Photo released by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
Following the disappearance of a 3-year-old girl in the city of Millbrae on January 1, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office reported on Thursday that the minor was located safely in Mexico.
Little Andrea Flores was abducted by her father, Víctor Flores Enríquez, who did not have custody, on the first day of the year at 581 Magnolia Avenue in Millbrae.
The authorities stated that the minor was safely recovered and reunited with her family, thanks to the joint work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Mexican authorities, last Saturday, January 7.
Without further information on the matter, it was stated that Andrea is already back in the Bay Area, and that, so far, the whereabouts of the kidnapper are unknown.
«Gracias al público por su preocupación, su apoyo y por enviar sugerencias en este caso. También pedimos respetar la privacidad de la familia en este momento», escribió en su cuenta de Twitter la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de San Mateo.
Flores Enríquez, quien no ha sido localizado, fue descrito como un hombre hispano de 33 años con cabello castaño y ojos color avellana.
La última vez que se le vio, vestía una playera azul y pantalones de mezclilla del mismo color.
Fotos de Flores Enríquez distribuidas por la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de San Mateo.
The Departamento de Servicios de Atención Médica ‒DHCS‒ otorgó este miércoles 52 millones de dólares a proveedores de servicios de Tratamiento Asistido por Medicamentos ‒MAT‒, fondos con los que se busca apoyar la prevención y tratamiento de trastornos por opioides y otras sustancias así como la recuperación.
«Es fundamental que los proveedores de tratamiento en la primera línea de la epidemia de opioides tengan los recursos que necesitan para salvar vidas, cuando los necesitan», señaló el gobernador Newsom. «Los esfuerzos de hoy, en coordinación con el gobierno federal, refuerzan el enfoque de múltiples frentes de nuestro estado para abordar esta crisis en curso y proteger a tantos californianos como sea posible».
Como parte del presupuesto estatal 2023-2024, Newsom propuso inversiones adicionales para distribuir naloxona, proporcionar medicamentos para sobredosis a todas las escuelas intermedias y secundarias, poner a disposición tiras reactivas y subvenciones para servicios de educación, pruebas, recuperación y apoyo.
En la actual administración, se han invertido más de mil millones de dólares en fondos para luchar contra la crisis de los opioides: eliminar los opioides de las calles, proporcionar recursos a las comunidades de California que los necesitan y aumentar la educación y la conciencia para prevenir daños en primer lugar. Sin embargo, parece ser que no es suficiente.
«La epidemia de opioides es uno de los mayores desafíos que enfrenta California hoy en día», subrayó la directora del DHCS, Michelle Baass. «La Administración está invirtiendo recursos masivos, más de mil millones de dólares, en una respuesta integral a la crisis, y las subvenciones que anunciamos hoy deberían contribuir en gran medida a ayudar a los proveedores de tratamiento en todo California a salvar vidas».
Las asignaciones de este 11 de enero, de hasta un millón 848 mil dólares cada una para 105 proveedores de servicios, financiarán el desarrollo y la implementación de «centros» y «radios» de tratamiento de trastornos por uso de sustancias y opioides en todo California. Los «centros» pueden ser programas de tratamiento de narcóticos u otros proveedores de MAT; los «radios» son prescriptores en el consultorio aprobados por el gobierno federal.
Cabe destacar que esta financiación, que proviene de la subvención State Opioid Response III, otorgada por la Administración federal de Servicios de Salud Mental y Abuso de Sustancias, abarca del 1 de enero de 2023 al 30 de junio de 2024.
La capa de nieve de Sierra Nevada y los embalses del Estado recibieron un gran impulso de las tormentas en California recientes y en curso, pero no lo suficiente como para poner fin a las condiciones de sequía actuales, dijeron funcionarios del Departamento de Recursos Hídricos del estado durante una sesión informativa este miércoles.
«Nos estamos abriendo camino a través de una emergencia de inundación, pero habrá componentes subyacentes de la sequía que persistirán incluso cuando todo esto termine», señaló Michael Anderson, climatólogo oficial del estado.
Anderson dijo que la capa de nieve de Sierra está en los niveles estacionales completos esperados para el 1 de abril durante un año promedio, pero dijo que era difícil pronosticar cuánto fluctuaría mientras tanto, y que el derretimiento excesivo podría presentar más riesgos de inundaciones.
Se pronostica que dos tormentas más azotarán California en los próximos 10 días. Se pronostican otras 3 a 4 pulgadas de lluvia para el Área de la Bahía durante esas tormentas, y de 2 a 3 pulgadas en la Costa Central. Esas marcarán el final de una serie de nueve tormentas que azotarán el estado a partir del 30 de diciembre.
Photo: Bay City News
Anderson dijo que los niveles de los ríos continuarán fluctuando después de que pase la serie de tormentas, y las inundaciones siguen siendo un riesgo en múltiples áreas, incluidas cinco vías fluviales en las que se centró la agencia de recursos hídricos, incluidos Bear Creek y los ríos Pájaro, Salinas, Cosumnes y Russian.
Anderson dijo que los deslizamientos de tierra eran una preocupación importante dado el volumen de lluvia que golpea el terreno empinado, parte del cual ha sido quemado por incendios forestales recientes.
