EDITORIAL IN OUR OWN YARD COFFEE WITH DJINJI WOMEN LEADERS BCPS DISTRICT OF THE YEAR FENG SHUI TAMARAC FESTIVAL FOOD AND WINE EVERY HISPANIC IMMIGRANT HAS THEIR OWN STORY ADVERTISERS ADVERTISERS Thanks to our ADVERTISERS Our print media is distributed FREE Annual Multicultural Celebration of the City of Tamarac DON PAN OPENED LAUDERHILL

Por Judith Crocker Volver EDITORIAL By Judith Crocker Dedicated to our 25 years in circulation in Broward County The 25-year history of a local newspaper represents much more than the simple continuity of a media outlet; it reflects a story of commitment, adaptation, and service to its community. During this time, the newspaper has witnessed and chronicled the social, political, economic, and cultural changes of its surroundings. It has documented key events, from local celebrations and achievements to times of hardship, becoming a kind of collective memory for its readers. Furthermore, its continued existence for a quarter of a century speaks to the trust the community places in it. A local newspaper not only informs, but also connects people: it gives citizens a voice, highlights issues, promotes initiatives, and strengthens local identity. In many cases, it acts as a bridge between authorities and residents, fostering participation and transparency. Over these 25 years, we've had to adapt to technological changes, such as the shift from print to digital, although we still maintain a print edition, as well as new ways of consuming information. This ability to evolve demonstrates resilience and a commitment to remaining relevant. I believe we are the only print publication in Broward County. In summary, the 25-year history of a local newspaper symbolizes: History and community memory Trust and credibility Social bond Adaptation and permanence Its significance in the community is profound: it not only informs, but also forms part of the daily life and collective identity of those who read us. I champion paper and all printed materials because you can touch them, feel them, smell them, let them rest, and pick them up again to continue reading. Like books, they will always have a place in our homes, in waiting rooms, and in the hearts of our communities. Reserve your advertising space for our special September 2026 edition!

Volver IN OUR OWN BACKYARD By En USA news EVENTS: EarthFest. The city will celebrate Earth Day and Tree Day with a festival called EarthFest. Saturday, April 25, 2026. 9:00am- 12:00pm. Sawgrass Nature Center, 3000 Sportsplex Dr. Coral Springs, 33065. ----- Davie Jazz Festival. Join the city of Davie for an unforgettable evening of smooth music and soulful rhythms. Saturday, April 11, 2026 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Bergeron Rodeo Grounds SW 65th Ave, Davie, FL, 33314. ----- Taste of the Gardens in Pembroke Pines. Shops at Pembroke Gardens (SPG) announces the return of the highly anticipated Taste of the Gardens event, a popular community celebration dedicated to supporting local non-profit organizations. Tuesday, April 21, 2026. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm The Shops at Pembroke Gardens 527 SW 145th Terrace, Pembroke Pines, FL ----- Las Olas Wine & Food Festival. 30th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival. Friday, April 24, 2026. 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Riverside Hotel 620 E. Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301. ----- Pompano Beach Fine Food & Wine Celebration (New Location!) The 17th annual Pompano Beach Food & Wine Celebration, presented by Lou Bachrodt Automotive Group and hosted by the Greater Pompano Chamber of Commerce. Saturday, May 2nd. 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Pompano Beach Amphitheater (The Amp) 1806 NE 6th St, Pompano Beach, FL, 33060. ----- Fort Lauderdale Air Show. Get ready for an exciting weekend, as the Fort Lauderdale Air Show takes place. Saturday and Sunday, May 9th and 10th, 2026. 11:30 am - 3:00 pm Hugh Taylor Birch State Park 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise, FL, 33304 ----- NORTH BROWARD COUNTY CALENDARS: The Broward County public transportation system is implementing TransitFORWARD 2040. - A real plan to facilitate mobility for everyone - Broward County Transit (BCT) has officially unveiled Transit FORWARD 2040, a 15-year roadmap to build a better, more reliable public transportation system that works for people who live in and visit the area. The plan had its first major public presentation at the Alexandra P. Davis Multi-Service Complex in Miramar, and is now touring Broward County with scheduled presentations. "Those who participated in the public meeting were receptive to the Transit FORWARD 2040 plan. Education and citizen participation are essential to turning this vision into something that truly benefits everyone in Broward County," said Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis. Transit FORWARD 2040 is based on real data: how people travel, where growth is happening, who needs better access to jobs, schools, doctors and everyday destinations. “Transit FORWARD 2040 is a comprehensive community plan based on scientific data, best practice analysis, and community engagement. It allows us to move beyond simply adjusting routes and reimagine how we connect people to their lives,” said Coree Cuff Lonergan, BCT CEO and General Manager. “Our primary goal is to eliminate transit-less areas in Broward County. By utilizing microtransit and high-frequency corridors, we are building a system as flexible and dynamic as the residents we serve. We aspire to make BCT the preferred mobility choice for everyone in Broward County, and we look forward to future community meetings to gather more input.” The plan focuses on residents' requests: shorter wait times, increased night and weekend service, and better ways to connect neighborhoods to major bus lines. