Monday, July 27, 2026
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Trump administration shifts from housing first to forced treatment

by the El Reportero staff

President Donald Trump is pushing a shift in homelessness policy, replacing the “Housing First” model with a treatment-first approach that emphasizes mandated addiction and mental health services before offering housing. His plan includes relocating homeless people to large encampments or mental institutions, requiring treatment, or facing arrest.

The Housing First policy, implemented nationally in 2004 under President George W. Bush, prioritizes permanent housing as the initial step to stabilize people experiencing chronic homelessness. It expanded under Presidents Obama and Biden. Housing First offers housing without requiring sobriety, treatment participation, or employment, and connects individuals to services after housing is secured.

“When you’re on the streets, all you’re doing every day is figuring out how to survive,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “Housing is the most important intervention that brings a sense of safety and stability.”

Evidence shows Housing First can be highly effective. A systematic review of 26 studies found that, compared with treatment-first strategies, Housing First programs reduced homelessness by 88 percent. It also led to improvements in health and decreased costly hospital visits.

Despite this, Trump’s administration is moving to dismantle Housing First. HUD has proposed major staffing and funding cuts that affect homelessness programs. The administration has also discouraged local governments from adhering to Housing First models and is shrinking the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Critics warn this shift will worsen the crisis. “Throwing everybody into treatment programs just isn’t an effective strategy,” said Donald Whitehead Jr. of the National Coalition for the Homeless. “The real problem is we just don’t have enough affordable housing.”

Former Trump homelessness adviser Robert Marbut argues the opposite, saying that sobriety and treatment should be prerequisites to housing. He believes Housing First enables people to remain homeless and addicted. Trump’s policy advisors, through the Project 2025 blueprint, are calling for a formal end to Housing First.

Even some Democratic leaders are distancing themselves from the model. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and mayors of major cities are pushing mandatory treatment programs and increased encampment sweeps. However, experts say these crackdowns disrupt service connections and slow housing placements.

Jeff Olivet, President Biden’s homelessness adviser, argues the model works when funded and implemented correctly. “Housing First is not just about sticking somebody in an apartment and hoping for the best,” he said. “It’s about providing stable housing and access to treatment, but not forcing it.”

With reports by Angela Hart for KFF Health News.

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Romero eyes Pacquiao after shocking García in Times Square

by the El Reportero staff

Rolly Romero stunned the boxing world on May 2 in Times Square, New York, when he dropped and outpointed the heavily favored Ryan Garcia to claim the vacant WBA ‘regular’ welterweight title. Entering the bout as a 12-to-1 underdog, Romero pulled off what many considered a career-defining upset, improving his record to 17-2 (13 KOs).

Now, at 29, Romero has his sights set on an even bigger name: boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

Romero’s Ambition or Misdirection?

Romero made his intentions clear in a recent interview with Sean Zittel, saying, “Rolly versus Pacquiao. No matter if he beats Barrios—it’s still Rolly versus Pacquiao.” He went on to dismiss concerns about Pacquiao’s record, adding, “Pacquiao’s another one that don’t give a fk about losses, and everyone keeps tuning in, right? All that undefeated st don’t mean anything if you’re not fighting anybody.”

While Pacquiao is scheduled to return against WBC titleholder Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas, Romero insists he’d be ready to face the Filipino legend regardless of the outcome.

Pacquiao’s Return: Risk or Redemption?

Pacquiao, now 46, hasn’t fought since 2021, when he lost a wide decision to Yordenis Ugas. Despite widespread skepticism about his comeback, Pacquiao claims his goal is to make history, not simply to re-enter the spotlight.

Should he defeat Barrios, a fight with Romero could emerge as a surprise possibility. In today’s boxing landscape—where spectacle often trumps rankings—nothing seems off the table.

Romero’s Logic Under Scrutiny

Still, some critics question Romero’s path. Why call out a 46-year-old retired legend instead of a top-ranked, active contender in the welterweight division? The Romero-Garcia bout was more tactical than thrilling, and a rematch might even drum up more fan interest.

As for Pacquiao, it’s unclear whether he’s ever watched Romero fight, or whether he’d even entertain the idea of facing him. But one thing is certain: in boxing, legacy and matchmaking often follow their own unpredictable rules.

