Monday, March 9, 2026
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Request for Proposals

The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) is seeking proposals from qualified firms, partnerships, corporations, associations or professional organizations to provide Management of Bookstore Operations Services, District Wide (RFP No. 25-26/02).

Proposals are to be delivered electronically (via Planet Bids), until 3:00 P.M. on September 11, 2025.

The District is seeking a partnership for managing all aspects of the District’s bookstore services, including, but not limited to, the sale of textbooks (both new and used), course materials, digital content, school supplies, spirit apparel, technology products, and other related merchandise. The District is committed to ensuring that bookstore operations support student success by offering affordable, accessible, and innovative solutions.

There will be a Mandatory pre-proposal Zoom meeting on August 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Zoom Meeting Link: https://peralta-edu.zoom.us/j/88093646058
Copies of the proposal documents may be obtained at PlanetBids via:

https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/71895/portal-home

Advertisement Dates: 8/8/25 and 8/15/25
Governing Codes:
GC 53068
EC 81641
El Reportero

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IRS, White House clashed over undocumented migrants data

by the El Reportero news services

The Internal Revenue Service clashed with the White House over using tax data to help locate suspected illegal immigrants hours before Trump administration officials forced IRS Commissioner Billy Long from his post Friday, Washington Post reported.

The Department of Homeland Security sent the IRS a list Thursday of 40,000 names of people DHS officials thought were in the country illegally and asked the IRS to use confidential taxpayer data to verify their addresses.

The Treasury Department, the parent agency of the IRS, and DHS agreed to an arrangement in April to facilitate such data sharing — over the objections of the tax service’s privacy lawyers.

DHS officials have suggested they would eventually ask the IRS for help locating 7 million people. There are about 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, according to federal estimates.

On Friday, though, the IRS responded that it was able to verify fewer than 3 percent of the names immigration enforcement officials submitted, the people said.

The names the agency could match were mainly the individuals for whom DHS provided an individual taxpayer identification number. An ITIN is an IRS-specific ID that immigrants often use in place of a Social Security number on a tax filing.

White House officials requested additional information on the taxpayers the IRS identified, the people said — specifically, if any of them had claimed the earned income tax credit, which can reduce the tax bill for some low-income filers. The IRS declined to provide that information, citing taxpayer privacy rights.

Long had previously told agency executives that his agency would not furnish confidential taxpayer information outside of the confines of the IRS’s agreement with DHS, the people said.

Still, the people did not know if tension over the IRS’s role in President Donald Trump’s mass deportation drive contributed to Long’s departure from the IRS.

“The Trump administration is working in lockstep to eliminate information silos and to prevent illegal aliens from taking advantage of benefits meant for hardworking American taxpayers,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.

“Any absurd assertion other than everyone being aligned on the mission is simply false and totally fake news,” she added after this story was published.

DHS said in a statement that the agreement with the IRS “outlines a process to ensure that sensitive taxpayer information is protected, while allowing law enforcement to effectively pursue criminal violations.”

“After four years of Joe Biden flooding the nation with illegal aliens, these processes streamline pursuit of violent criminals, scrub these individuals from voter rolls, identify what public benefits these aliens are using at taxpayer expense, all while protecting American citizens’ safety and data,” the statement said.

Long on Friday said Trump intended to nominate him as the U.S. ambassador to Iceland after less than two months in the IRS job. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as the interim IRS commissioner. Trump administration officials confirmed both moves.

Long jokingly posted on social media Friday that he’d called Trump and asked to join ICE, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“I guess he thought I said Iceland?” Long wrote. “Oh well.”

Long, a former six-term Republican congressman from Missouri, was confirmed to the position in mid-June. Trump broke tradition by not allowing the former Biden-appointed IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, to serve out his full five-year term.

 

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So many reasons to stay put: What’s behind California’s frozen housing market?

So many reasons to stay put: What’s behind California’s frozen housing market? -- Tantas razones para quedarse: ¿Qué hay detrás del estancamiento del mercado inmobiliario de California?

What happens when you take high interest rates, unpredictable tariffs, a shortage of homes, a 50-year-old property tax law and mix them together? A housing market stuck in molasses

by Ben Christopher

CAlMatters

The national housing market is stuck in a post-pandemic rut.

Prices and interest rates have stalled out at unaffordable highs, keeping buyers at bay. Sellers, unable to fetch the still-higher prices they want, are backing out of the market in droves. The result is a housing market stuck in molasses, with a slow down in new listings, stagnant sales and an uptick in deals cancelled at the last minute.

If the country as a whole is in the middle of a housing market drought, conditions look especially parched in California.

New homes listed for sale fell by more than 17 percent in San Francisco, compared to the same time last year, according to online real estate broker Redfin. There were double-digit year-over-year declines in listings in San Diego, Riverside, Anaheim too. Of the 10 metros where new listings fell fastest, five were in California.

