Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 22

10 Actions to Take Charge of Your Personal Finances

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

With the holiday season around the corner, now is an opportune time to take stock of your personal finances and get ahead of your New Year’s resolutions for 2025. No matter what turn the economy, elections and markets take, there are actions you can take to help optimize your personal finances.

Here are ten actions to help you take charge of your personal finances, assessing your current standing and taking the right steps toward setting yourself up for success in 2025.

Create a Wealth Plan: Develop a comprehensive wealth plan to ensure your personal and financial goals are well-aligned with your available resources. Tools like J.P. Morgan’s propriety planning tool, Wealth Plan, can help clearly see your risk exposure and cash flows to achieve your goals.

  1. Hold the Right Amount of Cash: With expected interest rate cuts, ensure you have the right amount of cash on hand, and consider yield opportunities that match your time horizon and liquidity needs.
  2. Maximize Investment Opportunities: Volatility may resurface during election season. Stay invested for your long-term goals and evaluate opportunities to invest excess cash.
  3. Complete the annual “to-dos”: This includes funding retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, taking RMDs, and making annual exclusion gifts to take advantage of tax benefits.
  4. Review your life insurance policies: Ensure your life insurance coverage is adequate to protect your loved ones. Update beneficiaries and consider whether additional coverage is needed.
  5. Increase your portfolio’s tax efficiency: Implement strategies to minimize taxes on your investments, such as tax-loss harvesting and utilizing tax-advantaged accounts.
  6. Review Your Asset Ownership Designations: Ensure your assets are properly titled to reflect your current wishes and potentially provide tax benefits.
  7. Plan your charitable giving: Develop a charitable giving strategy that aligns with your values and maximizes tax benefits. Consider donor-advised funds or charitable trusts.
  8. Host a Family Meeting: Discuss money and family values with your family members. Align on values, disclose age-appropriate information, and build financial literacy skills.
  9. Be Cybersafe in a Changing World: Enhance your cybersecurity measures to protect against scams and deepfakes. Verify contacts, use safe words, and be cautious with links and attachments.
  10. By taking these steps, you can better navigate the uncertainties of the economy and markets, and set yourself up for financial success in 2025. For more personalized advice, consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help tailor these actions to your specific situation.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy.

Deposit products provided JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

 © 2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

spot_img

Duck, Cover, and Hold On: Actions to keep Californians safe in the event of an earthquake

Great Shake Out, the program that helps prevent and spread the actions that Californians should take to save their lives in the event of an earthquake

by Xochitl TC

Sonya Harris, senior advisor for Listos California, began her participation by thanking the collaboration of all the teams present at the press conference, recognizing the great work of dissemination that they do from their field of action to prevent a catastrophe in the event of an earthquake in California.

For her part, the communications director of CalOES, Amy Palmer, began her participation by recognizing the great work of her predecessor, Bryan Ferguson, who tirelessly supported the construction of an emergency communications platform and mentioned that “we need to spread the right message in the right places” to continue with the same scheme to save lives in the event of any disaster.

Although there is extensive information about fires, hurricanes and heat waves, Palmer said, “We do not want earthquakes to be forgotten,” and added, “we will put them to an important test next week with a drill,” and one of the main objectives is to ensure that the population has the correct information in time.

35 years after the Loma Prieta earthquake

Although “earthquakes continue to be unpredictable, beyond scientific advances and any scientist,” he said that there is a 60 percent probability that there will be an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 on the Richter scale in Los Angeles and a 72 percent probability that one of the same magnitude will occur in the Bay Area in San Francisco.

On October 17, 1989, an earthquake of magnitude 6.9 on the Richter scale shook Loma Prieta, located 56 miles from San Francisco, an event that left 63 dead and more than 3,500 injured. 35 years later, a drill will be held on October 17 at 10:17 in the morning where the 7 steps to follow in case an earthquake of that intensity occurs again will be communicated.

Remembering Loma Prieta, there are 7 steps for safety in the event of an earthquake of that intensity

Loma Prieta left great lessons for Educate the population about prevention and for that reason, they shared an emergency plan that can save the lives of the population, which consists of 3 stages: preparation, survival and recovery.

In the preparation stage, they recommend that the population locate a safe space, get to safety and organize emergency objects such as important documents (personal and property insurance). The second stage gave the title to the press conference “drop, cover and hold on”, urging society that it is important to get to a safe place, cover themselves, wait and preserve life by evacuating a space that puts their integrity at risk and also, helping those who are injured.

