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José Benítez’s Nierika Wixárika Table: Sacred Huichol Art

by México Desconocido

José Benítez’s Nierika Wixárika table is a sacred work that reveals myths, deities, and symbols of the Huichol spiritual universe.

The Nierika Wixárika table created by José Benítez is not only a piece of art, but also a sacred portal, a visual narrative that unravels the complex cosmogony of the Huichol people. Those who pause to look at it calmly discover that they are looking at a map of the universe: a divine face, an ancestral territory, and a mystical vision all in one.

This yarn mosaic, entitled The Vision of Tatutsi Xuweri Timaiweme, is considered one of the most complete and powerful works of contemporary Indigenous art. Through vibrant colors and enigmatic forms, Benítez captured a living story inhabited by deities, myths, and symbols that explain the origin of the world according to Wixárika tradition.

What is a Wixárika nierika tabla?

Wixárika art has distinguished itself by depicting the invisible. Nierika tabla—whose name means instrument for seeing—are visual pieces that allow us to look beyond the apparent. Originally, they were small ritual objects used by mara’akate (shamans) to connect with the gods and their ancestors during ceremonial journeys.

Over time, this tradition evolved into larger, more narrative formats. Using colored yarn bonded with wax on wooden surfaces, artists began to construct complex scenes: cosmogonic stories, sacred maps, and portrayals of visions obtained with peyote. José Benítez took this tradition to the limit, and his most famous work is proof of this.

José Benítez: Artist Who Saw with the Eyes of the Spirit

Yukaiye Benítez Sánchez, also known as José Benítez, was born in 1938 in Wautia, Jalisco. From a young age, he felt the calling to become a mara’akame, the spiritual guide of his community. His mission was not only to learn traditional songs and rituals, but also to capture the visions of his ancestors in images.

Benítez wasn’t content with repeating patterns: he transformed the Wixárika nierika panel into a language of his own. His narrative style, sometimes abstract and sometimes saturated with symbols, made him one of the greatest exponents of 20th-century Huichol art. For him, every stroke had meaning, every color contained a message. His art was not decoration, but a form of knowledge.

The Wixárika nierika panel, a representation of the indigenous worldview

Tatutsi Xuweri Timaiweme’s vision, created in 1980, measures more than two meters wide. On that surface, Benítez integrated thirteen deities, nine founding myths, and nine sacred symbols. It is a complex work that requires time and patience to understand. The protagonist is Tatutsi Xuweri Timaiweme, Our Great-Grandfather, an ancestral figure who embodies the divine worldview. Also featured are Tayau (the Sun), Tatewari (Fire), Tatei Yurianaka (the Earth), the Blue Deer, and peyote, among other central elements of Wixárika thought.

The tablet simultaneously represents an illuminated face, a constellation of gods, and a territory charged with spiritual energy. Its lines intertwine mythical time, the ceremonial present, and the cycles of nature. It is a work that begs to be read as if it were a modern codex: each figure reveals something, but also holds a secret.

Speaking Symbols: Arrows, Snakes, and the Blue Deer

Within Benítez’s nierika Wixárika tablet, essential figures for the Huichol people’s worldview are repeated. The arrows, for example, represent prayers offered to the spiritual world. The snakes embody the power of underground rivers and the energy of transformation. The deer, a sacred guide, symbolizes communication with the gods.

Another key element is the nierika itself, represented as a disc or a rhombus. This symbol refers to the vision acquired through peyote and the ability to see the hidden. It is no coincidence that the entire panel is constructed as a gigantic nierika: contemplating it, one enters the very vision of the artist and his tradition.

A preserved legacy

Benítez’s panel was safeguarded by anthropologist Juan Negrín and later donated to the National Museum of Anthropology, where it now forms part of the INAH collection. Although it began as a spiritual revelation, today it is also a heritage work that preserves the voice of a people.

Through it, visitors can gain a glimpse into the way the Wixaritari explain the world: not with academic words, but with sacred images. The painting is a testament to a living legacy, one that continues to beat in the altars, in pilgrimages, in the songs, and in the visual memory that artists like Benítez left behind.

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Cal Grant expansion can help Californians overcome the hurdles that deter most students

Students in class at Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills on May 8, 2025. -- Estudiantes en clase en Los Angeles Pierce College en Woodland Hills el 8 de mayo de 2025. Foto de Jules Hotz para CalMatters.

by Rukshan Samaranayake, CalMatters

Commentary

My journey to a college degree has been filled with detours.