With reports by James Slater.

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Amazon to create “a region” within a South American country

The US company plans to invest more than $4 billion over the next 15 years to develop a massive infrastructure

by the El Reportero’s wire services

The US technology company Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced a $4 billion investment to “support the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance” of data centers in Chile, an infrastructure that will serve all of South America in a “secure, reliable, and scalable” manner.

“As part of its long-term commitment, Amazon plans to invest more than $4 billion in Chile over the next 15 years,” the company reported on its website, which indicated that the project will begin there in 2026.

AWS emphasized that its cloud platform “will provide developers, startups, entrepreneurs, and enterprises, as well as financial services, retail, education, government, and other nonprofit organizations, greater choice in running their applications and serving end users from data centers located in Chile.”

For his part, Felipe Ramírez, AWS’s representative in Chile, told CNN Chile that the project consists of the development of “a region,” whose main feature will be “the deployment of the company’s infrastructure” “in a specific geographic location,” which in any case will be in the Chilean Metropolitan Region.

Following the announcement, Chile’s Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, Aisén Etcheverry, considered the project to be extremely important because it will also generate 7,000 jobs per year and strengthen her country as a leader in digital technology throughout South America.

She also commented that the initiative is part of the National Data Center Plan, launched by the government in December 2024, and is essential to developing Chile’s “great potential” for the “digital economy,” given that the country is among the world’s leading internet speeds.

AWS will also strengthen payment services like those offered by Itaú Chile, Transbank, and Machbank, helping them manage a greater number of transactions in less time, making it easier for them to innovate new products for their customers.

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Literature, Film, and Music in Mexico City

The Great Book, Record, and Movie Sale returns with a venue and promotes the right to culture for all

by the El Reportero staff

Mexico City once again became a major cultural forum thanks to the 19th edition of the Great Book, Record, and Movie Sale, an event eagerly awaited by thousands of Mexico City residents seeking access to literature, film, and music at affordable prices. Held over five days at the Monument to the Revolution, this cultural gathering brought together nearly 200 exhibitors and offered an impressive array of content for all tastes, ages, and interests.

Organized by the Mexico City Ministry of Culture, the sale’s main objective was to guarantee the right to culture and combat the backlog of materials stored by publishers, distributors, and specialty stores. Far from limiting itself to clearance sales or outdated titles, the event surprised with an eclectic and valuable selection: from classics of world literature to cookbooks, science, history, and philosophy; from Latin American trova CDs to jazz, rock, and classical music vinyl records; and from art films to contemporary Mexican cinema.

Attendees—many of them young people, students, entire families, and collectors—found unique editions, out-of-print books, and materials difficult to find in conventional bookstores. All of this with discounts of up to 80 percent, turning the sale not only into a celebration of knowledge, but also into an economic opportunity to promote reading, musical appreciation, and film enjoyment.

One of the great successes of this edition was its inclusive and accessible approach. Complementary activities included public readings, book presentations, author signings, and short concerts, which turned the event into a complete cultural experience. Furthermore, the presence of independent labels and alternative publishers gave visibility to new voices, critical approaches, and fresh proposals that typically don’t find space in large retail chains.

In a country where the average person reads 3.9 books per year, according to INEGI data, initiatives like the Gran Remate are vital to reversing this trend. But beyond the numbers, the event reinforces the idea that access to culture should not be a privilege but a right guaranteed by the State, a vision that Mexico City has promoted through policies that favor cultural decentralization and the strengthening of local consumption.

Thus, among secondhand books, new releases, cult films, and beloved records, thousands of people embraced a public space that had become a marketplace of knowledge and emotions. And although the event has concluded, its impact continues: many readers started or completed collections, discovered unknown authors, or simply found another reason to love art. The Gran Remate demonstrates that when the doors to cultural access are opened, citizens respond enthusiastically and demonstrate that culture, far from being a luxury, is an essential necessity.

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My 88-year-old mother has dementia. Caring for her is a privilege, not a burden

With an increasing number of voices promoting physician-assisted death as a means of avoiding advanced dementia, we need to let our elderly family members know that they are valuable and cherished

by Heidi Klessig, M.D.