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of microtransit: smaller, already in-demand minibuses that pick up passengers near their homes and drop them off at major public transport hubs. The plan also includes faster and more frequent service on the busiest corridors, better bus stops with real-time arrival information and shaded areas, an improved tracking system so passengers always know when the next bus will arrive, and a change from the old approach of fixed routes only. The Transit FORWARD 2040 program aims to make public transportation the first choice for daily commutes, helping to reduce traffic congestion, decrease emissions for cleaner air, save energy, reduce personal expenses (gasoline, parking, etc.), improve access to jobs, education, and healthcare (especially for those without a car), and support the continued growth of Broward County. The Transit FORWARD 2040 program is being rolled out countywide with community presentations in each of the nine Broward Commission districts, beginning with Commission District 4, led by Commissioner Lamar P. Fisher, on April 7, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive, in Wilton Manors. About the Broward County Commission The Broward County Board of Commissioners is the legislative and regulatory body of the Broward County government, composed of nine members. The Commission is responsible for overseeing the administration of the County, as well as the programs and services it provides, and for defining the direction of more than 65 offices, departments, and divisions. For more information, please visit the website . About Broward County Transit Broward County Transit (BCT) offers fixed-route, express, community transit, and accessible transit services, covering an area of 410 square miles. Fixed-route buses run between Broward, Miami, and Palm Beach counties every day of the week, including holidays. To learn more about BCT or to plan your trip, visit our website and Facebook page , or call customer service seven days a week at 954-357-8400 or TTY 954-357-8302. Connecting you to life! *Broward County Transit is a service of the Broward County Board of Commissioners. Events & Classes | Broward County Library Calendar of Events | City of Sunrise, FL Theatre & Art Gallery | City of Sunrise, FL Home - Sunrise Chamber of Commerce Special Events | Tamarac, FL - Official Website Calendar – Tamarac North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Events | City of Pompano Beach Events - Pompano Beach Arts Amphitheatre Pompano Beach Arts Old Town's Backyard Jam Concert Series Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Live Music Schedule | Galuppis City Events | Oakland Park, FL - Official Website Events listing - City of Coral Springs Miami Herald Coral Springs Center For The Arts Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events | City of Coconut Creek Goldcoast Ballroom & Event Center | Home Seminole Casino Special Events | Deerfield Beach, FL - Official Website Event Calendar | City of Fort Lauderdale, FL Events | Broward Center for the Performing Arts Parker Playhouse Events in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea | Lauderdale By The Sea Community Events | Lauderdale Lakes, FL - Official Website Calendar of Events | City of Lauderhill Lauderhill Performing Arts Center | Home Events | Lighthouse Point, FL Special Events | Parkland, FL Events | City of Plantation, Florida Special Events | Wilton Manors, FL - Official Website americantowns.com

Volver Broward County By En USA news Tamarac presents its Food and Wine Festival for the first time Chef Sayles will be a guest, presenting exquisite bites in the VIP tasting area. The event will feature a performance by BUSY SIGNAL, an internationally renowned Reggae artist. Experience the ultimate VIP culinary experience! The city of Tamarac will debut an exciting new event combining culinary creativity, live entertainment, and community celebration. The Tamarac Food & Wine Festival, taking place at the Tamarac Village Amphitheater, located at 9090 NW 57th St., will bring together foodies, music lovers, and residents for an unforgettable evening filled with flavors, wines, and vibrant entertainment. The inaugural festival will feature select wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and a wide variety of gastronomic offerings from local chefs and popular food trucks. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample diverse dishes, discover new culinary talents, and enjoy a lively outdoor atmosphere designed to showcase Tamarac's burgeoning food scene. The evening will also feature live entertainment throughout the night, culminating in a stellar performance by internationally renowned reggae and dancehall artist Busy Signal, whose electrifying stage presence and global hits will transform the amphitheater into a vibrant concert experience under the stars. City leaders say the festival represents a new chapter in Tamarac's event programming. "This is about creating a unique experience for our residents and visitors," said Vice Mayor Marlon D. Bolton. "The Tamarac Food & Wine Festival will showcase exceptional culinary talent, highlight our small businesses, and bring the community together for an evening of great food, good music, and unforgettable memories." For guests seeking a more exclusive evening, the festival will also feature a VIP experience designed to offer a luxurious culinary atmosphere within the event. VIP guests will enjoy access to a private lounge with cocktail tables, reserved seating for live performances, and entry to an exclusive tasting area with at least six carefully curated tasting stations. The VIP experience also includes two specially designed wine tastings and on-site parking for seamless arrival and departure. Tickets are available at tamarac.gov/foodandwine

Djinji Crocker Volver COFFEE WITH DJINJI By Djinji Crocker Florida proposes eliminating property taxes: benefits and risks In recent months, Florida has entered the center of the national debate with a proposal that could completely transform its tax system: the possible elimination of property taxes for primary residences. This initiative, promoted by state legislators and supported by Governor Ron DeSantis, seeks to alleviate the economic burden on landlords, but it has also generated strong concerns about its consequences. What exactly does Florida propose? Currently, several legislative proposals are being evaluated in Florida, one of the main ones being HJR 203, which proposes: Eliminate property taxes for homesteads Keep taxes earmarked for schools Reduce or eliminate municipal and county taxes In practice, this means that many homeowners could see a significant reduction—even 50% or more—in their annual taxes. When would it come into effect? The process is NOT immediate. There are several key steps: Full legislative approval It was already approved in the House of Representatives in 2026 It still needs Senate approval Public vote If approved in the Senate, the proposal would go to a vote Elections: November 2026 It requires at least 60% voter approval. Implementation date It could begin in 2027, depending on the final version of the plan. Benefits of eliminating property tax 1. Significant savings for homeowners Homeowners would pay much less each year, improving their cash flow. 2. Incentive to buy a home It could boost the real estate market and make buying homes in Florida more attractive. 3. Competitive advantage of the state Florida no longer has a state income tax. Without property tax, it would be one of the most tax-friendly states. 4. Relief from rising values With the increase in housing prices in recent years, many homeowners have seen their taxes rise rapidly. Disadvantages and risks 1. Impact on public services Property taxes fund police, firefighters, infrastructure, and local services. Eliminating this source could lead to significant deficits. 2. Possible new taxes The money would have to come from somewhere. Experts warn that it could involve an increase in sales tax and new taxes or fees. 3. It affects tenants more Although landlords would pay less, tenants could be harmed, since indirect taxes (such as sales tax) affect those who spend a larger proportion of their income more. This does not apply to everyone. It would only benefit primary residences. It does not include investment properties, second homes, or commercial properties. Although the proposal has progressed, it is not guaranteed. The Senate has not yet approved a final version. Political consensus and voter approval are needed. Some experts believe that a complete change is difficult, but it is very likely that we will see some kind of tax reduction in the coming years. Eliminating property taxes in Florida could represent a historic change with great benefits for property owners, but also with significant risks to the local economy and public services. The final decision will be in the hands of the voters in November 2026, making this issue one of the most important for the future of the state. Sincerely, Your real estate agent, Djinji Crocker

Volver FLORIDA By En USA news BCPS named District of the Year 2025/2026 from Cambridge Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is proud to have been named Cambridge's 2025/2026 District of the Year in the Large Districts category. This award, granted by Cambridge International Education, recognizes the District's commitment to expanding access to rigorous academic opportunities and achieving excellent student outcomes. This recognition marks the third time BCPS has received this prestigious distinction. The district was previously recognized in the 2017/2018 and 2020/2021 school years. Each year, Cambridge International Education recognizes one large, one medium, and one small school district nationwide for demonstrating exceptional results in expanding access to Cambridge programs and for the outstanding performance of their students on Cambridge exams. “This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and shared commitment of our students, teachers, school administrators, and families,” said Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “We are proud to expand access to Cambridge’s rigorous courses, which prepare our students for success in college, their careers, and life.” Recognition for the 2025/2026 academic year is based on students' academic performance in the Cambridge exams during the 2024/2025 school year. Students who successfully complete Cambridge courses and exams earn university credits and may be eligible for a full Florida Bright Futures scholarship. For more information about the opportunities Cambridge offers at BCPS, visit browardschools.com/Cambridge . If you need more details about the Cambridge District of the Year Award, please visit https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/support-and-training-for-schools/support-for-teachers/results/outstanding-cambridge-learner-awards/us-district-of-the-year-award/ .