After high school, I attended college for two semesters before I joined the U.S. Army. When I concluded my service as a combat engineer — deployed overseas and with two Purple Heart medals to boast — I returned to California and enrolled in community college. But financial difficulties got in the way.

Unsurprisingly, money is the primary reason most students stop or drop out of college. I was fortunate to have GI Bill benefits to pay for my education, but most Californians don’t have that option. I eventually returned to college, completed my associate’s degree and transferred to National University, where I earned my bachelor’s.

Financial aid made all the difference in my college journey — and my life. California lawmakers have the opportunity to strengthen a financial aid program that’s serving as a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Californians who are seeking a college credential to improve their lives.

This year, the Cal Grant program is supporting nearly 700,000 low- and middle-income Californians who are pursuing degrees at public and independent postsecondary institutions across the state. Two-thirds of new Cal Grant recipients are seeking to become the first college graduates in their families. Nearly a third are adult learners — many with family, job and other responsibilities — who are returning to school after time away from formal education.

Cal Grant makes it possible to pursue a credential at the institutions that have powered California’s economy for decades. Today, 56 percent of California adults have a postsecondary degree or credential, a nine-point increase since 2014. Enhancing the state’s financial aid program would help more Californians open up the pathways to high-wage careers that keep California globally competitive. But the award amounts from the Cal Grant program have not kept pace with the rising cost of college.

Assembly Bill 402, which is now under consideration in the state Senate, would accomplish two critical things to support people like me who took a less traditional path.

First, by restoring Cal Grant scholarship amounts to 2001 levels, the bill would provide additional aid to eligible students. AB 402 would raise the maximum Cal Grant award to students attending independent institutions by $350 to $9,708 annually starting in 2025-26. This increase would directly support nearly 31,000 Californians attending private nonprofit colleges and universities.

Second, the bill would ensure that nontraditional students like myself who transfer from a community college to one of the more than 85 independent California colleges or universities can maintain their Cal Grant eligibility.

In 2024, these campuses welcomed more than 3,300 community college transfer students. If transfer students can maintain Cal Grant eligibility, it would open up additional opportunities to better serve the diverse needs and realities for community college students.

Thanks to the financial aid that supported my college journey, I went from a college dropout to college graduate. In January, I earned my bachelor’s degree with distinction from National University.

I chose to remain there to pursue my master’s while serving as vice president of the student veterans’ organization, volunteering through the California Volunteers program and supporting two military-affiliated organizations, The Mission Continues and the Wounded Warrior Project.

AB 402 represents a small investment in postsecondary opportunities that could make a big difference in peoples’ lives. Every college journey is different, but everyone should have a chance to get the financial support they need to reach the finish.

 

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Are you already in vacation mode? Keep These Travel Budget Friendly Tips in Mind 

Shot of a young woman using a laptop and going through paperwork while working from home

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Summer is here, and for many Americans, it’s vacation season.

It’s also one of the most expensive seasons to travel. With warm weather, school breaks and slower work schedules encouraging many to hit the road or book a flight during the summer months, prices for flights, hotels and destinations often reach their peak, which could put a damper on your dream vacation plans.

If you’re looking to get away and maximize your time out of office, these tips and tricks can help make seeing the world, or even just the U.S., a bit more affordable.

Start saving & take advantage of travel perks

Planning your vacation can start any time simply by saving money for your travel expenses. Look at where your money is currently going and see if there are items you can cut, such as subscriptions, entertainment and dining out.

Don’t underestimate the power of credit card points – they can make travel more rewarding and help offset costs.  Explore the travel rewards your credit card offers. Travel cards can help you build up miles or rewards points to put toward flights, hotel stays or rental cars by rewarding you for everyday purchases.

Timing is everything

If your plans are more flexible, you may also want to consider traveling during the off-season for lower prices. Think about traveling in the month or two on either side of the peak season when tourists are less likely to visit. Whenever you travel, however, aim to book plane tickets about two months in advance, and start looking up flights as early as possible to get the lowest prices.

Sign up for airline price drop alerts and follow airlines via email newsletters and social media to keep atop any deals. Check for package deals as well, as airlines and hotels will often offer package deals at a discount to make sure no seats or rooms go empty.

As you make your itinerary, look for discounts at popular destinations. Many museums offer free tickets on certain days or at certain times of the day. Ticket and booking deals are often available for members of certain professions, such as education, health care and the military. Other cities offer museum passes that allow you to visit multiple museums for a flat rate.

