Saturday, June 14, 2025
Home Blog Page 15

California city makes ‘aiding’ or ‘abetting’ a homeless camp illegal

Un campamento de personas sin hogar cerca de la esquina de Osgood Road y Washington Boulevard en Fremont el 6 de febrero de 2025. - A homeless encampment near the corner of Osgood Road and Washington Boulevard in Fremont on Feb. 6, 2025. Photo by Dai Sugano, Bay Area News Group.

by Marisa Kendall

CalMatters

The Fremont City Council gave final approval this week to an ordinance that bans camping throughout the entire city, while also making anyone “aiding, abetting or concealing” a homeless encampment guilty of a misdemeanor.

The aiding and abetting clause has sparked alarm from local outreach workers who worry they could be targeted for helping people living in camps, and experts in homelessness law who say they’ve never seen anything quite like it in California. Council members considered changing that part of the ordinance Tuesday night, but ultimately passed it as-is 6-1.

“Our public spaces belong to the entire community and it’s really not compassionate at all to cede our public spaces to a select few individuals at the expense of everyone else in the general public,” said Councilmember Raymond Liu, who voted in favor. “Families should be able to take their children to the parks, to the libraries, without fear, and all residents should be able to use our public spaces without encountering any unsafe conditions.”

Council members discussed the camping ban at length in a five-hour meeting Tuesday, where nearly 200 people lined up to speak for and against the measure during public comment. It was an unusual amount of fanfare for an ordinance that the city council already passed once earlier this month – Tuesday’s vote was a “second reading,” which typically is just a formality that warrants no discussion.

But the controversy surrounding the ban, which prohibits camping on all sidewalks, streets and parks in Fremont and makes anyone who aids or abets such a camp subject to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail, prompted the City Council to reevaluate the ordinance.

Three council members, plus the mayor, expressed interest either in removing the aiding and abetting clause or adding language to specify that it wouldn’t be used to punish people for handing out food, water and other essentials in homeless camps.

That change seemed likely to go through until minutes before the final vote. But after City Attorney Rafael Alvarado said multiple times that the aiding and abetting clause would target people who help unhoused people set up illegal camps, not people who give out food, council members changed course. Ultimately, they passed the measure as-is.

Changing the language would have forced council members to re-introduce the ordinance, meaning they’d have to go through two more votes. By the time the City Council voted Tuesday, it was almost midnight.

The text of the ordinance doesn’t specify what qualifies as aiding, abetting or concealing a homeless encampment. That leaves some uncertainty as to how the ordinance will be enforced, despite Alvarado’s assurances, UC Berkeley Law professor Laura Riley told CalMatters.

“That might be their stance at the time of adoption,” she said, “but there’s nothing in the language of the ordinance itself that prevents targeting people from doing things as humane as giving unhoused people tarps when it’s raining.”

In practice, local police often determine how they will enforce an ordinance, Riley said. How the Fremont aiding and abetting clause is interpreted could change when the city’s leadership changes, she said.

The city attorney’s statements were small comfort to Vivian Wan, CEO of Abode Services, which provides food, tents, clothing and other services to unhoused people living in camps.

“We worry about the ‘concealing’ portion, as PD/City staff in Fremont have been known to pressure us to share confidential information, including where a participant is staying,” she said in an email to CalMatters. “I think this ordinance may be used to compel such information, breaking the trust with folks that often takes years to build.”

The measure also puts the city of Fremont at odds with the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern and Southern California, which, in a letter to council members signed by several other aid and human rights groups, said the aiding and abetting clause is “patently unreasonable and will expose the City to legal liability.”

More than two-dozen California cities and counties have either passed new ordinances or beefed up old ordinances banning camping in recent months, after the U.S. Supreme Court gave them more freedom to do so. But none of those bans appear to include specific language that makes it a crime to aid or abet a camp.

In a statement to CalMatters, the Fremont city attorney’s office said the aiding and abetting language is nothing new – it’s already illegal in Fremont, as in many cities, to aid or abet any crime. When asked about that by council members during Tuesday’s meeting, Alvarado said even if the new camping ban didn’t have that specific clause, “in theory,” someone could still be penalized for aiding and abetting a homeless encampment.

But Riley said it’s significant that the new camping ban explicitly makes it a crime to aid and abet an encampment – language she’s never seen in any other active camping ban in California.

“This does seem to be going further,” she said. “Because by making it explicitly tied to this section of the code, to me, it signals that there is intent to prosecute under this section.”

Legal experts CalMatters spoke with said this is extremely unusual. No other city, to the best of CalMatters’ knowledge, has attempted to use general municipal code in the fashion this ordinance would.

