A muchas personas les causa ansiedad el volar, sobre todo a niños, por lo que la Brigada WAG está de vuelta en el Aeropuerto Internacional de San Francisco ‒SFO, por sus siglas en inglés‒, un equipo con cuatro patas que busca apoyar y relajar, además de llenar de ternura y amor, a todos aquellos que así lo requieran.
Luego de que el número de contagios por COVID-19 ha disminuido en EE. UU. y que la Administración de Seguridad en el Transporte ‒TSA, por sus siglas en inglés‒ ha señalado que las mascarillas ya no son de uso obligatorio en todos sus espacios cerrados, la brigada cuadrúpeda ha regresado al nivel 2 del Aeropuerto Internacional de San Francisco.
En el marco del Día Internacional del Perro Guía o de Trabajo, viajeros pueden disfrutar y conocer a alguno de los 15 perros y un conejo gigante que conforman la querida Brigada WAG, la cual fue conformada el 3 de diciembre de 2013.
En ese entonces, el SFO lanzó un programa, titulado «Wag Brigade», para traer perros entrenados a las terminales con la finalidad de que los viajes de pasajeros sean más placenteros.
La Sociedad de San Francisco para la Prevención de la Crueldad hacia los Animales ‒SPCA, por sus siglas en inglés‒ llevó perros certificados a través de su Programa de Terapia Asistida por Animales ‒AAT, por sus siglas en inglés‒ para recorrer las terminales.
Todos los animales usan chalecos que dicen «¡Acaríciame!» que los identifican.
Para conocer más sobre estos pequeños peludos, los usuarios pueden encontrar más detalles en el Instagram de la Brigada WAG https://www.instagram.com/sfowagbrigade/.
Tsiliy Tankover, 94 años, residente del centro de cuidado para adultos Choice in Aging, en la ciudad de Pleasant Hill. Foto: Manuel Ortiz P360P
Por Pamela Cruz. Imágenes y entrevista de Manuel Ortiz.
A veces es Rummycub, otras tantas, alguna actividad que reúne a todos a vivir y sonreír. Pero nada hace más feliz a Tsiliy Tankover como el saber a su familia feliz, segura y cerca de ella, en un espacio donde igual puede disfrutar de sus nietos, lejos de la guerra que vivió en su infancia.
Beautiful and with a smile that lights up the grounds of the Choice in Aging adult care center in the city of Pleasant Hill, Tsiliy knows that everything good she experiences today is part of a resilience that is part of a life that, in memories, traces back to running to survive.
Photo: Manuel Ortiz P360P
Nació en la bella ciudad portuaria de Odesa, Ucrania, a orillas del mar Negro, esa cubierta por célebres playas y su arquitectura decimonónica, misma que hoy sufre los estragos de una guerra, una invasión que no da tregua a quien se cruce en su camino.
Con 94 años de edad, narra a P30P que desde pequeña su vida se vio atormentada por la guerra. Para cuando ella tenía apenas 7 años, una guerra civil azotó su país, y su padre tuvo que formar parte del ejército.
Años más tarde, todos los hombres de su familia estaban enlistados en el ejército y tuvo que aprender a caminar sola con su madre a través de toda la pesadilla que envolvía al espacio que conocía como su hogar.
Inicia la segunda Guerra mundial y son instruidas fuertemente por su padre para abandonar Odesa, debido a que el ejército alemán se acercaba en busca de judíos a quienes perseguir.
Tsiliy y su madre lograron escapar en un vagón de un tren que transportaba animales y que tenía como destino Kazajstán, todo lo que fuera necesario para poder sobrevivir.
Tras dos o tres años de esperar en migración, pudo regresar a su pueblo natal, pero las cosas no serían más sencillas.
Una vez que regreso a Odesa, volvió a la escuela y empezó a trabajar, ya que necesitaba apoyar a su familia económicamente, labor que nunca dejó de hacer en favor de los suyos.
EE. UU. se volvió su segundo hogar cuando en 1980 su esposo murió. Su hija y yerno decidieron que debían irse de la Unión Soviética, pues sabían que era muy peligroso continuar viviendo allí.
Para Tsiliy la vida dependía de moverse, de encontrar mejores aires. Sin embargo, el dejar atrás todo lo que conformaba su vida nunca fue fácil.
That is why this resilient Ukrainian knows the pain and feelings of those who today leave their homes in the midst of a senseless war.
En ucraniano, nos detalla el dolor que su corazón siente al saber lo que pasa nuevamente en esa nación a la cual siempre recuerda con amor.
«Me duele el corazón ‒al saber de la guerra en Ucrania‒ siento el dolor de cada persona que vive esa tragedia. Las personas que están atravesando por esta guerra, nunca lo olvidarán», señala.
Para ella, la guerra es un tema difícil. Un espacio que debería tener paz se ha convertido en un lugar donde solo es «gente matando gente».
However, there is hope and love within all the tragedy.