Know what to skip

Once you’re at your destination, consider passing on expensive guided tours or private transit like taxis or ride shares. Instead, create your own city tour, look online for free walking tours or get around on public transportation.

If you’re visiting a popular monument or famous street, pass the “tourist trap” stores and restaurants and do your shopping and dining a few blocks away where prices are likely to be lower.

Broaden your horizons

Sometimes, you can have more fun at a lesser-known destination. Try some smaller towns over big cities, which can offer better prices on your hotel and dining experiences. Additionally, if you’re within driving distance of a big city, you can still go and enjoy it for a day.

If you are staying in a larger area, find a hotel outside of the most expensive part of the city but close enough that you’re not spending much getting to the sights.

Plan a staycation

If a big trip still isn’t in your budget, that’s OK. There are still plenty of ways to get away, even if you stay in the comfort of your own home.

Take a day trip to a nearby town or plan a longer road trip through your state. You’ll still get to see new places and try new hotels. If you’re planning to visit a friend or family member, explore a new venue while you’re in that town. Exploring lesser-known destinations can offer unique charm without the usual crowds and costs.

The U.S. also has extensive state and national park systems with a reasonable per-car entrance price. To save even more money, bring a picnic!

The bottom line

Travel enriches our lives, and with some creative planning, you can enjoy memorable adventures without overspending. Using budget travel tips can help you add adventure to your life this summer without breaking the bank. Have fun finding strategic ways to cut costs while still having an enjoyable and fulfilling trip.

For more financial health tips,  visit chase.com/financialgoals.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described on this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

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

 © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

 

 

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Is it worth it to keep buying meat? Prices are skyrocketing while chicken remains an affordable option

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by the El Reportero staff

Although red meat has been a staple in many families’ diets for generations due to its high content of animal protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, today it has become a luxury that is difficult to afford. The price per pound of quality beef has reached astonishing levels, and consumers are thinking twice before adding it to their shopping cart.

Visit any membership store like Costco and you’ll immediately notice the change. Just a couple of years ago, a package of seven or eight quality steaks cost around $25. Today, that same package can easily exceed $60, and even reach $80, depending on the cut. This represents an increase of more than 200 percent. The natural question that arises is: is it worth continuing to buy meat at these prices? And why has it risen so much?

The average cost of a pound of ground beef has been climbing toward $6 over the past few years. The average price was $5.98 in May, the highest ever, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The joke circulating among shoppers is that cows may have gotten a raise, but the reality behind the rise in meat prices is more complex. Several factors have contributed to the rise in prices: from the rising cost of cattle feed and transportation to the drought affecting cattle-raising regions in the United States and Latin America. Furthermore, the pandemic has left deep scars on the supply chain, decreasing production and increasing consumer prices.

But consumers are not without options. One strategy some are proposing is to reduce or temporarily suspend consumption of red meat. The logic is simple: if demand falls, the price will eventually drop. “Let the butchers eat it themselves,” some shoppers say sarcastically. Meanwhile, many are opting to replace beef with chicken, an alternative that remains relatively affordable and nutritious.

Chicken, in addition to being cheaper, is also an excellent source of animal protein. It contains less saturated fat than beef, making it a healthier choice for the heart. It’s also rich in niacin (vitamin B3), phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin B6. Although beef provides a greater amount of heme iron—which is easier for the human body to absorb—and vitamin B12, a balanced diet with chicken can adequately meet many of the body’s nutritional needs.

From a culinary standpoint, chicken has one advantage: its versatility in the kitchen. There are hundreds of ways to prepare it, and many of them are quick, tasty, and healthy. Roasted, stewed, baked, grilled, curried, breaded, in tacos, soups, broths, Asian or Caribbean style… the list is endless. All it takes is a little creativity and a willingness to explore new or traditional flavors.

For example, a single whole chicken can be used to prepare several meals: garlic chicken breasts, barbecued chicken legs, vegetable broth, or Latin American-style chicken rice. You can also use the bone to make a nutritious consommé.

In addition, chicken is ideal for those watching their weight or who have high cholesterol, as its fat content is much lower if eaten without the skin. In contrast, beef, especially richer cuts like ribeye or T-bone, contain high levels of fat, which can be harmful if consumed in excess.

On an economic level, there is no comparison. A family pack of chicken thighs or breasts at Costco can still be purchased for less than $20, enough to feed a family of four for several days. Even at conventional supermarkets, whole chicken remains one of the most affordable proteins.

