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NASA to have independent study of unidentified aerial phenomena

Pamela Cruz

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2022.06.11

NASA to have independent study of unidentified aerial phenomena

unidentified aerial phenomena — Workers complete the newly painted NASA Insignia on the Hangar roof at NASA Glenn Research Center. Photo: nasa.gov

La Administración Nacional de Aeronáutica y el Espacio, mejor conocida como NASA, está encargando a un equipo de estudio que comience a principios de este otoño a examinar los fenómenos aéreos no identificados ‒UAP, por sus siglas en inglés‒, es decir, observaciones de eventos en el cielo que no pueden identificarse como aeronaves o fenómenos naturales conocidos, desde una perspectiva científica.

El estudio se centrará en identificar los datos disponibles, la mejor manera de recopilar datos futuros y cómo la NASA puede usar esos datos para avanzar en la comprensión científica de las UAP.

El número limitado de observaciones de UAP actualmente dificulta sacar conclusiones científicas sobre la naturaleza de tales eventos, y estos fenómenos no identificados en la atmósfera son de interés tanto para la seguridad nacional como para la seguridad aérea, señaló la agencia en un comunicado.

En ese sentido, destacó que establecer qué eventos son naturales proporciona un primer paso clave para identificar o mitigar dichos fenómenos, lo que se alinea con uno de los objetivos de la NASA para garantizar la seguridad de las aeronaves, pues hasta el momento, no hay evidencia de que los UAP sean de origen extraterrestre.

«Tenemos acceso a una amplia gama de observaciones de la Tierra desde el espacio, y ese es el elemento vital de la investigación científica. Contamos con las herramientas y el equipo que pueden ayudarnos a mejorar nuestra comprensión de lo desconocido. Esa es la definición misma de lo que es la ciencia. Eso es lo que hacemos», señaló Thomas Zurbuchen, administrador asociado de ciencia en la sede de la NASA en Washington.

La agencia no forma parte de la Fuerza de Tarea de Fenómenos Aéreos No Identificados del Departamento de Defensa, ni de su sucesor, el Grupo de Sincronización de Gestión e Identificación de Objetos Aerotransportados, sin embargo, la NASA se ha coordinado ampliamente en todo el gobierno con respecto a cómo aplicar las herramientas de la ciencia para arrojar luz sobre la naturaleza y el origen de los fenómenos aéreos no identificados.

El equipo de estudio independiente de la agencia estará dirigido por el astrofísico David Spergel, presidente de la Fundación Simons en la ciudad de Nueva York y anteriormente presidente del departamento de astrofísica de la Universidad de Princeton en Princeton, Nueva Jersey; y Daniel Evans, el subadministrador asociado adjunto de investigación en la Dirección de Misión Científica de la NASA, será el funcionario de la NASA responsable de orquestar el estudio.

«Dada la escasez de observaciones, nuestra primera tarea es simplemente recopilar el conjunto de datos más sólido que podamos», dijo Spergel. «Identificaremos qué datos ‒de civiles, gobiernos, organizaciones sin fines de lucro, empresas‒ existen, qué más debemos tratar de recopilar y cómo analizarlos mejor».

Se espera que el estudio tarde alrededor de nueve meses en completarse. Obtendrá el asesoramiento de expertos en las comunidades científica, aeronáutica y de análisis de datos para centrarse en la mejor manera de recopilar nuevos datos y mejorar las observaciones de UAP.

«De acuerdo con los principios de apertura, transparencia e integridad científica de la NASA, este informe se compartirá públicamente», explicó Evans. «Todos los datos de la NASA están disponibles para el público, nos tomamos esa obligación en serio, y los hacemos fácilmente accesibles para que cualquiera pueda verlos o estudiarlos».

Aunque no está relacionado con este nuevo estudio, la NASA tiene un programa de astrobiología activo que se enfoca en los orígenes, la evolución y la distribución de la vida más allá de la Tierra. Desde el estudio del agua en Marte hasta la exploración de «mundos oceánicos» prometedores, como Titán y Europa, las misiones científicas de la NASA están trabajando juntas con el objetivo de encontrar signos de vida más allá de la Tierra.