“The number of transactions have absolutely slowed down,” said Amy Kong, a real estate agent who works in and around San Francisco. “As everyone knows, it’s because of the higher interest rates and the affordability, which is just really, really low.”

Part of the market slow down can be blamed on a nationwide financial pathology that dates back half a decade, said Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s chief economist. As mortgage borrowing costs have whipsawed from ultra-low to harrowingly high over the last five years, the gap between what most current homeowners pay for their mortgage and what they would pay if they were to borrow and buy again is historically wide. That makes this an inauspicious time for most homeowners to sell.

But as with so many of the nation’s housing woes, things are even worse in California thanks to the specific “dysfunctions” of our market and the particularities of our property tax system that date back to the 1970s, said Fairweather.

Taken all together, California homeowners “have extra reasons to stay put,” she said.

That means fewer opportunities for aspiring homeowners, more pressure on the rental market as discouraged would-be buyers find themselves shunted there and prices that are likely to remain persistently high, despite high interest rates meant to cool things off.

California’s housing market has been in a kind of holding pattern for years, said Oscar Wei, economist with the California Association of Realtors. “I thought by now we would see sales coming back up a little bit more,” he said.

Unanswered questions about the future of the economy, tariffs and what they might mean for inflation, the stock market and how all of the above will influence interest rates are likely holding both buyers and sellers back, he explained.

And then there’s the persistent borrowing cost gap, which economists dub the “lock-in effect.”

In an effort to jump-start an economy that had ground to a halt during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve brought borrowing rates down to near-zero. Homebuyers tapped those low rates to buy homes. Existing homeowners scrambled to refinance to lower their costs.

Two and a half years later and facing the new crisis of rapidly rising prices, the Fed jacked borrowing costs back up. For homeowners who took out fixed-rate mortgages (most do) when borrowing costs were low, the sudden rate bounce made selling a home with plans to buy a new one — and in the process losing the coveted low rate in exchange for a high one — a losing financial proposition.

An analysis by economists at the Federal Housing Finance Agency found that the majority of borrowers in mid-2024 had a rate below 4 percent. A typical new mortgage, on the other hand, is likely to come with a rate of more than 6.5 percent.

That difference comes with a steep financial price tag. If the average mortgage payer were to swap out their existing loan for one at the new rate, they would pay another $398 per month, the agency researchers estimated.

The effect is even more pronounced in California, where property values are particularly high. The median sales price on a single family home across the state is just shy of $900,000, according to the state association of Realtors.

Even small changes in interest rates on such a massive purchase add up.

A typical California borrower would pay an extra $675 every month if they were to take on the same mortgage at current rates, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency report. In San Francisco, it’s an extra $915. That’s a compelling reason not to sell.

California homeowners have even more reasons to hunker down.

Since 1979, when the prior year’s Proposition 13 went into effect, property taxes in California have been tied to the purchase price of a home and only allowed to increase at a modest rate. With real estate prices across the state trending upward ever since, that’s created yet another kind of “lock-in effect:” The longer that a person owns a home, the less they pay in property taxes compared to a new buyer. A recent analysis by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy estimated that new buyers can expect to pay more than twice as much in property taxes compared to a typical long-time homeowner in many of California’s largest cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach, Oakland and Sacramento.

“When people are doing the math about how much money it would cost them to move and they look at the mortgage expense, and then on top of that, the property tax expense, it’s not worth it,” said Fairweather.

Absent an influx of new listings, aspiring homeowners looking for the opportunity to buy will need to wait on new construction to deliver. But new supply has essentially flatlined over the last decade, despite a bevy of state legislation aimed at boosting more development. Fairweather said she isn’t optimistic that that’s likely to change soon — and the lock-in effect on property owners is one reason why.

“I’m skeptical that owners of single-family homes are going to give up the land to actually build enough housing to make a difference,” she said. “It’s good that all those laws change, but I feel like they might be muted in their impact because of all the other forces that are pointing towards single-family neighborhoods staying exactly the same.”

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The United States criticizes Brazil for the “backsliding” in human rights amid the trade dispute with Lula

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and US President Donald Trump at the White House on March 19, 2019. Chris Kleponis / Pool / Gettyimages.ru - El expresidente de Brasil, Jair Bolsonaro, y el mandatario estadounidense, Donald Trump, en la Casa Blanca, el 19 de marzo de 2019.Chris Kleponis / Pool / Gettyimages.ru

Vías El Reportero‘s wire services

A State Department report denounces that the Brazilian justice system took “broad and disproportionate measures” that affect freedom of expression and internet access.

In the midst of a tariff dispute initiated by the Donald Trump administration against Brazil, the U.S. State Department released a report on Tuesday stating that the human rights situation in Brazil “has deteriorated” during 2024. According to the document, there has been a decline in freedom of expression and internet use, also affecting “democratic debate.”