Of course, this isn’t about demonizing beef or eliminating it completely from the diet. For those who enjoy it or consider it indispensable for cultural or nutritional reasons, there’s always the option of consuming it in moderation and less frequently. You can also opt for cheaper cuts like lean ground beef or stew cuts.

Another option for many price-conscious consumers is to seek out local alternatives. Buying directly from ranchers, at farmers markets, or through cooperatives can be a way to get quality meat at a more reasonable price.

Meanwhile, the average consumer continues to grapple with the daily dilemma in the supermarket aisles: exorbitantly priced beef or chicken with multiple options. And at this crossroads, chicken seems to be winning the battle, not only because it’s cheaper, but also because of its flexibility in cooking and its health benefits.

Will the price of chicken also rise? Maybe. And when that happens, perhaps we will hear it said with

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Political group aligned with Trump, GOP seeks official party status in Mexico

by the El Reportero‘s wire services

A political group professedly aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump and the Republican Party is seeking to register as an official party in Mexico.

The self-styled conservative political association known informally as the Mexican Republican Party has expressed support for Trump’s immigration raids while criticizing the Mexican government for not engaging in similar actions.

Juan Iván Peña Neder, president of the association, has decried what he considers the government’s failure to address the root causes of illegal migration to and from Mexico.

“Lamentably, … the [Mexican government] has eluded responsibility by relying on empty rhetoric not translated into concrete policies, thus perpetuating the conditions that lead to migration,” he said.

México Republicano, the formal name of the organization that has been described as “ultra-right [and] … confessional,” announced over the weekend that it would soon begin recruiting and registering members in order to become an official national party.

The organization must hold assemblies in at least 20 states and sign up at least 60,000 registered voters in order to join the federal registry of political parties. It was authorized to pursue official party status by the National Electoral Institute (INE) in January.

In a statement issued in February, México Republicano declared itself “the only republican and conservative political organization willing to take on the existing statist and clientelistic model of government” in Mexico.

It also said it will fight to promote economic growth, to support the free market and to consolidate a strong and independent middle class.

In April, Peña Neder further outlined his organization’s ideology: “I believe our sympathy with President Trump and our ideological identification with the Republican Party makes us distinct in this hemisphere,” he said.

Even as Trump’s tariff policies were causing turmoil in Mexico, Peña Neder said his organization would not distance itself from its ideological ties to Trump, saying the alignment positioned his group as the only genuine opposition to Mexico’s government.

Earlier this month, México Republicano reiterated its ideological concurrence with Trump in a statement posted on social media. The statement criticized the violence associated with the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles which have resulted in the arrests of dozens of Mexican nationals.

“We strongly condemn all acts of violence disguised as protest in countries that have provided opportunities for Mexicans,” the statement reads. “Gratitude and respect for the law must guide our actions, both at home and abroad.”

The statement urged Mexico and the United States “to strengthen agreements for dignified and orderly labor migration.”

The strongly anti-abortion organization, which originated as a local party in the northern state of Chihuahua, was formed in 2022 with support from evangelical groups and conservative businessmen, according to the newspaper La Jornada.

Larry Rubin, a former CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico, president of the American Society of Mexico and official representative of the U.S. Republican Party in Mexico, is among the group’s advisers.

With reports from La Jornada, Excelsior, Milenio and Infobae

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Homelessness is top of mind for many Californians. Why does the proposed budget eliminate funding for it?

California’s main source of homelessness funding would drop from $1 billion last year to $0 this year in the proposed state budget

by Marisa Kendall

CalMatters

State leaders have been talking a lot lately about cleaning up California’s homeless encampments and moving people indoors. But the tentative budget they’ve drawn up for the upcoming year has many asking: With what money?

Both Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature have proposed gutting the state’s main source of homelessness funding in the 2025-26 budget, sending a wave of panic through the cities, counties and service providers that have been relying on that money for years. Now, those critics warn that thousands of Californians could end up back on the streets, undoing the tenuous progress the state has made in addressing the problem.

“It’s extremely frustrating,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, whose city had been receiving about $30 million a year from that pot of homelessness funding — enough to pay for about 1,000 interim housing placements. “Residents of California tell us consistently that ending unsheltered homelessness is one of their very top priorities…So the idea that the state can’t make a substantial, consistent investment in residents’ top priority makes me question whether or not they’re really listening to the people of California.”

The Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program has doled out funds for cities and counties to spend on everything from temporary shelter to services to permanent housing since its creation six years ago. It started with $650 million in the 2019-20 budget, and has since grown to $1 billion last year.

Since 2023, the program has provided housing for more than 57,000 Californians, according to the Bring California Home Coalition, made up of affordable housing providers, advocates for homeless individuals and government staff.

But with the state facing an expected deficit of $12 billion this year, those funds ended up on the chopping block. The 2025-26 budget proposed by the Legislature June 9 allocates $0. Lawmakers passed a placeholder Friday, but the budget still has to undergo additional negotiations between Newsom and lawmakers before it becomes final. Even so, the governor already has indicated he’s fine with stripping homelessness funding.

At the same time, California could soon also be reeling from federal cuts. President Donald Trump’s proposed budget would reduce funding to the Housing and Urban Development department by 44 percent, slashing the rental subsidies and federal homelessness funding that flows to California.

Newsom has, in a sense, been preparing cities and counties for a blow to state funds. He has for years resisted calls to make homelessness money permanent, instead preferring to dole it out year by year in a one-time grant — making it easier to cut in a tough budget year.

Despite ramping up spending on the issue to unprecedented levels after taking office (last year the Legislative Analyst’s Office found the administration had spent $24 billion on housing and homelessness), the governor changed his tune in recent months. His message now is more along the lines of: I’ve done my part, now cities need to step up and take care of the crisis on their streets.

Newsom recently suggested cities do that by passing ordinances banning encampments.

“I’m not interested anymore, period full stop, in funding failure,” Newsom said last month,  a refrain he’s been repeating often.

But the cities and service providers that rely on those funds say it appears he’s no longer interested in funding success, either: While California’s homeless population remains the biggest in the nation — with more than 187,000 people sleeping on the street and in shelters — it increased just 3 percent last year, compared to a nationwide increase of about 18 percent.

Critics worry gutting funding will erode that modicum of progress.

“Simply put, this choice will lead to more people moving onto California’s streets and fewer avenues off the streets,” the Bring California Home Coalition said in a statement.

In San Jose, the state homelessness funding has been crucial in the city’s push to move people out of encampments and into temporary placements in tiny homes and converted motels. Like other cities, San Jose still is waiting to receive its homelessness allocation from the last budget. But once that money is spent, probably by next summer, San Jose will feel the hit, Mahan said. When that happens, the city probably won’t have to close existing programs, because it’s lucky enough to have other funding sources, he said. But it won’t be able to build new units, effectively stalling the city’s plan to get everyone off its streets.

Mahan and other California mayors have for months been urging state leaders to reconsider ever since Newsom’s initial January budget proposal zeroed out the homelessness funds.

Instead, the Legislature suggested adding $500 million back into the state homeless funding program — but not until in the 2026-27 fiscal year. That would be a 50 percent reduction from last year’s allocation. And there’s no guarantee that money will come through at all. In addition, lawmakers proposed reducing another, smaller homelessness program — which provides money to cities specifically for cleaning up encampments and moving occupants indoors — by $100 million.

It’s not all bad news, pointed out Ben Metcalf, managing director of UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation. The Legislature’s budget includes $500 million in low-income housing tax credits to fund the construction of new affordable housing, and $120 million for the Multifamily Housing Program, which provides loans for low-income housing.

But the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program may have been politically easier to gut, Metcalf said. That program doesn’t benefit from deep-pocketed lobbyists defending it in Sacramento.

And because of the complex, intractable nature of the homelessness crisis, the money hasn’t produced the kind of tangible, grand-slam results voters want to see on their streets. Instead, homelessness remains a persistent problem, and encampments still dot California’s cities.

But without that money, some shelters and housing programs are likely to close, Metcalf said. Others could simply become less effective. The state program provided funding for the types of counseling, case workers and other services that help people transition from shelters into permanent housing, he said. Without that extra help, people often languish in shelters.

“So what you end up with, probably, is more Band-Aids,” Metcalf said, “or patchworks of systems that are providing some modest amount of (improvement in) the quality of life but not really helping transition people permanently out of homelessness.”

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The opera Cuentos is presented in San José

Composer and librettist Héctor Armienta presents Cuentos, an opera that showcases the most heartbreaking and real stories of Mexican immigrants in the United States and farmworkers who continued their work during the pandemic.

