Latest news with #SanDiego-based
Miami Herald
13 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Groups head to California Supreme Court, seeking to upend solar rules
SAN DIEGO - In a few days, three environmental groups - including one from San Diego - get their chance to try to persuade the California Supreme Court to overturn a controversial rooftop solar policy issued by the California Public Utilities Commission nearly three years ago. "We've been working on this for a long time and we hope the court makes the right decision," said Roger Lin, senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles. The case centers on whether the utilities commission, known as the CPUC, made the legally correct call when it changed the rules regarding how the estimated 2 million rooftop solar customers in California get compensated when their systems generate more electricity than they consume. In December 2022, the CPUC's five commissioners unanimously voted to approve the third iteration of the state's Net Energy Metering program, dubbed NEM 3.0. The complex 260-page decision included incentives to encourage customers to pair their solar installations with battery storage systems. But the portion of the decision that raised the most hackles revised the rules so that new rooftop solar customers would no longer be credited at the retail rate of electricity when their systems generated surplus energy. Instead, they get paid at the "actual avoided cost," which is lower. The CPUC's decision, which went into effect in April 2023, said the change sends "more accurate price signals that encourage electrification" across the state. The commission determined that changes need to be made, agreeing in large part with California utilities who said the earlier NEM rules were too generous. They argued that the growing number of rooftop installations leads to a "cost shift" that leaves customers who don't have solar paying an unfair share of the fixed costs that come with maintaining the electric system - substations, transformers, poles and wires, etc. But opponents of the CPUC decision have long disputed the cost-shift argument, saying that it does not properly take into account the benefits of rooftop solar, such as reducing the need for utilities to spend ratepayer dollars on building more infrastructure. They also argue that the lower compensation rate undercuts the incentive for potential customers to put solar on their roofs because it will take longer for new customers to recoup the cost of spending thousands of dollars on their installations. Shortly after the CPUC decision, the Center for Biological Diversity, the Environmental Working Group and San Diego-based Protect Our Communities Foundation tried to overturn NEM 3.0's rules. After the CPUC rebuffed the groups' request for a rehearing, the trio took their case to the California Court of Appeals. But in a 40-page ruling in December 2023, Associate Justice Victor Rodríguez authored a 3-0 decision upholding the CPUC's decision, saying, "We must give 'great weight' to the Commission's interpretation of the provisions of the Public Utilities Code." Rodríguez went on to write, "This uniquely deferential standard of review is accorded the Commission because of its status as 'a constitutional body with broad legislative and judicial powers.' " Undeterred, the three groups petitioned the California Supreme Court to hear their case, and last year the high court agreed. It's on the docket for oral arguments before all seven justices during Wednesday's morning session. "This case revolves around whether the Public Utilities Commission actually looked at the cost and benefits of rooftop solar, specifically," said Lin of the Center for Biological Diversity, citing a statute passed by the state Legislature that calls on the CPUC to promote the growth of renewable power in the state. The petitioners also argue the appeals court gave too much deference to the CPUC and the ruling did not go far enough to help disadvantaged communities. A spokesperson for the CPUC declined to comment on the commission's defense of its NEM 3.0 ruling, citing the "ongoing litigation," but referred to the arguments made in the appeals court ruling. Court observers say it's very unlikely the California Supreme Court will issue a ruling on Wednesday; rather, a decision is expected in about month or so. With more than 2 million solar systems atop homes, businesses and other locations, California has more rooftop installations than any state in the nation. As the new rules are currently written, solar customers who had their systems installed under earlier iterations of NEM still get compensated at the retail rate for 20 years from the time their systems were installed before they are switched to the new rules. For example, a customer who had a system installed in 2018 gets credited at the retail rate until 2038. But after that, the customer will be credited at the lower NEM 3.0 rate. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Attorney helps launder $52M for Sinaloa Cartel using CA companies, feds say
