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OCTOBER 1-7, 2020
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Volume 31 - No. 39 • 16 Pages
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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
Fil-Am voters sound off after heated Miami Heat head coach presidential debate between Trump, Biden Erik Spoelstra heads to DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
NBA Finals for fifth time
The half-Fil-Am coach is seeking his third NBA Championship, this time against the Los Angeles Lakers
by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
AS President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden squared off in their first debate on Tuesday, Sept. 29, several Filipino American voters across the country reacted to what transpired and doubled down on support for their pre-
ferred candidate. The 90-minute debate — moderated by Chris Wallace, anchor of “Fox News Sunday,” at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio — covered six topics, ranging from the Supreme Court vacancy to Trump’s tax returns to COVID19 recovery, as the candidates attempted to make their case with a little over a month to go until
Election Day. “For my side, the Republican side, the issues covered will help galvanize voters, especially in regards to the Supreme Court,” said Ron Falconi, mayor of Brunswick, Ohio and a member of Asian Pacific Americans for Trump’s advisory council. “The president has made it no secret that
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EIGHT years after making history as the first Asian American head coach to win an NBA Championship, celebrated Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is heading to his fifth NBA Final, putting himself in position to earn his third championship ring. On Sunday, Sept. 27, the Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, securing a spot in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, whom they will square up against on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Spoelstra is only 49 years old, but his shrewd approach to coaching and ability to work well with players of all experience levels propel him to the league of fabled NBA coaches.
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Philippine Consulate General in LA reminds Fil-Ams of procedures under ‘new normal’ THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles has reopened to handle certain services, but advises the public to follow its guidelines under the “new normal.” The consulate — which covers approximately 1.3 million Filipinos in Southern California, Southern Nevada and Arizona — has been accepting in-person services by appointment only for passport renewal, notarization/ legalization of documents, dual citizenship, and Social Security System matters, according to Consul General Adelio Cruz. “Right now, we do not accept walk-in applications because everything is done by appointment,” Cruz said during a recent “Tanong ni ConGen” livestream hosted by PH Consul General in San Francisco Henry Bensurto Jr. Meanwhile, the consulate is accepting the following services by mail: civil registry, visa renewals, travel document, certified true
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Filipino American volunteers in Clark County get out the vote for former Vice President Joe Biden while maintaining COVID-19 safety measures. Contributed photo
DISPLAY. An artist prepares a painting on a canvass to frame and display at the Rajah Sulayman Plaza in Manila on Thursday, October 1. Each artwork fetches around P2,500. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
SC moves forward with poll protest vs Robredo by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Philippine Supreme Court, acting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, has directed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to comment on pending issues related to the election protest filed by former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In its latest resolution, PET ordered the Comelec to file its comment within 20 days on Marcos’ third cause of action in his electoral protest, which seeks to annul the elections in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Maguindanao due to alleged Former Senator Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo
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Biden campaign woos Fil-Am voters in Nevada through culturally relevant outreach by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
KAMAYAN feast fundraisers, packed phone banking sessions in Tagalog, door-to-door canvassing, and campaign staffers present at community festivals — these have been some of the traditional get-outthe-vote efforts during election season to court Filipino Americans in Nevada. But as the pandemic continues and Election Day nears, staffers for former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign have been shifting to socially distanced and digital methods, while still retaining cultural relevancy. In the Silver State, Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are 10% of the electorate, and Filipino Americans make up the largest ethnic group. As Fil-Ams are predominantly concentrated in Clark County, the Biden campaign brought on Fil-Am staffers to help woo and connect with the demographic. One of the weekly programs is a phone bank every Saturday calling Tagalog speakers in the state.
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Inquirer.net photo
Pacquiao sets 2021 fight against UNFPA: PH can see epidemic former UFC champ Conor McGregor of unintended pregnancies by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao Photo from Instagram/@mannypacquiao
PHILIPPINE Senator Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division boxing world champion, is set to fight former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor next year, his special assistant Jayke Joson confirmed over the weekend. “For the sake of all the Filipino COVID-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year,” Jason said on Saturday, September 26. “The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic,” Joson added. McGregor also announced that he will
be fighting Pacquiao. “Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook. I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East,” the Irish mixed martial arts fighter said in a tweet on Sept. 25. Joson said negotiations between the two camps are being finalized. “Regarding the news coming from McGregor himself, we don’t deny it. In fact, our lawyers are finalizing all the confidential details, but both fighters are getting ready for this one epic last boxing fight. According to Paradigm Sports Management head Audie Attar, the fight may happen in the Middle East next year,” he said. He added, “It is confirmed the negotia-
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by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE number of unintended pregnancies in the Philippines could experience a spike if the quarantine measures caused by the novel coronavirus remain in place until the end of 2020, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said on Tuesday, September 29. According to the agency, the number of women expected to give birth this year could increase by almost half to 2.6 million if movement restrictions stay until the year-end. “This is an epidemic within an
epidemic,” noted UNFPA program officer Aimee Santos-lyons during a Senate hearing. “The restrictions on mobility were designed to slow down and prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Yet the unintended consequence of this measure may have helped reinforce gender discrimination and inequity,” she added. Citing a study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), the UNFPA pointed out that the continued lockdown is causing 60 additional maternal deaths a month, since the restrictions are preventing two million more women from accessing fam-
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From The FronT Page
Pacquiao sets 2021 fight against former UFC... PAGE A1 tion between the camp of Senator Pacquiao and McGregor is now starting to move on. Again as what our senator says, all his fights are dedicated for the
welfare and unity of all Filipinos including this one.” Pacquiao, 41, is the only eight-division world champion as well as the oldest welterweight champion in boxing
history. He holds a record of 62 wins, seven losses, and two draws. He won against American boxer Keith Thurman, Jr. in July 2019, earning the WBA super welterweight title. n
Biden campaign woos Fil-Am voters in Nevada... PAGE A1
President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden square off during the first presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
C-SPAN screenshot
Fil-Am voters sound off after... PAGE A1 he wants conservative judges to serve on the court who are going to interpret the Constitution and not legislate from the bench. That has been a rallying cry for us conservatives in the movement.” The debate soon turned chaotic, marked by interruptions and in several instances, a shouting match between the two. Social media users picked up on certain zingers, including Biden calling Trump a “clown” and retorting, “Will you shut up, man?” after a string of interjections. As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the president was asked to defend his response to the virus that has left over 200,000 killed, alleging that the death toll would reach 2 million if Biden were commander-inchief. “What [the debate] showed was a stark contrast between these two people and what kind of leadership they’re going to demonstrate,” said Brad Baldia, a Biden supporter from Philadelphia, following the debate. “The thing is, Donald Trump has never grown up, he’s never matured [and] blames every-
one else for his faults…and his failed leadership for the deaths that have happened because of COVID-19 and for all the things that have gone wrong with his presidency.” Irene Bueno, a volunteer senior advisor for Fil-Ams for Biden-Harris who has worked for previous Democratic candidates, praised the vice president’s attempts to share his plans on various topics, despite being interrupted. “Whenever [Biden] tried to talk about his plan, he was interrupted by a president who… clearly didn’t have a plan. All he did was say things that had no basis. He lied and he made up things that are not substantiated,” Bueno said, emphasizing that voters should look at the Trump administration’s battle against the Affordable Care Act for the past three years. “[Trump] had all this time to do something about health care and he hasn’t done anything.” Cristina Osmeña, a former Republican candidate for California’s 14th congressional district, said she was left feeling discouraged amid the chaotic exchanges. “I think Trump came away
worse for wear. I was trying to listen intently to hear if my questions about policy would be answered,” Osmeña said. “His behavior of bullying and interrupting did not leave a good impression…It was difficult to tolerate.” Despite this, Osmeña said she favors the president in terms of matters involving the economy and not reversing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The debate came days after the New York Times report about Trump only paying $750 in income tax in 2016. “The tax code that put him in a position that he pays less tax than on the money a schoolteacher makes is because of him,” Biden said in reference to the law Trump signed in 2017. Among the moments that stood out was Trump’s refusal to condemn white supremacy, bringing attention to Proud Boys, a far-right group. “Proud Boys — stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what. I’ll tell you what. Somebody’s got to do something about Antifa and the left because this is not a right-wing problem,” Trump said. PAGE A4
“The different programming and outreach…show how mindful our campaign is in how we can reach these voters through our understanding of the community and the values,” said Stefanie Lao, a Nevada coordinated press associate for the Biden campaign. “I’m very aware every day about what our work means to not only the Filipinos who can vote, but also to the Filipinos who can’t but are here in the U.S. to just have a better life.” Local volunteers have stepped up by mailing out handwritten postcards to remind Fil-Ams to vote and are making their rounds to disseminate in-language literature and signs at ethnic supermarkets and other high traffic locations frequented by community members. The campaign is also pushing relational organizing, which a lot of community members engage in naturally, but the Vote Joe app makes it easier by going through an individual’s cellphone contacts and matching them with publicly available voter files so they can remind them to vote, whether they’re in the same city or elsewhere. “There’s still a lot of the traditional methods of the titas going out and reaching out to their nurse friends or retired friends…But that’s really how win this election — by having folks in the community reminding those close to them,” said Christian Bato, Nevada coordinated coalitions director for the campaign. Though Fil-Am registered voters are largely enthusiastic nationwide, over half said they haven’t been contacted by the Democratic Party in the past year, according to the 2020 Asian American Voter Survey released by APIA Vote, AAPI Data and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC In recent cycles, however, campaigns have begun to rec-
ognize the value of the AAPI voting bloc in Nevada, a key battleground state. Leading up to the state’s caucus, which included preference cards in Tagalog for the first time, Democratic presidential hopefuls made it a point to meet with the growing community, whether it was touring businesses in Chinatown or making stump speeches at local restaurants. Biden held two campaign events at Harbor Palace Seafood Restaurant along Spring Mountain Road in Vegas’ Chinatown months apart. During his pitch before AAPI Nevadans participated in the caucus, the former vice president spoke to issues direct to the community, such as the Congressional Gold Medal recognition for Filipino World War II veterans and the Obama administration’s record on appointing AAPIs to various positions. “Events like this mean a great deal. It means that we have arrived at the table and especially in Nevada, the numbers speak highly of us being the margin of victory,” said Gloria Caoile, a veteran labor leader and state director for the Fil-Ams for Biden-Harris, a volunteer group of supporters across the country. With October commemorating Filipino American History Month, the typical campaign-related kamayan feast — wherein community members are gathered around long tables to eat Filipino food with their hands and are often times joined by local elected officials and candidates — has gone virtual with a “ZOOMustahan” where individuals can share their meals and connect using the video messaging platform. Focusing on the month’s theme of the “history of Fil-Am activism,” the campaign is also increasing its voter and identity education around Fil-Am roots in labor, activism, and electoral
engagement. “A lot of the voter education has to do with relating them to stories about our culture and histories [and] views on activism. Union leadership and movements are at the backbone our history here as Filipino Americans,” Bato said. “When it comes to taking a stand at the I-Hotel in San Francisco and even electorally, when Larry Itliong was the first [Fil-Am] DNC delegate. That’s because this is the party that really embodies a lot of these same goals that impact the Filipino American community.” While the 50 and older group still comprise a majority of FilAm voters in Nevada, the eligible Gen Z and millennials bloc is not to be neglected, according to the Fil-Am staffers. The state campaign is supporting the AAPI Democratic Caucus of Nevada, which along with the Pilipino Los Angeles Democrats, KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress, and the national Fil-Ams for BidenHarris group, is hosting a virtual GOTV concert with rapper Ruby Ibarra on October 28. “Although [Biden] wasn’t the preferred candidate for a lot of young Fil-Ams, a lot of his policies would still be a giant benefit compared to Donald Trump,” said Marcus Manabat, a Fil-Am millennial campaign field organizer in Las Vegas. “Another important thing to notice for progressives is that a lot of the policies have had input from the Bernie [Sanders] camp. It’s really valuable that he’s still willing to listen and take in new ideas.” Nevada is among the states that will be sending mail in ballots to all active registered voters ahead of Nov. 3. Early voting in Clark County will be held from October 17-30, so voters are encouraged to hand in their ballots at convenient drop-off sites to keep themselves and others safe. n
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 1-7, 2020
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PLANT NURSERY. A woman puts a plant in plastic for a couple who bought the plant on Pasong Bayog Nursery along Gov. D. Mangubat Avenue in Dasmarinas City, Cavite on Wednesday, September 30. The government has allowed selected businesses, like plant nurseries, to operate as they follow health protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic. PNA photo by Gil Calinga
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra heads... PAGE A1 Since 1970, only three head coaches have had more Finals appearances than Spoelstra: Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich and Spoelstra’s predecessor Pat Riley. Sports writer for GQ Michael Pina wrote in a recent article that “Spoelstra embodies that selflessly competitive ethos better than any other coach, in a league brimming with extremely capable strategists. In Miami, his personality is a tone-setter. And with that comes respect at all levels in the organization and unilateral commitment by all to do their job, even as it evolves every day.” LeBron James, Lakers team captain and former Heat player under Spoelstra, recently praised Spoelstra’s ability as a coach. “It’s unfortunate that he hasn’t gotten his respect. Every time we talked about Spo when I was there and we talked about how great he prepared us, and we talked about how great it was playing for Spo and things of that nature, you guys always said, well, you have LeBron, you have D-Wade, you have Bosh; any coach can do it. No, any coach can’t do it. If any coach could do it, then there would be a lot more champions in this league. There would be a lot more successful coaches,” James said. From video room to arena Spoelstra’s quick ascent from Miami Heat video coordinator
to multichampionship-winning head coach is a true “started from the bottom, now we’re here” story. He is the son of Elisa Celino — a Filipina immigrant originally from Laguna, Philippines — and former NBA executive Jon Spoelstra of the Portland Trailblazers, Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets and the defunct Buffalo Braves. After graduating in 1992 from the University of Portland where he was a starting point guard, Spoelstra enjoyed a short career as a player-assistant coach for a German basketball club called TuS Herten. It was in Germany with this basketball club that Spoelstra’s illustrious coaching career began, coaching the club’s local youth team. In 1995, Spoelstra accepted an offer from the Miami Heat for which he would be the video coordinator. Eventually, Spoelstra was promoted to assistant coach, handling scouting. In 2006, he won his first NBA Championship as assistant coach when the Heat defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals that year. Then, finally, in 2008 — 13 years after he was first hired as a video coordinator — Spoelstra became the head coach for the Miami Heat at the behest of Riley, who stepped down. Not only was Spoelstra the first Asian American head coach of the NBA, he also became the first
Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra Photo courtesy of NBA
ever Asian American head coach for the four major sports leagues in North America. “This game is now about younger coaches who are technologically skilled, innovative and bring fresh new ideas. That’s what we feel we are getting with Erik Spoelstra. He’s a man that was born to coach,” Riley said in 2008. It was a decision that ushered in a new, prolific era for the organization. Under Spoelstra, the team became a regular fixture of the post-season, winning backto-back champion titles in 2012 and 2013 during the “Big Three” era when the team was carried by a powerhouse trio of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James. In a 2011 ESPN interview, PAGE A8
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SC moves forward with poll protest... PAGE A1
terrorism, intimidation, harassment of voters, and pre-shading of ballots. PET also ordered the Comelec and the OSG to comment on whether the tribunal had the power to declare the annulment of elections even without special elections, as well as declare the failure of elections and order the conduct of special elections. In addition, PET asked the Comelec and the OSG whether the tribunal’s declaration of failure of elections, and an order for READY TO WEAR. Motorcycle riders buy long sleeve jerseys at a store in Ybardolaza Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City on Thursday, special elections, will infringe October 1. They said the garments are fresh to wear even in hot weather. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler the Comelec’s mandate under the Constitution. The Comelec was likewise ordered to report to the PET if the PAGE A1 the province of Batangas, and the petitions for failure of elections committee on women. President Rodrigo Duterte ap- cities of Tacloban, Bacolod, Ili- were filed in the three Mindanao ily planning needs. The study also said that sexual proved the recommendation of gan, and Iloilo will also be placed provinces, if the petitions were granted or denied, and whether and physical violence among the Inter-Agency Task Force for under GCQ. Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur, in- special elections were held in partners could rise to as much as the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on cluding Marawi City, will remain the areas with failure of elec839,000 by the end of the year. “These issues of women and Monday, September 28, which under modified enhanced com- tions, and the results of those special polls. children have largely remained will keep Metro Manila under munity quarantine (MECQ). “The rest of the country will invisible during the pandemic. general community quarantine It’s time to put them front and (GCQ) for the entire month of Oc- be under modified general community quarantine,” Duterte ancenter,” said Senator Risa Hon- tober. Aside from the capital region, nounced. tiveros, head of the chamber’s
UNFPA: PH can see epidemic of unintended...