Directed by Rodrigo García and conducted by Temirzhan Yerzhanov, the cast includes three professional opera singers: tenor Sergio González, soprano Stephanie Ortiz, and mezzo-soprano Rosa Aranda, as well as musicians, actors, and community members.

This wonderful event will take place at the Plaza de la Herencia Mexicana Theater, located at 1700 Alum Rock Ave in San José, on June 28th, starting at 3 p.m.; tickets range from $17 to $32.

Photography Workshop with Liam Clickenger

If you’d like some tips and insights on how to further your career in photography, whether as a freelancer, in your artistic practice, or in the industry, renowned photographer Liam Clickenger shares insights from his journey.

In his talk, he’ll explore the essential steps for starting a photography career, choosing the right equipment, leveraging technology for creative expression, and maintaining a long-term artistic trajectory.

A photographer, educator, and business leader with over 20 years of experience, Clickenger’s work spans fine art, commercial advertising, industrial, aerial, and scientific photography.

This program is part of the Career Insights series, facilitated by the San Francisco Public Library, and will be held virtually next Tuesday, July 1, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Salsa Sundays at El Río

To end the week on a high note, don’t miss the salsa Sundays with Ritmos Latinos Fiesta, which even includes a salsa class.

Guajiron Orqueta and Ritmos Latinos Fiesta are a fusion of alternative Latin and Cuban music, offering salsa, merengue, cumbia, and much more. Along with DJs @clave420_ and @franchutes3000, they will liven up the party between sets.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and unforgettable rhythms that will transport you across the Americas and the Caribbean.

The event is this Sunday, July 6th, starting at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $20. El Rio Terraza, located at 3158 Mission Street, San Francisco.

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Bay Area cities target drivers as new buildings rise without enough parking

New buildings in Hunter's Point, such as Innes and Friedell, offer some parking spaces, but not enough, forcing many tenants to rely on increasingly limited public space. -- Los edificios nuevos en Hunter's Point, como Innes y Friedell, ofrecen algunos espacios de estacionamiento, pero no suficientes, lo que obliga a muchos inquilinos a depender de un espacio público cada vez más limitado.

Analysis | By Marvin Ramírez

In San Francisco and across the Bay Area, city policies are increasingly hostile to private drivers. Red zones are expanding, curbside parking is vanishing, and parking enforcement is intensifying. At the same time, a surge in new apartment construction is bringing hundreds of new housing units—without providing enough parking for all the people who live in them.

The outcome is frustratingly familiar: working residents return home after long days only to find no place to park. Forced to gamble on restricted zones, many end up with tickets that eat into already tight budgets.

This isn’t accidental—it appears intentional.

A clear example is found in Hunter’s Point, a rapidly changing neighborhood in the southeastern corner of San Francisco. Part of the larger Bayview–Hunters Point district, this area is experiencing major redevelopment, with new residential buildings rising on sites once used for industry and shipping. Many of these buildings do include parking—but not enough to meet demand, leaving many tenants dependent on public streets.

The neighborhood covers ZIP code 94124, with streets like Friedell, Innes, and Quesada now dotted with new developments. It’s bounded by Third Street to the west, the Bayshore Freeway and Candlestick Point to the east, and the bay to the south. Though marketed as “transit-oriented,” many residents find public transportation too limited—especially at night or for those juggling multiple jobs.

“My building has 45 units and maybe 18 parking spaces,” said Rosa Aguilar, a tenant on Innes Avenue. “If you don’t get one, good luck. You’re out on the street hunting for a spot every night—and they’ve added more red and white zones where you used to be able to park.”

State laws like AB 2097, passed in 2022, prevent cities from requiring parking minimums for buildings near transit. This has encouraged developers to reduce or limit garage space to save costs, often under the logic that fewer parking spots will encourage greener habits. In reality, it just shifts the pressure to street parking—and then fines people for using it.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has painted more curbs red, turned former meter spots into loading zones, and increased enforcement citywide. New daylighting rules under AB 413 are removing thousands of legal spaces by banning parking near crosswalks. Officials estimate 13,775 spaces may be eliminated citywide.

Red-zone violations alone now average 1,200 tickets per month—and climbing.

“They know people have no choice,” said Ángel Méndez, who lives near Quesada Street. “Not everyone got a garage spot, and now even the corners where we used to park are off-limits. But if you park there, it’s a $108 ticket. Every week.”

City planners, including SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin, insist these changes are about safety and long-term sustainability. “We’re redesigning our streets to support alternatives to car dependency,” he’s said. But many residents argue that those alternatives don’t yet exist—or don’t work for people with real-world schedules and responsibilities.

