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Berkeley’s soda tax success story deserves wider attention across California

Cases of soft drinks, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper, at a Costco Wholesale store in San Diego, March 11, 2025. Photo by Kevin Carter, Getty Images. Cajas de refrescos, incluyendo Coca-Cola, Sprite, Pepsi y Dr. Pepper, en una tienda Costco Wholesale en San Diego, el 11 de marzo de 2025.

by Xavier Morales

Xavier Morales is the executive director of The Praxis Project. He has served on Berkeley’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Product Panel of Experts for more than a decade.

May 29, 2026 – Before the 2014 election, soda tax campaigns in at least 31 American cities had been defeated by the beverage industry. Richmond and El Monte — cities on opposite ends of the state — tried and lost two years prior, drowned by industry spending and slick “nanny state” messaging.

Then Berkeley voters passed Measure D by a 75% margin, making it the nation’s first tax on the distributors of sugar-sweetened beverages.

More than a decade later, the question is no longer whether a soda tax can pass or whether it works. The question is what a city can build with the revenue. Berkeley has spent years answering that question, and the answer is worth California’s wider attention.

Since 2015, the Healthy Berkeley program has reinvested more than $11.9 million of soda tax revenue into the communities the beverage industry targeted most: Black, Latino, immigrant and lower-income neighborhoods. Roughly $5.7 million has gone to Berkeley Unified School District’s cooking and gardening program, which now reaches more than 40,000 students and parents across 18 school gardens.

The rest has built a community health infrastructure that meets residents at every stage of life.

Toddlers at the YMCA of the East Bay sing songs about which drinks help them grow. Elementary and middle schoolers chop vegetables they grew themselves in school gardens. High schoolers train as water ambassadors with the Ecology Center and run urban agriculture programs through Berkeley Youth Alternatives.

Adults of all ages receive primary care, dental care and trusted health information in their own language at certain clinics. Between 2018 and 2022, the Healthy Berkeley program generated 20,000 primary care and 9,000 dental referrals for residents often overlooked by the health care system.

These investments have changed how Berkeley thinks about its own health. In one survey of 840 people reached by Healthy Berkeley-funded programs, 80% reported a shift in their attitude, interest or intention toward healthier behaviors. Once Berkeley residents understood that sugary drink companies had been unfairly targeting them, they stopped standing for it.

That is not a pricing effect. That is a community organizing itself around its own well-being.

The behavior change is showing up in the data. A 2024 study tracked 44,000 children in California cities with soda taxes against 345,000 children in 40 matched cities without, and found significantly lower body mass index percentiles among kids in tax cities — with the strongest effects in children under 12. The researchers explicitly recommended similar excise taxes as a tool to prevent chronic disease.

The beverage industry understood from the start that this was the threat they could not afford. In 2018, the American Beverage Association brought a $7 million ballot initiative to Sacramento that would have required a two-thirds supermajority for nearly any new local tax, and offered to withdraw it only if the Legislature banned local soda taxes for 12 years. The Legislature capitulated. The Sacramento Bee called it a shakedown. State Sen. Scott Wiener called it “a nuclear weapon” aimed at state and local governments. Fortunately, Berkeley’s tax was grandfathered in.

Appropriately, in 2023, the California Third District Court of Appeal struck down the law’s penalty provisions in a lawsuit led by Cultiva La Salud and Santa Cruz City councilmember Martine Watkins. In 2024, Berkeley voted to make its tax permanent with 80% support. During the same election, Santa Cruz became the first California city to pass a new soda tax since the preemption deal.

The genie is now out of the bottle.

Other California cities should be paying attention to what Berkeley built. Diabetes rates can bend. Youth BMIs can come down. Trust in local institutions can rise. Community leaders can emerge from the neighborhoods most affected.

Berkeley has been showing us the possibilities for years.

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CESAR LATIN PALACE – César Ascarrunz returns home after months of legal battles and family controversy

César Ascarrunz during a recent interview at his home in San Francisco, before losing his sight. César Ascarrunz durante una entrevista en su casa de San Francisco antes de perder la visión.

Music promoter regains access to his residence following legal actions in San Francisco and Modesto as investigations and legal disputes continue

by Marvin Ramírez

In a dramatic turn of events, César Ascarrunz, the well-known music promoter, businessman, and cultural figure in San Francisco whose situation has generated growing concern within the Bay Area Latino community, returned to his home just hours before this edition of El Reportero entered final layout for publication on Friday, June 5, following months of legal disputes, court proceedings, and controversies related to his care, finances, and personal affairs.