Philippine Consulate General in LA reminds... PAGE A1 copy of Philippine passport or dual citizenship certificate, and the renunciation of Philippine citizenship. Those who go to the consulate’s physical office are required to follow certain guidelines such as: wearing a mask or face covering, coming with complete requirements for the particular service needed, not bringing non-essential companions to the appointment, bring own pen, bring cash and exact change (credit card not accepted), and stay home if feeling sick. The office’s main phone number during office hours is (213) 639-0980 but Cruz advises the public that lines may be busy given the influx of calls. Emergency hotlines are (213) 268-9990 and (213) 269-7852, which are open 24/7. The assistance-to-nationals hotline is (213) 587-0758. Cruz reminded Filipinos in the U.S. that only Filipino citizens or dual citizens are permitted to travel to the Philippines as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. “Only Filipinos and dual citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines, but if you are Filipino or dual citizen, you may
bring your spouse or any [foreign] national, your minor child, or your parents,” he said, adding that they need to get a visa from the consulate and show proof of relationship. Dual citizens must show the original certificate of dual citizenship or a certified copy of the documents in order to enter the country. The consulate in LA said that
as of Sept. 28, all appointment slots for dual citizenship and passport services have been filled up through the end of December. Appointments for January 2021 and beyond will open up soon, according to the consulate. Information on more guidelines and how to make an appointment can be found at the Consulate General’s website at www.philippineconsulatela.org. (AJPress)
Marcos’ camp, for its part, welcomed the recent development but is “saddened” that the issue was passed onto the Comelec anew. “We are happy because our cause of action, which they said is not included in the election protest, the setting aside the annulment of setting aside the annulment of the election results in Maguindanao, Basilan and Lanao del Sur, is validated,” Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ lawyer, said in Filipino. “We have extreme reservations and are saddened because the issue is given back to Comelec,” he added. Rodriguez also expressed concern over the protest being “under real threat of becoming moot and academic.” “Instead of directly proceeding with the technical examination and forensic investigation he lamentably added another layer that would cause tremendous delay in referring the mat-
ter to the Office of the Solicitor General and the Comelec to file their respective Comment,” he said. “Considering the very thin time left in the term of the contested position, our protest is under real threat of becoming moot and academic by events leading to 2022 such as the filing of candidacy, campaign and national election that would reduce the clamor and right of the people to know who really won the vice presidency illusory,” Rodriguez added. Robredo’s camp also welcomed the latest resolution. “The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo welcomes the latest PET order as this will help fast-track the resolution of the election protest,” Atty. Beng Sardillo, Robredo’s lawyer, said. “We will comply with the High Tribunal’s order and wait for the comments of the Comelec and the Solicitor General on the pending matters,” she added. n
Fil-Am voters sound off after... PAGE A2
Bueno said the president’s statement “scared” her. “And I think all Americans should be scared. This president just continues to [sow] division,” she said. Two more debates are scheduled for Oct. 15 and Oct. 22 as final chances for both Trump and Biden to capture the votes of Americans, especially those still considered undecided. “I really am on the fence and after last night, I don’t want to vote for either candidate,” Osmeña, who voted for a thirdparty candidate in the 2016 election, said. “Just because you might be indecisive at the very top of the ticket, there are a lot of local races that are decided by a few hundred people, so voting does matter.” Fil-Am voters interviewed called on formatting changes, which include the ability for future moderators to turn off a candidate’s mic if not talking, and to focus on issues, including foreign policy with countries like China and immigration. “These debates offer us a momentous opportunity because it allows us to compare one versus one, the two candidates for president,” said Tristan Bato, a college student who is support-
ing Biden. “Honestly, I have faith in the American electorate, and especially the independents who are undecided right now to look to the truth.” The Commission on Presidential Debates announced on Wednesday, Sept. 30 said it would look at “additional structure” for the next two debates. “Last night’s debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues,” the commission said in a statement. It added that it would announce the measures soon, and also praised Wallace’s “professionalism and skill” as the debate moderator. Until then, Fil-Am supporters on both sides are continuing their efforts to rally registered and eligible voters. A group called “Filipinos for Trump” is leading a nationwide caravan on Sunday, Oct. 4 in 20 cities, such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., to raise support for the president’s re-election bid and to kick-off Filipino American History Month. “The Filipino Americans participating are not afraid to show the support and alignment with President Trump, and for the
Republican Party principles, such as our strong faith,” said Noel Omega, a business owner who is among the organizers for the Sunday caravan in Southern California. “But you know, we would welcome anyone who wants to learn about our side and have a dialogue with us.” Meanwhile, the volunteerrun “Fil-Ams for Biden-Harris” will continue their weekly programs, which include phone banks in key states and topicfocused Zoom panels. Results from the 2020 Asian American Voter Survey released in September found that 52% of Fil-Am registered voters polled said they would be included to vote for Biden, while 34% favor Trump — the second highest support among the groups after 48% of Vietnamese voters who said they would re-elect the current president. Despite the preferences for either candidate, 12% of FilAm voters reported that they “don’t know.” “This is the most important election in our lifetime and you can see the positions the president was taking in contrast to Joe Biden’s. I am surprised as to why there are so many undecided voters at this point,” said Falconi. n
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Reviving tourism
OpiniOn & Features
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 1-7, 2020
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WORLD Tourism Day on Sept. 27 passed largely unnoticed this year, as the travel industry continued to reel from the impact of measures to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. COVID-19 restrictions have battered international tourism, which dropped 22 percent in the first quarter and is projected by the United Nations World Tourism Organization to plummet to 60 to 80 percent over the whole year. Among the hardest hit are the rural communities whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on tourism. The UNWTO has designated 2020 as the Year of Tourism and Rural Development, which is also the theme of this year’s 40th anniversary of World Tourism Day. The UN estimates that 80 percent of people living in extreme poverty worldwide are in rural communities. The rural areas are also home to most of the 1.8 billion young people worldwide, according to the UN. But the lack of opportunities in rural areas is fueling urban migration among the youth, which is aggravating rural underdevelopment. By 2050, the UN projects up to 68 percent of the world population to be living in urban areas. Tourism provides meaningful jobs and livelihoods even in remote areas, and promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth. This gives urgency to the revival of the tourism and travel industry. Even with efforts limited to domestic tourism, however, the pandemic is posing challenges.
Boracay offers a look into those challenges. The world-class destination beckons once again, as the government relaxes quarantine travel restrictions. But even with discounts of up to 70 percent in accommodations, the requirements of the pandemic normal can leave only the most diehard traveler from outside Western Visayas determined to visit Boracay. A negative result on a swab test is the first hurdle. At P4,000 to P12,000 – not covered by medical insurance for those who are not sick or showing any symptoms – that’s a hefty initial investment for a few days of vacation. Then there’s the pandemic-induced fear of flying that must be overcome – especially on the smaller planes that typically service the Manila-Caticlan route. Upon returning to Manila, there are offices that require employees who travel by plane to go on home quarantine for 14 days. People who are straining to escape over six
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS ABORTION is perhaps the most contentious issue in America, a paradox given the fact that people, in general, value life and have been given by our Creator the instincts and the intelligence to protect life. Then why has this issue divided us when we uphold the same value for life? We all believe that life is sacred from the womb to tomb. This is one of the values that unify us Filipinos in America, especially because of the fact that we were born and raised Christians, Catholics to be more precise. While we may be sharing the same values and aspirations, the two-party political system of the United States, grounded mostly on ideology, puts us in a box. Many of us have to choose between the two major parties, while relatively fewer remain to choose to be independent or to be of no party affiliation. But for most Americans, it is a choice between liberal or conservative principles, between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, even when for many of us, it is not as black and white as how we feel about the issues. Some of us may be leaning “Blue” (Democrat) when it comes to safety nets and social services like health and education, but lean “Red” (Republican) in matters of taxes and national security, for example. As we discern on how to vote and who to vote for in November, may I respectfully ask for your kind indulgence and let us all remove our partisan hats so we can have common working knowledge about the background of the law on abortion in the United States, and how we can all work together to achieve what we share in common — to save lives.
Director, California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office
2020 has certainly been extraordinary, and what many are calling an unprecedented time. We’ve been hit with a worldwide pandemic, stopping the normal routine of our lives, in addition to facing social unrest due to racism and injustice. On top of that, our state has been hit with catastrophic wildfires right here in the west. Plus, there’s an upcoming election in November. This is my third decennial Census where I’ve led California’s Census efforts to reach the hardest-to-count communities, historically lower responding areas and vulnerable populations. All the challenges mentioned above have added to the difficulty of ensuring
is counting on such attitudes to revive the sector. With public health protocols in place and strictly observed, it is possible to speed up the revival of tourism. (Philstar.com)
Hard facts about the abortion issue: Let us work together to save lives when we cast our vote in November Amid the more restrictive sexual mores of the 1800s, abortion was actually common, the History Channel reported. According to at least one estimate, one in every five women at the time had had an abortion. In the late 1850s, however, the newly established American Medical Association (AMA) began lobbying for the criminalization of abortion, which according to the History Channel was “partly in an effort to eliminate doctors’ competitors such as midwives and homeopaths.” In 1869, the Catholic Church changed its law and banned abortion at any stage of pregnancy. In 1873, the U.S. Congress passed the Comstock Act, which made it illegal to distribute contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs through the U.S. mail. By the 1880s, abortion was outlawed across most of the country. The 1960s, however, saw the rise of the women’s rights movement. Court cases involving the use of contraceptives laid the groundwork for Roe v. Wade. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a law in 1965 banning the distribution of birth control to married couples, ruling that the law violated their implied right to privacy under the U.S. Constitution. And in 1972, the Supreme Court struck down a law prohibiting the distribution of contraceptives to unmarried adults. Roe v. Wade Despite the law criminalizing abortion, some women resorted to illegal, dangerous, “back-alley” abortions or self-induced abortions. According to the History Channel, “in the 1950s and 1960s, the estimated number of illegal abortions in the United States ranged from 200,000 to 1.2 million per year, according to the Guttmacher Institute.” After trying unsuccessfully to
get an illegal abortion, Norma McCorvey was referred to Texas attorneys Linda Coffee and Sarah Weddington, who were interested in challenging anti-abortion laws. In court documents, McCorvey became known as “Jane Roe.” According to the History Channel, the attorneys filed a lawsuit in 1970, on behalf of McCorvey and all the other women “who were or might become pregnant and want to consider all options,” against Henry Wade, the district attorney of Dallas County, where McCorvey lived. Roe won over Wade. The Supreme Court struck down the Texas law that criminalizes abortion, taking after the jurisprudence of the legalization of the use of contraceptives, protected by the right to privacy of the 14th Amendment. In its decision, the History Channel said “the court divided pregnancy into three trimesters, and declared that the choice to end a pregnancy in the first trimester was solely up to the woman. In the second trimester, the government could regulate abortion, although not ban it, in order to protect the mother’s health.” “In the third trimester, the state could prohibit abortion to protect a fetus that could survive on its own outside the womb, except when a woman’s health was in danger,” the report added. Since Roe v. Wade, many states have imposed restrictions that weaken abortion rights, and Americans remain divided over support for a woman’s right to choose an abortion. Yet, despite these stricter restrictions and clinics being closed, women continued having abortions, with some women fatally performing abortions on themselves. Republicans made anti-abor-
tion their battle cry, accusing Democrats of being “baby killers” because they support abortion. Why some women chose to have an abortion Democrats contend that nobody is being forced to abort their babies — it is the personal choice of a woman what to do with her body and arguing that women have grave reasons to get one like rape, incest, threats to her life, being in an abusive relationship, unwanted pregnancy complicated by poverty, and a lack of information on her choices. Qualitative studies conducted by the Guttmacher Institute revealed that women who had had an abortion as typically feeling that they had no other choice, given their limited resources and existing responsibilities to others. The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg told senators during her confirmation hearing when asked about abortion: “Abortion prohibition by the State controls women and denies them full autonomy and full equality with men.” “The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her well-being and dignity. It is a decision she must make for herself. When Government controls that decision for her, she is being treated as less than a fully adult human responsible for her own choices,” she added. This right of the woman to make a decision for herself and for her own body, therefore, is in congruence with the promise of America as envisioned by our founding fathers — that in America, all people are created equal, and should therefore be treated equally and be granted with equal protection of the law. But the decriminalization of
abortion did not force, mandate, nor push women to “kill” their own babies. Women took this very seriously and would not resort to abortion unless they are in despair. This is a right to choose based on their personal circumstances. Conversely, imposing strict abortion measures has not prevented or stopped women from getting an abortion, on the other hand, they would even compel them to turn to self-induced abortion. Sharp decline in the abortion rate Guttmacher Institute reports: “Between 1990 and 2008, the abortion rate declined an average of 2% per year, but between 2008 and 2011, it dropped 13%. Fewer women had abortions in 2011 than in 2008 because fewer women became pregnant when they did not want to: Over this period, the proportion of pregnancies that were unintended declined from 51% to 45%, and the rate of unintended pregnancy dropped 18%, from 54 to 45 per 1,000 women.” The updated study found that the U.S. abortion rate continued to drop to 13.5 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 in 2017, the lowest rate recorded since abortion was legalized in 1973 and an 8% decline from 2014. “Birthrates declined in almost all states during this period, indicating that fewer people became pregnant, not that more individuals chose or were made to give birth rather than have an abortion,” the study said. Guttmacher Institute reports: ”With abortion rates falling in almost all states, our study did not find evidence that the national decline in abortions during this period was the result of new state abortion restrictions. We
also found no evidence that the decline was linked to a drop in the number of abortion providers during this period,” says Rachel Jones, lead author of the study. “Rather, the decline in abortions coincided with a steep national drop in overall pregnancy and birth rates. Contraceptive use improved during this period, as more women and couples were using highly effective longacting reversible contraceptive methods, such as the IUD. Moreover, the recent recession led many women and couples to want to avoid or delay pregnancy and childbearing.” With the available evidence, it is impossible to pinpoint exactly which factors drove recent declines, and to what degree. However, previous Guttmacher analyses have documented that abortion restrictions, while incredibly harmful at an individual level, were not the main driver of national declines in the abortion rate in the 2008–20115 or 2011– 20146 time periods. Much the same appears to hold true for the 2011–2017 timeframe, as detailed below. Rather, the decline in abortions appears to be part of a broader decline in pregnancies, as evidenced by fewer births over the same period. Decisions in the 2020 elections: How can we work together to save lives? Given the hard facts about abortion, I hope we realize that criminalizing abortion and crucifying women in despair did not help as much to lower abortion rates to save lives. What has helped to lower the abortion rate is empowering women with knowledge and science-based information so they will realize that they have the choice not to choose abortion,
a complete and accurate count. The U.S. Census Bureau has had to operate differently – they’ve changed their operations multiple times and are not working how they have done in the past. Federal workers are part of our community – they are being asked to do more with less resources and with a shorter timeframe. The Census Headquarters has been asked to compress their well-researched and tested work plan for completing and delivering an accurate count. And possibly cancelling or eliminating key quality assurance operations. This is abnormal – it’s materially different than the previous two counts in 2010 and 2000. I wish I had more confidence in the Census Bureau’s field data collection operations and data processing that would ensure an accurate count. In California, we have invested $187.2 million toward a data-in-
tensive, innovative outreach and communications campaign to motivate households to respond to the Census. So far, we’ve accomplished a number of things – with the help of our stakeholders and partners. We amassed a coalition of over 150 local, regional and statewide partners that served as our trusted messengers and created a social movement infrastructure. They have done great work to ensure Californians self-respond to the Census and although likely exhausted by this extended Census journey, will continue to work with communities to ensure they are civically engaged. By identifying what the Census is and explaining its tangible benefits, we’ve been able to motivate more than 2 million households in harder-to-count areas to respond, with a total of 10.4 million households self-responding statewide. This year has also been reflec-
tive for me personally, I think about the future that I want to leave behind. There are mixed emotions – thinking about my daughter’s future, while recognizing the struggles my family faced in the past. My daughter just moved abroad to finish her remaining two years in high school and my mom passed away in August. As I have gone through my mother’s things, I’ve realized that my current work on the Census is about honoring the past and shaping our future, bringing my daughter, and possibly her future children, closer to our roots. Completing the census, being counted is not just for us, but for future generations. It is a gift we give to them now. It’s invaluable. She can go back in time to see officially where her “Lola” settled in the United States when they came over from the Philippines. She can see how our family
moved from Chicago to Kansas City, to Modesto, Pinole, Washington, DC and now, finally settling in Sacramento. My family set roots in the United States – like so many others have – to provide for their future generations. And as families participate in the Census, we are all helping form the kind of community we deserve, with the local resources that are rightfully ours. The 2020 Census is our chance to deliver opportunity and justice to our communities – more streetlights, sidewalks, health services, nutritional programs, educational resources, affordable housing and reliable public transportation and so much more. By taking the 9-question survey, we can set forth a roadmap for the future of our families, communities and our state. There are three easy ways to fill out the form:
• Online at my2020census.gov • By phone at 844-3302020 (a list of in-language options is available here) By mail if you received a • paper form You may see a Census worker in your neighborhood since they are following up with households that have yet to respond. If you have any questions or would like some help, they are there for you. I recommend you answer the Census online or over the phone – this is the best way to ensure your answers are accurate. Plus, you can fill it out in the comfort of your own home. This year is different – it’s been a surprise to us all, but don’t forget to take your Census. It will make a difference in the long term for your family and community and in recognizing and celebrating your past. n
This Census is different, but very important
Commentary DitaS KataGue
Philstar.com photo
months of COVID confinement may consider such inconveniences a small price to pay to enjoy the pristine beach and waters of Boracay. The tourism industry, devastated by the killer pandemic,
u PAGE A8
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OctOber 1-7, 2020 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL
Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote STATE OF NEVADA - COUNTY OF CLARK
I, JOSEPH P. GLORIA, the duly appointed Registrar of Voters for the County of Clark, State of Nevada, do hereby certify that the General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on said date. A list of Election Day vote centers is also included in this notice.
LIST OF CANDIDATES TO BE VOTED UPON AT THE NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION
Party Abbreviations as they will appear RQ WKH EDOORWV DUH GHĂ€QHG 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ ,QGHSHQGHQW $PHULFDQ 3DUW\ 1R 3ROLWLFDO 3DUW\ /LEHUWDULDQ 5HSXEOLFDQ
'(0 ,$3 133 /31 5(3
35(6,'(17 9,&( 35(6,'(17 )285 <($5 7(50 Biden, Joseph R. / Harris, Kamala D. DEM Blankenship, Don / Mohr, William IAP Jorgensen, Jo /Cohen, Jeremy “Spike� LPN Trump, Donald J. / Pence, Michael R. REP None of these Candidates
',675,&7 DaCosta, Victoria K. Jauregui, Sandra Smith, Erika
IAP DEM REP
',675,&7 Assefa, Alexander Delsignore, Liz Zaidi, Sayed “SM�
DEM LPN NPP
'(3$570(17 * Childs, Sr., Benjamin Boone Forsberg, Rhonda K. '(3$570(17 + Ritchie, Art
DEM
',675,&7 McArthur, Richard Munk, Connie
REP DEM
',675,&7 Miller, Brittney Miller, Mack
DEM REP
',675,&7 Duncan, Katie Summers-Armstrong, Shondra
REP DEM
',675,&7 Miller, Cameron “C.H.� Palmer, Anthony “Tony�
DEM REP
',675,&7 Roberts, Tom
REP
',675,&7 Carlton, Maggie Wayerski, Robert
DEM LPN
',675,&7 Vaughan, Stan Watts, Howard
REP DEM
',675,&7 GonzĂĄlez, Cecelia Sajdak, Reyna “Alexâ€?