“We have had several earthquakes this year in California where our state sensor system is giving people seconds of advantage before an earthquake begins,” said Palmer, highlighting that it is a new measure that helps the population have time to react at the time of an earthquake, since the alarm sounds on the cell phone 20 seconds before an earthquake begins.

Join us in the world’s largest earthquake drill

Great California Shakeout Tour, is a program that aims to provide preparedness information for the population and is a statewide tour because they seek to bring the message to all regions of the state.

“We are going to have an earthquake simulator to provide a real experience to raise awareness among the population about why they need to adopt preventive measures,” said José Lara, head of the seismic hazards department of the emergency services of the Governor’s office.

The tours will begin at the University of San Diego, then in Los Angeles and later in Sacramento, “we seek to emphasize that they must experience the real movement of the earthquake to understand the importance of how we should act, by dropping to the ground, covering themselves and waiting.”

José Lara also highlighted that they want young people to experience and help spread the message of preparation and for that reason, they will take the drill to the University of California at the San Diego and Sacramento campuses.

Take action in the event of an earthquake from shakeout.org

On the shakeout.org site you can join to participate and although there are more than 9 thousand people who have already joined to practice this drill, they seek to reach more than 9 million people to transmit the message of “drop, cover and hold on.”

“I came here when I was 7 years old and my region of Mexico does not have this advanced technology that helps save lives,” “I know that I have personal experience in this, I have trained my family with this and many in Mexico do the opposite of that, so the best thing we can do in California is to get on the ground, cover ourselves and hold on.”

My shake app

Since 2019, it has become easier to send alerts to millions of Californians, as around 425 thousand people have been notified 20 seconds before an earthquake starts. It is important that people check their cell phones and turn on their wireless alerts so that they can receive all types of warnings.

How can you join?

You can join the conversation through your social networks this October 17, creating a message alluding to the drill; also, you can create a mini simulation and download all the activities that involve the Shakeout California campaign.

Go to ShakeOut.org and you can join all the actions for the month of October for free. Participants invite the general population to help spread the message of prevention and save lives in the event of an earthquake.

spot_img

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art presents two exhibitions exploring identity, culture and expression

A la izquierda: Joey Terrill, Naturaleza muerta con Triumeq® y caramelos que me recuerdan a Félix González-Torres, 2023. Acrílico, caramelos envueltos, papel tapiz, listones de madera y técnicas mixtas. SBMA, Museo de Arte de Santa Barbara, adquisición del Museo con fondos de Kandy Budgor; Fundación de la Familia Luria/Budgor. A la derecha: Patricia Iglesias Peco, Lavinia Mariposa, 2024. Óleo sobre madera. Cortesía de la artista y de François Ghebaly. Foto: Paul Salveson

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) is pleased to announce the opening of two special exhibitions, Amigos y Amantes (through March 2, 2025) and Acreción: Works by Latin American Women (through April 13, 2025). Both exhibitions delve into themes of identity, resilience, and cultural expression with the diverse work of contemporary artists, offering the public an immersion into notions of friendship, family, immigration, and self-discovery.

These two exhibitions, as well as a public opening event hosted in conjunction with Santa Barbara’s Pacific Pride Foundation, evidence SBMA’s commitment to equity and community engagement. The Museum is also pleased to offer wall signage and name tags in both English and Spanish for works from both exhibitions on view in the galleries, as part of its continued attention to accessibility and inclusion.

Friends and Lovers

The exhibition Friends and Lovers, on view in the Museum’s Loeb Gallery, explores how LGBTQ+ individuals have forged bonds of friendship and created alternative families by seeking solidarity in their own community amid societal pressures.

Drawing on works from SBMA’s collection and loaned pieces, this exhibition features a wide variety of artistic media that capture the intimacy, challenges, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ experience. The exhibition includes a variety of media and approaches including film, painting, sculpture, collage, and photography.

A centerpiece of this exhibition is Still Life with Triumeq® and Candies Reminding Me of Felix Gonzalez-Torres (2023) (above) by Joey Terrill. The artist incorporates symbols of his Chicana heritage and activism to defend the rights of HIV+ patients in this still life, such as the sarape – an allusion to his roots as a Mexican immigrant – and Triumeq – an expensive drug to treat HIV that is too often made prohibitive by its exorbitant price. The candies stuck to the surface of the painting reference a work by Félix González-Torres in which a pile of wrapped candies evoke his late partner, Ross Laycock, who like him died of complications from AIDS in the 1990s.

