NOVEMBER 2023
PUBLIC SERVICE JOURNALISM ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, & FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
BILINGÜE
GRATIS
ORGULLO
LOCAL
PRIMER ESTUDIANTE DE
MIRACOSTA EN GANAR
PASANTÍA CON DEPTO.
DEL ESTADO
FIRST MIRACOSTA
STUDENT TO WIN
STATE DEPARTMENT
INTERNSHIP
HEALTHCARE
WITH NO
BARRIERS
TRUECARE’S DR. JORGE OTAÑEZ,
LEADER IN COMMUNITY
MEDICINE
El Dr. Otáñez de TrueCare,
líder en la medicina
comunitaria
GET COVERED!
ENROLL IN COVERED
CALIFORNIA, MEDI-CAL,
MEDICARE
INSCRIPCIONES EN
PROGRAMAS DE
SEGURO MÉDICO
+ SERVICIOS, EVENTOS, CIVISMO Y MÁS
SU HOGAR
LATINO
HOMEOWNERSHIP
REPORT
REPORTE DE
PROPIEDAD
DE VIVIENDA
ENTRE LATINOS
NOVEMBER 2023
WWW.NORTHCOUNTYINFORMADOR.COM
Scan to
visit ELF
Volume 3, Issue 55
On the cover: Dr. Jorge Otañez, Associate Chief Medical Officer at TrueCare,
knocks down barriers in community medicine. Photo: Courtesy of TrueCare.
Scan to subscribe to
NCI and see past issues:
North County Informador is
a digital weekly and monthly ePub
or print issue.
Empowering Latino Futures presents the North County Informador Team
www.NorthCountyInformador
- Editor: Melanie Slone, PhD
editor@NorthCountyInformador.com
- Art Director: María Fernanda Álvarez
- Webmaster: Ximena Esquivel
- Education Begins in the Home Program Director: Edward Becerra
- Community Engagement Coordinator: Martha Zamora
- ELF Office Coordinator: Melissa Lopez
- ELF Office Assistant: Galilea Flores Hernandez
- Tech Support: Marc Perez
- Tech Intern: Daniel Perez
- Sacramento Coordinator: Rene Aguilera
- Publisher: Kirk Whisler
To advertise:
Melissa Lopez, melissaL1632@gmail.com, 760-458-7568
North County Informador Advisory Board
Gaby Beas, MiraCosta College; Edward Becerra, Education Begins in the
Home; Jacqueline “Kiki” Bispo, Vista Unified School District; Adriana
Brunner, MyPoint Credit Union; Jonathan Gomez, MiraCosta College;
Monica Martinez, North County Philanthropy Council; Arcela Nuñez Alvarez,
Universidad Popular; Maria Nuñez, Universidad Popular; Alejandro Tamayo,
San Diego County Office of Education; Dr. Rafe Edward Trickey, Jr, North
San Diego County Promise; Victoria Vazquez, MAAC; Leticia Vera, TrueCare;
Beatriz Villareal, Mano a Mano Foundation
Please email editor@NorthCountyInformador.com
if you are interested in being a part of this effort.
Nonprofits, publish content through us.
We accept English, Spanish, or both.
Civic Engagement, Community Services, Cultural Events, Education,
Financial Empowerment, Food Security, Government Services, Health
Services, Immigration Services, Information on Access to Essential
Services, Community Events
Send material to: editor@northcountyinformador.com
All materials are copyrighted by Empowering Latino Futures, a 501c3
nonprofit and the parent organization of North County Informador.