DEM REP
Moapa Tribal Administration Building
1 Lincoln St., Moapa NV 89025
Moapa Valley Community Ctr.
320 N. Moapa Valley Blvd., Overton 89040
Molasky, Irwin & Susan Mid School
7801 W. Gilmore Ave., LV 89129
Monaco, Mario C. & Joann Mid. Sch.
1870 N. Lamont St., LV 89115
Moore, William Elem.
491 N. Lamb Blvd., LV 89110
Mountain Shadows Community Ctr.
9107 Del Webb Blvd., LV 89134
Mountain's Edge Regional Park
7929 W. Mountains Edge Pkwy., LV 89178
Nellis Crossing Shopping Ctr.
1250 S. Nellis Blvd., LV 89104
O'Callaghan, Mike Mid. Sch.
1450 Radwick Dr., LV 89110
O'Roarke, Thomas J. Elem.
8455 O'Hare Rd., LV 89143
Paradise Community Ctr.
4775 Mcleod Dr., LV 89121
Parkdale Recreation & Senior Ctr.
3200 Ferndale St., LV 89121
Pearson, Dr. William U. Community Ctr.
1625 W. Carey Ave., North LV 89032
Rainbow Library
3150 N. Buffalo Dr., LV 89128
Rancho High School
1900 Searles Ave., LV 89101
Reed, Doris Elem.
2501 Winwood St., LV 89108
Regional Transportation Commission
600 S. Grand Central Pkwy., LV 89106
3930 Cambridge St., LV 89119
'(3$570(17 Kierny, Carli Lynn Scotti, Richard
'(3$570(17 : Rincon White, Adriana Rocheleau, Stacy Michelle
Canarelli, Lawr. & Heidi Mid. Sch.
7808 S. Torrey Pines Dr., LV 89139
'(3$570(17 Ganz, Adam Trujillo, Monica
'(3$570(17 ; Almase, Heidi Davis, Jim
Cashman, James Mid. Sch.
4622 W. Desert Inn Rd., LV 89102
Centennial Ctr.
'(3$570(17 Aurbach, Phil Krall, Nadia
'(3$570(17 < Charter, Stephanie
7881 W. Tropical Pkwy., LV 89149
Clark County Building Department
4701 W. Russell Rd., LV, Nevada 89118
Clark County Fairgrounds - Fine Arts
1301 Whipple Ave., Logandale 89021
Coleman, Cora Senior Ctr.
2100 Bonnie Ln., LV 89156
Conners, Eileen Elem.
3810 Shadow Peak Dr., LV 89129
Coronado High School
1001 Coronado Center Dr., HEN 89052
Cox, David Elementary
280 Clark Dr., HEN 89074
Cram, Brian & Teri Mid. Sch.
1900 W. Deer Springs Way, North LV 89084
Deer Springs Town Ctr.
640 E. Deer Springs Way, North LV 89084
Sahara West Library
9600 W. Sahara Ave., LV 89117
Derfelt, Herbert Elem.
1900 S. Lisa Ln., LV 89117
Sandy Valley School
Desert Breeze Community Ctr.
8275 Spring Mountain Rd., LV 89117
1420 E. Pearl Ave., Sandy Valley 89019
Desert Oasis High School
Saville, Anthony Mid. Sch.
8101 N. Torrey Pines Dr., LV 89131
6600 W. Erie Ave., LV 89141
Desert Vista Community Ctr.
10360 Sun City Blvd., LV 89134
Sawyer, Grant Mid. Sch.
5450 Redwood St., LV 89118 8625 Spencer St., LV 89123
Detwiler, Ollie Elem.
1960 Ferrell St., LV 89106
6FKRÂżHOG -DFN -U High School
1940 Chickasaw Dr., HEN 89002
Schorr, Steve Elem.
11420 Placid St., LV 89183
Dooley, John Elem. Doolittle Senior Ctr.
1930 J St., LV 89106
Searchlight Community Ctr.
200 Michael Wendell Way, Searchlight 89046
Downtown Summerlin LV Ballpark
1650 S. Pavilion Center Dr., LV 89135
Sedway, Marvin Mid. Sch.
3465 Englestad St., North LV 89032
Elizondo, Raul Elem.
*ROGÂżHOG 6W 1RUWK /9 89031
Shadow Ridge High School
5050 Brent Ln., LV 89131
Silverado Ranch Plaza
9711 S. Eastern Ave., #H4, LV 89183
Stevens, Josh Elem.
550 Dave Wood Cir., HEN 89011
'(3$570(17 Barisich, Veronica &RIÂżQJ 7HUU\ '(3$570(17 Bluth, Jacqueline Leventhal, Todd M. '(3$570(17 Bell, Linda Marie '(3$570(17 Atkin, Trevor Peterson, Jessica K. '(3$570(17 Silva, Cristina D. '(3$570(17 Jones, Tierra D. '(3$570(17 Gonzalez, Elizabeth “Betsyâ€? '(3$570(17 Leavitt, Michelle '(3$570(17 Denton, Mark '(3$570(17 Escobar, Adriana '(3$570(17 Hardy, Jr., Joe
DEM NPP
'(3$570(17 / Gibson, Jr., David '(3$570(17 0 Hughes, Lynn Mastin, Amy M.
'(3$570(17 3 Dayani, Sara Perry, Mary '(3$570(17 4 Duckworth, Bryce C.
'(3$570(17 6 Ochoa, Vincent
'(3$570(17 8 Gonzalez, Bill Throne, Dawn
'(3$570(17 = Mercer, Michele “Shellâ€? Perez, Romeo 5(*(17 67$7( 81,9(56,7< 6,; <($5 7(50 ',675,&7 Tarkanian, Lois Whipple, Bret ',675,&7 Brooks, Byron Nigam, Swadeep ',675,&7 Boylan, Patrick Spirtos, Nick “Docâ€? 0(0%(5 67$7( %2$5' 2) ('8&$7,21 )285 <($5 7(50 ',675,&7 Casino, Angelo Hughes, Tim ',675,&7 Cantu, Rene Newburn, Mark 75867(( &/$5. &2817< 6&+22/ ',675,&7 )285 <($5 7(50 ',675,&7 $ Guzman, Lisa Leavitt, Liberty ',675,&7 % 3URIÂżWW -HII Williams, Katie ',675,&7 & Garcia Morales, Evelyn Henry, Tameka
'(3$570(17 Holthus, Mary Kay Hunt, John A.
',675,&7 ( Brooks, Lola Salt, Alexis
'(3$570(17 Eller, Crystal Kephart, William “Bill�
0(0%(5 02$3$ 9$//(< :$7(5 ',675,&7 /2*$1'$/( )285 <($5 7(50 927( )25 12 025( 7+$1 7:2 Dalley, Lindsey Dorsey, Bryan Hardy, Stanley Glen
Faiss, Wilbur & Theresa Mid. Sch.
9525 W. Maule Ave., LV 89148
Fertitta, Frank & Victoria Mid. Sch.
9905 W. Mesa Vista Ave., LV 89148
Fine, Mark L. Elem.
6635 Cougar Ave., LV 89139
Stupak Community Ctr.
251 W. Boston Ave., LV 89102
0(0%(5 02$3$ 9$//(< :$7(5 ',675,&7 29(5721 )285 <($5 7(50 927( )25 12 025( 7+$1 7:2 Campbell, Derek W. Farnsworth, Scott Robison, Kelby Ray Tobler, Mitchell
Forbuss, Robert L. Elem.
8601 S. Grand Canyon Dr., LV 89178
Sun City Anthem Community Ctr.
2450 Hampton Rd., HEN 89052
French, Doris Elem.
3235 E. Hacienda Ave., LV 89120
2020 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., HEN 89012
Galleria at Sunset
1300 W. Sunset Rd., HEN 89014
Sun City Macdonald Ranch Community Ctr.
701 Skyline Rd., HEN 89002
Sun City Mesquite
0(0%(5 9,5*,1 9$//(< :$7(5 ',675,&7 0(648,7( )285 <($5 7(50 927( )25 12 025( 7+$1 7:2 Laub, Randy McGreer, Mike
Galloway, Fay Elem.
1350 Flat Top Mesa Dr., Mesquite, NV 89034
Goolsby, Judy & John Elem.
11175 W. Desert Inn Rd., LV 89135
Swainston, Theron Mid. Sch.
3500 W. Gilmore Ave., North LV 89032
Gray, R. Guild Elem.
Tarkanian, Lois & Jerry Mid. Sch.
5800 W. Pyle Ave., LV 89141
75867(( 29(5721 32:(5 ',675,&7 0(648,7( )285 <($5 7(50 Noll, Jr., Jake Young, Mike
2825 S. Torrey Pines Dr., LV 89146
Guinn, Kenny C. Mid. Sch.
4150 S. Torrey Pines Dr., LV 89103
Tarr, Sheila Elem.
9400 W. Gilmore Ave., LV 89129
Harmon, Harley Elem.
Tobler, R. E. Elem.
6510 Buckskin Ave., LV 89108
/$8*+/,1 72:1 $'9,625< %2$5' 7:2 <($5 7(50 Bethards, Stephanie S. Doten, Fred Henry, Vincent Hoss, Kathleen Mackey, Gina Maniaci, James “Jim� Ochs, Kathy Taravella, Lynette Walker, Hermon Walker, Pamela
5351 Hillsboro Ln., LV 89120
Hayes, Keith & Karen Elem.
9620 W. Twain Ave., LV 89147
Vassiliadis, Billy & Rosemary Elem.
215 Antelope Ridge Dr., LV 89138
Heritage Park Senior Facility
300 S. Racetrack Rd., HEN 89015
Vegas Verdes Elem.
4000 El Parque Ave., LV 89102
Historic Fifth Street School
401 S. 4th St., LV 89101
Veterans Memorial Leisure Ctr.
101 N. Pavilion Center Dr., LV 89144
Hollywood Recreation Ctr.
1650 S. Hollywood Blvd., LV 89142
Walnut Community Ctr.
3075 N. Walnut Rd., LV 89115
0$<25 &,7< 2) 0(648,7( )285 <($5 7(50 Litman, Allan S. Sweetin, Bob
Indian Springs Community Ctr.
715 W. Gretta Ln., Indian Springs 89018
Webb, Del Mid. Sch.
2200 Reunion Dr., HEN 89052
Johnson, Walter Mid. Sch.
7701 Ducharme Ave., LV 89145
Whitney Community Ctr.
5712 Missouri Ave., LV 89122
Keller, Duane Mid. Sch.
301 N. Fogg St., LV 89110
Wiener, Louis Jr. Elem.
450 E. Eldorado Ln., LV 89123
Kesterson, Lorna Elem.
231 Bailey Island Dr., HEN 89074
Williams, Wendell Elem.
1030 J St, LV 89106
King, Martha Elem.
888 Adams Blvd., Boulder City 89005
Winchester Dondero Cultural Ctr.
3130 Mcleod Dr., LV 89121
Knudson, K. O. Mid. Sch.
2400 Atlantic St., LV 89104
Wolfe, Eva Elem.
4027 W. Washburn Rd., North LV 89031
Lake, Robert Elem.
2904 Meteoro St., LV 89169
Woodbury, C.W. Mid. Sch.
3875 E. Harmon Ave., LV 89121
Las Vegas Athletic Club - North
6050 N. Decatur Blvd., North LV 89031
Las Vegas Athletic Club - Northwest
1725 N. Rainbow, LV 89108
Las Vegas Strip Site at Pebble
8755 S. LV Blvd., LV 89123
'(3$570(17 Hooker, Dawn Allysa Johnson, Eric '(3$570(17 Clark Newberry, Tara Reynolds, Jacob '(3$570(17 Johnson, Susan Holland Nadig, Ben '(3$570(17 Armstrong, Karl W. Lilly-Spells, Jasmin '(3$570(17 Ballou, Erika D. Gilliam, Dan '(3$570(17 Delaney, Kathleen E.
'(3$570(17 Wiese, Jerry A.
',675,&7 Hardy, Melissa
REP
'(3$570(17 Call, Gary W. Kishner, Joanna S.
DEM REP
1340 E. State Hwy. 168, Moapa 89025
Cambridge Recreation Ctr.
REP DEM
',675,&7 Backus, Shea Matthews, Andy
Moapa Community Ctr.
'(3$570(17 9 Pickard, Margaret E.
',675,&7 Arrington, Cherlyn Marzola, Elaine
REP
2400 Cozy Hill Cir., HEN 89052
7775 Elkhorn Rd., LV 89131
'(3$570(17 Jones, David M. LĂłpez-Negrete, David
',675,&7 Hafen, II, Gregory T.
Miller, Bob Mid. Sch.
Cadwallader, Ralph L. Mid. Sch.
',675,&7 &2857 -8'*( 6,; <($5 7(50 '(3$570(17 Villani, Jacob Yeager, Bita “Marie�
DEM
REP DEM
150 N. Yucca St., Mesquite 89027
355 W. Van Wagenen St., HEN 89015
',675,&7 Orentlicher, David
',675,&7 Calhoun, Jay Gorelow, Michelle
Mesquite Deuce 2 Building
Burkholder, Lyal Mid. Sch.
'(3$570(17 Israel, Ron
DEM REP
2000 S. Sloan Ln., LV 89142
200 W. Virgin St., Bunkerville 89007
REP
',675,&7 Bilbray-Axelrod, Shannon Carlson, Jay Thomas
Mendoza, John Elementary
Bunkerville Community Ctr.
',675,&7 Black, Ann “Annie�
DEM REP
4300 Meadows Ln., LV 89107
307 Cannes St., HEN 89015
'(3$570(17 Allf, Nancy L.
',675,&7 Cohen, Lesley Elizabeth Delisle, Steven E.
Meadows Mall
Brown, B. Mahlon J.H.S.
DEM REP
LPN DEM
1831 Fox Ridge Dr., HEN 89014
2505 N. Bruce St., North LV 89030
',675,&7 Considine, Venicia Florian, Heather Ann
',675,&7 Bousley, Natasha Flores, Edgar
Mcdoniel, Estes Elem.
Bridger, Jim Mid. Sch.
REP DEM
DEM IAP REP
6005 S. Eastern Ave., LV 89119
7431 Egan Crest Dr., LV 89166
',675,&7 Polcyn, Jack Thomas, Clara “Claire�
',675,&7 Foutz, Brent Hoge, Bill Leavitt, Glen
McCarran Marketplace
Bozarth, Henry & Evelyn Elem.
'(3$570(17 Albertson, Anna Villani, Michael
NPP REP DEM
200 N. 28th St., LV 89101
Boulevard Mall
REP DEM
',675,&7 Gerhardt, John Cardiff Graves, Jeremy A. Martinez, Susan
Martin, Roy Mid. Sch.
3528 S. Maryland Pkwy., LV 89169
REP DEM
&$1','$7(6 )25 1213$57,6$1 2)),&(6
',675,&7 Altman, Barbara Yeager, Steve
DEM REP
155 E. Paradise Hills Dr., HEN 89002
900 Arizona St., Boulder City 89005
'(3$570(17 Williams, Tim
',675,&7 Duran, Beatrice A. Krattiger, Eric
Mannion, Jack & Terry Mid. Sch.
Boulder City Recreation Ctr.
',675,&7 ' McCurdy, II, William Washington, David L.
REP DEM
IAP REP DEM
4351 N. Lamont St., LV 89115
'(3$570(17 2 Sullivan, Frank P.
',675,&7 & Anthony, Stavros Miller, Ross
',675,&7 Facey, Edward “Eddie� Frierson, Jason
',675,&7 Friedrich, Jonathan Hisgen, Chris Nguyen, Rochelle
Manch, J. E. Elem.
'(3$570(17 1 Harter, Mathew
REP DEM
',675,&7 Torres, Selena
3170 Laurel Ave., HEN 89014
4100 Blue Diamond Rd., LV 89139
',675,&7 Hickman, Esper M. Neal, Dina
REP DEM NPP
Mack, Nate Elem.
Blue Diamond Crossing
'(3$570(17 7 Cutter, Nadin Stoffel, Jason
',675,&7 Kasama, Heidi Kunnel, Radhika “RPK� LeDuff, Garrett
4250 Karen Ave., LV 89121
10377 Rancho Destino Rd., LV 89183
&2857 2) $33($/6 -8'*( 7:2 <($5 81(;3,5(' 7(50 '(3$570(17 Bulla, Bonnie Bush, Susan None of these Candidates
DEM
Mack, Jerome D. Mid. Sch.
Bass, John Elem.
DEM
67$7( $66(0%/< 7:2 <($5 7(50 ',675,&7 Monroe-Moreno, Daniele
2570 E. Craig Rd., North LV 89030
2500 N. Hollywood Blvd., LV 89156
',675,&7 Brooks, Chris
REP IAP
Lowes - Craig / Losee
Bailey, William H. Mid. Sch.
DEM
',675,&7 Goicoechea, Pete Seeback, Tiffany “Gholson�
6230 Garwood Ave., LV 89107
4525 Jimmy Durante Blvd., LV 89122
DEM IAP REP
'(3$570(17 5 Henderson, Bill
DEM REP
Lieburn, Howard Senior Ctr.
Bailey, Sister Robert Joseph Elem.
',675,&7 % Kirkpatrick, Marilyn Markowitz, Warren R. Williams, Kevin M.
'(3$570(17 . Giuliani, Cynthia N.
6($7 ' Fumo, Ozzie Herndon, Douglas None of these Candidates
',675,&7 Becker, Liz Hammond, Scott T.
4701 Quadrel St., LV 89129
Arroyo Market Square
'(3$570(17 Butler, Dedree “Dee� MacDonald, J. Scott
67$7( 6(1$7( )285 <($5 7(50 ',675,&7 Spearman, Patricia “Pat�
REP DEM
Leavitt, Justice Myron Mid. Sch.
