Wednesday, July 29, 2026
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Mexico seeks agreement with Trump to limit non-Mexican deportees

by the El Reportero‘s staff

As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the presidency, Mexico is working to establish a deal aimed at curbing the number of third-country deportees it may receive from the United States. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed this during a press conference on Thursday, expressing hopes to build on agreements already in place with the Biden administration.

“We are in solidarity with everyone, but our primary responsibility is to our own citizens,” Sheinbaum stated, emphasizing Mexico’s readiness to negotiate with Trump’s administration. “We hope to secure an agreement that allows deportees to be returned directly to their countries of origin.”

To address potential mass deportations, Sheinbaum said her administration is coordinating with governors of border states, including Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. The discussions aim to prepare for the possibility of large numbers of repatriated Mexicans.

“We are preparing for every scenario,” she noted, “and although we hope such deportations won’t occur, we must be ready to welcome our compatriots.”

Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for Trump’s transition team, highlighted the incoming administration’s tough stance on immigration. “President-elect Trump has a mandate to secure the border, deport dangerous individuals, and ensure public safety,” Leavitt said in a statement to CNN. “He will fulfill that commitment.”

Sheinbaum and Trump recently held a conversation about shared border issues and the fentanyl crisis, which both leaders described positively. On X, Sheinbaum characterized the call as “excellent,” while Trump claimed on Truth Social that Mexico had agreed to halt migration through its territory. Sheinbaum quickly dismissed this claim.

“We have never proposed closing the border,” Sheinbaum said. “That is not our approach, nor do we agree with it. Everyone communicates differently, but let me assure you that this has never been part of our discussions.”

This marks the first major interaction between Sheinbaum and Trump since the latter announced plans to impose tariffs on Mexican goods in retaliation for illegal immigration. While Sheinbaum has expressed readiness to counter any economic measures with reciprocal tariffs, her administration remains focused on collaborative solutions.

Mexico has also intensified efforts to address border security and drug trafficking. This week, Mexican authorities announced the largest fentanyl seizure in the nation’s history, recovering over a ton of the synthetic opioid in Sinaloa. Additionally, data revealed that Mexican authorities have detained an average of 5,200 migrants daily since Sheinbaum took office on October 1.

The migration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border continues to evolve, with migrants from Central and South America, as well as countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and increasingly China, attempting to cross into the U.S. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported over half a million encounters with migrants from Central America in 2022 alone.

Elsewhere in Latin America, Panama has preemptively rejected the notion of accepting deportees of non-Panamanian origin. The Panamanian Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasizing the country’s adherence to international law and its commitment to safeguarding national interests.

“We are not obligated to accept non-Panamanian deportees,” the ministry asserted. “Our foreign policy prioritizes mutual respect and the well-being of Panama.”

The migration and border crisis remain one of the most pressing issues for the region. Both Mexico and its neighbors are navigating the complex challenges of international law, humanitarian obligations, and domestic interests, all while preparing for significant shifts in U.S. immigration policies under the incoming Trump administration.

– From reports by Abel Alvarado, CNN, and additional sources including the Panamanian Foreign Ministry.

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LTF organizes winter career fair

by Magdy Zara

The Latino Task Force of San Francisco (LTF) has planned a Job Fair for this winter with the aim of facilitating decent employment opportunities for Latino immigrants.

The LTF was born during the pandemic when the citizens of the Mission District seemed to have been abandoned, it was then that a group of Latino activists with extensive experience met and began to look for a way to help those most in need.

The Economic and Employment Commission is in charge of organizing this career fair, to be held at the City College of San Francisco, on Dec. 3 of this year, City College of San Francisco, Missionary Center

1125 Valencia St., San Francisco, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This will be a public event, all job seekers are invited.

MACLA presents art exhibition Mírame

The Latin American Art and Culture Movement presents the exhibition Mírame, starring exclusively women, five artists who examine how cultural beliefs have shaped and limited the role of women.

The featured artists are: Abby Aceves, Tiffany Alfonseca, Ruby Bloo, Mónica Hernández and Elba Raquel.

The exhibition begins on December 6, 2024 and concludes on March 9, 2025, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. The Macla Gallery is located at 510 South 1st Street, San José.

Fiber Arts and Gift Making

Shelby Hendricks will be teaching a painting and weaving workshop organized by the San José Museum of Art.