Asegura que el amor y la ayuda se puede vivir dentro de una guerra pues, incluso, entre disparos y bombas hay bondad como la que experimentó durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, donde la gente les obsequiaba pan y carne para que todos los niños pudieran comer.
Peace in the midst of a pandemic
Con poco menos de dos años viviendo en Choice in Aging, Tsiliy se siente en paz y amada.
La vida volvió a ponerse a prueba cuando la pandemia por COVID-19 llegó a todo el mundo, su edad la puso entre aquellos con más riesgo de adquirir el virus SARS-CoV-2 y morir a causa de ello. Pero no se rendiría, no a estas alturas.
Hubo llanto y miedo por no poder acercarse a las personas que amaba, por no saber cómo todos se librarían de esta batalla que ataca a todos por igual. Las restricciones llegaron, no podía salir de su departamento, por lo que personal le acercaba provisiones a su puerta.
Photo: Manuel Ortiz P360P
Llegaron las vacunas y Tsiliy no lo pensó, era volver a luchar contra un enemigo que estaba a una puerta de distancia. Con dos dosis de las vacunas que devolvieron la esperanza al mundo, logró encontrar un lugar que, hoy, se ha vuelto un hogar para ella.
«Estaba asustada igual que todos. Pero sí, estoy vacunada con dos dosis porque quiero estar segura y no adquirir el virus de alguien que se acerque. Me sentí segura después de la vacuna», explicó.
No perdió a nadie por el virus, pero aprendió a que hay opciones que la ayudarían a sentirse más segura, tal es el uso de las mascarillas y el mantenerse a distancia de aquellos que no cuentan con las vacunas, aunque ello implique mantener poca comunicación.
Con toda una vida de experiencias que la han marcado y que han dejado en cuenta su resiliencia, reconoce que la familia es lo más importante, por lo que apreciar a los padres y abuelos que hoy viven en centros de cuidados como ella, es de suma importancia.
«La gente tiene que apreciar a su gente. La memoria de tu familia es muy importante, tu madre, padre, hermanos, toda tu familia. Aún tenga grandes recuerdos de ella, la gente debe apreciar a su gente».
Hoy, con todo lo que ha vivido, también sabe que, ser positiva y disfrutar lo bueno que la rodea, es clave para ser una resiliente que lo que más desea es «paz para todo el mundo».
Para su cuidadora, Marina Belevich, quien apoyó a P360P a traducir en simultaneo las vivencias de Tsiliy, llegar a trabajar a un espacio como Choice in Aging, fue una bendición.
«Siempre trabajo con amor, ya sabes, amor en todas partes porque las personas que valen son aquellas que son “jóvenes” por el corazón, por la fe, por su actitud. Siempre obtengo amor de ellos», dijo.
Agregó que, si bien es cierto que la situación no ha sido sencilla para nadie debido a la pandemia, «tenemos que ser fuertes para seguir adelante y apoyar a nuestra gente. Tenemos que concentrarnos muy rápido y lo hicimos desde el principio cuando cerramos, y trabajábamos ocho horas diarias desde casa»
Belevich se enfocó en ayudar a los más vulnerables con actividades que hicieran sentir acompañados a estos adultos mayores que no la estaban pasando nada bien.
«¿Cómo están? ¿qué necesitan? Preguntábamos. Algunas personas les gusta jugar trivia o juegos de mesa, pero teníamos que explicar qué es esta pandemia, no era sencillo».
Ella también emigró. Nació en Ucrania, pero vivió desde niña en Rusia. Hasta que, por necesidad decidió partir. Hoy, la guerra le duele, y no se imagina como un país tan lleno de gente buena y amable, como lo es Ucrania, esté atravesando por una guerra que no para.
Tsiliy Tankover estuvo presente durante una sesión informativa realizada por Ethnic Media Services en colaboración con el Departamento de Envejecimiento de California, donde los expertos destacaron que la vacunación y la promoción de refuerzos de éstas, es la clave para que estos grupos de la población se vuelvan a integrar a sus comunidades y vuelvan a conectar con sus familiares y amigos.
When about 272 community-based senior day care centers in California closed, hundreds of thousands of seniors were left isolated, according to Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging.
Photo: Manuel Ortiz P360P
Meanwhile, 71 percent of COVID-19 deaths in California are among people 65 and older, a worrying figure especially when there is a slowdown in obtaining vaccines and boosters among this population, since one-third of people over 60 in the U.S. are not fully vaccinated or have received any boosters.
This Wednesday, April 27, the first debate will be held where Millbrae Police Chief Christina Corpus will try to convince people to vote for her and thus remove the current San Mateo County Sheriff Carlos Bolaños, who has held the position since 2018.
Organized by the Redwood City Woman's Club and moderated by the League of Women Voters of South San Mateo CountyThis Wednesday, the first public debate in our San Mateo County Sheriff's race will be held, where Corpus and Bolaños will let residents know why they are the best choice to serve in the position.
Who is Christina Corpus?
