Friday, November 13, 2026
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Raul Rekow’s legacy lives on through music and support for musicians

Raul Rekow demuestra sus técnicas de percusión durante una presentación musical grabada. Raul Rekow demonstrates his percussion techniques during a recorded musical performance. Credit: Video capture; source and rights pending verification.

Richard Segovia honored as Bay Area nonprofit supports musicians battling cancer

by the El Reportero staff

Eleven years after Raul Rekow’s death, the San Francisco percussionist whose congas helped define Santana’s Latin rock sound is being remembered through an initiative supporting musicians facing cancer.

Latin Rock Inc. Legacy describes its Raul Rekow Legacy in Rhythm Cancer Fund as an effort to offer financial assistance and healthcare resources to artists battling serious illness. The organization has also promoted an award bearing his name.

A recent Facebook post by musician Carlos Gonzalez identifies Richard Segovia, leader of Puro Bandido, as a recipient of the Raul Rekow Legacy Award at Club Fox in Redwood City. Gonzalez, who says he was the award’s first recipient, described it as financial assistance for musicians confronting cancer. The post does not specify the amount Segovia received.

Gonzalez praised Segovia’s contributions to Latin rock, his mentorship of younger musicians and his work on the Mission District’s Casa Bandido mural, which commemorates the neighborhood’s musical pioneers. He thanked Dr. Annie Rodriguez of Latin Rock Legacy Inc. for sponsoring the event.

Segovia has long been involved in Bay Area music and community activities. His Latin Rock House and mural have helped preserve the history of musicians who emerged from San Francisco’s Mission District.

His recognition also highlights the continuing role of veteran performers in preserving neighborhood history and guiding generations of younger Bay Area musicians.

Rekow, born in San Francisco in 1954, had Filipino, German and Polish ancestry. Largely self-taught, he played with Malo and Sapo before joining Carlos Santana’s band in 1976. His association with Santana lasted through 2013, spanning 37 years with a brief interruption in the late 1980s.

His powerful conga rhythms contributed to Santana’s distinctive combination of rock, funk and Latin music, including recordings associated with the Grammy-winning album Supernatural. He also performed with Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston and Herbie Hancock, and taught percussion alongside Karl Perazzo.

Rekow died in November 2015 at age 61, following cancer-related complications. He was survived by his wife, Diane; three children, Raul Jr., Rafael and Marie-Danielle; and three grandchildren. Carlos Santana remembered him as a vital musical presence.

The initiative connects his legacy to the financial vulnerability performers may experience when illness interrupts their careers. Although public materials describe the fund’s mission, comprehensive figures on recipients and payments have not been independently verified.

For Bay Area listeners, Rekow’s legacy now links musical innovation, family and community solidarity with recognition for artists such as Segovia.

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Bolsonaro’s departure leaves Brazil’s right divided as Lula gains ground

Flávio Bolsonaro y Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Fotografías de archivo. Crédito según la agencia correspondiente Flávio Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. File photos. Credit as per the respective agency.

Political analysts warn that the opposition faces a leadership vacuum while tensions with Washington intensify

by the El Reportero wire services

Brazil’s conservative opposition is confronting a leadership crisis after defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, raising questions about who will challenge President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his fourth term.

Bolsonaro, a senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, left Brazil despite a Supreme Court directive to surrender his passports in a money-laundering inquiry. He denies wrongdoing and says he is the target of political persecution.

Lula defeated Bolsonaro by roughly 4.4 million votes in Sunday’s presidential runoff.

On Thursday, October 29, some of Bolsonaro’s allies distanced themselves from his claim to be Brazil’s legitimate leader. His Liberal Party has acknowledged Lula’s victory, recognized by electoral authorities, even as Bolsonaro alleges electoral fraud without presenting evidence.

“Considering the local dynamics, Lula benefits from Flavio’s escape to the US,” Rodrigo Russo, a partner at Control Risks, told Reuters.

Bolsonaro has vowed to lead the opposition from abroad. “I will say what you cannot say, and I will assume the risks you cannot take,” he wrote to party representatives, according to The Associated Press.

But distance may weaken his authority as rival figures compete for influence. Reuters reported that Michelle Bolsonaro, wife of convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro, won a Senate seat this month.