Los niveles de agua alcanzaron su punto máximo en el río Pájaro el martes por la mañana y ahora están retrocediendo, según Jeremy Arrich, gerente de la división de manejo de inundaciones del departamento. Las inundaciones cerca del río obligaron a evacuar esta semana.
Photo: Bay City News
Arrich dijo que se pronostica que los niveles de agua en el río Salinas alcancen su punto máximo en algún momento del viernes por la noche y se mantengan en niveles máximos durante el fin de semana. Un equipo de especialistas estuvo en el río para tratar múltiples forúnculos, que son áreas cercanas a un dique que se rompen en el lado seco y pierden agua.
Se alcanzaron niveles de inundación récord en Bear Creek en el condado de Merced, dijo Arrich. El departamento ha desplegado 576 pies lineales de pared muscular, que es una barrera portátil, junto con 100 mil sacos de arena y láminas de plástico para ayudar a combatir las inundaciones en el área.
El río Russian está cerca de la etapa de inundación y se espera que permanezca en ese nivel durante varios días.
«Es una situación bastante dinámica, las cosas están cambiando rápidamente y el centro de operaciones de inundaciones y nuestros equipos en el terreno permanecen listos para ayudar según sea necesario y ver si se solicita alguna otra asistencia», refirió Arrich.
Molly White, gerente de operaciones del departamento, dijo que los embalses en todo el estado están al 84 por ciento del promedio histórico, frente al 81 por ciento del martes.
«Estas tormentas continúan en todo el estado para ayudar con los niveles de almacenamiento de nuestros embalses», destacó White.
White explicó que los embalses de Shasta y Oroville experimentaron aumentos pronunciados en los niveles de agua, pero aún están más bajos que otros debido a sus mínimos históricos antes de las tormentas. Shasta tiene 1.9 millones de acres-pie y Oroville tiene alrededor de 1.7 millones de acres-pie de agua, que es el 70 por ciento y el 88 por ciento de sus promedios históricos, respectivamente.
Photo: Bay City News
«Cada día nos acercamos más a las condiciones promedio», subrayó White.
Ella señaló que eso es alrededor de 2 millones de acres-pie en los dos embalses principales en esta época del año.
En otros embalses de California, el lago Sonoma está en el 83 por ciento de sus niveles promedio históricos, el embalse de San Luis está en el 60 por ciento de su promedio histórico, el embalse de Camanche está en el 123 por ciento y el lago New Melones está en el 56 por ciento de los niveles históricos.
Since the storms began to rage in the the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors On New Year's Eve, the city has provided help and resources to local residents and cities. The local city council gave a look at some of that assistance in numbers, often in partnership with cities, nonprofits and others.
Thus, San Mateo County recorded until January 10:
236 displaced people temporarily accommodated in hotels
2 thousand 1 meals served to displaced residents
160 homeless individuals enrolled in the Inclement Weather Program, which expands shelter capacity
72 individuals treated at temporary evacuation points across the county
40 Red Cross volunteers deployed
1 generator to power much of Pescadero High School
Photo: San Mateo County
Additionally, San Mateo County Fire Rescue 59 is responding in Pescadero as flood waters rise from Pescadero Creek.
30 generators distributed to homes in Pescadero with members who need electricity due to medical issues
500 tons, or 1 million pounds of bulk sand for sandbags
21,000 prefabricated sandbags provided to local residents, used by the County Public Works Department
35 thousand empty sandbags provided to residents
15,000 feet of sandbag rope, the length of 14 Salesforce towers or almost twice as long as the Golden Gate Bridge
10 thousand zip-ties to tie down sandbags
1 Cellular On Wheels (COW), a mobile cellular network, stationed in Pescadero to help boost cellular service
1,417 calls to Public Safety Communications for fire or emergency medical services on December 31, 2022, the start of the storm – compared to about 400 calls on a typical Saturday.
484 calls to 2-1-1 for non-emergency storm-related assistance – through noon on January 10, 2023 –; Top needs were shelter and sandbags.
Photo: San Mateo CountyPhoto: San Mateo County
Remember to call 9-1-1 only in an emergency. An emergency is any serious medical problem (chest pain, seizures, bleeding), any type of fire (business, car, building), any life-threatening situation (fights, person with weapons), or to report crimes in progress.
It should be noted that during storms, county emergency response teams coordinate the response from the Emergency Operations Center on the Center County campus in Redwood City.
Photo: San Mateo County
While representatives from the American Red Cross, Pacific Gas & Electric, Cal Fire, the California Highway Patrol, and many other local agencies and organizations participated in the briefings as key players in the overall response.
Tras salir negativo a la primera vez que adquirí COVID-19, todo se sentía raro. Era lenta en mis pensamientos, se me olvidaban cosas tan sencillas como palabras cotidianas y sufría de dolor de cabeza constantemente. No sabía qué pasaba. Al ir al doctor escuche por primera vez el término «long Covid» o COVID prolongado, secuelas que la enfermedad puede dejar en algunas personas.