Christina Corpus is the daughter of immigrants from Nicaragua and Mexico. She was born and raised in the Bay Area, where she has lived her entire life, and began as a correctional officer for the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office in 2002, later being promoted to Deputy Sheriff and working primarily in the North Fair Oaks area.
Corpus has worked in the Corrections Division, Professional Standards and the Operations Division. Most of her career has been involved with community policing, first as a deputy and then as director of the Sheriff's Office Community Alliance.
After she was promoted to sergeant, she returned to Community Policing as a supervisor. Looking to further her understanding of law enforcement with more education, she enrolled at Union Institute and University, where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Leadership.
After being promoted to Sergeant and serving as the Community Policing Supervisor, Christina was promoted to Lieutenant and oversaw the entire Community Policing Office. She later became the Commander of the Bayside Patrol and managed the Community Policing Unit, School Resource Unit, Field Training Unit, K-9 Unit, Motor Unit, and the Sheriff's Activities League program.
When she was promoted to Captain, she continued to oversee the Bayside Patrol Bureau and recently became Chief of Police Services for the City of Millbrae.
Christina also serves as a board member for Lifemoves, Casa Circulo Cultural, and the Sheriff's Activities League. In August 2021, she completed her Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.
Corpus is married and has two children: Gianna, 12, and Jacob, 10.
Who is Carlos Bolanos?
San Mateo County Sheriff Carlos G. Bolanos was elected as the 25th Sheriff of San Mateo County in June 2018. As the county’s chief law enforcement officer, he oversees all aspects of the sheriff’s office, including its adult correctional facilities; patrol services; law enforcement contracting services; emergency and public safety services; forensic laboratory services; technology services; and administrative and fiscal services.
Bolanos has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience. He began his law enforcement career in 1979 as a police officer with the Palo Alto Police Department, rising through the ranks and serving in a variety of positions, including Police Captain for the Salinas Police Department and Police Chief for the Redwood City Police Department.
In January 2007, Sheriff Bolaños was appointed Deputy Sheriff of San Mateo County and held that position until 2016 and in 2018 he was elected Sheriff of the same place.
As sheriff, he has focused on programs, policies and procedures that increase public safety, promote transparency and address specific community needs.
Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office launched a new Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (ECIT) program, the first of its kind in the state; implemented a body-worn camera program for all sworn staff; opened an Acute Stabilization Unit for the treatment of inmates with serious mental illness; launched the AAPI Liaison Program; and expanded its evidence-based inmate programs and services.
Bolanos is also active in the community and has volunteered his time for numerous organizations throughout the county. He currently serves as a board member for Starvista and the San Mateo County Historical Association, as well as being a past president of the Redwood City Rotary Club.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, East Bay. He is also a graduate of the California University Command Program and the National Security Executive Leaders Program.
Platforms
According to Christina Corpus, the world has changed a lot in the last 22 years and the security structure of the Sheriff's Office needs to be revamped.
“Today we are faced with challenges from rising crime rates, new laws imposed on law enforcement, and updated policies related to immigration, mental health, and COVID-19 related issues. Since the last Sheriff election in 2018, law enforcement has changed dramatically, but our San Mateo County Sheriff has not kept up.”
In that sense, she said she is ready to lead in that position with "an eye toward the future."
"We need a sheriff who is willing and able to meet the challenge of public safety in the 21st century," he said on his campaign page.
Bolaños, for his part, said he was not afraid to face the toughest challenges facing San Mateo County.
“Whether it’s COVID-19, policies that strengthen transparency and accountability, officer well-being, or changing public perceptions of law enforcement, I find solutions that have a real impact,” he said.
“I have built a reputation for taking action and achieving results. Since taking office in 2016, I have focused on programs and policies that increase public safety, promote transparency and address the specific needs of our community,” he added.
Wednesday's debate for the San Mateo County Sheriff race will be held in partnership with Thrive Alliance, CVE's Cycling Safety Council, San Mateo Coalition for Immigrants Rights, San Francisco Peninsula People Power, UUFRC Social Action Committee, and Peninsula 360 Press.
The event will take place at the Redwood City Women's Club located at 149 Clinton St. in Redwood City from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. However, anyone planning to attend the San Mateo County Sheriff's candidate debate is asked to arrive before 6:15 p.m.
Because seating is limited at the venue, those interested in the San Mateo County Sheriff candidate debate can also view the Candidate Forum on their devices via the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqFsVaZyuXI.
La inestabilidad de vivienda se vinculó con el ausentismo crónico, tasas de graduación más bajas y tasas de suspensión más altas entre los estudiantes, de los cuales, los latinos y afroamericanos fueron los más afectados.
According to a study conducted by Stanford University, en el condado de San Mateo, uno de los más ricos de California, alrededor de 2 mil 600 estudiantes experimentaron inestabilidad de vivienda entre 2016 y 2019, lo que los hace seis veces más propensos a ausentarse crónicamente de la escuela y cuatro veces más propensos a no graduarse de la escuela secundaria.