 

spot_img

Flamenco in Nicaragua: Passion and dedication of an adopted tradition

Left-Right: Eduardo Rocha, Miguel Ángel Oviedo, Tesalia Cáceres, Kathya Martínez, Eduardo Aráica.

by Marvin Ramírez

Flamenco, an art deeply rooted in Andalusian culture, has found fertile ground for its development and expression in Nicaragua. Over the decades, various schools and teachers have been fundamental pillars in the dissemination and teaching of this dance in the country.

Pioneers of flamenco in Nicaragua

In the 1970s, teacher Lelia González emerged as a key figure in the promotion of flamenco in Nicaragua. After studying in Seville with leading exponents of the genre, González returned to the country to share her knowledge. She founded the Ballet Español Lelia González in 1972, offering training in classical Spanish and flamenco dance. Her dedication laid the groundwork for future generations of dancers and teachers in the country.

Another notable name is Heriberto Mercado, a choreographer and dancer who, starting in 1978, made a significant contribution to the Nicaraguan dance scene. Mercado not only focused on flamenco, but also integrated elements of classical ballet and other dances, enriching the country’s cultural offering. Among his outstanding students is Tesalia Cáceres Vega, who began practicing flamenco periodically since her adolescence.

“I have been practicing flamenco for 22 years. I am from Diriamba, a city full of art in Nicaragua, the land of Guegüense and Diriangén. In my city, learning the different arts of Nicaraguan culture and folkloric ballet is highly promoted,” Cáceres Vega shares.

Schools and academies dedicated to flamenco

The formal teaching of flamenco in Nicaragua has been possible thanks to various institutions and academies that have kept this tradition alive:

  • Nicaraguan Academy of Dance: Located in Managua, this academy offers a variety of rhythms, including flamenco, allowing students to explore different dance styles and maintain an active and healthy life.
  • Eduardo Rocha Flamenco Academy: Also in the capital, this academy specializes in in-person flamenco classes for different levels. Rocha, Tesalia Cáceres Vega’s teacher, has been a fundamental influence on her career:
  • “My first teacher, Heriberto Mercado, taught me to express myself, to feel, to transmit, and my second teacher, Eduardo Rocha, has taught me the structure of the dance, the beat, the meter,” she explains.

The flamenco scene in Nicaragua today

Flamenco in Nicaragua is not only limited to dance, but also has outstanding musicians who have contributed to the development of the genre in the country. “In Nicaragua there are guitarists like Eduardo Araica, Nicaraguan, and Cornelius Holzer, an Austrian, who play very well. There is also Eduardo Rocha, my teacher, and my rehearsal partners, who are excellent. Lenin Triana is the singer and Miguel Ángel Oviedo is the percussionist,” Cáceres Vega explains.

About her experience on stage, Tesalia expresses with passion: “It is indescribable. Strength, passion, fire, rapture.” Her dedication is reflected in the reaction of the public: “People like it a lot and are familiar with the music,” she comments.

Challenges and future of flamenco in Nicaragua

Although it has achieved recognition, flamenco in Nicaragua faces challenges for its development. “I have been very blessed, since I have worked in the creation of shows with some of the most influential families in my country, and with event organizers and owners of prestigious restaurants and hotels in my country,” Cáceres Vega shares.

Regarding the future of flamenco in the country, Tesalia highlights the importance of education from home: “Parents have to plant that seed of love and admiration for the art.” She also mentions that her work does not stop: “We are always presenting our show in different places.”

Inspiration for the new generations

For young people interested in flamenco, Tesalia Cáceres Vega offers clear advice: “Patience, dedication and perseverance.” Her career is a testament to how passion and effort can open paths and consolidate flamenco as a vibrant artistic expression in Nicaragua. With figures like her and the growing flamenco community, this art has a promising future in the country.

spot_img

Financial considerations for multigenerational households 

multi generational hispanic family portrait

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

For many Black, Hispanic and Latino families, as well as other cultures, multigenerational living is a cherished aspect of home life. It can also be good for your family’s overall wellbeing.

Research indicates there can be financial benefits to multigenerational living, and when executed intentionally, having multiple family members under the same roof can potentially help improve health outcomes, reduce loneliness for older adults and bolster educational outcomes for children.[1]

While multigenerational living has many positives, it also comes with a unique set of financial matters and planning needs. From saving and budgeting to dividing costs and estate planning, navigating the financial landscape of a multigenerational home calls for foresight and strategy.
Below are some financial considerations for people living in multigenerational households and those considering moving in with family members.

Helping to build family wealth
In a 2022 study, the Pew Research Center found people in multigenerational households were less likely to live in poverty,[2] and some multigenerational households had more earners than the non-multigenerational households, which can help provide a safety net in case someone loses a job. It can also encourage homeownership — 14% percent of all home buyers in the study said their purchase was motivated by a desire to accommodate multiple generations in their family.

