031221 - San Diego Edition

SAN DIEGO

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

MARCH 12-18, 2021 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c a n C o m m u n i t y N e w s pa p e r

Also published in LOS ANGELES • ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY • LAS VEGAS

USA

DATELINE

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

74-year-old Filipino dies after being attacked for ‘no apparent reason’ in Phoenix, Arizona AMID the uptick in violence against older Asian Americans, an elderly Filipino man was killed last month in an unprovoked attack in Phoenix, Arizona. Juanito Falcon, 74, was out on a morning walk on February 16 when he was punched

550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel: (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • Email: info@asianjournalinc.com

CDC releases guidelines for fully vaccinated people by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

AMERICANS fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can now gather with other fully vaccinated individuals indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing, according to new

guidelines set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson and Janssen).

Mayor Gloria outlines San Diego’s top priorities for $300M federal stimulus

u PAGE 4

u PAGE 2

Biden signs $1.9T COVID-19 relief bill, sending $1,400 checks, vaccine aid

u PAGE 4

MAYOR Todd Gloria unveiled his framework on Tuesday, March 9 for how the approximately $300 million expected in federal relief will be used to jumpstart San Diego’s economic recovery and provide help to its most vulnerable residents.    “I am ready to get our city back on track and back to work with the economic aid provided in President Biden’s American Rescue Plan,” said Mayor Gloria. “With these resources, we will defeat COVID-19, protect core city services and provide aid to small businesses. I ask San Diegans to join me in urging Con-

“As more Americans are vaccinated, a growing body of evidence now tells us that there are some activities fully vaccinated people can do,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said at the White House briefing on Monday, March 8. The new CDC public health recommendations

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

CHECKPOINT. A police officer checks documents presented by motorcycle riders at a checkpoint near the Marikina City-Cainta, Rizal border along Marcos Highway on Thursday, March 11. Checkpoints have been restored in the city to prevent crimes and a possible surge in COVID-19 infections. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

ONE day after Congress approved his coronavirus relief bill, President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion pandemic aid package on Thursday, March 11, marking a crucial political victory for Biden and the Democrats. Among the measures of the bill — dubbed the American Rescue Plan — includes much anticipated $1,400 stimulus checks that will be sent to millions of American taxpayers later this month. “[This] historic legislation is about rebuilding the backbone of this country and giving people of this nation – working people, middle-class folks, people that built the country – a fighting chance,”

u PAGE 2

California has so far distributed 10.9M California AAPI leaders COVID-19 vaccine doses, officials say support Gov. Newsom State officials continue encouraging eligible AAPIs to get vaccinated as distribution expands by Klarize

Medenilla

AJPress

AFTER a problematic start to the coronavirus vaccine rollout in California, the state’s ramped-up distribution efforts over the past few weeks continue to encourage more communities to receive their shots. According to Johns Hopkins’ COVID-19 dashboard, California has administered 10.9 million doses of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, as of Tuesday, March 9.  More than 3.4 million people have been fully vaccinated — meaning they got both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or

one Johnson & Johnson vaccine — equating to about 8.8% of the entire state being fully immunized. Yolanda Richardson, secretary of the state’s Government Operations Agency, said in a press briefing on Tuesday that despite the overall improvement in the state’s numbers, the public should still be cautious. “[We’re] witnessing the case rates and hospitalizations throughout the state continuing to decrease as the vaccinations increase, which is exactly where we want to be,” Richardson said in a press briefing with ethnic media outlets. “But

amid recall effort by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

TOP Democratic Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) elected officials from California are doubling down on their support for Governor Gavin Newsom as he faces a recall effort.  Current and former elected officials, Pope Francis representing “firsts” in various capacities down the state, denounced the recall attempt during a virtual press conference on Wednesday, March 10, the day after the governor delivered his State of the State address. “We won’t change course just because of a

Pope to lead rites for 500 years of Philippine Christianity

u PAGE 5

u PAGE 3

Chess champion Innocent Fil-Am driver killed Wesley So becomes during fiery sheriff’s pursuit in LA  US citizen  by Christina

and

by AJPress SUPER Grandmaster Wesley So is now a United States citizen. The 27-year-old U.S. chess champion was sworn-in as a citizen on Feb. 26, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced in a social media post on Friday, March 5. So, who was born in Bacoor, Cavite, remarked that the “amazing spirit” of the U.S. motivated him to naturalize.

u PAGE 2

M. Oriel Ritchel Mendiola AJPress

AN innocent Filipino American driver was killed on Tuesday night, March 2 when a Los Angeles County sheriff’s pursuit ended in a fiery crash in Los Angeles’ Fairfax District.  Jeeves Tangonan, a chef at the West Hollywood EDITION, was driving home from work when another driver crashed into his vehicle at the intersection of Third Street and Fairfax Avenue, across the Jeeves Tangonan is pictured with his wife of eight years, street from The Grove and the Original Stephanie. Tangonan, 37, was the casualty in a sheriff’s pursuit Farmers Market.  in LA’s Fairfax District on Tuesday night, March 2.

u PAGE 4

Philstar.com photo

Contributed photo

by Robertzon

Ramirez

Philstar.com

POPE Francis will lead the Filipino community in Italy in celebrating 500 years since the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced last March 3. In an article, the CBCP said that Fr. Ricky Gente of the Filipino Chaplaincy in Rome disclosed that the celebration of the Philippines’ 500 years of Christianity will be highlighted with a mass to be celebrated by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica at 10 a.m. on March 14. Gente said that only a limited number of people will be allowed to attend the mass physically inside the basilica due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but

he said it will be livestreamed from the Vatican to reach Filipinos worldwide. “Join us in Rome to pray, praise and thank God for his gift of the Christian faith,” Gente said. He said former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, will be present during the mass along with Cardinal Angelo de Donatis, the pope’s vicar of Rome. Gente said the Catholic faithful can receive blessings from Pope Francis as he will also lead the traditional Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at noon shortly after his mass at Vatican Square. The Philippines will be celebrating 500 years of Christian-

u PAGE 2

2

MARCH 12-18, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

From The Front Page

Chess champion Wesley So becomes US... UN condemns killing of 9 Filipino activists  PAGE 1 “I want to give back to a country that has been so good to me. From the moment I landed here I was encouraged and enabled to become better than I was. I like this attitude and the tremendous generosity of American culture,” So told the USCIS. The three-time Philippine chess champion first came to the U.S. in 2012 as a freshman recruit for Webster University, and is now a world top-ten player, current World Fischer Random champion, twotime US Champion and a member of the 2016 Team USA squad that brought America its first Olympic gold medal since 1976, according to the U.S. Chess Federation. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his adoptive family.  “I got so hyper and excited I was talking kind of loud all day. It was literally a dream come true. I am now a part of the American Dream. I am part of the most successful country on earth, ready to make my own contribution and have my own legacy here,” So added. Wesley So is now a naturalized U.S. citizen.

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE United Nations has condemned the killing of nine activists in Calabarzon region by the Philippine police targeting suspected insurgents. “We are appalled by the apparently arbitrary killing of nine activists in simultaneous police-military operations in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces surrounding Metro Manila,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a news briefing on Tuesday, March 9. She also expressed concern over the crackdown further promoting violence and “red-tagging” against human rights defenders.   “We are deeply worried that these latest killings indicate an escalation in violence, intimidation, harassment and ‘red-tagging’ of human rights defenders,” said Shamdasani. The crackdown took place on Sunday, March 7, two days after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered state forces to kill communist rebels and “ignore human rights.” Of the nine killings, seven were identified by human rights group Karapatan as members of progressive and indigenous groups. Among them were Ugnayan ng Mamamayan Laban sa Photo courtesy of USCIS Pagwawasak ng Kalikasan at Kalupaan staff Chai Lemita-Evangelista and Ariel Evangelista, SIKKAD K3 members Michael Dasigao and Mark Lee Bacasno, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Cavite secretary general Manny Asuncion, and Dumagat tribe leaders Puroy dela Cruz and Randy dela Cruz. At least six were also arrested during the search warrant operations including Courage-Rizal member Eugene Eugenio, Olalia KMU executive vice president Esteban Mendoza, BAYAN Laguna spokesperson Elizabeth Camoral, and political prisoners’ paralegal aide Nimfa Lanzanas. The UN rights office, in response, urged the Philippine government and members of the se-

curity forces to “refrain from rhetoric that may lead to violations, and instead make public commitments to uphold human rights and the rule of law.” It also appealed to the police to take “urgent measures to prevent the use of excessive force resulting in loss of lives during law enforcement operations.” ‘Disappointed’  Philippine Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, for his part, said that he will include the CALABARZON killings in the Department of Justice’s ongoing task force probe into political killings. He also expressed disappointment over the killings, saying they need to “sit down” with state forces to ensure bloody crackdowns won’t happen anymore. “I am quite disappointed kasi nga hindi nabawasan, notwithstanding na sinabi na natin ‘yan before the international body (I am quite disappointed because these were not avoided, notwithstanding my already saying this before an international body),” Guevarra said Monday, March 8. “I was really hoping that with that statement I made before the UN, our law enforcers would be more careful in their operations but these things continue to happen so we really need to sit down with Philippine National Police (PNP), with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and with other law enforcement to make sure na hindi na masyadong mangyayari itong ganito (that these things don’t happen anymore so), it could be avoided,” he added. On Tuesday, Shamdasani welcomed Guevarra’s statement, but pointed out that the government’s probe into the recent killings “will be a critical test for the domestic investigative mechanisms it has established for cases of this kind.” “The United Nations is working with the government to strengthen these mechanisms, but we stress that these must be prompt, transparent, and effective in order to meet international standards,” she added.