According to the STOP COVID-19 CA group of specialists, Stanford Medicine y la Alianza de Participación Comunitaria ‒CEAL‒ de los Institutos de Salud Nacionales ‒NIH‒, la condición post Covid o las afecciones posteriores al COVID-19 son problemas de salud nuevos recurrentes o continuos que pueden durar más de 4 semanas o incluso meses después de la infección por la enfermedad provocada por el virus SARS-CoV-2.
Entre sus principales síntomas generales están la fatiga, la debilidad, un malestar general, fiebre y escalofríos.
Sin embargo, puede atacar ciertos sistemas u órganos de manera particular. En el caso de la piel y el cabello, se ha detectado la pérdida de ese último, sarpullido, hematomas y hasta piel amarillenta.
A nivel cerebro y sistema nervioso, los especialistas señalan que hay dificultad para concentrarse o recordar, dolores de cabeza, mareos al ponerse de pie, estrés, tristeza, tensión, ansiedad, depresión e inclusive problemas de sueño.
Algunos casos reportan un dolor de cuellos que se extiende hasta los oídos.
Mientras que a nivel pulmonar existe dificultad para respirar y tos, en el caso del gusto y el olfato se puede presentar nariz tapada, pérdida del gusto ‒disgeusia‒, pérdida del olfato ‒anosmia‒, pérdida del apetito ‒anorexia‒, y aumento de sed.
Los riñones también se pueden ver afectados, y se presenta con dolor en el costado del cuerpo, cambios en la micción ‒proceso mediante el cual la vejiga urinaria elimina la orina‒, y un mayor riesgo de insuficiencia renal.
El corazón y la sangre no se salvan, pues puede haber palpitaciones, insuficiencia cardiaca, dolor en el pecho y desmayos. En tanto que en el sistema digestivo puede existir dolor estomacal, cambios en el apetito, diarrea, estreñimiento, y cambios en el color de las heces.
Muchos se han preocupado por el sistema reproductivo, y es que la enfermedad podría dejar secuelas como disfunción eréctil, cambios en los ciclos menstruales y reducción temporal de la fertilidad masculina.
Cabe destacar que tambien se puede presentar dolor muscular o en las articulaciones, movilidad reducida, temblor en las manos y/o hinchazón en piernas o pies e inclusive síndrome de piernas inquietas, una afección que causa una necesidad incontrolable de mover las piernas, generalmente debido a una sensación de incomodidad. Suele ocurrir por la tarde o la noche cuando estás sentado o recostado. El movimiento alivia temporalmente la sensación desagradable.
De acuerdo con los especialistas, las personas que presentan el COVID prolongado, suelen notificar una o varias de estas afecciones, aunque no dañan a todas de la misma manera. Pero no se presentan en todas aquellas que han adquirido el virus.
Si bien el COVID prolongado puede afectar a cualquier persona que adquiera el virus de SARS-CoV-2, este se ha demostrado con mayor frecuencia en mujeres, personas que tuvieron Covid grave, que no estaban vacunadas o que no contaban con su esquema de manera completa, y quienes tenían comorbilidades previas a la enfermedad.
According to official figures, of the 98,560,000 to 50 COVID cases in the US as of November 25, 2022, 10 to 30 percent developed Protracted COVID.
Recuerde que si usted presenta alguno o varios de estos síntomas, posterior a haber adquirido COVID-19, debe acudir a su clínica más cercana o con su proveedor de servicios médicos para un diagnostico acertado y el obtener el tratamiento adecuado a sus necesidades.
Forty years after the violent repression in Ayacucho, Peru's "corner of the dead," the military is once again leaving dead people in its streets. Time has passed, but the stigma has not.
By Ingrid Sanchez. Photos: Miguel Gutierrez. Video: Candy Sotomayor
"Nobody here listens to us, nobody is going to listen to us."
This was the claim made by victims of military repression in Ayacucho, Peru, to the delegation of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) that recently visited this department.
The reproach had the ring of pain rekindled by the military who, stomping hard, marched through Ayacucho once again. The last time they fired on the population was almost 40 years ago, during the internal armed conflict that left, according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, around 70 thousand dead.
Most members of Anfasep are Quechua-speaking women; some have died without finding their relatives. In the image you can see portraits of the female members of Anfasep. Photo: Miguel Gutiérrez P360P
On December 15, the Army once again left streets covered with dead bodies in its wake.
At the meeting with the IACHR, it was reported that the dissolution of the social mobilizations at the end of December was extremely violent, with the use of weapons of war at will, shooting to kill, which reflects the violent death of the 10 victims and the large number of wounded.
The government of Dina Boluarte, who assumed the presidency on December 7 after the dismissal of Pedro Castillo, focused its repression on Ayacucho – "corner of the dead" in Quechua –; the contempt that had been dormant within the State against this region of the Andean highlands was reactivated after the relative calm that existed under Castillo Terrones.
Lima looks at Ayacucho with suspicion. People who migrate to the Peruvian capital from this region are not welcome.
For the people of Lima, they bear the stigma of “terrorists,” a label attached not only to those who served in the ranks of the Communist Party of Peru-Shining Path (PCP-SL), an organization banned from word to memory during the internal conflict. It extends to those who are “suspect” or originate from regions where the communists had influence.
On December 15, Ayacucho joined the strike called by several regions of the country demanding a Constituent Assembly to draft a new Constitution, and an end to the repression that has already occurred in southern Peru, such as Andahuaylas and Cusco.