Yet the right remains powerful. Its congressional gains give conservatives leverage over legislation. Political scientist Luciana Santana told AP that its lawmakers can block proposals and negotiate with the government.

Lula has condemned the departure. “This act of leaving Brazil is shameful,” he said, according to AP.

The episode also poses a diplomatic problem. President Donald Trump’s administration granted Bolsonaro and his family U.S. visas. Trump questioned the election but declined to endorse Bolsonaro’s assertion that he was the rightful winner.

Brazil’s electoral authorities and international observers have recognized Lula’s victory. Bolsonaro’s allegations remain unsubstantiated.

Legal questions have not disappeared either. The Supreme Court investigation continues, and his departure leaves uncertainty over whether he will return to answer investigators.

For Lula, the immediate opportunity may be negotiating with a divided opposition. For conservatives, the challenge is retaining unity without their presidential standard-bearer at home.

– Sources: Reuters, Associated Press.

 

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Renaming of César Chávez Street raises questions over community representation

Trabajador instala rótulo de César Chávez en 2014. Worker installs César Chávez Street sign in 2014. Photo: Lea Suzuki/SF Chronicle. Digitally adapted to fit space

Hispanic business leaders propose an alternative as San Francisco advances a new street name, with a November hearing offering another opportunity for public input

by El Reportero staff

San Francisco’s effort to rename César Chávez Street is entering a critical stage, raising questions about community representation, historical recognition and whether alternative proposals can still influence a process that has already produced a preferred name.

On October 20, Supervisor Jackie Fielder introduced legislation proposing that the major thoroughfare be renamed Las Campesinas Street, honoring women whose contributions helped sustain California’s farmworker movement.

The proposal followed a months-long review by a 27-member working group established under Mayor Daniel Lurie and co-led by Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres and former Supervisor Susan Leal.

According to published reports, the group considered several alternatives and received more than 680 public responses before recommending Las Campesinas.

However, the recommendation has not ended the debate.

Carlos Solórzano-Cuadra, representing the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce of San Francisco and the Latin American & Caribbean Business Chamber of Commerce, submitted a letter proposing Avenida de las Américas as an alternative.

The proposal emphasizes the Mission District’s multicultural identity and the contributions of Latin American communities to San Francisco’s economic and cultural development.

Supporters of Las Campesinas argue that the name recognizes women farmworkers whose contributions have historically received less attention than those of prominent male labor leaders.

Others have questioned whether the selection process adequately reflects the preferences of residents and businesses directly affected by the change.

The controversy originated in March, when a New York Times investigation reported allegations that Chávez sexually abused women and girls decades earlier.

Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Chávez, subsequently stated that she had experienced sexual coercion and assault involving him during the 1960s. Huerta also disclosed that two encounters with Chávez resulted in pregnancies and that both children were born and subsequently raised by other families. She also had a long-term relationship with Chávez’s younger brother, Richard Chávez, with whom she had four children.

Chávez died in 1993, approximately 33 years before the allegations became public in 2026, leaving him unable to respond. The disclosures prompted institutions and government officials to reconsider public honors associated with his name.

The timing of the revelations and the institutional response have also brought questions about historical accountability and public commemoration into the discussion. However, no verified evidence establishes that the allegations were disclosed as part of a coordinated political effort to influence the street-renaming process.

Meanwhile, the practical implications extend beyond historical symbolism.

Changing the name of a major San Francisco street would affect businesses, property owners and residents who may need to update addresses, records, signage and customer information.

The city’s legislative record identifies the proposed change as File 261159, currently pending before the Board of Supervisors’ Land Use and Transportation Committee.

In correspondence responding to the Chamber’s proposal, Fielder’s office identified a November 9 public hearing as another opportunity for community participation.

Although Las Campesinas remains the recommended name, additional municipal reviews and approvals are required before a final change can take effect.

The unresolved question is whether new proposals, including Avenida de las Américas, can receive substantive consideration during the remaining proceedings.

For the Mission District, the decision involves more than replacing street signs. It concerns how San Francisco recognizes its history, weighs competing community perspectives and ensures that public participation remains meaningful before a final decision is reached.