Another painter exhibiting here is Pui Tiffany Chow (周佩璇), who challenges classical representations of women with her work Is She Inside? Is She Outside? (2020). The artist recently said: “This painting is a feminist and queer reinterpretation of the Western canon of female nudes.” Chow uses the female nudes of European male artists, such as Jacopo Pontormo, Antonio Canova, and Jean Honoré Fragonard, and turns them on their head by reinterpreting them from the perspective of women looking at and desiring other women. Chow, a Hong Kong immigrant now based in Los Angeles, incorporates elements of Chinese painting to highlight negative space as active and important.

Friends and Lovers

September 22, 2024 – March 2, 2025

Accretion: Works by Latin American Women

September 29, 2024 – April 13, 2025

Left: Pui Tiffany Chow, Is It In? Is It Out?, 2020. Acrylic, charcoal, flash paint, oil, spray paint, and faux suede flocking on canvas. Courtesy of the artist. Right: Edie Fake, Persuasion, 2024. Acrylic and gouache on wood panel. SBMA, Museum acquisition funded by the General Acquisitions Fund.

spot_img

San Francisco’s housing policy: Perpetuating poverty instead of eradicating it

Construcción de viviendas a precios inferiores al mercado en el área de Hunter's Point en SF. -- Construction of below-market-rate housing in the Hunter's Point area of SF. photo Marvin Ramírez.
Marvin Ramírez, editor

In cities like San Francisco, developers are increasingly required to include below-market-rate (BMR) units in their construction projects as a condition for securing permits. These BMR units are offered at reduced rents, allowing lower-income residents to remain in the city despite its notoriously high housing costs. On the surface, this policy seems like a win-win for both the city and its residents. The city addresses its housing crisis while giving residents access to affordable housing in an otherwise unaffordable market. However, this policy comes with hidden drawbacks, perpetuating poverty and limiting the financial mobility of those who live in these units.

One major problem with this arrangement is the income cap imposed on tenants of BMR units. Residents must meet certain income requirements, typically earning no more than a specific threshold, to qualify for the reduced rent. While this ensures that the apartments go to those in need, it also creates an unintended consequence: a perpetual dependence on renting. Residents of BMR units are financially locked into a situation where they must stay under a certain income level to retain access to affordable housing, effectively preventing them from accumulating wealth or advancing economically.

This dynamic keeps BMR tenants as permanent renters, unable to own property. The path to homeownership, which is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth and secure long-term financial stability, is closed to them. Without the opportunity to own, these tenants are not just deprived of the chance to build equity but are also unable to pass on wealth to their descendants. As a result, generations of families remain stuck in a cycle of renting, never able to leverage property ownership as a tool for financial advancement.

The very structure of this policy seems counterproductive to the larger goal of reducing poverty and fostering economic independence. By focusing solely on keeping rents low and not addressing the broader need for wealth-building opportunities, San Francisco and other cities are perpetuating a system where low-income families are dependent on government-regulated housing indefinitely. Rather than empowering individuals to improve their financial situation, these policies trap them in a state of constant financial fragility.

It doesn’t have to be this way. In a previous editorial, I suggested a simple but transformative solution: allow tenants of BMR units to eventually purchase the properties they rent. By offering tenants the chance to own their apartments or condos, the city can enable these families to create wealth and achieve long-term financial independence. Ownership would empower these families to invest in their future, build equity, and break the cycle of poverty.

Imagine a scenario where, instead of capping a tenant’s income to maintain affordable rent, the city incentivizes long-term tenants to become homeowners. Over time, tenants could buy their units at a price aligned with their income and the market conditions. This could be done through a combination of city subsidies, favorable financing options, and shared-equity models, where the city retains partial ownership of the property to keep it affordable while still allowing the resident to build wealth.

Such a policy would fundamentally change the economic outlook for thousands of families. It would give them the financial security that comes with owning a home, the ability to pass down property to future generations, and a way to escape the never-ending cycle of rent dependency. This would be an investment not just in housing, but in the long-term economic vitality of the city and its residents.