Having diverse financial needs

Savings and budgeting plans can be more complicated because of the wide range of ages among family members. Seniors might require more for health care and retirement, for example, while children can bring daycare and tuition costs. Be flexible with your planning to accommodate different saving and budgeting needs and set short- and long-term goals for your savings with all generations in mind.

Expenses should be handled with fairness and equity

Multigenerational households have to ensure fairness by dividing costs such as mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries and household expenses based on each member’s financial capacity and usage. A sense of transparency can be maintained among family members by openly discussing financial contributions and expenses.

Find balance between cultural values and financial health

Cultural traditions and familial structures can also play a significant role in money management, and it’s important to consider how multigenerational living can impact family wealth. Cultural heritage can shape financial attitudes and practices within multigenerational households, including saving habits, investment strategies and perceptions of wealth. Understanding how your cultural values connect to your beliefs and practices related to money can be essential for effective financial management within diverse family structures.

Communication is key to managing conflict and disagreement

The more people living in a home, the more likely they’ll face conflicting financial priorities. Navigating disagreements over spending habits and adapting to changing income levels or unexpected expenses are necessary to maintain financial stability in multigenerational households.

Future planning is vital

Estate plans should be tailored to accommodate the financial needs and goals of each generation within the household and strategies should be developed for transferring ownership of businesses or properties to ensure continuity and preserve the family’s legacy. Make sure to compile essential legal documents — including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives — to outline the distribution of assets and clarify end-of-life wishes.

The bottom line

Multigenerational households can foster financial harmony and wellbeing by accounting for their individual financial goals and their shared responsibilities. Family members should be clear about plans, needs and expectations to promote financial stability and satisfaction for all. Communicating about these issues early can help avoid tension later on.

By addressing these considerations holistically and prioritizing open discussion and collaboration, multigenerational households can build a solid financial foundation, helping them achieve prosperity and security for their family members now and in the future.

Read more about financial considerations for multigenerational households here on chase.com/theknow.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.

spot_img

“SF School District to lay off over 500 employees amid budget crisis, impacting teachers and students”

Mission High School - SF

by the El Reportero staff

San Francisco’s Board of Education is set to vote next week on issuing preliminary layoff notices to 559 employees in a bid to address a $113 million budget deficit for the upcoming school year. The proposed layoffs would impact 395 teachers and other certified staff, as well as 164 classified staff, including office workers, custodians, and bus drivers. The move is part of a broader strategy to bring fiscal solvency to a district facing severe financial challenges.

This difficult decision, while necessary from a financial standpoint, raises significant concerns about the potential effects on teachers, students, and the overall educational experience. Teachers are at the heart of the educational process, and the loss of such a large portion of the teaching workforce could have a direct, negative impact on the quality of instruction students receive. With fewer educators, class sizes are likely to increase, making it harder for teachers to give individual attention to students and potentially leading to a decrease in overall academic performance.

Furthermore, the district’s reliance on seniority-based layoffs may disproportionately affect newer teachers, who often bring fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and a deep commitment to student success. This dynamic could create uncertainty and stress within the workforce, with teachers left wondering about their job security as they focus on meeting the academic needs of their students.

For students, the ripple effects of these layoffs could be felt in multiple ways. Larger class sizes and a reduced number of available teachers could hinder personalized learning and support for students, particularly those who need additional help or face academic challenges. Specialized programs that cater to students with unique needs may also be scaled back or eliminated, further widening educational disparities.

The reduction in classified staff—such as custodians, office workers, and bus drivers—could also disrupt the daily operations that students depend on. Custodians play an essential role in maintaining clean and safe learning environments, and the loss of these staff members could lead to deteriorating school facilities. Office staff often provide critical administrative support, ensuring that everything from attendance records to communication with families runs smoothly. Without them, other employees may be burdened with additional responsibilities, potentially slowing down essential processes.

The elimination of bus drivers poses another unique challenge. Students who rely on school transportation to get to class might experience longer wait times or disruptions in their daily routines, impacting their overall educational experience and attendance rates.

Superintendent Maria Su expressed the district’s commitment to its staff, emphasizing that the decision to issue layoff notices is difficult but necessary to achieve fiscal solvency. Yet, this decision highlights the broader challenges that school districts across California are facing in terms of balancing budgets while maintaining quality education. As the Board of Education moves forward with these tough choices, it will be crucial to ensure that the most vulnerable—students—do not bear the brunt of these financial decisions.

In the coming months, the district plans to issue final layoff notices in May. It remains to be seen how these layoffs will shape the educational landscape in San Francisco, but one thing is clear: the impact on teachers and students will be profound, potentially altering the educational experience for years to come.