The report notes that the Brazilian justice system implemented “broad and disproportionate measures to limit freedom of expression and internet freedom, blocking access to information for millions of users.” This criticism is directed specifically at the social media platform X, which was temporarily suspended in Brazil for failing to comply with court orders, pay fines, and appoint a legal representative in the country. The United States described this incident as a “case of harassment.”

The report highlights that “the government restricted democratic debate by limiting access to online content deemed ‘undermining democracy,’ excessively repressing the freedom of expression of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, as well as journalists and elected politicians, frequently through secret procedures that lacked due process.”

The Trump administration accuses the Brazilian government of “also repressing politically unfavorable opinions under the argument that they constituted ‘hate speech,’ an ambiguous term unsupported by international human rights law.” It also questions the fact that Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration “did not always implement credible actions to identify and punish officials responsible for human rights violations.”

The United States believes the Brazilian justice system presents “significant human rights problems” by failing to punish events documented in “reliable reports,” such as “arbitrary or unlawful executions; torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; arbitrary detentions; and severe restrictions on freedom of expression and the press, including violence or threats against journalists.”

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US indicts Mexican CEO and former politician in Pemex bribery scheme

The DOJ is charging the two men "for their roles in an alleged bribery scheme to retain and obtain business" related to Pemex and Pemex Exploración y Producción (PEP), a wholly owned exploration and production subsidiary of the state oil company. (Shutterstock) -- El Departamento de Justicia acusa a los dos hombres "por su participación en un supuesto esquema de sobornos para retener y obtener negocios" relacionados con Pemex y Pemex Exploración y Producción (PEP), una subsidiaria de exploración y producción propiedad al 100% de la petrolera estatal. (Shutterstock)

by the El Reportero‘s news services

Almost a decade after leaving office and five years after being extradited from Spain, former Pemex CEO Emilio Lozoya Austin is still awaiting trial on major corruption charges. His case, emblematic of the scandals that have long dogged Mexico’s state oil company, continues to reveal new names and unexpected connections.

Recent U.S. court documents have placed renewed spotlight on two other figures linked to questionable contracts and alleged bribes: Ramón Alexandro Rovirosa Martínez and Mario Alberto Ávila Lizárraga.

Ramón Alexandro Rovirosa Martínez

According to U.S. judicial records reviewed by Milenio, Rovirosa is the founder and CEO of Roma Energy, a Texas-based exploration and production company in the oil and gas industry. His business footprint, however, extends beyond the United States.

Born in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Rovirosa has established multiple ventures in Mexico, including Tubular Technology and Energy On Shore Services, both headquartered in his home state. These companies have been active players in the region’s oil-related supply chain.

Investigations by Infobae indicate that Pemex Exploration and Production (PEP) awarded over 82 million pesos—about US $4.4 million—to firms linked to Rovirosa between 2018 and 2021. According to Milenio, at least one of these contracts is suspected of involving illicit payments, specifically those awarded to Tubular Technology and Energy On Shore Services. These allegations, if substantiated, would place Rovirosa directly in the center of an ongoing corruption narrative.

Rovirosa, a qualified lawyer, has also been tied to other controversial figures. He previously served as “legal operator” for businessman Omar Vargas, who faced investigation for allegedly defrauding Pemex during the administration of President Vicente Fox (2000–2006). This link adds further weight to questions about Rovirosa’s long-term role in dealings connected to Mexico’s most important state-owned enterprise.

Mario Alberto Ávila Lizárraga

Ávila, originally from Campeche, rose to political prominence in 2009 when he ran for governor as the candidate of the National Action Party (PAN). He was defeated by PRI politician Fernando Ortega Bernés, who remained in office until 2015.

Ávila’s academic credentials include a business administration degree and postgraduate studies completed in Spain. His professional trajectory has taken him through both public service and private enterprise, but it was his time at Pemex that later attracted controversy.

Between 2010 and 2012, Ávila served as Pemex’s deputy director of maintenance and logistics. In 2015, government auditors imposed a 10-year ban on his eligibility for public office after identifying irregularities in contracts awarded to Oceanografía, a company embroiled in multiple fraud cases involving Pemex. Infobae also reported that Ávila faced accusations of using Pemex aircraft for personal purposes during his tenure.

More recently, Milenio, citing U.S. court filings, reported that Ávila allegedly acted “for the benefit” of Rovirosa and his companies in recent years. This allegation, if proven, would confirm a direct operational relationship between the two men after Ávila left Pemex.

Political reactions

President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the issue in a morning press conference, highlighting Ávila’s political affiliation.

“It is worth talking about the fugitive businessman because he is a member of the PAN,” Sheinbaum stated, stressing that PAN remains the country’s main opposition party.

She reminded the public: “He was a PAN candidate for the governorship of Campeche, he worked in Pemex, and he was accused of corruption.” She concluded, “He’s currently a fugitive and sought by the U.S. government.”