The financial benefits of homeownership extend far beyond the individual. When families own property, they have a greater stake in their community, contributing to neighborhood stability and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Homeowners are also more likely to invest in their properties, improving the overall quality and value of housing stock in the city. Furthermore, property ownership helps diversify the city’s economic base, reducing reliance on government subsidies and fostering a more resilient local economy.

Yet, despite the clear advantages of such a shift, none of the current candidates for mayor or city supervisor in the upcoming November 5, 2024, election are proposing this kind of policy. Their platforms continue to focus on traditional affordable housing models that prioritize rent control and income caps without addressing the long-term economic impacts of keeping families dependent on renting. This oversight is disqualifying, in my opinion. San Francisco needs leaders who understand that real solutions to poverty go beyond temporary rent relief. We need policies that empower people to build wealth, not just scrape by month to month.

If San Francisco’s leadership is serious about reducing poverty and fostering economic equity, they need to think beyond rent control. They must embrace policies that allow families to own property, build wealth, and secure their financial futures. The current model of BMR housing may provide short-term relief, but it is a band-aid solution to a much deeper problem. By restricting renters’ income and limiting their ability to own property, we are perpetuating a system that keeps low-income residents in a cycle of poverty, unable to break free from the financial constraints imposed on them.

Ultimately, the solution to San Francisco’s housing crisis isn’t just more affordable rental units; it’s creating pathways to ownership. By allowing tenants of BMR units to transition from renters to owners, the city can empower these families to take control of their financial futures and build lasting wealth. This is the only way to truly eradicate poverty and end dependency on government subsidies. It’s time for a bold new approach to housing policy—one that prioritizes economic empowerment and financial independence over temporary fixes.

As voters head to the polls this November, they should demand more from their candidates. We need leaders who are willing to think beyond the status quo and propose policies that will create real, lasting change. Housing policy should be about more than just keeping people in their homes; it should be about helping them own their homes and secure their financial futures. Anything less is a disservice to the very people these policies are meant to help.

spot_img

David Benavidez Will Stop David Morrell in 8th Round, Says Trainer Jose Sr

by Jeepers Isaac

10/16/2024 – Trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. predicts that his son, WBC interim light heavyweight champion David Benavidez will knockout WBA ‘regular’ champ David Morrell in the eighth round when they meet on January 25th next year.

Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) and the Cuban Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) will meet in a fight that will be like an eliminator because the winner will go on to eventually face the winner of the rematch between undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Jose Sr. says he wasn’t interested in making the fight with Morrell, 26, before because he lacked experience, even though his long amateur career gave him more than enough to face Benavidez. Morrell finished his amateur career with a record of 130-5 in his native Cuba.

What finally made Jose Sr. change his mind about Morrell was his recent fight against Radivoje Kalajdzic on August 3rd. After that win by Morrell, Jose Sr. decided it was time to give Benavidez the green light to fight him.

That performance by Morrell wasn’t one of his better ones, and some believe that Jose Jr. needed him to look flawed, so he’d been confident enough to let his son fight him. “I think it’s time. He’s been doing well. He got another title at 175, and that’s something we need in order to keep advancing. He wants to show the world that he’s ready. Why not fight for the WBA regular?” said trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. to MillCity Boxing about David Morrell facing his son David Benavidez on January 25th.

Morrell holds the WBA ‘regular’ light heavyweight title after his win over Kalajdzic, and that gives Benavidez an important belt that he needs for him to look credible. His last performance against Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15th was poor. A lot of fans noted how Benavidez gassed after six rounds, and took a lot of punishment.

“It’s a great fight. He does have a lot of experience. I’ve always said he’s a good fighter,” said Jose Sr. “He’d had a lot of amateur fights, and I think he’s ready. I have no idea [how many fights]. I just heard he was an outstanding amateur.

“David [Benavidez] has all the experience, and I think he’s going to stop him in the eighth round. Now you know he’s tested at 175. He was injured for that fight. In the 11th round, you could see he was cut. He’s good now, and I think it’s going to be a great fight.

“I think it’s a better fight than fighting Jesse Hart. A lot of people were saying that we were running from him and that we were scared,” said Jose Sr. about Morrell being a great fight for Benavidez. “Now that we got the fight, some people are saying we have no experience.

“We want to keep David busy. Nobody wants to step inside the ring with David. We want to get those big fights with Beterbiev and Bivol. But if they don’t want to fight, we can’t be waiting,” said Jose Sr. Boxing 24/7

 

spot_img

Healing and culinary legacy of ONIONS

by Olivia Cook

Onions have an ancient and fascinating history, with origins tracing back to Central Asia, Iran and West Pakistan.