Además, la búsqueda de vida de la agencia también incluye el uso de misiones como el Satélite de Sondeo de Exoplanetas en Tránsito y el Telescopio Espacial Hubble, para buscar exoplanetas habitables, mientras que el Telescopio Espacial James Webb intentará detectar firmas biológicas en atmósferas alrededor de otros planetas, detectando oxígeno y carbono, pues el dióxido en otras atmósferas, por ejemplo, podría sugerir que un exoplaneta alberga plantas y animales como el nuestro.

La NASA también financia investigaciones basadas en el espacio que se centran en firmas tecnológicas, es decir, firmas de tecnología avanzada en el espacio exterior, de otros planetas.

You may be interested in: Analysis: Is the first space war coming: A look at tomorrow's arms race?

Gasoline prices in the country soar to $5.00 per gallon, California the state with the highest price

Pamela Cruz

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2022.06.11

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Gasoline prices in the country soar to $5.00 per gallon, California the state with the highest price

Since Monday, June 6, the national average price for a gallon of regular fuel has increased 12 cents to reach $5.004 on Saturday; while in California, prices have reached an average of $6.43 per gallon, being the most expensive of the 9 states with the highest costs across the country.

This is how it is detailed Automobile Association of America ‒AAA, for its acronym in English‒ in its daily report on energy prices throughout the country, where it details that the demand for gasoline rose from 8.98 million containers per day to 9.2 million, as drivers continue to fill up for the summer driving season, which is typically a time when demand for gasoline increases.

This dynamic between declining supply and increasing demand is contributing to rising prices at the pump. Added to this is rising crude oil prices, which could mean costs will continue to rise in the near future, reaching new records.

Notably, crude oil prices have risen this week in response to global supply concerns amid expected increases in demand, particularly as China emerges from blockades that reduced demand for crude.

In California, things don't look any better for gasoline costs. The average of $6.43 per gallon is the highest in the country, reaching $7.799 per gallon in Alpine County.

Statewide, the cost per gallon was $4.224 a year ago, up $2.20 over the past 12 months. Compared to last month, the increase was nearly 59 cents, an unsustainable situation for many families in the Golden State.

San Mateo County is not far behind, the average cost per gallon is $6.636, 20 cents above the state average.

Added to this is the highest inflation rate recorded in the last 40 years, where the consumer price index soared by 8.6 percent compared to 2021, the largest increase since December 1981, according to government data published this Friday, June 10.

Rampant inflation in the U.S. is putting severe pressure on families, forcing them to pay much more for food, gasoline and rent, while reducing their ability to afford extra services or purchases.

African American and Latino communities are among the hardest hit, with a large portion of their income going toward basic needs.

Although analysts expect inflation to decline by the end of this year, they do not expect the difference to be much, which is why the federal government has announced that it is seeking to implement measures to help citizens deal with the problem.

Americans already consider high inflation to be the country's main problem, according to polls, where the majority disapprove of President Joseph Biden's economic management, all of this in view of the midterm elections.

"My Administration will continue to do everything possible to lower prices for the American people. Congress must also act urgently. I call on Congress to pass a bill to lower shipping costs this month and bring it to my desk, so we can lower the price of goods," Biden said in a statement on Friday.

He also called on Congress to pass legislation to reduce costs for families, such as energy bills and prescription drugs.

He said the deficit has shrunk more under his tenure as president than at any other time in history, "but if Congress were to pass tax reform so that the wealthiest Americans and large corporations pay their fair share, we could reduce this inflationary pressure even further."

He explained that the country is on track to produce a record amount of oil next year and is already working with the industry to accelerate this production.

However, he said, “it is also important that this country’s oil, gas and refining industries not use the challenge created by the war in Ukraine as a reason to make things worse for families through excessive profit-taking or price increases.”