The Lozoya context

While Lozoya’s legal troubles are formally separate, his tenure as Pemex CEO from 2012 to 2016 under President Enrique Peña Nieto is widely viewed as a period when systemic weaknesses were exploited for personal and political gain. The accusations against him involve facilitating bribes and steering contracts toward certain companies, often with international connections.

The emergence of Rovirosa and Ávila in related investigations shows how deeply rooted questionable practices are within the energy sector. These cases illustrate that alleged wrongdoing is not limited to one administration or party, but rather has spanned decades, crossing political and corporate boundaries. The references to them in U.S. court documents also underline the international scope of these dealings.

Networks of influence

Rovirosa’s combination of legal expertise, corporate control in Mexico and the U.S., and history of associations with previously investigated businessmen suggests a career shaped by both formal authority and informal alliances. His access to Pemex contracts worth millions during a period of heightened oversight raises questions about the effectiveness of procurement controls at PEP.

Ávila’s path—from a high-profile political candidate to Pemex executive to sanctioned former official—reflects the revolving door between politics and lucrative corporate connections. Allegations that he collaborated with Rovirosa after leaving public service suggest a sustained overlap between political influence and private enrichment.

Legal status and next steps

At present, neither Rovirosa nor Ávila has faced trial in Mexico over the most recent allegations, though U.S. authorities reportedly have an active interest in locating Ávila. Lozoya’s own drawn-out case serves as a reminder of how slowly high-level corruption prosecutions often progress in Mexico, particularly when involving individuals with political connections.

For many observers, the intertwined cases of Lozoya, Rovirosa, and Ávila reflect the broader challenges facing Mexico’s anti-corruption efforts. Their stories span different political parties, presidential terms, and corporate interests, suggesting that prosecutions targeting individuals—while important—are not enough to dismantle entrenched systems of influence.

Pemex, once a source of national pride and a symbol of sovereignty, continues to face damage to its reputation due to repeated corruption scandals. The latest revelations underscore the urgent need for greater transparency in contract awards and for legal proceedings that move forward with both speed and credibility.

With information from Milenio, Reforma, Infobae, El Financiero.

 

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Cauliflower: A versatile superfood packed with nutrients and health benefits

by Laura Harris

  • Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C and K, folate, choline and fiber, supporting immunity, bone health, brain function, digestion and cancer prevention.
  • Cauliflower originated in the Mediterranean and was refined in Europe, becoming a global dietary staple by the 18th century.
  • Cauliflower can be used to make cauliflower rice, mash and pizza crust. It serves as a low-carb alternative in many diets, including keto and gluten-free.
  • Choose organic cauliflower to avoid pesticide exposure. Cauliflower’s high fiber content may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
  • Cauliflower contains compounds like sulforaphane and glucosinolates that support liver detoxification and help reduce inflammation.

Cauliflower, often overshadowed by its vibrant vegetable cousins, is a nutritional powerhouse that deserves a spotlight in any health-conscious diet. This cruciferous vegetable is celebrated for its versatility, mild flavor and impressive nutrient profile. Whether roasted, mashed or blended into rice-like grains, cauliflower has become a staple in modern kitchens, especially for those seeking low-carb, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying foods.

Cauliflower traces its roots back to ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. Historians believe it was first cultivated in Cyprus around 500 BCE before spreading to Turkey, Syria and Egypt. By the Middle Ages, cauliflower had reached Spain and Italy, where it became a delicacy among the elite.

The modern cauliflower was refined in 16th-century Europe, particularly in France and England. Unlike its wild ancestor, which was a leafy, bitter plant, selective breeding transformed cauliflower into the dense, creamy-white vegetable it is today.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, cauliflower had spread globally, becoming a staple in various cuisines from India to North America. Today, cauliflower is grown worldwide, with China, India and the U.S. leading production.

Nutritional profile and health benefits

Cauliflower is low in calories but packed with essential nutrients, making it a favorite among nutritionists and wellness experts. Here’s a breakdown of its key benefits:

Boosts immunity and collagen production

  • Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, providing about 77 percent of the daily recommended intake per cup. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections. Additionally, vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, promoting skin elasticity and wound healing.

Supports bone health and blood clotting

  • The vitamin K in cauliflower enhances calcium absorption, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It also aids in proper blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding from injuries.

Essential for DNA synthesis and cell repair

  • Folate (B9) in cauliflower is vital for DNA replication and cell division, making it especially important during pregnancy for fetal development. It also helps prevent neural tube defects and supports red blood cell production.

Supports brain function and liver health

  • Cauliflower contains choline, a nutrient that enhances memory, mood regulation and neurotransmitter function. It also assists the liver in metabolizing fats and removing toxins efficiently.

Promotes gut health and digestion

  • The fiber in cauliflower feeds beneficial gut bacteria, improves digestion and prevents constipation. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes satiety, which aids in weight management.

Prevents cancer

  • Cauliflower contains sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol — powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. These compounds help lower the risk of breast, prostate and colon cancers by inhibiting tumor growth.