Empowering Latino Futures Board
Edward James Olmos, Chair
Kirk Whisler, Presdient
Katharine A. Diaz, Author VP
Andres Tobar, Education VP
Lisa Montes, Secretary
Dennis Garcia, Treasurer
BOARD MEMBERS
Julia Abrantes, Edward Becerra, Victoria Chavez, Norma Jasso,
Esther Reyes Jones, Leticia Ordaz
ELF Emeritus Board Members
Nora de Hoyos Comstock, PhD; Dennis Hernandez; Zeke Montes;
Ambassador Julian Nava; Jesus Nieto, PhD; Martin Valdez
SAT / November 4
10 am–4 pm
Sacramento City College
- 3835 Freeport Blvd,
Sacramento, CA 95822
SUN / November 12
10 am–2 pm
HHSA w/Universidad
Popular
- 649 W. Mission Ave,
Escondido
THU / November 16
9:30 am–12:30 pm
Fallbrook Food Pantry
- 140 N. Brandon Rd.,
Fallbrook
Book Launch Event by Transitions Scholar Authors
From the Streets to the Seats
Lanzamiento de libro de autores Transition Scholar
- Thursday, November 9, 2–4 pm
- Jueves, 9 de noviembre, 2–4 pm
MiraCosta College
1 Barnard Dr., Oceanside
3400 building (room Aztlan)
Bilingual Storytime
Cuentos bilingües en la biblioteca
- 1st Wednesday of the Month
- Primer miércoles del mes
3:30–4:15 pm
San Diego County Library
Parenting the Love & Logic Way
Talleres para padres de familia
- November 8 & 15
- 8 y 15 de noviembre
OUSD District Board Room 1
2111 Mission Ave., Oceanside
Free Books / Libros Gratis
Through ELF’s Education Begins in the Home Program
Want to give out books at your events? / Para regalar libros en sus eventos,
Contact Edward Becerra: educationbeginsinthehome@gmail.com
EDUCATION EDUCACIÓN
WWW.NORTHCOUNTYINFORMADOR.COM
NOVEMBER 2023
IN THIS ISSUE
14
22
16
18
EN ESTE NÚMERO
GET COVERED AND MAKE PLANS
FOR NOVEMBER
The next three months bring a change in seasons and a
new year. Before you close out 2023, make sure to renew
your medical coverage, or to get it if you don’t have it yet.
Need help? We have answered all your questions in this
issue. Plus, Dr. Jorge Otañez, Associate Chief Medical
Offi cer at TrueCare, tells his story of determination and
resolve to make sure more Latinos get good healthcare
and study to go into the medical fi eld. Kenneth Pilco of
MiraCosta leads the way in civic service, and the California
Latino Legislative Caucus is going strong after 50 years.
Take time to learn about your community leaders and
see how you can take charge of your health, education,
fi nances, and more as you get ready to close out the year.
- Write the editor: Editor@NorthCountyInformador.com
CONSIGAN COBERTURA MÉDICA Y HAGAN
SUS PLANES PARA NOVIEMBRE
Los próximos tres meses traen un cambio de temporada y un
año nuevo. Antes de cerrar el año 2023, asegúrense de renovar
su cobertura médica, o de conseguirla si aún no la tienen.
¿Necesitan ayuda? Hemos resuelto sus dudas en este número.
Además, el Dr. Jorge Otáñez, el director médico asociado de
TrueCare, cuenta su historia de empeño en su lucha por que más
latinos tengan buena atención médica y puedan estudiar para
ser médicos o trabajar en el campo de la medicina. Kenneth Pilco
de MiraCosta es un joven líder en el servicio cívico, y el Caucus
Legislativo Latino de California sigue fuerte después de 50 años.
Tomen el tiempo para aprender sobre sus líderes comunitarios
y vean cómo pueden tomar las riendas en su salud, educación,
fi nanzas, y más mientras se preparan para cerrar el año.
- Escriban al editor: Editor@NorthCountyInformador.com
Cover Feature
TrueCare’s Dr. Jorge
Otañez: Community
Healthcare Has No
Barriers
Artículo de portada
El Dr. Jorge Otáñez,
de TrueCare: La salud
comunitaria no tiene
barreras
Education
MiraCosta Student
Is First to Win Internship
at State Department
Events
Feature
Health: Your questions answered
to Renew or Get Health
Insurance
Services
Food assistance, free Internet,
Legal Resources
Financial Empowerment
Building California’s Future:
Latino Homeownership
Civic Engagement
California Latino Legislative
Caucus Celebrates 50 Years of
Empowerment and Advocacy
Educación
Estudiante de MiraCosta es el
primero en ganar una pasantía
en el Departamento del Estado
Actividades
Artículo
Salud: Resolvemos sus dudas
para renovar o conseguir seguro
médico
Servicios
Asistencia alimentaria, Internet
gratis, recursos legales
Empoderamiento fi nanciero
Construyendo el futuro de
California: propiedad de vivienda
para latinos
Civismo
El Caucus Legislativo Latino de
California Celebra 50 años de
empoderamiento y lucha
21
NOVEMBER 2023
WWW.NORTHCOUNTYINFORMADOR.COM
EDUCATION EDUCACIÓN
enneth Pilco, en su segundo año de
estudios de leyes, política pública
y sociedad, se convirtió en el primer
estudiante de MiraCosta elegido para una
pasantía con el Departamento del Estado.
Su proyecto de investigación se enfoca en
la competencia global con China y en cómo
el Departamento de Estado podría apoyar
al servicio civil y exterior al investigar las
barreras en el reclutamiento y retención de
personal.