CDC releases guidelines for fully... PAGE 1 said fully vaccinated people can: • Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or staying six feet apart; • Visit with unvaccinated people from one other household indoors without wearing masks or staying six feet apart if everyone in the other household is at low risk for severe disease; • Refrain from quarantine and testing if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 after contact with someone who has COVID-19. This means fully vaccinated grandparents can now gather with their unvaccinated grandchildren indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing, provided none of the unvaccinated family members are at risk of severe COVID-19. “COVID-19 continues to exert a tremendous toll on our nation. Like you, I want to be able to re-

turn to everyday activities and engage with our friends, families, and communities. Science, and the protection of public health must guide us as we begin to resume these activities. Today’s action represents an important first step. It is not our final destination,” said Walensky. “As more people get vaccinated, levels of COVID-19 infection decline in communities, and as our understanding of COVID immunity improves, we look forward to updating these recommendations to the public,” she added. However, the CDC maintained that fully vaccinated people should wear masks, maintain physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households. They should also continue to wear masks and social distance in public settings and avoid medium-sized to large

gatherings.  On traveling, the CDC has yet to change its recommendations, urging people to delay travel and stay home. While 30 million people in the U.S. have received their vaccines, the country still averaged more than 60,000 cases per day over the last seven days, as reported by Johns Hopkins University. “I want to stress that we continue to have high levels of virus around the country, and more readily transmissible variants have now been confirmed in nearly every state, while we work to quickly vaccinate people more and more each day, we have to see this through,” said Walensky. She stressed, “Let’s stick together. Please keep wearing a well-fitting mask and taking the other public health actions we know work to help stop the spread of this virus.”

Biden signs $1.9T COVID-19 relief bill... PAGE 1 Biden said, before signing the bill from the Oval Office on Thursday.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) described the president’s coronavirus relief bill as the most crucial piece of legislation of her career since the Affordable Care Act more than a decade ago. “It is one of the most transformative and historic bills any of us have ever had the opportunity to support,” Pelosi said after the House vote. “Today we have a decision of tremendous consequence, a decision that will make a difference for millions of Americans, saving lives and livelihoods. The massive $1.9 trillion COVID-19 bill includes provisions for $1,400 checks to millions of American taxpayers, $300-a-week federal unemployment benefits, and more funding toward vaccine distribution. The package also allocates billions to help schools and colleges reopen. “This nation has suffered too much for much too long,” Biden said from the White House on Saturday, March 6. “Everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation and put us in a better position to prevail, starting with beating this virus and vaccinating the country.” The $1,400 checks, which were promoted as an add-on to the $600 stimulus checks approved by the federal govern-

ment in late 2020, are expected to be distributed to an estimated 17 million Americans by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) later this month, Biden said on Saturday. Because the Senate made numerous amendments to the original legislation — including the deletion of the federal minimum wage increase to $15 an hour — the House still has to approve the amended bill. Though the House hasn’t officially passed the revised bill as of press time, the Democrat-controlled chamber passed a significant procedural measure on Tuesday evening that will allow House members to debate for two hours before voting. Approving the American Rescue Plan has proved to be a laborious effort for Democrats, whose seats are likely to be challenged in the 2022 midterm elections. Historically, the party in power tends to lose seats in Congress in the midterm election, but Democrats are hopeful that the passage of the COVID-19 relief bill will secure their House majority. “Anytime you’re delivering for the American people, you’re strengthening your position politically. So this is going to strengthen us because it’s good policy,” Rep. Sean P. Maloney (D-N.Y.) said in an interview as quoted by NBC News. “We should shout it from the rooftops that we are passing historic legislation that will reboot the economy and end the pandemic.” As previously reported in

the Asian Journal, the American Rescue Plan seeks to expand pandemic-related benefits, including a per-child cash payment of at least $3,000 for one year and an expansion of health care subsidies from the Affordable Care Act for two years. The unemployment benefits would be extended through Sept. 6. Regarding the $1,400 stimulus checks, couples who file jointly would receive double that and an additional $1,400 for each dependent.  The stimulus checks apply to individuals earning up to $75,000 a year and married couples whose combined income does not exceed $150,000 a year. However, the check’s amount would decrease for those who make more than these benchmarks with a strict cut-off at $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for married couples. Most Americans will receive the full amount from the IRS; according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in the country was $68,703 in 2019. The bill also allocates $130 billion in federal aid to K-12 schools, specifically to reduce class sizes and adjust classrooms to comply with social distancing and personal protective equipment guidelines. The bill also creates a new $25 billion aid program to businesses hurt by the pandemic, granting up to $10 million per company with a limit of $5 million per brick-and-mortar location.

Pope to lead rites for 500 years of... PAGE 1 ity, CBCP said, with most dioceses launching the year-long commemoration on April 4, Easter Sunday. Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown said Pope Francis has a special place in his heart for the Filipino people as he recalled his visit to the

Philippines in 2015, two years after Super Typhoon Yolanda hit Tacloban City. For his part, Brown urged the Filipino faithful to be proud of their religion not only because of the 500 years of Christianity, but because of their strong Catholic character as he appreciates their efforts to spread the

word of Jesus Christ wherever they are around the world. “Rejoice in your Catholic heritage; be proud of your Catholic character,” Brown said. Brown said the quincentennial of Christianity is a gift for the Filipino faithful to commit themselves to evangelization.

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-18, 2021

3

California AAPI leaders support Gov. Newsom... PAGE 1 few nay-sayers and dooms-dayers,” Newsom said on Tuesday, March 9, speaking from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. “So to the California critics, who are promoting partisan power grabs and outdated prejudices, and rejecting everything that makes California truly great, we say this: We will not be distracted from getting shots in arms and our economy booming again. This is a fight for California’s future.” Supporters — including Rep. Judy Chu, state Controller Betty Yee, Treasurer Fiona Ma and Assemblymembers Rob Bonta (D-Alameda) and David Chiu (D-San Francisco) — spoke the first schools for women in Filipino history. about Newsom’s leadership Today it is known as the Rosa Sevilla Memorial amid devastating wildfires, an School. economic recession, and the “The institute became a hotbed for progress ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  under Sevilla’s leadership — educating women They represent 124 leaders on topics such as suffrage, vocation and Tagawho have come out in support log,” said Google. for the governor.  De Alvero also collaborated with notable Fil“We’ve seen how he shares ipino Tagalog poets to present the first balagour values and we’ve seen the tasan (a debate held in poetic verse), which tremendous impact of his work sparked a movement for Tagalog to become the on our diverse AAPI communinational language.  ties…He has earned our trust In 1916, she left Manila to rally women across and the trust of our communithe country in her fight for suffrage, later foundties,” Chiu said. “Let’s call this ing the Liga Nacional de Damas Filipinas (“Narecall what it is — a partisan, tional League of Filipino Women”) to support political power grab.” her cause. Filipinas were granted the right to Newsom, who was elected in vote on September 17, 1937. 2018 with 61.9% of the vote, “Thanks in part to Sevilla’s tremendous call faces calls for removal with a to action, voting rights were granted to Filipino year left in office as critics, who women in 1937,” said Google. “Happy birthday, are largely Republicans, have Rosa Sevilla de Alvero!” slammed his stay-at-home orGoogle Doodle has honored pioneering Filipiders that led to school closures nas in recent months, including artist and activand business restrictions. ist Pacita Abad and Fil-Am Olympic Gold MedalAt the early stages of the panist Vicki Manalo-Draves. demic, California was a national leader on response and action, but Newsom’s popularity sank as the state experienced a surge towards the end of 2020 and topped over 54,000 deaths.

Google Doodle honors Filipina suffragist Rosa Sevilla de Alvero by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

GOOGLE Doodle is celebrating the 142nd birthday of Rosa Sevilla de Alvero, a women’s activist who fought for the suffrage of Filipinas, with a doodle on its Philippine homepage. The March 4 doodle features an illustration of De Alvero in a Maria Clara dress casting her vote in a ballot box, with the arms of other Filipinas from succeeding generations doing the same act. De Alvero was born in 1879, in Tondo, Manila. In addition to being a journalist, educator, and activist, she widely considered to be one of the most influential suffragists in Filipino history. A profile on the Google Doodle page recounted her early life as a child sent to live with her aunt, an educator who hosted Filipino patriots and intellectuals at her home.  “Sevilla often eavesdropped on their conversations about battling educational colonialism — revolutionary discussions that helped mold her beliefs,” it said. At 21, De Alvero founded the Instituto de Mujeres (“Women’s Institute”) of Manila, one of

GoFundMe launches #StopAsianHate initiative to benefit victims, community organizations

WITH the rise in violence against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), GoFundMe this week launched the #StopAsianHate initiative, a centralized hub of fundraisers that will benefit the community.  The GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/AAPI) features verified fundraisers from across the country that will benefit victims of violence, organizations that provide resources for those affected and increased protection in communities, as well as support for neighborhoods and AAPI-owned businesses.  Some examples of vetted fundraisers include campaigns for: Noel Quintana, a Filipino American who received almost 100 stitches after being

slashed in the face on the New York subway; assistance with medical expenses for Marc Quidit, a Fil-Am store owner in Vallejo, California who was shot multiple times during a robbery; a volunteer group to watch San Francisco Chinatown’s residents and merchants; and restoration for the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple, which was recently vandalized in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo.  Meanwhile, tax-deductible donations to the AAPI Community Fund will help organizations address” the urgent issues that face the AAPI community as well as broader, systemic problems.” “The recent attacks against the AAPI commu-

u PAGE 7

EXPRESS YOURSELF. PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY.

MASK UP. Wear a mask to help keep your community healthy. Take a risk with fashion, not your health. covid19.ca.gov

Opponents are also bringing up Newsom’s blunder of attending a birthday dinner at the exclusive French Laundry last fall, despite his public plea for Californians to stay home and avoid gathering with other households. Bonta underscored Newsom’s support for the AAPI community as it continues to face hate incidents related to the coronavirus.  “We reject the conspiracy theories, the extremism and the cruelty and we embrace the pursuit of opportunity, equity, justice, inclusion, humanity and compassion that have been the hallmarks and priorities of Governor Newsom,” he said. With Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 85, which provides an additional $7.6 billion for state resources to address COVID-19, $1.4 million has been allocated to support Stop AAPI Hate’s collection of data and research on the effects of the pandemic on the community.  Recall organizers have until March 17 to submit 1,495,709 petition signatures from registered California voters, which will need to be verified by April 29 in order to qualify for the ballot. They say 1.95 million signatures have been collected to prompt a special election.  “Voters would be asked two questions: First, should Newsom be removed, yes or no? The second question would be a list of replacement candidates to choose from, if voters recall the governor,” according to the Associated Press.  So far former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and businessman John Cox, both Republicans, have announced their campaigns against New-

California Governor Gavin Newsom

Image capture from Twitter (@GavinNewsom)

som should a special election happen later this year.  “Instead of fighting COVID-19, Republicans are pulling a page of the Trump playbook and [are] attacking Californians with a recall effort that will cost our state over $100 million — money that can vaccinate our communities,” Chiu said. “The consequences of a successful recall amidst a global pandemic could be deadly serious for Californians, which is why we need to educate the public about what this is all about.” NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San Diego (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Bids for the below named Public Works project. The solicitation, including plans and specifications, may be obtained from the City’s website at: https://www.sandiego.gov/cip/ bidopps Contractors intending to submit a Bid must be prequalified. Please refer to the solicitation for instructions. Project Name: University Avenue Complete Street Phase I Project Number: K-21-1896DBB-3 Estimated Value: $4,540,000.00 Bid Open Date: 4/29/2021, at 2:00 P.M. License Requirement: A It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts. Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned, and womenowned businesses are strongly encouraged. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate with regard to race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, disability, medical condition or place of birth; and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis. Bids shall be received no later than the date and time noted above at: City of San Diego’s Electronic Biding Site PlanetBids at: https://www.planetbids. com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=17950 James Nagelvoort, Director Engineering & Captial Projects Department March 12, 2021 3/12/21 CNS-3449968# ASIAN JOURNAL

4

MARCH 12-18, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

From The Front Page

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

74-year-old Filipino dies after being attacked...