You may be interested in: Newsom proposes budget in excess of $3 trillion to counter inflation

Leave gasoline behind and move to buy an electric car with these supports

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.06.10

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Leave gasoline behind and move to buy an electric car with these supports

The price of gasoline is sky-high, a concern that consumes Latino families on a daily basis, as expenses only continue to increase.

Helping the environment might be a good reason to buy an electric car, but the benefits go far beyond doing our bit to combat climate change, as the benefit to your wallet is noticeable even in the short term.

If you want to save money, make the decision to buy an electric car, you won't have to spend a dollar more on gasoline.

According to Consumer Reports, electric vehicles save drivers an average of $6,000 to $10,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle.

If the prices of a new electric vehicle seem high to you, there are alternatives and support that could reduce the initial impact of the outlay.

Peninsula Clean Energy is offering rebates of up to $6,000 to San Mateo County residents who purchase a used electric vehicle (EV). Those interested in learning about the requirements to apply and receive the support can visit the website www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/usedev/.

This rebate can also be combined with other Access Clean California support to obtain up to $13,000 in reimbursement toward the purchase of a used electric car in the area.

If you're still not completely convinced and want to try out an EV first, Peninsula Clean Energy is offering up to $200 reimbursement for a 2-3 day EV rental to all San Mateo and Los Banos County residents, learn more at www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/evtestdrive/.

Many might be worried about the battery or the electric car leaving them stranded, but a fully charged battery can last up to 300 miles.

Whether you're commuting every day or embarking on a weekend adventure, electric vehicles can conveniently meet your needs without the emissions of a gasoline or diesel car.

Considering the purchase of a car often comes with a lot of pressure – after all, this is a very expensive product that you will be dealing with frequently. You want to get it right. But there are so many questions to consider: New or used? What color? Which make and model is best? What's in your budget? Which cars look good? Which ones drive well?

Cost is obviously an important metric. But it would be worth looking at the numbers. For cars, this term is called Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and it involves all the expenses of owning a car over its lifetime.

This includes the car's depreciation - the difference between what you pay at the time of purchase and what you sell it for later - insurance, fuel and maintenance.

In general, the cost is lower for fully electric vehicles. In addition to saving on gasoline costs, EVs have fewer moving parts in the engine and do not require oil changes.

While the TCO is lower for EVs, the initial purchase price is typically higher than that for comparable gasoline vehicles, which is often a barrier preventing those with lower disposable incomes from taking advantage of the best value.

However, the state has made additional incentives available for some low-income EV buyers.

You may be interested in: Continued support of up to $6,000 for purchase of electric vehicles in San Mateo County

Harvey Milk: the echo of his fight for LGBT+ rights continues to echo loudly

Constanza Mazzotti

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2022.06.10

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Harvey Milk: the echo of his fight for LGBT+ rights continues to echo loudly

^{Listen to Constanza Mazzotti's voice note}

“If a bullet goes through my brain, let that bullet destroy the doors of all the closets,” Harvey Milk said and recorded on tape when he realized he was being threatened, without knowing that he would end up becoming a symbol for the gay cause. And today, the echo of his fight for LGBT+ rights continues to resonate loudly.

In November 1977, Harvey Milk made history by being elected the first openly gay man to public office in the United States.

His position as municipal supervisor on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors lasted only about 11 months because his colleague Dan White shot him at point-blank range on 5 occasions, two of those shots to the head, which caused his instant death.

Harvey Bernard Milk was born in Woodmere, New York in May 1930, a time when being out as homosexual was repressed and considered a crime. In 1962, gays were considered worthy of being convicted and sent to jail for sodomy throughout the United States, as same-sex relationships were prohibited.

The life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician and activist, was an example for many LGBTI people, as he assumed his sexual identity and fought for his rights, although at the beginning he dedicated himself to various jobs such as naval officer, teacher, theater producer and even bank executive.

Castro Street is emblematic of Milk's career. In 1972, he moved to California with Scott Smith and opened a photography shop in the heart of the Castro district, the future headquarters of his political career.