– Sources: San Francisco Board of Supervisors, File 261159; San Francisco Chronicle; KQED; The San Francisco Standard; ABC News; correspondence from Supervisor Jackie Fielder’s office and the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce of San Francisco.

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Thyroid problems and weight gain: What causes them, and can they be reversed?

Understanding how the thyroid affects metabolism, why some people gain weight and how proper nutrition and treatment can help

by El Reportero staff

Many people struggling with unexplained weight gain blame their thyroid. While this small gland plays an important role in regulating metabolism, medical experts caution that thyroid disorders do not always cause obesity. Understanding the symptoms, causes and available treatments can help prevent complications and improve overall health.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate how the body uses energy, maintains temperature and controls several vital functions, including heart rate.

When the gland produces insufficient hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism develops. This slows metabolism and may cause fatigue, constipation, dry skin, sensitivity to cold and weight gain.

However, according to the American Thyroid Association, hypothyroidism generally accounts for approximately five to ten pounds of additional weight, depending on the severity of the condition. Much of this increase results from fluid and salt retention rather than body fat.

Severe obesity usually involves additional factors, including diet, physical activity, genetics and other medical conditions.

What causes thyroid problems?

One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.

Other causes include thyroid inflammation, certain medications, previous radiation treatments and iodine imbalances. Women, older adults and individuals with a family history of thyroid disease face greater risks.

An overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, produces excessive hormones and often causes weight loss, nervousness, rapid heartbeat and increased sweating.

Can food protect the thyroid?

Proper nutrition supports normal thyroid function, particularly foods containing iodine and selenium, two essential nutrients involved in hormone production and metabolism.

Fish, eggs, milk and yogurt provide iodine, while seafood, eggs and Brazil nuts supply selenium.

However, consuming excessive iodine or selenium can be harmful, particularly for people with certain thyroid disorders. Medical specialists generally recommend obtaining these nutrients through a balanced diet rather than taking supplements without professional guidance.

Although healthy eating supports thyroid function, no particular food has been proven to cure Hashimoto’s disease or reverse permanent thyroid damage.

Can thyroid disease be reversed?

The encouraging news is that most thyroid disorders can be effectively managed.

Doctors commonly diagnose hypothyroidism through blood tests measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and, when necessary, free thyroxine (T4).

Treatment usually involves levothyroxine, a medication that replaces missing thyroid hormones and helps restore normal metabolic function.

Some temporary thyroid conditions resolve naturally, but Hashimoto’s disease often requires lifelong treatment.

Once hormone levels return to normal, some thyroid-related weight gain may disappear, although substantial weight loss is not guaranteed.

Health professionals emphasize that unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue and unusual sensitivity to cold should prompt medical evaluation.

Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and balanced nutrition can help patients maintain healthier lives while preventing avoidable complications.

– Sources: American Thyroid Association; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

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California challenges federal effort to set aside 20,000 ballots over citizenship concerns

Agentes de un grupo operativo de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional escoltan a un sospechoso, acusado de registrarse ilegalmente para votar, hacia un centro de procesamiento en el Edificio Federal de Los Ángeles el 19 de octubre de 2026. Foto de Jae C. Hong, AP Photo. Homeland Security Investigations task force officers escort a suspect accused of illegally registering to vote to a processing facility at Federal Building in Los Angeles on Oct. 19, 2026. Photo by Jae C. Hong, AP Photo

Trump administration cites suspected illegal voting, while California officials warn that thousands of eligible voters could be affected

by El Reportero staff

California is challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to set aside up to 20,000 ballots belonging to registered voters suspected of being noncitizens, setting up a legal confrontation over election integrity and voting rights ahead of the November midterm elections.

Attorney General Rob Bonta called the federal lawsuit an effort that “borders on the absurd,” arguing that the government has not presented sufficient evidence to justify its demands.

“At best, this litigation is a reckless political stunt,” Bonta wrote in a court filing. “At worst, it threatens to disenfranchise thousands of Californians this election.”

Federal prosecutors, however, maintain that their investigation has uncovered legitimate concerns about noncitizens participating in elections.