In a world driven by the pursuit of personal peace and prosperity, the elderly and disabled often get left behind. In honor of Mother’s Day and this month’s upcoming Dementia Awareness Week, I’d like to share some practical tips from our family’s experience in caring for my elderly mother who has dementia.

My husband and I view caring for our elderly parents as a sacred duty, though we know every situation is unique. My father, a double amputee, required nursing home care. My father-in-law lived independently with some help. For nearly twelve years, we have cared for my mother in our home as her dementia has worsened. There is no “one size fits all,” but here are some things that have helped us.

First, caring for someone with dementia is not a solo job. As symptoms progress and your loved one can’t be left alone, you’ll need at least two people involved. My husband and I are Mom’s main caregivers, and family members have given us breaks over the years. While rewarding, caregiving can be emotionally and physically taxing. Having a partner in this work has drawn my husband and me closer—we take turns and support each other.

Establishing a trusting relationship with Mom early on was key. When she first moved in, we created a dependable routine—consistency is crucial when memory fails. We explain things slowly and repeatedly, often using post-it notes. I remind myself how many times she patiently repeated things to me as a child.

Routines help everyone sleep better. Mom likes to sleep in, so I serve Swiss muesli, which she enjoys hot or cold. This gives me flexibility to get things done while she rests. As her dementia progressed, she began avoiding meals that required cutting or scooping. So for lunch, we serve finger foods—sandwiches, fruit, carrots, cookies—anything easy and appealing. For dinner, we prepare her plate with food already cut and buttered so she can eat comfortably without feeling “babied.”

After dinner, my husband spends time with her watching television or playing a simple game. I help her get ready for bed—pills, nightgown, a glass of water, and a bathroom light left on. She always asks if I have a long drive home and smiles when I remind her I live in the same house. Even when she doesn’t remember my name, she remains loving and motherly.

Medication has helped reduce Mom’s anxiety. She takes an antidepressant and a dementia drug called rivastigmine, which has helped greatly. Not every drug works the same for everyone, and we are thankful her doctors have worked closely with us to find what’s best for her. Medication alone isn’t enough—Mom responds to our mood, so we try to provide constant smiles and reassurance.

Since caregiving requires spending lots of time at home, I recommend pursuing enjoyable and enriching activities there. This helps keep your own brain flexible. For example, because Mom is Swiss, I started brushing up on my college German to comfort her with her native language. I’ve also started taking piano lessons—something I’ve always wanted to do.

Though the work is demanding, the benefits outweigh the costs. My sister-in-law once said, “You have all the work, but in the end, you are the lucky ones: you have all the memories.” On hard days—like cleaning up after accidents—I remind myself that whatever we do “for the least of these,” we do for Our Lord. My mom did many such “dirty jobs” for me when I was little.

We just celebrated Mom’s 88th birthday, and her joy at seeing her children and grandchildren was priceless. With growing support for physician-assisted death as a way to avoid advanced dementia, it’s more important than ever to let our elderly loved ones know that they are not a burden. As a wise mentor once told me: “You are not a burden; you make our lives richer.” LifeSite.

This article was shortened to fit space.

 

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Santa Cecilia Opens Yerba Buena Gardens Festival’s 25th Anniversary

by Magdy Zara

The band Santa Cecilia opens the opening show of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Named after the patron saint of musicians, Santa Cecilia exemplifies the creative effervescence of 21st-century Latin music, with a captivating blend of cumbia, bossa nova, tango, jazz, boleros, and alternative rock. Led by charismatic vocalist La Marisoul, the Los Angeles-based group is the perfect band to open the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.

Santa Cecilia is both completely contemporary and inextricably linked to the musicians’ Mexican heritage and their love of Latin American culture.

Also featured will be La Doña and a set by DJ Wonway Posibul.

The YBG Festival will be this Saturday, May 10, starting at 1 p.m., completely free.

The performance is at Yerba Buena Gardens, located at 750 Howard St., San Francisco.

Teatro Visión presents The House on Mango Street

Teatro Visión presents The House on Mango Street, based on Sandra Cisneros’ iconic coming-of-age novel. This is a bilingual theatrical adaptation, performed in English with English and Spanish subtitles.