The Museum of Memory has a replica of a torture chamber of the Peruvian Army. Photo: Miguel Gutiérrez P360P
The strike organizers asked the people of Ayacucho to take over the Alfredo Mendívil Duarte National Airport. They knew that from there the planes loaded with soldiers with bayonets fixed and heading south would leave.
The people of Ayacucho did not hesitate and took over the terminal. Hours later the State responded with all its force: for five hours bullets whistled in the Alfredo Medívil. After approximately 5:00 p.m., the persecution of the protesters began among the surrounding colonies.
The impacts of the bullets are the silent witness of the violence of the Boluarte government.
Where there were fallen people, the ground is a little cleaner than around it. The mourners washed away the blood of their husbands, sons, brothers, nephews or grandchildren with holy water.
Despite the bloodshed and the pain, the families will not remain silent and have formed the Association of Relatives of the Murdered and Wounded. They have begun the tortuous fight for justice.
Perhaps this historic combativeness and strength of the Ayacucho people is the reason that infuriates the economic and political elites, and the current State, to attack the region. It doesn't matter if it's the 19th, 20th or 21st century. The repression is the same.
"I found his clothes,"their little skulls"
«Then I found him. My husband disappeared on July 17, but I found him on August 15. But as I searched, I found his clothes, his skulls, his bones, what was left over from the dogs.»
The testimony is from "Mama Lidia" who speaks in front of her husband's holey shirt, kept in the Museum of Memory of Ayacucho; her story sounds current, but dates back to 1984, when her partner was murdered by the military.
"Mama Lidia" explains - as she sticks a finger into one of the holes in the last garment her husband wore - that she found his body abandoned in a river. She recalls that in addition to decomposition, his remains had perhaps been desecrated by dogs or local fauna.
With his strong Quechua accent, he says that Huamán was detained outside his home and then murdered for not carrying his National Identity Document (DNI).
This woman, in her traditional dress, with her black hair braided and wiping away the tears that flow from her eyes at the memory of her husband, is the president of the National Association of Relatives of Kidnapped, Detained and Disappeared Persons of Peru (Anfasep), which since 1982 has focused on the recovery and identification of victims of violence in the internal armed conflict and justice for the families.
Juana holds an embroidery made by her. “Justice and truth” can be read on the handicraft that she also sells to cover her expenses. Photo: Miguel Gutiérrez P360P
"They told me, 'There are dead people on this street. There are many dead people on this other street.' That's when I found my husband," Lidia explains, recalling the response of the authorities at the time.
The Ayacucho Prosecutor's Office refused to collect the body because "the judge is busy" so she returned to the river, collected the remains in a sheet and placed them on the judge's table with the claim of lack of assistance.
With the fortitude of his people, he took Huamán and buried him, after which he began his activism in Anfasep with the intention of finding the culprits.
Lidia is a case of "success" in the search for relatives, as she found the remains of her partner. Others have spent 40 years without hearing from their husbands, mothers, brothers or sons. Now, the violent repression of December 15 has opened several wounds among some members of the Association. The horror of the violence has brought back the pain of being victims.
Like that of Paula Aguilar, a woman who does not speak Spanish. In Quechua she explains that her mother and brother were disappeared by the Army in the 1980s and she has not found them. Now, her grandnephew was one of the 10 people killed by the military on December 15.
Paula Aguilar holds the only photo she has of her mother, who disappeared in the 1980s in the context of the internal armed conflict. Photo: Miguel Gutiérrez P360P
José Luis Aguilar was returning from work when he encountered a military pursuit in the neighborhoods surrounding the airport. He tried to hide, but a bullet hit him at a street intersection. He put his hand to his head and fainted; another young man dragged him to a sidewalk where he died.
"I feel sad, it's like I've relived that past year because at that time, the military killed and now it's the same. The military has killed. And that's why I relive what happened in the 80s."
Paula explains in her native language, Quechua. The linguistic distance of her testimony is no impediment to perceiving her pain in her tone and gestures.
Her main concern is the future of José Luis's two-year-old son. Paula stresses that in situations like this the State should provide financial compensation to the families of the victims of repression.
Ayacucho is one of the most marginalized regions in Peru.
To get to Paula's house, at one end of Huamanga, the capital of the department, you have to reach the last stop on a truck route and then climb for 25 minutes, over dirt and loose stones, to the top of the hill where she lives.
This marginalization led to the region being the epicenter of the PCP–SL's work since before the "People's War," the name the Party gave to the conflict that occurred between 1980 and 1990.
So, the Peruvian State, which from the comfortable center of Lima ignored Ayacucho, did not react to the first military actions of the Communist Party of Peru - the Shining Path in 1980. It was not until two years later that the Peruvian militia stood up to the Popular Guerrilla Army - the name given to its military organization by the Shining Path - and horror broke loose.
The internal conflict is not the only violent period that Ayacucho has witnessed. In 1824, the last battle against the Spanish took place, with whose share of blood and pain the independence of what is now Peru was sealed and the Viceroyalty of Peru was buried.
The Quechua-speaking population explains the meaning of the region's name: Aya means "dead" and k'uchu means "corner or dwelling." Ayacucho, whether in the independence struggle, in the two decades of "internal conflict" or in the uprising against Dina Boluarte, adds fallen to the "corner of the dead."