Cultivated for over 5,000 years, onions were likely a staple in prehistoric diets long before the advent of agriculture or written records. Their long shelf life and adaptability made them an essential food source, capable of thriving in diverse climates and soils.

In ancient Egypt, onions were more than just a dietary staple – they held deep spiritual meaning. Onions were often buried with pharaohs and depicted in tombs, with many mummies discovered entombed with onions placed strategically. This suggests that they were believed to possess magical or protective qualities, perhaps to aid in the afterlife.

Onions also make appearances in biblical texts, highlighting their significance in the diets of the Israelites during the Exodus. Ancient Indian texts praise onions for their medicinal properties, while the Greeks and Romans valued them for both culinary and therapeutic purposes – using them to strengthen athletes and treat various ailments.

Healing legacy of onions

Onion contains chemicals that helps reduce swelling and lung tightness related to asthma. It also contains chemicals that helps reduce cholesterol and lower blood sugar. People use onion to prevent scarring. It is also used for hair loss, insomnia and high blood pressure.

Egypt

In ancient Egypt, onions held a revered position – not just as a dietary staple but for their deep symbolic and medicinal importance. Their layered structure symbolized “eternity,” representing the cycle of life, which is why onions featured prominently in religious rituals and funerals.

According to Ebers Papyrus, a 110-page document dating back to 3000 BC and often called an ancient medical encyclopedia because it contains remedies for thousands of ailments, onions were used to treat a wide variety of health problems, including breathing difficulties (like asthma), colds, coughs, digestive issues like constipation, dog bites, eye disorders, headaches, heart problems, insect stings, joint pain and skin conditions.

Onions were also used as anti-inflammatory medicine to improve blood circulation; as an antiseptic to clean wounds; and as a diuretic to help the body get rid of excess fluid. Onions were believed to help with congestion, induce sweating and even fight bacteria.

The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus contains onion-based remedies for toothaches, showing that onions were also part of early Egyptian dental care. Another example, the Kahun Gynecological Papyrus, which dates back to 1825 BC, describes how Egyptians used onions to test for fertility and pregnancy.

Besides these practical medicinal uses, onions were also thought to have marginal powers. Egyptians believed that onions could absorb bad energy and germs and they would tie the onions around their necks to prevent colds.

Greece and Rome

In both ancient Greece and Rome, onions were celebrated not only for their culinary value but also for their medicinal properties. Greek athletes believed that consuming large quantities of onions could enhance their endurance and strength, often using them as a natural performance booster before competitions. Additionally, onions were frequently prepared as syrups or mixed with honey to treat colds and coughs.

The Roman scholar Pliny the Elder documented various healing applications of onions, noting their effectiveness in treating ailments ranging from insect bites and wounds to headaches and body aches. Onions were commonly used in poultices or consumed as juices to harness their healing benefits.

India

In India, onions have been a fundamental component of both cuisine and traditional medicine for centuries. The ancient medical text Charaka Samhita, dating back to the 6th century BC, highlights a variety of medicinal uses for onions.

Their anti-inflammatory properties make onions effective in treating conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Additionally, they were revered as blood purifiers and featured in various remedies to cleanse the body.

Onions were also consumed to support digestive health – believed to stimulate appetite and/or alleviate bloating or gas after heavy, rich meals. Whether raw in salads, cooked in dishes, or processed into juices and syrups, onions have remained a versatile element in Indian healing practices.

Medieval Europe

In Medieval Europe, herbalists and healers crafted various onion-based recipes to treat ailments like fevers, headaches and respiratory issues. Onions were frequently included in poultices for wound care. They were commonly consumed in soups and broths or transformed into ointments and syrups to harness their medicinal properties.

Native American medicine

Various Native American tribes recognized the healing potential of onions, integrating them into traditional remedies. Onions were used to alleviate digestive issues and were often incorporated into meals to support gastrointestinal health.

Additionally, crushed onions were applied to wounds to help prevent infection and promote healing. Native Americans sometimes brew onions into medicinal teas or use them as poultices for various ailments.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), onions, known as “cong,” are valued for their warming properties. They are commonly used to treat colds and flu, usually by boiling them in water and drinking the resulting liquid to relieve congestion and cough.