As soon as he was able, Milk enacted one of the most important ordinances for the LGBTI community, protecting gay men and women from discrimination in housing, employment, and other public spaces.

This ordinance was threatened by "anti-Harvey" conservatives such as senator and conservative legislator John Briggs and Anita Bryants, a singer and political activist who was a staunch opponent of LGBTI rights and who promoted "Proposition 6" or the "Briggs Initiative" seeking to censor this promulgation of rights and freedoms for the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community.

The feud between Harvey and Briggs came to an end when Harvey challenged his opponent to a live television debate, which was a resounding success, prompting organizations such as Antiproposition 6 to march with the slogan “come out! come out! wherever you are!”

Milk also gave one of the most emblematic speeches in the fight for gay rights in 1978, entitled "The Speech of Hope," in which he says in one of its fragments:

“Gays here and across the country, young people who are coming out of the closet and who hear the religious right on the media, what they need is hope. You have to give them hope. Hope for a better world, a better tomorrow, a place to go if the pressures at home become unbearable. Not just for gays but for blacks, Latinos, the elderly, the crippled… If you help elect more gays, you will be sending a clear signal to those who feel outside, a signal that it is possible to move forward. If a gay can do it, the doors are open to everyone.”

Harvey Milk and his colleague Jim Rivaldo, a veteran San Francisco political consultant, gay rights activist and manager of Harvey's political career, founded the San Francisco Gay Democratic Club in 1976, later the Harvey Milk Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Democratic Club. https://www.milkclub.org/.

By June 1977, Harvey's advocacy career was under serious threat as a result of a tough campaign led by Anita Bryant that repealed the gay rights law in Florida and passed it in several other states.

Harvey fought back, running for a third time for alderman, winning District 5, which includes the Castro neighborhood, hence becoming known as the "Mayor of Castro Street" with his famous greeting, "Hi, I'm Harvey Milk, and I'm here to recruit you."

A few months later, in November of the same year, the worst of the mishaps would occur, perpetrated by Dan White, a corrupt councilman who flouted the security protocol of San Francisco City Hall, killing his opponent, Mayor George Richard Moscone, whom he shot four times, causing his death, and then taking the life of Councilman Harvey Milk.

The double murder outraged the entire LGBTI community and brought together a total of 40,000 people spontaneously to march in silence to San Francisco City Hall, calling that day “Black Monday.”

Today, Harvey's legacy continues. More and more politicians are open about their sexuality and make the rights of millions of people belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community the basis of their careers, because they know that the battle is not over yet.

You may be interested in: Annual Pride Celebration Returns to San Mateo County

CDC Warns of Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry

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Health

Pamela Cruz

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2022.06.10

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CDC Warns of Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging people to be on the lookout for salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry such as chickens, roosters, chicks and ducks after they have been linked to more than 200 illnesses from the bacteria so far this year.

Backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean, the agency said.

These germs can easily spread to any area where poultry lives and roams.

People, he said, can get sick by touching backyard poultry or anything in their environment and then touching their mouth or food and swallowing salmonella germs.

So far, 219 illnesses have been reported in 38 states, including California, and 27 people have been hospitalized, while one in four sick people are children under 5 years old.

The outbreak has already claimed the life of one person in Tennessee, so the agency is calling for vigilance for possible infections.

"The actual number of ill people is likely much higher than the number reported because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella," the CDC said.

These outbreaks occur annually and coincide with the increase in purchases of poultry hatchlings, starting in the spring. Last year, in 2021, a total of 1,135 people became ill from contact with backyard poultry.

It is important to note that these salmonella outbreaks are not related to recent cases of H5N1 avian influenza viruses detected in wild birds and poultry in the U.S. However, backyard poultry owners should be aware that the steps needed to stay healthy around their flocks are similar for both diseases.

It should be noted that most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps between 6 hours and 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.

The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment, however, in some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.

Children under 5 years of age, adults 65 years of age or older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness, so if you notice any of the symptoms listed, it is necessary to call and go to your nearest health care center.