Volver LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF BROWARD COUNTY By Mónica Elliott The link between Florida driver's license/identification card and voting. As I write this, the Election Integrity Bill (HB 991/SB 1334) has just passed both the Florida House of Representatives and Senate. It will go into effect unless vetoed by the Governor. In the meantime, let's examine the current and potential relationship between your Florida driver's license/ID card and voting. Your Florida driver's license/ID is a REAL IDENTITY! The REAL ID Act went into effect nationwide on May 11, 2008. Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials after January 1, 2010. The new credentials have a star in the upper right corner of the card. Florida is a REAL ID-compliant state, and all Florida driver's licenses should be accepted nationwide. As of May 2025, over 99% of Florida driver's licenses/IDs are REAL ID compliant! Let me reiterate: Only REAL IDs are issued in Florida. There are no other types of driver's license/ID cards. How to get your REAL ID You probably don't remember what you had to do to get your REAL ID. If you were a U.S. citizen , you had to provide primary identification (e.g., birth certificate, passport, etc.)—the same documents that will be required if HB 991/SB 1334 goes into effect. If you had changed your last name from the one on your birth certificate, you had to provide documentation to prove it (e.g., a marriage certificate). Again, the same documents required by these laws. If you were not a U.S. citizen, you were required to present another form of primary identification, depending on whether you were an immigrant , non-immigrant , or Canadian . Everyone, whether U.S. citizens or not, also had to present: proof of social security and proof of address; for the latter, two different documents were required. Now, do you remember how complicated it was the first time you did it, unless, of course, you had a U.S. passport? With a U.S. passport, you were in luck, because you didn't have to submit those hard-to-find documents, like birth and marriage certificates. You'd already obtained them to get your passport! FLHSMV has its legal status registered! Therefore, if you possess a Florida driver's license or identification, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) already has your legal status recorded in its (hopefully secure) database. They already know whether you are a U.S. citizen or not. In theory, that means Supervisors of Elections (SOEs) can easily consult the FLHSMV database to determine if you are, in fact, a U.S. citizen and eligible to register to vote and then vote, as required by HB 991/SB 1334. Easy peasy! Can't US citizens vote? The problem, of course, will be for those U.S. citizens who don't have a Florida driver's license or ID. Currently, it's possible to register to vote using only a Social Security number. While the Elections Office may take longer to process the application, they can still do it. If HB 991/SB 1334 becomes law, the State Office of Elections (SOE) will have to verify the citizenship of every new voter registration applicant before processing the application by consulting the FLHSMV database. Simply checking the "yes" box to the question "Are you a citizen of the United States of America?" will no longer be sufficient, even if an affidavit is signed at the end of the form stating that "all information provided in this application is true!" For those already registered to vote, the state (i.e., our overburdened state offices) must verify your citizenship. How? By using official government databases, with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) being the first option. If the state office cannot find a database confirming your U.S. citizenship, you will need to provide your primary identification documents to prove it—the same documents you must submit to the FLHSMV to obtain your Florida driver's license or ID. This means that a 90-year-old woman, married twice, who no longer drives and has neither a driver's license nor a Florida ID, but who has voted every adult life, will NOT be allowed to vote without presenting her primary identification documents IF they cannot determine, through a database search, whether or not she is a citizen. It's not that simple! And then they changed the driver's license/identification numbers. To increase security, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) began issuing new driver's license and identification numbers in August 2024. This wouldn't pose a problem, except that the new number doesn't match the one on the driver's license or identification in the voter registration database. Voters began experiencing difficulties accessing their