According to family members, attorneys, and individuals involved in the case, Ascarrunz, 90, regained access to his residence after a series of legal actions in both San Francisco and Modesto, California, where matters involving his care, legal authority, and financial affairs had been under review.

His return marks the latest chapter in a case that has drawn significant attention since Ascarrunz, who is legally blind, was moved to a senior care facility in Modesto and became virtually inaccessible to friends, relatives, and his youngest son, Leonardo Ascarrunz.

Family members and people close to him maintain that during his absence, control of many aspects of Ascarrunz’s life passed into the hands of others. They claim communication with longtime friends and relatives was restricted and that concerns emerged regarding the management of his finances, rental properties, and personal affairs.

The most dramatic moment of the day occurred when Ascarrunz arrived at the residence. According to relatives and individuals present, he was unable to enter normally because the locks had been changed and additional barriers had allegedly been installed inside the home, preventing access even after a locksmith attempted to open the door.

Those present stated that specialized tools ultimately had to be used to force entry into the residence. Family members said police officers were present while access was restored and Ascarrunz reentered the property.

Sources close to the family said one of Ascarrunz’s older sons, Felipe Ascarrunz, was inside the residence during the events surrounding the entry. Family members stated that Felipe later left the property. El Reportero has not independently confirmed who else may have been inside the home before access was gained.

Among those present when access to the residence was restored were a locksmith, a carpenter, two police officers, César Ascarrunz, his youngest son Leonardo, two nieces, his brother Castro and Castro’s wife, as well as his nephew Julio, according to people involved in the effort.

After leaving the senior care facility in Modesto, Ascarrunz stayed temporarily at the home of Marta Rodríguez, the mother of his youngest son, Leonardo. Family members said the residence, located a short distance from his own home, provided him with a safe place to stay while legal proceedings continued.

By Thursday evening, Ascarrunz was once again sleeping in his own home. Staying with him were Leonardo, his nieces, his brother Castro, and other relatives who have supported him throughout the legal proceedings.

Family members also reported that Carlos, a longtime employee and trusted associate of Ascarrunz, is traveling from Atlanta and is expected to move temporarily into the residence to assist with his care and companionship in the coming weeks.

The dispute has involved competing claims regarding who holds legal authority over Ascarrunz’s affairs. Court documents filed in connection with the case have raised questions concerning powers of attorney, trust administration, and decisions related to his care and finances.

According to people familiar with the proceedings, actions taken in Modesto courts addressed issues involving trust administration and the individuals exercising authority over aspects of Ascarrunz’s personal affairs. Family members believe those proceedings contributed to the developments that ultimately allowed him to return home.

People close to Ascarrunz also contend that significant amounts of money and personal property may have disappeared during the period in which he was separated from many of his usual contacts. Those allegations have not yet been resolved by the courts.

According to individuals currently helping Ascarrunz review financial records, the musician has expressed concern about transactions involving bank accounts, debit cards, rental income, and other assets. Family members and advisers are reviewing financial documents to determine the extent of any losses and whether additional legal action will be necessary.

Among the matters currently under review are various financial transactions that Ascarrunz and those supporting him believe require closer examination. According to relatives and associates, Ascarrunz has requested that several individuals be identified and contacted because he believes they may possess information relevant to financial activities currently being reviewed by attorneys and advisers.

The case has also attracted attention because of conflicting claims regarding Ascarrunz’s mental capacity. Family members maintain that recent medical evaluations concluded that he remains mentally competent and capable of managing his own affairs. His supporters point to medical findings and court proceedings that they say support that conclusion.

Despite his visual disability, Ascarrunz remained actively involved in efforts to regain control of his affairs. Friends and relatives say he spent months making telephone calls, gathering information, and maintaining contact with supporters, attorneys, and family members.

According to people close to him, Ascarrunz used a specialized telephone system that allows him to record names and numbers and identify people he calls through voice messages. Family members and friends frequently assisted him by writing down contact information as he rebuilt a communication network that, according to those close to him, had been interrupted during the period in which he was separated from many of his acquaintances.