On Zillow, housing.sfgov.org, and PropertyShark, listings in Hunter’s Point proudly advertise “limited parking” while highlighting modern amenities and waterfront views. But tenants who didn’t win a garage spot face a daily battle for curb space that’s becoming more restricted—and more expensive.

What’s emerging is a troubling pattern: build housing, provide partial parking, then redesign the curb so that remaining options disappear—only to enforce them aggressively.

“We thought we were getting affordable housing,” said Aguilar. “Instead, we’re paying with stress and citations.”

Unless the city addresses the gap between planning theory and the daily needs of its residents, its current approach risks deepening inequality. Drivers aren’t being pushed toward better choices—they’re being pushed into a trap.

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Traditional Tarahumara Medicine: Plants, Rituals, and Ancestral Wisdom

Traditional Tarahumara Medicine: Learn about the plants, rituals, and ancestral knowledge with which the Rarámuri have healed for generations

Traditional Tarahumara medicine is protected deep in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental, among towering mountains and winding roads, an ancestral knowledge that has guided the Rarámuri for generations. In a world rapidly moving toward digital and instant access, this tradition reminds us that health begins with listening to the body and the environment.

The Tarahumara, also known as the Rarámuri, built their history in close connection with the land. Over time, this indigenous people have developed a healing system that combines medicinal plants, spiritual rituals, and a deep understanding of the balance between body, mind, and spirit. For them, healing is not only curing physical illness, but restoring harmony at all levels of being.

Balance in Traditional Tarahumara Medicine

For the Tarahumara, health is a state of balance between the individual, the community, and the natural world. Therefore, it is understood that illnesses do not arise on their own, but rather as a result of imbalances: from spiritual disharmony to the evil eye or poor nutrition.

Therefore, the wise men—known as medicines—not only prescribe plants, they also perform healing rituals, sweat lodges, cleansings, and ceremonial dances. Each act has a profound intention: to restore lost harmony.

This healing system not only soothes the body; it also embraces the soul. Medicinal plants occupy a central place in this practice. Among the most commonly used are:

  • Arizona (Rattlesnake): with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it is used for muscle and joint pain.
  • Jicama: its leaves and roots are boiled to relieve digestive problems.
  • Mullein: effective for treating respiratory conditions thanks to its expectorant properties.
  • Aloe vera: used to treat burns and wounds for its healing properties.
  • Chamomile: a natural sedative, ideal for insomnia and anxiety.
  • Sweet wood: with antimicrobial effects, it is used against intestinal infections.

In addition to the plants themselves, application methods have also been refined over the years. These are some of the most common:

  • Infusions with dried leaves for digestive and nervous ailments.
  • Decoctions of boiled roots to extract active compounds.
  • Poultices applied directly to the skin.
  • Ointments made with herbs and fats to relieve pain.
  • Tinctures that preserve the properties of plants in alcoholic solutions.

The preparation of these remedies is not only a technical process; it is also an act of cultural transmission. In every blend, in every infusion, the elders teach the younger generation how to care for their health without breaking their bond with nature.

What risks does it face?

Traditional Tarahumara medicine faces major challenges today. The migration of young people, the loss of biodiversity, the advancement of modern medicine, and the lack of educational programs have created a break in the chain of knowledge transmission. Many young people no longer recognize plants or know how to use them. The tradition is at risk of being diluted.

But there is also hope. Community workshops, documentation projects, and new ways of valuing Indigenous knowledge are helping to revitalize these practices. Integrating traditional medicine with certain modern scientific approaches does not mean losing its identity, but rather strengthening it through collaboration.

Preservation of Traditional Medicine

Preserving traditional Tarahumara medicine is much more than protecting a healing method: it is preserving a worldview in which health is connected to the land, the cycles of life, and the community. Each plant, each ritual, and each shared story represents centuries of observation, respect, and wisdom. In these times, when we are seeking new forms of well-being, the legacy of the Rarámuri offers us a profoundly human response: healing is also remembering who we are and where we come from.

Healers play an essential role in Indigenous communities.

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Claudia Sheinbaum versus Mexico’s cartels: A perspective

by Travis Bembenek

The issue that most captures our readers’ attention is the power and violence of the cartels in Mexico. Many say Mexico will never reach its full potential until it brings them under control. I wholeheartedly agree. Corruption, threats, extortion, and violence not only damage Mexico’s economic prospects but deeply harm its people. Around 20,000 Mexicans die annually due to cartel violence, and over 80,000 in the U.S. from drug overdoses — a devastating toll on both nations.