You can watch the video with interviews on the YouTube channel of Peninsula 360 Press.
This note was made with the support of the organization Global Exchange in collaboration with Peninsula 360 Press.
La tarde de este domingo y durante su estancia en Ciudad de México para asistir a la X Cumbre de Líderes de América del Norte, el presidente Joseph R. Biden hizo la declaración de Emergencia para California y ordenó la prestación de asistencia federal para complementar los esfuerzos de respuesta estatales, tribales y locales debido a las condiciones de emergencia resultantes de las sucesivas y graves tormentas invernales, inundaciones y deslaves que comenzaron este 8 de enero y continuarán.
La acción, autoriza al Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, Agencia Federal de Gestión de Emergencias ‒FEMA‒, a coordinar todos los esfuerzos de socorro en caso de catástrofe que tengan por objeto aliviar las dificultades y el sufrimiento causados por la emergencia en la población local, y a proporcionar la asistencia adecuada para las medidas de emergencia necesarias.
Lo anterior, con la finalidad de salvar vidas y proteger la propiedad y la salud y seguridad públicas, y para disminuir o evitar la amenaza de una catástrofe en los condados de El Dorado, Los Ángeles, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Stanislaus y Ventura.
Cabe destacar que FEMA está autorizada a identificar, movilizar y proporcionar, a su discreción, los equipos y recursos necesarios para paliar los impactos de la emergencia.
Las medidas de protección de emergencia ‒Categoría B‒, limitadas a la asistencia federal directa, bajo el programa de Asistencia Pública se proporcionarán con un 75 por ciento de financiación federal.
Deanne Criswell, administradora de FEMA, nombró a Andrew F. Grant coordinador de las operaciones federales de recuperación en las zonas afectadas.
La respuesta fue inmediata, pues apenas este mismo miércoles por la tarde, el gobernador Gavin Newsom presentó una solicitud a la Casa Blanca para una Declaración Presidencial de Emergencia para apoyar los esfuerzos continuos de respuesta y recuperación ante la tormenta.
Photo: California Governor's Office
Este mismo domingo, Newsom visitó dos sitios a lo largo de Deer Creek en el condado de Sacramento para resaltar el trabajo del estado para reparar los daños causados por tormentas anteriores y prepararse para el clima severo que se avecina.
Photo: California Governor's Office
El gobernador también anunció 202 millones de dólares en nuevas inversiones para la prevención de inundaciones a largo plazo propuestas en el próximo presupuesto estatal.
La administración estatal infirmó que desde fines de diciembre, 12 californianos han muerto a causa de los impactos relacionados con las tormentas, incluidas las inundaciones, más que la cantidad de civiles que perdieron la vida a causa de los incendios forestales en los últimos dos años combinados.
«Estamos en medio de un aluvión mortal de tormentas invernales, y California está utilizando todos los recursos a su disposición para proteger vidas y limitar los daños», dijo Newsom. «Nos estamos tomando en serio la amenaza de estas tormentas y queremos asegurarnos de que los californianos se mantengan atentos a medida que se nos presenten más tormentas».
La directora de la Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia del Gobernador de California ‒Cal OES‒, Nancy Ward, explicó en conferencia de prensa que con una serie de tormentas por delante, la situación sigue siendo muy difícil para muchas comunidades en todo el estado, mismo que, actualmente, tiene 420 mil 143 clientes sin electricidad, aproximadamente 2 mil 920 personas evacuando y 199 en algún refugio.
Wade Crowfoot, secretario de Recursos Naturales de California, señaló que, aunque es evidente que los californianos no son ajenos a estas grandes tormentas de invierno procedentes del Pacífico, «sabemos que estas tormentas están sobrecargadas por el climate change y dada esta amenaza bien reconocida, California está bastante organizada para hacer frente a las vulnerabilidades de las amenazas que estamos viendo».
Se pronostica que el quinto río atmosférico en los últimos días traerá fuertes vientos y varias pulgadas de lluvia y nieve en todo el estado desde la tarde del domingo hasta la madrugada del lunes, y se esperan precipitaciones hasta el lunes por la noche, y más tormentas son posibles a lo largo de la semana.
The National Weather Service espera «impactos de inundación generalizados y potencialmente significativos» asociados con esta tormenta debido a la saturación del suelo de la semana anterior de lluvia.
Recuerde, si está bajo una advertencia de inundación: encuentre un refugio seguro de inmediato; no camine, nade o conduzca a través de aguas de inundación, solo seis pulgadas de agua en movimiento pueden derribarlo, y un pie de agua en movimiento puede arrastrar su vehículo; manténgase alejado de los puentes sobre aguas rápidas.
Nunca maneje en áreas inundadas. Evite los viajes no esenciales durante los picos de las tormentas. Si debe conducir, descargue la aplicación QuickMap o visite QuickMap ‒ca.gov‒ para obtener información actualizada sobre las condiciones de las carreteras, el tráfico, los cierres, el control de cadenas y más.