PAGE 1 in the face by a man for “no apparent reason,” the Phoenix Police Department said in a statement.  Officers responded to reports of an assault around 11:20 a.m. at a Kentucky Fried Chicken parking lot near 17th Avenue and Bethany Home Road in Phoenix.  When they arrived, they found Falcon with head injuries from falling on the ground and hitting his head on the pavement. Falcon was initially believed to have suffered only abrasions and contusions to the face.  However, when he was taken to the hospital, doctors found he had a skull fracture and that he needed surgery. Falcon ultimately died from his injuries Juanito Falcon, a 74-year-old grandfather, died from injuries on February 18, two days after being punched in the face while on his morning walk. two days later on February 18. “It is in such great sorrow

that we are mourning my father’s passing. I have a lot of questions. Nobody should experience what happened to my father. I want this incident to be a cause of awareness to everybody,” Malou Acunin, Falcon’s daughter, told 12 News.  “I don’t want the same incidence of violence and crime to happen to anybody, especially to the elderly,” she added. The detectives found probable cause to arrest 40-year-old Marcus Williams in connection to the homicide, according to ABC15. Williams was taken into custody on Wednesday, March 3, after an autopsy identified that Falcon’s cause of death was blunt force trauma. Court documents stated that Williams fled in a car after attacking Falcon. Witnesses were able to provide a partial license

plate and description of Williams’ car, leading to his arrest.  He was booked into Maricopa County Jail for one count of murder. The Phoenix Police Department said there were “no indications” that the attack on Falcon was motivated by race. “If information is discovered, that will be part of the investigation,” said the department. Falcon’s family has set up a GoFundMe page (https:// gofund.me/7234e6b2) to help with expenses.  “We will always remember him as a loving man, always attentive to the needs of others. He was an avid gift giver, willing to go out of his way to make someone’s day. He was a man of sacrifice, especially for his family and us, his grandchildren,” the page said. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

Innocent Fil-Am driver killed during fiery sheriff’s... Mayor Gloria outlines...

PAGE 1 The impact of the crash caused Tangonan’s vehicle, a blue Toyota RAV4, to jump onto the sidewalk and come to a stop when it was wedged between a tree and the wall of the Citibank at the corner of the intersection.  The 37-year-old, who is originally from the Philippines, was pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves behind his wife of eight years, Stephanie Tangonan. “She’s still heartbroken and devastated. It’s the worst pain we’ve ever felt because it’s a family member of ours. I don’t wish this for anyone to go through,” Tangonan’s brother-in-law, Marlon Chavez, told the Asian Journal.  The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Alex Lopez, was being

chased by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies after he assaulted a deputy during a routine traffic stop. He was also reportedly under the influence of alcohol. The short pursuit ended at approximately 10:30 p.m. when the suspect crashed into Tangonan’s car.  The suspect’s vehicle, a gray Chevrolet Malibu, immediately caught on fire upon impact. Lopez was taken into custody after Los Angeles Fire Department crew members rescued him from the flames.  It took five minutes for firefighters to pull Tangonan out of the vehicle through the passenger side and again through the roof, a Fox 11 Los Angeles report said.  Lopez pleaded not guilty on Thursday, March 4 to one count each of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, assault on a peace officer and fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s vehicle and two counts of DUI causing injury, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The suspect is in jail in lieu of a $205,000 bail and will have another court appearance on April 29. Tangonan’s family is now seeking justice and hopes that more drivers aren’t at risk during police pursuits.  “I think a lot of these chase pursuits need to stop, especially in the streets, because a lot of innocent drivers like my brother-in-law have died or pedestrians have gotten run over,” Chavez said. “[Lopez] needs to pay for what he did because if he’s out in four or five years, he can go back out there and do the same thing again.”  Tangonan is remembered for his love of food and hospitality and for being a loving husband.  “His love of food was out of this world…He had a love for cooking meals for every single human being that came into the door of that hotel,” Chavez said. “He was very inspiring, motivated, and happy. I never saw him disrespect my sister and he treated her perfectly as a husband should.”  According to his Linkedin page, Tangonan graduated from De La Salle University with a bachelor of science degree in hotel and management. He migrated to the United States in his early 20s and worked as a cook at the Four Seasons Hotel for several years.  Tangonan’s parents still live in the Philippines and he would send them money every month, Chavez said.  Chavez set up a GoFundMe page (http://gf.me/u/zk6fp5) to help his sister with funeral expenses.  “Any donations will be greatly appreciated… The most priceless thing is if everybody could keep [Jeeves] and my family in their prayers,” he said.

PAGE 1 gress to pass the American Rescue Plan so we can build a better tomorrow for all of us.” Gloria will use the “Back to Work SD” plan he proposed during his campaign as a blueprint to strengthen San Diego’s economy. Though the city must await further guidance from Washington on the specifics of how it can use this aid, Mayor Gloria’s plan will focus on defeating COVID-19, preserving core neighborhood services to protect jobs and equipping San Diegans for a better tomorrow. To protect lives and livelihoods, a portion of the federal aid must support continued vaccination efforts. More than 5,000 vaccine doses could be distributed daily on city-owned properties.  “I’m excited about the steady progress we’re making on COVID-19 vaccinations,” Gloria tweeted. “All of@CityofSanDiego’s emergency services personnel - including police officers, firefighters, and lifeguards - who wanted to be have now been vaccinated. Let’s keep this momentum going!” The city is committed to supporting vaccination efforts in communities of concern to create a more equitable recovery. Funding from the American Rescue Plan will ensure that the city can continue to vaccinate people across the City regardless of their

income level, transportation challenges or access to healthcare. The bulk of the federal aid will go to addressing the city’s immediate budget crisis, according to Gloria. In addition to the current $86 million budget deficit, the city is expected to be $154 million short in the next fiscal year if it wanted to keep up with the services offered today. Closing these gaps will preserve jobs, avoid salary cuts and ensure employees will continue to provide vital services residents deserve. The infusion of federal dollars will allow Mayor Gloria to continue his efforts to reduce homelessness and assist renters by investing in programs that will connect the most vulnerable San Diegans to their families, services and permanent housing. The Mayor’s plan will also provide infrastructure improvements in every neighborhood, prioritize long-delayed road repairs and reconstruction, and address stormwater system problems that can lead to flooding and property destruction across the City during heavy rains. While the American Rescue Plan provides aid to restaurants and small businesses with much-needed relief, the City of San Diego is exploring ways to make it easier for local businesses to navigate the pathways to success in the new economy. (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline Philippines

4.5 million Filipinos jobless in 2020; highest in 15 years by Ben

O. de Vera

Inquirer.net

MANILA — Some 4.5 million Filipinos were jobless last year for an average unemployment rate of 10.3%, the highest in 15 years, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Monday, March 8. In 2020, the Philippines imposed the longest and most stringent lockdown in Southeast Asia to contain the spread of COVID-19, which, however, plunged the country into its worst postwar recession. Citing the preliminary results of its annual estimates for the quarterly labor force survey rounds conducted last year, the PSA reported that of the 73.7 million in the labor force population or those age 15 and above, only 43.9 million or 59.5% were working or actively looking for a job, down from 61.3% in 2019. “This translates to three in every five of the population 15 years and over who were either employed or unemployed. This annual labor force participation rate is lowest since the adoption of the

new definition of unemployed in April 2005, reflecting the effect of the various community quarantine restrictions, business closures, and physical distancing measures that were put in place in the Philippines starting March 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” the PSA said.Underemployment It added that the number of Filipinos with jobs last year also dropped to 39.4 million from 42.4 million in 2019 while the underemployment rate worsened to 16.2% compared to 13.8% in 2019. The PSA defines underemployed as “employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job, or to have [an] additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours.”In 2020, 6.4 million Filipinos considered themselves underemployed, up from 5.9 million in 2019. While the prolonged lockdown halted the provision of nonessential services to promote social distancing and prevent the further spread of COVID-19 last year, the services sector still accounted

for the biggest share of workers at 56.9%, although down from 58.4% in 2019. “Among the workers in the services sector, those engaged in the wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles made up the largest proportion (20.5%) of employed persons,” the PSA said. The agriculture sector cornered 24.8% of the employed in 2020, a larger share than 22.2% in 2019. The industry sector, meanwhile, accounted for 18.3% of last year’s jobs, lower than 19.3% in 2019. Among the employed, wage and salary workers remained the biggest class, accounting for 62.9% of the total, of which 48.9% worked in the private sector compared to 9.5% in government and state-run corporations, 4.2% in private households, and 0.3% in family-owned businesses. In work hours, the number of full-time workers as a share of total employed people fell to 55.9% last year from 69.3% in 2019, while part-time employees climbed to 34.5% last year from 2019’s 29.9%.