Those who have worked closely with him throughout this experience describe his determination as extraordinary. Despite the severe loss of vision, they say Ascarrunz personally directed many of the efforts that ultimately led to legal actions, the restoration of contacts, and eventually his return home.

A close family friend who has assisted Ascarrunz during this situation and requested anonymity described what he considers encouraging signs regarding his condition.

“Recently César was able to see the paper and recognize where to place his signature,” the friend told El Reportero. “He signed the documents himself.”

The friend emphasized that Ascarrunz remains visually impaired, but said the experience has given renewed hope to family members and friends.

This reporter recalls a conversation with Ascarrunz about a month ago during which the musician described a brief and unexpected improvement in his vision. At that time, Ascarrunz said he was able to clearly see his fingers for a few moments before the image disappeared again.

Although no medical conclusions have been drawn from those experiences, people close to Ascarrunz say they have observed occasional signs suggesting that some limited visual perception may still remain despite the severe vision loss documented in previous medical evaluations.

Family members and friends say music will play a central role in Ascarrunz’s recovery and daily life now that he has returned home. Despite having lost his sight, the veteran promoter and musician has continued playing whenever possible.

Before being moved to the senior care facility, Ascarrunz was frequently seen playing piano at his residence, where he keeps several pianos. Those close to him say that throughout his life he has found in music a source of inspiration, comfort, and personal expression.

People close to him also point to videos recorded while he was living at the care facility showing him playing piano and percussion instruments. Despite his blindness, he continued demonstrating his musical abilities and his deep connection to music.

Those around him believe returning home will allow him to reconnect with a fundamental part of his identity. Family members report that an old friend and veteran Latin music performer is traveling from Miami to stay with Ascarrunz and assist him during the coming weeks. They hope the two musicians will once again be able to play together.

For family members and friends, the prospect of music returning to the house represents far more than entertainment. They view it as a source of companionship, motivation, and purpose for a man whose life has been deeply connected to the arts for decades.

Speaking with El Reportero after returning home, Ascarrunz expressed relief and determination as legal proceedings continue.

“Now it’s time to finish the investigations and bring criminal charges against all those involved. There is a God, and He has rescued me,” Ascarrunz said.

For those supporting him, the significance of this day goes beyond legal proceedings. After months of legal battles, family conflicts, and uncertainty, they describe the moment as the recovery of his freedom and his place in the home he built over decades.

El Reportero will continue following this story as new information emerges.

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NOTICE INVITING BIDS

The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) is calling for sealed
Bids from qualified contractors to provide district-wide demolition and
deconstruction services as needed at various campuses for District-wide
Demolition and Deconstruction Services Projects (Bid No. 25-26/10).
Bids are to be submitted electronically (via Planet Bids), by 2:00 PM,
on June 30, 2026. Follow the link below for the bid opening: https://
peralta-edu.zoom.us/j/85480417635

The intent of this solicitation is to establish a pool of qualified contractors
to perform demolition, selective demolition, deconstruction, removal,
hauling, site clearing, hazardous materials coordination, and related
services at various District owned facilities on an as-needed basis through
individually issued job orders, Task Orders, or Works Authorization.
This first phase of work consists of the demolition of a doublewide trailer
at the District Service Center, the Cougar Village (8 trailers) at College
of Alameda and the Pool Complex at Laney College. Other projects
will be awarded over the next five years to those who submit to the first
phase. Future project that will be awarded over time include the Laney
College Tower Building, Laney College Building A, Merritt College
Building A, Building D, Building E and Building F. The District Project
Labor Agreement will apply to those projects valued at over one million
dollars. Firms with demonstrated experience in safe, environmentally
responsible demolition, hazardous material handling, and sustainable
deconstruction practices are encouraged to respond.

The work to be performed under this contract includes the furnishing of
all labor, materials, equipment, transportation, services, permits, temporary
controls and construction facilities, and all general conditions,
seismic requirements, general requirements and incidentals required to
complete the work on the projects in their entirety as described in the
contract documents.

In order to perform the work, Bidders at the time of the Bid Opening and
for the duration of the project shall possess a valid California Contractor’s
license and certifications in order to qualify to perform the Work:
Class A and/or B General Contractor.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid/Site Walk meeting will be held on June 9, 2026
at 9:00AM. We will start at the District Service Center 333 East 8th
Street, Oakland, CA 94606, we will meet under the shade structure
east of the main building. We will then walk to Laney College and
finally drive to College of Alameda, located at 555 Ralph Appezzato
Memorial Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94501.

