Author: shuiyaoinns.com

Moe Jamil, a candidate for the San Francisco City Council representing District 3, has put forward a series of innovative policies aimed at tackling pressing community issues. His initiatives focus on enhancing public safety and improving the overall quality of life for local residents.

In a recent interview, Jamil emphasized the critical link between a secure, respectful environment and community prosperity. “True prosperity and economic recovery can only thrive when residents feel secure and valued,” he stated.

Jamil’s public safety strategy goes beyond simply increasing police presence. It includes measures for environmental improvement, community engagement, and educational outreach, all geared towards fostering a livable, stable, and vibrant District 3.

With a wealth of experience in both the city’s internal workings and external challenges, Jamil has served in the city attorney’s office, where he learned the importance of collaborating with various city departments to secure vital resources for the community.

Having lived in District 3 for over a decade with his wife, who comes from a Taiwanese family, Jamil is committed to raising their two children in a thriving environment. His years of community service have given him firsthand insight into significant changes in the area, instilling in him a strong sense of responsibility to preserve the vitality, cleanliness, and safety of a district that appeals to both its youth and local business owners.

His wife shared in Mandarin that Jamil wakes up every morning thinking about how to improve the community. Every action he takes is centered around ensuring that their beloved District 3 remains safe and enjoyable for all families.

Jamil’s “Community Safety Enhancement Plan” calls for increased grassroots policing, the promotion of community safety volunteers, and a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity and diversity. He stresses the importance of comprehensive cultural sensitivity training for law enforcement officers to ensure fair treatment during interactions, thereby reducing unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings.

On the infrastructure front, Jamil plans to prioritize the repair of aging roads and sidewalks in District 3, along with enhancing community lighting systems.

To foster community cleanliness and beautification, he advocates for regular “Community Clean-Up Days” and aims to partner with local non-profits and schools to encourage residents, students, and businesses to participate in maintaining the neighborhood’s environment.

Additionally, Jamil intends to implement more proactive environmental protection policies in District 3, promoting energy-efficient building designs, installing solar panels, and establishing more recycling stations.

He concluded, “These measures are all about ensuring that every family, every child, and every senior can live with peace of mind in our District 3, which includes Chinatown, North Beach, and the Financial District.”

On September 26, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a groundbreaking move by approving a new medication called “Cobenfy.” This marks the first time in over three decades that a federal agency has sanctioned a drug specifically for treating schizophrenia, offering a new ray of hope for those grappling with this serious chronic mental disorder.

Cobenfy, which is the innovative product of Bristol-Myers Squibb, combines two existing medications—xanomeline and trospium—administered twice daily. Clinical trials have shown this combination to be effective in alleviating common symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and disorganized thinking.

Tiffany Farchione, who specializes in the FDA’s psychiatry division, highlighted the profound impact schizophrenia can have on a patient’s quality of life. “This drug incorporates decades of new approaches to treating schizophrenia, providing patients with an alternative to conventional antipsychotic medications,” she explained.

Jelena Kunovac, an assistant professor in the psychiatry department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, expressed optimism about Cobenfy, noting that it represents a significant advancement and an innovative treatment option for those affected by schizophrenia.

The landscape of schizophrenia treatment shifted dramatically with the introduction of the first antipsychotic medications in the 1950s, including chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and haloperidol (Haldol). However, advancements in new medications have been sparse since then.

Kunovac elaborated that most traditional schizophrenia medications, known as antipsychotics, primarily work by altering dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, motivation, and thought processes. In contrast, Cobenfy operates by adjusting acetylcholine levels, another key neurotransmitter integral to memory, learning, and attention.

Clinical trials suggest that by focusing on acetylcholine rather than dopamine, Cobenfy effectively alleviates symptoms of schizophrenia while significantly reducing the risk of typical side effects, such as weight gain, drowsiness, and movement disorders, which often lead patients to discontinue treatment within 18 months.

Samit Hirawat, Chief Medical Officer at Bristol-Myers Squibb, emphasized the encouraging results from clinical trials, revealing that only 6% of patients ceased taking Cobenfy due to side effects—an impressive decrease compared to the 20% to 30% observed with older treatments. This represents a considerable advancement in the management of schizophrenia.

As Disney moves away from its productivity platform following a serious data breach, UK-based open-source tool Matrix boldly claims to be hack-proof. But is the mainstream tech industry prepared to adopt it?

Reporting from Berlin Brandenburg airport’s departure lounge, I can recommend the fish and chips imitation, but I suggest skipping the security line—arriving early is your best bet. I’m here for a conference hosted by a tech company you might not be familiar with yet, Matrix, which will soon be on your radar.

In the tech world, single points of failure pose significant challenges. The chaos following a faulty update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which impacted millions in July, and the outages that frustrated Netflix users underscore our heavy reliance on just a few companies.

This brings us to Disney’s recent announcement. The company revealed internally last week that it will no longer use Slack after a July data breach exposed all 44 million messages, 13,000 PDFs, and numerous spreadsheets. This was not only embarrassing for Disney but particularly harmful to Slack as it highlighted a critical failure point.

While protests against AI-generated art could fill an entire edition of TechScape, let’s focus on the main takeaway: Disney has decided to ditch Slack. Although an internal message uncovered by the Wall Street Journal didn’t state, “We’re moving away from Slack due to dissatisfaction,” it did mention, “We should leverage more integrated tools and platforms wherever possible.”

This news came just hours before my conversation with Matrix co-founders Matthew Hodgson and Amandine Le Pape, who are positioning Matrix as a direct alternative to Slack. Unlike Slack, which is centrally controlled, Matrix offers a decentralized messaging and workplace productivity tool that claims to be virtually hack-proof.