Hendricks, who is an educator, says that participants will learn embroidery techniques and experiment with unconventional materials to embellish and personalize a mixed media painted canvas. Finished canvases can be gifted to participants’ family and friends for the holidays.

Seating is limited to 25 participants ages 13 and older. The event will take place at the museum’s headquarters at 110 South Market Street in San Jose, this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, between 1 and 4 p.m.

Ensambles Ballet Folklórico hosts its Christmas Celebration

The Ensambles Ballet Folklórico of San Francisco is pleased to announce the staging of its new winter production, Christmas Celebration.

This will be “Pastorela Festiva” full of dance, music and Mexican tradition, featuring live music by Mariachi Mexico de Gilroy.

Tickets are on sale at https://ensamblesbfdsf.brownpapertickets.com/

This year’s Christmas Celebration will be on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 15 from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Cañada School-Teatro Principal, in Redwood City

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“Pinta Miami 2024: A vibrant meeting of global contemporary art”

by the El Reportero’staff

Miami is preparing for a new edition of Pinta Miami, one of the most important events in Latin American and global contemporary art, which will be held from December 1 to 3, 2024. This event has established itself as a key platform for galleries, artists and collectors seeking to explore the latest trends and artistic expressions. During these three days, the event will bring together more than 60 galleries from around the world, from Latin America to Europe and the United States, offering a unique exhibition that highlights the best of modern and contemporary art.

Pinta Miami is not only an art fair, but a space for cultural exchange where ideas, art and visual narratives intertwine. Attendees will be able to enjoy a wide variety of works by emerging and established artists, who explore issues of social, political and cultural relevance. The fair takes place in the vibrant context of Miami, a city that has been gaining recognition as a global art hub, thanks to its diversity and the influence of Latin American communities.

Among the main features of Pinta Miami 2024 are the incorporation of new technologies in art, the integration of immersive experiences, and the exploration of identity and public space through interactive installations. Participating galleries will not only exhibit paintings and sculptures, but also digital and multimedia artworks that invite attendees to question and reflect on the future of art in an increasingly digitalized world.

The event will feature a series of talks, panels, and educational activities that will allow visitors to interact with artists, curators, and experts from the art world. Pinta Miami also offers the opportunity to discover new voices in Latin American art, which are often left out of the traditional circuits of large international art fairs.

Local and international audiences will be able to enjoy a program of guided tours, as well as special events such as the opening of new exhibitions, artist presentations, and the opportunity to participate in auctions and private sales. Pinta Miami is positioning itself as a space for reflection and dialogue, where art is not only exhibited, but also becomes a tool for social change.

In addition to its artistic offering, the event will have a significant impact on the local economy, with a notable increase in the arrival of tourists, collectors, and art lovers, who will also explore the city’s vibrant cultural and gastronomic offering.

Pinta Miami 2024 is an essential event for all those interested in contemporary art, and promises to be an event of great relevance for the cultural panorama of Latin America and the world.

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Rolling Stone: Trump team has discussed ‘soft invasion’ of Mexico

by the El Reportero‘s wire services

Four months ago, Donald Trump said he was “absolutely” prepared to launch United States military strikes against Mexican cartels if large quantities of drugs continued to flow into the U.S. from Mexico.

During the second Trump administration, could the United States military even carry out some kind of incursion into Mexican territory to combat powerful transnational criminal organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)?

That possibility, according to reporting by Rolling Stone magazine, is being debated by members of Trump’s transition team. President Claudia Sheinbaum effectively dismissed the veracity of the magazine’s reporting at her Thursday morning press conference.

Rolling Stone reported on Wednesday that there is “a fresh debate” within Trump’s “government-in-waiting” over “whether and how thoroughly the president-elect should follow through on his campaign promise to attack or even invade Mexico as part of the ‘war’ he’s pledged to wage against powerful drug cartels.”

The magazine quoted an unnamed “senior Trump transition member” as saying: “How much should we invade Mexico? That is the question.”

For its report, Rolling Stone said it spoke with six unnamed Republicans who have each spoken to Trump about the possibility of using U.S. military force against Mexican cartels.

It said that some of its sources have briefed the former and future U.S. president on a range of ways that the U.S. military could be used against the criminal organizations that ship fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs across Mexico’s northern border. They include:

Rolling Stone cited a “Trump adviser” as saying it is “unclear how far” Trump will go in his quest to combat Mexican cartels and stem the flow of narcotics across the United States’ southern border.