The Justice Department recently announced criminal charges against 28 California green card holders accused of illegally registering to vote or casting ballots. Prosecutors say 22 voted in at least one election, while others allegedly registered or submitted a provisional ballot.

Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney General Trent McCotter said investigators identified approximately 20,000 possible noncitizens by comparing California voter registration records with government databases and other information.

“There may be some names on there who it turns out ultimately are citizens,” McCotter acknowledged. “We’re not perfect, and that’s why we’ve asked California to cooperate with us.”

Federal officials argue that potentially unlawful votes could undermine election integrity and that state authorities should cooperate in determining voters’ eligibility.

California officials dispute the reliability of the federal government’s list, noting that some individuals identified as possible noncitizens may actually be American citizens.

Bonta also questioned earlier federal claims suggesting that California had as many as 190,000 noncitizens registered to vote, saying authorities failed to provide adequate documentation supporting that estimate.

Los Angeles County election officials reported that a preliminary review of 200 names from the federal list suggested many were citizens and most had neither voted nor received ballots.

The dispute has also raised questions about how noncitizens become registered voters.

Some of those charged told reporters they did not realize they were prohibited from voting or did not remember registering.

Kamlesh Shah, a 68-year-old immigrant from India, reportedly acknowledged voting in the 2024 presidential election but said he believed he was eligible because he had applied for citizenship.

Legal experts emphasize that criminal responsibility depends on the specific offense and whether prosecutors can establish the required intent.

Bonta noted that the 28 defendants represent an extremely small percentage of California’s approximately 23 million registered voters. Nevertheless, the number of criminal charges alone cannot establish the full extent of possible registration irregularities.

The controversy now centers on whether federal authorities have sufficient evidence and legal authority to require California to segregate thousands of ballots while voting is underway.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said credible allegations of election fraud deserve investigation but criticized the timing of the federal intervention.

Federal prosecutors insist that protecting legitimate votes requires identifying and addressing potentially unlawful participation.

The court must now weigh those competing concerns: preventing illegal voting while ensuring eligible citizens are not denied their constitutional rights.

Sources: CalMatters; federal court proceedings. This article has been independently condensed and rewritten for the printed edition of El Reportero, based on original reporting by Ryan Sabalow.

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César Chávez: Has the whole truth been told?

Marvin Ramírez, editor

Before removing his name from public spaces, have all relevant witnesses and family accounts been examined?

by Marvin Ramírez

The death of Dolores Huerta on October 28 closes a chapter in American labor history. El Reportero extends condolences to her family and those mourning her. Respect for her contributions to farmworkers does not require us to abandon difficult questions about César Chávez or their shared past.

The allegations against Chávez are grave. Women who describe abuse deserve to be heard, and The New York Times reported accounts beyond Huerta’s. I am not declaring Chávez innocent, nor accusing his accusers of dishonesty. But I ask: before communities remove his name from streets and schools, have they heard every witness?

I have spoken with people close to the history of the farmworker movement who say another account exists. Some claim firsthand knowledge of events involving the movement and people around its leaders. Their testimony is not yet verified, and I will not publish allegations as fact. Nevertheless, why should those voices be excluded from further investigation?

Who has interviewed relatives? Who has sought out people who knew Chávez and Huerta away from microphones, marches, and political platforms? Who has checked family records, correspondence, dates, and recollections against the accounts? I do not claim that nobody has done this work. I am asking investigators to explain what they examined, whom they approached, and what remains unknown.

Chávez died in 1993 and cannot answer for himself. Huerta said she had remained silent to protect the movement. Survivors may delay disclosure for decades; that delay alone does not undermine their accounts. Yet the impossibility of questioning a deceased accused makes thorough corroboration important.

There is also a separate controversy involving the Dolores Huerta Foundation. A former employee filed a lawsuit in 2025 alleging labor violations and raising questions about a $95,000 grant. The foundation disputed her account of her departure. Proceedings occurred in March 2026, near the public disclosure of Huerta’s allegations. No verified evidence establishes a connection between those events. A journalist should investigate the chronology, not mistake it for proof.