Copies of the bid documents may be obtained by clicking on the following
links: https://build.peralta.edu/vendorregistry
Planet Bids Vendor Portal
Governing Codes:
GC 53068
EC 81641
Publication Dates: May 29, 2026, and June 5, 2026 – El Reportero

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PG&E to California graduates: Celebrate safely by tying off foil balloons

Foto/pexels.com

Balloons that are not properly secured can cause power outages and disrupt your graduation celebrations.

OAKLAND, California — With graduation celebrations underway across California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is reminding customers that helium-filled foil balloons can pose a serious public safety risk if not tethered to a weight. Balloons that float toward overhead power lines can cause power outages and present safety hazards.

Safety regarding foil balloons is especially important during wildfire season. Just two weeks ago, an out-of-control foil balloon in Georgia drifted toward an overhead power line and sparked a large wildfire that burned thousands of acres, along with homes and businesses. PG&E’s service area has experienced its fair share of power outages caused by balloons.

In the first five months of 2026, metallic balloons that came into contact with power lines caused more than 100 power outages in PG&E’s service area, disrupting service for more than 46,000 customers. These outages can affect homes and businesses, as well as critical services such as hospitals, schools, and traffic signals.

“Graduation season should be about celebrating students and their accomplishments, not dealing with preventable power outages,” said Ron Richardson, Vice President of Electric Distribution at PG&E. “A foil balloon released outdoors can quickly make contact with overhead power lines and knock power to an entire neighborhood. We encourage everyone to celebrate safely by keeping foil balloons secured with a weight.”

Foil balloons are coated with a shiny material that conducts electricity. When they escape and make contact with overhead power lines or electrical equipment, they can short-circuit transformers, damage wires, and cause widespread outages. PG&E typically sees more balloon-related outages during graduation season, so the company urges customers to take a few simple precautions before celebrating outdoors.

To help ensure graduation balloon celebrations are enjoyed responsibly, PG&E reminds customers to follow these important balloon safety tips:

• “Look up and stay safe!” Be careful and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead power lines.

• Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons have a weight attached that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.

• When possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Never allow metallic balloons to be released in open spaces, for everyone’s safety.

• Do not tie metallic balloons together.

• Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite, or toy that becomes caught on a power line. Leave it there and immediately call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.

• Never approach a downed power line or one that is hanging in the air. Always assume that downed power lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Dangerous. Keep your distance, keep others away, and call 911 immediately to alert the police and fire departments.

You can find more tips at pge.com/beprepared

About PGE
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PGE Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

https://pgemarketing.box.com/s/9qwj89sresu88bdc9v9toe2fjopzgnoc

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BREAKING NEWS: Colombia heads to polarized runoff after historic first-round vote

Abelardo de la Espriella (right-wing candidate and winner of the first round).
Iván Cepeda (candidato de izquierda y segundo lugar que avanzó a la segunda vuelta).

Abelardo de la Espriella and Iván Cepeda advance to June 21 presidential showdown

by the El Reportero staff

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Colombia awoke Monday facing one of the most polarized presidential runoffs in its modern history after right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist Senator Iván Cepeda emerged as the clear winners of Sunday’s first-round election, setting up a decisive June 21 vote that will determine the country’s political direction for the next four years.

With more than 99 percent of ballots counted, De la Espriella captured approximately 43.7 percent of the vote, while Cepeda finished second with about 40.9 percent. Neither candidate achieved the 50 percent threshold required for an outright victory, sending the race to a runoff election.

The results represent a major political upset. Several polls had shown Cepeda, a longtime ally of President Gustavo Petro, leading the race. Instead, De la Espriella, a lawyer and political outsider who built his campaign around tough-on-crime policies and criticism of Petro’s government, finished ahead and enters the runoff with momentum.

The election highlighted Colombia’s deep political divisions. Supporters of De la Espriella argue that stronger security policies are needed to confront criminal organizations and armed groups that continue operating in various regions of the country. His campaign has emphasized public safety, economic growth and a more conservative governing approach.

Cepeda, meanwhile, campaigned on continuing many of the social reforms promoted by Petro, including efforts to reduce inequality, expand access to health care and pursue negotiated solutions to Colombia’s long-running armed conflicts. His supporters argue that social investment and peace-building remain essential to addressing the nation’s challenges.