Some Americans argue that Claudia Sheinbaum should step aside and let the U.S. military handle the cartels. But this view overlooks how complicated such interventions are. Look at the outcomes in Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Foreign military intervention in a country’s internal matters rarely produces lasting success.

There’s also the faulty assumption that the U.S. can easily fix the supply side of the drug problem in Mexico while failing to curb demand at home. Focusing on Mexico’s side of the border ignores how the U.S. itself contributes to the issue through domestic consumption and lax control of supply chains.

Another common claim is that Claudia is afraid of the cartels and incapable of tackling them seriously.

So where are we now, about eight months into Sheinbaum’s presidency and nearly five months into Trump’s return to the White House? Are we making progress?

Let’s examine six key areas:

  1. Increased troop presence at the border?
    Yes. The U.S. has over 10,000 troops and National Guard members at the border, with 1,000 more recently approved. Mexico has deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to border areas under Sheinbaum’s orders. These numbers represent a notable increase in military focus.
  2. Improved surveillance cooperation?
    Despite initial controversy, Sheinbaum acknowledged that the Mexican military is working with the U.S. on surveillance. Covert CIA drone flights have begun over Mexico to locate fentanyl labs, and U.S. spy planes have flown missions near Baja. While no strikes have been authorized, these efforts show growing bilateral coordination.
  3. Record drug seizures?
    Yes. Seizures of fentanyl and cocaine have hit historic levels. U.S. authorities in Arizona confiscated over 4 million fentanyl pills — quadrupling their previous record. Texas saw the seizure of over 1,500 kilograms of methamphetamine. Mexico’s Navy recently intercepted 1.28 tonnes of cocaine, and in Sinaloa, over 1,000 kilograms of fentanyl were seized, with an estimated street value of $400 million. These are major operational hits to traffickers.
  4. Major cartel leader arrests?
    Recent arrests have struck at cartel leadership structures. Among them:
  • MS-13’s senior figure Francisco Román (arrested in Mexico)
  • Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada (arrested in the U.S.)
  • Ovidio Guzmán (son of ‘El Chapo’) preparing to plead guilty
  • Sinaloa Cartel members José Ángel Canobbio and Kevin Alonso Gil Acosta
  • Carlos Treviño of the Northeast Cartel

Mexico also extradited 29 cartel figures to the U.S., including Rafael Caro Quintero. Most recently, 17 of El Chapo’s relatives surrendered at the U.S.-Mexico border — possibly linked to a plea deal. These arrests signal deeper coordination and greater pressure on cartel networks.

  1. Has violence declined overall?
    The Sheinbaum government reports an 11% nationwide drop in homicides year-to-date. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch noted over 20,000 arrests for high-impact crimes and the seizure of 10,000 firearms. However, high-profile killings — such as the murder of two aides to Mexico City mayor Clara Brugada — keep concerns high. Incidents in Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Baja California Sur further illustrate the persistent threat.
  2. What are U.S. officials saying?
    Trump has offered both praise and critique. On March 6, he posted, “Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard… stopping Fentanyl.” But in an interview with Fox News, he remarked, “Mexico is… afraid of the cartels… they run large sections of Mexico.” Still, he said he is “dealing very nicely” with Sheinbaum, calling her “a very fine woman.”

Homeland Security head Kristy Noem visited Sheinbaum in Mexico City, calling Mexico’s National Guard deployment and cooperation on deportation flights “a positive step,” though she added there’s still “much work to be done.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “They have been very responsive on our security concerns… productive cooperation.” He plans to visit Mexico soon with other cabinet members to deepen bilateral efforts.

My take:
Although it’s still early in both presidencies, we are witnessing a higher level of coordination and commitment from the U.S. and Mexican governments. This momentum is unique and promising. Surveillance, enforcement, arrests, and diplomacy are all progressing.

The cartel problem won’t be resolved overnight — nor solely through force. But we’re seeing signs of a real effort to disrupt their operations more aggressively than in years past. The challenge ahead is to sustain and expand this progress.

What do you think?

Stay tune as we continue to follow this critical issue, one that deeply affects not just Mexico and the U.S., but the future of their bilateral relationship.

Travis Bembenek is the CEO of Mexico News Daily and has been living, working or playing in Mexico for nearly 30 years.

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