California has so far distributed 10.9M... PAGE 1 we have to continue to do all our part, by making sure that we wear our masks, wash our hands and continue to practice social distancing. In Los Angeles and Oakland alone, more than 250,000 vaccines across each city’s state or federal-run vaccine clinics have been distributed, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said in a statement on Tuesday. Moreover, of those doses, over 67% were given to people of color and those who live in underserved communities. At each of these clinics, about a quarter of the total vaccines administered went to AAPIs. “The two locations chosen for these efforts are in some of the most diverse and socioeconomically challenged communities in the country,” Cal OES and FEMA said in a statement. “The goal of

establishing these joint federal pilot sites in this manner was to expand the rate of vaccinations in California in an efficient, effective and equitable manner, with an explicit focus on making sure that communities that have been hit hardest by COVID-19 are not left behind.” The introduction and approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — which only requires one dose — led to public speculation over whether it’s more effective than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Although the vaccines weren’t compared against each other — which would hypothetically require someone taking all three vaccines — each vaccine is effective in preventing the more severe outcomes of getting COVID, including hospitalization and death, according to Dr. Tung Nguyen, a general internist at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). “People ask, ‘What’s the best

vaccine?’ The best COVID vaccine is the one you can get as soon as possible. People ask me this and often I answer by saying it’s a little like asking which of my three children are better: they are all great,” Nguyen said. He stressed that getting the COVID-19 vaccine does not give you the virus — rather, it helps the body recognize if the virus ever enters our system. “The vaccines basically present a small part of the virus to our body so that our defense system can prepare a response, so that when the virus shows up, our defense system recognizes it and removes it,” Nguyen explained. To those who still might be hesitant about getting the vaccine, the doctor said, “Millions have already died from COVID. It is very infectious: do you want to risk getting COVID and dying from it? Do you want to risk giving it to the people you love and watch them die?”

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-18, 2021

5

Medicare Story #5

Choosing Coverage and Tips to Get Started

If You Are New to Medicare

Ito ang pang-lima sa serye ng Medicare Tips hatid ng Clever Care Health Plan, isang nangungunang tagapagbigay ng East meets West Medicare services na sensitibo sa kultura ng kanilang mga miyembro. Para sa maraming seniors, matrabaho ang pagpili ng Medicare coverage. Kasama sa artikulong ito ang listahan ng mga bagay na kailangang pag-isipan kapag namimili ng Medicare options, pati na rin ang mga tip sa pagsisimula kung kayo ay bago sa Medicare. COST Unang tingnan ang gastos. Magkano ang inyong premium at deductible? Ang magpaospital o magpa-konsulta sa doktor? May limit ba yung binabayaran mo sa coverage? Covered ba ang over-the-counter supplies o mga reseta? Sa Original Medicare, walang limit kung magkano ang inyong babayaran para sa out- of-pocket costs bawat taon, maliban na lang kung mayroon kayong supplemental coverage. Sa Medicare Advantage plan, kadalasan ay mayroong limit bawat taon para sa out- of-pocket costs. Samakatuwid, kung mayroong Medicare Advantage, wala na kayong babayaran para sa covered services kung naabot na ninyo ang limit para sa taon na iyon. Sa Original Medicare, karamihan sa inyong share of cost ay isang porsiyento, na tinatawag na co-insurance—isang bagay na nagpapahirap hulaan kung magkano talaga ang bawat serbisyo. Sa Medicare Advantage Plan, maraming serbisyo ang may set dollar amounts para sa inyong babayaran, na copayments. Dahil dito, mas madaling malaman kung ano ang out-of-pocket expenses na malaking tulong sa pag-budget ng inyong fixed income. COVERAGE Pangalawa, anong coverage ang kasama sa insurance plan? Karaniwan ay covered ng Original Medicare ang medical services at supplies sa mga ospital, doctors’ offices, at ibang health care settings. Ang mga serbisyo ay covered ng Part A o Part B coverage. Ang private insurance na alternatibo sa Original Medicare, ay dapat pareho ng coverage ng Original Medicare. Gayunman, maraming MA plans na nag-aalok ng coverage na hindi covered ng Original Medicare, tulad ng vision, hearing, o dental coverage. Kung kailangan ninyo ng salamin, hearing aids, bridges o crowns, maaring mas mahusay na option ang Medicare Advantage Plan. PRESCRIPTION DRUGS May iniinom ba kayong mga gamot? Covered ba ng inyong kasalukuyang plano ang mga reseta? Sa Original Medicare, kailangan ninyong sumali sa isang plan, na tinatawag na Part D, para magkaroon ng coverage sa prescription drugs. Sa paghahambing, maraming Medicare Advantage plans ang H7607_21_CM0386D_TAG_M Accepted 03012021

may kasama nang drug coverage, na kung tawagin ay Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans. TRAVEL Siguraduhin na covered ng inyong insurance provider ang inyong kalusugan bago bumiyahe. Karaniwan ay hindi covered ng Original Medicare ang mga serbisyo sa labas ng Amerika. Maaring kailangan ninyong bumili ng additional insurance coverage kung madalas kayong bumiyahe sa ibang bansa. TOP TIPS IF YOU ARE NEW TO MEDICARE Bukod sa mga nailista na, heto ang mga iba pang tip kung kayo ay bago sa Medicare: 1) Mag-research — Pag-aralan ang costs, coverage, drug coverage, doctor/hospital choice, quality of care at travel plans bago pumili. Alamin kung anong plano ang tama para sa inyo. 2) Huwag kalimutan ang deadlines — Alamin kung kailangan ninyong mag-sign up o kung ito ay automatic. Markahan ang kalendaryo para sa initial, open, annual, at special periods. 3) Alamin kung anong coverage ang kailangan — Siguraduhin na ang gustong coverage ay inaalok ng provider na inyong tinitingnan. 4) Alamin kung kailangan mo ng supplemental coverage. Kung oo, alamin kung magkano at ang mga karagdagang benepisyo na tatanggapin. 5) Huwag magpaloko — Protektahan ang inyong social security at Medicare numbers para hindi kayo mabiktima ng scam. SUMMARY Maraming dahilan na dapat alamin kung kayo ay bago sa Medicare. Isang mahusay na opsyon para sa mas nakatatanda ay ang Clever Care Health Plan. Ang Clever Care Health Plan ay isang napakagaling na opsyon para sa seniors na naghahanap ng all-in-one, maaasahan, abot-kaya, at hasslefree insurance na may tunay na malasakit sa kanilang mga miyembro, at may mga benepisyo para sa Eastern at Western medicine. Kasama ang lahat ng covered sa Medicare, plus unlimited acupuncture, Eastern medicine services, mga allowance para sa dental, vision, hearing, herbal supplements, at over-the-counter supplies. Pati gamot na may reseta ay covered din. Bukod sa pagpapahalaga sa diversity at populasyon ng mga imigrante, mayroon din silang customer service staff na handang tumulong sa iba’tibang wika (Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese at Vietnamese). Handa ring tumulong ang Tagalog-speaking representatives ng Clever Care Health Plan sa: (833) 365-1888 (TTY: 771). clevercarehealthplan.com A10055-D-TAG (0221)

6

MARCH 12-18, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Opinion

Women in the time of COVID

Features

WITH COVID-19 affecting the entire planet, some governments are doing better than others in pandemic response. And several of those with the best responses – as gleaned from both the health and economic indicators – are New Zealand, Taiwan, Denmark, Finland and Germany. They happen to have one thing in common: their governments are led by women. Such performance in a once-ina-century catastrophic crisis says a lot about the leadership capabilities of women. This is being recognized in this year’s theme for International Women’s Day on March 8: “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” Women also account for a substantial number of those in the frontlines of the battle against COVID: nurses, caregivers, doctors, scientists, social workers as well as those providing health care for persons suffering from psychological and emotional distress arising from the pandemic. The lockdowns have also seen a spike in domestic violence against women and girls as well as online sexual exploitation of children. While the leadership capabilities of women have been recognized, the United Nations reports that women are heads of state or government only in 22 countries, and account for only 24.9 percent

of national parliamentarians. At this rate, the UN estimates that it could take 130 years before gender equality is achieved among heads of government. And while many women are health frontliners in the pandemic, the UN reports that on average, they are paid 11 percent less than their male counterparts for the same work. A study of COVID teams in 87 countries found only 3.5 percent with gender parity. This month the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women will be held. Its theme gains more urgency in the pandemic: “Women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.” While there have been significant gains in women empowerment worldwide, there is still much work ahead. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

After a year of coronavirus pandemic: Help is on the way to the American people to save more lives and rebuild our nation

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel Santos-Relos YOU, yes, you. You and all the ordinary hardworking Americans will finally get the much-needed help to defeat COVID-19, save more lives and rebuild our nation -- after a year of death, destruction and desperation brought by the coronavirus pandemic.  Yes, YOU, and not just the millionaires and billionaires and corporations of America, have so much to look forward to in order to rebuild your livelihood that was disrupted by the pandemic. Despair no more. This will be made possible by the $1.9 Trillion coronavirus relief that “allocates money for vaccines, schools, small businesses and anti-poverty programs such as an expanded child tax credit that would mean new monthly payments to many parents,” the National Public Radio (NPR) reported.  Following the process of passing legislation, the American Rescue Plan that the House of Representatives passed was sent to the Senate. The Senate, in turn, had to make some changes, which the NPR explained, are needed to satisfy Senate budget rules and to gain bipartisan support.