“El enfoque principal es analizar la visión
de la gente de nuestras políticas con China,
para comprender mejor la postura de la
gente respecto a su deseo de ir por una
carrera con el Departamento del Estado”,
dijo.
El Programa PUENTE
Kenneth dijo que supo del programa
de PUENTE la semana antes de que
comenzaran las clases, cuando le dio
ayuda para saber qué cursos tomar para
graduarse. El programa también le ha dado
acceso a talleres de desarrollo educativo y
profesional.
Como líder estudiantil y el presidente
del Club PUENTE, participó en un proyecto
de civismo para que más gente votara y
encabezó un programa para enseñar a los
estudiantes de cuarto grado de primaria
sobre la asistencia financiera y otros
programas en MiraCosta. “Fue maravilloso
ver a los niños entusiasmarse mucho con la
escuela”, dijo.
Pasión, comunidad, cambio
Kenneth dijo que MiraCosta ofrece una
sensación de comunidad. “Hay una
sensación de pertenecer sin importar quién
seas”, dijo.
Su familia llegó a Estados Unidos desde
Ecuador. “Como estudiante y como niño,
no me daba cuenta de que tenía ciertas
habilidades y lo que llamamos capital
cultural”, dijo, y agregó que ha aprendido a
exigirse más.
“Creo que lo más importante fue encontrar
algo que me apasionaba. Creo en lo personal
que tenemos el deber de servir a otros y solo
se trata de encontrar a esa comunidad que
quieres servir y que te apasiona”, dijo Kenneth.
Kenneth espera trabajar como funcionario
del servicio exterior en el Departamento de
Estado, donde representaría a la comunidad
latina. “Creo que el Departamento de Estado
tiene que trabajar mucho para ser más
diverso y representativo y quiero ser parte de
ese cambio”, dijo.
Estudiante de MiraCosta es
el primero en ganar una pasantía
en el Departamento del Estado
enneth Pilco, in his second year of Law,
Public Policy, and Society, became
the first MiraCosta student chosen for an
internship with the State Department.
His research project focuses on global
competition with China and how the State
Department could support the civil service
and foreign service by researching obstacles
to employee recruitment and retention.
“The primary focus is to analyze the
outlook that people have on our policies
with China, to get a better understanding
of where people lie on wanting to pursue a
career with the State Department,” he said.
The PUENTE Program
Kenneth says he heard about the PUENTE
program the week before classes started,
when he got help on which courses to take
to graduate. The program has also given
him access to educational and professional
development workshops.
As a MiraCosta student trustee and the
president of PUENTE Club, he participated
in a civic engagement project to boost
voting and spearheaded a program to teach
fourth graders about financial aid and other
programs at MiraCosta College. “It was
great seeing the fourth graders really get
enthusiastic about school,” he said.
Passion, Community, Change
Kenneth says MiraCosta offers a sense of
community. “There is a sense of belonging
no matter who you are,” he said.
His family came to the United States from
Ecuador. “As a student and as a kid, I didn’t
realize that I had certain skills and what we
call cultural capital,” he said, adding that he
has learned to expect more of himself.
“I think the biggest thing was also finding
something that I was passionate about. I
personally believe that we have a duty to
serve people, and just trying to find that
community that you want to serve and you
feel passionate about,” said Kenneth.
Kenneth hopes to work as a foreign
service officer in the State Department,
representing the Latino community. “I think
MiraCosta Student Is
First To Win Internship
at State Department
Kenneth Pilco, left, with fellow interns Isabel Ching,
Sama Kubba, and Shivane Anand.
Photo: Courtesy Kenneth Pilco
the State Department really has work to do
in terms of being more diverse and being
more representative, and I want to be part of
that change,” he said.
EVENTS
ACTIVIDADES
Victor Villaseñor’s Snow Goose
Global Thanksgiving
November 19, 1 pm–sunset
The Sunday before Thanksgiving
Rancho Villaseñor, 1302 Stewart St., Oceanside,
CA 92054
Our 31st Anniversary. A free, annual event for the
family, when we come together to celebrate world
harmony and peace in the spirit of love and the
creation of unity of one race, our human race.
