigration, and memory, often imbued with a deep appreciation for mythology and storytelling.

This exhibit will be open to the public from Sept. 6 through Nov. 10 of this year, starting at 12 noon at the MACLA gallery, located at 510 South 1st Street in San Jose.

San Mateo County Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

San Mateo County, as well as other communities in San Francisco, has special programming to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this time they will hold the Verbo Multicultural Community Festival.

The Verbo Multicultural Community Festival brings together, showcases, and celebrates the vibrant diversity of the Latino community that represents more than nine countries in Central and South America. This year’s festival is especially significant as it commemorates Verbo’s 25th anniversary of serving this community.

This day will feature live music, free food, and family fun; so attendees will be able to dance, taste typical dishes from different countries, as well as exciting games, entertainment for the whole family.

The appointment is at The San Jose Earthquakes, on Sept. 8.

“Corazón del Pueblo” Exhibition at the MCCLA

In the framework of the Latin American Heritage Month, the Mission Cultural Center for Latin Arts has scheduled a series of events among which the group exhibition Corazón del Pueblo stands out.

One of these events is the well-deserved tribute to Patricia Rodríguez, the Chicana pioneer who co-founded Mujeres Muralistas.

Some of the activities planned during this month of celebration are: the art exhibition of “ARTería del Corazón de Patricia Rodríguez”; the celebration of Nina Serrano’s 90th birthday with poetry and live music with Friends of the gallery; On September 13th, the Sip n Paint Latino Pride with Eugenio Rodríguez will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35. On Sept. 14, the Mexican Night will take place from 4 p.m., while the closing reception is scheduled for Oct. 12th from 3 to 6 p.m.

All of these events will take place in the main gallery of the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, located at 2868 Mission St., San Francisco.

Southern Exposure celebrates its 50th anniversary

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Southern Exposure and honor its legacy, a group art exhibition will be held that highlights its role in the Bay Area art scene.

This exhibition is called “A Leaf, a Gourd, a Shell, a Net, a Bag, a Sling, a Sack, a Bottle, a Pot, a Box, a Vessel.”

Southern Exposure has a major impact on the Bay Area’s diverse arts ecosystem and serves as an important site to spark conversations, explore new formats, launch careers, and educate young people.

Featured works are by artists: Erina Alejo & William Collins; Enrique Chagoya & Kara Maria; Futurefarmers (Amy Franceschini & Michael Swaine) & Shaun O’Dell; Marcel Pardo Ariza & Julián Delgado Lopera; and Pablo Tut.

The 50th anniversary celebration kicks off with a kickoff party featuring a variety of entertainment, including a DJ set by Brown Angel, sweet treats, draft beer from BareBottle Brewing Company, screen printing, and a plant-sharing installation curated by exhibiting artist Erina Alejo, among others.

The grand opening will be on Sept. 14 and will run through November 16, 2024 and will be held at Southern Exposure 3030 20th Street in San Francisco.

Newsom urged to sign bill to require speeding alert systems on cars

Un nuevo proyecto de ley de California que exige sistemas de advertencia de velocidad en los vehículos no exige que se almacenen datos. Las cuestiones de privacidad quedarían en manos de los fabricantes de automóviles. -- A new California bill requiring speed warning systems on vehicles does not require data to be stored. Privacy issues would remain in the hands of car manufacturers. (Rawintanpin/Adobe Stock)

por Suzanne Potter, Producer

Groups fighting for safer roads are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a bill requiring new vehicles to have a speed-monitoring system to warn drivers when they go more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit.

Senate Bill 961 has already passed both houses of the state Legislature.

Marc Vukcevich, director of state policy for the advocacy organization Streets for All, said pedestrian deaths are epidemic.

“Pedestrian deaths have increased 68% since 2011,” Vukcevich pointed out. “With traffic violence as a whole being the number one cause of death for all people from the age of five to 44 in the state of California.”

Several big car manufacturers have come out in opposition to the bill, arguing the warnings could annoy and distract drivers. The change would only apply to new cars sold after 2030 and would add an estimated $60 to $100 to the cost of a car.

Vukcevich noted if drivers slow down even a few miles per hour, it would greatly reduce both the number of accidents and the suffering and death that result.

“The actual physical effect of getting hit by a car at that speed is substantially different from, let’s say, 23 to 30 miles per hour,” Vukcevich pointed out. “It’s really a substantial difference on how likely someone actually lives or dies.”

The European Union has already passed a similar measure. California would be the first state in the U.S. to require speed-warning systems.