Basándose en sus profundas relaciones con los distritos escolares públicos del condado que se remontan a más de 20 años, los investigadores obtuvieron y analizaron tres años de registros de casi todos sus 23 distritos.
Así, a través de entrevistas en profundidad con el personal del distrito, los analistas identificaron los problemas clave que contribuyen a los malos resultados educativos para los estudiantes sin hogar y con inestabilidad de vivienda, así como las posibles soluciones.
«Este informe brinda una mirada realmente sobria a nuestra propia comunidad y muestra cómo ahora tenemos la oportunidad de marcar la diferencia porque tenemos este entendimiento», dijo Amy Gerstein, directora ejecutiva del Centro John W. Gardner para la Juventud y sus Comunidades.
Gerstein, junto con el investigador asociado de Stanford Jayme Pyne, analizaron los datos escolares previos a la pandemia desde los años 2016-17 hasta 2018-19. También realizaron entrevistas posteriores con personal clave del distrito durante la pandemia, lo que les brindó una visión más profunda y una perspectiva a nivel de distrito sobre los desafíos sin precedentes de los últimos dos años, dijeron.
El nuevo informe, publicado en línea el 19 de abril, marca la primera vez que se documentan el alcance y la demografía de los estudiantes sin hogar, así como la inestabilidad de la vivienda en el condado de San Mateo, donde la brecha de ingresos es una de las más acentuadas del estado.
«Aunque hemos visto informes de investigación de otras partes de California, la gente puede decir: ‘Bueno, eso es Los Ángeles, no el condado de San Mateo’”, dijo Pyne.
Para las ciudades y organizaciones locales que buscan formas de ayudar a los estudiantes locales, el informe proporciona datos de resultados agregados que han sido analizados con la inestabilidad de la vivienda como su enfoque. Pueden usar ese análisis, junto con recomendaciones sobre cómo pueden combinar fuerzas y cómo el condado y el estado pueden brindar apoyo y orientación uniforme, dijo Gerstein.
Los investigadores dijeron que los legisladores no tienen una idea clara de los desafíos únicos que enfrentan los estudiantes que experimentan inestabilidad de vivienda.
El informe reveló marcadas diferencias entre los estudiantes sin hogar y con inestabilidad de vivienda ‒viviendo temporalmente con amigos o familiares, o en peligro de ser desalojados‒ en comparación con aquellos con ingresos familiares y vivienda estables.
Por ejemplo, los estudiantes que viven con inestabilidad de vivienda son desproporcionadamente latinos, afroamericanos y aprendices del idioma inglés.
Los estudiantes sin hogar o «sin vivienda» también pierden más días de escuela y no completan la escuela secundaria a un ritmo más alto que los estudiantes con vivienda estable. También son suspendidos de la escuela de dos a cinco veces más a menudo, dependiendo del nivel de grado.
Su ausentismo crónico tiene un efecto en cascada: cuanto más faltan a la escuela, más invisibles se vuelven, dijo Gerstein, porque se pierden los días de instrucción y la vida comunitaria escolar, y es posible que no estén presentes cuando se realizan las pruebas estatales.
Gerstein y Pyne encontraron que los estudiantes sin hogar y con inestabilidad de vivienda se agrupan en ciertas áreas del condado de San Mateo.
Los grupos más grandes incluyen el distrito escolar de la ciudad de Ravenswood en East Palo Alto y el distrito escolar primario de San Mateo-Foster City.
También hay marcadas disparidades de ingresos en todo el condado de San Mateo. Cinco distritos de escuelas primarias que atienden a 5 mil 500 estudiantes no informaron tener a alumnos con inestabilidad de vivienda, mientras que otro distrito de escuelas primarias que atiende a 4 mil 100 estudiantes informó que mil 500 de ellos, tuvieron dicho problema, durante el período de tres años.
Para los investigadores, es muy probable que las cifras en ambos casos estén subestimadas.
«Es casi seguro que los estudiantes no están siendo contados», concluyeron los investigadores a partir de sus entrevistas.
Puede haber varias razones para esto, precisaron, incluido el estigma percibido en torno a la falta de vivienda o el miedo a llamar la atención sobre los hogares con estatus migratorio irregular, entre otras razones.
Además, es probable que la COVID-19 haya empeorado la inestabilidad de la vivienda de los estudiantes y el problema del conteo insuficiente, dijo el personal del distrito a los investigadores, ya que los padres perdieron sus trabajos y se mudaron fuera del área, o se vieron obligados a duplicar su trabajo.
«Si pudiéramos identificar con precisión a los niños que están luchando con su estado de vivienda y qué tan crónico es eso a lo largo del año y de un año a otro, nos daría una idea mucho más rica de lo que les está pasando», dijo Pyne.
Gerstein señaló que cuando algunos estudiantes enfrentan problemas disciplinarios en la escuela, su comportamiento podría atribuirse erróneamente a otros factores cuando la institución no sabe que sus familias pueden estar luchando con la vivienda y otros desafíos como la seguridad alimentaria.