voter registration online or requesting a vote-by-mail ballot online. As more people obtained the new, more secure document of identity (DL/ID), and more voters complained about the failure in their voter registration file, people working at DL/ID service centers have begun asking people at the start of the RENEWAL process if they want to UPDATE their voter registration file. Some people believe they are required to re-register to vote when they update their voter registration. This appears to be the case because, essentially, the entire voter registration form must be completed when changing your name, address, political affiliation, and now, your driver's license or identification number. Another NEW ID card/driver's license If HB 991/SB 1334 becomes law, by July 1, 2027, the state will begin replacing our current driver's license/identification cards with NEW ones that will indicate legal citizenship status directly on the card. One more thing The bill, passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, includes a provision that reduces the number of valid forms of identification for in-person voting. Debit or credit cards, student IDs, retirement center IDs, neighborhood association IDs, and public assistance cards will no longer be accepted. However, a Florida driver's license or identification card will still be valid. Confused? Help young voters! Probably, but don't worry, rejoice! We can lament, bite our nails, and complain bitterly. Instead, encourage all voters to get a Florida driver's license or ID card. This is especially important for young voters, as only about 56% of them obtain a driver's license. Their perfectly valid logic is: if you don't drive, you don't need a driver's license. But they do need a Florida ID to easily register to vote and then vote! If you know any young people, help them get a driver's license or ID, whether by providing them with funds or helping them obtain the documents. Just like with voting, just do it! For others, such as people with disabilities and seniors who don't have a Florida driver's license or ID, the process will likely be more complicated. If you know someone who doesn't have a Florida driver's license or ID, ask them. Don't hesitate to ask: voting is important to them, and we need to know if they have a driver's license or ID. If they don't, determine if you can help them. Voter registration Currently, to register to vote online, you need to provide a Florida driver's license or ID and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This remains unchanged following the passage of HB 991/SB 1334. This is the information we must communicate to voters who use the paper application when they register to vote for the first time or when they update their information, such as name, address, political affiliation, or signature. Stay tuned as we continue to determine exactly how HB 991/SB 1334 will be implemented.

Volver POLICY By Luis Miranda The first society to inhabit southern Mesopotamia was the Sumerian, and from there began what is now known as Western civilization. When we speak of the West, we often think of Greece, Rome, or the Enlightenment. However, the deepest roots of our understanding of law, science, social organization, and urban life lie thousands of years in a fertile strip of land between two turbulent rivers: the Tigris and the Euphrates. There, in Sumer, arose the first civilization that left institutional, legal, and scientific imprints that we still experience today. The Code of Hammurabi signifies the birth of law as an institution, long before the modern idea of the rule of law existed. The Babylonians—direct heirs of the Sumerian tradition—drafted the Code of Hammurabi, one of the first legal compilations in history. Its importance lies not only in its antiquity but also in its conceptual innovation: the law becomes public, inscribed in stone for all to know. Power ceases to be arbitrary: the king does not "invent" justice, but administers it. Principles are established that we consider fundamental today: proportionality, accountability, and reparation of damages; the idea also emerges that society needs stable norms to function. In other words, Hammurabi inaugurates the notion that human coexistence requires clear, predictable rules applicable to all. Without Mesopotamia, Western law would be unthinkable. We also owe them mathematics, algebra, and science, which constitute the first intellectual revolution. The Sumerians not only invented cuneiform writing; they also developed scientific tools that shaped the course of human knowledge. Among his fundamental contributions we can count the sexagesimal system (base 60), which we still use to measure time and angles; the first mathematical tables for multiplication, division and square roots; systematic astronomy, necessary for agriculture and calendars. Applied geometry for measuring land, building canals, and erecting temples, and Proto-algebra, visible in tablets that solve equations and area problems. Science was born as a practical response to urban life: managing harvests, calculating taxes, organizing irrigation, anticipating floods. But that technical need opened the door to something greater: the idea that the world can be understood through rational rules. There, too, the first cities emerged as a laboratory of social life; Uruk, Ur, Lagash, Eridu: names that today seem mythical, but which