One might wonder about the practicality of these systems. What happens when a car’s internet connection is lost? Past research shows drivers worry about irritating other motorists if they drive too slowly, which could be another sticking point. To address these concerns, experts suggest using camera-based traffic sign recognition systems that don’t rely on data connections. Additionally, they recommend allowing the system to be disabled but having it enabled by default with every ignition cycle.

Consumer groups blast bill to change CA Lemon Law

Consumer groups are calling for the withdrawal of a bill that would change the way California’s auto lemon law works – before the legislative session ends this week. Assembly Bill 1755‘s backers say it would reduce delays in getting reimbursed for a defective new car.

Entre los opositores a los cambios a la ley de vehículos defectuosos de California se incluyen la Liga Nacional de Consumidores y la Federación de Consumidores de Estados Unidos. –Opponents of changes to California’s defective vehicle law include the National Consumers League and the Consumer Federation of America.

Rosemary Shahan, president of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, said it would also mean if a problem arises more than six years after the sale, the lemon law no longer applies.

“It would shorten the statute of limitations for filing a lemon-law case to just one year after the warranty expires. Right now it’s four years after you find out you have a claim,” she explained.

Supreme Court justices join the strike to protest judicial reform bill

Ocho magistrados de la Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación votaron a favor de la huelga y tres se opusieron. (SCJN) --Eight of Mexico's Supreme Court justices voted in favor of the strike, and three opposed it. (SCJN)

by Mexico News Daily

Supreme Court (SCJN) justices will stop work to protest the federal government’s judicial reform proposal, joining employees of Mexico’s highest court who have already gone on strike.

The SCJN said in a statement on Tuesday that eight justices voted in favor of suspending activities, while three opposed the move.

Court sessions scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday have been suspended, the statement said, adding that the justices “will assess the prevailing situation” next Monday.

The statement also said that the justices agreed to attend to “urgent matters” during their suspension of activities. Nevertheless, their decision to stop work will cause an “operational paralysis” in the SCJN, the Milenio newspaper reported.

The three justices who voted against stopping work — Yasmín Esquivel Mossa, Loretta Ortiz Ahlf and Lenia Batres Guadarrama — were all appointed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who sent the judicial reform proposal to Congress in February and argues that the country’s judiciary is corrupt and needs renewal.

Esquivel, Ortiz and Batres said in a separate statement that they “vigorously” opposed going on strike.

“It’s our constitutional responsibility to exercise our roles as justices and provide the public service of the delivery of justice,” they said.

Esquivel, Ortiz and Batres said they intended to continue working remotely.

Court workers across Mexico have stopped work to protest the judicial reform proposal in recent weeks.

On Monday, the vast majority of more than 1,000 SCJN employees present at a meeting voted in favor of job action. The court employs a total of 3,647 workers.

Critics of the constitutional bill — which would allow citizens to directly elect Supreme Court justices and other judges — assert that its approval would undermine the independence of the judiciary.

United States Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar earned a rebuke from López Obrador late last month after asserting that the “popular direct election of judges is a major risk to the functioning of Mexico’s democracy.”

Salazar also claimed that “the debate over the direct election of judges … as well as the fierce politics if the elections for judges in 2025 and 2027 were to be approved, will threaten the historic trade relationship we have built, which relies on investors’ confidence in Mexico’s legal framework.”

He made similar remarks at a press conference on Tuesday, saying that the reform could cause “a lot of damage” to the Mexico-U.S. relationship “if it’s not done well.”

“… I’m saying this because of all the concerns that are reaching me from people who truly want the best for Mexico and the United States. What I can say is that there is a great deal of concern,” Salazar said.

New York-based investment bank Morgan Stanley downgraded its investment outlook for Mexico due to concern over the proposal, while Canadian Ambassador to Mexico Graeme Clark said that investors from his country were also worried.

On Tuesday morning, hundreds of court workers blocked access to the lower house of federal Congress as they sought to prevent lawmakers from discussing the government’s judicial reform proposal.

However, the ruling Morena party organized the transfer of the legislative session to a recreational center in the Iztacalco borough of Mexico City. The session was scheduled to commence at 4 p.m. Mexico City time, with a vote on the constitutional bill expected sometime in the late afternoon or on Tuesday night.

As of Sept. 1, Morena and its allies have a two-thirds majority in the Chamber of Deputies, allowing them to approve constitutional reforms without support from opposition lawmakers.