– Bay City News contributed to this report.

spot_img

CIA reportedly expanding covert drone surveillance in Mexico

Screenshot

by the El Reportero staff

The U.S. government is reportedly utilizing a secret drone program to track and identify fentanyl laboratories in Mexico as part of its ongoing efforts to curb the influx of illicit drugs into the United States, according to The New York Times.

Sources indicate that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been conducting covert drone flights to pinpoint fentanyl production sites, subsequently relaying the intelligence to Mexican authorities. Officials speaking to the Times on condition of anonymity revealed that this classified program initially began during the Biden administration but has expanded significantly under President Donald Trump, who has pledged to crack down on drug cartels with increased aggression.

According to a senior U.S. military official, Northern Command has carried out more than two dozen surveillance flights over the U.S.-Mexico border using a variety of aircraft, including RC-125 Rivet Joints, U-2s, P-8s, and drones. Despite the increased intelligence-gathering operations, the administration has reportedly not authorized the use of drones for lethal strikes, instead relying on them solely to support Mexican law enforcement efforts in dismantling drug operations.

CIA drones have reportedly proven effective at locating fentanyl labs, as the chemicals emitted during drug production can be easily detected from the air. The agency has declined to comment on the matter. The escalation in drone activity aligns with President Trump’s broader strategy to disrupt drug trafficking networks and pressure the Mexican government into taking a more proactive role in combating organized crime.

One of Trump’s first executive orders after returning to office was to designate drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), a move that grants U.S. authorities expanded legal tools to target cartel operations. This designation enables the U.S. to freeze financial assets, restrict entry into the country, and prosecute cartel affiliates under terrorism laws.

In line with these efforts, Northern Command announced in early February the formation of a specialized intelligence task force comprising 140 analysts stationed along the southern border. These analysts are tasked with processing surveillance data and assisting the U.S. Border Patrol with counter-network analysis, Spanish-language translation, and full-motion video analysis.

Facing the threat of sweeping 25 percent tariffs on Mexican exports imposed by Trump, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Feb. 3 the deployment of 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. Their primary mission includes halting the flow of illicit drugs, with a particular emphasis on fentanyl, as well as addressing illegal immigration.

Sheinbaum’s decision comes amid a worsening fentanyl crisis in the U.S., where over 21,000 pounds of the drug were seized at the southern border during Biden’s final year in office, according to Customs and Border Protection data. The Drug Enforcement Administration warns that a single kilogram of fentanyl can be lethal to as many as half a million people.

Mexican authorities have also ramped up their enforcement efforts. Over the weekend, law enforcement agencies seized approximately 440 pounds of methamphetamine—worth an estimated $40 million—in a region controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel. Since the deployment of Mexico’s National Guard on Feb. 5, authorities have confiscated nearly five tons of methamphetamine, 453 kilograms of cocaine, and 55 kilograms of fentanyl.

With reports by Truth Press.

spot_img

Casa Circulo Cultural invites you to its fundraising dinner

by Magdy Zara

In order to raise funds to continue its work, Casa Circulo Cultural celebrates the month of love with an evening that combines the charm of theater, the magic of live music and an exquisite gastronomic selection.

Círculo Cultural is a multidisciplinary community-based arts organization dedicated to creating cultural programming that reflects the experiences of Latino communities in the San Francisco Bay Area while promoting leadership development for both children and adults.

This organization is committed to serving low-income and vulnerable families by providing them with social, economic, health and wellness, and cultural elements for the present and future well-being of each family member.

Its activities include classes in music, art, theater and dance, martial arts, chess, literature, multimedia and more. Classes are taught primarily in Spanish to develop, preserve and foster the Latino and Hispanic language and culture.

This is a great opportunity to share a special night with friends, family or that special someone and help a worthy cause.

The reception will be this Saturday, February 22, at 6 p.m., at 3090 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, the cost is $50.

CultuCuba prepares for Carnival 2025

To celebrate its 20 years, CultuCuba invites the Cuban community in San Francisco to be part of its comparsa for this year’s San Francisco Carnival 2025.

The doors are open for new dancers and percussionists who want to join the contingent of the CultuCuba Carnival 2025.

The deadline to register is March 30, 2025. If you want good music, incredible dancers, joy and lots of energy, you can’t miss it.

The cost to participate in the comparsa is a $50 registration fee, $200 for the full series or $25 per rehearsal session.

The choreography and live music will be provided by Susana Arenas, Manuel Suárez and Ramón Alayo.

For more information, please email cultucuba@gmail.com or cubanmusicanddance@gmail.com.

Rehearsals will be every Sunday starting this Sunday, February 23 at 11 a.m., at the Peruvian Tradition Cultural Center, 2815 23rd St, San Francisco.