“If things don’t change, the president still believes it’s necessary to take some kind of military action against these killers,” the source said.

Rolling Stone said that “another source close to Trump” described “what they call a ‘soft invasion’ of Mexico, in which American special forces — not a large theater deployment — would be sent covertly to assassinate cartel leaders.”

“Indeed, this is a preliminary plan that Trump himself warmed to in private conversations this year,” the magazine said.

Rolling Stone said that Trump has “told confidants and some GOP lawmakers that he plans to tell the Mexican government they need to stem the flow of fentanyl to America — somehow, in a span of several months — or else he’ll send in the U.S. military.”

Earlier this week, the president-elect said he would impose a 25 percent tariff on all Mexican and Canadian exports to the United States on the first day of his second term as U.S. president due to what he described as the “long-simmering problem” of drugs and “illegal aliens” entering the U.S.

With his cabinet picks, Trump has emphasized his commitment to taking action against what he calls an “invasion” of the United States.

Rolling Stone reported that several of his cabinet picks, including his choices for secretary of defense and secretary of state, “have publicly supported the idea of potentially unleashing the U.S. military in Mexico.”

“So has the man Trump has tapped to be his national security adviser. So has the man Trump selected as his ‘border czar’ to lead his immigration crackdowns. So have various Trump allies in Congress and in the media,” the magazine added.

After three women and six children were murdered in an ambush in northern Mexico during his first term as president, Trump said that “if Mexico needs or requests help in cleaning out these [cartel] monsters, the United States stands ready, willing & able to get involved and do the job quickly and effectively.”

“… This is the time for Mexico, with the help of the United States, to wage WAR on the drug cartels and wipe them off the face of the Earth. We merely await a call from your great new president!” Trump said in a social media post in late 2019.

Former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador declined Trump’s offer.

“We don’t need the intervention of a foreign government to attend to these cases. … We are a free and sovereign country; another government cannot intervene in our territory if there isn’t a cooperation agreement and, of course, without an express request on our part,” Lopez Obrador said at the time.

‘What is their basis?’

At her morning press conference on Thursday, Sheinbaum agreed with a reporter who likened Rolling Stone’s report to a far-fetched movie.

Sheinbaum said that she bases her view on the United States’ intentions during the second Trump administration on the two conversations she has had with the president-elect, including one on Wednesday.

She said that Trump asked her on Wednesday how the United States can collaborate with Mexico on security issues.

“I told him that within the framework of our sovereignty there are schemes for collaboration,” Sheinbaum said.

“… We’re always going to defend our sovereignty. Mexico is a free, independent, sovereign country. And that’s above everything,” she said.

With reports from Rolling Stone.

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Is the Biden administration intentionally escalating the war against Ukraine?  

Ukraine President

A Problem for the Trump Administration

As the Biden administration approaches its end, the question of its policy decisions and their potential repercussions for the future grows more urgent. In particular, there is increasing concern about Biden’s approach to the conflict in Ukraine, and whether, just days before leaving office, he is deliberately accelerating a war that could spiral into an even greater crisis, with devastating effects for both the United States and the rest of the world. Is this a deliberate strategy, or simply a reflection of the pressure from the military-industrial complex, which is becoming ever more evident in the White House’s policies?

Under the Biden administration, the United States has been a strong ally of Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, providing billions of dollars in military and economic aid. This intervention has been backed by the majority of the Democratic Party, which argues that Ukraine must defend itself from Russian aggression to preserve global stability and democratic order. However, while some view this stance as a legitimate defense of democratic principles, others consider it a risky strategy that could have much more serious consequences for global security.

In this context, the Biden administration may be, unknowingly, opening the door to a much broader conflict, involving not only Europe and Russia but potentially other powers like China. This approach could be designed not only to impose tougher sanctions on Russia and weaken its military power, but to strengthen the United States’ position in global geopolitics in the long term. However, it is also possible that Biden is yielding to the pressures of the military-industrial complex, which has historically sought to expand U.S. military interventions abroad, not so much for national security reasons, but for economic and strategic motives.

For the incoming Trump administration, which will take office in January 2025, this situation could represent a monumental challenge. Trump has been a vocal critic of the prolonged U.S. wars abroad, arguing that they do not benefit the American people or global stability. He has pointed out on several occasions that military intervention in Ukraine is not only draining vital U.S. resources, but also increasing international tensions, raising the risk of an even more dangerous global confrontation.