The Morena-led coalition is just one vote short of a supermajority in the Senate, putting it in a strong position to approve the judicial reform proposal in the upper house as well.

Constitutional reforms must also be ratified by at least 17 of Mexico’s state legislatures — a requirement that shouldn’t be an obstacle for Morena given that the ruling party and its allies have majorities in the congresses of more than 20 states.

With reports from Milenio, Animal Político, El Universal and Reforma.

DNC speakers advocate for freedom but contradict themselves

El gobernador de Minnesota, Tim Walz, y la vicepresidenta Kamala Harris visitan una clínica de abortos en Saint Paul, Minnesota, en marzo de 2024. -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris visit an abortion clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota in March 2024. | Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:

The content of this article is the opinion of the author and does not reflect the feelings or opinions of El Reportero. It is published to disseminate information and diverse opinions, and to entertain.

by Andrea Trudden,

Op-ed contributor

August 30, 2024 – Last week’s theme for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) — “A Fight for Our Freedoms” — was a masterclass in messaging, as speakers framed abortion as an essential freedom for all Americans. But the freedom Harris and her allies are promoting is one that leaves millions of preborn children without the basic right to life, all while actively suppressing alternatives to abortion that would offer women real choice. Here’s a closer look at four key speakers and the blatant contradictions in their advocacy.

Oprah Winfrey: The American Dream narrative

Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the DNC and declared, “if you cannot control when and how you choose to bring your children into this world and how they are raised and supported, there is no American dream.” While her statement is meant to support the idea that abortion is a prerequisite for women’s empowerment, it overlooks a tragic truth: if a woman is aborted, she has no dream at all. The fight for “reproductive freedom” rings hollow when it blatantly excludes the most fundamental freedom — the right to live.

It’s also ironic that while the DNC champions women’s rights, it fails to address the reality that more female children are aborted worldwide than males. This imbalance is particularly stark in countries like India and China, where sex-selective abortions have led to a significant gender gap. Fighting for women’s rights becomes meaningless if the very women they claim to defend are being eliminated in the womb.

Governor Josh Shapiro: Twisting “freedom” to push abortion

At the Democratic National Convention, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized his vision of “real freedom.” In his speech, he claimed, “… it’s not freedom to tell women what they can do with their bodies.” Shapiro’s words fit neatly into the DNC’s “A Fight for Our Freedoms” theme, but his actions reveal a different story when it comes to genuinely supporting women.

One of Shapiro’s first moves as governor was to cut funding for Real Alternatives, a program that each year provided critical resources to over 350,000 pregnant and parenting women in Pennsylvania. For nearly three decades, this initiative offered counseling, baby supplies, and adoption education, giving women options beyond abortion. By defunding this program, Shapiro eliminated support for women who want to carry their pregnancies to term. His decision aligns with the Democratic Party’s narrative that freedom should only extend to abortion access, ignoring the broader support women need for real choice.

Redefining freedom to undermine women

In his remarks at the DNC, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg celebrated “the right kind of politics” as the force behind progress and personal empowerment. He reflected on how the political landscape has evolved, making possible his career and family life as a gay man — experiences, he suggested, were once unimaginable. “This kind of life went from impossible, to possible; from possible to real; from real to almost ordinary,” Buttigieg noted.

However, Buttigieg’s vision of “the right kind of politics” also reveals a darker side: While he champions a politics that has expanded his personal freedoms, he also advocates for policies that exclude and target those with opposing views. His recent comments suggesting that abortion makes men “more free” highlight this contradiction. By promoting abortion as a means of empowerment, Buttigieg supports a selective freedom that undermines the choices and support available to women through pregnancy help organizations. This selective approach to political progress narrows the scope of freedom, marginalizing those who believe in supporting life and reinforcing a political agenda that prioritizes certain freedoms while suppressing others.

Governor Tim Walz: The face of extremism

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president, represents the furthest edge of this “freedom” agenda. During his tenure as governor, Walz has aggressively dismantled common-sense abortion regulations in his state, including parental consent laws and waiting periods. His administration codified the “fundamental right to reproductive freedom,” effectively removing all restrictions on abortion, even those that protect infants who survive failed abortions. Walz’s policies don’t just advance abortion; they create a hostile environment for anyone offering alternatives.

One of Walz’s most egregious actions was the defunding of pregnancy help organizations across Minnesota. These organizations provide crucial resources, counseling, and support to women who want to carry their pregnancies to term. By targeting these services, Walz and his allies, like Shapiro, are stripping away real choices from women, contradicting their entire “freedom” narrative. It is not freedom when one side of the debate is silenced, and alternatives are actively suppressed.