This process required negotiations and compromise. No one party could get all that they wanted. This paved the way to the vote on the budget resolution which, the NPR reported, “set in motion a decades-old budget rule called reconciliation to get around the 60-vote threshold to end a filibuster and pass the legislation with a simple majority.” The Democrat-led Senate was able to pass the bill because they have the numbers for a simple majority to do so even without Republican support to move the bill back to the House of Representatives.  The Republicans refuse to support the bill which they contend is too broad, and does not just fund COVID-related urgent needs. The Democrats, on the other hand, counter-argue that “the bill takes a holistic look at the entire American economy and how it was affected by the pandemic.”  “The major pieces of the bill — payments to individuals, extended unemployment, money for states and localities, money for schools — all of those things were in the COVID package that passed last year that all the Republicans voted for. So they were OK then, but they’re not OK now, and I frankly can’t re-

ally figure out that argument,” Maine’s Independent Senator Angus King pointed out.  President Biden’s legislative agenda aims to help the American people and the nation “build back better,” a campaign promise he aims to fulfill with the support of Congress. Time is of the essence, especially for Americans who depend on the help coming from the enhanced unemployment benefits to pay for the basic needs of their families. Congressional leaders urgently push to get the bill to President Biden before March 14 — the date when current enhanced unemployment benefits are set to expire. ALL of us need to do our share to tell our representatives in Congress how important it is for them to do their job and pass this bill so it gets to President Biden’s desk for his signature to make this legislation final and executory.  As reported by NPR, the American Rescue Plan will provide:  Direct payments The bill allocates funds for a third economic impact payment to qualifying Americans. Individuals earning up to $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000 would receive the

Appreciating Pinoy talents Demand and Supply Boo Chanco AFTER being sworn in as an American citizen two weeks ago in St. Paul Minneapolis, Minnesota, Chess Grandmaster Wesley So said taking on US citizenship “doesn’t mean that I don’t love the Philippines. I have good memories from there, but I did not have the connections I needed in that culture. “I was from the province, not a city boy. Had no money, etc. I wanted to go further, and there is only one country that a nobody could make it. The USA.” So became the youngest grandmaster of the Philippines when he was 14 years old. It is well known he left the Philippines for the US after being exasperated with the politics of our local chess and national sports organizations. So is the inaugural World Fischer Random Chess champion, whipping world No. 1 Mag-

nus Carlsen 13.5 to 2.5 points in the finals held from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, 2019 in the Norwegian’s home turf. He reasserted his supremacy over Carlsen not once, but twice in a span of a few months recently, beating the latter in the finals of Skilling Open, the first leg of the online Meltwater Champions Chess Tour, last November 2020, then again in the Europa Rapid meet finals in February this year. So’s story highlighted the long running problem with Philippine sports federations which have been plagued by corruption and favoritism for decades. Our inability to win medals in the Olympics is largely the result of politics infesting sports development in the country. Even Manny Pacquiao and countless other boxers have been victimized by our exploitative sports structure. Manny only got respect after winning big internationally. In recent years, those who make good in international sports are those who come from well to do families and are able to support their expenses for training and attendance in

international competitions. It isn’t only sports. Our propensity to make it difficult for fellow Pinoys to succeed can be seen even in an exalted field like Medicine. I came across the story of a talented Filipino doctor who went to the US for training, got his specialty credentials as a diplomate in neurosurgery. He opted to go home, anxious to practice, teach, and give back. Sadly, he found out his colleagues in neurosurgery did not welcome him. He could not get in as a faculty in UST (where he was an alumnus), neither in UP, UE, FEU or MCU, even though he offered to teach with no salary. None of the major hospitals in Metro Manila would take him as an active staff, but only allowed visiting privileges. It is not unexpected. Local doctors don’t want him or any foreign trained and credentialed Filipino doctors back. He patiently tried to work his way into the local system. Eventually, one hospital took him at the behest of a college buddy who knew the hospital CEO personally. The neurosurgery chief of

full direct payments of $1,400 per person. Individuals will also receive an additional $1,400 payment for each dependent claimed on their tax returns. Senate Democrats agreed to lower the income cutoff at which payments phase out from $100,000 to $80,000 for individuals, and from $200,000 to $160,000 for couples filing jointly, following demands from moderate Democrats. Unemployment benefits Under the Senate version, federal unemployment insurance payments will remain at $300 per week — down from $400 per week in the earlier package passed by the House. The benefits will extend through Sept. 6. The Senate’s bill makes the first $10,200 in unemployment payments nontaxable for households with incomes under $150,000. Child tax credit The legislation would temporarily expand the child tax credit, increasing the amount to $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 for children under age 6. The amount is gradually reduced for couples earning over $150,000 and individuals earning over $75,000 per year. Families eligible for the full credit would get payments of

up to $300 per child per month from July through the end of the year. Congressional Democrats and the White House may want to figure out how to make the credit permanent. Paycheck Protection Program The bill includes $7.25 billion in new money for the small-business loan program known as PPP and would allow more nonprofits to apply, including those groups that engage in advocacy and some limited lobbying. It also allows larger nonprofits to be eligible. Education There are over $128 billion in grants to state educational agencies, with 90% allocated to local educational agencies, plus $39 billion in grants to higher education institutions. Nearly $15 billion in funds are directed to the Child Care & Development Block Grant program to help support child care facilities, particularly in highneed areas. The Senate version added a provision to make any student loan forgiveness passed between Dec. 31, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2026, tax-free — rather than having the forgiven debt be treated as taxable income. Support for low-income

families The bill includes $4.5 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, to help families with home heating and cooling costs. One provision would give the agriculture secretary the authority and funding to temporarily boost the value of cash vouchers for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) up to $35 per month for women and children for a four-month period during the pandemic. There is $1.4 billion in funding for programs authorized under the Older Americans Act, including support for nutrition programs, community-based support programs and the National  Family Caregiver Support Program. The bill provides $37 million to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors. Public health The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to receive $7.5 billion to track, administer and distribute COVID-19 vaccines. Another $46 billion would go toward diagnosing and tracing coro-

the hospital in the US where he trained, upon learning about his plight, wrote and offered to help him return to the US if he wanted to, saying, “You would think they should embrace you with your training. You are a man without a country.” But he was not deterred. “Did fairly well very slowly, enough to buy a used car and a home with the help of my wife who taught in UP. Curiously, I had to buy my own portable operating microscope, specialty neurosurgery instruments… none of the hospitals had them. All the neurosurgeons had their own equipment.” This doctor didn’t take the snub personally. He said that perhaps we have just developed a tenacious instinct for survival, topped by unsinkable, maybe misplaced, pride. “We can argue beyond self, that the locals’ brazen efforts to block outsiders are outright wrong! But realistically, we who return to practice in the Philippines, regardless of lofty aims and purposes, are serious competition in the profession and a threat to their income and livelihood. Would we, if we were in their shoes, act or do any different?” So, this doctor thought that “rather than fight fire with fire,

I opted to humble myself and took extra effort to keep a low profile, be one of the guys. The initial enmity, which was overt, has gradually softened.” Actually, the local medical community has been inhospitable not just to returning medical practitioners who are seen as competition. They are also making it difficult for medical missions organized by US-based Filipino doctors. Visiting Fil-Am doctors who serve for free should not be seen as competition. Since 1998 Fil-Am doctors have met with seven different secretaries of health to try and work things out to no avail. In 2016, leaders of medical mission groups formed the Fil-American Initiative to Transform the Homeland (FAITH) and once more they met with the DOH secretary and Philippine Medical Association leaders. A memorandum of agreement was drawn up by 2017, but has not been signed by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque. We need a new attitude that looks at all Filipinos, including those in our diaspora, as allies in the task of building our nation. In Medicine, so much change and progress is happening and interaction be-

tween our foreign-based doctors and local practitioners should be helpful. As this neurosurgeon puts it, “There is much to do in Medicine and for the country as a whole, and the hurdles are many, and steep. We cannot give up on our Philippines now. Shouldn’t we who are in positions to help be part of it?” Our inability to appreciate Pinoy talent out of jealousy or simply because they don’t fit into our culture of corruption explains why there is so much misery in our country today. We could be roaring with the region’s tiger economies if we welcomed and used all the talents Filipinos have worldwide. A change of attitude is called for. We must put out a wide welcome mat for Filipinos returning from the diaspora to help us improve life in the motherland. Our ability to compete and even survive depends on it. (Philstar.com) ***

u PAGE 7

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

***

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @ boochanco

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. Publisher

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Chief Executive Office

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

San Diego Office: 550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel (619) 474-0588

With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President MOMAR G. VISAYA Editor-in-Chief San Diego Asian Journal

Asian Journal Publitions, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publition by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publition of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publition of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publitions, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-18, 2021

7

GoFundMe launches #StopAsianHate...

PAGE 6 t nity have catalyzed a strong response among a diverse cross section of society. The feedback from those who want to effect change has been clear: what can I do, and where do I go? Working closely with Phillip Lim, and other leaders in the community  — we knew we could help by doing what GoFundMe does best  — connecting those who need help, with those who are willing and able to do so,” GoFundMe CMO Musa Tariq said in a statement. “Together, we can help those facing immediate needs in addition to organizations working to address long term, systemic issues.” In addition to designer Phillip Lim, supporters of the initiative include big names in fashion, media and entertainment, and sports. Among the Filipino American leaders and person-

alities are Away co-founder Jen Rubio; journalist and immigration activist Jose Antonio Vargas; and actors Manny Jacinto and Joel De La Fuente.  As of this writing, the AAPI Community Fund GoFundMe raised $544,790 and increased its goal to $1,000,000. Individuals can also start their own GoFundMe for over a dozen identified AAPI organizations, such as Filipino Advocates for Justice, Asian Health Services, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, and Gold House. Beyond monetary aid, supporters are also encouraged to help amplify the messages.  Stop AAPI Hate — an online reporting center started by the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, Chinese for Affirmative Action and San Francisco State University’s Asian American Studies department — received over 2,808 firsthand

accounts from March to December 2020 of anti-Asian hate ranging from shunning to physical attacks.  In recent weeks, several incidents involving older Asian Americans have come to light, including the death of Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year-old Thai immigrant, who was fatally shoved to the ground while out on his morning walk in San Francisco. “These hate crimes are up by 1,900% and are a symptom of a larger issue rooted in systemic racism. It is a direct result of the xenophobia and colonialism that has existed in America for decades,” Lim said.  Individuals who have experienced an incident can go to the Stop AAPI Hate website (stopaapihate.org) and file a report in English or an Asian language, including Tagalog. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

After a year of coronavirus pandemic... PAGE 6 t navirus infections, and $2 billion would go toward buying and distributing various testing supplies and personal protective equipment. Industry support There’s a variety of provisions in the legislation to offer support to different industries. The Small Business Administration would get $25 billion for a new grant program for “restaurants and other food and drinking establishments.” Grants would be up to $10 million per entity and $5 million per physical location, with a maximum of 20 locations. The legislation sets aside $5 billion of the total money to be targeted to businesses with less than $500,000 in revenue in 2019. The bill includes another

$1.25 billion for the Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program. To support the transportation sector, the bill allocates nearly $30 billion for transit costs, including payroll and personal protective equipment; $8 billion for airports; $3 billion for a temporary payroll support program to help support the aerospace manufacturing industry; and $1.5 billion to recall and pay Amtrak employees who were furloughed because of the pandemic and to restore various daily routes. Another $15 billion would also be allocated to support workers in the airline industry. Rental assistance There is $25 billion for emer-

gency rental assistance, including $5 billion for emergency housing vouchers for people experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence and victims of human trafficking. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