Bring your own picnic (non-alcoholic), blanket,
chairs, and candle for sunset global ceremony.
www.snowgoose.org
LindaFVillaseñor@gmail.com
Feria de salud / Health Fair
12 de noviembre / November 12
10 de diciembre / December 10
North Island Live Well Center
649 W. Mission Ave., Escondido
Vacunas / Vaccines
CalFresh, Medi-Cal, servicios de inmigración,
ciudadanía
Cafecito con la Comunidad
Con la Fiscalía, la Dra. Villarreal y el Consulado de México
8 de diciembre, en español
La trata sexual: lo que cada padre debe saber
One Safe Place
1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos
LA PASTORELA
TEATRO EN ESPAÑOL
Con Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts
& Oceanside Theatre Company
Sábado, 2 de diciembre, 7 pm
Domingo, 3 de diciembre, 2 pm
Brooks Theater
217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside
NOVEMBER 2023
WWW.NORTHCOUNTYINFORMADOR.COM
FEATURE ARTÍCULO
ore Californians than ever are eligible
for medical insurance—through
Covered CA, Medi-Cal or Medicare. If
you have insurance, you must act NOW,
or you might lose coverage. If you don’t have it yet,
don’t miss out on getting the best insurance coverage
for you and your family.
Leticia Vera, Director of Patient Retention and
Engagement at TrueCare, reminded us, “Having
insurance gives us peace of mind.” Yes, it can be
confusing and overwhelming to understand health
insurance, but there is FREE assistance out there for
you. You don’t have to do it alone.
Here are some frequently asked questions Leticia
at TrueCare helped us answer for you.
What is Medi-Cal?
A state program that covers healthcare for California
residents if you qualify, which can include criteria
such as income or family size. Insurance can be free
or very low cost for eligible individuals. Medi-Cal
doesn’t have an open enrollment period and you can
apply at any time.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program
for people who are 65 or older, or for certain younger
people with disabilities. If you or your family
member are getting close to turning 65, you need to
start choosing a Medicare plan. TrueCare has its own
trustworthy specialists who will help you for free. You
want to talk to an expert source who can walk you
through all the information and explain the benefits.
How does Covered California work?
Covered California is NOT health insurance. Covered
California is a marketplace for choosing a health
insurance plan—such as Kaiser, Molina, Sharp
HealthCare, or others. Covered California uses
your information to determine how much help you
get in paying for your health coverage, depending
on your family size, your income, and some other
requirements.
You choose a plan according to your needs,
and you pay a monthly premium to the insurance
company you selected, not to Covered California. A
little-known fact is that many Californians qualify for
a discount on their monthly premium you see listed
on the Covered California website.
Your premium depends on which plan you choose
and on your discount. Higher premiums usually
mean lower out-of-pocket costs (co-payments) when
you go to the doctor or fill prescriptions, and lower
premiums usually mean higher out-of-pocket costs.
What is open enrollment?
Open enrollment is a window of time when you can
apply for health insurance or change your insurance
plan through Covered California. Medicare also has
its own open enrollment period.
The Next Few Weeks Are Key
to Renew or Get Health Insurance
NORTH COUNTY INFORMADOR ASKED TRUECARE TO HELP ANSWER YOUR
QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH COVERAGE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Photo: Courtesy of TrueCare
WWW.NORTHCOUNTYINFORMADOR.COM
NOVEMBER 2023
What are the deadlines for open enrollment?
Covered California: November 1, 2023–January 31,
2024.
Medicare: October 15–December 7 (coverage starts
January 1, 2024).
Medi-Cal: Year-round. If you qualify, you can
enroll at any time throughout the year.
Exceptions: You can enroll in Covered California
any time if you have a “life-changing” event, such
as having a baby, getting married, losing your job, or
having someone move out of your home.
If you miss open enrollment, you might not have a
chance to enroll for another year.
What if I already have insurance through Covered
California?
You can also renew or change your health plan
during open enrollment. You might also get
notifications about changes in costs or services. Make
sure you check your mail and email and phone calls
for notifications from your health insurance provider
and from Covered California. Ask for help reviewing
your plan and deciding if you want to change it.
Always look for the best option for you and your
family. If you decide not to make a change, you can
continue with your same plan.
What if I already have Medicare?
During open enrollment, you can opt to change your
plan or prescription coverage to meet your needs
better.
What if I already have Medi-Cal?
If you already have Medi-Cal, you need to renew
each year or you could lose your coverage. For the
last three years, you did not need to renew due to the
public health emergency (pandemic), but starting
in 2023, you must renew. Check your mail and
make sure your address is up to date in the Medi-
Cal system. You may also receive a text message.
Not everyone renews at the same time. Make sure
you know what month you need to renew and get
assistance to take the steps needed to keep this
health insurance.
How do I know if I qualify for these programs?
Medi-Cal is based on income and family size, and
other criteria.
Medicare is for people 65 and older, and certain
younger people with disabilities. If you are turning
65, there is a small window of time where you can
enroll outside of the open enrollment period.
Only California citizens are eligible for Covered
California.
Seek assistance to ensure you get enrolled on time
and get your questions answered.