Some of the measures to enjoy your birds while keeping them healthy are:

Always wash your hands for 20 seconds after touching birds, their supplies, or collecting eggs.
Wear a pair of shoes or boots exclusively for your coop and do not wear them indoors.
Keep birds and supplies out of the house to prevent the spread of germs in your home.
Don't let children under 5 touch birds — including chicks and ducklings — or anything in the area where birds live and roam. This helps protect young children from getting sick, since their immune systems are still developing and they're more likely to put objects in their mouths or not wash their hands well.

You may be interested in: First case of monkeypox detected in San Francisco

Redwood City reminds that all fireworks in the city are illegal

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.06.10

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Redwood City reminds that all fireworks in the city are illegal

The Redwood City Council has called on its citizens to avoid the use of fireworks and thus become subject to fines of up to $50,000, jail time and serious personal injury to themselves and others who may be hit by one of the devices.

And, he said, like other cities across the state, Redwood City has increasingly seen commercial-grade fireworks being transported and used illegally.

These, he clarified, are not “safe and sensible” flares or fireworks: they are intended to be set off by licensed operators for public display.

The most recent fireworks-related arrest was a felony because of the power of the devices.

Thus, the use of all fireworks by persons not licensed to display fireworks is illegal in the City of Redwood City, as it is in most communities on the Peninsula.

"Fireworks are dangerous and can cause fires and injuries that are easily preventable. Additionally, fireworks cause unnecessary anxiety and fear to people and pets in our community," the city said in a statement.

In that regard, Fire Chief Ray Iverson reminded that this time of year can be particularly challenging with illegal fireworks. “The best way to prevent an injury is to leave fireworks to the professionals and not try to light them in the first place. Even sparklers burn at temperatures that can melt metal.”

The call was made amid a severe drought in the state, which is causing an increase in forest fires.

To report illegal fireworks, authorities have asked that you call the Redwood City Police Department's non-emergency line at (650) 780-7118 at the time of the incident and provide specific addresses or identifying information to assist responding officers.

In addition to the City Administrative Citation Fines – up to $1,000 – someone who violates the State Fireworks Law can be fined and jailed. Under the California Health and Safety Code, penalties for violating the State Fireworks Law can range from fines of $500 to $50,000, and violators can also be incarcerated in the county jail.

For more information on the City's Social Host Ordinance related to fireworks, interested parties can visit the website www.RedwoodCity.org/NoFireworks.

The city council also said that in recent weeks, there have been incidents of large crowds of young cyclists visiting the city centre, mainly near Courthouse Square, where while many obey the law, there have been incidents of traffic violations, property damage and illegal use of fireworks.

Redwood City said it is enforcing laws to keep residents and youth safe and downtown attractive and thriving, taking a comprehensive approach to making the heart of the city a safe and fun place for everyone.

“We know that safety is Job 1, and we are working with our police and fire departments to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who visits our downtown and the businesses that make it thrive,” said Mayor Giselle Hale.

He added that efforts are also being made to address youth behavioral issues through community partners such as the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL) and Redwood City Together to keep kids out of trouble.

You may be interested in: Redwood City joins the "March for Our Lives" rally

New drug could eliminate colorectal cancer in six months

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Health

Pamela Cruz

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2022.06.09

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New drug could eliminate colorectal cancer in six months

A prospective phase 2 study in which the drug Dostarlimab was administered as a single agent to a total of 18 patients with colorectal cancer resulted in a big surprise for medical scientists in the field of oncology.

After all of those patients had at least 6 months of follow-up with the monoclonal drug that blocks the protein in immune cells, all had a complete clinical response, with no evidence of tumor by physical exam, endoscopy, PET scans and MRIs.

The drug was given every 3 weeks for 6 months to patients with stage II or III rectal adenocarcinoma with cells that have mutations ‒ or changes ‒ in certain genes.