Low-carb and keto-friendly

  • With only 5 g of net carbs per cup, cauliflower is an excellent low-carb alternative to grains and starchy foods. Its neutral flavor allows it to be transformed into cauliflower rice, pizza crust and mashed “potatoes,” making it a favorite in ketogenic and diabetic-friendly diets.

Supports detoxification

  • The sulfur-containing compounds in cauliflower like glucosinolates enhance liver detoxification by activating enzymes that eliminate harmful toxins. This process helps reduce inflammation and supports overall metabolic health.

While cauliflower is highly nutritious and beneficial for overall health, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind.

First, conventionally grown cauliflower may contain pesticide residues, such as chlorpyrifos (linked to neurological issues) and imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid insecticide). To minimize exposure, opt for organic cauliflower. While cauliflower is not a major accumulator of heavy metals, it can still absorb trace amounts from the soil. Thorough washing can help reduce contaminants.

Some individuals may also experience digestive sensitivity due to cauliflower’s high fiber and FODMAP content, which can cause bloating or gas. Cooking cailiflower thoroughly or consuming it in moderation can help mitigate these effects. By choosing organic options and preparing cauliflower mindfully, you can safely enjoy its many health benefits while minimizing potential risks.

Culinary uses of cauliflower

One of cauliflower’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy cauliflower:

Cauliflower rice

  • A low-carb alternative to grains, simply pulse florets in a food processor and sauté.

Roasted cauliflower

  • Toss florets with olive oil, turmeric and garlic for a crispy, flavorful side dish.

Mashed cauliflower

  • Boil and blend with garlic, butter and nut milk for a creamy, potato-free mash.

Cauliflower pizza crust

  • A gluten-free base made with riced cauliflower, eggs and cheese.

Cauliflower is a nutritional superstar with detoxifying, anti-inflammatory and low-carb benefits. Whether you’re keto, vegan or just looking to boost your veggie intake, cauliflower’s versatility makes it a must-have in a well-balanced diet.

This story is not medical advice and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified naturopathic physician for personalized advice about your specific health situation or concern.

 

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Parking matters: Citizens must demand action before more are lost

Marvin Ramírez, editor

by Marvin Ramírez

In neighborhoods where Latino families and small businesses coexist, parking is not a convenience—it is a lifeline. Yet, over the past several years, our city has systematically removed hundreds of parking spaces, replacing them with red zones, yellow zones, and other restrictive markings. Officials have offered countless justifications—safety here, traffic flow there—but when pressed for statistics or data to support these claims, they have none to show. This is not a matter of speculation; it is a matter of lived experience for residents, business owners, and patrons who rely on accessible parking every day.

Despite numerous editorials and community voices raising the alarm, very little has changed. Last month, after one of my editorials hit the press, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Solórzano, reached out to Marcos Gutiérrez, the radio director, which led to a long and thorough interview. I emphasized during that discussion that this conversation should not stop at publicity—it must lead to concrete action. Yet, the reality is frustrating: city leaders and politicians rarely act, even when clear solutions are presented.

Why is this the case? Could it be that political leaders are influenced, directly or indirectly, by interests that prefer parking restrictions to remain in place? Are they prioritizing revenue from fines over the needs of citizens and local businesses? Whatever the reason, the result is undeniable: neighborhoods lose essential parking, small businesses lose customers, and residents—especially those who live near commercial areas—lose the convenience and quality of life they once had.

In past elections, parking was a central campaign issue. Candidates would debate solutions, propose public parking projects, and even combine parking with affordable housing developments. A prime example is the public parking lot built at 21st Street and Bartlett, which included affordable housing above. That project, to this day, stands as one of the most beneficial constructions in the area. Yet, after that, the focus shifted dramatically. The prevailing political narrative became the reduction of car use, without acknowledging the reality: we live in a country where cars are essential for daily life. Public transportation, while useful for some, cannot fully support the mobility needs of most residents, nor can it replace the convenience of accessible parking for local commerce.

Meanwhile, citizens face another harsh consequence: fines. As parking spaces vanish and restrictions multiply, people are hit with high tickets—penalties that sometimes force families to make impossible choices just to pay them. These fines disproportionately affect residents who rely on cars for work, school, or shopping. While the city touts safety and modern planning, the human cost remains invisible to those making the policies.

It is time for citizens to recognize the power they truly hold. The solution is not to passively hope for better leadership—it is to demand it, and to insist that parking policies and other critical community issues be placed directly on the ballot. Only through direct voter involvement can we hold politicians accountable for decisions that materially impact our neighborhoods. We must push for measures that protect existing parking, prioritize access for local businesses, and respect the needs of residents.

The message is clear: change will not come on its own. It will not come from editorials alone, radio interviews, or polite letters to city hall. Change will come only when the community acts collectively, united in purpose, and unwilling to accept inaction from those who claim to represent us. Political campaigns should once again be judged on how they plan to address the needs of their constituents—not on empty rhetoric about safety or urban planning devoid of real-world evidence.