As we examine the rhetoric from leaders like Winfrey, Shapiro, Buttigieg, and Walz, it becomes clear that this “freedom” is selective and exclusionary. They are not fighting for freedom in the broadest sense; they are fighting for a single outcome. If genuine choice were the priority, they would be championing the work of pregnancy help organizations rather than trying to eradicate them. Their vision of freedom is one-sided, hollow, and ultimately destructive, leaving women and children without the support they need to thrive. Christian Post.

Aid deadline approaches for CA Community College students

by Selen Ozturk

Although California Community Colleges are the nation’s largest higher education system, student aid is the reason many students can afford education at all.

This aid is available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the 2024-2025 academic year, but  community college students must apply by Tuesday, September 3.

Student aid  

“It’s not too late to go to college. $383 million in aid is available by September 3,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), at a Thursday, August 15 Ethnic Media Services briefing about student aid. “That deadline is a lifeline for students and for California’s ability to continue as a national leader in higher education for mixed-status families and immigrant students.”

There are 116 community colleges in California. Of the over two million students attending them, over 70 percent come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with 48 percent identifying as Hispanic.

54 percent of all California students who qualify for financial aid — meaning that their annual income is below $40,000 — attend a community college in the state. 65 percent of California community college students come from Perkins Economically Disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Resources are available to help you — regardless of you or your family’s documentation status — cover tuition and costs like rent, food, transportation, books and even childcare,” said Gonzales.

Students who submit their application by September 3 are made eligible for all of the grants and scholarships available in California.

I’m living proof of the power of financial aid,” Gonzales continued. “As a foster youth in Los Angeles, I received the incredible gift of a Cal Grant and a Chafee Foster Youth grant, which let me into  Los Angeles Valley College at age 15. Later, I went to Mills College in Oakland, and then earned a Master’s and PhD at the University of California Santa Barbara.”

“I’ve dedicated my entire career to education, because of this gift,” she added. “There’s still money on the table, and it can make a difference as to whether students can afford their education.”

“I’m still being contacted by undocumented students who are being told, both in high school and adult school and other places that college is not for them,” said Nancy Jodaitis.

“I want to make sure this message comes through loud and clear: Regardless of what happens at a national level, not that it won’t impact us, not that fear isn’t present, but California will continue to stand with immigrants, who have been such an integral part of our community and our state,” she added

In his 2022-2023 state budget, Governor Newsom established a goal for 70 percent of Californians to earn a post-secondary] college degree by 2030.

Immigrant and low-income community college students are key to achieving this goal. California community colleges serve 55 percent of the state’s DACA students, and over 50 percent of all California students qualify for free tuition at a community college through the aid available until September 3.

“Financial aid is not considered part of public charge,” Jodaitis explained. “Every public college and university in California has someone dedicated to supporting undocumented students at the school, and your information will not be shared.”

Student challenges and successes

“Without financial aid, I don’t think I could be I am now,” said Ivan Hernandez, president of Student Senate for California Community Colleges. “I was born in the U.S. but grew up in Mexico. I moved back for treatment after a leukemia diagnosis, and stayed to pursue higher education. My family didn’t have ways to support my education financially, so it was up to me to apply for aid.

“However, this year has been extremely frustrating and challenging for individuals from mixed status families such as myself to access higher education,” he continued.

This year, even students as proactive as Hernandez are facing challenges that threaten their education — namely, FAFSA rollout delays and glitches with a new application form involving miscalculations to formulas used to determine aid.

“I’m the type of individual who usually gets their FAFSA application in a week or two after the application has opened,” — December 2023 for this academic year, said Hernandez. “But I just submitted my FAFSA last week. It was months and months of stress about how I was going to pay for college. I’d made it this far, I didn’t want to give up. I considered getting loans.”

“I constantly reached out to my institution, and FAFSA and I didn’t hear much back from them other than ‘We’re working on it,’” he continued. “But I reached out to CASC and they walked me through, one-on-one, how to fill out the form. It only took about two hours to get done … It actually was easier than the old form, but many students are struggling with the new language being used — even with translated forms, if specific words don’t translate well to other languages.”

FAFSA and CA Dream Act application help is available in multiple languages through CASC — including Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Armenian and Arabic — by way of resource sheets, online chat, email support under studentsupport@csac.ca.gov and phone support under (888) 224-7268.