The runoff is expected to be closely watched across Latin America because it reflects a broader regional debate between progressive reform movements and rising conservative political forces. Analysts say voters who supported eliminated center-right candidates could play a decisive role in determining the final outcome.

Turnout reached approximately 58 percent, according to preliminary reports, and both campaigns immediately began courting voters whose candidates failed to advance.

For now, Colombia faces three weeks of intense campaigning as the nation prepares for a final choice between two sharply different visions for its future.

Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, PBS NewsHour and Colombian media outlets consulted by El Reportero.

 

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CalKIDS expands educational opportunities for Latino students in California

Latino family explores educational benefits through California’s state-funded CalKIDS scholarship program. El Reportero/AI. Familia latina explora beneficios educativos del programa estatal CalKIDS para futuros estudiantes. - El Reportero/IA

by Xochitl T. Canela

Latino families across California are being encouraged to take advantage of the state’s CalKIDS program, which offers financial assistance for higher education and technical training to eligible students.

The information was shared during a virtual forum organized by the OCPSC, where speakers also discussed the importance of protecting personal information through California’s DROP program.

During the presentation, Cecilia Arteaga, a representative of CalKIDS, explained that children born in California on or after June 1, 2022 automatically qualify for a state-funded scholarship ranging from $175 to $1,500.

The funds may be used for universities, community colleges and technical education programs, and remain available until students reach age 26.

Arteaga emphasized that parents’ immigration status does not affect a student’s eligibility for the program.

“The main requirement is having the student’s SSID,” she explained, referring to the state student identification number available through schools or report cards.

Families can verify eligibility and obtain additional information through the official CalKIDS website, which also offers resources in Spanish.

In Merced County, Isai Garnica Palma, assistant director of Valley Onward, said his organization has worked closely with school counselors to help students and families activate CalKIDS accounts.

“We have spoken with nearly 5,000 students in Merced County and activated more than 2,000 accounts, equivalent to nearly one million dollars in educational assistance,” Garnica Palma said.

He noted that one of the most successful outreach efforts took place in the Los Baños school district, where school assemblies informed students directly about the program and guided them through the activation process.

During one event, 161 students activated their accounts in only 37 minutes.

Lilia Ocampo, an activist with Centro CHA in Long Beach and Catalina Island, said community health fairs and local events have played an important role in connecting Latino families with the program.

Ocampo stressed that families with irregular immigration status face no risk in applying and said organizations are offering virtual assistance to help parents and students complete the process successfully and access educational funds available for their children’s future academic goals.

The forum also addressed privacy concerns and California’s DROP program, which beginning Aug. 1 will allow residents to request removal of personal information from commercial databases under the DELETE Act introduced by Josh Becker.

 

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Community Calendar | Bay Area Events (May–June 2026)

Miembros de la banda, en ningún orden en particular / Band members, in no particular order: Leo Rosales (timbales/vocals), Gabriel Manzo (lead guitar/vocals), Ramiro Amador (bass), Tony Stead (keyboards), David George (drums), Adrian Areas (congas), John Marin (vocals/percussion), Tom Bertetta (trumpet), Bill Ortiz (trumpet), and Ross Wilson (trombone/trumpet).

by the El Reportero staff

Grupo Orquesta Borinquen. Group Orquesta Borinquen

Orquesta Borinquen brings salsa and wine celebration to Vallejo

Bay Area salsa group Orquesta Borinquen will headline a Sunday afternoon salsa and wine event at Vino Godfather Winery in Vallejo. Organizers say the gathering combines live tropical dance music, wine tasting and outdoor social activities in a relaxed North Bay atmosphere.

The band is expected to perform classic salsa favorites and dance rhythms while organizers encourage the public to support local live music venues and community bands. Sunday, May 31, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Vino Godfather Winery, 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo.

Live salsa returns Wednesdays to the Mission District

Weekly salsa dancing continues at Blondie’s Bar in San Francisco’s Mission District, where live Latin bands and DJs gather dancers from across the Bay Area every Wednesday evening. Organizers say the popular Valencia Street venue continues attracting both longtime salsa dancers and younger audiences interested in Latin music and nightlife.

The weekly gatherings feature salsa, Latin jazz and tropical dance music in a relaxed social atmosphere popular with local residents, artists and visitors. Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Blondie’s Bar, 540 Valencia St., San Francisco.