were the first real cities of humanity. There, principles such as the division of labor, bureaucracy, temples as economic centers, markets, private property, and the notion of primitive citizenship emerged. The Sumerian city was the first place where human beings had to learn to live with strangers, to coordinate efforts and to create institutions. It was the first rehearsal of modern life. Therefore, the legacy that still defines us as the West does not begin in Greece because Greece begins in Sumer. The Greeks inherited from Mesopotamia astronomy, mathematics, writing, urban organization, and the idea that the world can be explained without resorting solely to myth. Western civilization is, to a large extent, the continuation of that Sumerian impulse to order the world, regulate social life, and seek verifiable knowledge. The fundamental principles of the organization of a political state have their origin in Sumer, and now we discover that the West prefers to forget by saying that Western civilization was born in Greece and that law was born in Rome; law was not born in Rome: it was born in Babylon. Before Rome dreamed of its twelve tables, the Mesopotamians had already understood something crucial: that justice cannot depend on the whim of the powerful. The Code of Hammurabi is not just an archaeological relic; it is the first serious attempt to limit power, to establish public rules, and to define proportionality and accountability. In other words, it is the seed of the rule of law. That narrative —comfortable, Eurocentric, politically useful— erases an elementary fact: civilization began in Mesopotamia and not as a metaphor, but as a structure: law, science, city, writing, State; all of that was born between two rivers; the Tigris and the Euphrates. The West is not the child of Pericles. It is the grandchild of Hammurabi. All this historical reality is unknown to those currently in power, those who hide behind their millions amidst a pathetic ignorance and an excessive greed that leads them to believe they are the kings of the planet. They take advantage of technological advances, social networks, and artificial intelligence to lead humanity to the destruction of the historical legacy of international law, respect for human life, ethics, and morality; in the midst of a stupid war, like all others, in the very geography where culture was born. This allows us to affirm that the history of liberal democracy, which governed the world until a few months ago, begins and ends in Mesopotamia, because Western civilization has ceased to exist as such. Luis Miranda

Volver Broward County By En USA news Women leaders share their journey and impact in the community To mark International Women's Month last March, Coral Plaza, a senior living residence in Margate, presented its Empowered Women event, featuring a panel of renowned female leaders who celebrated their careers and impact as successful female leaders. The event took place on March 25th under the slogan "Women should be recognized every day, not just on one date." The panelists included names such as Johana Suárez, Vice President of Operations RSR Senior Residence, Melinda Twillie-Bryant, Founder/Owner of Twillie-Bryant Creative, and Isabel M. Latson, President of MNA Healthcare. The moderators and event planners included Cheryl Sanchez, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at RSR, Tatiana Hamlet, Director of Sales and Marketing at Coral Plaza, and Laura Johnson, Executive Director of Lenox on the Lake. In addition to Coral Plaza, RSR Corporation has other senior living residences such as Majestic and Lenox on the Lake in Broward County, and other residences in Miami-Dade. Attendees had the opportunity to connect and establish a productive business relationship with entrepreneurial and successful women in their professions. The event offered food, drinks, raffles, entertainment, and provided the opportunity to meet and talk with experienced women with long careers who shared their experiences with the public and what has kept them as leaders in their field. Those interested can find more information on the website www.rsrcares.com

Volver FROM ARGENTINA By Carlos Madama - Argentina Welcome to America A few days ago, a controversial issue arose in Argentina, where popular movements and self-proclaimed "revolutionaries" were trying to appropriate the ideas of others. These groups, generally a minority, demonstrated in the streets trying to impose their ideas, which have already been discussed to death, both in this country and in most Latin American countries. A few police chases led to some disturbances, which only served to make people seriously consider the original reason for the demonstration. Nevertheless, something was left to discuss. Was it really Christopher Columbus who “discovered” America? Whether or not this is the case, the fact remains that every October 12th, several countries celebrate this event, though each calls it something different. What Chile and Peru call "Day of the Reencounter of Two Worlds," in Colombia is indeed called "Day of the Race," although there are many detractors who constantly campaign to change the name. Specifically, they assert that "Using the word 'race' to refer to human beings is to perpetuate a colonialist tradition of discrimination." In Argentina, it has been called "Day of Respect for American Cultural Diversity" for