This is a poetic and moving play about Esperanza, a 12-year-old girl who dreams beyond the borders of her world.

Esperanza’s house is small and dark; she shares a room with her parents and three siblings. But her dreams are much bigger, stronger, and full of hope than the narrow Mango Street.

Don’t miss this production, which will be enjoyed by the whole family. It features a cast of young artists who bring this fun and lively story to life. The Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater is the venue chosen for this masterful presentation. It is located at 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San José.

Performances will be on Thursday, May 15th and Friday, May 16th at 7 p.m.; on Saturday, May 17th at 2 and 7 p.m.; and on Sunday, May 18th at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $40.

9th Annual Latinas in Tech Summit

Latinas in Tech Summit, the largest annual event for Latina professionals in the world of technology, is now in its 9th year. This year, its goal is to empower attendees to thrive in the changing technological landscape.

With more than 1,500 attendees and more than 80 speakers over three days of immersive programming, the Summit fosters innovative careers, transformative connections, and meaningful conversations that shape the future of technology.

According to Nikki Barua, Interim Executive Director of Latinas in Tech, 40% of global jobs will be impacted by AI. However, women adopt AI tools at a rate 25% lower than men, so it is urgent to see how we can ensure that women, especially Latinas, are not left behind.

“AI will be one of the diverse topics addressed at the annual summit, which will also offer immersive workshops and networking opportunities. More than 1,500 professionals are expected to attend, as well as brands such as Amazon, Capital One, LinkedIn, Comcast, Lilly, Pinterest, and many more.

To register online and access agenda information or learn more about Latinas in Tech Summit 2025, please visit https://latinasintechsummit.org.

The Latinas in Tech Summit will take place from May 28 to 30 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, located at 333 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco.

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Three-year fire plan includes 1,100 underground miles, new technologies, and multiple layers of proven protection for greater effectiveness

Marketing y Comunicaciones | 415.973.5930 | www.pge.com

April 30, 2025

PG&E builds on risk-based safety measures that prevented major wildfires in 2023 and 2024

OAKLAND, Calif.— Building on proven layers of protection that ensured no major wildfires were caused by company equipment in 2023 and 2024 and infused with technological innovation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today shared its robust, risk-informed strategy to continue that progress in the face of an ever-changing climate. PG&E’s 2026-2028 Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP), submitted to the California Office of Energy Infrastructure Security (Energy Security), details the company’s relentless efforts to build, maintain, and operate its systems to minimize the risk of catastrophic wildfires and keep its customers and communities safe. The plan fully integrates high-tech tools and solutions, including drone inspection of assets, the use of artificial intelligence to improve weather forecasts, and the installation of sophisticated sensors that can detect vibrations, sounds, and light that could indicate potential anomalies in an electrical circuit that could lead to ignition. PG&E’s WMP outlines critical layers of protection that together reduce the risk of wildfire ignition and strengthen PG&E’s electric grid in locations in Northern and Central California where the risk is most acute. These measures include reinforcing more than 700 miles of overhead power lines and poles, as well as removing lines and adding remote networks; putting nearly 1,100 more miles of power lines underground; using drones to obtain a bird’s-eye view of electric assets; leveraging a mature network of weather stations and high-definition AI-powered cameras; trimming trees, and more.

When wildfire risk is elevated, these efforts are reinforced with highly effective operational mitigations, such as Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) that protect customers. “Our system is safer today than it was yesterday and will be even safer tomorrow. Our Wildfire Mitigation Plan employs several layers of protection that we use to stop catastrophic wildfires in our communities. The combination of tools, technology, and the expertise of our colleagues works to mitigate risk, reduce fires, and prevent catastrophic wildfires,” says PG&E Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer Sumeet Singh.

“Our focus on improving the customer experience related to our wildfire mitigation efforts is unwavering,” Singh says. “We want a future where safe and reliable service is a reality, and we know our customers deserve it. We are working every day to make it possible.”

Technology for today and tomorrow

As capabilities such as wildfire cameras, weather stations, and our 24/7/365 Hazard Awareness & Warning Center (HAWC) mature and become more beneficial, PG&E continues to pursue innovative technologies in the wildfire space. For example, the utility is in the early stages of developing a real-time monitoring system to gain more dynamic insights into the status of electric assets, taking into account weather volatility.