Moon Azteca Dance and Art School opens its doors

After not having a headquarters, the Moon Azteca Dance and Art School finally has a home and wants to share with all its students, family members and followers the celebration of this new beginning. This dance school has 10 years of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering passion for Aztec culture and is excited to announce that they are moving into their new dance studio at The Mira Theater Guild.

Their teacher, who they lovingly call “the teacher,” affirms that this has not been an easy journey, but it has been filled with love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their students and traditions.

To commemorate this unforgettable moment, they invite you to the ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony, which will be completely free on February 27, 2025, starting at 4 p.m. at The Mira Theater Guild in Vallejo.

spot_img

Miguel Ríos, Rock en Español legend, soon to tour the US with “A Todo Pulmón”

Miguel Ríos, leyenda del Rock en Español - Miguel Ríos, legend of Rock in Español.

“Rock is still my form of expression, and as long as I have a voice, I will continue singing for those who make it their own,” said Miguel Ríos about his long-awaited return to the stage

by El Reportero news services

The iconic pioneer of Spanish rock has confirmed that his A Todo Pulmón tour will take him to several cities in the United States in the coming months. This tour marks a new chapter in the career of an artist who has transcended generations and borders, establishing himself as one of the most influential figures of the genre in the Spanish-speaking world.

Miguel Ríos, born in Granada, Spain, began his career in the 1960s, at a time when rock was still viewed with suspicion in Spanish-speaking countries. However, his talent and perseverance led him to challenge the norms and open paths for future generations of musicians. In 1970, he achieved global recognition with his rock version of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, entitled Hymn to Joy, which sold more than seven million copies and placed him at the top of the charts in the United States and Europe.

Throughout his career, he has released more than 20 studio and live albums, consolidating himself as one of the most emblematic voices of rock in Spanish. Songs such as Santa Lucía, Directo al corazón, Bienvenidos and El rock no tiene la culpa have left an indelible mark on the collective memory of fans of the genre.

The A Todo Pulmón tour is a celebration of his musical legacy and a recognition of the loyalty of his audience. In each performance, Ríos promises to offer a tour of his most memorable hits, combined with the energy and passion that have characterized him over the years. Furthermore, the tour comes at a time when rock in Spanish is experiencing a resurgence, with new generations discovering the pioneers of the genre and claiming its importance in musical history.

For the Latino community in the United States, Miguel Ríos’ tour represents a unique opportunity to reconnect with the music that marked their lives. In cities like San Francisco and the Bay Area, where rock in Spanish has had a significant cultural impact, his legacy is still present in festivals, radio stations and gatherings of music lovers who continue to celebrate his songs.

Although no dates have been confirmed in California, the enthusiasm among his fans is evident. For decades, Ríos has maintained a close relationship with the Latino public in the U.S., who have accompanied him throughout his career and have witnessed his musical evolution. His ability to reinvent himself and stay relevant shows that his impact goes beyond time and fashion.

As Miguel Ríos prepares to tour stages in different cities, his message remains the same: rock in Spanish is more alive than ever, and his music continues to be the sound of a generation that has never stopped singing A Todo Pulmón.

spot_img

South Florida lawmakers propose bill to allow Venezuelans to avoid deportation, remain in U.S.

Migrantes venezolanos deportados de Estados Unidos llegan al Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar en Maiquetía, Venezuela, el lunes 10 de febrero de 2025. -- Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States arrive at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.

by the El Reportero’s wire services

A battery of South Florida lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle have teamed up to re-introduce a bill in Congress that would give hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in the U.S. a path to legal residency.

U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, María Elvira Salazar, R-Miami and Frederica Wilson, D-Miami Gardens, announced this week they are sponsoring the re-introduction of H.R. 1348, the Venezuelan Adjustment Act, for Venezuelans who entered U.S. before or on December 31, 2021.

The legislation faces a steep hill to climb on Capitol Hill, where the House and Senate are moving swiftly to back President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

“The Venezuelan Adjustment Act will give security and peace of mind to tens of thousands of Venezuelans who have fled a murderous, totalitarian regime,” Wasserman Schultz, whose congressional district includes one of the nation’s largest Venezuelan-American communities, said in a statement.

“As Trump closes off legal pathways for migrants, we need this legislation to re-open the door for those who should have the opportunity to become permanent legal residents as Cubans have been able to for years,” she said referring to the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allowed Cubans to flee the communist island nation.

Salazar said the regime of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has forced millions of Venezuelans to leave the country because of decades of economic and political upheaval.

“As long as Maduro forcibly remains in power, this crisis will only get worse,” said Salazar in a statement. “I am proud to reintroduce the Venezuelan Adjustment Act to provide refuge for those who have endured incredible suffering, so they do not have to return home to face the wrath of the dictatorship.”