Trump has expressed his intention to dismantle what many call the “deep state” in the United States, a network of powerful political, financial, and military interests that operate beyond public oversight. This faction, which includes actors within the military-industrial complex, has been accused of influencing U.S. policies to maintain a bellicose stance abroad. Trump’s criticism of the “deep state” is not new, but his determination to reorient U.S. foreign policy to prioritize national interests over global interventions could put him at odds with these forces.

If Biden is indeed accelerating the conflict in Ukraine in the final months of his presidency, he could be leaving a legacy of international instability for Trump, who will have to navigate the consequences of a potentially prolonged war in Eastern Europe. In this sense, the incoming president could find himself caught between the pressure of an international community demanding continued support for Ukraine and the internal needs of the United States, which does not support an endless war.

Moreover, there is growing speculation about the potential repercussions for Trump, who could face strong resistance from pro-war sectors that are unwilling to abandon their strategic interests in Ukraine and other regions of the world. These sectors, which include powerful figures within the military and defense industry, could see Trump’s stance as a threat to their influence and power. Some theories suggest that these interests might even go as far as attempting to destabilize the Trump administration, with rumors pointing to a possible assassination attempt on the elected president in an effort to prevent him from following through with his plans to reduce the power of the military-industrial complex.

It is a highly speculative scenario, but it is not far-fetched to consider that the interests created by decades of U.S. military intervention abroad will not allow a president who challenges that status quo to govern without opposition. In this context, the Biden administration, rather than simply managing U.S. foreign policy, could be playing a much more complex role in creating a scenario that limits the options of the incoming Trump administration once in power.

This scenario raises the urgent question of whether the Biden administration is, in some way, intentionally accelerating the war against Ukraine, and whether, in the process, it is creating a problematic legacy for the next U.S. president. The answer to that question will have implications far beyond the borders of Ukraine, affecting domestic U.S. politics and its position on the world stage. Meanwhile, the 2024 elections and the days that follow will be crucial in determining the course of U.S. policy, with the fate of the Trump administration and global security at stake.

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Missouri judge upholds ban on transgender mutilation of children: ‘Resounding victory’

Missouri can continue protecting children from permanently damaging transgender drugs and surgeries, a judge ruled recently, blasting ‘gender transition’ procedures as ‘untested.’

by Matt Lamb

Missouri can continue to protect gender-confused children from damaging drugs and surgeries, a judge ruled recently.

Cole County Judge Craig Carter upheld the Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act. It prohibits transgender drugs and surgeries intended to make minors look more like the opposite sex. The law also prohibits taxpayer funding of the procedures.

These procedures are sometimes called “sex change operations,” although it is not possible to change one’s sex.

Judge Carter ruled in favor of the state on several grounds. He cited a recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in favor of Indiana’s similar law. The Supreme Court of the United States will hear a case next week, on December 4, concerning Tennessee and Kentucky’s prohibitions.

Carter said there is “an almost total lack of consensus as to the medical ethics of adolescent gender dysphoria treatment.”

Indeed, the “World Professional Association for Transgender Health” (WPATH), a transgender activist group, has been caught advocating for the procedures to be labeled “medically necessary” in order to get insurance to pay for them. It also tried to pressure other medical groups to endorse its “Standards of Care.”

Despite WPATH’s already lax standards, President Joe Biden’s gender-confused assistant secretary of health and human services, Richard “Rachel” Levine, pressured the group to remove even age minimums for surgeries. Furthermore, one pro-transgender researcher withheld the results of a study that found no benefits from puberty blockers. She did this despite receiving $10 million in taxpayer dollars for the study.

Judge Carter also pointed out that most gender-confused children – around 85% – grow out of their confusion without chemical or surgical interventions.

“Essentially, it seems that all of this untested, non-emergency, possibly unethical, possibly unnecessary [so-called] care would be performed on children and adolescents when the vast majority of minors would simply outgrow the condition by the time they reach adulthood,” Judge Carter ruled.

He also found that the enormous growth in the number of gender-confused individuals does not have a concrete explanation, but noted that medical authorities have suggested that “interventions” may actually be the cause of the increase.

The ruling also cited England’s Cass Review, which found that there is a lack of evidence in support of chemical and surgical interventions for gender-confused minors.