6930 Arroyo Crossing Pkwy., LV 89113
DEM REP
-867,&( 2) 7+( 6835(0( &2857 6,; <($5 7(50 6($7 % Pickering, Kristina None of these Candidates
',675,&7 Dowden, Joshua Harris, Dallas
4410 S. Juliano Rd., LV 89147
8680 W. Hammer Ln., LV 89149
LPN DEM REP IAP
DEM
Lawrence, Clifford J.H.S.
Allen, Dean Elem.
&2817< &200,66,21(5 )285 <($5 7(50 ',675,&7 $ Naft, Michael Thomas, Michael
',675,&7 Esteban, Jonathan Royce Horsford, Steven Marchant, Jim Rubinson, Barry
',675,&7 Lange, Roberta
2840 S. Needles Hwy., Laughlin 89028
2400 W. Deer Springs Way, North LV 89084
IAP LPN DEM REP
REP DEM
Laughlin Library
Aliante Library
'(3$570(17 , Bailey, Soonhee “Sunny� Tobler, Michelle O.
',675,&7 Bridges, II, Ed S. Brown, Steve Lee, Susie Rodimer, Dan “Big Dan�
',675,&7 Becker, April Cannizzaro, Nicole Jeanette
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
IAP REP LPN DEM
REP LPN DEM
ABBREVIATIONS: LV = Las Vegas HEN = Henderson ELEM. = Elementary School NLV = North Las Vegas J.H.S. = Junior High School MID. SCH. = Middle School CTR. = Center
NAME
NAME
5(35(6(17$7,9( ,1 &21*5(66 7:2 <($5 7(50 ',675,&7 Bakari, Kamau Bentley, Joyce Strawder, Jr., Robert Van Titus, Dina
',675,&7 Buck, Carrie Ann Hagan, Tim Watson, Kristee
You may now vote on Election Day at any of the 125 “Vote Centers� that will be open throughout Clark County. You may choose the most convenient Vote Center for you. ELECTION DAY VOTE CENTERS FOR THE 2020 GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 3, 2020
WITNESS MY HAND and SEAL this 21st day of September 2020. JOSEPH P. GLORIA Registrar of Voters
2020 VOTE CENTERS
'(3$570(17 Sturman, Gloria J.
'(3$570(17 Bare, Rob Craig, Christy ',675,&7 &2857 -8'*( )$0,/< ',9 6,; <($5 7(50 '(3$570(17 $ Voy, William '(3$570(17 % Marquis, Linda '(3$570(17 & Burton, Rebecca L. '(3$570(17 ' Teuton, Bob '(3$570(17 ( Hoskin, Charles J. “Chuck� Kurtz, Thomas G. '(3$570(17 ) Gentile, Denise
&,7< 2) 0(648,7( &281&,/0(0%(5 6($7 )285 <($5 7(50 Boger, Wes Fielding, Karen -867,&( 2) 7+( 3($&( /$6 9(*$6 72:16+,3 6,; <($5 7(50 '(3$570(17 Clowers-Sanborn, Shanon Sullivan, Diana L. -867,&( 2) 7+( 3($&( 1257+ /$6 9(*$6 72:16+,3 6,; <($5 7(50 '(3$570(17 Harris, Belinda T. “BTH� Lee, Chris
DATED: September 21, 2020 JOSEPH P. GLORIA Registrar of Voters PUB: September 24, October 1, and 8, 2020 Asian Journal
QUESTION NO. 1 Amendment to the Nevada Constitution Assembly Joint Resolution No. 5 of the 79th Session CONDENSATION (Ballot Question) Shall the Nevada Constitution be amended to: (1) remove provisions governing the election and duties of the Board of Regents and its control and management of the State University and require the Legislature to provide by law for the State University’s governance, control, and management and the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom at Nevada’s public higher education institutions; and (2) revise the administration of certain federal land grant proceeds dedicated for the EHQH¿W RI FHUWDLQ GHSDUWPHQWV RI WKH 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\" Yes
No
EXPLANATION & DIGEST EXPLANATION—The Nevada Constitution requires the Legislature to provide for the establishment of a State University that is controlled by an elected Board of Regents whose duties are prescribed by law. Additionally, the Nevada Constitution provides for the Board of Regents to control and manage the affairs and funds of the State University under regulations established by law. This ballot measure, also known as “The Nevada Higher Education Reform, Accountability and Oversight Amendment,â€? would remove the constitutional provisions governing the election and duties of the Board of Regents and its control and management of the affairs and funds of the State University and would require the Legislature to provide by law for the governance, control, and management of the State University. This ballot measure would not repeal any existing statutory provisions governing the Board of Regents, including those that provide for the election of Board members, but it would make the Board a statutory body whose structure, membership, powers, and duties are governed by those existing statutory provisions, subject to any statutory changes made through the legislative process. The Nevada Constitution directs the Legislature to encourage by all suitable means the promotion RI LQWHOOHFWXDO OLWHUDU\ VFLHQWLÂżF PLQLQJ PHFKDQLFDO DJULFXOWXUDO HWKLFDO DQG RWKHU HGXFDWLRQDO improvements. This ballot measure would require the Legislature to provide by law for the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom for students, employees, and contractors of Nevada’s public higher education institutions in order to facilitate the policies of the Nevada Constitution to encourage the promotion of such educational improvements. The Nevada Constitution provides that certain funding derived by the State of Nevada under a federal ODZ HQDFWHG E\ &RQJUHVV LQ PXVW EH LQYHVWHG LQ D VHSDUDWH IXQG DQG GHGLFDWHG IRU WKH EHQHÂżW of certain departments of the State University, and that if any amount of the separate fund is lost or misappropriated through neglect or any other reason, the State of Nevada must replace the lost or misappropriated amount so that the principal of the fund remains undiminished. This ballot measure would revise these provisions by: (1) clarifying the legal citations to the federal law, including all amendments by Congress; and (2) specifying that the funding derived under the federal law must be invested by the State of Nevada in the manner required by law. A “Yesâ€? vote would amend the Nevada Constitution by: (1) removing provisions governing the election and duties of the Board of Regents and its control and management of the affairs and funds of the State University and requiring the Legislature to provide by law for the governance, control, and management of the State University; (2) requiring the Legislature to provide by law for the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom at public institutions of higher education in this State; and (3) revising provisions governing the DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI FHUWDLQ IXQGLQJ GHULYHG XQGHU IHGHUDO ODZ DQG GHGLFDWHG IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI certain departments of the State University. A “Noâ€? vote would retain existing provisions of the Nevada Constitution governing the election and duties of the Board of Regents and its control and management of the affairs and funds of the State University, would not require the Legislature to provide by law for the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom at public institutions of higher education in this State, and would not revise existing provisions governing the administration of certain IXQGLQJ GHULYHG XQGHU IHGHUDO ODZ DQG GHGLFDWHG IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI FHUWDLQ GHSDUWPHQWV RI the State University. DIGEST—The Nevada Constitution requires the Legislature to provide for the establishment of a State University that is controlled by a Board of Regents whose duties are prescribed by law. (Nev. Const. Art. 11, § 4) The Nevada Constitution also requires the Legislature to provide for the election of members of the Board and provides for the Board to control and manage the affairs and funds of the State University under regulations established by law. (Nev. Const. Art. 11, §§ 7, 8) As required by these constitutional provisions, the Legislature has enacted laws to establish the State University and to provide for the election of the members of the Board of Regents. (NRS 396.020, 396.040) In addition, the Legislature has enacted laws to: (1) establish the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), which consists of the State University and certain other educational institutions, programs, and operations; and (2) provide for the Board of Regents to administer NSHE and to prescribe rules for its governance and management. (NRS 396.020, 396.110, 396.230, 396.280, 396.300, 396.420, 396.440, 396.550) This ballot measure would remove the constitutional provisions governing the Board of Regents and would require the Legislature to provide by statute for the governance, control, and management of the State University. This ballot measure would not repeal any existing statutory provisions governing the Board of Regents, including those that provide for the election of Board members. Rather, by removing the constitutional provisions governing the Board of Regents, this ballot measure would make the Board a statutory body whose structure, membership, powers, and duties are governed by those existing statutory provisions, subject to any statutory changes made through the legislative process. The Nevada Constitution directs the Legislature to encourage by all suitable means the promotion RI LQWHOOHFWXDO OLWHUDU\ VFLHQWLÂżF PLQLQJ PHFKDQLFDO DJULFXOWXUDO HWKLFDO DQG RWKHU HGXFDWLRQDO improvements. (Nev. Const. Art. 11, § 1) As a general principle in public institutions of higher education, rules that provide for the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom are intended to encourage the pursuit of knowledge and the search for academic truth and enlightenment. (Urofsky v. Gilmore, 216 F.3d 401 (4th Cir. 2000); Demers v. Austin, 746 F.3d 402 (9th Cir. 2014)) The United States Supreme Court has suggested—but has not determined—that individual academic freedom “related to academic scholarship or classroom instructionâ€? may be entitled to a heightened level of federal constitutional protection beyond existing free speech protections currently afforded to public employees under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. (Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410, 425 (2006)) However, because the U.S. Supreme Court has not conclusively decided this constitutional issue, neither lower courts nor legal commentators have agreed on the precise level of federal constitutional protection that should be extended to individual academic freedom. (Neal H. Hutchens et al., Essay: Faculty, the Courts, and the First Amendment, 120 Penn St. L. Rev. 1027 (2016); Mark Strasser, Pickering, Garcetti, & Academic Freedom, 83 Brook. L. Rev. 579 (2018)) This ballot measure would provide for the protection of individual academic freedom under Nevada’s state statutes by requiring the Legislature to provide by law for the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom for students, employees, and contractors of Nevada’s public higher education institutions in order to facilitate the policies of the Nevada Constitution to encourage by all suitable PHDQV WKH SURPRWLRQ RI LQWHOOHFWXDO OLWHUDU\ VFLHQWLÂżF PLQLQJ PHFKDQLFDO DJULFXOWXUDO HWKLFDO DQG other educational improvements. Under the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, federal constitutional law is “the supreme Law of the Land.â€? (U.S. Const. Art. VI, cl. 2) Therefore, to carry out this ballot measure in a manner that is consistent with federal constitutional law, the Legislature would not be authorized to enact state statutes that provide less protection to individual academic freedom than is already afforded by federal constitutional law. However, the Legislature would be authorized to enact state statutes that provide greater protection to individual academic freedom. (Univ. & Cmty. Coll. Sys. of Nev. v. Nevadans for Sound Gov’t, 120 Nev. 712, 730-31 (2004)) Finally, under a federal law enacted by Congress in 1862, generally known as the federal Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862, each state was provided with certain federal land grants to be sold to support and maintain at least one college in the state that teaches both agriculture and mechanic arts, including military tactics, so long as the state agrees to certain terms and conditions regarding the preservation and use of the proceeds derived from the sale of the federal land grants. (Act of July 2, 1862, ch. 130, †† 6WDW DV DPHQGHG DQG FRGLÂżHG DW 8 6 & †† HW VHT 7R VHFXUH WKH EHQHÂżWV offered by the federal law, the Nevada Constitution provides that the funding derived by the State of 1HYDGD XQGHU WKH IHGHUDO ODZ PXVW EH LQYHVWHG LQ D VHSDUDWH IXQG DQG GHGLFDWHG IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI WKH appropriate departments of the State University, and that if any amount of the separate fund is lost or misappropriated through neglect or any other reason, the State of Nevada must replace the lost or misappropriated amount so that the principal of the fund remains undiminished. (Nev. Const. Art. 11, § 8) This ballot measure would revise these provisions by: (1) clarifying the legal citations to the federal law, including all amendments by Congress; and (2) specifying that the funding derived under the federal law must be invested by the State of Nevada in the manner required by law. However, because the State of Nevada must administer the funding in the manner required by the federal law, this ballot measure would not change the purpose or use of the funding under the federal law. (State of Wyoming v. Irvine, 206 U.S. 278, 282-84 (1907)) ARGUMENTS FOR PASSAGE Although some other states have elected boards with constitutional status that control and manage particular institutions and programs of public higher education, Nevada is the only state in which a single elected board with constitutional status controls and manages the affairs and funds of the State’s entire system of public higher education. In past cases before the Nevada Supreme Court, the Board of Regents has asserted that its “unique constitutional statusâ€? gives it “virtual autonomy and thus immunityâ€? from certain laws and policies enacted by the Legislature. (Board of Regents v. Oakley, 97 Nev. 605, 607 (1981)) Based on legislative testimony, such assertions have given some people the impression that the Board conducts itself as a fourth branch of government, and that the Board too often invokes its constitutional status as a shield against additional legislative oversight and accountability. For example, in 1999 the Legislature exercised its constitutional powers of investigation and appropriation by passing legislation that created and funded an advisory committee to study the issue of locating a four-year state college in Henderson, Nevada. The Board responded by claiming through its counsel that the legislation was unconstitutional as an “extreme usurpation of the Board’s authorityâ€? because the advisory committee was “created by and reports to the Legislature and not the Board of Regents.â€? (Opinion of General Counsel to Board of Regents Regarding Whether Assembly Bill No. 220 Infringes on Constitutional Authority of Board (Aug. 30, 1999)) Thus, the Board has, at various times, made sweeping arguments regarding its authority and autonomy from additional legislative oversight and accountability. However, the Nevada Constitution VSHFLÂżHV RQO\ WKH /HJLVODWLYH ([HFXWLYH DQG -XGLFLDO EUDQFKHV RI VWDWH JRYHUQPHQW DQG WKH framers of the Nevada Constitution made clear their intent that the Board is not entitled to “absolute controlâ€? over the management of the State University. (Debates & Proceedings of the Nevada State Constitutional Convention of 1864, at 586 (Andrew J. Marsh off. rep. 1866)) Voting in favor of this ballot question will ensure the Legislature’s authority over the Board in all matters relating to the State University by making the Board a statutory body like other executive branch agencies, which will allow for additional legislative oversight and accountability to improve the State’s entire system of public higher education. Further, while the Nevada Constitution UHTXLUHV WKH /HJLVODWXUH WR SURYLGH ÂżQDQFLDO VXSSRUW IRU WKH operation of the State University, it also directs the Board to control and manage the funds of the State University. This divide between the Legislature’s constitutional power to fund higher education and the Board’s constitutional power to direct how those funds are actually spent gives the Board a virtually unparalleled power within state government to control and manage higher education spending without the same level of legislative oversight typically applied to other executive branch agencies. For years, the Legislature has received complaints about the Board’s policies and practices, and the Board has taken actions that some believe have hindered, thwarted, or undermined the Legislature’s investigation, review, and scrutiny of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) controlled E\ WKH %RDUG $FFRUGLQJ WR QHZV UHSRUWV DQG OHJLVODWLYH WHVWLPRQ\ 16+( RIÂżFLDOV ZHUH DOOHJHGO\ involved in providing potentially misleading information to a legislative study of higher education funding in 2011–2012. As part of another legislative study of higher education in 2017–2018, testimony indicated NSHE’s lack of an overall compensation philosophy contributed to a faculty pay imbalance that will cost approximately $90 million to address initially and will remain as an RQJRLQJ DQQXDO ÂżQDQFLDO REOLJDWLRQ :LWKRXW DGGLWLRQDO OHJLVODWLYH RYHUVLJKW RI WKH %RDUGÂśV ÂżQDQFLDO management decisions in a manner that is comparable to other executive branch agencies, there is D JUHDWHU SRWHQWLDO IRU FRQWLQXHG ÂżVFDO LUUHVSRQVLELOLW\ ZLWKLQ 16+( ZKLFK XOWLPDWHO\ KXUWV WD[SD\HUV and students by driving up the cost of higher education.
WKH IHGHUDO ODQG JUDQW SURFHHGV GHGLFDWHG IRU WKH EHQH¿W RI FHUWDLQ GHSDUWPHQWV RI WKH 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ under the federal Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862. By removing the Board as the constitutionally designated trustee, this ballot question would allow the Legislature to name any other executive branch DJHQFLHV RU RI¿FHUV DV D VWDWXWRU\ WUXVWHH ZKHWKHU RU QRW WKH\ KDYH DQ\ H[SHULHQFH NQRZOHGJH RU understanding of the higher education system or its funding needs. Such a deviation from the intent RI WKH IUDPHUV FRXOG EH D UHFLSH IRU ¿VFDO LUUHVSRQVLELOLW\ DQG PLVPDQDJHPHQW ZKLFK FRXOG SRWHQWLDOO\ jeopardize the State’s compliance with the federal law.
last ten years, the Board has only met once per year, creating a backlog of applications. An applicant ZKR PHHWV WKH TXDOLÂżFDWLRQV VKRXOG EH JLYHQ D FKDQFH WR KDYH KLV RU KHU DSSOLFDWLRQ UHYLHZHG E\ WKH Board in a timely manner.