“My parents, who never made it to middle school, always say to me, education is the only thing no one can take away from you,” said Hernández. “The California Community College system really changed my life.”

“Especially among undocumented and non-traditional students working full-time and supporting dependents, I see a lot of fear in adjusting back to a classroom, or not having the time to ask for help in-person. But there’s a lot of support available,” he continued. “It’s an investment in the betterment of yourself and your family.

“My message to students is: Sí se puede, sí se pudo, y siempre se podrá,” Hernandez added. “Regardless of challenges you encounter, you can do it, there is always a way.”Students can apply for aid online through FAFSA and CA Dream Act.

Millions of Californians have medical debt, but new proposed rules would no longer affect their credit scores

About 4 in 10 Californians are carrying medical debt. Lawmakers are advancing a bill that would prevent that debt from affecting credit scores

by Ana B. Ibarra

August 27, 2024 – Medical debt weighs heavily on the lives of millions of Californians. It can ding their credit scores and hurt their chances of landing a rental or securing a home mortgage.

Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced a proposal to stop medical debt from showing up on credit reports. That proposed rule is under consideration with an uncertain timeline.

California lawmakers are moving faster with a  similar measure that would take effect as soon as January if it becomes law.

Sen. Monique Limón, a Santa Barbara Democrat, is carrying Senate Bill 1061, which would remove medical debt from credit reports and prohibit debt collectors from reporting patients’ medical debt information to credit agencies. It would pertain specifically to debt owed to a medical provider, such as a hospital or a doctor’s office.

It passed the Assembly on Monday and is heading to the Senate for a final vote. Until recently, the bill would have also included debt charged to medical credit cards and specialty loans, but changes in the Assembly Appropriations Committee redefined “medical debt” to exclude these.

Limón was surprised by the changes. The amendments were a win for a coalition of bankers and lenders that had been requesting that change for months. Following the amendments, the coalition removed its opposition to the proposal.

“This legislation passed through three Assembly policy committees without the most recent amendments by Assembly Appropriations, which substantially weaken the bill,” Limon told CalMatters in an emailed statement. “It is clear that … influential entities opposed to the measure prevailed.

“In spite of this disappointing setback, I plan to continue pushing for the passage of SB 1061 in the hope that we can provide partial relief to consumers.”

Representatives for Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas would not comment on the bill and Assembly Appropriations Committee Chairperson Buffy Wicks did not reply to messages and emails asking why the changes were made. Those lawmakers can change bills in the Appropriations Committee.

Supporters of Limon’s bill say even though the feds are moving in a similar direction, California’s bill still has merit.

“The (federal) rulemaking right now, it’s just a proposal. It could get watered down, they take a long time. And then, of course, depending on what happens with the election, there’s a big question mark of what happens to any of our federal rules,” said Jenn Engstrom, state director with the California Interest Research Group, a co-sponsor of the bill. “So rather than leaving it up to the uncertainty of the federal government, we think it’s really important that California has a strong role here.”

The bill is backed by Attorney General Rob Bonta and the California Nurses Association, among other health advocates. Proponents argue that people acquire medical debt through no fault of their own. After all, going into debt because you need surgery is not the same as going into debt for a luxury vacation. Experts and advocates say medical debt is also more prone to inaccuracies because of mistakes in billing or disputes with insurers.

The bill “does not forgive debt, but it does ensure that when it’s not reported we don’t negatively impact credit scores for a lifetime for people,” Limón said.

If the bill makes it to the governor’s desk and he signs the bill, California would join states such as Colorado and New York in prohibiting medical debt from damaging credit scores.

The burden of medical debt

About 4 in 10 Californians report carrying some type of medical debt, according to the California Health Care Foundation. Nationally, the average medical balance on credit reports is around $3,100.

“The impact of this debt is so well-known that many people take it into consideration when deciding whether to seek care when they need it, and many opt not to, deciding to steer clear of the (medical) bill, which puts their health at risk,” said Katie Van Deynze, a policy and legislative advocate with the consumer advocacy group Health Access California.

In June, the Biden administration announced a proposal that would bar medical debt from appearing on credit reports. It’s expected  to help raise the credit scores of approximately 15 million Americans by an average of 20 points, according to the administration’s announcement. The administration estimates that would translate to the approval of about 22,000 additional mortgages every year.

The federal proposal also leaves out medical credit cards, a gap Limón was hoping to close.