What troubles me is the speed with which a complicated history can become a simple public verdict. Chávez organized boycotts, marches, and campaigns that helped farmworkers demand dignity. Those achievements do not excuse abuse. Neither should allegations erase decades of organizing without a community discussion.

In San Francisco’s Mission District, the proposed renaming of César Chávez Street affects residents, merchants, and families who live with that history. I believe the name should remain while the community examines the evidence and hears perspectives that have not received attention. If a change is ultimately chosen, Calle de las Américas could honor the district’s many Latin American communities.

We should apply the same standard to powerful women and men: no automatic immunity, no automatic condemnation. Political loyalties must not decide what counts as evidence. Nor should the desire to defend a beloved leader silence women who report harm.

Huerta’s death also invites a human thought. Many of us imagine meeting those we knew after death. Perhaps Chávez and Huerta will meet again; what they might say belongs to faith, not reporting.

Here on earth, we still have work to do. Find the witnesses. Examine the documents carefully. Ask the families. Protect those who speak. And before rewriting the names on our streets, make sure the public understands both what is known and what remains unproven.

– Sources: The New York Times, ABC30, Los Angeles Superior Court records.

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Bay Area calendar celebrates art, circus and remembrance

Ilustración artística de las tradiciones del Día de los Muertos en Fruitvale, Oakland. Artistic illustration celebrating Día de los Muertos traditions in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood.

by the El Reportero staff

From museum exhibitions to family festivities, the coming weeks offer Bay Area residents opportunities to explore Indigenous perspectives, Mexican photography, circus traditions and Día de los Muertos celebrations.

Día de los Muertos dances above San Francisco

KAIYŌ Rooftop features DJ WaltDigz and salsa lessons

KAIYŌ Rooftop hosts an afternoon of music and dancing for Día de los Muertos. DJ WaltDigz provides the soundtrack, while Rasa offers complimentary salsa lessons. Bay Area event promoter Adrián Godard shared the announcement. The flyer does not specify an admission charge; complimentary refers to the lessons.

Sunday, Nov. 1, 4–7 p.m. KAIYŌ Rooftop, San Francisco.

Altars honor loved ones in Redwood City

Casa Círculo Cultural presents Tlaxcala-inspired activities

Casa Círculo Cultural and the San Mateo County History Museum invite visitors to an exhibition of community altars commemorating loved ones. The displays bring together artists and residents through remembrance and tradition. A closing celebration includes children’s activities inspired by Tlaxcala, Mexico, offering families a way to explore the holiday’s meaning.

Altar exhibition Nov. 3–8; family celebration Sunday, Nov. 8, 4–8 p.m. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City.

Zoppé circus returns to Redwood City

Nino the Clown brings generations of entertainment

Zoppé Italian Family Circus presents performances under its big top, featuring Nino the Clown, the character portrayed by sixth-generation circus artist Giovanni Zoppé. Audiences can expect family circus entertainment and a range of matinee and evening performances. Ticket prices vary by age, seating and showtime, with youth tickets starting at $12.

Nov. 6–29, various showtimes, Redwood City. Information: redwoodcity.org/zoppe.

Raven Chacon examines land and memory

SFMOMA presents The Naming of Names

Pulitzer Prize-winning Navajo artist and composer Raven Chacon uses archival footage, sound and multiple screens to question how landscapes are described, occupied and remembered. His installation invites visitors to consider Indigenous histories, environmental stewardship and the stories embedded in places.

On view Oct. 24, 2026–Nov. 7, 2027. SFMOMA, 151 Third St., San Francisco, Floor 6.

Graciela Iturbide explores two worlds

Mexican photographer’s work appears at SFMOMA

The exhibition Between Two Worlds presents black-and-white photographs by Mexican artist Graciela Iturbide, inviting viewers into her distinctive visual world of landscapes, people and cultural traditions. The show offers an opportunity to encounter Mexican artistic perspectives in San Francisco this fall.

Through Nov. 29, 2026. SFMOMA, 151 Third St., San Francisco, Floor 3.

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Maya blue: The ancient color that defied time

Mural maya de Bonampak, Chiapas, México, que conserva sus vibrantes colores después de más de 1,200 años. Ancient Maya mural at Bonampak, Chiapas, Mexico, preserving its vibrant colors for more than 1,200 years.