about 20 years. In Spain, it's "Hispanic Day." Meanwhile, the United States is known as "Columbus Day." The “doubts” about the veracity of that arrival of the Genoese sailor to the new land originate because several historians claim that there were records of the arrival of a group of Vikings some 500 years before 1492, and they also claim to have evidence of the arrival of a Portuguese fleet in 1424. More than 500 years after that event, controversies persist, even regarding what should be celebrated. While for some countries it is a good reason to celebrate cultural diversity and recognize the integration of native Indigenous peoples, Europeans, and Africans who arrived on the continent, in others it is viewed with caution. And perhaps the focus of the greatest questioning is in Colombia, where members of CIVP (Interethnic Truth Commission of the Pacific) maintain that “The history that has been told for years in books only narrates one part of the story. Have we heard the other story? The story of the conquered and colonized, the kidnapped and enslaved? The other story, the story of the vanquished, will say that it is a disastrous date for Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples.” The Argentine perspective on this date aligns with the reasons for the name change, as various organizations seek to promote ongoing reflection on history and foster dialogue for cultural diversity. This also includes promoting the human rights of Indigenous peoples, as enshrined in the National Constitution's articles on equality, guaranteeing respect for their identity and the right to bilingual and intercultural education. Doubts? Questions? Welcome to America, folks… Carlos Madama

Volver EVERY HISPANIC IMMIGRANT HAS THEIR OWN STORY By En USA news Ernesto Morales Alpízar: the voice that crossed the sea and found his homeland in the word Every immigration story holds a universe of challenges, losses, and new beginnings. In the case of Ernesto Morales Alpízar, his life is a testament to how art, reading, and perseverance can sustain a human being even in the most uncertain times. Born in Bejucal/Rincón, Havana, Cuba, Morales Alpízar arrived in Tampa, Florida, in 1980, accompanied by his father, his wife, and his children. His departure from the island was neither a simple nor a planned decision. The impossibility of dissenting within the Cuban political context profoundly shaped his destiny. “The revolution in Cuba didn't allow dissent, and I did it constantly because I had read its doctrines,” he recalls. There was no time to pack; the journey was, more than a relocation, a rupture. Before emigrating, her life revolved around two great passions: music and literature. Once in the United States, far from abandoning her vocation, she reaffirmed it. During her first years in Tampa, she dedicated herself intensely to music with a group of friends. However, the course of her career took a turn when she found an opportunity at a local radio station, where she began working as a journalist. At the same time, she resumed writing books and articles, thus solidifying a literary career that continues to this day. His relationship with writing had been developing since Cuba, where he even achieved recognition in literary competitions. He won awards for works such as Unexpected Profession and Respectable Activities, although the latter was never published due to his departure from the country. That episode, far from discouraging him, seems to have strengthened his commitment to the written word. For Morales Alpízar, each publication represents a significant achievement. With 11 books to his name, he doesn't point to a single peak in his career, but rather values each work as a personal triumph. His creative process is constant and disciplined: he observes everyday reality, researches, organizes ideas mentally, and then patiently writes, revises, and edits. Unlike many writers, he claims to have never experienced writer's block. He attributes this fluency to his constant reading habit, which he considers essential not only for enriching his vocabulary but also for broadening his understanding of the world. "Reading gives us immediate comprehension, vocabulary, and a broader perspective," he asserts. This same clarity of thought, he says, allows him to connect with readers of different ages and cultural backgrounds. For Morales Alpízar, intelligence and common sense transcend generational and cultural barriers, and culture is an accessible path for anyone who wishes to travel it. To young people who feel drawn to writing, he offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: read, learn, ask questions, and research. Only in this way, he maintains, can one build a solid foundation from which to begin writing. The story of Ernesto Morales Alpízar is not only that of an immigrant who rebuilt his life in another country. It is also that of a creator who made words his refuge and his tool for understanding and narrating the world. On every page he writes, the experience of someone who has lived through displacement beats, but also the certainty that it is always possible to start over. Ernesto has been writing his column “Entre Comillas” for almost 25 years, the same years as our newspaper, and he instructs and educates us on various topics every month. “Every Hispanic immigrant has their own story,” and Ernesto Morales Alpízar’s is one of them.