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The Department has also indicated that, based on the anticipated increase in workload resulting from the provisions of Question 3, the State Board of Parole Commissioners will require one additional administrative position, which would result in an increase of expenditures by the State of approximately SHU ÂżVFDO \HDU
Finally, the framers of the Nevada Constitution named the Board as the proper trustee to administer
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P P Z P P institutions within NSHE; and retain the existing constitutional provisions relating to the administration m m RI WKH IHGHUDO ODQG JUDQW SURFHHGV GHGLFDWHG IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI FHUWDLQ GHSDUWPHQWV RI WKH 6WDWH )LQDOO\ WKH %RDUG LV FRPSULVHG RI QLQH HOHFWHG RIÂżFLDOV ZKR DUH ZHOO TXDOLÂżHG WR PDNH GHFLVLRQV m N P w RPS w University under the 1862 federal law. Vote “noâ€? on Question 1. regarding clemency: the seven justices of the Nevada Supreme Court, the Nevada Attorney General, Z and the Governor. Allowing each of these members to propose matters for the Board’s consideration FISCAL NOTE makes the process more fair and just. A w N RPS w C Financial Impact—Cannot Be Determined 0DNH WKH RSHUDWLRQ RI WKH %RDUG PRUH WLPHO\ HIÂżFLHQW DQG IDLU 9RWH Âł\HV´ RQ 4XHVWLRQ NRS w N C N w If approved by the voters, Question 1 removes references to an elected Board of Regents from the ARGUMENTS AGAINST PASSAGE m m m m m E Nevada Constitution and instead requires the Legislature to provide by law for the governance, control, and management of higher education in this State. This ballot question also requires the Legislature to A person who was convicted of a crime and sentenced under Nevada state law may petition the provide by law for the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom for students, employees, 6WDWH %RDUG RI 3DUGRQV &RPPLVVLRQHUV WR KDYH D SDUGRQ JUDQWHG D VHQWHQFH FRPPXWHG D ÂżQH RU ARGUMEN S OR PASSAGE and contractors of Nevada’s public higher education institutions. forfeiture remitted, or a civil right restored. The Board generally holds hearings twice a year to review these applications. However, a convicted person does not have a right to the review of his or her R w E P m Future actions, if any, taken by the Legislature regarding the governance, control, and management of application. Clemency is a privilege and an honor reserved for those who have demonstrated good higher education cannot be predicted. Additionally, future actions taken by the Legislature to provide EHKDYLRU IROORZLQJ D FULPLQDO FRQYLFWLRQ ,Q DGGLWLRQ UHTXLULQJ WKH %RDUG WR PHHW TXDUWHUO\ LV LQHIÂżFLHQW Q w N m for the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom for students, employees, and contractors EHFDXVH WKH %RDUG PD\ KDYH WR PHHW HYHQ LI WKHUH LV D ODFN RI TXDOLÂżHG DSSOLFDQWV w w m N Am RI 1HYDGDÂśV SXEOLF KLJKHU HGXFDWLRQ LQVWLWXWLRQV FDQQRW EH SUHGLFWHG 7KXV WKH UHVXOWLQJ ÂżQDQFLDO w w m w impact upon state government, if any, cannot be determined with any reasonable degree of certainty. The Nevada Constitution requires that the Governor must be in favor of the clemency decisions made w m m m Q by a majority of the Board. As the Chief Executive and the leader of our State, the Governor rightly has w )LQDOO\ WKLV EDOORW TXHVWLRQ FODULÂżHV DQG PRGHUQL]HV H[LVWLQJ SURYLVLRQV RI WKH Nevada Constitution WKH SRZHU WR EORFN WKH %RDUGÂśV GHFLVLRQV WR JUDQW FOHPHQF\ *UDQWLQJ WKH *RYHUQRU ÂżQDO DXWKRULW\ RYHU UHODWLQJ WR WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI WKH IHGHUDO ODQG JUDQW SURFHHGV GHGLFDWHG IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI FHUWDLQ clemency decisions is not uncommon. In fact, there are 29 states without similar pardons boards, and $ <(6 4 Z m departments of the State University under the federal Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862. However, the governors in those states have the sole power to grant clemency. P Z : 4 P Z because the State of Nevada must administer those proceeds in the manner required by the federal m w Q m m law, this ballot question will not change the purpose or use of those proceeds under the federal law. Lastly, changing the Nevada Constitution to allow each Board member to propose matters for the w w m m w w 7KXV WKHUH LV QR DQWLFLSDWHG ÂżQDQFLDO LPSDFW XSRQ VWDWH JRYHUQPHQW IURP WKHVH UHYLVLRQV LI 4XHVWLRQ Board’s consideration diminishes the Governor’s constitutional power and ability to act in the best 1 is approved by the voters. interest of justice and fairness. $ <(6 4 Z m B w Q w m 5(62/9(' %< 7+( $66(0%/< $1' 6(1$7( 2) 7+( 67$7( 2) Nevada voters should keep the current operations of the Board. Vote “noâ€? on Question 3. m S m w m 1(9$'$ -2,17/< 7KDW WKLV UHVROXWLRQ PD\ EH FLWHG DV WKH 1HYDGD +LJKHU (GXFDWLRQ 5HIRUP Z Z Accountability and Oversight Amendment; and be it further FISCAL NOTE N m RESOLVED, That Section 4 of Article 11 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to read as follows: [Sec:] Sec. 4. 1. The Legislature shall provide for the establishment of a State University which shall Financial Impact—Yes $ <(6 4 Z m m embrace departments for Agriculture, Mechanic Arts, and Mining [to be controlled by a Board of Q w m N Regents whose duties shall be prescribed by Law.] , and other departments deemed appropriate Under current law, the State Board of Pardons Commissioners, consisting of the Governor, the w justices of the Nevada Supreme Court, and the Nevada Attorney General, is required to meet at least for the State University. VHPLDQQXDOO\ WR FRQVLGHU UHTXHVWV WR KDYH D ÂżQH RU IRUIHLWXUH UHPLWWHG D SXQLVKPHQW FRPPXWHG D $ <(6 2. The Legislature shall provide by law for: 4 Z N m pardon granted, or a civil right restored. Since 2001, the Board has met at least once per calendar year, (a) The governance, control and management of the State University. m w w N (b) The reasonable protection of individual academic freedom for persons who are with two meetings held per year in calendar years 2002, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2017, 2018, and 2019, and m w w w enrolled in or who are employees or contractors of the State University and other public three meetings held per year in calendar years 2001, 2004, and 2007. The Board is scheduled to hold m m institutions of higher education in this State in order to facilitate the policies of Section three meetings during calendar year 2020. 1 of this Article to encourage by all suitable means the promotion of intellectual, literary, 4 Z P 1 : The provisions of Question 3 require the Board to meet at least quarterly, which would increase the VFLHQWLÂżF PLQLQJ PHFKDQLFDO DJULFXOWXUDO HWKLFDO DQG RWKHU HGXFDWLRQDO LPSURYHPHQWV <(6 4 number of meetings that are held in any given calendar year from the historical pattern. The Board And be it further RESOLVED, That Section 8 of Article 11 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to read as follows: has indicated that, based on historical expenses, its average meeting costs the State approximately m w m B Q C mm m [Sec:] Sec. 8. The >%RDUG RI 5HJHQWV VKDOO IURP WKH LQWHUHVW DFFUXLQJ IURP WKH ÂżUVW IXQGV ZKLFK FRPH $4,250. Thus, to the extent that the Board would be required to meet more frequently if Question 3 NRS C mm m m D S W under their control, immediately organize and maintain the said Mining department in such manner as is approved, the Board would incur additional expenses of approximately $4,250 for each additional H B P NRS C mm meeting held. However, since it cannot be predicted how many additional meetings the Board may P to make it most effective and useful, Provided, that all the] Z P P Z KROG LI 4XHVWLRQ ZHUH WR EH DSSURYHG WKH UHVXOWLQJ ÂżQDQFLDO LPSDFW XSRQ 6WDWH JRYHUQPHQW IURP proceeds of the public lands donated by Act of Congress approved July [second AD. Eighteen hundred www and sixty Two,] 2, 1862, ch. 130, 12 Stat. 503, and thereafter amended by Act of Congress, for a those additional meetings cannot be determined with any reasonable degree of certainty. FROOHJH IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI $JULFXOWXUH [[,] the Mechanics] and Mechanic Arts, [and] including Military w NASA NSO AR m tactics, shall be invested by the [said Board of Regents] State of Nevada in the manner required by The provisions of Question 3 also allow any member of the Board, rather than just the Governor, www m law LQ D VHSDUDWH IXQG WR EH DSSURSULDWHG H[FOXVLYHO\ IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI WKH ÂżUVW QDPHG GHSDUWPHQWV WR to submit matters for consideration by the Board. The Division of Parole and Probation of the ZZZ 19 & P ( the State University as set forth in Section [Four above;] 4 of this Article. And the Legislature shall Department of Public Safety, which provides staff support to the Board, has indicated that allowing ZZZ Z Z Z provide that if through neglect or any other contingency, any portion of the fund so set apart [, shall be] any member of the Board to submit matters for consideration, in conjunction with the increase in is lost or misappropriated, the State of Nevada shall replace said amount so lost or misappropriated in the number of meetings that must be held each year, will increase the workload of the Division. The www w w m Division estimates that it will require two additional staff members to provide support to the Board said fund so that the principal of said fund shall remain forever undiminished . [[.]] with managing its caseload, resulting in an approximate increase in expenditures by the State of And be it further www m SHU ÂżVFDO \HDU RESOLVED, That Section 7 of Article 11 of the Nevada Constitution be repealed. www m w w
QUESTION NO. 2 Amendment to the Nevada Constitution Assembly Joint Resolution No. 2 of the 79th Session CONDENSATION (Ballot Question) Shall the Nevada Constitution be amended to: (1) remove an existing provision recognizing marriage as only between a male person and a female person and require the State of Nevada and its political subdivisions to recognize marriages of and issue marriage licenses to couples, regardless of gender; (2) require all legally valid marriages to be treated equally under the law; and (3) establish a right for religious organizations and clergy members to refuse to perform a marriage and provide that no person LV HQWLWOHG WR PDNH DQ\ FODLP DJDLQVW WKHP IRU H[HUFLVLQJ WKDW ULJKW" Yes
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EXPLANATION & DIGEST EXPLANATION—This ballot measure would remove an existing provision in the Nevada Constitution which provides that only a marriage between a male person and a female person may be recognized and given effect in Nevada. Based on a 2015 United States Supreme Court decision, this state constitutional provision is currently preempted by federal constitutional law and is therefore unenforceable. In addition, based on the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision, each State must: (1) issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples on the same terms and conditions as opposite-sex couples; and (2) recognize same-sex marriages validly performed in another state. This ballot measure would amend the Nevada Constitution to require that the State of Nevada and its political subdivisions must recognize marriages of and issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender, and that all legally valid marriages must be treated equally under the law. Finally, based on a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision, a member of the clergy who objects to samesex marriages on moral and religious grounds cannot be compelled to perform same-sex marriages. This ballot measure would amend the Nevada Constitution to provide that religious organizations and members of the clergy have the right to refuse to perform a marriage, and that no person has the right to make any claim against a religious organization or member of the clergy for refusing to perform a marriage. A “Yesâ€? vote would amend the Nevada Constitution to: (1) remove the currently preempted and therefore unenforceable provision stating that only a marriage between a male person and a female person may be recognized and given effect in Nevada; (2) require that the State of Nevada and its political subdivisions must recognize marriages of and issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender, and that all legally valid marriages must be treated equally under the law; and (3) provide that religious organizations and members of the clergy have the right to refuse to perform a marriage, and that no person has the right to make a claim against a religious organization or member of the clergy for refusing to perform a marriage. A “Noâ€? vote would keep the currently preempted and therefore unenforceable provision in the Nevada Constitution stating that only a marriage between a male person and a female person may be recognized and given effect in this State and would not add a provision in the Nevada Constitution providing that religious organizations and members of the clergy have the right to refuse to perform a marriage, and that no person has the right to make a claim against a religious organization or member of the clergy for refusing to perform a marriage. DIGEST—An existing provision in the Nevada Constitution provides that only a marriage between a male person and a female person may be recognized and given effect in this State. (Nev. Const. Art. 1, § 21) However, in a 2015 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the right to marry is guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and that same-sex couples may not be deprived of that right. (Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015)) Under the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution IHGHUDO FRQVWLWXWLRQDO ODZ VXSHUVHGHV DQG SUHHPSWV FRQĂ€LFWLQJ VWDWH constitutional law. (U.S. Const. Art. VI, cl. 2) As a result, because the existing provision in the Nevada Constitution FRQĂ€LFWV ZLWK IHGHUDO FRQVWLWXWLRQDO ODZ LW LV FXUUHQWO\ SUHHPSWHG E\ IHGHUDO FRQVWLWXWLRQDO law and is therefore unenforceable. This ballot measure would remove that unenforceable provision from the Nevada Constitution. In the 2015 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that each State must: (1) issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples on the same terms and conditions as opposite-sex couples; and (2) recognize same-sex marriages validly performed in another state. (Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015)) This ballot measure would amend the Nevada Constitution to require that the State of Nevada and its political subdivisions must recognize marriages of and issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender, and that all legally valid marriages must be treated equally under the law.
5(62/9(' %< 7+( 6(1$7( $1' $66(0%/< 2) 7+( 67$7( 2) 1(9$'$ -2,17/< 7KDW 6HFWLRQ RI $UWLFOH RI WKH 1HYDGD &RQVWLWXWLRQ EH DPHQGHG WR UHDG DV follows: Sec. 14. 1. The governor, justices of the supreme court, and attorney general [, or a major part of them, of whom the governor] shall [be one,] constitute the State Board of Pardons Commissioners. 2. The State Board of Pardons Commissioners may, upon such conditions and ZLWK VXFK OLPLWDWLRQV DQG UHVWULFWLRQV DV WKH\ PD\ WKLQN SURSHU UHPLW ÂżQHV DQG IRUIHLWXUHV commute punishments, except as provided in subsection [2,] 3, and grant pardons, after convictions, in all cases, except treason and impeachments, subject to such regulations as may be provided by law relative to the manner of applying for pardons. [2.] 3. Except as may be provided by law, a sentence of death or a sentence of life imprisonment without possibility of parole may not be commuted to a sentence which would allow parole. [3.] 4. The State Board of Pardons Commissioners shall meet at least quarterly. 5. Any member of the State Board of Pardons Commissioners may submit matters for consideration by the State Board of Pardons Commissioners. 6. A majority of the members of the State Board of Pardons Commissioners is VXIÂżFLHQW IRU DQ\ DFWLRQ WDNHQ E\ WKH 6WDWH %RDUG RI 3DUGRQV &RPPLVVLRQHUV 7. The Legislature is authorized to pass laws conferring upon the district courts authority WR VXVSHQG WKH H[HFXWLRQ RI VHQWHQFHV Âż[ WKH FRQGLWLRQV IRU DQG WR JUDQW SUREDWLRQ DQG ZLWKLQ WKH PLQLPXP DQG PD[LPXP SHULRGV DXWKRUL]HG E\ ODZ Âż[ WKH VHQWHQFH WR EH VHUYHG by the person convicted of crime in said courts. __________________________________________________________ QUESTION NO. 4
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Remove discriminatory and unenforceable language from the Nevada Constitution and replace it with provisions guaranteeing equal marriage rights for all Nevadans. Vote “yes� on Question 2.
This ballot measure would amend the Nevada Constitution to: (1) require the State Board of Pardons Commissioners to meet at least once each calendar quarter; (2) authorize each member of the Board to submit matters for consideration by the Board; and (3) authorize the Board to grant pardons and make other clemency decisions by a majority vote of its members without requiring the Governor to be part of the majority of the Board that votes in favor of such decisions.