WMP is introducing several new technology solutions that are being tested, evaluated, and, in some cases, implemented alongside proven wildfire risk reduction programs, including the following:

  • Gridscope devices. The pilot implementation of Gridscope began in 2023 and extended to 2024, with more than 10,000 Gridscope devices now in use across 900 miles of circuit (or approximately 3.5% of the miles in areas with the highest fire risk). These pole-mounted sensors can detect vibrations, sounds, and light that may indicate potential anomalies and could lead to ignition. In July 2024, during a record-breaking heat wave, an electrical troubleshooter responding to a location identified by a Gridscope alert found burning vegetation on an energized line. The line was de-energized, preventing ignition and a potential wildfire. PG&E’s evaluation of the devices continues while considering a larger deployment. • Early Fault Detection (EFD). It’s like your car’s check engine light, but on the grid. Thanks to PG&E’s new radio frequency (RF) monitoring technology, a growing network of EFD sensors on power poles provides a comprehensive understanding of emerging equipment hazards, such as damaged conductors or vegetation encroachment, that would otherwise be difficult to detect. Promising early results led PG&E to consider expanding the deployment of advanced RF technology. These purposeful investments in technology could shift the paradigm of utility asset management.
  • Aerial section inspections. This new inspection tool provides a clearer view of equipment risk in areas of extreme wildfire risk. Leveraging the aerial inspections in 2024 (220,000 poles) and 2025, span inspections will involve a review of a simplified, specialized set of photographs designed to identify equipment conditions that pose the greatest risk, including mid-span locations (between poles). These inspections will be conducted midway through the established three-year inspection cycle and will be tested between 2026 and 2028.

Proven Layers of Protection

WMP highlights layers of protection that have proven effective in reducing the risk of wildfire. Thanks to these tools, no major wildfires involving the company’s equipment occurred in 2023 and 2024.

  • Burying power lines underground in high-fire risk areas is a permanent protection that reduces the risk of ignition of overhead electric distribution lines. PG&E plans to bury 1,077 miles of power lines between 2026 and 2028.
  • Overhead system improvements, such as the installation of coated conductors, reinforced poles, and wider crossarms, will reduce the long-term ignition risk by improving grid construction and operation. The WMP provides for more than 700 miles of overhead reinforcement and the removal of lines with remote networks between 2026 and 2028.
  • Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings protect 1.8 million PG&E customers who live and work in areas at high or extreme risk for wildfires. In 2024, these settings contributed to a more than 72% reduction in power outages reportable to the California Public Utilities Commission when enabled on primary distribution lines, compared to the 2018-2020 average. More than half of customers protected by EPSS did not experience any power outages while EPSS were enabled in 2024.

PG&E recognizes that outages on EPSS-enabled circuits, when they occur, are an inconvenience. Through the end of 2024, the average outage duration on an EPSS-enabled circuit decreased 17% compared to the average of the previous two years. PG&E will also install additional sectionalizing devices and animal and bird protection equipment to further reduce the impact of EPSS outages. Vegetation management programs continue to evolve, using a data-driven and risk-informed approach to reduce power outages and potential fires caused by vegetation contact with PG&E equipment.

Inspection and repair efforts are based on risk models and are part of comprehensive monitoring and data collection programs that provide insight into evolving environmental hazards around assets to inform mitigation actions.

Situational awareness enhancements include enabling artificial intelligence to process fire camera data and provide automated wildfire notifications. PG&E will continue to utilize the most advanced weather forecasts and a comprehensive monitoring and data collection network utilizing high-definition wildfire cameras and weather stations to detect, prevent, and respond to wildfire risk.

Public Safety Power Shutoffs are used as a last resort during extreme weather conditions to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. PG&E’s expert meteorologists use cutting-edge weather models to forecast risk in a granular manner and account for vegetation in proximity to overhead power lines. In recent years, PG&E’s use of PSPS has evolved and been refined in terms of event size and duration. In 2023, three PSPS outages affected 5,000 customers. Due to more severe weather in 2024, PG&E initiated six PSPS events to protect 50,000 customers in 23 counties.

Media Note: Additional materials are available upon request.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E 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.