"I think this is the first time this has happened in the history of cancer," said Dr. Luis A. Diaz Jr., one of the authors of the study published in the scientific journal New England Journal of Medicine and led by a team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, who said they were not aware of any other study in which a treatment had completely eliminated cancer in all patients.

While the small study, funded by drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline and the Simon and Eve Colin Foundation, among others, showed good response to the single-agent treatment, it will need extended follow-up and repetition to assess the duration of response and whether it amounts to a cure.

This treatment was to be followed by standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy procedures, as well as surgery. However, none of this was necessary, as the tumors disappeared completely, without presenting significant clinical complications.

According to Andrea Cercek, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and co-author of the paper, “there were a lot of tears of joy” upon seeing the results.

It is worth noting that, on average, one in five patients has some adverse reaction to drugs such as the one taken by the patients, dostarlimab, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The drug was administered every three weeks for six months and cost about $11,000 per dose, The New York Times reported.

How does the colorectal cancer drug work?

Dostarlimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody that exposes cancer cells, allowing the immune system to identify and destroy them.

The inspiration for the rectal cancer study came from a clinical trial Diaz conducted in 2017, funded by the pharmaceutical company Merck, in which 86 people with metastatic cancer in various parts of the body participated.

But all the cancers had a genetic mutation in common that prevented cells from repairing DNA damage - mismatch repair deficiency - which occurs in four percent of cancer patients.

As if that weren't enough, Diaz is working to develop a "molecular Pap test" that can diagnose ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer at an early stage. A crucial advance that would mean being able to detect more cases of these cancers and begin treating them as quickly as possible.

The test is currently in clinical trials.

With information from The New York Times.

You may be interested in: New center for gastric disease care and research at Stanford Children's Hospital

Lawmakers seek constitutional amendment to guarantee abortion rights in California

Pamela Cruz

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2022.06.09

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Lawmakers seek constitutional amendment to guarantee abortion rights in California

Senate President Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, along with Speaker Anthony Rendon and legislative colleagues, in partnership with Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and NARAL Pro-Choice California, announced Wednesday that Senate Bill SCA 10, an explicit constitutional right to abortion and contraception, has been introduced in the California State Senate.

The legislation is intended to protect abortion rights in the state constitution, given the pending U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"Too many times, history has shown us that human rights must be enshrined in the constitution so that no one can infringe on them. This is one of those historic moments, and it must be met with a historic response," Atkins said.

In that regard, he noted that their duty as legislators is to fight for the people of California and their right to make decisions about their own bodies and access critical medical care. “This constitutional amendment is the additional armor we need for that battle.”

The constitutional amendment was co-authored by Speaker Rendón and numerous legislators in both chambers.

“Denying women the ability to make their own health care decisions is denying that we are all equal,” said President Rendon.

"By ensuring that Californians have the right to choose enshrined in our constitution, we will ensure that everyone can determine their own future as they see fit, regardless of the political whims of a radicalized Supreme Court," he said.

SCA 10, which requires a two-thirds majority vote of both the Senate and Assembly, would place a constitutional amendment on the November 2022 ballot requiring California voters to explicitly establish a fundamental constitutional right to abortion and the right to choose or reject contraception that is consistent with and reinforces the state’s existing rights to privacy and equal protection.

“Recent events have shown us that we must take every action imaginable to ensure that abortion rights remain possible in California. No judge or politician should be able to rob people of their power to control their own bodies, their own lives, their own futures,” said Jodi Hicks, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.

For her part, NARAL Pro-Choice California Director Shannon Olivieri Hovis said that, in the face of countless attacks on reproductive freedom and access to abortion, "now is the time to take bold action to ensure that California can meet this moment and defend our values as a state of reproductive freedom."

The introduction of the SCA follows a slew of legislation introduced this year: the Legislative Women’s Caucus has a package of bills aimed at expanding and protecting the reproductive rights of Californians and those who may need to come here to seek critical medical care.

The 2022-23 state budget proposals currently being negotiated by the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom also prioritize more than $125 million for a variety of reproductive health allocations.