***

Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

BACOOR ROLLOUT. Bacoor, Cavite health workers began receiving Sinovac vaccines on Wednesday, March 10. The national government delivered an initial allocation of 352 doses for the city’s front-liners. PNA Photo By Avito C. Dalan

8

MARCH 12-18, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT Advertisement for Bids

SD# 0019

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will receive “ELECTRONIC-ONLY” bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services to: EUCLID ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GUARDRAIL SAFETY A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021, in front of the main office of Euclid Elementary School, 4166 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105. ALL CONTRACTORS MUST PREREGISTER WITH THE DISTRICT PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE SITE WALK. Please send only one representative per Company. Contact mmoyers1@sandi.net for the link to preregister. (PLEASE SEE BID FOR DETAILS No. CY21-0690-39). COVID-19 SITE WALK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL BE ENFORCED Please refer to Planwell (www.crispimg.com, click on PlanWell, Public Planroom, search SDUSD and project bid number CY21-0690-39) or The Daily Transcript Publication for the complete Advertisement for Bids which includes Site Walk Safety Precautions AND preregistration information. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on APRIL 8, 2021. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to https://www.planetbids.com/portal/ portal.cfm?CompanyID=43764 then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CY21-0690-39 Euclid ES Guardrail Safety. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $140,000 and $190,000 This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Andrea O’Hara, M.A. Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Officer Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department

CY21-0690-39

Advertisement for Bids: Requesting Bids for Request for Proposal (RFP) Responses - Lease-Leaseback (LLB)* Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive proposals for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: PRECONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR O’FARRELL CHARTER SCHOOL – LLB *This is a LLB project. Only prime contractors listed below may submit proposals to the San Diego Unified School District. Please visit our website for each prime contractor’s contact information at www.sandiegounified.org/LLBOutreach. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for LLB Prime Contractors at 11:00 a.m. on March 11, 2021 in front of the main office of O’Farrell Charter School, 6130 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114. A second non-mandatory site visit is scheduled for interested subcontractors at 1:00 p.m. on March 17, 2021 in front of the main office of O’Farrell Charter School. The meeting will begin with a general project overview, followed by a site walk of the school site. Failure to attend or extreme tardiness and to sign in will render a LLB Prime Contractor’s Proposal ineligible. All contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk. Please send only one representative per company. Email amains@sandi.net for the preregistration link. Group G LLB Prime Contractors are highly encouraged to invite subcontractors to the second site visit. Only proposals from the following Group G LLB Prime Contractors will be accepted. Subcontractors should contact the following LLB Prime Contractors to submit their bids to be incorporated into their proposals: • Soltek Pacific Construction Company • Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC • C.W. Driver, LLC • Sundt Construction, Inc. • Clark Construction Group – California, LP • Swinerton Builders • Erickson-Hall Construction Company • Turner Construction Company • McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. COVID-19 SITE WALK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL BE ENFORCED. Please refer to Planwell (www. crispimg.com, click on PlanWell, Public Planroom, search SDUSD and RFP number CY21-0765-42) or The Daily Transcript for the complete Advertisement for Bids which includes Site Walk Safety Precautions AND preregistration information. RFP Responses must be received electronically at or before 2:00 p.m. on MARCH 31, 2021. LLB Prime Contractors interested in submitting an RFP must go to www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43764 then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CY21-0765-42 Request for Proposals for O’Farrell Charter School – Preconstruction and Construction Services. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. Subcontractors interested in submitting bids to the LLB Prime Contractors must do so per each prime contractor’s timelines. Verify bid due dates with the LLB Prime Contractors. The O’Farrell Charter School Interim Housing component is estimated to be $1,200,000 with an anticipated duration of two and one half (2.5) months of construction only. The construction for the Whole Site Modernization component is estimated to be $15,000,000 and the construction for the Student Union Building is estimated to be $18,000,000. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that subcontractors possess the appropriate classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of best value analysis and contract award. The LLB Prime Contractor is required to possess B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Andrea R. O’Hara, M.A., Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Officer, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CY21-0765-42

SD#0020

EMPLOYMENT

SD#0018

Advertisement for Bids

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will receive “ELECTRONIC-ONLY” bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for:

PENN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DRAINAGE REPAIR A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021, in front of the main office of Penn Elementary School, 2797 Utica Dr, San Diego, CA 92139. ALL CONTRACTORS MUST PREREGISTER WITH THE DISTRICT PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE SITE WALK. Please send only one representative per Company. Contact jimperial@sandi.net for the link to preregister. (PLEASE SEE BID FOR DETAILS No. CP21-0762-52). COVID-19 SITE WALK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL BE ENFORCED Please refer to Planwell (www.crispimg.com, click on PlanWell, Public Planroom, search SDUSD and project bid number CP21-0762-52) or The Daily Transcript Publication for the complete Advertisement for Bids which includes Site Walk Safety Precautions AND preregistration information. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on APRIL 1, 2021. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=43764 then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP210762-52 Penn Elementary School Drainage Repair. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is $374,000 to $376,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Andrea O’Hara, M.A. Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Officer Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP21-0762-52

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00005191-CU-PT-CTL

CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00007358-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner FE PRADO ESCALONA filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: FE PRADO ESCALONA to MARIA FE PRADO ESCALONA. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/22/2021 Time: 8:30 AM Dept.: 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB. 09, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 695 02/19, 02/26, 03/05, 03/12/2021 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Daniel Young Bahn filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Daniel Young Bahn to Daniel Young Ho Bahn. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/06/2021 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB. 22, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 697 03/05, 03/12, 03/19, and 03/26/2021 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 695

AJSD 697

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9003367

SAN DIEGO HAPPY BINS located at 127 JEFFERSON AVENUE, CHULA VISTA, SAN DIEGO, CA 91910. Registrant: SD BINS LLC, 127 JEFFERSON AVENUE, CHULA VISTA, SAN DIEGO, CA 91910. This business is conducted by LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: JESUS PEREZ. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/04/21. AJ 698 03/12, 03/19, 03/26, 04/02/21.

AJSD 698

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9001504 DATE: 02/01/2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS(S) NAME TO BE ABANDONED: LIMAN located at 11269 CARMEL CREEK RD., SAN DIEGO, CA 92130. MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 7011, RANCHO SANTA, CA 92067. THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: A. KARILYN M. PERRY, P.O. BOX 7011, RANCHO SANT, CA 92067. B. SVETLANA MARIC, 11269 CARMEL CREEK RD., SAN DIEGO, CA 92130. This business is conducted by GENERAL PARTNERSHIP. Signature SVETLANA MARCI. Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/03/2021. AJ 696 02/26, 03/05, 03/12, 03/19/2021. AJSD 696

SAN DIEGO

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-18, 2021

JOURNAL

9

9

MARCH 12, 2021

‘I’M NOT GOING TO BE A STATISTIC’

How Noel Quintana’s faith led him to the path of healing by Momar

T

G. Visaya / AJPress

HE gash on his face may have healed but it has left a big scar on Noel Quintana’s face and every time he looks at the mirror, he is reminded of that terrifying morning on February 3 when an assailant slashed his face with a box cutter. A few days after the incident, he joined a group of Filipino American leaders and supporters gathered to pray for his recovery. He has been expressing his thoughts and opinions on the matter, and in recent weeks, he has become the poster child of anti-Asian hate in New York.  Quintana, who moved to the United States from the Philippines in 2007, juggles two jobs with a nonprofit organization and a tax preparer. Migrating to a new country without any family, he has found a support system by volunteering at the Migrant Center, a nonprofit organization at St. Francis of Assisi led by Fr. Julian Jagudilla.  “His attack has made Asian members of our community scared and anxious. Reassuring them and finding resources for them so they can live safely in our city is the need of the hour. We have to fight racism and protect our Asian communities through vigilance and community action,” Fr. Jagudilla said at the ”Rise Up Against Anti-Asian Hate” rally on Feb. 27. It was a gathering of a veritable who’s who in New York politics led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Rep. Grace Meng, Attorney General Letitia James and Mayor Bill de Blasio, along with community allies and non-government organization leaders across the city. They were one in denouncing the surge of anti-Asian hate incidents in New York.  A couple of blocks from the rally, a 36-year-old Asian American man was stabbed unprovoked two days earlier.  “Pagaling na pero medyo masakit pa rin (It’s healing but it’s still a bit painful),” Quintana told the Asian Journal on the sidelines of the program. “I’m overwhelmed by the support of the people, the community, even outside the U.S. I am so thankful for the support. I think that something has to be done so it would be safer not just for Asian Americans but for everyone,” he said further. “There’s a lot of violence that happened during this pandemic and people should be aware that we need one another so that this would be avoided.” A Brooklyn resident, he was on his way to work in Harlem that fateful morning. He boarded the subway at the Jefferson Station in Bushwick. It was full so he picked a spot where he stood. A few stops later at Bedford Station, he recalled that a man hopped in and stood beside him. He was praying the rosary when the same man kicked the tote bag Quintana was carrying.  Quintana recalled moving his tote bag away from the man

but he kicked it one more time. He turned to the man and said, ‘What’s wrong with you?” and moved to the other end of the train car. At this time, the train has reached the First Avenue station. The painful memory of an incident two years ago came rushing back that Wednesday morning, Feb. 3 as his assailant moved towards him. He thought he was going to be punched again and he somehow readied

Little did he know that two short years later, he would be facing another similar incident. Only this time, it would be more bloody and gruesome. In the past few weeks, he has been on the front page of the Washington Post and featured in People magazine, along with other mainstream publications. He has no problem being thrust into the limelight and becoming the face of the issue. In fact, he is embracing it.  “I guess you can call it the bright side of the incident because may action na nangyayari (there is action going on). Hindi yung naging victim ka lang at wala ka nang nagawa (It’s not that you just became a victim and did nothing),” he said. “Even if I was victimized, in my little own way, I would contribute in helping other Asians to not experience what I went through. I don’t want others to experience what I have experienced.” He is urging people to be safe and aware, to take videos and report incidents. He is also hoping for the strengthening of laws against hate crime.  “It is important for me to voice my story so that people would be aware. Most of the time, Asians, in general, are shy, timid people. We keep things to ourselves, so it is important to reach out to other people, especially to our government, that we are also part of the society and we should not be neglected by them,” he said.  It has been weeks since the incident and the scars have healed somehow but there’s still a little pain here and there, according to him. On top of that, he admitted he is still unable to sleep as the horrific scene keeps on replaying in his mind.  “Hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako makatulog ng maayos (To this day I still can’t sleep well). I try not to think about it and do meditation pero yun pa din ang problema ko, hindi pa rin ako makatulog (but that’s still my problem, I still can’t sleep),” he shared, adding that he continues to undergo counseling sessions.  And when asked about his advice to kababayans who might be unnerved by his story and now scared to take the subway, he gave the following advice: “Be alert [of] your surroundings and magpasensya na lang din siguro tayo, umiwas (and we should be understanding too, and stay away [from trouble]).”  Quintana is hopeful that in due time he will be completely healed psychologically and physically and that he’d be able to wear the scar across his face like a true survivor. For now, he says he derives strength from God and members of the community who continue to reach out to him and send him their prayers and support.  A GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/98ac2db9) to support Quintana has received nearly $5,000 as of this writing.  As New York State Attorney General Letitia James told the crowd, “When I think of Noel, I think of the words of Dr. King. It is the good people who fail to stand up. It is the silence of good people who fail to stand up, who allow racism and hate to persist and so all of us are here today, all of us who believe in the goodness of one another. All of us who recognize that his scars will heal but the scars of hate, and the taint of hate, and the pain of hate that we have got to cure, so all of us must stand together.”