Parking is more than a space for a car—it is a symbol of accessibility, opportunity, and fairness. It affects commerce, community life, and the well-being of residents. If citizens do not take responsibility and push for meaningful reforms, we will continue to lose not just parking spaces, but control over the quality of life in our neighborhoods. It is time to act, to demand accountability, and to ensure that our voices shape the future of our city—not the other way around.

We cannot afford to wait any longer. Let us channel frustration into action, insist on placing essential measures on the ballot, and force our leaders to act in the public interest. Our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our families depend on it.

 

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AI takeover trades human talent for soulless efficiency

Tens of thousands have lost work as AI reshapes industries, replacing human creativity, skill, and meaning with cheap, hollow imitations

(The Washington Stand) — Tens of thousands of people have been laid off from their jobs in America. History has seen its share of mass layoffs – sparked by wars, devastating famines, economic collapses, or other seismic disruptions. But today’s crisis feels distinctly modern. In July alone, the technology sector hemorrhaged over 10,000 jobs, marking a jarring 36 percent surge in layoffs for the industry. The culprit? Artificial intelligence (AI).

A recent report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas (CGC) laid bare the scale of this upheaval. “So far this year,” the report reads, “companies have announced 806,383 job cuts, the highest YTD since 2020 when 1,847,696 were announced. It is up 75 percent from the 460,530 job cuts announced through the first seven months of last year and is up 6 percent from the 2024 full year total of 761,358.”

CGC Senior Vice President Andrew Challenger pointed to multiple drivers, including the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative launched by President Donald Trump to slash government waste, including what he deemed redundant jobs.

“We are seeing the Federal budget cuts implemented by DOGE impact non-profits and healthcare in addition to the government,” Challenger noted. But it’s not just DOGE. “AI was cited for over 10,000 cuts last month, and tariff concerns have impacted nearly 6,000 jobs this year,” Challenger added. Among these, AI’s grip on the technology sector stands out as the most transformative. According to the report, “Technology is the leading private sector in job cuts.” In fact, “The industry is being reshaped by the advancement of artificial intelligence.”

AI has increasingly been at the forefront of national dialogue. With its advancement and increased use come ethical concerns, significantly uncharted technological territory, and, evidently, even a hard hit on the job market. Last month, Breitbart News reported how AI advancement is affecting kids coming out of college – even describing it as a threat to traditional career paths.

“For graduates,” the outlet wrote, “the competition is fierce. Not only are there fewer jobs, but they’re also up against laid-off junior workers from previous years. Platforms like Handshake report a 15 percent drop in entry-level job postings this year, while applications per job are up 30 percent. Internships are following a similar pattern.” Breitbart added, “The consequences extend beyond individual job seekers. As companies rely more on AI and hire fewer young workers, they risk shrinking the pipeline of talent that will eventually move into higher-level positions.”

The CGC report concluded: while all hiring announcements remain “well below pre-pandemic levels … technology hiring continues to decline, with companies in the sector announcing just 5,510 new jobs in 2025, down 58 percent from 13,263 in the same period last year.”

So, what’s the big deal? Technology evolves, AI is the shiny new toy – why the alarm? I’m not one to make mountains out of molehills, but AI’s growing dominance does raise real concerns that are worth our attention. Here’s why.

Real talent? Glossed over

Since we’re talking about jobs, let’s start with the obvious. AI isn’t just disrupting tech – it’s a wrecking ball across fields like art, writing, and other creative industries. Human ingenuity, honed through years of practice, is being sidelined by algorithms that churn out passable (but soulless) imitations. Graphic designers, copywriters, and illustrators are watching their livelihoods erode as companies opt for AI-generated content that’s faster and cheaper, if not – and in some cases – better.

Viral videos of bears, bunnies, raccoons, or other animals bouncing on trampolines have flooded social media feeds. While some viewers quickly spotted the artificial nature of these clips, many were fooled, sparking widespread conversations. The reason? AI-generated content is becoming so convincing that countless people accept it as real without a second thought. As AI’s prominence grows, we’re still learning to spot its telltale signs.

The takeaway is clear: AI can produce images, videos, music, spreadsheets, and more in seconds, often with stunning realism. Though glitches and imperfections persist – issues developers are undoubtedly racing to fix – the technology is already remarkably advanced. This rapid progress raises a troubling question: why invest in human talent that takes days, weeks, or even years to create when a machine can deliver in moments?

Real emotion and soul? Replaced by robots

Beyond the threat it poses to jobs, there’s something intrinsically sad about AI taking on jobs only a human can truly fill.

There’s a spark in human creativity – grit, passion, and the messy beauty of a unique perspective – that AI simply can’t replicate. A poem crafted by a person carries the weight of lived experience; a painting reflects the artist’s soul. AI’s output, while polished, lacks that depth.