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$W WKH JHQHUDO HOHFWLRQV LQ ERWK DQG 1HYDGD YRWHUV UDWLÂżHG DQ DPHQGPHQW WR WKH M m w m w Nevada Constitution by approving an initiative petition—proposed by the people of Nevada—that m m w w w GHÂżQHV PDUULDJH DV EHLQJ RQO\ EHWZHHQ D PDQ DQG D ZRPDQ 7KLV EDOORW TXHVWLRQ²SURSRVHG E\ P P P Z The Legislature has also received complaints that the Board has adopted policies and procedures the Legislature—asks voters to change the Nevada Constitution based on a 5-4 decision of the U.S. that are not responsive to the higher education needs of the State. Since at least the 1970s, 6XSUHPH &RXUW ,I WKH 8 6 6XSUHPH &RXUW ZHUH WR RYHUWXUQ WKLV GHFLVLRQ WKH GHÂżQLWLRQ RI PDUULDJH 3 3 9 legislators have heard complaints that the Board’s policies regarding the transfer of student credits currently in the Nevada Constitution would again be the controlling law of Nevada. The Nevada ZLWKLQ 16+(ÂśV RZQ V\VWHP KDYH SURYHG SUREOHPDWLF EHFDXVH WKH SROLFLHV PDNH LW GLIÂżFXOW IRU Constitution VKRXOG UHĂ€HFW WKH ZLOO RI WKH SHRSOH RI 1HYDGD DQG QRW EH FKDQJHG LQ UHDFWLRQ WR D FRXUW ARGUMEN S AGA NS PASSAGE students to move between the system’s institutions, resulting in unnecessary procedural barriers decision that can be overturned. to the completion of degrees. Although the Board has claimed for years that it is committed to N m w Âż[LQJ WKLV UHFXUULQJ LVVXH²DQG VRPH SURJUHVV KDV EHHQ PDGH²D UHFHQW 16+( DXGLW VKRZV WKDW Recognizing same-sex marriage in the Nevada Constitution raises serious questions about the right to U S C N C approximately 1 in 4 students still do not receive full credit and/or lose 3 or more credits under the religious freedom guaranteed to every Nevadan. Traditionally, for some religions, marriage has been Q system’s credit transfer process. If the Board’s control and management of the State University were viewed as an institution typically recognizing only the union between one man and one woman. For C w m subject to the same level of legislative oversight typically applied to other government agencies, the VRPH SHRSOH WKLV WUDGLWLRQDO GHÂżQLWLRQ RI PDUULDJH UHPDLQV D FRUH SDUW RI WKHLU UHOLJLRXV EHOLHIV DQG m m Legislature would have the power to change by law any of the Board’s policies and procedures that they hold genuine and sincere religious convictions that same-sex marriage is incompatible with and w LW GHWHUPLQHG ZHUH QRW UHVSRQVLYH WR WKH KLJKHU HGXFDWLRQ QHHGV RI WKH 6WDWH :LWK VXFK SRZHU WKH undermines the sanctity of traditional marriage. m Q — w Legislature could exercise the full extent of its legislative authority to review, reform, and improve the — control and management of NSHE. 7KHUH LV QR QHHG WR FKDQJH WKH WUDGLWLRQDO GHÂżQLWLRQ RI PDUULDJH WR LQFOXGH VDPH VH[ FRXSOHV Domestic partnerships are a viable option for same-sex couples in Nevada. These partnerships were C Passage of this ballot question will require the Legislature to guarantee under state law the enacted under the current constitutional provisions and already afford many of the rights of marriage, reasonable protection of individual academic freedom for students, faculty, and contractors in including community property, inheritance without a will, and hospital visitation. The State has the w NSHE. Even though individual academic freedom is currently afforded some protection under ability to expand these rights, and therefore, approval of Question 2 is not necessary. P Z federal constitutional law, numerous courts and legal commentators have observed that the true m N C m scope of the federal constitutional protection has been unclear since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2006 8SKROG WKH WUDGLWLRQDO GHÂżQLWLRQ RI PDUULDJH DV D XQLRQ EHWZHHQ RQH PDQ DQG RQH ZRPDQ WKDW decision in Garcetti v. Ceballos. By requiring the Legislature to enact state statutes that provide for currently exists in the Nevada Constitution. Vote “noâ€? on Question 2. Q m V Q the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom at NSHE, this ballot question will compel the Legislature to specify the scope of that protection under state law and also consider whether FISCAL NOTE SCA NO E to provide greater protection to individual academic freedom than is already afforded by federal constitutional law. Because the protection of individual academic freedom is essential to the pursuit Financial Impact—No m —N of knowledge and the search for academic truth and enlightenment, this ballot question will ensure that NSHE continues to foster experimentation, invention, and a robust exchange of ideas. The Nevada Constitution provides that only a marriage between a male person and a female person % P P 2 6 6 may be recognized and given effect in Nevada. However, based on the United States Supreme Court’s Q m Finally, this ballot question will clarify and modernize existing provisions of the Nevada Constitution ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, marriages are currently recognized by the State and local governments B UHODWLQJ WR WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI WKH IHGHUDO ODQG JUDQW SURFHHGV GHGLFDWHG IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI FHUWDLQ in Nevada regardless of gender, irrespective of the language in the Nevada Constitution. Thus, there 1 P 4 Z departments of the State University under the federal Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862. However, LV QR DQWLFLSDWHG ÂżQDQFLDO LPSDFW XSRQ WKH 6WDWH RU ORFDO JRYHUQPHQWV LI 4XHVWLRQ LV DSSURYHG E\ S m because the State of Nevada must administer those proceeds in the manner required by the federal the voters. law, this ballot question will not change the purpose or use of those proceeds under the federal law. 5(62 9(' %< +( 6(1$ ( $1' $66(0% < 2 +( 6 $ ( 5(62/9(' %< 7+( $66(0%/< $1' 6(1$7( 2) 7+( 67$7( 2) 1(9$'$ -2,17/< w S A A Improve our public higher education system by allowing for additional legislative oversight and That Section 21 of Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution be amended to read as follows: w accountability regarding the system, ensuring state-law protection for individual academic freedom [Sec:] Sec. 21. [Limitation on recognition] Recognition of marriage. [Only a marriage between a male 6 $ ( Z at institutions within the system, and clarifying and modernizing existing provisions relating to the and female person shall be recognized and given effect in this state.] w S A DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI WKH IHGHUDO ODQG JUDQW SURFHHGV GHGLFDWHG IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI FHUWDLQ GHSDUWPHQWV RI 1. The State of Nevada and its political subdivisions shall recognize marriages and the State University under the 1862 federal law. Vote “yesâ€? on Question 1. issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender. Z P Z 2. Religious organizations and members of the clergy have the right to refuse to ARGUMENTS AGAINST PASSAGE A solemnize a marriage, and no person has the right to make any claim against a religious organization or member of the clergy for such a refusal. In 1864, the framers of the Nevada Constitution made a deliberate choice to give constitutional status 3. All legally valid marriages must be treated equally under the law. to the Board of Regents to guarantee that it had independent powers to control and manage the State __________________________________________________________ University without the threat of political interference by the Legislature and Governor. The Board’s w m constitutional status and independent powers are not unique. In at least 21 other states, elected or QUESTION NO. 3 appointed governing boards have been given constitutional status and independent powers to control w w and manage state universities and other public institutions of higher education, even if those boards Amendment to the Nevada Constitution do not oversee the entire state system of higher education to the same extent as Nevada’s Board of Regents. Senate Joint Resolution No. 1 of the 79th Session m w m Consistent with the intent of the framers of the Nevada Constitution, the Board has not claimed that w CONDENSATION (Ballot Question) it is entitled to “absolute controlâ€? over the management of the State University, or that it is free from m legislative oversight and accountability. (Debates & Proceedings of the Nevada State Constitutional Shall the Nevada Constitution be amended to: (1) require the State Board of Pardons Convention of 1864, at 586 (Andrew J. Marsh off. rep. 1866)) The Board recognizes that the Nevada Commissioners—whose members are the Governor, the justices of the Nevada Supreme Court, and m w &RQVWLWXWLRQ SURYLGHV LW ZLWK VSHFLÂżF DQG OLPLWHG DXWKRULW\ RYHU WKH 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ WKDW LV LQGHSHQGHQW the Nevada Attorney General—to meet at least quarterly; (2) authorize each member of the Board to w m m of the more general control of the Legislature and Governor because the framers wanted to promote submit matters for consideration by the Board; and (3) authorize the Board to grant pardons and make m m and ensure the academic independence of the State University without making it the political “football other clemency decisions by a majority vote of its members without requiring the Governor to be part m w of the legislature.â€? (State ex rel. Mack v. Torreyson, 21 Nev. 517, 528 (1893) (Bigelow, J., concurring)) RI WKH PDMRULW\ RI WKH %RDUG WKDW YRWHV LQ IDYRU RI VXFK GHFLVLRQV" w :KHQ GHHPHG QHFHVVDU\ LQ FRXUW FDVHV DQG OHJLVODWLYH LQTXLULHV WKH %RDUG KDV OHJLWLPDWHO\ DVVHUWHG m its constitutional status because the Board has a duty to defend the framers’ intent to protect the State Z Yes No University from unwarranted intrusions by the political forces of government. EXPLANATION & DIGEST Proponents of this ballot question want voters to believe that the framers got it wrong, and that by UHPRYLQJ WKH %RDUGÂśV VSHFLÂżF DQG OLPLWHG DXWKRULW\ IURP WKH Nevada Constitution—thereby making the EXPLANATION—This ballot measure would amend existing provisions of the Nevada Constitution S A E QUES ON NO Board a statutory body completely subject to the control of the political machinery of government—the that govern the powers and functions of the State Board of Pardons Commissioners whose members /HJLVODWXUH ZLOO VRPHKRZ LPSURYH WKH WUDQVSDUHQF\ HIÂżFLHQF\ DQG HIIHFWLYHQHVV RI 1HYDGDÂśV KLJKHU are the Governor, the justices of the Nevada Supreme Court, and the Nevada Attorney General. This Am m N C education system. Unfortunately, passage of Question 1 does not guarantee any of these promised ballot measure would require the Board to meet at least once each calendar quarter and would allow EHQHÂżWV 4XHVWLRQ LV QRWKLQJ EXW WKH /HJLVODWXUH WU\LQJ WR JDLQ PRUH SRZHU DQG FRQWURO DQG LW ZRXOG for each member of the Board to submit matters for the Board’s consideration. This ballot measure CONDENSA ON B Q only serve to add political pressures to a governance system that is serving this State well. would also authorize the Board to grant pardons and make other clemency decisions by a majority A N C m vote of its members without requiring the Governor to be part of the majority of the Board that votes S Under the Board’s leadership, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has steadily improved in favor of such decisions. w higher education outcomes in Nevada. Recently, both the University of Nevada, Reno and the N m University of Nevada, Las Vegas were recognized as Very High Research Activity (R1) institutions A “Yesâ€? vote would require the State Board of Pardons Commissioners to meet at least E\ WKH SUHVWLJLRXV &DUQHJLH &ODVVLÂżFDWLRQ RI ,QVWLWXWLRQV RI +LJKHU (GXFDWLRQ )RU WKH ODVW WHQ \HDUV quarterly, allow any member to submit a matter for the Board’s consideration, and authorize the P 1 P P in which data is available, while full-time equivalent student enrollment in the system increased by Board to grant pardons and make other clemency decisions by a majority vote of its members URXJKO\ SHUFHQW WKH QXPEHU RI GLSORPDV DQG FHUWLÂżFDWHV DZDUGHG LQFUHDVHG E\ PRUH WKDQ without requiring the Governor to be part of the majority of the Board that votes in favor of Y N percent. During this period, the amount of state funding for the system—when calculated in real such decisions. GROODUV DGMXVWHG IRU LQĂ€DWLRQ²DFWXDOO\ GHFUHDVHG <HW WKH %RDUG KDV WKURXJK LWV ÂżQDQFLDO PDQDJHPHQW EXP ANA ON & D GES decisions, effectively navigated the consequences of a severe economic recession and successfully A “Noâ€? vote would keep existing provisions of the Nevada Constitution, which do not specify JXLGHG 16+( LQ LWV DFDGHPLF PLVVLRQ ZKLOH DOVR LPSURYLQJ RSHUDWLRQDO HIÂżFLHQFLHV IRU WKH EHQHÂżW the frequency of meetings of the State Board of Pardons Commissioners and which provide EXP ANA ON— m m A of Nevada’s taxpayers and adding marketable value for the system’s students. Under the existing that the Board may grant pardons and make other clemency decisions by a majority vote of FRQVWLWXWLRQDO VWUXFWXUH DQ\WLPH WKH /HJLVODWXUH KDV FRQFHUQV DERXW WKH %RDUGÂśV ÂżQDQFLDO SROLFLHV DQG its members only if the Governor is part of the majority of the Board that votes in favor of N m R w P S RPS w practices, the Legislature already has the power to investigate, review, and scrutinize the Board’s such decisions. RPS ÂżQDQFLDO PDQDJHPHQW GHFLVLRQV DQG WKH /HJLVODWXUH DOVR UHWDLQV WKH XOWLPDWH SRZHU RI WKH SXUVH WR A P U C mm N RPS determine the amount of state funding that is appropriated for higher education. Consequently, the DIGEST—The United States Constitution authorizes the President of the United States to grant m m m Board is already subject to considerable legislative oversight and accountability, and it must explain pardons and reprieves for federal offenses, except in cases of impeachment. (U.S. Const. Art. II, § 2) DQG MXVWLI\ LWV ÂżQDQFLDO PDQDJHPHQW GHFLVLRQV WR WKH /HJLVODWXUH LQ D PDQQHU VLPLODU WR RWKHU H[HFXWLYH By contrast, the Nevada Constitution authorizes the Governor, the justices of the Nevada Supreme m N w branch agencies. &RXUW DQG WKH 1HYDGD $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDO DV D ERG\ WR UHPLW ÂżQHV DQG IRUIHLWXUHV FRPPXWH FHUWDLQ m m m m punishments, and grant pardons for state offenses, except treason and impeachments, subject to m m The Board has governed our higher education system for over 150 years as the system has grown certain procedural regulations provided by law. (Nev. Const. Art. 5, § 14) Existing law immediately m m N m in size, prestige, and complexity. If this question passes, it is uncertain whether the Legislature will restores certain civil rights, such as the right to vote and the right to serve as a juror in a civil action, to w m retain or reshape the governance of our higher education system. The sole focus of the Board is a person who has been convicted of certain offenses and who has been discharged from probation or on higher education policy, and it is best equipped to govern NSHE. It does not make sense to risk parole or released from prison upon the expiration of his or her sentence. A pardon can immediately m N losing the Board’s independence, institutional knowledge, and expertise with no assurance of what the UHVWRUH RWKHU FLYLO ULJKWV LQFOXGLQJ WKH SHUVRQÂśV ULJKW WR KROG RIÂżFH DQG WKH ULJKW WR VHUYH RQ D MXU\ LQ D Legislature may put in its place. criminal case. (NRS 176A.850, 213.155, 213.157) Only a full, unconditional pardon can restore the m N right to bear arms to a person convicted of certain offenses. (NRS 213.090) Maintaining the Board’s current status in the Nevada Constitution ensures that the Board remains m N elected, responsible to the voters, and responsive to constituents. The Nevada Supreme Court has The Nevada Constitution does not expressly name the State Board of Pardons Commissioners or the recognized that the constitutional status of the Board prevents the Legislature from directly interfering frequency with which the Board must meet. Instead, the name of the Board and the requirement to m m N with its essential management and control of the State University, and for good reason. Passage meet at least twice a year are designated by state law. (NRS 213.010) For the Board to grant pardons of this ballot question would allow the Legislature to change existing higher education policies and and make other clemency decisions, the Nevada Constitution requires that at least a majority of the N w procedures and even allow the Legislature to make members of the Board appointed rather than Board votes in favor of such decisions and that the Governor be part of that majority. (Nev. Const. Art. P P 5 Z elected. Previous attempts to change higher education governance have failed because Nevadans 5, § 14) Thus, the Governor can block the granting of a pardon, commuting of a sentence, remitting of m w m recognize the importance of keeping the system in the Nevada Constitution as originally drafted. D ÂżQH RU IRUIHLWXUH RU UHVWRULQJ RI D FLYLO ULJKW E\ YRWLQJ DJDLQVW WKH DFWLRQ m w m w w Further, requiring the Legislature to enact state statutes that provide for the reasonable protection of individual academic freedom is unnecessary and will likely cause confusion because federal constitutional law already provides such protection and the Board of Regents has already adopted policies related to individual academic freedom and responsibility at its institutions. 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Palace: Manila Bay rehab funds can’t be realigned Duterte lashes out against Facebook By Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
By Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
MALACAñANG maintained that the budget set for the Manila Bay’s rehabilitation program could no longer be realigned to the government’s COVID-19 response. “Nasimulan na po iyan eh, so kinakailangan tapusin na po iyan. (It has already begun so it has to be completed),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday, October 1. “And as I said, itong project na ito (this project) was proposed two years ago, included in last year’s budget, and only being implemented,” he added. According to Roque, the realignment of funds only applies to projects that are yet to start. “The realignment of funds applies to projects that have not started,” he said. His statement came after the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute pointed out that the P389-million project was “costly” and “temporary.” The institute also said that pouring crushed dolomite along the shore of Manila Bay would not help improve the water quality in the bay. Roque, in response, came into the defense of the project. “Iyong budget po kasi diyan, hindi lang siya (The budget appropriated for the project, it’s not just) budget actually for the beach nourishment. It’s actually
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte questioned the purpose of Facebook in the country after the social media platform took down “fake” accounts and pages with ties to the police and military units in the country. “Facebook, listen to me. We allow you to operate here hoping that you could help us also. Now if government cannot espouse or advocate something which is for the good of the people, then what is your purpose here in my country?” he said in his televised public address on Monday, Sept. 28. On September 22, Facebook took down a total of 57 accounts, 31 pages, and 20 Instagram acMetro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) workers remove tons of dried water lilies floating counts engaged in “coordinated along the shorelines of the Manila Bay on Thursday, October 1. The cleanup is part of the Manila inauthentic behavior (CIB).” Bay rehabilitation program of the national government. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan According to Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s cybersecurity for the entire program of (the) Cimatu in January last year. Roque earlier said that the policy chief, the accounts posted government in rehabilitating Mawhite sand project will prevent primarily in Filipino and English nila Bay,” Roque stressed. about local news and events, The Department of Environ- soil erosion and flooding. “Itong ginawa po nila, ito including domestic politics, the ment and Natural Resources (DENR) on September 3 con- po ay tinatawag na beach en- military’s activity against terfirmed that piles of crushed do- hancement, so hindi lang po ito rorism, the draft of the pending lomite were being poured on the pagpapaganda. Itong beach en- anti-terrorism bill, criticism of stretch of Manila Bay’s shore to hancement pong ito ay para po communism, youth activists and act as white sand and beautify maiwasan ang soil erosion at the opposition, criticism of the para makatulong din po sa flood Communist Party of the Philipthe area. The makeover project, which control (What they’re doing is pines and its military wing the will fill 500 meters of the baywalk called beach enhancement, so New People’s Army, and the Nawith white sand, is covered un- it’s not just beautification. This der the P389-million Manila Bay beach enhancement is also to rehabilitation program launched prevent soil erosion and help by Environment Secretary Roy flood control),” he said. n PAGE A5 choice and the support system to despite their limited resources continue on with the pregnancy and existing responsibilities to and that loving families are waiting to nurture and raise their others. point, they believe you can help Bryant at the post-game press We can do this by helping them baby. We can also fight for a more them achieve what they want to conference after the Lakers beat with empathy instead of judgthe Denver Nuggets in the West- ment, compassion instead of con- equitable society so that each perachieve.” son will be given equal rights and ern Conference Finals on Satur- demnation, love instead of hate. Higher stakes The 2020 NBA Finals — which day, Sept. 26. As parents, we can continue opportunities to be relieved from “Every time you put on the instilling in our children the value poverty — health care, education, are usually held in June but have been delayed due to the corona- purple and gold, you think about of life through our own examples, living wages — and move up the virus pandemic — promise huge his legacy and what he meant to not just for the unborn, but for all economic ladder and be producmilestones no matter which team this franchise for 20-plus years,” people, especially the marginal- tive members of society, instead the Lakers captain remarked. wins. ized sectors of our society, re- of abusing them so that the rich“That drive to always want to gardless of age, race, social and est of the rich can rake in more For the Lakers, it is more than millions and billions with their injust winning its 17th NBA Cham- be victorious, it stops you from economic status. pionship for the historic team. sleeping,” James said, referencWe can also help our teach- satiable greed. IF you are supporting Trump The organization lost the beloved ing Bryant’s signature Mamba ers and health officials in being legend Kobe Bryant earlier this Mentality. “You sacrifice a lot of open with our children that aside because of this singular issue year, marking a painful bench- things, you sacrifice your family from restraining ourselves from of abortion and exonerate him mark to an already unusual sea- at times because you’re so driven our sexual energies and desires, for all his transgressions against to be so great that other things which God created us with during the Constitution, the American son. Throughout the season, the fall by the wayside at times. I un- our teens through our childbear- people, his lies and his assault team has made it clear that the derstand that. I’m one of the few ing years, we also have safe con- against the decency and unity of Black Mamba is its spiritual em- that can understand the mindset traceptive measures available to our nation, then please discern and pray more for God’s guidance blem, attempting to continue that he played.” avoid unwanted pregnancy. The NBA Finals between the his legacy and rectify the tragic We can help lead those who and light. Many Republican leaders have death that included Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers and Miami have already been pregnant but Heat began on Wednesday, Sept. cannot give their babies a de- already announced that they will prodigal daughter Gianna. James spoke about honoring 30. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) cent life realize that they have the not support Trump’s re-election
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra heads... PAGE A1 Spoelstra’s “work ethic, preparation and temperament” are cited as the core of his coaching acumen. Often labeled a “players’ coach” Spoelstra’s ability to cultivate trust and unity among his rosters is one of the key tenets to his finesse but tenacious approach to coaching. “There’s an integrity to my intentions,” Spoelstra said in 2011. “I probably look at this more simplistic than you want. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a former player or you come up through the video room, whether you come from college. You have to earn that trust from NBA players every day. It doesn’t stop unless, of course, you win 10 rings. But even at that point, you have to prove that there’s competency, there’s a work ethic, there’s a plan, there’s an organization to your thoughts. Then, at some
tional Democratic Front of the Philippines. Duerte accused Facebook of believing the leftists that are critical of his administration. “Tapos yung Left ini-encourage kayo (Then the Left are encouraging you), then you believe in the Left to the point of almost making a sweeping move,” he said. “If you cannot reconcile the idea of what your purpose is, or was, then we have to talk. I don’t know what I will do but we have to talk,” he added. The chief also stressed that Facebook cannot lay down a policy for his government. “You cannot lay down a policy for my government. I allow you to operate here. You cannot bar or prevent me from espousing the objectives of government,” Duterte said. He added, “If you are promoting the cause of the rebellion, which is already, or which was already here before you came and so many thousands of my soldiers and civilians dying, then, if you cannot reconcile the idea of what your purpose is, or was, then we have to talk.” House to probe Facebook takedown of govt accounts The House of Representatives, for its part, is set to conduct an
investigation over Facebook’s action to take down the accounts linked to Philippine military. “Upon the passage of the 2021 Budget in the House of Representatives, rest assured that we will initiate the appropriate proceedings in aid of legislation to truly determine if the reported actions of Facebook are detrimental to the Constitutional freedom of expression guaranteed to all Filipinos, regardless of political color, rich or poor, left or right,” Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Cayetano also urged Facebook to reflect on its actions, pointing out that taking down the accounts contradicted the social media giant’s purpose. “We call on Facebook Philippines to take this time to introspect and reflect on the soundness of its actions that tend to undermine the democratic principles upon which its phenomenal success is based,” he said. “Favoring one sector or ideology — especially one that has been tagged by the international community as a terrorist organization — directly contradicts Facebook’s core purpose of connecting all people globally in a free, open, and neutral marketplace of ideas,” he added. n
Hard facts about the abortion issue: Let us... bid because the loyalty of every American should be for the country and not for the party, and especially not for a man like Donald Trump. Many of them have also endorsed Joe Biden for president. Do not think you have no choice but to vote for Trump because you want to save lives from the womb to tomb. Donald Trump does not really share that value; he only tells you what you want to hear to get your vote. Instead, let us follow God’s example of inclusive, compassionate love to heal our neighbors and the world to help save more lives and souls as we cast our sacred vote this November. *** 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.