Onions also feature prominently in meals aimed at stimulating digestion and enhancing gastrointestinal health. While often cooked in dishes, onions are also consumed in broths or blended with other herbs for medicinal purposes.

Culinary legacy of onions

Onions taste great and look great, making them a perfect topper for entrees like chili, hot dogs and red meat. Their versatility allows them to add flavor and texture to soups, salsas, curries and sauces.

France

In French cuisine, onions take center stage in the iconic French onion soup, where they are caramelized to perfection and combined with a rich broth, topped with melted cheese and crusty bread. This exemplifies how the humble onion can transform into a deeply savory experience, showcasing its natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

India

In India, onions are a key ingredient in countless dishes, particularly in the famous curries. They are often sauteed as a base, along with spices like coriander, cumin and turmeric – providing a robust foundation for flavors as well as a blended source for healing properties. Onions are also found in refreshing salads and chutneys, adding a sharp contrast to rich, spicy meals. Onion bhaji, a popular snack, features thinly sliced onions coated in chickpea flour and deep-fried to create a crispy treat.

Mexico

In Mexican cuisine, onions are celebrated for their versatility, appearing in dishes like guacamole and salsas to add freshness and crunch. They are often grilled alongside meats for tacos or served raw in various traditional dishes, showcasing their ability to complement bold flavors.

Middle East

In Middle Eastern cuisine, onions are fundamental to dishes like kebabs and stuffed vegetables, where they contribute to the overall savory profile. Additionally, they are essential in the preparation of fattoush and tabbouleh – salads that highlight the freshness of the ingredients. Food.news.

spot_img

Sausalito Art Center Commemorates Day of the Dead / Flamenco and Halloween, in the month of Hispanic Heritage

by Magdy Zara

The second annual exhibition to commemorate Day of the Dead will be held at the Sausalito Art Center, which will also serve to raise funds for the center.

The exhibition, Milagros y Memorias, opened its doors to the public on October 5 and will conclude on November 10. The exhibition is held with the goal of highlighting the work of Latin American artists from the San Francisco Bay Area and sharing the art and spirit of Mexican-American artists.

It is important to highlight that one of the most prolific opportunities for contemporary Mexican art to express itself is during the celebrations of the “Day of the Dead.”

During this special exhibition to commemorate the Day of the Dead, works by Alfonso Ximénez, Antonio Bonilla, Carmen Lomas García, Calixto Robles, David Alfaro, Emanuel Montoya, Emanuel Paniagua, Ester Hernández, Jamex Einar, José Luis Cuevas, Josefina Bates, Juan Fuentes, Juana Alisa Ariza, Lila Neinja, Michael Ríos, Michael Roman, Otto Aguilar, Raúl Agiano, Rufino Tamayo, Tirzo Araiza, and Wilfredo Lam will be on display.

Participating artists include Juan Fuentes and Calixto Robles, who, while each is different and unique, as artists of vision and dedication, both embrace the rich cultural tapestry of the Americas that extends far beyond Mexico. This Day of the Dead art celebration will be this Oct. 26, starting at 5 p.m., at the art center located at 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito. For more information about the schedule through the following link: info@sausalitocenterforthearts.org

Flamenco and Halloween, in the month of Hispanic Heritage

El Rincón de Flamenco returns to the Teatro Flamenco, to present a novel show in which cultures are mixed, to offer the public a show full of vibrant music and dance, with a Halloween theme.

If you want to live a fascinating experience, experience the perfect combination of culture and creativity in this Halloween-themed flamenco show.

This is a way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month while enjoying a spectacular flamenco show.

The El Rincón flamenco show is an electrifying event that showcases the passion and art of flamenco dance and music.

The event will be this Saturday, Oct. 26, starting at 8 p.m. at Teatro Estudio Flamenco, located at 670 S. Van Ness Ave, San Francisco.

Indómitas: Live podcast with guest Alba Guerra

Indómitas is a monthly live podcast series hosted by Chelis López of KPOO and Radio Bilingüe, featuring the indomitable voices of fierce female artists and activists.

For the podcast of the month of October 2024, Indómitas presents Alba Guerra, restaurateur, warrior, and beloved Indómita of Calle 24.

Alba Guerra is originally from El Salvador and came to the United States in the late 80s during the civil war.