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Bills aim to strengthen CA health care as Congress considers cuts

Latino families defend health care and clean transit amid federal cuts and policy rollbacks. -- Familias latinas defienden acceso a salud y transporte limpio frente a recortes y retrocesos federales.

by Suzanne Potter

Groups advocating for better access to health care have introduced what they call “Care4All California,” a package of 13 bills designed to shore up the health system as the state braces for the possibility of huge cuts in federal funding for Medi-Cal.

The bills aim to get more people insured, connect them to care and make health care more affordable.

Chris Noble, organizing director for the nonprofit Health Access California, explained the group’s priorities.

“It’s crucial that our State Legislature shows their commitment to advancing a universal, affordable and equitable health care system,” Noble emphasized. “This year’s package of legislative and budget priorities requires no interventions by the federal government and should be adopted to safeguard our health care system in case there are federal attacks.”

One bill would make sure people with Medicare supplemental insurance cannot be penalized for having preexisting conditions. Another would require hospitals to prescreen all patients to see if they are eligible for discounted or charity care programs. A third bill would allow undocumented people access to health plans on the CoveredCA exchange. Opponents cited cost concerns.

Noble emphasized the bills build on the progress California has made to lower its uninsured rate.

“These priorities will continue to cover gaps within our health care system, ensure that when people are denied or delayed care, there’s certain accountability, or ensure that folks are getting access to accurate and up-to-date provider directories,” Noble outlined.

Advocates have also made a number of budget requests, including one to give kids who qualify for Medi-Cal continuous coverage from birth to age 5, rather than making their parents reapply every year.

Latino families face challenges in health and clean transit amid shifting federal policies. — Familias latinas enfrentan desafíos en salud y transporte limpio ante políticas federales cambiantes.​
Sungold Solar

Congress considers rolling back CA clean car standards

New study details gas savings with electric vehicles

Congress on Wednesday is expected to vote on a bill that would roll back California’s authority to set strict clean car and truck standards.

Republicans want to strike down the Biden-era waiver that allows California’s emissions rules, which require all new passenger cars sold in the state to be emissions-free by 2035. Bill supporters argue the California rule hurts the sales of gas-powered vehicles.

Rob Sargent, program director for the nonprofit advocacy group Coltura, noted that President Donald Trump also wants to revoke tax credits that help people afford electric vehicles.

“The biggest potential beneficiaries of these tax credits for new and used vehicles are really the backbone of America,” Sargent said. “They’re contractors driving 150 miles daily between job sites, rural drivers, tradespeople, and working families who live where housing is more affordable, and jobs are further away.”

People who use more gas than the average driver are called “gas super-users.” A new study from Coltura found that California’s 2.2 million super-users spend more than 15 percent of their household income on gasoline and make up 34 percent of the state’s gasoline use, so they would benefit most from an electric vehicle.

Sargent said the Trump administration’s anti-EV policies are bad for California drivers and go against efforts to cut air pollution.

“If Congress acts to pull the rug out from under those states’ ability to make cars cleaner in their state,” he said, “then it will undercut the availability of electric vehicles for consumers.”

The report also looked at data from California’s Central Valley near Visalia. In that area, super-users would save an average of almost $5,000 annually on fuel by switching to an EV.

 

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The Mission District: A community in crisis and the urgent need for action

: A night scene of the BART plaza at 24th and Mission streets. (Photo by Mission Local) -- El Distrito de la Misión: Una comunidad en crisis y la urgente necesidad de actuar

por Marvin Ramírez

Once celebrated for its vibrant culture, sunny weather, and excellent transportation, San Francisco’s Mission District now faces a crisis that threatens its very identity. Residents and community advocates are raising alarms about escalating crime, open-air drug use, and the rampant sale of stolen goods. Despite efforts by law enforcement, the situation continues to deteriorate, leaving many to wonder: what happened to the Mission we once knew?

In recent years, the Mission has become a hotspot for public disturbances. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the 16th and Mission intersection saw nearly 900 dispatches in March 2025 alone—a 140 percent increase from the previous year and the highest in a decade. These incidents range from overdoses and fights to illegal vending and noise complaints. While some attribute the spike to increased enforcement and community advocacy, others see it as a symptom of deeper issues like homelessness and addiction.