Said Wilson in a statement: “Sending [Venezuelans] back isn’t just wrong — it’s inhumane. I’m proud to support a legal pathway for certain Venezuelan nationals in the U.S. because abandoning them in their time of need is not an option.”

The proposed legislation specifically benefitting Venezuelans comes only weeks after the Trump’s administration said it was ending protections that shielded roughly 350,000 Venezuelans from deportation, leaving them with less than two months before they lose their right to work in the U.S.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s order affects 348,202 Venezuelans living in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, which is slated to expire in April. That’s about half of the approximately 600,000 who have TPS. The remaining protections are set to expire at the end of September.

The decision by the administration is among the latest actions targeting the immigration system, as officials work to make good on Trump’s campaign promises of cracking down on people illegally living in the country and to carry out the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history.

In making its decision, the Department of Homeland Security said conditions had improved enough in Venezuela to warrant ending protective status.

“The sheer numbers have resulted in associated difficulties in local communities,” the secretary’s decision says. She cited members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as among those coming to the U.S.

The gang originated in a lawless prison in the central state of Aragua more than a decade ago but has expanded in recent years as millions of desperate Venezuelans fled Maduro’s rule and migrated to other parts of Latin America or the U.S.

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly hammered at dangers posed by the gang, sparking criticism that he was painting all immigrants as criminals.

More than 7.7 million Venezuelans have left their home country since 2013, when its economy unraveled and Maduro took office. Most settled in Latin America and the Caribbean, but after the pandemic, migrants increasingly set their sights on the U.S.

The country’s protracted crisis obliterated the middle class and pushed millions into poverty.

Politically, the country is at an impasse after Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term last month despite credible evidence that former diplomat Edmundo González, who represented the U.S.-backed opposition coalition in the July election, defeated him by a more than 2-to-1 margin.

Immigration advocates and Venezuelan activists in South Florida dispute Noemi’s assessment of Venezuela, saying conditions have not improved and that it’s not safe to send people back.

In the waning days of the Biden administration, Noem’s predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas, extended the protections for Venezuelans until October 2026. Noem revoked that decision.

– The Associated Press contributed to this story.

spot_img

Scams and threats against immigrants: A first-person account

by Marvin Ramírez

One day, while I was checking Facebook, I came across an ad titled The Corner of Culture, followed by a dark yellowish box with the following text: “Registration is now OPEN for the ENGLISH COURSE at the University of Pennsylvania: it’s free, online, and they give an official certificate…”.

I immediately thought of Goya, a young professional from Nicaragua who arrived undocumented several months ago with the hope of a better future. She hasn’t had time to learn English, but she does have plenty of will. Since she arrived, she has worked at whatever she can to support her two children, whom she left with her mother in a small town, and to pay off the loan she took out on her home. Her mother is very sick, and that keeps her in a constant state of suffering, especially when she loses her job. Learning English has been difficult for her.

I sent her the ad without much thought, and within minutes, she had already contacted the supposed school and enrolled. Unsuspectingly, she provided all her personal details, including three references. What seemed to be a free course soon turned into a trap: they demanded an initial payment of $199 and weekly fees of $34. She called me in anguish, asking if it was worth paying. I advised her not to do it, to look for free options on the internet. I suggested she cancel immediately and ask them not to contact her anymore.

What followed was even more alarming. Instead of respecting her decision, they began harassing and threatening her. They sent her a message full of spelling mistakes, which made me seriously doubt that this was a legitimate institution. They warned her that, having spoken to an advisor, she was already committed to financing and had to pay or face consequences. The intimidation did not stop there.

When she sent a message cancelling the supposed contract, the response was a direct threat: she was warned that if she did not make payments, her credit history would be affected and she would face additional charges. Then, she was told that they would only cancel her registration if she paid $700. Shortly after, one of the reference contacts she had provided received a call from the company. Two people, Jennifer Alvarado and Jesus Castillo, confronted this contact separately in two separate calls. When he tried to verify whether the company was legally registered, both reacted violently, with shouts and intimidation, trying to avoid any type of investigation.

The problem did not end there. Despite the cancellation and the advice not to proceed, Gregoria did not pay what was demanded thanks to one of the references she included. However, the threat of her credit history being damaged persisted, and the pressure was incessant.

This case highlights a larger problem. Many unscrupulous companies operate under the shadow of the law, using pressure tactics and deceptive contracts to trap vulnerable immigrants. The desperation of those seeking better opportunities makes them easy prey for these frauds. Threatening them with credit reports or legal action is just one of the strategies to force them to pay for services that, in many cases, can be obtained for free through community or government programs.

Authorities cannot continue to ignore these abuses. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consumer protection agencies must take stronger measures to investigate and sanction these fraudulent companies. In addition, consulates of countries of origin must play a more active role in educating immigrants about their rights and in reporting these frauds.