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Journal 2020 Asian American International Film San Francisco’s CAAMFest Festival goes virtual for its 43rd edition FORWARD presents Fil-Am films ‘Death of Nintendo,’ ‘Aswang’ and ‘A Thousand Cuts’ during drive-in, virtual experiences among Filipino films included by
by
MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress
A FILIPINO Filmmaker Roundtable to kick-off Filipino American History Month, along with a few Filipino films led by Death of Nintendo, Aswang and A Thousand Cuts are among the special events to watch out for at this year’s 43rd Asian American International Film Festival. Organizers announced the full lineup last week which includes over 15 feature films, 14 short film blocks and over 16 workshops, masterclasses, livestreamed events, panels, and workshops including a conversational series on the issue of anti-racism in storytelling. The festival, which will happen online from October 1 to 11, will feature over three hours of panels, Q&As, and performances, all accessible as pay-as-you-wish programs every day. The Filipino Filmmaker roundtable, which will gather Filipino filmmakers at different points in their careers to discuss their work, process, and what it’s like to create now, is scheduled to happen on October 1. The speakers are Isabel Sandoval, who is fresh from the success of Lingua Franca; Eileen Cabiling (her short Basurero is part of this year’s AAIFF slate); Andrea Walter (she wrote and directed her first feature film Empty By Design last year) and Dianne Paragas (her film Yellow Rose will be distributed by Sony Pictures theatrically on October 9, 2020). The forum will be moderated by Jeremiah Abraham, founder and CEO of Tremendous Communications. Two documentaries, A Thousand Cuts and Aswang, will both be screened. There will also be a Masterclass (October 10) with A Thousand Cuts director Ra-
Aswang and A Thousand Cuts are both being screened at this year’s AAIFF.
Rappler co-founder and veteran journalist is the center of the documentary “A Thousand Cuts” by Filipina American filmmaker Ramona Diaz. Photo courtesy of PBS/Frontline
mona S. Diaz, an award-winning Filipino-American documentary filmmaker best known for creating character-driven documentaries that capture complex and human situations. Death of Nintendo, a coming of age film by director Raya Martin is making its East Coast premiere in the festival. Named one of the 50 most important filmmakers under 50 by Cinema Scope, Martin’s films have screened in Cannes, Toronto, Locarno, and New York. A Q&A with the filmmakers is set for October 4. A number of Filipino and Filipino-directed short films have made it to the lineup. (For the full schedule, visit their website at www.aaiff.org)
• Basurero (East Coast Premiere; Directed by Eileen Cabiling - Philippines, U.S. - Tagalog) - A Filipino fisherman, desperate for some quick cash, turns to dumping bodies into the sea for the current Philippine “Drug War”. • Bidyoke (World Premiere; Directed by Joseph Mangat - U.S., Philippines - Tagalog, English) - Portrait of a beloved Filipino karaoke-restaurant in National City, California, that has since closed its doors. • Dancing on my own (Directed by Alexandra Cuerdo - U.S. - English) - A hybrid documentary/narrative love letter to the queer Asian experience, inspired by New York’s radical dance party PAGE B5
aJPress
AS the coronavirus pandemic put in-person gatherings on hold, events have been canceled left and right, or have had to adapt to the “new normal” by capturing audiences online. The Center for Asian American Media’s CAAMFest, now on its 38th year, has been an annual gathering to look out for as one of the largest and anticipated Asian American film festivals in the country. In time for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the festival shifted to an online alternative from May 1322 wherein viewers could watch films from Asian American and Asian-centric feature-length films, shorts, and documentaries and food and music programs from the comfort of their homes. Months later, the center is back with CAAMFest FOWARD, a reimagined festival with a primarily virtual lineup and two drive-in experiences from October 14-18. During the five days, over 40 films will be available for people to watch at their own convenience. Most of the films will include pre-recorded Q&As, and shorts will be curated into eight programs available on the CAAMFest website. CAAMFest FORWARD will feature eight world premieres, eight U.S. premieres, and 23 Bay Area premieres, according to the center. Additionally 65% of featured filmmakers identify as female and the lineup of films reflect its commitment to amplifying the stories of other BIPOC creative communities. “When programming, it was important for us to meet the moment and create a festival with broad cultural reach to build bridges and platforms for
A still from Lea Salonga’s performance at the Sydney Opera House in November 2019. Photo by Robert Catto
Ruby Ibarra & The Balikbayans at Wave 89.1 in Manila, Philippines. Photo by Evelyn Obamos
historically underrepresented filmmakers,” Festival Director Masashi Niwano said in a statement. “Our festival is called CAAMFest FORWARD, so our programming is a snapshot of the filmmakers moving us forward.” The festival also comes as the nation will celebrate Filipino American History Month in October. Fil-Am actor Nico Santos, who plays Mateo on the hit NBC
show “Superstore” and starred as Oliver in “Crazy Rich Asians” will be in conversation to speak about the evolution of the industry at this moment. On Oct. 14, the first drive-in experience at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco will be a “Celebration of Filipina Musical Talent” that showcases two world premiere projects featuring a music icon, Lea Salonga, and a rising star, PAGE B5
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Gladys: Staying home to stay safe How Alex is ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ By riCky lo Philstar.com
SEVEN months into lockdown and Gladys Reyes said that the situation has a positive effect on her family. “I guess we are slowly adapting to the new normal,” revealed Gladys during a recent Zoom interview as the first endorser for a line of beauty products by Skin Bureau Essentials. “We explained to our kids why we have to stay home to stay safe. But I am happy that we became closer as a family.” “We” refers to her and husband Christopher Roxas (real surname: Sommereux) and their children Gian Christophe, Gianna Aquisha, Grant Carlin and Gavin Cape. The family follows this daily routine: kids are now starting their online class, Chris and Gladys work from home and spare time is devoted to playtime. “We are teaching the smaller kids games that my siblings and I have grown up with such as hide-and-seek, patintero and others na hindi na uso sa mga kids today kasi focused na sila sa video games,” explained Gladys. “Back to basics kumbaga, revisiting the past. Chris works out with Christophe.” What also keeps Gladys busy is her long-running Net25 show Moments (shot virtually), her Moment Ko ‘To Online Acting Class (now on fourth batch of participants) and her online show Peliwentuhan. “Si Chris naman is in charge of
the production of our new meat business named That’s EntertainMeat with a tagline ‘Malasa, Malinis, ang Karneng Walang Germs’. It was my sister Janice who thought of it. It is also open for resellership and distributorship to help those who would like to earn extra income at this time. Chris also manages Anteros by Estela, our food business in Laguna and Sommereux(So-MeRu) catering. Our Estela resto is temporarily not accepting dinein customers until the situation becomes stable.” They are members of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) and they have a daily prayer every 11 a.m. which they call panata. “We are praying for good health, praying not just for our family and loved ones but also friends, that we’ll be able to overcome this pandemic. Since the pandemic, we have been attending the service at home lang.” Gladys admitted that it was hard at first dealing with the online classes of the kids. “I was the one assisting Grant, no problem for Christophe and Aquisha because they can manage already. But eventually, Grant learned so fast that he can now do it alone without my assistance. I think this system of learning is difficult for small children since they have a short attention span and they can easily get bored. For now, we have no choice because this is for the children’s safety.” What Gladys misses most is going to tapings, bonding with coactors, and acting and portraying
by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
Gladys Reyes Photo from Instagram_@iamgladysreyes
a role, in general. The couple continues to invest in more businesses and in real estate. Shared Gladys, “Chris and my sister-in-law Claire have just bought a lot in Anilao, Batangas, overlooking the beach and with a mountain view. When times are safer, we will bring our kids there. Also, once it is safe to travel, hopefully we can already fly out of the country for a vacation.” She added, “God is indeed good because in this time of pandemic, He showed us opportunities to inspire others. I’m grateful to The Skin Bureau family for welcoming me with open arms. Even before, I have already been using their products. Now, I am happy that I get to endorse The Skin Bureau Essentials fit for the whole family.”
Jodi, Raymart officially dating by Jan
Milo seVero Philstar.com
KAPAMILYA stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Raymart Santiago are officially dating. In a report by talent manager and PEP columnist Noel Ferrer, Raymart admitted to his close friends that he and Jodi are playing sweet music together. The veteran entertainment columnist posted a photo of Jodi and Raymart in a private place in Alabang hugging each other. “WE ARE HAPPY THAT YOU ARE HAPPY!!!” Noel wrote, tagging both celebrities. “GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!!!” he added. Jodi’s last boyfriend was Jolo Revilla, whom she broke up with
Jodi Sta. Maria and Raymart Santiago are thought to be “happy” in a relationship, a report said. Photos from Instgram/@jodistamaria, @raymartsantiago
in 2018. She was married to Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s son, Pampi, but they split in 2011 after five years of being together. They have a son named Thirdy.
Meanwhile, Raymart’s last relationship was with a non-showbiz girl. He also had a failed marriage with Claudine Barretto and has two kids named Sabina and Santino.
ACTRESS, host and comedienne Alex Gonzaga is all over media with her many projects on the small and big screens. It seems, however, that fans still can’t get enough of this sweet, bubbly and energetic personality explaining her huge following on her eponymous YouTube channel. Unscripted and unfiltered, it is on digital where Gonzaga shares her life behind the camera, which for many, comes as the closest thing they can get to the popular celebrity. While never too shocking nor too controversial, her vlog may also be compared to some degree with the reality show genre’s most popular forerunner, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” (KUWTK). Noted to be the longest running reality show around the world, it turns out — surprise surprise — that Gonzaga is a big fan of the famous and infamous Kardashians. “I have been following the show for years now and during this quarantine, I’ve gone back to past seasons while waiting for the latest season. Sila yung katuwang ko while staying home,” the social media star revealed at streaming
platform Hayu’s virtual hangout session. Gonzaga, besides growing fond of the Kardashian-Jenner family — comprised of Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kylie, Kendall and their matriarch Kris — said she could somehow relate to the family’s relationship. “Like Kris Jenner is to them, we also have our mommy Pinty as our ‘momager’ so medyo relate ako,” she chuckled. As such, when Hayu announced they would stream KUWTK’s latest season — their 19th — every Friday, same time as its US airing, the big Kardashian fan could not be any happier. Gonzaga, along with KUWTK fans in the Philippines, are definitely hooked to the all-new episodes following the KardashianJenners as they cope with the global Coronavirus pandemic, with someone in the family actually getting a virus scare. Adding to the tension, Kim and Kourtney learn that Paris is on the verge of a lockdown ahead of Kim’s husband Kanye West’s fashion show. To top it all off, Scott, who shares three kids with ex Kourtney, is reeling after the news leak that he was in rehab. He is
Alex Gonzaga Photo from Instagram_@cathygonzaga
convinced someone betrayed him when he saw his photo in treatment shared with the press, forcing him to leave the facility. Against this backdrop, Khloe and Tristan discuss their past relationship, creating all sorts of possibilities and adding to their never-ending escapades. If this current turn of events is overwhelming and fans want to have a bit of backtrack, Gonzaga assures them they can do so on hayu, which is the only available platform with the complete lineup of KUWTK’s seasons. “Hayu, Kardashians!” Gonzaga chimed.
Vlogger Supercar Blondie surprises Filipino employee with money for son’s college tuition by niña
V. Guno
Inquirer.net
A FILIPINO employee was surprised with money to cover her son’s college tuition as a gift from her boss, an Australian vlogger. The Filipina, only identified as Avelina, is 50 years old and has been working for Supercar Blondie for two and a half years in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Supercar Blondie, whose real name is Alex Hirschi, revealed to her millions of followers in a video on Facebook on Wednesday, Sept. 30, how she and her team surprised Avelina with the muchneeded cash. Hirschi, known for her car entertainment content, put the money in a box and explained that Avelina moved to Dubai to save for her son’s college tuition. “She means so much to me. I couldn’t do what I do today without her,” she said, sharing that Avelina did all-around work,
Photo screengrabbed from Twitter_@ Super Blondie
whether it is admin work, cleaning the office, making food or taking care of their dogs. Avelina was filming for the fake documentary when Hirschi entered the room and surprised
her with a bouquet of flowers and the box of cash. Even before she knew she was going to receive money, Avelina was visibly touched by Hirschi’s gesture. But of course, she was thrilled to have the funds. Shocked as she opened the box, she asked into the camera, “I’m a millionaire, sir?” Hirschi told her she could use the money either for her son’s tuition or to build a house back home. “I’m going home?” joked Avelina. “No, I don’t want you to leave. If you leave me I’m taking this back,” quipped Hirschi. The rest of Hirschi’s team only had praises for Avelina, with one lauding her for her hard work and positivity. “She is the heart and soul of this office,” said another team member. “She would probably spend more time on camera, but Alex gets very jealous.”