Volver FLORIDA By Karina Guzmán Decoration 2026: The 3 New Concepts that are Transforming Our Homes If at the beginning of this year we talked about color trends and the energies of the Year of the Fire Horse, by mid-2026 the conversation is taking a fascinating turn. We no longer just want to decorate so that our homes "look good"; now we design so that our biology and energy vibrate in harmony with them. In this column, we've discussed Biophilic Design and how to connect with nature, as well as Environmental Psychology and its impact on moods, and how order and organization affect our well-being. Now, I'll briefly present the three concepts that are dominating the scene and how to apply them with Feng Shui. Dopamine Decor: The Feng Shui of Visual Happiness "Dopamine Decor" is about using colors and objects that trigger immediate pleasure in the brain. The Trend: Goodbye to cold minimalism. This year, touches of fuchsia, tangerine orange, and electric blue are in. Feng Shui Balance: An excess of vibrant colors (Fire element) can generate anxiety. The key is the 60-30-10 rule: maintain 60% neutral tones for stability and use that 10% "Dopamine" in objects you truly love. Micro-Sanctuaries: The Luxury of Pause In a hyper-connected world, the most sought-after trend is the "Ritual Space." You no longer need an entire room; a thoughtfully decorated corner designed to soothe your senses is enough. The Trend: Transform a small niche or corner of the bedroom into a zone of total disconnection. Feng Shui Balance: These spaces are "energy lungs." They should be free of technology. Place a quartz crystal, a live plant, and a handmade candle to raise the vibration. Bio-Tech Design: Technology that "Breathes" Technology in 2026 seeks to integrate into homes with smart gadgets. The Trend: Air purifiers that look like sculptures and smart planters like the Tuya Ivy Smart Planter that "express" your plant's needs. Feng Shui Balance: Intelligent lighting that mimics the sun helps prevent Chi from stagnating in dark areas. Remember that your home is your temple. By integrating these new concepts, we not only update our styles, but we also ensure that our spaces become a source of well-being for our families in this dynamic year of 2026. If you have any questions or comments, or if you'd like to transform your home into a haven of balance with a personalized Feng Shui consultation, please write to me at: karina@harmoniouslivingbyk.com Karina Guzmán, Journalist and Consultant of Feng Shui applied to Interior Design. Photo captions: Dopamine Decor: Visual Happiness It's about using colors and objects that trigger immediate pleasure. The key is the 60-30-10 rule: keep 60% neutral tones for stability and use that 10% of "dopamine" in vibrant objects. [IMAGE 1: Neutral sofa with pink cushion, purple/orange patterned rug and a large amethyst on the wooden table]. 2. Micro-Sanctuaries: The Luxury of Pause You no longer need an entire room; a thoughtfully designed corner is enough. A "Ritual Space" in the bedroom with natural materials helps create a haven of peace. [IMAGE 2: Bedroom corner with soft light, linen cushions on the floor, a lit candle and a healthy green plant]. 3. Bio-Tech Design: Technology that Breathes Technology in 2026 is Biophilic. We integrate air purifiers into planters and lights that mimic the sun (circadian rhythms) so that Chi never stagnates, even in closed offices. [IMAGE 3: Modern office with wooden desk and a hydroponic green wall with integrated LED lighting].