The drugs and surgeries have been linked to suicidality, bone density loss, and numerous other medical problems. Puberty blockers can also cause infertility, as would be expected from drugs intended to stop the normal and healthy development of reproductive organs.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey celebrated the ruling in a statement provided by Alliance Defending Freedom.

“The Court has left Missouri’s law banning child mutilation in place, a resounding victory for our children. We are the first state in the nation to successfully defend such a law at the trial court level,” Attorney General Bailey stated. “I’m extremely proud of the thousands of hours my office put in to shine a light on the lack of evidence supporting these irreversible procedures.”

“We will never stop fighting to ensure Missouri is the safest state in the nation for children,” he pledged.

Alliance Defending Freedom also helped defend the law.

“Driven by ideological agendas, activists and the Biden-Harris administration have pushed these dangerous procedures across the country and are attempting to prevent states from exercising their rightful role to regulate the medical profession and protect kids,” Senior Counsel Hal Frampton stated in the news release.

“These procedures have devastated countless lives, which is why countries that were previously leaders in so-called ‘gender affirming’ care are reversing course and curtailing these experimental efforts to alter children’s bodies,” he stated.

European countries have restricted the procedures for minors, as documented by LifeSiteNews.

The ruling followed a “nine-day bench trial” that included expert testimony. Jamie Reed, a whistleblower who warned about lax standards when it came to gender-confused children, was one of the experts who testified. She previously worked at Washington University’s Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, as LifeSiteNews previously reported.

According to Reed, she soon became aware of what appeared to be a “social contagion” element behind transgender identification, especially in girls.

“Sometimes clusters of girls arrived from the same high school,” she said.

“In just a two-year period from 2020 to 2022, the Center initiated medical transition for more than 600 children,” she previously claimed. “About 74 percent of these children were assigned female at birth [i.e., girls].”

Her claims comport with those made by social scientists and formerly gender-confused individuals who have attested that transgender identification is driven by peer pressure and social media.

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Busing people out of homelessness: How California’s relocation programs really work

Un hombre sin hogar lleva sus pertenencias por Polk Street durante una redada en un campamento en San Francisco el 15 de noviembre de 2024, donde la ciudad obliga a trasladar refugios con regularidad. A homeless man carries his belongings down Polk Street during a raid on an encampment in San Francisco on Nov. 15, 2024, where the city regularly forces shelters to move. Photo by Jungho Kim for CalMatters

Many California cities offer their homeless residents one-way bus tickets to other places

by Marisa Kendall

Mayor London Breed, outgoing mayor of San Francisco, made waves recently with a major policy shift: Before providing a shelter bed or any other services, city workers must first offer every homeless person they encounter a bus or train ticket to somewhere else.

But while San Francisco has gotten an outsized amount of attention for putting its busing program at the forefront of its homelessness strategy, other California cities and nonprofits continue to quietly send small numbers of unhoused people all over the country. At least one new program is set to launch early next year.

For an unhoused person who wants to move in with family in another city or state, or who got stuck somewhere after a job or housing prospect fell through and needs help getting home, these types of programs can be a gamechanger. But some activists worry they can be used coercively to move unhoused people out of sight instead of helping them. And once someone is bused away, it’s hard to tell what happens to them — whether they successfully reunite with family, or become homeless on another city’s sidewalks.

“In general, the ability to travel back to a place where you have a home is really important and can be a lifesaving service, in fact, and can help to reunite families,” said Niki Jones, executive director of the Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness. “When done in good faith, it can be an important and powerful intervention.”

Many programs do some homework before sending their clients off on a bus, but the amount of effort they put in varies. One nonprofit serving homeless young people in Los Angeles has a therapist call the client’s family in the destination city, to make sure the client is going into a safe, welcoming environment. One of San Francisco’s relocation programs requires the client only to have a vague connection to their destination city.

These programs are garnering attention at a time when city leaders are facing pressure from all sides, including from Gov. Gavin Newsom, to get rid of homeless encampments, but lack the resources to give everyone a home or shelter bed. Buying someone a one-way ticket out of town is a much cheaper alternative. But the number of people who can benefit from these programs tends to be small. Data from throughout California consistently shows that most people who are homeless are from the county they’re in. And homelessness, addiction and other traumas have marred many people’s relationships, leaving them with no one to help them in another city.