Haga un inventario de los artículos que necesita que dependen de la electricidad. Planifique baterías y otras fuentes de energía alternativas para satisfacer sus necesidades si se corta la energía, como un cargador portátil o un banco de energía. Tenga linternas para cada miembro del hogar. Determine si el teléfono de tu casa funcionará en un corte de energía y cuánto durará la batería de respaldo.
Mantenga en su mente que puede marcar el 2-1-1 o el 3-1-1 para obtener ayuda o hacer preguntas. Si tiene una emergencia crítica, llame al 911.
Manténgase informado registrándose para recibir alertas de emergencia, incluidas advertencias y avisos de evacuación. Vaya a www.CalAlerts.org to register and receive alerts from your county officials.
*California ha solicitado declaración presidencial de emergencia
Photo: P360P
Officials of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services ‒Cal OES‒ han llamado a todos los residentes del estado a estar preparados ante las posibles eventualidades que pueda traer la próxima tormenta, la cual se prevé que sea una de las más intensas que se hayan registrado en las últimas décadas.
Desde el Centro Estatal de Operaciones, Diana Cruz Pelayo, directora asistente de la Oficina de Comunicación y Relaciones Públicas de Cal OES, informó que este domingo California solicitó ayuda a La Casa Blanca buscando que se emita una Declaración Presidencial de Emergencia, la cual ayudará al «estado dorado» a dirigir todo el apoyo federal a las medidas de respuesta y preparación antes de la siguiente ronda de tormentas, a partir de hoy en la noche.
La solicitud, precisó, le permite a California tener acceso inmediato a recursos federales, así como contar con más personal y apoyo a los esfuerzos que tienen lugar en estos momentos para apoyar a todos los que han sido afectados por la tormenta.
«Estamos viviendo lo que es la tercera de una serie de tormentas que, de acuerdo a los pronósticos», llegarán durante los próximos 10 días», explicó Cruz Pelayo.
Agregó que esta tormenta llega con mucha fuerza y las comunidades se verán afectadas por deslaves, inundaciones y apagones.
«Sabemos que muchos sintieron los efectos de esta tercera tormenta, pero se espera que se intensifique este domingo por la noche. Los efectos más fuertes se verán en las siguientes 48 horas».
En ese sentido, destacó que se está trabajando de cerca con las empresas de electricidad para una respuesta rápida. «El trabajo, por supuesto, no ha terminado».
La funcionaria estatal recordó a todos los californianos tener medidas que puedan implementar para proteger a sus familias: mantenerse informado y registrarse en el Sistema de Alerta de Emergencia de su condado, preparar un plan familiar y conocer las rutas de evacuación en su hogar.
Also, make sure that your family and friends are safe and have what they need to face this storm. Always listen to the instructions of the authorities and if they ask you to evacuate, do so immediately.
En su oportunidad, Vance Taylor, jefe de la Oficina de Ayuda para Personas con Necesidades Especiales, subrayó que gente con discapacidades y de la tercera edad son más impactados por desastres, por lo que es importante tener un plan para mantener su salud, seguridad y su independencia.
Es por ello que sugirió tener a la mano, por lo menos, los nombres y números telefónicos de 5 personas que puedan ayudarlos para evacuar en caso de ser necesario y acudir a los refugios temporales que están disponibles a lo largo y ancho del estado, los cuales no preguntarán por identificación, papeles o documentos.
De igual manera debe tener presente llevar sus medicamentos diarios y de ser posible los aparatos médicos que necesiten.
La secretaria de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de California, Diana García, exhortó a mantenerse alejados de las aguas de inundación debido a que pueden tener productos químicos peligrosos y aguas residuales sin tratamiento, lo que puede ocasionar serios problemas de salud.
Para los campesinos y las comunidades agrícolas y rurales, recordó que hay recursos también para ellos, por lo que llamó a no poner en riesgo su vida, la de sus familias y comunidades por proteger las milpas y los productos agrícolas. Explicó que las aguas residuales en las comunidades rurales también pueden tener químicos de pesticidas y fertilizantes que son muy peligrosos para la salud.
En su momento, la secretaria Lourdes Castro Ramírez de la Agencia de Negocios, servicios al Consumidor y vivienda de California dijo que, si esta tormenta llega con la fuerza esperada, podría causar apagones, severos daños, y resultar en pérdidas de vidas.
Para obtener más información sobre estos recursos por favor visite la página www.chs.ca.gov y para información sobre los albergues que están abiertos en su área por favor visite www.caloes.gov.
El director de Parques Estatales de California, Armando Quintero, explicó que durante las inundaciones, deslaves y flujo de escombro, es muy importante no salir a los parques y playas en sus comunidades. Actualmente, más de 100 parques estatales están cerrados por problemas causados por las tormentas en esta semana y las pasadas.
Christina Corpus, first woman and Latina to be appointed San Mateo County Sheriff.
On Saturday afternoon, Christina Corpus was sworn in as the new Sheriff of San Mateo County, a milestone for the daughter of immigrants from Nicaragua and Mexico, as she became the first woman and Latina to hold the position in the county.
From San Mateo College, the current Sheriff thanked all those who voted for her and brought her to office, in addition to congratulating each of the officials elected in San Mateo County during the last elections in November and all the mayors and police chiefs of each of the cities that make up the county.