An extraordinary pigment developed by the Maya civilization has survived for centuries, revealing remarkable artistic and scientific achievements

by the El Reportero staff

Long before modern industrial paints existed, the ancient Maya developed a brilliant blue pigment whose extraordinary beauty and durability continue to astonish scientists and historians.

Known today as Maya blue, this vibrant turquoise-colored pigment has survived for centuries on murals, sculptures, pottery and ceremonial objects, preserving its remarkable intensity despite exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

For generations, its composition remained a mystery. Unlike many ancient pigments that faded or deteriorated, Maya blue resisted humidity, heat and chemical damage.

Researchers eventually discovered that Maya artisans combined natural indigo dye, extracted from plants, with palygorskite, a fibrous clay mineral. Through a heating process, they created an exceptionally stable pigment.

This sophisticated technique represents one of the most remarkable technological achievements of pre-Columbian America.

A sacred color

Blue held profound religious significance in Maya civilization, symbolizing water, rain, fertility and connections with the divine.

Spanish Franciscan friar Diego de Landa documented ceremonies in which blue pigments were applied to human bodies and temple structures during religious rituals.

The color also appeared in offerings and ceremonies dedicated to deities associated with rainfall and agricultural prosperity.

Among the most spectacular surviving examples are the murals of Bonampak, in Chiapas, Mexico. Created during the eighth century, these paintings depict royal ceremonies, musicians, warriors and other scenes of Maya society.

Their brilliant colors remain visible more than 1,200 years later, demonstrating the extraordinary craftsmanship of their creators.

Mexican archaeologist Salvador Toscano famously compared the artistic excellence of Bonampak’s murals to that of the Sistine Chapel.

An enduring artistic legacy

Maya blue represents more than an artistic accomplishment. Its chemical stability demonstrates the advanced knowledge ancient Mesoamerican civilizations possessed about natural materials and manufacturing techniques.

Today, researchers continue studying the pigment for potential applications in art conservation and materials science.

That cultural heritage also resonates through contemporary celebrations honoring Mesoamerican traditions.

On Sunday, November 1, Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood will celebrate the 31st anniversary of its Día de los Muertos Festival, featuring traditional altars, music, artisan crafts and a monumental 34-foot Catrina.

The free celebration, organized by The Unity Council, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fruitvale Village.

Although separated by centuries and distinct cultural traditions, Maya blue and Día de los Muertos reflect the enduring creativity and cultural richness of Mexico’s Indigenous heritage.

– Sources: Research by Giacomo Chiari, Roberto Giustetto and David Carson; Diego de Landa, Relación de las cosas de Yucatán; The Unity Council.

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Sheinbaum government files new complaint in US after 18th Mexican death in ICE custody: Monday’s mañanera recapped

Emiliano Andrade Covarrubias, de 56 años, fue detenido en junio y trasladado a un centro del ICE en Laredo, Texas. Emiliano Andrade Covarrubias, 56, was arrested in June and taken to an ICE facility in Laredo, Texas. (Courtesy)

by MND Staff

At her Monday morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke about the death of another Mexican in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), 18 Mexicans have now died in ICE custody or during immigration operations carried out since Jan. 20, 2025, the date U.S. President Donald Trump began his second term. The deaths have occurred amid the Trump administration’s illegal immigration crackdown.

The Mexican government has condemned the crackdown and taken legal action aimed at holding accountable anyone who contributed to the deaths of Mexicans in ICE custody or during ICE operations.

Sheinbaum is a staunch advocate for Mexicans in the United States and their rights. At today’s mañanera, she spoke glowingly about a group of like-minded individuals — the Sinaloa-founded, California-based norteño band Los Tigres del Norte. Her remarks about the Grammy Award-winning band on Monday came just over a month after she met with its Mexican-born members at the National Palace.

Another Mexican dies in ICE custody

Sheinbaum acknowledged that another Mexican had died while being held in an immigration detention center in the United States.

Emiliano Andrade Covarrubias, 56, was found unresponsive by staff at the Rio Grande Processing Center in Laredo, Texas, during a security check at around 10 a.m. Saturday, according to The Texas Tribune.