San Francisco offers bus tickets before shelter

Shortly after beginning an aggressive crackdown on tent encampments in San Francisco, Mayor Breed ordered all city agencies to “offer and incentivize” the city’s busing program before other services. Those who decline any help may be at risk of being arrested for illegally camping in a public place.

Providing free bus tickets to unhoused people is nothing new in San Francisco, which has been offering some form of this program for about two decades, said Emily Cohen, deputy director of communications and legislative affairs for the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. But usage declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel was restricted, and it didn’t pick back up, she said. The mayor’s directive was intended to fix that, she said.

The increased emphasis on busing also comes as the demographics of San Francisco’s homeless population are shifting. This year, 41 percent of the people surveyed in San Francisco’s point in time count reported they were living in another city or state when they lost their housing. That’s up from 29 percent two years ago.

“There are definitely an increasing number of people who are experiencing homelessness in San Francisco who aren’t originally from San Francisco,” Cohen said.

San Francisco offers three programs to help unhoused people relocate outside of the city. Journey Home, launched in September 2023, has the lowest barrier to entry. While other programs require clients to work with a case manager on a detailed plan to find and hold onto housing when they arrive in their new city, Journey Home requires only that someone be healthy enough to travel and prove they have some connection to their destination city. That proof could be a phone call to a friend or relative in the city, a receipt showing the client once got food stamps there, or an ID with an address in that city. Clients do not need to prove they have housing in the destination city, and the whole process, from intake to sitting on a bus, can take a day or two.

Since July 2022, San Francisco has relocated a total of 1,039 unhoused clients via Journey Home and other programs, according to city data.

The number of clients relocated via Journey Home spiked in August of this year (the month Breed issued her order) — 25 people were moved, up from nine the month before. The city relocated another 32 people through other programs. That same month, the city placed 120 people from encampments into shelters, and another 429 people on the street declined help, according to the city.

While Lukas Illa, a human rights organizer with the San Francisco-based Coalition on Homelessness, supports programs that help unhoused people who want to relocate, he’s skeptical of Journey Home. The choice to leave San Francisco should be the unhoused person’s to freely make, he said. And he says that’s not the case when police, who have the power to cite and arrest people, offer bus tickets as a first resort.

“Journey Home needs to be so deliberate and to really center the agency and the autonomy of the person it is offered to, and not used as a cudgel to threaten arrest or jail time,” Illa said.

Cohen said no one is being forced to leave San Francisco.

“The intention is to facilitate connections with loved ones and home communities, if that is a safe and healthy option for you,” she said. “But no one is required to take that option.”

Other cities that use homeless busing programs

San Jose has budgeted $200,000 to launch a relocation program called Homeward Bound, which is expected to start in February. That money can go toward a client’s bus or plane ticket, or to help with utility bills or other expenses for the friend or family member taking them in. The city will make sure clients have friends or family to help them in their destination city, but staff are still ironing out the specifics, said Tasha Dean, spokesperson for Mayor Matt Mahan.

“Reconnecting people living on the streets with family members or loved ones who want to care for them is just common sense,” Mahan said in a statement. “It’s the least expensive, most impactful program we could launch.”

Sacramento County also offers those services, but they aren’t widely used, said county spokesperson Janna Haynes. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, 17 people used the county’s Return to Residency Program to leave the county. That program has since dissolved, and now social workers in various county programs offer the service on a case-by-case basis.

The city of Los Angeles doesn’t run a busing program, but multiple nonprofits within the city offer similar services. PATH helped 313 clients reunite with family in the last fiscal year, and a little more than half of those clients left LA County.

A Safe Place for Youth also helps young people reunite with friends and family outside LA.

Cities and nonprofits in other states also run busing programs — and sometimes send people to California. Haven for Hope, which operates a large homeless shelter and service center in San Antonio, Texas, gave about 60 people one-way bus tickets out of the city last year, said Alberto Rodriguez, vice president of operations. Before they send a client on their way, Haven for Hope calls the family or friend they are going to live with and confirms the client can stay there, Rodriguez said.

“We’re never just going to send someone back to homelessness in another city or another state, in the same way we don’t want other cities or other states to send their homeless clients to San Antonio without connecting with us,” he said.

Where do people who are bused end up?

Of the 151 people relocated from San Francisco since August, at least 29 went to other cities within California. At least another 12 went to Texas, six went to Florida and seven went to Georgia. Due to a data processing error, the city couldn’t provide information on where 34 people went.