Momotombo-SF brings Latin rock to Golden Gate Park Bandshell

Bay Area Latin rock ensemble Momotombo-SF, featuring original and former members connected to the legendary groups Malo and Santana, will perform a free outdoor concert at San Francisco’s historic Golden Gate Bandshell. The group blends Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms and classic San Francisco Latin rock sounds rooted in the city’s Fillmore-era music traditions.

Among the featured musicians is Adrian Areas, son of Jose “Chepito” Areas, the retired founding member and percussionist of Santana, and one of the pioneers of the Bay Area Latin rock movement. Organizers say the concert is expected to attract longtime Bay Area Latin rock fans and park visitors during the city’s summer outdoor music season. Friday, June 5, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Golden Gate Park Bandshell, Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco. Free admission.

SF Public Library expands children’s family programs

The San Francisco Public Library continues presenting free children’s and family literacy programs throughout neighborhood branches across the city, including storytimes, music activities, reading circles and educational events for toddlers and school-age children.

Upcoming activities continue during the week of May 29 through early June at multiple San Francisco library branches citywide.

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Human Rights Watch denounces deportation crisis for Cubans stranded in Mexico

HRW afirmó que EE.UU. envió 4.353 cubanos a México entre enero de 2025 y marzo de 2026. HRW stated that the U.S. sent 4,353 Cubans to Mexico between January 2025 and March 2026. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)

by the El Reportero and MND staff

Thousands of Cuban migrants deported from the United States to Mexico are facing homelessness, illness, legal uncertainty and growing dangers from organized crime, according to a new report released this week by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

The 66-page report, titled “Casting Us Aside to Die,” documents what the organization describes as widespread abuses affecting Cubans and other migrants deported from the United States into Mexican territory between January 2025 and March 2026. Human Rights Watch argues that many deportees were denied due process and abandoned in dangerous conditions after arriving in southern Mexican cities with little or no assistance.

According to the report, the United States deported nearly 13,000 third-country nationals to Mexico during that period, including approximately 4,353 Cubans — the largest nationality group among those deported. Many of the Cubans had lived in the United States for years or decades, especially in Florida and Texas, where they built families, businesses and long-term community ties.

Human Rights Watch researchers interviewed 53 deported migrants in the Mexican cities of Tapachula and Villahermosa, including 41 Cubans. Many described harsh detention conditions in the United States before their deportation, including overcrowding, cold temperatures, inadequate medical care and lack of legal access. Several migrants said they were deported without money, identification documents or personal belongings.

The report says none of the interviewees were given a meaningful opportunity to challenge their deportation to Mexico, despite fears for their safety or concerns about their legal status there. Human Rights Watch alleges that the deportations were conducted under little-known or unwritten agreements between the United States and Mexico that have not been publicly disclosed.

“The Trump administration is using Mexico as a dumping ground for people it cannot deport to their countries of origin,” said Alcira Silva Hava, a researcher in Human Rights Watch’s refugee and migrant rights division. She warned that many deportees are now trapped in “legal limbo” without stable immigration status, employment or medical support.

The report highlights the growing humanitarian difficulties faced by older Cuban migrants. Shelter workers in Villahermosa reported receiving deportees in their 60s, 70s and even 80s — a sharp contrast to the younger migrant populations that traditionally pass through the region. Many suffer from diabetes, heart disease, cancer or hypertension and arrived without medications or health coverage.

Human Rights Watch also documented cases of migrants sleeping on sidewalks or depending entirely on churches and local shelters for survival. In some cases, deportees reportedly became targets for extortion and criminal violence in areas already heavily affected by organized crime activity.

One Cuban migrant interviewed for the report said, “They’re casting us aside to die.” Another described not knowing where to sleep after being released by Mexican immigration authorities during the middle of the night in Villahermosa.

The report additionally raises concerns about deaths linked to immigration detention and deportation practices. A Cuban man who had reportedly lived nearly six decades in the United States died after being detained in Texas. Other migrants described incidents of abuse and intimidation inside detention facilities. Separate allegations by the American Civil Liberties Union previously accused immigration officials of physically abusing Cuban detainees who resisted deportation to Mexico.

While many deported Cubans had criminal records or pending charges, Human Rights Watch notes that a significant number had no violent criminal history, and some had no criminal record at all. The organization argues that broad immigration crackdowns have swept up longtime residents who previously would not have faced deportation because Cuba often refused to receive certain deportees directly from the United States.