To those who have been victims of these frauds, I say: do not remain silent. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a platform to report these crimes at reportfraud.ftc.gov. There are also local organizations that can provide legal advice and support.

The dream of a better life should not be turned into a nightmare by scammers. As a community, we must protect the most vulnerable and demand that our authorities act firmly. We cannot allow the exploitation of immigrants to continue to occur with impunity. Justice should not be a privilege, but a right for all.

If any of you, readers of El Reportero, have found yourself in a similar situation with this or any other fake company, please contact this media at Lreportero@aol.com.

spot_img

President Trump wants to cut the Pentagon budget in half. How?  

The President advances a three-pronged strategy for national security: 1. Negotiate a peace deal for Ukraine. 2. Negotiate nuclear arms drawdown with China and Russia. 3. Cut military spending by 50 percent

Dennis Kucinich and Elizabeth 

Feb.17, 2025 – It is Presidents’ Day, and President Donald Trump has made a bold statement regarding military spending—one that no other president in modern history has made. He claims he could cut the Pentagon budget by about 50 percent.

President Trump has suggested a major cut in defense spending, proposing that the United States, Russia, and China each reduce their military budgets by 50 percent. He has also expressed a desire to begin denuclearization and arms control discussions with both Russia and China to accomplish this objective.

Military contractors poured $4,440,605 into Kamala Harris’s campaign—more than double what they contributed to Donald Trump. Yet, even with the support of establishment figures like Dick Cheney, their favored candidate fell short. The defeat of the military contractor’s candidate may have consequences for the industry.

Now, with President Trump in office and a bold initiative to cut Pentagon spending by 50 percent, the defense industry faces a challenge unlike any before.

The financial markets are already responding: Major U.S. defense firms are experiencing notable stock declines, while European defense companies surge in anticipation of increased regional military spending. Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman have all seen stocks fall, while companies such as Rheinmetall, BAE Systems, and Saab are benefiting from investors expecting a shift in global defense priorities.

Last week, we examined the staggering costs of U.S. military spending in ‘The Cost of Freedom: Confronting Military Waste.’ This week, we take the conversation further by analyzing President Trump’s claim that he could cut Pentagon spending in half—what that actually looks like, and which interests may be affected.

As President Trump pursues negotiations to bring peace to Ukraine, European governments appear to be moving in the opposite direction, increasing military budgets and deepening their involvement in the conflict. European defense firms are thriving as they anticipate further arms sales to governments committed to escalating military engagement rather than seeking diplomatic solutions.

This contrast underscores the significance of Trump’s initiative—challenging the entrenched military-industrial complex, wherever it is located, and seeking to end perpetual warfare.

The era of unchecked military expansion may be coming to an end, and for the first time in decades, the ability of the defense industry to influence U.S. military policy is being curtailed.

Will it happen? We don’t know, but President Trump’s bold proposal to cut Pentagon spending reflects his signature negotiation style—starting with an aggressive position to shift the conversation and force a change in conditions, in this case – – scrutiny of military waste.

Rather than a rigid policy demand, Trump’s talk of a 50 percent cut in military spending challenges the entrenched interests of the military-industrial complex, putting pressure on defense contractors to reduce costs, compelling Congress to justify every dollar spent.

Peace, diplomacy and international agreements between military superpowers are now squarely on the priority policy table for the first time in decades and are being understood as pragmatic. Such strategic diplomacy can open the door for arms reduction talks with other global superpowers.

By challenging the status quo, Trump is causing security and economic prosperity to be merged. Trump is causing a rethink of national priorities, that America’s strength is built on both security and economic prosperity, and that unlimited military spending threatens both.

It is a longstanding Congressional practice of bloating the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) with unnecessary programs and hyperinflated spending. In all other authorization packages, things must be reduced and streamlined.

In the “defense” bill, they are always padded out and multiple zeros added to appropriations requests by habit. Very few lawmakers have the courage to vote against a “defense” bill despite knowing its excesses, and media will spin on the attack if they do.

Dennis was always 100 percent for national defense through fiscal integrity, against unnecessary war and profiteering, and so when in Congress he voted 100 percent of the time against the wasteful spending!

Throughout our careers, we have championed the principle of “Strength Through Peace.” This philosophy is rooted in the belief that true national security is not achieved through ever-expanding military budgets, but through diplomacy, cooperation, and a commitment to resolving conflicts without war.

We have carried this message forward, advocating that real strength is found in preventing war, not waging it. For decades, we have worked to place peace at the center of national policy—not as an idealistic dream, but as the most pragmatic and sustainable path forward.