It’s harder to tell what happens to those people once they reach their destination.

San Francisco only recently started requiring staff to check in with clients 90 days after they leave, but staff often can’t get a hold of them in their new city, Cohen said. The city didn’t provide data on the outcomes of those 90-day calls, which started in July, in time for publication.

About 15 percent of people who left San Francisco through the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s relocation program between July 2022 and July 2023 ended up back in San Francisco, using the city’s homeless services, within a year.

Cohen called that an 85 percent “success rate,” despite the fact that even though someone didn’t return to San Francisco, they might have ended up homeless in their new city.

“That is fantastic,” Cohen said, “in terms of the amount of investment for the outcome we are able to achieve.”

 

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Basil varieties and their unique health benefits

by Olivia Cook

Basil nutrient profiles and phytochemical compositions vary widely. While many species share some common traits, such as being rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants and essential oils, specific benefits often depend on the variety.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Often referred to as the “king of herbs,” sweet basil is the most widely recognized and commonly used variety. Its regal title stems from its rich history, extensive use in culinary traditions worldwide and impressive range of health benefits. A staple in pesto, salads and sauces, sweet basil boosts a nutrient profile rich in flavonoids, polyphenols and the essential oil eugenol – particularly notable for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which have been linked to potential neuroprotective effects.

By reducing oxidative stress, a key factor in aging and various diseases, sweet basil supports brain health and longevity. Additionally, its high antioxidant content benefits cardiovascular health.

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Also known as tulsi, holy basil has earned its reputation as the “queen of herbs” in Ayurvedic medicine and is revered for its adaptogenic properties. Widely used as a tea or in traditional remedies, holy basil is rich in eugenol, rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid. These compounds give it adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress and even improve cognitive function. Its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties add to its broad-spectrum benefits, making it a valuable herb for both the body and brain.

Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)

Prized for its slightly spicy, licorice-like flavor, Thai basil is a culinary cornerstone in Southeast Asian cuisine. It shares many compounds with sweet basil but boasts higher concentrations of essential oils, like estragole and methyl cinnamate. These oils not only enhance its distinctive flavor but also provide mild antimicrobial effects and support digestive health. Estragole, while beneficial in small amounts, is under scrutiny in large doses.

Purple basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpurascens’)

A visual and nutritional delight, purple basil is rich in anthocyanins – the pigment responsible for its striking color and potent antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress. These compounds may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and promote cardiovascular health. As a culinary and ornamental herb, purple basil adds both beauty and extra nutritional value to dishes.

Lemon basis (Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum)

Lemon basil offers a zesty citrus aroma that’s perfect for desserts, seafood dishes and teas. Its key compounds include limonene, eugenol and citral. Limonene, in particular, is particularly noteworthy for its mood-enhancing properties and potential to boost cognitive function. Alongside its bright, citrussy flavor, lemon basil delivers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits – making it both healthful and refreshing.

Cinnamon basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’)

Adding a warm and spicy flavor to beverages and desserts, cinnamon basil contains cinnamaldehyde and methyl cinnamate that may help improve circulation and regulate blood sugar levels. These benefits extend to brain health as better circulation and glucose balance are critical for cognitive function.

African blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum)

Often grown for its ornamental beauty, African blue basil is known for its vibrant appearance and high camphor content. Though often grown ornamentally, it is also used in cooking. Camphor, while stimulating the central nervous system, offers antimicrobial benefits but should be consumed in moderation due to its potency.

Notably, sweet basil and holy basil are among the most researched basil varieties for their health benefits. Other varieties, such as purple and Thai basil, offer unique compounds that may complement health but are not as extensively studied.

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Stay safe from holiday scams  

Happy young woman shopping online when receiving a gift and holding it on a table near the digital tablet

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones, not falling victim to scams that can steal your cheer. Falling for a scam can lead to losing money and putting your account and personal information at risk, which can be both time consuming and costly.