Mexico has also come under criticism in the report for failing to provide adequate support systems for deported migrants. Human Rights Watch says Mexican authorities frequently release deportees without offering shelter, food assistance or pathways to long-term legal residency outside the asylum process. Migrants often face bureaucratic barriers to obtaining refugee protection, including difficulties accessing appointments, internet services or legal representation.

The issue reflects broader concerns over human rights and migrant safety in Mexico, where criminal violence and instability continue affecting migrants traveling through or remaining in the country. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly warned about abuses tied to organized crime, insecurity and weaknesses within the immigration and justice systems.

Human Rights Watch called on the United States to suspend deportations of migrants to Mexico unless clear legal protections and humanitarian safeguards are guaranteed. The organization also urged the Mexican government to improve emergency shelter access, healthcare services and legal residency options for deported migrants stranded inside the country.

– With reports from Human Rights Watch, The Washington Post, Miami Herald, AP and other media sources.

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California community colleges crack down on fake students stealing financial aid

Estudiantes pasan frente a un letrero de la oficina de ayuda financiera del campus el 8 de diciembre de 2017. Students walk past a sign for a campus financial aid office on Dec. 8, 2017.

by Adam Echelman

CalMatters

California community colleges say they are making progress against fraudulent students who enroll in classes to steal financial aid money, after years of growing losses tied to online scams and identity theft.

For several years, scammers known as “ghost students” have used fake or stolen identities to register for online classes, apply for grants and disappear after receiving financial aid checks. The problem expanded rapidly during and after the pandemic as colleges increased online course offerings and simplified enrollment procedures to help students continue their education remotely.

Officials with California’s Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office now say the fraud appears to be slowing because of new identity verification systems, stronger fraud detection technology and increased scrutiny following investigations and public criticism.

Recent state figures show community colleges lost far less money to financial aid fraud this year compared with the same period last year. Between January and March of 2025, scammers reportedly stole nearly $5.6 million in federal aid and more than $900,000 in state aid. During the same months this year, losses dropped to roughly $1.5 million in federal funds and about $330,000 in state funds.

Jory Hadsell, a technology executive for the community college system, said colleges have improved their ability to detect suspicious applications before aid money is distributed. Schools are now using expanded monitoring systems, fraud-detection software and additional screening procedures for online enrollments.

“Last spring was really the peak,” Hadsell said, referring to the sharp increase in fraudulent applications reported in 2025.

The fraud problem gained national attention after reports showed scammers were exploiting weaknesses in California’s open-access college system. California’s 116 community colleges are designed to provide broad educational access, often allowing students to apply online quickly and at little or no cost. Tuition is waived for many low-income students, making the system attractive not only for legitimate students but also for criminals seeking easy access to financial aid funds.

Some scammers reportedly use automated software and artificial intelligence tools to create fake student accounts, submit assignments and remain enrolled long enough to collect grant money. Administrators say the fraud became more sophisticated as technology improved, making it harder to distinguish real students from fake ones in online classes.

The rise in fraud led to pressure from lawmakers and education officials. Republican members of Congress called for federal investigations, while California legislators requested a state audit examining how community colleges handled financial aid verification and fraud prevention.

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors also approved new identity verification rules intended to reduce fraudulent enrollments. Under the updated policy, students are expected to verify their identities through additional documentation or online systems before receiving aid.

Implementation of the new requirements has moved slowly, however. Officials say only about half of students have completed the verification process so far. Administrators cite technical challenges and concerns involving younger students, including high school students enrolled in college courses, as reasons for the delays.

The board also debated whether colleges should charge a small application fee to discourage fraudulent applicants. Supporters argued that even a modest fee might reduce fake applications created by bots and organized scammers. But many students and advocacy groups opposed the proposal, warning that any fee could create barriers for low-income Californians already struggling with housing, food and transportation costs.

Ultimately, officials decided not to move forward with the fee proposal for now, saying other prevention efforts appeared to be reducing fraud losses.

Despite the improvement, college leaders insist that even relatively small fraud losses remain unacceptable. Chris Ferguson, executive vice chancellor of finance and strategic initiatives for the community college system, said the goal is to eliminate fraud entirely.

Officials also note that the amount lost to scammers represents less than 1% of total financial aid distributed statewide. Most students receiving assistance use the money appropriately for tuition, books, transportation and living expenses while attending school.