SCA 10 will be heard in policy committees next week, and votes from both chambers are needed by June 30 to qualify for the November ballot.

Commenting on the introduction of the constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights in California, Governor Gavin Newson said, “California will not stand by as unprecedented attacks on the fundamental right to choose endanger women across the country.”

"This measure will ensure that women in our state have an inviolable right to a safe and legal abortion that is protected in our constitution."

You may be interested in: San Mateo County to offer "unwavering support" for women's reproductive decisions

Vice President Harris announces $1.9 billion dollars in support for Central America

Pamela Cruz

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2022.06.09

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Vice President Harris announces $1.9 billion dollars in support for Central America

The Vice President Kamala Harris anunció esta semana más de mil 900 millones de dólares en nuevos compromisos del sector privado para crear oportunidades económicas en el norte de Centroamérica, duplicando así el valor de las inversiones iniciales en respuesta a su Llamado a la Acción.

Como parte de su función de abordar las causas fundamentales de la migración desde Centroamérica, en mayo de 2021, la vicepresidenta Kamala Harris lanzó el programa «Llamado a la Acción» para que las empresas y las compañías sociales se comprometieran de manera significativa a promover las oportunidades económicas para las personas de la región.

Ello, en apoyo de la estrategia de Estados Unidos para abordar las causas fundamentales de la migración lanzadas en julio de 2021.

Los compromisos agregados en el marco de esta iniciativa suman ahora más de 3 mil 200 millones de dólares que, en conjunto, buscan crear un ecosistema de oportunidades que contribuya a dar esperanza a los habitantes de la región para que construyan vidas seguras y prósperas en casa, aseguró Harris.

En ese sentido, la funcionaria federal detalló que la administración del presidente Joseph Biden, reconoce que el desarrollo a largo plazo en el norte de Centroamérica requiere algo más que los recursos del gobierno de Estados Unidos.

Ante ello, la vicepresidenta Kamala Harris hizo un llamamiento al sector privado para que aproveche sus recursos y experiencia para apoyar el crecimiento económico inclusivo en el norte de América Central.

Asimismo, en el transcurso del último año, la vicepresidenta ha convocado a directores ejecutivos y líderes filantrópicos para avanzar en este esfuerzo, y lo hará de nuevo al margen de la Cumbre de las Américas en Los Ángeles en eventos organizados por la Alianza para Centroamérica y la Cámara de Comercio.

Entre los nuevos compromisos, destacan 10 empresas y organizaciones que anunciaron inversiones importantes, tal es el caso de Agroamérica, una corporación familiar de alimentos e ingredientes sostenibles, la cual invertirá más de 100 millones de dólares en seis nuevos proyectos que generarán mil puestos de trabajo permanentes y con salarios dignos en el norte de América Central durante los próximos 5 años.

Coatl, una empresa de servicios digitales, invertirá 35 millones de dólares en El Salvador para ampliar el acceso rural a Internet de alta velocidad durante los próximos 5 años, expandiendo y operando una red rural de banda ancha altamente fiable sobre las líneas eléctricas de alta potencia existentes.

Fundación Terra, una fundación independiente financiada por las aportaciones de Terra Inversiones, invertirá 24.5 millones de dólares en nuevos programas durante 5 años. Estos programas apoyarán la educación secundaria, el acceso digital, el emprendimiento y la conservación del medio ambiente, incluyendo becas para dar clases particulares de matemáticas y español a 40 mil estudiantes en El Salvador, Guatemala y Honduras, lo que promoverá la inclusión financiera.

Gap Inc. planea aumentar su abastecimiento en Centroamérica en aproximadamente 50 millones de dólares al año, para un compromiso de crecimiento total de 150 millones de dólares para 2025, como parte de su estrategia para aumentar la resistencia de la cadena de suministro mediante la deslocalización de más producción en el hemisferio occidental. Este aumento de las compras en la región apoyará unos 5 mil puestos de trabajo adicionales en Centroamérica.