I’ll speak for myself, but I don’t go to the movies or the theater for computer-generated spectacle. I go for art, for creativity, for the raw talent of human beings. Just weeks ago, I sat spellbound at a performance of Les Misérables in London, awestruck by the actors and actresses who poured their souls into every note and gesture, bringing characters to life with visceral emotion and authenticity.

True art and talent are irreplaceable. Passion flows only from the human soul. We, created in the image of our Creator, possess a divine gift: the ability to craft works that are emotional, breathtaking, and profoundly real. Often, it’s not just the art or music that moves us – it’s the humanity behind it. We hear a voice so angelic it seems impossible a human could produce it, and we marvel. We watch a masterfully crafted film and celebrate the human minds that wove it together. And from a biblical perspective, much of what leaves us breathless within creation points back to the majesty of the one who created it.

AI, for all its lifelike mimicry, remains inanimate – mere technology. Its “realness” is a fabrication, a hollow echo of human depth. Yet, seduced by efficiency, businesses are trading human creators for cold, calculated code. When we surrender our creative essence to machines, we risk losing what makes us uniquely human.

Real meaning and hard work? Taken over by cheap, computer-driven commodities

At the heart of our humanity lies a daily choice: will we labor for what is meaningful and true, or will we chase shortcuts that diminish us?

The grind of mastering a craft, the pride of solving a problem through sweat and ingenuity – these are being undercut by AI’s ability to automate complex tasks in seconds. From coding to content creation, AI floods the market with cheap, soulless alternatives that devalue human effort.

This trend has seeped into education, where students and interns, desperate to stand out in a shrinking job market, turn to AI tools like ChatGPT to churn out papers, presentations, and even internship deliverables. In doing so, they bypass the discipline of critical thinking and the joy of original creation, undermining the very skills that once defined excellence.

The damage isn’t limited to industries or job markets. It strikes at the core of the human mind. Social media has already reduced our attention spans and confined many social connections to shallow online echo chambers. If we allow AI to run amok, sidelining the human ingenuity that fuels (or should fuel) so much of society, we risk far more than economic loss. We risk corroding our souls.

Is that too dramatic? I don’t think so. The more we surrender to AI’s takeover of work, entertainment, and beyond, the more we trade our vibrant, creative essence for what’s cheap, easy, convenient, and fundamentally counterfeit.

The rise of AI isn’t just a technological leap; it’s a cultural and economic reckoning. As companies prioritize efficiency over humanity, we risk losing more than jobs – we risk losing the essence of what makes work meaningful. The numbers are stark, the stories are real, and the questions are urgent: How do we balance progress with preservation? And are we really okay with sitting back and letting AI redefine what it means to create, to work, to be human?

This article is reprinted with permission from the Family Research Council, publishers of The Washington Stand at washingtonstand.com.

 

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Take Advantage of Salsa Saturdays at The Ramp

Kinetic street dance - Modismos cinéticos de danza callejera

by Magdy Zara

Enjoy three different weekends, to the sound of Latin salsa, at The Ramp, where you can find food, drinks, Latin music, and an ideal outdoor dancing spot all in one place.

This is a modern and elegant oceanfront restaurant with different activities every weekend, ranging from renowned DJs, live music, and even an open salsa dance floor.

The bands scheduled for the upcoming Saturdays are: La Diferencia, performing on August 16, 2025; N’Rumba, on August 23, 2025; and Edgardo N. Candela on August 30, 2025.

Tickets for the musical shows are $20, and reservations can be made through RAMP@RAMPSF.COM.

The performance this Saturday, August 16, will begin at 5 p.m. The Ramp is located at 855 Terry Francois St., San Francisco.

World Premiere of “The Way Home Is an Ascending Spiral”

The Yerba Buena Gardens transform into a dazzling theater for the world premiere of “The Way Home Is an Ascending Spiral,” which is nothing less than a wide variety of kinetic street dance idioms.

Commissioned by the YBG Festival, Sammay Peñaflor Dizon (she/they) created this experimental work to push the boundaries of street dance forms, challenge Western notions of concert dance, and draw attention to ongoing political battles related to women’s sovereignty over their bodies.

This choreography brings together Bay Area artists who practice Black social dance forms, specifically street dances such as popping and krumping, and club styles such as house, whacking, and vogue/ballroom.

To showcase this work, two performances have been scheduled: one on Saturday, August 23rd, and the other on Sunday, August 24th, starting at 2 p.m. Both will take place on the Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens, located on Mission Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, San Francisco.

The incomparable Tito Puente Jr. in concert

Like his father, Tito Puente Jr. carries ritual in his veins; his presence is imprinted on his physical being and enclosed in his soul, and he demonstrates it with his joy and his music.

Tito Jr. has a passionate mission. The young Puente is determined to nurture the musical legacy left by his father. He refuses to let his father become a distant memory.