At the same time, legitimate students have sometimes become unintended victims of the crackdown. Some students previously reported being dropped from classes or flagged incorrectly while colleges attempted to identify fraudulent enrollments. Administrators say balancing security with student access remains one of the system’s biggest challenges.

A state audit examining California’s response to the fraud crisis is expected later this year and could lead to additional reforms and recommendations.

– This article was edited to fit space.

 

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Garlic gains attention as studies point to heart-health benefits

by the El Reportero staff

with reporting by Morgan S. Verity

Garlic, a kitchen staple used for centuries in cultures around the world, is once again drawing attention from scientists after recent studies suggested it may help reduce several major cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers analyzing garlic consumption and supplementation found evidence that regular intake could contribute to lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation and better overall heart health.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting millions of people through conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and hypertension. Because of this, scientists continue searching for affordable and accessible ways to help reduce those risks. Garlic, known scientifically as Allium sativum, has become one of the most studied natural foods in preventive nutrition research.

A recent meta-analysis published in Nutrition Reviews examined numerous clinical trials involving garlic supplementation and cardiovascular health markers. Researchers reported that garlic intake significantly improved blood pressure, cholesterol profiles, blood sugar indicators and inflammatory markers, particularly among adults already facing elevated cardiovascular risk. The study suggested that garlic may offer measurable protective effects when combined with healthy lifestyle habits.

Scientists say many of garlic’s potential benefits come from sulfur-containing compounds, especially allicin, which forms when fresh garlic is chopped or crushed. These compounds appear to help blood vessels relax, improve circulation and reduce oxidative stress that can damage arteries over time.

Researchers studying hypertension have also found encouraging results. Reviews published through the National Institutes of Health reported that garlic and garlic-based supplements may help manage high blood pressure and related cardiovascular conditions. Some participants in clinical studies experienced decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Nutrition experts caution, however, that garlic is not a miracle cure and should not replace prescribed medications or professional medical care. Instead, many specialists describe it as one potentially beneficial component of a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, physical activity and reduced processed food consumption.

Several scientific reviews have concluded that garlic may support cardiovascular health through multiple pathways, including helping regulate cholesterol production and reducing inflammation linked to arterial disease.

Beyond blood pressure and cholesterol, researchers are also examining garlic’s antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress occurs when unstable molecules known as free radicals damage cells and tissues. Over time, this process may contribute to chronic illnesses including heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.

Some studies have found that garlic supplementation increased antioxidant activity in the body while lowering markers associated with inflammation and cell damage. Experts say these effects may help protect blood vessels and improve endothelial function, which is essential for healthy circulation.

Garlic has long been used in traditional medicine systems across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe. Ancient civilizations including the Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese documented medicinal uses of garlic for energy, infections and circulation problems centuries before modern laboratories began studying its compounds scientifically.

Today, garlic is available in many forms including raw cloves, powders, oils and aged garlic extracts sold as dietary supplements. Some clinical trials have focused specifically on aged garlic extract, which researchers believe may provide cardiovascular benefits while reducing some of the stomach irritation associated with raw garlic. Ongoing clinical trials continue examining whether aged garlic extract could help slow plaque buildup in arteries.

Health specialists note that preparation methods matter. Some research suggests chopping or crushing garlic and allowing it to rest briefly before cooking may help activate allicin formation. Excessive heat, however, can reduce some of garlic’s biologically active compounds.

Still, researchers emphasize moderation. Eating large amounts of garlic or taking concentrated supplements may cause digestive discomfort, bad breath or interactions with blood-thinning medications. People taking anticoagulants or preparing for surgery are often advised to consult healthcare providers before using garlic supplements regularly.

While more long-term research is still needed, scientists say the growing body of evidence surrounding garlic and cardiovascular health remains promising. For many people, adding garlic to balanced meals may provide both flavor and possible health advantages without major cost.

Public health experts continue encouraging people to focus on sustainable dietary habits rather than relying on single “superfoods.” Yet garlic’s long history in traditional diets, combined with expanding scientific evidence, has helped reinforce its reputation as more than just a cooking ingredient.

– Food.news. Information for this article was compiled from scientific studies, nutrition research reviews, cardiovascular health analyses and reports from medical journals, public health institutions and multiple media sources.

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