In view of this, one of its main recommendations is to create coordinated and comprehensive support for families.
Sin embargo, para que estas recomendaciones sean efectivas, se necesitará una mayor conciencia y coordinación entre los sectores de las comunidades. La política estatal también puede brindar orientación y un enfoque más uniforme, así como apoyo financiero, concluyeron los investigadores.
American technology and social media conglomerate Meta Platforms, trading as Meta, announced that on May 9 it will open the first physical Meta store on its campus in Burlingame, where users will be able to purchase and test all of its hardware products, seeking to take another step in its famous "Metaverse."
In collaboration with Ray-Ban, "Meta Store", the physical store of Meta, will seek to provide interactive demonstrations to its users, where they will be able to make video calls through Portal ‒video call devices‒, learn how to use Ray-Ban Stories ‒smart glasses‒, and explore the magic of virtual reality with a Quest 2 immersive, the first of its kind.
While Burlingame will be home to Meta's first physical store, this one joins the portal www.meta.com, where users can shop from the comfort of their mobile devices.
“Once people experience the technology, they can appreciate it more. If we’ve done our job well, people should go away and tell their friends, ‘You’ve got to go check out Meta Store,’” said Martin Gilliard, director of Meta Store.
With approximately 1,550 square feet, Meta sought to launch its first physical store near the headquarters of Reality Labs, the space where they are building the “metaverse.”
“Having the store here in Burlingame gives us more opportunities to experiment and keep the customer experience at the core of our development. What we learn here will help shape our future retail strategy,” Gilliard added.
The company detailed in a statement that its goal with Meta Store, Meta's physical store, is to show people what is currently possible with its products, while also giving a glimpse of the future as the metaverse comes to life and, "hopefully," demystifying that concept a bit in the process.
“The Meta Store will help people make that connection about how our products can be the gateway to the metaverse in the future. We’re not selling the metaverse in our store, but we hope people will come in and learn a little bit more about how our products will help them connect to it,” Gilliard said.
Starting May 9, the store will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time at 322 Airport Blvd in Burlingame, San Mateo County, California.
Attendees will be able to purchase the Quest 2 and accessories for it, Portal devices, and if they are interested in purchasing Ray-Ban Stories, a retail associate will help them order them directly from www.Ray-Ban.com.
"At Meta Store, we want you to interact with everything. We want you to collect things. We want you to feel it," said the company that previously bore the name Facebook.
Residents of the Choice in Aging adult care center in the city of Pleasant Hill. Photo: Manuel Ortiz P360P
Tsiliy Tankover walks slowly, he is 94 years old, but his desire to live and enjoy is revealed in all the activities he carries out at the Choice in Aging adult care center, in the city of Pleasant Hill, where, thanks to the support of caregivers and companions, the pandemic has been less painful.
"It's a place full of life. I feel like I need people, and people need me," said the native of Odessa, a city in southern Ukraine, who has lived in California since 1980.
Tsiliy Tankover, 94, a resident of Choice in Aging adult care in Pleasant Hill. Photo: Manuel Ortiz P360P
While Tsiliy, like many older adults, has navigated the pandemic calmly, experts in geriatrics - a branch of medicine dedicated to studying diseases that afflict older people and their care - pointed out that isolation and lack of socialization have been dangerous for this population group, as well as for those with disabilities.
In view of this and during an informative session held by Ethnic Media Services In collaboration with the California Department of Aging, experts stressed that vaccination and the promotion of booster shots is the key to helping these population groups reintegrate into their communities and reconnect with their families and friends.
When about 272 community-based senior day care centers in California closed, hundreds of thousands of seniors were left isolated, according to Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging.
Meanwhile, 71 percent of COVID-19 deaths in California are among people 65 and older, a worrying figure especially when there is a slowdown in obtaining vaccines and boosters among this population, since one-third of people over 60 in the U.S. are not fully vaccinated or have received any boosters.
But for DeMarois, things are changing. “We know today that many Californians have been vaccinated and boosted, including those over 50 who have received their second shot.”
He also recalled that there are services and support available from the Department he heads in all counties of the state.
“They can start by calling 800-510-2020 to be connected to the services and supports they need,” she said. “We will work where a person is, and we will connect them with support over the phone or virtually, and we will educate them on what is available in the community.”
In this regard, he noted that all people who have MediCal and Medicaid will be assisted and supported so that they find the necessary support to receive proper care and timely access to vaccines and boosters.
However, she stressed, "it is important for all MediCal eligibles to renew their contact information so that their benefits are not interrupted."
He also recalled that, in the coming months, people over 50 years of age who have an irregular immigration status or who are undocumented will be eligible for Medicare in California, and will therefore have access to all MediCal services.
While those who require emotional support in any language through warm conversation can call the Friendship Line at 888-670-1360, which is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
For her part, Debbie Toth, president and CEO of Choice in Aging, said the past two years have been “incredibly difficult,” particularly for older adults.