It is a new day when a President questions military waste and opens the door for de-escalation of global conflict. However, notwithstanding the President’s ambition for sharp reductions in military spending, the current budget is a golden trough for contractors. Let’s take a look.

Breaking Down the Pentagon’s Nearly $1 Trillion Budget

The Pentagon’s budget is a massive and complex expenditure. Here’s a rough estimate of where the money goes:

  • 25 percent goes toward soldiers’ pay and benefits.
  • 25 percent is allocated for base operations, including training.
  • More than 40 percent is funneled to Pentagon contractors for weapons systems, research and development (R&D), logistical support, base operations, technology, and private security.
  • Additional funds go toward military construction and nuclear weapons programs.

Top Defense Contractors & Their 2023 Revenue

According to USAspending.gov and Defense News, the largest defense contractors in 2023 included:

  • Lockheed Martin Corp. – $60.8 billion
  • RTX (Raytheon) – $40.7 billion
  • Northrop Grumman Corp. – $35.0 billion
  • Boeing Company – $30.8 billion
  • General Dynamics Corp. – $30.4 billion
  • L3Harris Technologies – $13.9 billion
  • BAE Systems – $13.6 billion

These companies receive billions annually in government contracts, making them deeply invested in maintaining high levels of military spending.

Military Contractors’ Political Contributions (2023-2024)

According to OpenSecrets, the top defense contractors contributed significantly to political campaigns in the current election cycle:

  • Lockheed Martin – $4,470,698 total ($2,393,034 to Democrats, $2,021,283 to Republicans)
  • Northrop Grumman – $3,354,889 total ($1,903,884 to Democrats, $1,385,924 to Republicans)
  • RTX Corp (Raytheon) – $2,805,535 total ($1,472,920 to Democrats, $1,258,511 to Republicans)
  • General Atomics – $2,507,912 total ($595,947 to Democrats, $1,660,970 to Republicans)
  • L3Harris Technologies – $2,475,712 total ($1,126,096 to Democrats, $1,331,975 to Republicans)

In the presidential race, defense contractors have donated:

  • Kamala Harris – $4,440,605
  • Donald Trump – $1,787,259

In total, the defense sector has contributed over $41.4 million in the 2023-2024 election cycle. For every $1 contributed to political campaigns, these companies receive $10,000 in government contracts—a return on investment most businesses could only dream of.

Trump’s Negotiation Strategy: What Is He Really Aiming For?

President Trump stated intention to cut military spending by 50 percent reflects his signature negotiation style—starting with an aggressive position, shift the conversation and force long-overdue scrutiny of a neglected policy and spending – — in this case, military waste.

Defense contractors will be under pressure to reduce costs. Congress will be forced to ever more careful review of defense appropriations. Just the mere mention of a shift in spending by the President galvanizes budget hawks to search for waste, fraud and abuse in Pentagon contracting.

Is War a Racket?

As Marine Corps General Smedley Butler once famously said, “War is a racket.” If so, how do we end that racket? Here are six possible reforms:

  1. Ban political contributions from federal contractors – No company receiving taxpayer-funded contracts should be allowed to donate to political campaigns.
  2. Prohibit companies that overcharge the government from receiving contracts – Firms with histories of price gouging should be disqualified from future defense spending.
  3. Restrict Pentagon officials from working for defense contractors – A five-year cooling-off period should be implemented for former officials joining military contractors.
  4. Ban members of Congress from lobbying for defense contractors – Prevent lawmakers from cashing in by lobbying for the companies they previously regulated.
  5. Establish public financing for all federal campaigns – This would reduce corporate influence in government decisions.
  6. Pass a Constitutional Amendment to repeal Citizens United and Buckley v. Valeo – Overturning these Supreme Court decisions would reduce corporate and special interest control over elections.

Trump’s Approach: A New Era?

Despite his rhetoric, President Trump is not calling for the disestablishment of America’s defense. Instead, he proposes a new strategy: engaging China and Russia in parallel arms reductions while scaling back America’s nuclear arsenal. This approach could set the stage for fresh arms reduction treaties and a shift away from perpetual military expansion.

For the first time, there is a sitting president who is starting to walk this path. If he follows through, this could mark the most significant shift in American military policy in decades.

If the ultimate goal is to restore peace and fiscal responsibility in America, then the President challenging the military-industrial complex may be the most important fight of all and is deserving of our support.

spot_img
1...141516...634Page 15 of 634

SELECTIONS

POPULAR TICKETS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Welcome to our Marvin J. Ramirez website! We are an innovative newspaper located in the heart of San Francisco. With a relentless passion for telling powerful stories, we inform our community with truthful news, insightful analysis, and compelling reporting.

Contacto: lreportero@aol.com

FOLLOW US

© Copyright 2023. AMAYCOM.NET. All rights reserved.