Noel Quintana speaks at the Rise Up rally in New York on Feb. 27

“It is important for me to voice my story so that people would be aware. Most of the time, Asians, in general, are shy, timid people. We keep things to ourselves, so it is important to reach out to other people, especially to our government, that we are also part of the society and we should not be neglected by them.” himself for the strike.  But it didn’t happen. It was moments later when Quintana realized something worse had happened. He saw the shocked faces of his fellow subway passengers. He touched his face, looked at his hand and saw blood. “Nobody helped,” he said, his voice almost breaking. “We’re all New Yorkers and no one helped me. There should be an awareness campaign on how to deal with this kind of problem, not only on the subway but also on the streets, so people know who to respond to victims such as myself.” Realizing that no one called 911 or alerted the train conductor and that the subway was moving on, Quintana stepped out and walked toward the end of the platform. He stayed by the station booth as the attendant called 911 and asked for help. After answering questions from the police, he was brought to Bellevue Hospital where he received about 100 stitches on his face. New York police arrested the man  who attacked Quintana, and according to him, the man is scheduled to be arraigned this week.  As he said in a Zoom prayer meeting a week after the incident, he did not want to just be a statistic. Not this time, not anymore. A couple of years ago, he was assaulted outside his work in Harlem. He just left the office that day and as he was walking, he saw a man running towards him and before he knew it, the man had already punched him in the face.  Gathering his composure, he stood up and attempted to walk but he faltered. He reported what happened to the nearest police station and moved on with his life. That was the end of it.

Noel Quintana giving TV interviews before the start of the Rise Up Against Asian Hate rally in New York City. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

Noel Quintana

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

10

MARCH 12-18, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Entertainment

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Pechanga’s VIP/Asian Marketing Manager, Asian Host Team provides you with the VIP Advantage THE Pechanga Resort Casino VIP/Asian Marketing Manager together with the Filipino host team entitles its VIP valued customers access to exclusive offers and promotions to experience the VIP privileges. Their Filipino host team will assist you with restaurant reservations, preferred golf tee times and more.  Anna Tran, Casino VIP/Asian Marketing Manager Anna is the Casino VIP/Asian Marketing Manager at Pechanga Resort Casino. A veteran in the casino industry, she has been with Pechanga since 2006. Before her most recent promotion, she held other titles in the casino VIP marketing department such as Casino Host, Executive Casino Host, Senior Executive Casino Host, and Casino Host Manager. Anna worked hard to grow into her current role. Prior to Pechanga, Anna was attending college in the hopes of pursuing a career in hospitality management. She worked as VIP Specialist at the Pechanga Hotel straight out of school before she found the opportunity to work in Casino Marketing. Anna is fluent in English and Vietnamese and thoroughly enjoys getting to know her guests while speaking with them in their native language. Ever since she visited Pechanga on a trip to California, she fell in love with this beautiful property and knew immediately that she wanted to build her career at this prestigious resort/casino. When she’s not at Pechanga, Anna enjoys spending her free time with her family.  Marylou Bean – Senior Executive Casino Host  A veteran of the staff, Marylou Bean has been working for Pechanga Resort Casino since 1997. Starting from the ground up, her history as a Rewards Ambassador and Rewards Supervisor makes her highly knowledgeable about the resort and its popular rewards program, The Club at Pechanga. Having been a Casino Host for over a decade, you can look forward to her professional approach and warm, friendly. Marylou attributes her long career here to Pechanga “believing in and valuing their team members like their own family.”   Originally from the Philippines, Marylou graduated High School at Pedro Guevarra High Laguna, and then finished the Business Management/ Administration program at Balin Institute of Technology, Oceanside, California. She is fluent in Tagalog and English and loves talking about her favorite hobbies, painting ceramics and bowling with her family. Vhergie DeJesus – Executive Casino Host Vhergie DeJesus is an Executive Casino Host. She has been with Pechanga Resort and Casino since 2004. Prior to her role as a Casino Host, she was a Rewards Club Representative. Through dedication and performance, Vhergie was promoted to supervisor and in this role, she learned a wealth of skills such as managing team members and coordinating casino promotions. Furthering her growth and education, she joined Pechanga’s Player Development team in 2008 and continued to learn all aspects of the VIP guest service experience. Vhergie’s time at Pechanga has allowed her to grow exponentially. She enjoys working in the family-oriented, friendly working environment. She admires the leadership’s generosity and loyalty to team members, especially given the tremendous opportunity provided so Vhergie could grow and reach higher potentials. Prior to Pechanga, Vhergie worked in the hotel and lodging industry as well as restaurant management. In total, her experience in guest services spans 26 years. Vhergie attended Southwestern College in Chula Vista, Calif., and completed a number of medical certifications. She is fluent in Tagalog and English, both of which she uses frequently in her current position at Pechanga. In her free time, she loves doing outdoor activities with her family. You can also find Vhergie watching a good comedy or roman-

“Float” tells the story of a Filipino father who discovers his infant son has the ability to float.

‘Float,’ Pixar’s first short featuring Filipino characters, reaches 20M views on YouTube

Anna Tran

gives studio employees six months and a budget to develop animated short films. AJPress On Tuesday, March 9, Rubio took to Twitter PIXAR Animation Studios’ “Float,” written and to express his excitement over the short’s miledirected by Filipino American storyboard artist stone. “20 MILLION VIEWS. 720K Likes. Just a week Bobby Alcid Rubio, has garnered over 20 million has passed and the response has been overviews since its February release on YouTube. First released in November 2019 on Disney+, whelmingly positive! #PixarFloat’s message to “Float” is the first Pixar short to feature Filipino #CelebrateOurDifferences is much needed right now and I am glad that it has resonated with peocharacters. The seven-minute animated film tells the story ple all across the world!” he wrote. Pixar on February 27 released “Float,” along of a father trying to keep his infant son’s special with “Wind,” another animated film by Korean ability to fly a secret. The animated short is based on Rubio’s re- director Edwin Chang amid the recent spike of lationship with his son Alex, who is on the au- violent attacks against Asian and Asian American tism spectrum. He submitted it to Pixar’s Spark- communities in the United States. “Pixar Animation Studios and the SparkShorts Shorts, an immersive storytelling program that filmmakers of FLOAT are in solidarity with the Asian and Asian American communities against Anti-Asian hate in all its forms,” the studio said.  “We are proud of the onscreen representation in this short and have decided to make it widely available, in celebration of what stories that feature Asian characters can do to promote inclusion everywhere,” it added. As of this writing, “Float” has amassed 24,783,926 views and over 735,000 likes on YouTube. “At the end of the day, [‘Float’] is about the bond between father and son. It’s about unconditional love, especially amongst family members and amongst everybody. I want that to be the end thing that people get. It’s about love and acceptance and hopefully, that will resonate,” Rubio Photos courtesy of Pixar told the Asian Journal in a 2019 interview.   By Ritchel

Marylou Bean

Vhergie DeJesus

tic movie, singing, dancing, or decorating the house. Contact Pechanga’s Filipino host team today to plan your next visit. Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Named the Number One casino in America by readers of USA TODAY and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. Offering the hottest slots, table games, dining, and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino. Pechanga Resort Casino is open 24-hours. Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino.

Bruno Mars debuts new song with Anderson .Paak By AJPress

GRAMMY Award winners Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak have joined forces under the moniker Silk Sonic to debut the smooth-sounding new single, “Leave the Door Open.” The song was released on Friday, March 5, along with an intro track featuring “special guest host” Bootsy Collins — both of which will be included in the forthcoming album “An Evening With Silk Sonic.” “Even though the classic R&B (Advertising Supplement) sound the pair evokes is a decade older than they are, both the song and the arrangement are pitch-perfect, with swooning strings, honeyed backing vocals and even a glockenspiel — think Delfonics, the Chi-Lites and basically everything on the Philadelphia International label,” Variety said of the song. “Leave the Door Open” was produced by Mars and D’Mile, and written by Mars, .Paak, D’Mile and Brody Brown. Mars and .Paak announced their collaborative effort last

Jaya leaves Philippines for US kids here… wala namang problema,” Jaya said.  Jaya also revealed that her KAPAMILYA singer Jaya re- husband Gary Gotidoc suffered vealed that she and her family a stroke. “Hindi namin alam na nadecided to live in the USA after experiencing hardship  in the stroke na pala ‘yun. So, na-hosPhilippines during this time of pital siya, ako rin ang nagbantay, lahat… three days later, the pandemic.  Jaya told Philippine Entertain- guma-ling siya. Pero sa likod ng ment Portal the hardship she utak ko, parang, ‘Teka... anong experienced while on lockdown nangyayari? Nakakulong tayo, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  wala tayong work, at may asawa “Naramdaman ko lang na kang nagkasakit, paano ‘yung nag-focus ako sa isang bagay mga bata?’” she said.  “So, nagkasunud-sunod na na hindi ko alam, nalulungkot na pala ako, natatakot, at nadi-de- ‘yung fear na ‘Oh my God, baka press. I started to lose weight. ‘yung mga anak ko naman magHindi ko na-anticipate na hindi kasakit, hindi pwedeng dalhin sa na pala ako kumakain nang tama hospital’,” she added.  Jaya said that they turned to o tamang oras, o nag-one meal a day lang ako. Hindi ko ‘yun na- God in their trying times and pansin. And of course, I have my they leave it to Him.  By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Mendiola

Jaya Ramsey Photo from Instagram/@jaya

“There was a bit of panic in my head, and the only thing that saved me at that time… because we go to church online. So, talagang nakikinig kami ng service. It started to boil up this different kind of faith na wala kang iba talagang kakapitan. Wala. Wala kang ibang pupuntahan, wala kang ibang gagawin kundi be still. There is only God, be quiet ang pray. Leave it to Him, and that’s what exactly happened,” she said.  Jaya then decided to go back to the USA after they sold their Tarlac property.  “You know, God had better plans. He made us sell the property, nagbayad the same day… that was January 5… January 7, they departed. They were able to find a job 22 hours later and they were able to find a home to rent na ang laki-laki, ang ganda-ganda na parang pwede ba nating bilhin ‘yun someday? Hindi naman binebenta… but you know, He provides,” she said.  “Things happened and things start to arise when your faith rises. That’s the reason why I’m going to the States because I think He’s telling me talaga to go there, don’t worry about it.