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AwArd-winning rum mAker enters the mArket mcdonald’s/APiA scholarship program awards
Iconic Philippine brand Tanduay $500k in scholarships to help Asian, Pacific brings its premium rums to Nevada islander American students attend college THERE’S a reason why Tanduay, a 166-year-old rum manufacturer in the Philippines, remains at the top of the wines and spirits category worldwide, and now people in Nevada can experience how the World’s Number One Rum* tastes like. Johnson Brothers, one of the leading wine, spirits, and beer distributors in the U.S., recently partnered with the top Philippine rum manufacturer to bring Tanduay’s wide range of internationally acclaimed rums to Nevada. “We couldn’t be more excited about our new partnership with Tanduay Rum, the largest Rum brand in the world,” said Yale Johnson, Vice President of Johnson Brothers. “With a global 150-year track record of success, we recognize the tremendous opportunity for this portfolio in the U.S. Additionally, we see great potential with the premium rum category and look forward to leveraging our best in class selling capabilities and customer relationships to help Tanduay Rum flourish in all Johnson Brothers markets.” Tanduay makes its rums with dedication and craftsmanship, and it all starts with the sugarcane it uses for its products. It sources its sugarcanes from the verdant region of Victorias in the Visayas that has a long tradition of sugarcane farming and one of the Philippines’ sugar capitals. Sugarcane planting begins as the rainy season is about to start
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS ALL of us today are at risk, more than we realize, more than ever before. Criminals, as expected, are taking advantage of modern technology to perpetrate their illegal acts more efficiently and discreetly. High-tech electronic pickpocket data readers, much like the credit card readers at check-out counters, are used by thieves to steal identity, credit card/passport and other data. They simply carry the gadget in a case or in a paper bag, and come close to their victim, with no body contact in stores or even while walking on the street near the target, and, in seconds, voila!, the data are instantly copied on their reading device surreptitiously. A solution to combat this method is actually easy. Make a quadruple-folded aluminum foil from your kitchen the exact size of credit cards or passport, etc., and place all cards/passports “sandwiched” between two folded aluminum foils. This will cover the microchip on the cards/passports, etc. and prevent RFID (RadioFrequency Identification) reader from accessing the data at no extra cost. There are protective (blocker) RFID pockets and wallets for credit cards and passports at Walmart. Target, on amazon.com, etc. The use of cellular phone with Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, etc. also prevents the risk of electronic theft, not to mention the user gets credit rewards per transaction. Each payment is automatically assigned a distinct 4-digit code, per purchase, per store, unlike using the
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and harvesting is done by the summer of the following year. Once harvested, the sugarcanes would then be cleaned, stripped off their leaves, cut, and refined in Tanduay’s sugar mill to produce the molasses, which is the key ingredient to the company’s fine-tasting rums. Tanduay uses only first-syrup A-grade molasses, which are extracted from the initial boil of the sugarcanes and is valued for its unique taste. Fermentation—the process that turns the sugars into alcohol—then follows, creating a ferment prime for distillation. Tanduay has three distillation plants, which are all located in elevated regions. The high eleva-
tion of its plants in Negros Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Laguna, coupled with the Philippines’ humid climate contribute to Tanduay’s distinct flavor and aroma. It is in these distilleries where the molasses is turned into a clear liquid—ethanol. Tanduay’s skilled blenders would then take over, with the liquids stored in Kentucky bourbon oak barrels for aging. The rum maker uses two aging processes: the single-barrel method and the solera aging process. In the single-barrel method, the rums mature in individual barrels for a set amount of time. In the solera aging process, the rums are stored in a series of Kentucky bourbon barrels that are never empty, which helps create and sustain the flavors contained there for generations. Tanduay’s Master Blender would then take over. The guardian of all of Tanduay’s rum formulas, he is the one who checks the rum for consistency and quality Once the Master Blender gives the go signal, the rums are sent for bottling and packaging. “All Tanduay products are proudly Philippine-made, and it is our honor to bring it to the state of Nevada with the help of Johnson Brothers,” Tanduay Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing Paul Lim said. (Advertising Supplement)
‘High-tech’ crimes credit card directly inserted to the card reader at the checkout counter, which uses only one assigned 4-digit code for each and all payments which cashiers or waiters could easily copy, together with the card number, name, etc. Car doors could also be opened by high-tech thieves. When you click your electronic car key to lock the car doors/trunk, a signal (sound) is emitted, which burglars nearby could copy with their special gadget. Once you go inside the building, they could press a button to emit the same signal and open your car door. For decades, my wife Farida and I have been consciously and religiously using the manual mode of locking and unlocking our car doors with a key (manually, not electronically), which has now been a habit since. The car handle “touch” mode to lock and unlock cars equipped with it is also safer. Burglars near your garage can open your garage doors using a Code Grabber, which grabs and records your code when you open your garage door. Once you are inside or after you leave home, they use the Grabber to open your garage. Newer garage doors use a variety of codes and changes codes every so often, making it harder to “grab.” The old-fashioned way to open your garage is to use a coat hanger, with a curb at the tip. This is inserted right in the middle (between top of the door and the door frame) where the garage door rail is. The emergency lever (release handle with a rope hanging) is hooked and pulled down. This unlocks the garage door, which could then be lifted up. Solution: Pass a plastic tie through the hole of the lever where the rope is, and through the hole in the metal moving case; lock the tie tight. This
will prevent the release handle (metal lever) from being pulled down. Make sure the tie does not impair the opening and closing of the door. At night, or when going on a vacation, the main switch to the garage door may be turned off, just like the water main. For overall protection, home security alarm with wireless cameras outside and inside the home, with monitoring service, is best. There are a few DIY systems in the market, one of which is SimpliSafe – inexpensive, state-of the-art, with motion sensors, glass sensors, smoke and fire detectors, which anyone can install within one hour. Google it. Of course, having a dog, and/or one or both of these two good friends, 357 magnum and AR-15, would greatly help. Cyberspace criminals, besides targeting institutions, are also victimizing vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly, to steal their identity, social security info, credit card data, bank account details, and other scams to rob people of their hard-earned money. It is best not to give out personal data by phone or by email, and not to respond to any email from strangers. These tech-savvy criminals have been using company logos to appear legitimate to lure unsuspecting, gullible individuals to fall prey to their cybercrimes. They may even pose as your old friend stranded in another country who lost their wallet and passports, asking you to transfer funds as an emergency aid. Being ultra-vigilant and a bit paranoid are beneficial these days. For online (internet) crimes, report it to www.iC3. gov. Toxic air in your car Entering your car, without first opening the windows for a few minutes to allow air from the outPAGE B5
FOR RENT
The program is providing financial support to college students navigating difficult and uncertain education landscape due to current pandemic
CHICAGO – McDonald’s USA is thrilled to announce the inaugural class of McDonald’s/APIA Scholars. Through this program, the company is awarding $500,000 in scholarships to 55 Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) college students. Established in November 2019 in partnership with APIA Scholars, the scholarship underscores McDonald’s commitment to educating and supporting future leaders, a commitment that remains unchanged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The McDonald’s/APIA Scholarship recognizes the disparities within the community and seeks to help bridge the gap, while providing much needed financial support and opportunities for APIA students. “When we created the McDonald’s/APIA Scholarship program last year, we had no idea that the need for educational support would become greater as a result of the pandemic,” said Jimmy Ferguson, a Texas-based McDonald’s Owner/Operator and APIA Scholars board member. “McDonald’s has always invested in the education of students and future leaders, so we couldn’t be happier to lend a hand and provide financial support for APIA students who are making their dreams of higher education come true.” While back-to-school plans remain unclear for many, APIA students also face other limiting factors in their education attainment journey. The APIA community has been hit disproportionately with economic hardships as a result of the pandemic, with one-in-five likely to be unemployed according to Pew Research Center, which directly impacts students and their family’s ability to pay for higher education. Often labeled as a model minority, there are tremendous educational and economic disparities within the APIA community that are often overlooked. According to APIA Scholars, the top 10% of APIAs earn more than 10 times the bottom 10% of APIAs. And while half of the community have college degrees, only 25% of all Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Southeast Asian Americans finish higher education. Among this year’s recipients, 55% of students are Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Southeast Asian Americans. Additionally, 96% of students are firstgeneration immigrants, 36% of students are the first in their family to go to college, and 76% of students live below the poverty line. This first class of McDonald’s/ APIA Scholars were selected for their academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. Emphasis was also placed on first-generation college attendees and high financial need. Fifteen students were awarded fouryear scholarships and 40 students were awarded one-year scholarships, totaling $500,000. The scholarship application period is currently open and runs through January 14, 2021. Students and parents are encouraged to learn more or apply at http:// www.apiascholars.org. McDonald’s education programs include the HACER® National Scholarship for Hispanic students and the McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. McDonald’s has also increased education access to over 55,000 and awarded more than $100M
in tuition assistance for restaurant employees through Archways to Opportunity. Following is the complete list of the 2020 McDonald’s/APIA Scholarship recipients: • Muhammad Abdullah (Woodland, CA) attending American River College • Nuha Asad (New York, NY) attending Fordham University • Gobinda Bastola (Louisville, KY) attending University of Louisville • Michelle Dedeles Bermudes (Mangilao, Guam) attending University of Guam • Keeya Pomaikai Bicoy (Maunaloa, HI) attending Grand Canyon University • Gemma Cabias (Wahiawa, HI) attending University of NevadaLas Vegas • Erica Chen (Elmhurst, NY) attending Stony Brook University • Kiln Chen (New York, NY) attending University of Pennsylvania • Lang Cheng (Medford, MA) attending Brandeis University • Ysabel David (Berkeley, CA) attending Scripps College • Maricar De Castro (Falls Church, VA) attending St. Olaf College • Erin Jade Devera (Waipahu, HI) attending Creighton University • Timothy Niu Faupusa (West Valley, UT) attending Salt Lake Community College • Helen Gao (Akron, OH) attending University of MarylandBaltimore County • Youssef Hasweh (Brooklyn, NY) attending University of Chicago • Way Myo Hlaing (San Diego, CA) attending University of Southern California • Tri Ho (Chicago, IL) attending Yale University • Lesly Duroni Ibarra (Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands) attending Washington State University • Hassan Javed (Avon Park, FL) attending Columbia University in the City of New York • Tracy Jiang (Brooklyn, NY) attending Harvard University • Figs Ju (Omaha, NE) attending University of Nebraska-Lincoln • Keonaona Keo (Hauula, HI) attending Brigham Young University-Provo • Mujahedulislam Rukhshan Khan (Hamtramck, MI) attending University of Michigan-Ann Arbor • Nischal Khatri (Medford, MA) attending Colby College • Samantha Leung (Brooklyn, NY) attending Stony Brook University • Aaliyah Mae Lewis (Tacoma, WA) attending Gonzaga Univer-
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sity • Mai Nou Lor (North Saint Paul, MN) attending University of Wisconsin-River Falls • Muskan Manzoor (Houston, TX) attending Fashion Institute of Technology • Ku Mo (Saint Paul, MN) attending University of MinnesotaTwin Cities • Noor Aminah Binti Mohamad (Portland, OR) attending Portland Community College • Hassan Mohiuddin (Rochester, NY) attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Jason Duy Nguyen (San Diego, CA) attending University of California, Los Angeles • Stephanie Nguyen (San Diego, CA) attending University of California San Diego • Kang Ou (Fremont, OH) attending The Ohio State University - Columbus Campus • Raj Pandya (Warrenton, MO) attending Yale University • Cynthia Pham (Crystal, MN) attending University of MinnesotaTwin Cities • Maliyah Pham (Greeley, CO) attending Colorado State University-Fort Collins • Marcia Phan (Orlando, FL) attending University of Central Florida • Warren Quan (San Francisco, CA) attending Princeton University • Hlin H Rahlan (Charlotte, NC) attending Central Piedmont Community College • Lea-Ann Sado-Elvenia (Wailuku, HI) attending Hawaii Pacific University • Kee Lah Soe (Saint Paul, MN) attending Hamline University • Daryca Sok (Garland, TX) attending Baylor University • Mahnoor Sultan (Greensboro, GA) attending Mercer University • Kiki Tang (Fort Myers, FL) attending University of Central Florida • Esther Taufa’asau (Pago Pago, American Samoa) attending Oregon State University • Mavaeao Falesoa Tili (Pago Pago, American Samoa) attending American Samoa Community College • Kasang Lhadon Tobtsang (Woodside, NY) attending Columbia University in the City of New York • Thane Noble Todd (Hilo, HI) attending University of NevadaReno • Michelle Nhu Tran (Kailua, HI) attending University of Hawaii at Manoa • Emily Truong (Lakewood, CO) attending University of Southern California PAGE B5
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‘High-tech’ crimes
San Francisco’s CAAMFest FORWARD... PAGE B1 Bay Area rapper Ruby Ibarra. • “Lea Salonga in Concert with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra” CAAM-funded live concert features internationally famed for her powerhouse voice and perfect pitch Lea Salonga, who burst onto the Broadway musical scene with her 1991 Tony Award-winning performance as Kim in “Miss Saigon.” This new Great Performances program presents Salonga in peak performance at the Sydney Opera House, singing a selection of songs from her Broadway career as well as her hits from the animated movie blockbusters Aladdin and Mulan. • “7000 Miles: Homecoming”: A new music documentary directed by Evelyn Obamos that chronicles the Bay Area’s own hip hop star Ruby Ibarra and her band the Balikbayans as they take a trip back to the Philippines. Ruby Ibarra is a Filipina American rapper, music producer, and spoken word artist from San Lorenzo, California. She raps in Tagalog, Waray, and English. The second drive-in day on Oct. 15 will recognize Hong Kong cinema — “A Simple Life” by director Ann Hui and “My Prince Edward” by director Norris Wong. Additional programming includes films by and about the Filipino American community, including Bay Area filmmaker Celine Parreñas Shimizu’s “The Celine Archive,” and new feature musical “The Girl Who Left Home” by Mallorie Ortega. In “The Celine Archive,” Shimizu, a professor at the San Francisco State University School of Cinema, recasts the so-called ghost story of Celine Navarro into a tragedy of a feminist heroine. Navarro was a 28-year-old Filipino American mother buried alive in Contra Costa County in 1932, as told through archival documents and news clippings, audio recordings and new interviews with surviv-
Poster and a scene from “The Girl Who Left Home.”
ing family members — including Navarro’s 93-year-old daughter — as well as scholars and community members. They reveal that Navarro was an outspoken feminist; she once testified in court against four men accused of beating a woman. “The Celine Archive” also illustrates how making the film has helped Shimizu cope with the 2013 death of her own 8-year-old son. Ortega’s “The Girl Who Left Home” is a live-action musical feature film that surrounds an Asian-American working-class family who faces tragedy at the height of Christine’s career. After her father suddenly passes away, Christine must choose to either save her family restaurant from getting shut down, or continuing to pursue her life’s dream. It stars Paolo Montalban, Haven Everly, and Emy Goligado. In the shorts program, Marie Jamora’s “Harana” (Serenade) and “Dancing on My Own” by Alexandra Cuerdo will be streamed. There will also be a first look at “Kapwa,” a project by director PJ Raval (“Call Her Ganda”) and producer Cecilia R. Mejia (“Yellow Rose,” “Lingua Franca”). “Kapwa” highlights Filipinos and their lived experiences navigating the current and ongoing crisis and the critical family conversations they inspire. Additional programming includes CAAM’s FORWARD symposium, featuring two sessions
2020 Asian American International Film Festival goes virtual for... Bubble_T. • Lutaw (International Premiere; Directed by Samantha Quick - U.S., Philippines - English) - Step into Geramy’s world, a scrappy, budding inventor, who is trying to find a better way to commute to school. The film has no dialogue in order to maximize international accessibility and raise awareness of this important and far-reaching issue. • Sorejya Taka (Directed by Jason Guerrero - Japan / U.S. - English, Japanese) - After an unexpected crisis, a woman phones her friends for solace while wandering the streets of Tokyo, only to find that all the solace she needs is within herself. AAIFF, established in 1978 and presented by Asian CineVision, is the nation’s first and longest running festival of its kind and the premier showcase for the best Asian independent and Asian American cinema. The festival hopes to continue its tradition to serve as a platform to honor and support the community of Asian American and Pacific Islander filmmakers and their stories. The nine jury prize award winners will be determined by a
The toxin Benzene, a carcinogen (cancer-causing) is said to be emitted when plastic is subjected to a high temperature, like in a closed parked car under the sun. Besides being harmful to persons with asthma and allergies, air fresheners and aerosols used in cars and at home, are likewise suspects for toxicity, which could cause harm to bones, blood cells, liver, kidneys, etc. Experts believe that the acceptable indoor level of Benzene is 50mg per square foot. The level goes up to 400-800mg in a parked car with doors and windows shut. This toxic “vapor” goes up 40 times higher than the “acceptable” level, to 2000-4000mg, in cars parked with windows closed under the sun at an ambient temperature of 60 degrees F. During summer, the temperature could go up higher than a hundred. It is, therefore, important to open the car windows to allow
stale air to flow out as fresher air from the outside comes in for a couple of minutes before we enter the car, turn on the air conditioner, close the door and windows, and drive on. Common sense tells us that the cleaner the air we breathe in, the healthier it is for us. Any strategy to prevent or reduce air pollution around us is well worth all our efforts as earthlings. After all, the air we inhale provides us an essential and vital element we cannot live without, one that keeps us alive: oxygen. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com.
five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds. com, or follow them on Twitter @ McDonalds and Facebook (www. facebook.com/mcdonalds). Based in Washington, D.C., APIA Scholars is the nation’s leading non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs). APIA Scholars works to create opportunities for students to access, complete, and succeed after post-
secondary education; thereby developing future leaders who will excel in their career, serve as role models in their communities, and ultimately contribute to a vibrant America. Since 2003, APIA Scholars has awarded more than $150 million in scholarships to deserving APIA students. APIA Scholars manages three scholarship programs: APIA Scholarship, the AANAPISI Scholarship, and the Gates Millennium Scholars/ Asian Pacific Islander Americans funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
McDonald’s/APIA scholarship program awards...
A scene from Celine Parreñas Shimizu’s “The Celine Archive,” a documentary about Celine Navarro, a 28-year-old Pinay who was buried alive in Contra Costa County in 1932.
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PAGE B4 side to circulate and aerate the inside, especially when parked under the sun, may be hazardous to your health. Indeed, your automobile could pose some risks to your life, even before it gets into motion. Like we exercise great caution when driving to prevent injuries to ourselves and to others leading to loss of limb or life, so should we protect ourselves and passengers in our car, even prior to boarding it. We are referring to the toxic air in the car from chemical vapors coming from the heated dashboard and other interior parts of the car made of plastic and synthetic sofa materials, and from air fresheners and aerosols. Turning the air-conditioning on, without prior aeration (to replace stale and impure air with fresh one) through all four opened windows, will only re-circulate the polluted air within the car.
lineup of leading industry professionals, including actor/producer Sung Kang, actress Rosalind Chao, director/writer Jeff Chan, producer Karin Chien, filmmaker PJ Raval, producer Cecilia Mejia, director Marie Jamora, among others. There are a couple of special events celebrating the various forms of storytelling slated this year. Music Night Out interweaves musical performances and the festival’s official music video selection to highlight the collaboration of API musicians and filmmakers, while Comedy Night offers performances by top API stand-up and sketch comedians. As this year’s festival takes place online for the first time, AAIFF has partnered with Elevent as the ticketing partner and Cinesend as the exhibition platform so that audiences in the US and Canada will be able to watch most of the titles on-demand with a 48-hour viewing window right from their own homes. Additionally, this year’s festival will present a virtual Pop-Up Market, featuring curated products from local and small businesses by Asian diaspora and BIPOC artisans impacted by COVID-19.
examining Asian American storytelling and the impact CAAM has had on the field and community over the past 40 years. Tickets are now on sale for the drive-in experiences, while tickets for the live streaming and video on demand screenings will go on sale Monday, October 5 at www.caamfest.com.
PAGE B4 • Michelle Truong (Houston, TX) attending West Texas A&M University • Sara Zhang (Chicago, IL) attending University of Southern California • Annie Zhang (Bridgewater, NJ) attending Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick • Sabrina Zheng (Brooklyn, NY) attending Stony Brook University. McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-
(Advertising Supplement)
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