A Mexico City attorney accused of working for the Sinaloa Cartel pleaded guilty to helping launder $52.7 million from the U.S. through San Diego shell companies, federal prosecutors said. As a manager of what prosecutors called an 'international money laundering organization,' Hector Alejandro Paez Garcia helped funnel millions in cash that came from the cartel's 'drug trafficking in the United States,' according to court filings. Others involved in the organization visited 'dozens of U.S. cities to pick up' the money, which was moved through 'San Diego-based shell companies and delivered to money laundering accounts in Mexico controlled by Paez,' prosecutors said. Now, Paez has pleaded guilty to an international money laundering conspiracy, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California said in a May 30 news release. Paez's plea hearing occurred May 20 at the San Diego federal courthouse, records show. His court-appointed defense attorney, Carolyn L. Oliver, didn't immediately return McClatchy News' request for comment June 2. Paez, according to prosecutors, is one of several 'participants' charged in the Sinaloa Cartel's money laundering scheme, which was investigated by the FBI. Labeled a foreign terrorist organization and considered 'one of the world's most powerful drug cartels' by the U.S. State Department, the cartel operates out of Sinaloa, a northwestern Mexico state bordering the Sea of Cortez. While the FBI investigated the cartel's scheme, agents seized 66 U.S.-based bank accounts linked to the cartel's drug trafficking proceeds, according to prosecutors. 'As the FBI began to target and seize the (money laundering organization's) assets, Paez turned to the use of cryptocurrency in an attempt to shield those assets from law enforcement,' prosecutors said. The FBI ultimately stopped the organization's cryptocurrency money laundering efforts, according to prosecutors. '(Paez) further acknowledges that the United States can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the amount of money attributable to (Paez's) activity was about $52,725,584,' prosecutors wrote in Paez's plea agreement. The money laundering lasted until the arrests of the scheme's leaders, prosecutors said. Now, Paez's sentencing hearing is set for Aug. 15, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Others involved in the scheme who've been charged include two Florida residents, James Harmon Yarbrough and Jhonatan Suarez Florez, as well as 'alleged leader' Alberto David Benguait Jimenez, according to prosecutors. Jimenez is a fugitive, prosecutors said. The U.S. Attorney's Office encourages anyone with information about Jimenez to call the FBI at 858-320-1800.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Beyond Ordinary Software Solutions Announces PromptCon, a Virtual Conference Exploring the Power and Ethics of Prompt Engineering
San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 2, 2025) - Beyond Ordinary Software Solutions, a San Diego-based software and research consultancy known for its advanced cybersecurity development for both enterprise-level clients and Department of Defense stakeholders, today announced the launch of PromptCon, a new virtual conference dedicated to raising awareness of AI and LLMs and their emerging role in our society. The three-day online event will take place November 4-6, 2025, and will feature three focused tracks oriented around AI systems: Application, Innovation, and Social Implications. PromptCon aims to provide a high-level forum for practitioners, researchers, and industry leaders navigating the expanding role of AI and LLMs across business, government, and society. The event will feature over 30 curated sessions and is currently accepting speaker applications for 40 open presentation slots. "PromptCon is for anyone serious about using LLMs not just as novelties, but as infrastructure," said Jacob Anderson, founder and CEO of Beyond Ordinary. "We're designing this conference for builders, researchers, strategists, and skeptics-people asking hard questions and shipping real tools. From optimizing back-end workflows to interrogating the ethical impact of AI on entry-level workforces, this is about sharpening the signal, not adding to the noise." The agenda spans three thematic tracks: Applications: Tactical sessions on LLM and AI deployment in business operations, workflow automation, and enterprise integration. Innovation: Deep dives into cutting-edge tools, open-source frameworks, agent testing, and performance optimization. Social Implications: Panels and talks on misinformation, bias, labor impact, ethical frameworks, and inclusive AI development. Jacob Anderson, Founder of Beyond Ordinary and PromptCon To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Confirmed speakers include: Andrew Brooks (CEO of on calculating ROI in enterprise AI deployments Kham Inthirath (CEO of Compound Effect), on LLMs as co-pilots in day-to-day business operations Jared Zoneraich (Founder of PromptLayer), on practical testing strategies for AI agents Chris Gee (Founder of Chris Gee Consulting), on AI's emerging influence on entry-level jobs Andrew Barrow (Founder of Revenue Arc), on Strategizing AI Innovation for Competitive Advantage Each day will begin with a keynote and conclude with cross-track discussions connecting technical insights to broader societal implications. PromptCon is hosted by Beyond Ordinary Software Solutions, a boutique software firm with deep roots in cybersecurity, machine learning, and national defense. The company has developed many advanced information systems across secure data handling, adaptive UI, cryptography, and predictive modeling primarily for the private sector, and more recently the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Speaker submissions are open through September 15. Selected speakers will join a diverse lineup of technologists, executives, and researchers contributing to a focused and highly practical AI event. AI experts interested in applying to be speakers can reach out to Jacob Anderson directly. About Beyond Ordinary Software Solutions Beyond Ordinary Software Solutions is a San Diego-based software development firm specializing in secure, high-performance systems across federal and commercial sectors. With decades of experience supporting the Department of Defense, Beyond Ordinary brings deep expertise in cybersecurity, AI integration, user interface engineering, and scalable architecture. Learn more at Contact:Jacob Andersonjwa@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
Rwanda nears migrant hosting agreement with U.S.