Silk Sonic’s Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak

Image courtesy of Atlantic Records

week. “We made an album!! Y’all get the first song next Friday 3/5!! Rocket emojis and all that!!!” .Paak wrote on his Instagram. For his part, Mars said: “We locked in and made an album. The band’s called Silk Sonic. First song drops next Friday.” But this isn’t the first time Mars and Paak have worked together.  In 2017, they toured extensively together, with .Paak serving as the supporting act on the European leg of Mars’ “24k Magic”

world tour. Mars hasn’t released another album since 2016’s “24K Magic,” which earned him six Grammy Awards including the coveted Album of the Year. His wins marked the first time a Filipino-American has won multiple accolades in the major categories at the Grammy Awards. .Paak’s 2019 album “Ventura” won the 2020 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, marking his first-ever win in an album category.

Kim conquers body insecurities as new H&M swimsuit model By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Kim Chiu is the newest swimsuit model of an international clothing company.  In her Instagram account, Kim posted a video of her wearing different tropical essentials collection items for H&M.  Kim said she was hesitant at first in accepting the project because she’s insecure with her body.  “THIS IS IT! Honestly, medyo hesitant ako at first to take on something out of my comfort zone. I have always been insecure about my body since lagi akong tinutukso na payatot nung bata ako,” she said.  “Thankfully, as I grew older, I’ve slowly come to accept and love my body. And who else to better collaborate with, on this milestone of mine on self-love and body positivity than H&M,” she added.  Kim also said that she enjoyed the shooting of the TV commercial. She invites her fans to try the new collection.  “I’m so proud and excited to finally share with you #KIMforHM - the #HMTropicalEssentials: a collection of everyday essentials na alam kong magugustuhan niyo rin as much as I did!!” she said.  Last year, Kapamilya stars Maja Salvador and Nadine Lustre were the swimsuit models of the brand.

Kim Chiu

Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-18, 2021

11

The ‘new’ Cristine: ‘Maldita’ no more By Kathleen

A. Llemit

Philstar.com

BY her own words, Cristine Reyes admitted that she used to be “maldita” (grumpy) and that Diego Loyzaga is her first on-screen partner that she was very nice with. The actress revealed this during the March 8 virtual presscon of her and Loyzaga’s upcoming TV5 drama, “Encounter,” the adaptation of the Korean drama of the same name that starred Hallyu stars Song Hye-kyo and Park BoAlexandra Trese is a supernatural detective from the Philippine graphic novel created by Budjette Tan and KaJO Baldisimo. gum. It will premiere on March Photo courtesy of Netflix 21 at 9 p.m. on TV5. “I’m very, ano, maldita,” Cristine said. When prodded if it was because she wasn’t close to Loyzaga whom she works for the first time with, she said it was not the case. She said she had a lot of growing up to do and it came with her dealing with life as she By Ritchel Mendiola knows it. AJPress “Ah, no, no. I think it comes ACTRESSES Liza Soberano with, you know, life. I used to be Cristine Reyes ABS-CBN photo and Shay Mitchell have been cast a brat. Now, I think I’ve grown. to voice supernatural detective I appreciate what I have right “I’ve worked with her before siderate of her co-workers at Alexandra Trese in the upcomnow. I’m grateful with what I and I also experienced na mal- saka mas professional.” ing Netflix original anime series have. I don’t want to burden dita pa siya. Kaya na-surprise Jeturian directed Cristine in “Trese.” anybody I’m working with. It’s ako ngayon na ibang-iba ang the 2011 drama “Reputasyon.” Soberano and Mitchell will be not about them. It’s about per- Cristine na nakatrabaho ko,” “You grow and you have to lending their voices for the titular sonal growth,” she explained. the seasoned director shared. learn to be always better and character of the highly-anticiDiego affirmed that his leadHe continued, “In fact, noong don’t be stuck, to you know, pated anime series, Netflix Philing lady and fellow Viva Artists nalaman ko na si Cristine ang where you’re... If it’s not good, ippines announced on Monday, Agency talent was “nice from makakatrabaho ko, nagkaroon why would you stay there? So, March 8. day one.” ako ng duda. Napaisip ako na it’s always a progress. I’m not The series is based on the PhilEven her director, Jeffrey baka mamomoblema ako pero saying I’ll always gonna be ippine graphic novel created by Jeturian, was surprised at the nothing of that sort happened. like this but it’s a progress Budjette Tan and KaJO Baldisinew Cristine he worked with on I’m surprised na si Cristine is na I’m working on,” Cristine Pinay actresses Liza Soberano (left) and Shay Mitchell will voice Alexandra Trese in the mo. the set of the drama. more matured now, more con- shared. “Call Alexandra… cause I’ve upcoming Netflix original anime series “Trese.” got news. It’s official, @lizaso- BASE Entertainment, a Jakarta berano [and] @shaymitch are and Singapore-based studio. Oliva, a Filipino American, is an Alexandra Trese!!! May strong women always lend a voice to one executive producer, director, and another, especially when there’s showrunner for several animated an aswang or two around. Hap- series as well as the founder and py International Women’s Day,” CEO of Lex and Otis animation the streaming platform said in a studio. He directed “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” 1 and 2, tweet. Soberano will voice Alexandra and worked as a storyboard artist Trese in the Filipino language for live-action films such as “Man version of the series. She took to of Steel.” In a release to the media, he Twitter to share her excitement admitted that casting Alexandra over the project. “Screaming on the inside!!!!!! Trese was going to be challengIt’s an honor to be the voice of ing. “It is important for the voice an iconic character such as Alexandra Trese. I’m a huge fan of talent to embrace the layered Budjette and KaJO’s award-win- character to fully become Alexanning Trese comics. Maraming dra Trese,” he said. “My concerns went away as salamat! Excited nako (Thank you so much! I’m excited)!” she said. soon as Shay Mitchell stepped Filipina-Canadian Mitchell, into the recording booth. Shay’s who previously starred in “Pretty Alexandra exceeded my expecLittle Liars” and Netflix’s “You,” tations and she delivers a perforwill voice the female lead charac- mance of strength, determination In celebration of the 500th Year Anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021, and family duty that is at the very ter in the English version. experience MonteMaria Cellars, an exclusive wine collection cellared and bottled “I’m so excited to be a part of a core of the character,” he added. Oliva also praised Soberano’s unique and amazing project like in Napa Valley, California by the Buhman Estate Vineyards specially made in honor Trese, and to voice a character casting, saying he was a “big fan” of the Holy Site of MonteMaria located in Batangas Province of the Philippines. as brilliant as Alexandra Trese. of hers. “If that wasn’t enough, imagine Philippine folklore is rich and fascinating, and I am thrilled to be my delight when we confirmed a part of the team bringing this Liza Soberano joining the Filipino voice cast! I am a big fan of hers story to life,” she said. “Trese” tells the story of Alex- and she fits the character so well. andra Trese, who protects Manila Having Liza play Alexandra Trese from threats of the supernatural for the series makes this project kind such as tikbalang and ka- even more special to me and my pre. It is executive produced by team!” he said. “Trese” will be released on Jay Oliva and produced by Shanty Harmayn and Tanya Yuson of Netflix later this year.

Liza Soberano, Shay Mitchell to voice Alexandra Trese in upcoming Netflix anime series

“A Taste of History”

New San Diego Public Library program will focus on media literacy Series will begin with discussion about the role of the press in politics

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Public Library (SDPL) is beginning a series of free programs that will focus on media literacy and will include discussions on political reporting, investigative journalism and so-called “fake news.” The program will kick off with a virtual panel discussion featuring local journalists on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 6 p.m.   “The library is a place for information and education and that education extends to the media that people consume every day,” said Misty Jones, Director, San Diego Public Library. “News comes at us fast these days and by opening up a discussion about media literacy, the library hopes to encourage people to take a critical look at what they’re reading and watching.”   The first program in the series of four panels is “Where Do We Go from Here: Life After the Trump White House” and will focus on how journalists report on elected officials. The program will be moderated by The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial and Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall and will feature Kate Morrissey, immigration reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune, Ismael Estrada, managing editor of NBC 7 San Diego, Chris Megerian, White House reporter for the Los Angeles Times, investigative journalist Jean Guerrero and Alex Presha from ABC News.   “This series is an effort by local journalism organizations and the City of San Diego to build more

awareness and appreciation of why journalism matters, what it is and what it isn’t,” said Matthew T. Hall, President of the Society of Professional Journalists. “Media literacy has never been more important. Distrust in and misunderstanding of the media are rampant, and we ignore it at our peril. We hope these conversations help journalists become more accountable and help the public become more informed.”   The series is a partnership between SDPL and The San Diego Association of Black Journalists, The Society of Professional Journalists Pro Chapter, The National Association of Hispanic Journalists San Diego-Tijuana Chapter and The Online News Association San Diego Chapter.   To register for the program, visit the SDPL event calendar at https://sandiego.librarymarket. com/news-literacy-1. Registration closes on March 14, 2021 at 6 p.m. Other programs will be announced at a later date.   With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org. (City of San Diego Release)

Browse our collection and order today on MonteMariaCellars.com.

Please enjoy our wines responsibily.

12

MARCH 12-18, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588