“The fear of death was real every day. We were in a situation where older adults were dying and getting sick at extremely high and chilling rates.”
The situation at the time required asking this population to lock themselves in, contrary to what they had always been asked to do, since socialization is very important for older adults.
“We always tell older adults, don’t isolate yourself, it will affect your health,” Toth said. “And now we’re dealing with trying to come to terms with what happened.”
Knowing that seniors wanted to return to the centers, he stressed, they were told that the only way to do so would be to get vaccinated.
“Everyone got vaccinated and we reached 100 percent vaccination among older adults.”
Finally, after great efforts in vaccination and the administration of booster doses, the centre has reopened completely, although masks are still required inside the venue.
“They are finally coming together again in these centers, which allow them to live longer by connecting with each other to have more meaningful lives; and access to social and medical services,” Toth explained. “We need to be able to have a community to come together, to share our language, a culture, a friendship.”
“Vaccines and boosters are the only things that have made this possible for our aging population.”
For her part, internist Dr. Sara Levin, from the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, pointed out that older adults are one of the population groups most vulnerable to the pandemic, as they are often sick with pre-existing health conditions.
Currently, he pointed out, this group of the population is encouraged to use the vaccination resources in their area to obtain their boosters and thus end isolation, such as in care centers, where many of them meet, live together, exercise, receive physical and occupational therapy, in addition to health care.
East Palo Alto Mayor Ruben Abrica. Photo credit: P360P.
After a struggle to recognize the work and importance of the Latino community, especially the Mexican community that lives and/or works in East Palo Alto, its mayor, Rubén Abrica, recalled that the city of East Palo Alto celebrates Mexican identity by celebrating for the 37th consecutive time the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla, which is remembered every May 5.
Abrica, who is of Mexican nationality and managed to become mayor of East Palo Alto, recalled that May 5 has become a community holiday in the area "and this makes me very proud."
In an interview conducted by Marcos Gutiérrez and Manuel Ortiz during the program Península 360 Radio, on KIQI, through the 1010 AM frequency from San Francisco, California, in collaboration with the program Hecho en California, he congratulated the members of the organizing committee for maintaining the tradition for almost four decades.
And, he said, in the 80s, East Palo Alto was a smaller community and there weren't as many facilities as there are now, so people were even embarrassed to speak Spanish or listen to their own music, "sometimes the authorities looked at you like, what's going on here?"
"So we decided that we would always hold a public event to affirm our existence and also have a government that could advocate for all members of the community."
The event, he said, in addition to celebrating Mexican culture, serves to "stay abreast of social issues, which we should all keep in mind to continue improving our community."
"We're going to do much more than just gather together, not just listen to music to celebrate May 5th, but also recognize the past, our ancestors and those who have fought for many of the rights we have here."
This year's celebration will be virtual, like the last edition, and will be broadcast through Peninsula 360 Press on May 5th starting at 7:00 p.m., where attendees will be able to enjoy various activities.
«We hope to be able to do it again next year in the park so that all the families can come and enjoy the culture; to recognize each other, support each other and celebrate our culture, history and to be aware of current issues such as housing, economy, education and health.»
The official added that the committee has encouraged the Latino community to "defend their rights as human beings and to work in solidarity with other communities to rebuild a post-pandemic society that seriously addresses economic, health, education, housing, jobs and other areas of daily life inequalities, maintaining the historical meaning of May 5."
Challenges to overcome in East Palo Alto
The situation for low-income people in various parts of the Bay Area is not easy, as gentrification and rising property prices mean that many people, mostly essential workers who rent, are forced to relocate to places like the Central Valley, a situation to which East Palo Alto is no exception.
This was stated by the mayor of the city, who calls for wise selection of representatives in the upcoming elections.
Ruben Abrica is an outspoken supporter of Democrat David Canepa in his campaign for Congress, just as he did when he ran for councilman and later as supervisor in San Mateo County.
"I hope I can win and bring community issues of economic inequality and immigration to Washington DC. We need more people who are active in these issues."
Los tlaxcaltecas que radican en la ciudad de Nueva York ya tienen un espacio dirigido a ellos, pues el pasado 19 de abril se inauguró «Casa Tlaxcala» en la gran manzana.
La gobernadora del estado de Tlaxcala ‒México‒, Lorena Cuéllar Cisneros fue la encargada de cortar el listón de inauguración de «Casa Tlaxcala», espacio que funge como una representación gubernamental donde se brindarán servicios de asesoría y acompañamiento para diversos trámites de los migrantes tlaxcaltecas radicados en Nueva York.
Entre los trámites que se podrán realizar en Casa Tlaxcala está la expedición de actas de nacimiento, licencias de conducir o constancias de no antecedentes penales, apostilla de documentos, aclaración de actas, repatriación de los cuerpos de personas fallecidas, y apoyo para obtener doble nacionalidad.