Here are some common seasonal scams and tips to help protect yourself:

  • Missed packages or problems with delivery:Expecting a package? Be cautious of phishing messages through email or text impersonating delivery services like UPS or FedEx with links to view “missed deliveries.” These links may lead to fake sign-in pages or malware-infected sites. Do not respond to messages requesting personal or financial information, including money or cryptocurrency. Be wary of unexpected packages and avoid scanning QR codes, as they may be attempts to steal your information.
  • Online deals that are too good to be true: When shopping online or on social media, buy only from trusted websites and vendors. If purchasing on a platform or marketplace, stay on the platform to complete transactions and communicate with sellers, as protections often only apply when you use the platform. Use payment methods that offer buyer protection, and never send money to strangers or use Zelle for purchases, especially when you can’t confirm the goods exist.
  • Phony charities preying on your generosity: The Holidays is also a season of giving. Before you donate money, double-check contact and payment information for your charity of choice and watch for text, email or phone call solicitations. Like any other unsolicited message, don’t click on links or open attachments that may contain malware or attempt to steal your information.

“Scammers do not discriminate and can target anyone during this festive season. Don’t let your guard down. Always remember that if something seems off, it likely is. By staying alert and informed, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim during this holiday season,” said Darius Kingsley, head of Consumer Banking Practices at Chase.

Tips to Avoid Scams:

  • Don’t send money to unknown individuals or for goods or services that you can’t confirm exist.
  • Be cautious of friendly messages from strangers on social apps. Scammers might try to build trust before asking for money.
  • If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for deep discounts or low prices that may be scams.
  • If you shop on social media marketplaces, never pay using Zelle—it is the same as cash and you may not get back if there is an issue.

For more information about ways to help protect yourself from scams, visit chase.com/scamspotting —it’s a free resource that offers information in English and Spanish.

# # #

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

 © 2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co. 

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Zoppé Italian Family Circus is Coming to San Francisco for the Holidays – – Sheila E. and Orquestra

Sheila E. and orchestra

by Magdy Zara

The Zoppe Italian Family Circus tent will be in Redwood City through Thanksgiving weekend to showcase exciting new acts for the whole family to enjoy.

New acts include a balancing ladder, trampoline, cloud swing and more. The circus is bringing its authentic single-ring tent to showcase enchanting morning or evening shows.

Zoppé Family Circus is a once-a-year event that runs through December 1st so families are encouraged to come along.

Thanks to the demand for last year’s camp, this year’s Zoppé Holiday Break Circus Camp is back, where kids ages 7-15 can take part in activities under the Big Top.

Zoppé Circus professionals will reveal their top-notch circus secrets and teach your kids some awesome tricks of the trade. Participating children will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the performers, both human and animal, as the camp will be held inside the circus tent itself.

The circus portion of the camp will take place November 25-27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the tent located at 1044 Middlefield Rd in Redwood City.

Yoshi’s presents Sheila in Concert

Sheile E, better known as the Queen of Percussion and her Electronic Train will soon be performing in concert to showcase their talents.

Sheila E.’s skills as a producer, arranger, and performer have been showcased throughout the music and film industry with appearances at the Academy Awards, Latin Grammy Awards, BET Awards, American Music Awards, and many more.

One of the constants in Sheila E.’s life is summed up in one simple phrase: following the beat, which knows no bounds, and has made her a talented drummer, percussionist, guitar and bass player, actress, mentor, and philanthropist.

The Queen of Percussion plans to release more new music in 2024, in the process of completing her first Salsa project. Sheila E will be performing November 9th through December 1st, starting at 7pm, at Yoshis, located at 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland.

Bistro 880 Presents Latin Performances

Bistro 880 is a continental restaurant and entertainment venue offering modern American cuisine and live Latin music.

Bistro 880 is a 2022 Diner’s Choice Award winner and offers signature cocktails to refresh your palate. This exclusive place has been conceived to transform the mind, body and soul, as it highlights all the senses, not only taste, but also sight due to the pleasantness of the place and hearing with the musical performances it offers.

This November 27, prior to Thanksgiving, the Patron Latin Rhythms group will be presenting, which is a musical group that plays Latin rhythms such as salsa, Latin jazz, Latin rock and R&B. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at its headquarters located at 39900 Balentine Drive, Newark.

MACLA presents Mírame art exhibition

The Latin American Art and Culture Movement presents the Mírame exhibition, starring exclusively women, five artists who examine how cultural beliefs have shaped and limited the role of women.

The featured artists are: Abby Aceves, Tiffany Alfonseca, Ruby Bloo, Mónica Hernández and Elba Raquel.

The exhibition runs from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on December 6, 2024, through March 9, 2025. The Macla Gallery is located at 510 South 1st Street, San Jose.

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