Andrade Covarrubias is the seventh person to die while detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas this year, the Austin-based news outlet reported.

Sheinbaum said that Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Velasco contacted the family of the deceased man on Sunday, and noted that the SRE issued a statement regarding the death.

“We’re also going to file a complaint in the United States because there should be protection of human rights,” she said.

“This compatriot was detained in June. His family told us that he had diabetes and high blood pressure and he probably didn’t have all his medications,” Sheinbaum said.

“… As we have always said, [migrants] are heroes and heroines for us because they left their towns and cities to seek a better life and support their families,” she said.

“And they help the United States economy a lot,” Sheinbaum added.

In its statement, the SRE said that the Consulate General of Mexico in Laredo had “asked U.S. authorities for a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation to clarify the circumstances of the death and determine whether anyone bears responsibility.”

“The Government of Mexico expresses its deep concern over the repeated deaths of Mexican nationals in custody or during immigration operations in the United States,” the ministry said.

“This case brings to 18 the number of Mexican nationals who have died in these circumstances since January 20, 2025. The situation demands an effective response from U.S. authorities to safeguard the lives, physical integrity, and human rights of migrants,” the SRE said.

The ministry noted that it has already taken diplomatic and legal action over the deaths of Mexicans in ICE custody, including by “sending diplomatic notes to the State Department, filing complaints with the appropriate authorities, and working to help families obtain legal representation.”

The SRE said it has also “strengthened consular protection and its monitoring of detention conditions for Mexican nationals.”

“The Foreign Ministry will continue to use every diplomatic and legal avenue available to it. That includes a complaint it will send to the Webb County district attorney asking that the facts of the case [involving Andrade Covarrubias] be clarified,” the SRE statement said.

Sheinbaum praises Los Tigres del Norte after pro-immigrant NPR performance

A reporter asked the president about Los Tigres del Norte’s NPR Tiny Desk performance last week as well as NPR host Felix Contreras’ emotional message before the concert.

“Our community is under attack,” said Contreras, a Mexican American.

“And it’s not the first time. You can go back to 1848 when they changed the border. You can go back to after the Second World War during the so-called Operation Wetback. It takes away our humanity,” he said.

Sheinbaum said that Los Tigres del Norte and “many other musical groups” that play “Mexican music genres” represent “cultural identity” for “Mexicans who live abroad.”

“And in this, Los Tigres del Norte have had a very important role,” she said.

“Not just because of the quality of their music but also because they represent a symbol. They have songs that in a few words and verses say a lot,” Sheinbaum said.

“They have this song [Somos más Americanos] that says, ‘Yo no crucé la frontera, la frontera me cruzó [I didn’t cross the border, the border crossed me],’” she noted.

“… They’re very respectful of politics in the United States,” Sheinbaum added.

“What they do is play music and defend Mexicans abroad,” she said.

In an article headlined “Los Tigres Del Norte take over Tiny Desk with classic songs and a pro-immigrant message,” The Los Angeles Times reported that the theme of “immigrant struggle within the U.S. was top of mind when the group performed at NPR’s Washington, D.C., offices.”

“… Opening with the 2001 track [Somos más Americanos] was notable as the song flips jingoist U.S. narratives about who can call themselves American,” the Times reported.

“The lyrics assert that Mexicans are more American than ‘gringos’ and highlight how a large swath of the U.S. once belonged to Mexico.”

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There’s a $11.25 billion housing bond on the ballot this November. Here’s what you should know

Trabajadores construyen un complejo de apartamentos en California, mientras los votantes consideran un bono de $11,250 millones para viviendas asequibles. Workers build an apartment complex in California as voters consider an $11.25 billion affordable housing bond. Ilustración generada con inteligencia artificial / AI-generated illustration.

by Marisa Kendall

CalMatters

For years, California has grappled with a problem that has affected nearly every aspect of our society: The state doesn’t have enough homes that people can afford to live in. Proposition 1 aims to address that crisis.