"I learned that nothing is impossible when people come together. This community can accomplish so much more when we put our minds to it," Corpus said after being sworn in by Elizabeth K. Lee, presiding judge of the San Mateo County Superior Court.
Christina Corpus was sworn in as San Mateo County Sheriff by Elizabeth K. Lee, Presiding Judge of the San Mateo County Superior Court.
Corpus recalled that when she was sixteen, she was attacked in a violent carjacking attempt at the Tanforan mall. She bravely fought off her attacker and survived. Christina was later helped by police officers who treated her with empathy and respect.
“I was treated with respect and compassion, with empathy and with dignity, which forever altered the trajectory of my life and what the law enforcement profession is like. I was shown the power of kindness and how people can forever impact someone’s life,” he said.
He noted that each member of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is currently deeply committed to the community, but one of the biggest challenges is the difficulty in retaining and hiring qualified candidates on the peninsula. In particular, the cost of living and housing have had an impact on recruitment and retention efforts.
“One of my top priorities will be to implement new incentives to improve working conditions and instill a culture of support and mentoring in our organization. We cannot ignore the difficult circumstances that Sheriff’s deputies and officers face every day.”
In her speech, the Sheriff highlighted that law enforcement responds to tragedies on a daily basis.
“On the first day of our careers we were basically given a new backpack and every time we respond to a critical incident, we put a bad thing in our backpack, but if we don’t take those stones out, the backpack is going to get too heavy when they don’t, we’re not going to muscle in, we’re human. We take these traumatic experiences home and we take them to our families. We take them with us, which is why it’s so imperative to change the culture around mental wellbeing in our profession.”
“It’s time to break the stigma around mental wellbeing. We can’t afford to do that, especially after the pandemic. Mental health, the mental wellbeing crisis has hit us,” she added.
In that regard, she explained that in many areas of our county, one of the most intractable problems is the mental health crisis and its nexus with homelessness. “It has left our community struggling for answers and to develop a better solution. We all need to work together and come together.”
In that regard, he said he is looking to duplicate the model and approach to homeless people that the city of Millbrae has worked on in recent years.
“My goal is to expand this model across all of the communities we serve in this great work. That includes how we respond to calls for service in relation to those experiencing mental health crises.”
“Safety is and always will be my primary mission. To keep our community safe, we must learn the challenges and concerns of each community. Every neighborhood is different and unique,” he stressed.
That is why Corpus seeks to have each of the parts of the law work together to foster trust and transparency with the community, while strengthening public safety, to "make our communities safer" and keep weapons out of the hands of those who should not possess them.
“As I always say, ‘fear is the devil’s courage.’ Like many women in law enforcement, I have walked in your shoes. I will work tenaciously to modernize this profession and create more opportunities for each of us.”
At the start of the event, San Mateo College President Jennifer Taylor Mendoza was pleased to welcome back to her facilities Christina Corpus, who was a student of the century-old academic institution, on this occasion, to be sworn in as the new Sheriff of San Mateo County, and acknowledged the challenges of the position.
Jennifer Taylor Mendoza, president of the Colegio de San Mateo.
“I congratulate her on her appointment as the county’s first female sheriff and first Latina. I understand, female leaders, unique challenges, but even more importantly, I know that the beneficial opportunities that arise from those challenges allow us to bring new perspectives, new ideas and service to our communities,” said Taylor Mendoza.
At the time, Pastor Josh Arias offered a prayer to bless the Corpus administration and the members of the entire San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.
In his prayers, the pastor, who along with his father gave Corpus a Bible, prayed for every man and woman in uniform who risk their lives every day to protect the community. He also asked for the safety of the town, and for the Sheriff to have “the wisdom necessary to manage the Sheriff’s Office for the next 4 years.”
Pastor Josh Arias offered a prayer to bless the Corpus administration and members of the entire San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.
The U.S. national anthem was performed by young Laura Oliver, while Fiorella Arias, a student at Casa Círculo Cultural, performed Alma Mía by María Grever.
Fiorella Arias, a student at Casa Círculo Cultural, performed Alma Mía by María Grever.
Elizabeth Quiroz, author of Purified in the Flame, co-founder of Redemption House of the Bay Area, and survivor of human trafficking, gave an emotional testimony of how she was supported by the current Sheriff to escape a world of abuse and drugs.
“I am a survivor of human trafficking because I decided that I would not become a statistic as a result of adversity. My name is Elizabeth Quiroz and I have overcome addiction, human trafficking and incarceration,” she said.
“I grew up in a family of gang members, alcoholics, and drug addicts. As a child, I was so physically abused that I was placed in foster care. At 15, I ran away from one abusive home and went straight to another, straight into the arms of my first trafficker.”
She said that this trafficker introduced her to methamphetamine, then became a dealer and was trafficking for 12 years in San Francisco and San Mateo County.
Elizabeth Quiroz, co-founder of Redemption House of the Bay Area, recalled how she was supported by the current San Mateo County Sheriff to escape a world of abuse and drugs.
“Over the years, I was in and out of Valley State Prison, and various correctional facilities. I was 26 when I was last arrested and lost custody of my son. My trust in law enforcement was compromised at an early age. I assumed everyone was bad and could not be trusted.”