«Se llena de alegría mi corazón al ver materializado un compromiso que hice en campaña con la comunidad migrante, y que hoy entrego en Nueva York. Casa Tlaxcala es el espacio que dará asesoría y acompañamiento para diversos trámites a migrantes tlaxcaltecas», señaló la funcionaria mexicana a través de sus redes sociales.
Cuéllar Cisneros detalló que en la oficina que está ubicada en el edificio WeWork en el 54 West 40 Street New York, los servicios serán completamente gratuitos.
En su oportunidad, Manuel Castro, comisionado de Asuntos del Migrantes en la ciudad de Nueva York, subrayó que la comunidad tlaxcalteca ha luchado por mucho tiempo por tener un espacio que les brindara la atención adecuada, pues muchos de ellos no pueden ir a México realizar los trámites necesarios.
Añadió que la oficina que encabeza, ofrece diversos servicios a la comunidad inmigrante, por lo que, de requerirlo, también pueden acercarse a la misma para obtener ayuda en materia de educación o transporte, entre otros servicios.
Casa Tlaxcala llega a Nueva York, luego de una lucha constante por parte de esta comunidad en «La Gran Manzana», pues varios miembros dijeron sentirse olvidados por administraciones tlaxcaltecas anteriores, por lo que agradecieron el nuevo espacio.
Cabe destacar que también, el pasado 19 de abril se declaró el «Día de la Amistad con Tlaxcala», en New Haven, Connecticut.
El alcalde de dicha ciudad, Justin Elicker, reconoció a Cuellar por el trabajo realizado en beneficio de la población migrante tlaxcalteca.
Ambos funcionarios, inauguraron el Consulado sobre Ruedas en la localidad de Connecticut, y destacaron la importancia de la iniciativa que buscará acercar diversos servicios a migrantes tlaxcaltecas.
«Gracias por recibirnos, por darnos todas las facilidades para que el día de hoy podamos celebrar cada 19 de abril una fiesta de Tlaxcala para el mundo, para que conozcan la riqueza cultural», dijo Lorena Cuellar en la instauración del día.
Mencionó que la falta de oportunidades laborales es el principal factor de la migración en la entidad, por lo que su gobierno ya trabaja para generar más y mejores fuentes de trabajo, con la finalidad de que no haya necesidad de que más familias tengan que migrar y separarse, además de que las que ya viven dicha situación, puedan volver a reunirse en su lugar de origen.
«Quiero decirles que la gente de Tlaxcala es muy talentosa, donde hay un tlaxcalteca siempre va a haber éxito porque son muy trabajadores… también queremos lograr reencuentros familiares», subrayó.
Por su parte, el alcalde de New Haven, Justin Elicker, refirió que, en reconocimiento y aprecio a la contribución de los tlaxcaltecas, inició el Proyecto de Ciudades Hermanas New Haven-Tetlanohcan, con el objetivo de crear conciencia sobre las realidades económicas, culturales y políticas de México que valoran a las personas, las comunidades y el medio ambiente, por encima de las ganancias.
Destacó que existe una gran conexión entre ambos estados, por lo que se comprometió a establecer una relación de trabajo cooperativo y continuo para mejorar las vidas de los residentes, así como los expatriados de Tlaxcala, a través de oportunidades económicas, servicios sociales y gubernamentales que apoyen su bienestar general.
After being accused of sexual misconduct in 2019 against two of his students who attended the New York acting school founded and run by James Franco himself, Studio 4, and having paid a fine of 2.3 million dollars to the victims, the native of Palo Alto, California, celebrated his 44th birthday once again embroiled in a media controversy.
Born on April 19, 1978 in Palo Alto, California, to a Jewish mother and a father of Portuguese and Swedish descent, actor James Edward Franco has had a prolific film career since his first appearance on television in 1999 with the series Jóvenes y Rebeldes ‒Freaks and Geeks‒.
However, the director is now the protagonist of the latest of his scandals, as he will have to be called as a witness in the defamation trial currently taking place in Fairfax, Virginia, between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.
The actor's career has not always been so turbulent, as he has starred in and participated in films such as the "Spider Man" trilogy (2002, 2004 and 2007), "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011), "The Protector" (2014), "127 Hours" (2011) or the already famous HBO series "The Deuce" (2017).
James Franco celebrates 44 years of life amidst controversy, but that is not all, as he has become a feature film director and writer of a collection of short stories entitled "Palo Alto" ‒2010‒.
The three-time "Harry Osborne" has dedicated a good part of his career to consolidating, thanks to the help of his mentors, a prolific academic career since he has a degree in Literature from the UCLA, two master's degrees, one in writing and another in Digital Media from the Rhode Island School of Design's, as well as a doctorate in Literature from Yale University.
James Franco celebrates 44 years of life amid controversy because a video implicates him in the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.
Franco has been called to testify in the trial currently taking place in the Fairfax court in Virginia between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, who, since April 11 of this year, have been the protagonists of one of the most popular televised trials of today.