Like many immigrants, she came loaded with dreams and hopes for a better future. After working in restaurants, she ended up having her own business, the restaurant “Sunrise,” which not only brought well-being to her and her family but also to her community, to the people of the Mission neighborhood.

Sunrise was more than a restaurant, it was a community space where events were held to raise funds for organizations and support just causes to which Alba generously donated a percentage of her sales. After Covid she had to close it, however Alba continues to work for and with her community on 24th Street and the Mission neighborhood.

The invitation is to learn about what Alba Guerra is made of, her story, her childhood, what she is like as a sister, mother and partner.

It is important to note that the live podcast will be held in Spanish, and will take place this Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m., at 2765 24th St, San Francisco.

spot_img

Sheila E. Shines in Hispanic Heritage Month with New Album BAILAR

Screenshot

by the El Reportero staff

Hispanic Heritage Month in the San Francisco Bay Area has always been a vibrant, culture-filled event, and this year was no exception, especially with the release of Sheila E.’s new album, titled BAILAR. The iconic percussionist, known as the “Queen of Percussion,” has left an indelible mark on world music, and her recent work reflects her lasting impact on Latin music.

Sheila E. has been a musical figure for over four decades, standing out not only for her percussion prowess, but also for fusing diverse genres. This album, released during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), is both a personal and collective celebration of Latin cultural richness. Sheila pays tribute to her roots while continuing to innovate.

A musical legacy: The Escobedo Family

Sheila E.’s talent is not an isolated phenomenon, but is part of a musical legacy that begins with her family, the Escobedos, who have been a pivotal force in the Latin music scene and community of Oakland, California. Her father, Pete Escobedo, is a renowned Latin jazz percussionist who has left his own mark on music throughout his extensive career. Pete, along with his brother, Coke Escobedo, forged a path in music since the 1960s, pioneering the blending of Afro-Cuban rhythms, salsa, jazz, and funk.

The Escobedo family has been an integral part of Oakland’s cultural life, and their influence has been recognized to the extent that a street in the city is named Escobedo Street, in honor of their musical contribution and impact on the community. The sense of identity and pride in her roots has always been present in Sheila, who was immersed in this musical environment from a young age, which prepared her to become the world-class artist she is today.

Sheila’s brothers have also followed in the footsteps of their father and uncle, keeping the family’s musical tradition alive. Both Juan and Peter Michael Escobedo have worked extensively in the music industry, contributing their talent to internationally renowned projects.

A performance to remember: rhythm, flavor and energy

Sheila E.’s performance at Tiny Desk was an explosion of energy. From the first chord of the “Rumba Percussion Jam,” Sheila took over the stage with her mastery on the congas. This opening piece captured the essence of Afro-Latin music, mixing traditional rhythms with jazz and funk influences, hallmarks of her career. Each beat on the drums resonated not only in the room, but in the hearts of the audience, remembering the power and history of Latin music.

Accompanied by talented musicians, Sheila E. was the focus, but also gave space for her fellow musicians to shine. Raymond McKinley on bass, Mychael Gabriel on guitar, and percussion by Fausto Cuevas and Daniel Rodriguez, created a rich and diverse sound. The brass, led by Johny Ayquipa on trumpet and Percy Recavarren on trombone, added an extra dimension, while the vocals of Lynn Mabry, Rebecca Jade, Debi Nova, and Jean Rodriguez injected passion and charisma into the songs.

The set culminated with “Playa Tequila,” a track that captures the spirit of salsa and the joy of dancing, a central theme of the BAILAR album. As the title suggests, the album invites the listener to move and celebrate life. During the performance, Sheila and her band toasted with tequila, symbolizing the joy shared with the audience—a perfect ending to a memorable show.

Sheila E.’s legacy and contribution to Latin music

Sheila E. has come a long way since she debuted in the 70s. Over the years, she has collaborated with renowned artists such as Prince, Lionel Richie and Marvin Gaye, always leaving her unique mark. However, her solo career has been where she has shined the most, exploring Latin percussion and fusing genres such as funk, jazz, rock and Latin music into a unique combination.

Her album BAILAR not only continues her legacy, but reaffirms her love for Latin music and its roots. With vibrant rhythms and contagious energy, salsa is the heart of this album. Tracks such as “Playa Tequila” capture the essence of celebration and movement, while others explore the deeper connections between jazz, funk and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

Sheila E. is more than a performer, she is an ambassador for Latin music around the world. Her ability to break barriers and fuse cultures has inspired generations of musicians and fans. During Hispanic Heritage Month, her legacy shines brighter than ever, reminding everyone that music is a powerful way to celebrate identity and community.