However, he explained that during his last five-year stint in the San Mateo County Jail, Officer Christina Corpus became his support system.
“Overall she helped me escape hell. She saw the good in me when I couldn’t. Every time I got into a fight that put me in maximum security, Corpus would take the time to talk to me and plant seeds of hope in me,” he said.
“You will. You have so much potential, this is not the life for you. Without your seeds of hope I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am today,” said Elizabeth, who has been sober for 11 years, regained custody of her son in December 2020 and is about to finish a master’s degree in social justice and human rights from Arizona State University.
“Sheriff Christina Corpus helped me regain trust in law enforcement, and today I am proud of the strong relationships I have with them and public servants throughout the Bay Area. I now work side-by-side with law enforcement to raise awareness about human trafficking and have the opportunity to work with amazing law enforcement officers.”
Colonel William Peacock asked for a round of applause for all officers who work to protect the population because, he said, "when they put on their uniform in the morning and walk out the front door, they have a target on their back, and when they come back, that target is still there."
Colonel William Peacock asked for a round of applause for all officers working to protect the population.
She said she got involved in Corpus’ campaign because she was confident she would be a breath of fresh air and because she is a believer in the 3 Rs, “responsibility, respect and reciprocity. And every time I saw her in action anywhere in this county, that exuded from her. She is authentic. She puts people over processes.”
The colonel was followed by California Senator for District 13, Josh Becker, who noted that Christina Corpus inspires people, and that while this new beginning marks new adventures and opportunities, it is important not to put all the burden on Corpus, as she cannot solve all the problems of our time.
“I am proud to have been one of the first to support Christina and her commitment to transparency and integrity on behalf of all residents. I believe that is exactly what we need in this county. Her leadership is especially important because our expectations have been growing and evolving in what we ask of our Public Safety officers and we demand a lot.”
California Senator Josh Becker, representing the 13th District, said he was an early supporter of Corpus' campaign.
“It’s an incredibly difficult job, sometimes very dangerous. And even these last two weeks, we’ve all been hunkered down at home. And during these torrents, sheriffs are on the front lines. Deputies are on the front lines helping those in our communities,” he stressed.
The senator recalled that the work of the Sheriff and his team is not easy, as they must interact with people and understand their needs, especially in these times when, throughout the country, the relationship has been tense between communities and law enforcement, so it is necessary to promote trust between both sides, something that Corpus has shown throughout his career.
“I think we’ve heard very clearly that trust is at the core and she is the perfect person to do that. She also understands how important it is to recruit and retain great talent, while also looking at areas to improve practices across the county.”
“Let us unite around her and support her so that we can make real this promise and the hope that we all feel today and that is embodied in our new Sheriff, Christina Corpus.”
You can watch the ceremony where Christina Corpus was sworn in as the new Sheriff of San Mateo County on the YouTube channel of Peninsula 360 Press.
After a series of severe storms and a lull in high winds and rain, now is the time to prepare for power outages, road closures and other problems that could come with the next wave of storms, San Mateo County said.
“With a slight change in the weather, now is the time to prepare for the next wave of storms,” said Adam Ely, who is leading the county’s response to the series of storms that began over New Year’s weekend.
“Prepare an emergency kit in case you lose power. Make sure to pack some water and food in case you get stuck in your car,” Ely suggested. “And make sure you have a working flashlight.”
More intense weather is on the way.
The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning from Thursday night through early Friday morning, which would bring “very large waves of 20 to 30 feet and beach erosion.”
For this weekend, the Weather Service warns: “The steady flow of moisture funneling out of the tropical Pacific will continue through Saturday and gradually expand into more central parts of the state.”
With that in mind, the county has listed a number of helpful websites and phone numbers you may need in the coming days.
Preparation
Evacuations are always possible. If you are ordered to evacuate, leave quickly. Here's what to pack in an emergency kit. ‒Water, food and a flashlight are essential‒.
download one printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as pet or senior supplies.
Road closures and travel advisories
Caltrans offers a search tool of state roads and highways. You may also call 1-800-427-7623 for current road conditions.
The county provides a map and a search tool with local dangerous conditions, including road closures and advisories.
Call 9-1-1 only in emergencies. An emergency is any serious medical problem ‒ chest pain, seizures, bleeding‒, any type of fire ‒ business, car, building‒, any life-threatening situation ‒ fights, person with weapons‒ or to report crimes in progress.
Residents needing non-emergency storm-related assistance should call 2-1-1. This line can connect residents in need of shelter with county resources.
The county also provides links to resources in the county's 20 cities.
Sandbag Pickup Locations
The county provides a map of the pickup locations for residents of unincorporated areas, which includes most of the coast.
If branches become entangled in power lines, stay at least 25 feet away and call 9-1-1 immediately. Then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
If you live in a city, please contact your public works department with questions or service requests.
The County Road Maintenance Division is responsible for emergency repairs and tree removal on the county's 315 miles of roads. Please contact the Public Works Department with questions or service requests.
Health and Safety Guidelines for Residents with Flooded Homes
The San Mateo County Health Department urges residents to to take precautions to protect themselves and their families. Flood water may contain untreated sewage, animal waste, toxic substances, chemical compounds, fungi, bacteria and other harmful materials.