It’s estimated that more than 180,000 Californians are homeless. Rents are so high that a minimum wage worker would need to work 102 hours a week to afford a typical one-bedroom apartment, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

A big piece of that problem is construction: Not enough homes are being built. Fewer than a third of California cities and counties are on track to permit enough market-rate housing to hit their state-mandated targets, and fewer than 6% are on track for very low-income housing. Those targets are based on the state’s assumption that we need nearly 2.5 million more homes.

Legislators have passed multiple laws trying to address that by making it easier, faster and cheaper to get projects permitted and built. Prop. 1 is supposed to supply the money.

A recent report estimated nearly 40,000 affordable units throughout California have been designed, permitted and partially funded and are sitting stalled because developers just can’t quite get enough money to build them.

What would Prop. 1 do?

If it passes, Prop. 1 would allow the state to sell $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds to fund various types of housing, including homes for veterans, homeless Californians, renters, homeowners, farmworkers, students and tribes.

Where would the money go?

Prop. 1 would fund a variety of programs. Here’s how it breaks down:

  • $7.2 billion to buy, build or renovate apartment buildings, generally through low-interest loans to developers. Projects funded this way would have to reserve a certain number of units for low-income households. Some would be used for “supportive housing,” homeless housing that includes additional services. This, in combination with other funding sources, would help support up to 40,000 rental units, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office.
  • $1.25 billion to help veterans secure loans to buy homes.
  • $1.1 billion to help low and moderate-income households buy homes.
  • $500 million for the infrastructure that supports new housing construction, such as water, sewage, parks and transportation improvements.
  • $450 million to build or renovate an estimated 2,500 units of farmworker housing.
  • $350 million to fund affordable homes for an estimated 1,200 University of California and California State University students.
  • $200 million in housing grants to tribes, which could fund both home construction and renovation.
  • $200 million up for grabs to cities, counties and other groups that pitch pilot projects to develop low-cost housing.

How would California pay for it?

It would cost the state between $500 million and $600 million each year for about 25 years to repay the cost of the general housing bond, according to the legislative analyst. That money would come from the state’s general fund, and factors in interest. The $1.25 billion for veterans housing would not cost the state anything, as participating vets would pay it off through monthly loan payments.

Have we done anything like this before?

California voters approved (by the slimmest of margins) another bond in 2024 that provided $2 billion to fund homes for people who need mental health and addiction services and veterans. That 2024 bond also was dubbed Prop. 1.

What do supporters say?

Supporters include housing developers and advocates, veterans groups, the California State University and University of California boards, groups representing California’s cities and counties, Democratic legislators and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Donors backing Prop. 1 also reflect some who would benefit. The campaign has received more than $12 million, including about $2 million from carpenters’ unions, $1 million from Airbnb and $1 million from Building a Better California, a PAC funded by Google founder Sergey Brin and other Silicon Valley billionaires.

Vivian Wan, chief executive of affordable housing provider Abode, says her organization has four projects with a planned total of about 230 units in the works that she hopes Prop. 1 will fund. Three are in the Bay Area and one is in Yolo County. Without that cash infusion, all four projects are stalled, she said. Projects for homeless and low-income residents need large subsidies since their tenants don’t pay enough in rent to offset the cost of building. They often also have to fund additional services, such as case managers to help residents navigate their physical and mental health, addictions, finances and more. City and county dollars can pay for some but not all of that.

Prop. 1 would be “huge,” Wan said. But it wouldn’t magically solve the housing crisis.

“Is it enough? Absolutely not,” she said. “We are lightyears behind in terms of production to meet the need. We have underinvested in housing for decades. This is going to help, for sure, but we really need a permanent source.”

What do opponents say?

When this measure came up for a floor vote before the Legislature, two Republican senators voted no, as well as seven Republican assemblymembers.

Sen. Tony Strickland, a Republican from Huntington Beach who opposed the bill, said calling it “The Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026” amounted to a bait-and-switch maneuver, as only a small fraction of the total funds go to vets.

“It really just says that you’re using veterans to pass your $10 billion general obligation bond,” he said during a June hearing.

And, he said, there are better ways to get families into housing than using a bond to “borrow money against the future.” The strong revenues California experienced this year won’t continue, making it risky to push the state deeper into debt, he said.

Opponents have not reported receiving any contributions.

– This story was originally published by CalMatters

 

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