Efforts to combat the sale of stolen goods have led to several arrests. In October 2023, San Francisco police recovered approximately $17,880 worth of stolen retail merchandise from illegal street vending booths on Mission Street. Three individuals were arrested in connection with the operation. Despite these actions, the fencing of stolen items continues, often reemerging after police presence diminishes. I believe that going strong after fencing—particularly with follow-up investigations and arrests—and increasing police presence beyond the customary hours when officers are parked near the 24th Street BART plaza could help significantly. This area, along with 16th and Mission, has become one of the most visible eyesores in the district, and more consistent enforcement could begin to restore a sense of safety and order.

The impact on local businesses has been profound. Oscar Gonzalez, manager of Pancho Villa taqueria, expressed his frustration to CBS News: “This can’t go on like this. It’s just getting worse. There has to be a positive change.” The restaurant has had to close early to ensure employee safety, especially after an incident where an employee was attacked while waiting for the bus.

Community leaders like Roberto Hernandez have declared a state of emergency, criticizing the city’s uneven response to crime. He pointed out that areas like Union Square received swift action when high-end stores were targeted, questioning why similar urgency isn’t applied to the Mission. “We as a community feel that we’ve been neglected, totally,” Hernandez stated.

The challenges are compounded by staffing shortages within the San Francisco Police Department. Despite the Mission Station being one of the most staffed, the area still has the highest rate of violent crimes per officer. Between January and September 2024, there were 623 reported violent crimes in the district, equating to about 5.4 violent crimes per officer, according to media reports.

While Mayor Daniel Lurie has reported a nearly 30 percent drop in reported crimes during the first quarter of 2025, residents remain skeptical. Many still witness open drug use and increased police calls in hotspots like 16th and Mission. Critics argue that high-profile enforcement actions may only displace issues rather than address root causes.

The Mission District stands at a crossroads. Without comprehensive solutions that address both enforcement and the underlying social issues, the neighborhood risks losing its unique character and becoming a cautionary tale of urban neglect. It’s imperative that city leaders, law enforcement, and community members come together to restore safety and vitality to the Mission.

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Latino Heritage Day is celebrated with various activities

by Magdy Zara

May 5th commemorates the “Battle of Puebla.” It took place in 1862 near the city, where the Mexican army under Ignacio Zaragoza fought a bloody battle against the Second French Empire. With the exception of the September 16th celebration, the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla is the most significant date on the Mexican civic calendar, as it is one of the few victories against an invading foreign army.

This day is also designated “Latino Heritage Day” in the United States, a day that celebrates immigration from Mexico.

To commemorate this date, various organizations have planned a series of activities, which are listed below:

*San Francisco Cinco de Mayo Festival, which will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This will be a Lowrider Car Show, featuring a classic car exhibition, followed by a showjumping contest and a cruise down Mission Street, as well as a pop-up street party featuring more than 30 local vendors and artists, live mariachis, and cumbia.

Admission is free and will take place at John O’Connell High School, 2355 Folsom St., and along Mission St.

*The City of Hayward is holding its 40th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, also on May 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Downtown Hayward will be alive with live music, mariachis, DJs, Aztec dancers, folkloric ballet, classic cars, bicycles and pedal cars, arts and crafts, food, and more.

The musical, dance, cultural, and festive extravaganza is the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Hayward. This free, family-friendly event is organized by The Hayward Alliance and will take place at B and Main Streets, Hayward, CA.

*In San Jose, the Cinco de Mayo celebration will be held on Sunday, May 4, at Cesar Chavez Plaza. The celebration will feature traditional Mexican food and music, honoring the resilience and joy that define this tradition in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Plaza Paseo de San Antonio San Jose. (There will be no parade this year.)

*In Palo Alto, the Cinco de Mayo 2025 celebration kicks off with a parade that begins at 11 a.m. outside the elementary school at the intersection of Clarke and Donohoe Streets, followed by the Festival at Bell Street Park, which runs between University Ave. and Bell Street, from 12 noon to 7 p.m.

Admission is free, and you can enjoy: mariachi music, cultural performances, raffles, a little more history, sports activities, folklore, family games, and delicious food.

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