As part of President Donald Trump's escalating efforts to curb illegal migration, the United States is reportedly in final talks to designate Rwanda as a potential host nation for asylum seekers and migrants turned away at the U.S. border. The United States is considering a partnership with Rwanda to host asylum seekers and migrants rejected at the U.S. border. Concerns have arisen regarding Rwanda's ability to manage the asylum seeker population and potential issues with human rights adherence. The U.S. has reportedly already tested Rwanda as a deportation destination, citing an incident involving the deportation of an Iraqi national. The Trump administration appears to be positioning Rwanda as the latest addition to a growing list of partner nations—including El Salvador, Mexico, and most recently, South Sudan—willing to accept deportees as part of its intensified migration crackdown. The US appears to be adopting a version of the UK's previously discarded plan to deport asylum-seekers to certain countries. San Diego-based immigration lawyer, Jacob Sapochnick notes that space in U.S. detention centers is not only running out but also driving up costs as per Bloomberg. In response, the State Department is seeking to establish 'transfer agreements' with more countries to alleviate the strain on domestic facilities. UK's botched Rwanda deportation scheme The UK's "Rwanda scheme," introduced by the Conservative government in 2022, was met with controversy and ultimately scrapped by new Prime Minister Keir Starmer shortly after taking office, with him labeling it a "gimmick" that was ineffective. Despite spending approximately £715 million—including £290 million paid directly to Rwanda, £50 million on flights that never took off, and £95 million on detention centers—The plan had only resulted in a few voluntary removals. In 2024, the newly elected Labour government terminated the scheme, labeling it a costly failure. Rwanda has since demanded an additional £50 million, claiming unmet obligations. Around 280 contractors were laid off as operations wound down. US moves to adopt similar template The US now seems to be following a similar approach, looking to partner with Rwanda to accept deportees. Bloomberg reports that the U.S. administration appears to have already tested Rwanda as a deportation destination. Earlier this year, reports emerged that the U.S. deported an Iraqi national, Omar Abdulsattar Ameen, to Rwanda, paying $100,000 to cover relocation costs. Ameen has long been a controversial figure, having drawn attention since the Trump administration's earlier attempt to extradite him to Iraq. Despite these developments, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has not been briefed on any formal U.S.-Rwanda agreement. UNHCR spokeswoman Kathryn Mahoney stated that while no proposal has been presented, ' any transfer arrangement should ensure access to asylum and due process.' According to Bloomberg, Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe revealed earlier this month that the country is ' in talks with the United States about a deal on migration. ' While a State Department spokesperson declined to confirm the discussions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly stated that the U.S. is 'actively searching for other countries to take people'—preferably, he added, 'the further away from America, the better, so they can't come back across the border.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CalExit, California Independence Initiative, to Attend California Democratic Convention May 30June 1 in Anaheim
CalExit to Co-host California Democratic Party Black Caucus & Friends Black Futures Mixer and Honor Distinguished Leaders on Saturday, May 31 Dr. Kathleen Harmon Named CalExit Initiative Committee Chair LOS ANGELES, CA - May 30, 2025 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Leaders of the California independence initiative CalExit will attend the California Democratic Convention from May 30 to June 1 in Anaheim. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Xavier Mitchell and President Marcus Ruiz Evans will present their plan for California to secede from the United States to the state's top elected officials. In January, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber approved the CalExit initiative to begin collecting petition signatures. CalExit will host information tables, attend caucus meetings, and speak with delegates. CalExit will co-host the California Democratic Party Black Caucus & Friends Black Futures Mixer Saturday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m. at Georgia's Restaurant, 440 South Anaheim Blvd., 209A, Anaheim, CA 92805. Join the CalExit leadership team and Dr. Kathleen Harmon as they honor distinguished leaders for their outstanding contributions and leadership. To RSVP, visit RSVP is required. CalExit is honored to announce that Dr. Kathleen Harmon, a San Diego-based community activist who has served the Democratic Party for 40 years, has been named Chair of the CalExit Initiative Committee. Dr. Mitchell emphasized the importance of the convention's timing for the initiative's progress. "As our July deadline to collect petition signatures approaches, CalExit is honored to attend this year's convention to educate delegates and elected officials on why our mission best serves the economic and general interests of all Californians," said Dr. Mitchell. "We thank Dr. Kathleen Harmon, who joins us as the CalExit Initiative Committee Chair, for her lifelong commitment to community activism and for helping us secure this opportunity." Ruiz Evans, who founded the initiative in 2014, said the movement's presence at the convention reflects growing momentum. "The movement has been steadily growing over the last 10 years. Attending the California Democratic Convention is a milestone because it allows CalExit to present its secession plan directly to the state's leadership," said Ruiz Evans. Dr. Harmon expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her support for the initiative. "It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Xavier Mitchell over the years," said Dr. Harmon. "His commitment to strengthening our communities and business sectors aligns with CalExit's vision for an independent California. I'm excited to join as the CalExit Initiative Committee Chair." About CalExitCalExit is a political and economic initiative seeking to establish California as an independent nation. Through a robust media strategy, statewide tour events, and a rapidly growing coalition of volunteers, donors, and investors, CalExit aims to restore local control, economic justice, and self-governance to more than 39 million Californians. Call to ActionBe part of the the future with CNT. Connect with CalExitWebsite: and NFTs: For media inquiries, please contact:Billy Johnson, & Repertoire(661) 607-2610billy@ View the original release on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