The BAILAR album is a celebration of Latin music in all its glory. From “Rumba Percussion Jam” to the triumphant closing “Playa Tequila,” the album and her Tiny Desk performance showcase Sheila E. at her finest. During this month of celebration, her music is a reminder of the power of culture and tradition, reaffirming that her creativity knows no bounds. Sheila E. remains, without a doubt, the Queen of Percussion and a global musical treasure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjZ2XqYzPTI

spot_img

Rural community seeks to benefit from lithium boom

El Mar de Salton, al sur de la zona de Palm Springs, es un lago muy contaminado con grandes recursos geotérmicos y de litio en sus fondos. The Salton Sea, south of the Palm Springs area, is a heavily polluted lake with vast geothermal and lithium resources at its bottom. (Dr. Manuel Pastor)

por Suzanne Potter, Producer

Local groups in the Imperial Valley are working to make sure the coming boom in lithium extraction will benefit the community, as well as the investors.

The southern edge of the Salton Sea is considered one of the most economically distressed regions in California, yet it may contain enough lithium to supply batteries for 400 million electric vehicles.

Manuel Pastor, P.hD, is the director of the Equity Research Institute at the University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.

He has co-authored a book on the subject – calling for justice and democracy in the quest for clean energy.

“If we can get it right, it’s emblematic of the clean energy transition and its possibilities of being a just transition,” said Pastor, “that delivers true benefits for communities that have too long been left behind and kept behind.”

A company called Controlled Thermal Resources plans to open a new geothermal plant in 2025 or 2026 to extract lithium from salty brine and reinject the brine into the ground.

This is considered “greener” than methods used elsewhere, such as hard rock mining or evaporation ponds.

The environmental group Comite Civico del Valle has sued to slow down the permitting process. Members are worried about potential toxic leaks, tainted water, and air pollution from truck traffic.

Two years ago, the state approved a tax on lithium production. Pastor noted that those funds could make a huge difference in a community.

“Eighty percent of that needs to come back directly to the places where lithium is extracted,” said Pastor. “Twenty percent can be used for more general purposes, including the recuperation of the Salton Sea – which has long been a desire of people who live there, but there’s never been sufficient state resources to do it.”

There are 11 geothermal plants in the area that could be converted to extract lithium. Local leaders are also hoping to attract battery manufacturers to the region.

spot_img

IDB approves “unprecedented” loan to Ecuador for prevention of organized crime

The loan has a 25-year repayment period, with a five-and-a-half-year grace period

by the El Reportero‘s wire services

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reported on Wednesday that it approved a loan of 150 million dollars, as well as a donation of another 5 million, to support Ecuador in the prevention of crimes associated with organized crime groups and in reducing their impunity.

The entity points out that this is an “unprecedented” loan, since “it is the first time that an IDB program specifically addresses the challenges of organized crime with various preventive and institutional measures.”

Specifically, the Executive Board of the organization approved the Program for the Prevention and Response to Violence and Crime in Ecuador (PREVIC), which seeks to contribute to the strengthening of Ecuador’s security model.

“Through this program, Ecuador will increase the coverage of organized crime prevention initiatives and attention to vulnerable populations, the effectiveness of criminal investigation, and the capacities for national and local security management,” says the IDB.

The IDB president, Ilan Goldfajn, noted that “this is an innovative operation that will improve the effective presence of the State in critical areas, protecting vulnerable zones, preventing recruitment, strengthening financial and forensic intelligence to reduce financial crimes, and improving coordination at the local and regional level.”

Three components

The entity recognizes that Ecuador faces multiple challenges and one of them is “the increase in criminal violence since 2018.” This, it indicates, prevents the country from advancing its development agenda and hinders economic recovery.

The PREVIC approved by the IDB contemplates, among other things, the implementation of a new model of preventive police service; the construction of at least 12 Civic Centers for Life and Peace with integrated services for adolescents and young people aimed at preventing recruitment; and work towards an orderly and safe migration.

Also included is the creation of the Police cyber centre and the modernisation of the information systems of the Ministry of the Interior and the police force.

The loan of 150 million dollars has a repayment period of 25 years, with a grace period of five and a half years.

spot_img
1...212223...626Page 22 of 626

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.