Depp and Heard who were husband and wife between 2015 and 2016, await Franco's statements to prove, in the case of Johnny Depp, a possible adultery between Franco and Heard.
On the other hand, James' statement would be sought to clarify the actress's accusations about possible attacks that Depp allegedly caused to Heard's face at that time.
In a video handed over to authorities, Amber Heard and James Franco can be seen entering the elevator of the house Heard shared with Depp while the two embrace affectionately, a recording that dates back to May 22, 2016, when Depp and Heard were still married.
The trial will last five weeks and will be broadcast live on the Law and Crime Channel.
By Cristian Carlos. Special for Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]
The latest study on climate change and the western United States predicts that drought conditions in California will persist. Scientists have calculated that more than 40% of the severity of its effects is due to human activities, which are causing more frequent droughts in this part of America.
Snowpack normally melts and flows into rivers and reservoirs, providing about a third of California’s water supply. Now, thanks to global warming, it’s melting earlier and faster than usual, providing less water. This will likely lead to more water shortages and higher water prices. According to experts, the drought in California has reached the territory’s 44%, calling it an “exceptional drought,” the worst level on the scale.
For this reason, Ethnic Media Services hosted a briefing with a panel of experts to discuss the causes of the drought in California, its duration, its effects and alternatives that hope to reverse the effects of climate change.
According to Dr. Rajendra Shende, President of the TERRE Policy Center, a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change who received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on climate change, a drought occurred in western California 1,200 years ago. He also said that water scarcity is a problem affecting 4 billion people worldwide and that agencies like UN-Water are trying to unify their voice on droughts for this reason.
Shende noted that the water emergency in Africa and Asia is primarily due to the fact that it is so expensive to extract water from underground sources; “water shortages for these areas may be more related to climate change than anything else,” he said. Oman and Saudi Arabia are examples where it is possible to recycle up to 78% of their total consumed H2O supply by adopting some type of technology, according to research studies conducted by the United Nations Water Supply and Sanitation Association (UNWASA). Silicon Valley could integrate new technologies that would help increase our current recycling rate of 15% here in California.
Karina Herrera, WCRB environmental scientist, said that according to the 38% the US is in a severe to extreme drought since March 2022. The 53% is classified as moderate to extreme. Herrera mentioned that there is a pattern to drought in California: big conservation acts follow big droughts. In response, there are two approaches California has taken so far: immediate and long-term actions. Immediate responses include water supply and demand assessments for urban areas, Tier 2 shortage responses for those facing temporary shortages because they are already facing such shortages or have been identified as at risk of experiencing a water shortage this summer when demand increases significantly (approximately 60 million people), defining and prohibiting non-functional lawn irrigation practices in commercial sectors such as retail stores, hotels/motels/restaurants, offices, parks, shopping centers, airports, schools, etc., among others.
She noted that it is critical that water conservation become a priority, as, Herrera said, it protects beneficial uses by saving energy without increasing overall demand due to increased restrictions on the amount of water that can be used without penalty.
Heather Cooley of the Pacific Institute, an independent, nonpartisan global water think tank, said climate change is affecting water collection and distribution systems. Reversing the problem is a major challenge for everyone, not just California; “it’s an international problem,” Cooley said. The solution, she said, is to reduce water use in cities, meaning that rainwater harvesting, along with other measures such as installing more efficient systems, can save 481 TP3T of our total water use. Unfortunately, she said, there is no accurate data on rainwater harvesting in California, so it is difficult to estimate how much we need to do about California’s drought and shortage of clean water.
Sean de Guzman, director of the Snow Monitoring and Water Supply Forecasting Unit, mentioned that 451 TP3T of snowpack levels in California have dropped and that there is a lack of water in some lakes. He also stated that Lake Shasta is only at 391 TP3T of capacity, while Lake Oroville is at 511 TP3T. Sean reported that about 701 TP3T of the average water supply level is needed to be on par with historical data.
Dr. Josué Medellín-Azuara, associate professor at the UC Merced School of Engineering, stated that droughts are not going to disappear and that, on the contrary, they will become more frequent and more intense. He reported that 14,365 jobs were affected by the 2021 drought, resulting in losses of up to 1.7 billion dollars.
Medellín-Azuara painted an urgent picture, as future droughts will be exacerbated by repeated natural disasters, as well as depleted surface water and groundwater regulation. Increased irrigation needs due to population growth will exacerbate the gap between water supply and demand. “Ways we can increase resilience include reducing drought impacts through demand management and changes in crop mix, using natural infrastructure to protect against extreme weather events, building system flexibility into our designs for areas at risk of drought conditions or other disaster risks,” he said. These are expected to be more responsive to variable climate conditions than currently fixed systems (e.g. green roofs). He also said that "a system is needed for land reuse, that is, the development of new sites on environmentally degraded land so that it can be put back to productive use rather than being abandoned from an economic point of view just because it has become unusable from a hydrological perspective."