Millicom, empresa de telecomunicaciones, invertirá 700 millones de dólares para ampliar y mantener sus redes de telefonía móvil y de banda ancha en Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador durante los próximos dos años.

Pantaleon, un conglomerado que incluye inversiones en agroindustria e inmobiliarias, invertirá 9.4 millones de dólares para financiar la fase inicial de un parque industrial de mil 200 acres en la costa sur de Guatemala. Una vez completado, se espera que el parque albergue una combinación de empresas de fabricación, logística y distribución, entre otras.

SanMar, un mayorista de ropa con sede en Estados Unidos, aumentará sus compras de productos fabricados en el norte de América Central en 500 millones de dólares para 2025.

Unifi, una empresa que produce hilos reciclados y sintéticos, estableció su operación de fabricación y venta en El Salvador en 2010, y se ha comprometido a invertir 15 millones de dólares en los próximos cinco años para ampliar la capacidad, mejorar la eficiencia y reducir el uso de energía.

Visa invertirá más de 270 millones de dólares en los próximos cinco años para ampliar la inclusión financiera y la infraestructura digital, con el objetivo de incorporar a 6.5 millones de personas y 1 millón de pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMES) al sistema financiero formal en Guatemala, El Salvador y Honduras.

Yazaki North America, un productor de componentes de automoción, invertirá 110 millones de dólares adicionales para contratar a más de 14 mil nuevos empleados en Guatemala y El Salvador para finales de 2026. Esto se suma al reciente anuncio de invertir 10 millones de dólares en una nueva fábrica en Guatemala, que está programada para iniciar la producción con sus primeros mil empleados en enero de 2023.

El Llamamiento a la Acción, que comenzó con sólo 12 empresas y organizaciones, incluye ahora 40 empresas y organizaciones que se han comprometido a invertir en la región, en representación de los servicios financieros, el sector textil y de la confección, la agricultura, la tecnología y las telecomunicaciones, y las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro.

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Redwood City joins the "March for Our Lives" rally

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.06.09

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Redwood City joins the "March for Our Lives" rally

march for our lives — Photo: March for our lives sequoia union

On May 24, 2022, nineteen children, as well as two adults, were killed in a horrific wave of gun violence at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, making it the second-deadliest school shooting in the United States.

In the face of this tragedy, “the Senate is dragging its feet on approving universal background checks for gun ownership. Even as the nation cries out for justice, the government fails to act,” reads the invitation to participate in the “March for Our Lives,” a peaceful march on behalf of all those who are fed up with living in fear of being hit by a bullet and for those who are no longer with us due to gun violence.

Sequoia students founded the March for Our Lives Sequoia Union to advocate for an end to gun violence and to enact new reforms to prevent mass shootings like the Parkland shooting.

Although March for Our Lives is a national organization, the district chapter spreads the March for Our Lives agenda at the local level. Members support the mission through practical letter writing, political education, hosting webinars, and campaigning.

“It is up to the youth of tomorrow to take up the mantle and push for meaningful change. Change starts with a first step. We invite you to take the first step and join us – and other MFOL chapters across the country – on June 11 for an in-person march in Redwood City!” details the Sequoia Union and San Jose chapter collective.

The event will take place on June 11th from 9:00-11:00 am in the front plaza of the Redwood City Public Library, located at 1044 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City.

Image: March for our lives sequoia union

It should be noted that registration is required to participate. Those interested can do so by clicking here.

March for Our Lives is a global organization founded by survivors of the Parkland shooting.

After witnessing the violence firsthand, many students realized the severity of the gun violence epidemic and are now determined to end it with a nationwide demonstration. Although March for Our Lives Sequoia Union is a modest chapter within the national organization, the team believes its impact is far more significant than one might expect.

March for Our Lives Sequoia was born in 2019 by Lita Billman and Cassandra Lea. In 2020, Nicholas Kwok, Christopher Kwok, and Nicholas Lawrence expanded the school chapter to a district-wide demonstration.

Currently, March for Our Lives Sequoia Union consists of over 25 members dedicated to ending gun violence.

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