Medical credit cards may be offered by medical providers as an option to cover the cost of a procedure. They can be enticing, offering people the option of no payment upfront and a promotional period of deferred interest. However, if interest does kick in, it can be higher than that of a regular credit card.

Groups such as the California Bankers Association argued that the definition of “medical debt” in Limón’s bill was too broad. The only debt that should be included in this legislation, they said, is the kind that is directly owed to a medical facility or provider. In hearings and letters to the Legislature, lobbyists for these groups argued that medical credit cards could also be used for elective procedures, fitness programs and veterinary services, among other expenses. That type of debt, they argued, should not be hidden from creditors.

Medical debt forgiveness

The topic of medical debt resonates so much with the public that some local governments and states are going one step further and pushing for debt relief programs.

This summer the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors announced a pilot program to buy off millions worth of its residents’ medical debt through a partnership with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. Hospitals and other providers can sell unpaid debt to companies that would profit from collecting that money. Undue Medical Debt leverages this arrangement and purchases debt for cents on the dollar, but instead of collecting the debt, it cancels it.

Through this model, county supervisors estimate they can spend $5 million to cancel $500 million worth of debt for 150,000 low-income residents. Medical debt in Los Angeles County surpasses $2.9 billion, according to an analysis by the county’s public health department.

New York City and Arizona have done similar deals with the same nonprofit. And just last week, New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy announced that the state would use leftover pandemic relief dollars to eliminate $100 million worth of medical debt for 50,000 residents.

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has pledged to build on the current administration’s efforts to wipe medical debt from credit reports by incorporating debt forgiveness. Among her campaign promises: “Work with states to cancel medical debt for millions of Americans.”

Last month, the Washington Post reported that Harris had been working with North Carolina to incentivize hospitals there to forgive patients’ medical debt in exchange for additional Medicaid dollars. In mid-August, North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper announced that all of the state’s 99 hospitals agreed to participate in this program. About 2 million low- and middle-income North Carolina residents are expected to benefit starting next summer.

Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

Quinteto Latino highlights the best of Latin American music

Quinteto Latino

by Magdy Zara

Quinteto Latino is a wind quintet, with just a flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon expertly fused together, dedicated to breaking down the racial and social barriers that have long plagued the world of classical music.

A unique Bay Area-based chamber ensemble noted for showcasing compositions by artists of Latin American heritage, these acclaimed musicians are dedicated to building community through classical music, performance, and advocacy.

Additionally, they highlight the vibrant colors and vigorous rhythms of Latin American music. The group’s programs feature a mix of newly composed works by celebrated composers such as Gabriela Lena Frank and arrangements of beloved Latin folk tunes.

The concert, which will be free admission, is scheduled for this Thursday, Sept. 5, starting at 12:30 p.m. at the Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens, located on Mission St. between 3rd and 4th streets in San Francisco.

Celebrate Brazil’s independence at BrazilianFestSF

The invitation is open to all those who wish to have a different time, and enjoy the most lively Brazilian party in São Francisco with music, dance, food and lots of fun.

BrazilianFestSF is a series of events that take place between the months of July and October.

These events are suitable for the whole family and with free admission, it has a rich entertainment program that includes dance classes, performances, live music, a variety of Brazilian delicacies selected by local chefs, activities for children, soccer and much more.

BrazilianFestSF will get people moving, promoting social engagement, community building and well-being.

Some of the invited artists will be: Mariana Bonetti; Paulo Presotto and Veesh Maria; Oakland Samba Revue; Jackson SP; Alex Costa; Pedro and Felipe; Maracatu Pacifico; Liza Silva and Voz do Brasil, among other local bands.

The event is this Sept. 8 (celebration of Brazilian Independence Day) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Crossing at East Cut – 250 Main Street, San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Park Band performs with Ballet Folklórico Mexicano

As part of the Golden Gate Park Band’s 2024 summer concert lineup, it is scheduled to perform jointly with Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno.

With more than 30 professional musicians, the GGPB performs a wide variety of wind band music that reflects the culture, traditions, and values ​​of San Francisco and the Bay Area while delighting audiences of all ages and interests.

The GG Park Band will play attendees’ favorite Mexican pieces on this occasion, such as: Cielito Lindo, Iwai, Huapango, Mancoyo, and much more.

This completely free concert is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 8 and 15 starting at 1 p.m., at the Spreckels Temple of Music (also known as Bandshell), located in Golden Gate Park, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive (at Music Concourse Drive – between the Museum and de Young Academy of Sciences) San Francisco.

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