Note: The only age group that does not qualify for
TrueCare offers
FREE assistance
so you can enroll
Call TrueCare enrollment specialists at 760-736-6734
Or visit https://truecare.org/enroll for more information
TrueCare understands the importance of being insured and the impact
on our communities and their health. That’s why TrueCare has a special
enrollment team dedicated to helping with the application process. If
you qualify, TrueCare specialists walk you through every step of the way.
If you have health insurance, you are more likely to seek preventative
care and not wait until your illnesses get worse. “We want people to feel
empowered to seek healthcare when they need it and to be able to take
control of their health,” TrueCare says.
Get help applying for or renewing your Medi-Cal or Covered California.
Get help understanding and enrolling in Medicare.
Understand what the plans mean, and which is best for you and
your family. The specialists at TrueCare can help you understand the
options.
If you don’t qualify for one plan, you may qualify for another.
You don’t have to be a patient at TrueCare to get free assistance in
person or over the phone.
10
NOVEMBER 2023
WWW.NORTHCOUNTYINFORMADOR.COM
FEATURE ARTÍCULO
oy, más californianos que nunca son elegibles
para tener seguro médico—mediante Covered CA,
Medi-Cal o Medicare. Si usted cuenta con seguro,
debe actuar AHORA o podría perder su cobertura.
Si aún no lo tiene, no se pierda la oportunidad de conseguir el
mejor seguro médico para usted y su familia.
Leticia Vera, la directora de retención y participación de
pacientes en TrueCare, nos recordó que, “Contar con seguro
nos da tranquilidad”. Sí, puede ser confuso y abrumador
comprender el seguro médico, pero hay asistencia GRATIS.
Usted no tiene que hacerlo a solas.
He aquí unas preguntas frecuentes que Leticia en TrueCare
nos ayudó a responder.
¿Qué es Medi-Cal?
Es un programa que se encarga del seguro médico para los
residentes de California que cumplen con los requisitos de
ingresos y de tamaño de la familia, por ejemplo. El seguro
puede ser gratuito o de muy bajo costo para los individuos
elegibles. Medi-Cal no tiene una época de inscripciones
abiertas y se le puede solicitar en cualquier momento.
¿Qué es Medicare?
Medicare es el programa federal de seguro médico para
las personas de 65 años y más, o para ciertos jóvenes con
discapacidades. Si usted o un familiar está por cumplir los 65
años, debe empezar a buscar un plan de Medicare. TrueCare
tiene sus propios especialistas confiables que pueden ayudarlo
gratis. Usted va a querer hablar con expertos que puedan
llevarlo de la mano al navegar toda la información y explicar
los beneficios.
Es importante
renovar o
conseguir
seguro médico
en las próximas
semanas
NORTH COUNTY INFORMADOR PIDIÓ
AYUDA A TRUECARE PARA RESOLVER
SUS DUDAS RESPECTO A LA COBERTURA
MÉDICA PARA USTED Y SU FAMILIA
full scope Medi-Cal right now are 26–49-year-olds,
BUT starting in 2024, they will be eligible, based
on their income. If you fall in this category, you do
not need to wait until January to apply. Call now to
get started!
How do I know which insurance is right for me and
my family?
There are many plans to choose from with Covered
California. Get assistance to learn about all the
options so you can decide which one is best for
you. You can get prescreened for free to determine
what you qualify for. Learn what services are
covered, what your copayments would be, how
much you would pay for prescriptions, and how
much you have to pay out of pocket if you need to
be hospitalized.
“The world of health insurance can be
overwhelming,” Leticia noted. “We don’t want
someone to choose something that at the end is
going to be more costly for them or doesn’t cover
the basic needs for that person.”
Will these programs affect my immigration status?
Today, more Californians qualify for Medi-Cal
regardless of immigration status.
Based on a federal government ruling, as of
December 23, 2022, immigrants can access health
care, food and housing support, and many more
public benefits without fear of immigration
consequences. Immigration status will not be a
factor in applying for Medi-Cal and will not affect
your immigration status in the future. If you
have emergency Medi-Cal now, you can start the
process of applying for full scope Medi-Cal.
For Covered California, you must be a US
citizen.
How can I keep from being scammed?
You should not pay for any help signing up or
renewing. You may get calls or information trying
to trick you to pay for help.
Make sure you get help from a resource you
can trust. Don’t share information with anyone
you don’t trust. And do NOT give out your social
security or bank information over the phone.
Make sure you are talking to experts who can
guide you. A knowledgeable specialist can explain
the rules, amounts, and what is best for you and
your family.