Tito Puente Jr. has become a crowd favorite in casinos, performing arts centers, symphony halls, and jazz festivals around the world, presenting more than 300 shows in the last five years.

That’s why Tito Jr. will be performing on August 27th, starting at 8 pm, at Yoshi’s, located at 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland.

To reserve, you can call (510) 238-9200; tickets range from $29 to $69.

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Richard Talavera: A pillar of Chicano art and culture in the Bay Area

The Mexican Bus
Richard Talavera

by Marvin Ramírez

Richard Talavera, a cherished actor, playwright, and cultural advocate, passed away on July 28 at the age of 73. He died peacefully at a local hospital, surrounded by his sisters and niece, after a brief four-month battle with cancer. “When he was diagnosed, he said, ‘I had a damn good life,’” recalled his sister Jackie Talavera.

Born on Jan. 17, 1952, in Los Angeles, Talavera spent most of his life in the San Francisco Bay Area, as did the rest of his family. A longtime resident of Yountville’s Veterans Home in Napa Valley, Talavera left a lasting legacy through his artistic vision and dedication to preserving Mexican cultural traditions.

His death was first shared on social media by close friends and fellow artists, who immediately reflected on the impact he made both personally and professionally.

Talavera’s unique contributions centered around his collaboration with fellow artist and entrepreneur Toni Hafter, who is Jewish. Together, they were co-creators and partners in The Mexican Bus project, a visionary endeavor that brought Mexican public transit art and culture to life in the Bay Area.

The project originated with Hafter’s transformation of a faded church bus into El Volado, a vibrant mobile art space celebrating Mexican heritage. Talavera joined this effort by bringing his Chicano playwright perspective to Lola, another bus launched in 2001 as part of The Mexican Bus fleet in Richmond, California. His artistic influence helped infuse the buses with cultural depth, blending visual arts with storytelling and performance.

The Mexican Bus project became more than just transportation. It was a living, moving celebration of Latino identity and history, offering salsa rides, community gatherings, and a platform for local artists to share their work. Talavera and Hafter’s vision was to preserve the rich tradition of Mexican public transit art—a colorful and distinctive cultural expression seen throughout Mexican cities—and to foster Latino cultural pride in their community.

Richard Talavera

After The Mexican Bus experience ended, Talavera semiretired but continued teaching improvisational theater and writing poetry, staying connected to the creative world that had defined much of his life.

Talavera’s involvement in theater was extensive and deeply impactful. In 2016, he was featured in the Central Works’ season-closing production Into the Beautiful North. Additionally, he participated in Moving Art House, a dynamic project that utilized the bus as a platform for innovative programming in southeast San Francisco.

Throughout his career, Talavera produced numerous plays including The Trail of Los Siete, Chac, Macairo Meets La Muerte, Poeta Pan (co-authored), Popol Vuh, and more recently Before The Dream, a celebration of author Richard Wright and Black expatriates in Europe. His original play concepts include Rampage, The Last Taboo, Land, and the open-air Truly Needed Travlin’ Show.

Talavera was a proud member of Teatro Latino and Teatro de La Esperanza, touring extensively as an actor across the United States, with performances in Mexico and Chile. In the summer of 2016, he was engaged in finishing his play The Entertaining Journey through Central Works’ Playwright Workshop, reflecting his lifelong commitment to evolving as an artist.

Beyond his theatrical work, Talavera was the owner of The Mexican Bus, integrating his passion for art, community, and cultural preservation into this unique business venture.

Friends and colleagues remember Richard Talavera as a passionate, warm-hearted individual who championed both art and social justice. His involvement in theater and community arts initiatives reflected a lifelong commitment to celebrating and empowering Latino voices.

The Veterans Home of California-Yountville, where Talavera spent his final years, is the nation’s most comprehensive veterans’ facility, providing care and community to former military members. Talavera’s residence there reflects his service and dedication beyond the arts, adding another layer to his complex and inspiring life story.

Talavera is survived by four brothers and sisters—Raymundo (Ofelia), Margie, Jackie (Richard), and Emma (Rudy) Sister-in-Law Patricia,—along with three nephews (Rudolph, Evaristo, Franklin) and two nieces (Jessica and Christina (Tiana, Alejandro, Santiago), all from the Bay Area. He was predeceased by his father Frank, mother Esther, and brother Frank Jr.

Talavera’s passing has inspired an outpouring of love and remembrance from those who knew him. His artistic legacy, particularly through The Mexican Bus, continues to influence the Bay Area’s cultural scene. The project remains a testament to the power of community-driven art and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

As the Bay Area remembers Richard Talavera, his story is a reminder of how art connects people, honors roots, and builds bridges across generations. His collaboration with Toñia Hafter and their shared vision for The Mexican Bus will live on as a vibrant symbol of Mexican-American culture and pride.

For many, Talavera was more than an artist; he was a cultural ambassador and a beloved community member whose creative spirit and dedication left an indelible mark on the region.

— With collaborations.

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