While potential vulnerabilities may still exist within Matrix, the founders are keen to showcase how their encryption practices can help safeguard businesses, especially in light of Disney’s recent issues. Throughout our discussion, they referenced Disney’s situation multiple times.

Hodgson and Le Pape hope to persuade organizations to adopt Matrix to lessen their dependence on vulnerable systems. Hodgson pointed out the arrest of Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, and the subsequent data security concerns as critical lessons for companies to consider.

Despite their aspirations, the founders were upfront about the competition they face from established platforms like Slack. “Many private-sector companies don’t mind that much that their communication is unencrypted and stored by Microsoft,” Le Pape said, drawing attention to the over-reliance on platforms like Teams. “It’s pretty remarkable.”

Is convenience outweighing security? I believe this could be entirely true. The conference was highly technical; at times, the information was so complex it went over my head—much like the flights taking off from gate D06. This complexity is also why many organizations opt to remain with Slack or Teams instead of transitioning to Matrix.

The last 25 years of tech development have emphasized reducing barriers and friction. While we may not always select the best products, we tend to gravitate toward those that are easiest to use. In the tech landscape, convenience often reigns supreme, likely keeping companies loyal to familiar names even in the aftermath of data breaches and other major issues.

I’m skeptical this trend will shift anytime soon. It explains why decentralized platforms like Bluesky, which is similar to Matrix, have yet to gain mainstream traction, even as X (formerly Twitter) struggles. It also sheds light on why Linux, despite being a more robust operating system than those from Apple and Microsoft, remains a niche interest. I appreciate the Matrix team for their honesty about the challenges they face ahead.

If you’re interested in reading the complete version of this newsletter, consider subscribing to receive TechScape in your inbox every Tuesday.

One of the standout features of San Francisco, setting it apart from other cities in California and across the nation, is its comprehensive and accessible public transportation system. From office workers and tourists to students and members of the elderly Asian community, many depend on public transit for their everyday activities. However, while the transit system offers vital accessibility, it has also unfortunately become a hotspot for anti-Asian hate crimes, particularly targeting elderly individuals.

During the Lunar New Year, a peak travel period for many older Chinese residents headed to Chinatown to visit family and friends, we had the opportunity to speak with Jessie Liang, a public relations officer with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Jessie shared insights into the agency’s initiatives aimed at safeguarding older adults and curbing AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) violence.

Jessie referenced data from Chinese for Affirmative Action, which has been monitoring anti-AAPI hate incidents since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Their findings indicate that 43% of hate incidents are directed at individuals of Chinese descent, followed by 16% against Koreans, 9% against Filipinos, 8% against Japanese, another 8% against Vietnamese, and 7% against Caucasians.

Jessie stressed that SFMTA’s primary mission is public safety, with a particular focus on ensuring that Asian and elderly passengers feel secure while using transit services. Transportation Director Julie Tan has noted a significant reduction in the number of anti-Asian crime incidents compared to ten years ago. To bolster safety, SFMTA has recruited numerous safety ambassadors who are trained to de-escalate potential threats aboard buses and trains. In the unfortunate event of an attack, these ambassadors are on hand to assist and address passengers’ concerns, helping them to travel with greater peace of mind. This support will continue throughout the Lunar New Year celebrations.

For those who may need assistance, Jessie recommends downloading the “sf311” app, which connects users with SFMTA’s non-emergency assistance hotline. In emergencies, such as physical assaults or medical crises, the agency urges individuals to call 911. They encourage everyone to use the app to report incidents, which facilitates prompt investigations into reported attacks.

SFMTA is also working closely with the Chinatown Community Youth Center (CYC) to deliver support services. Victims of anti-Asian violence can reach out to CYC for help with various needs including language support, filing claims, accessing medical care, and applying for treatment costs, with dedicated social workers ready to assist. Jessie passionately encourages community members to take full advantage of these resources for effective response and recovery following any incidents.

Finally, Jessie advises elderly Asian residents not to let safety concerns keep them from enjoying the outside world. While waiting for public transport, she suggests they stay alert and minimize distractions, like excessive phone use. Being aware of their surroundings can be crucial, as many assailants may take advantage of moments when passengers are distracted. Additionally, Jessie reminds the elderly that busy places tend to be safer than isolated spots and recommends steering clear of known unsafe environments, particularly when traveling alone. She emphasizes the importance of taking proactive safety measures to help protect oneself.

In light of the recent controversy surrounding Max Verstappen’s use of a swear word during a press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Formula One drivers are rallying together to discuss the matter with the FIA. Alex Wurz, chair of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), voiced his opinion that the penalty handed down to Verstappen was overly severe and stressed the importance of a united response from the drivers.

The incident erupted when Verstappen, reacting to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s request for drivers to refrain from using foul language, let an explicit term slip during a Thursday press conference. Subsequently, he was assigned a day’s community service. This episode has since overshadowed the discussions surrounding the race itself.

Frustrated by what he deemed a “silly” punishment from the FIA, Verstappen revealed he is contemplating his future in Formula One. After finishing second to McLaren’s Lando Norris, he shared that many of his fellow drivers support his position. Referencing the GPDA’s WhatsApp group, he noted, “I posted about the ruling, and everyone was almost laughing like: What the hell is that? It is very, very silly.”

Wurz echoed Verstappen’s concerns and drew attention to Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, who became popular partly because of his unfiltered language. “How many lifetime community services would Guenther Steiner have to serve for using the F word?” Wurz quipped, highlighting the irony that Steiner is celebrated for his candid expressions, particularly in the Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” while Verstappen faced consequences for similar behavior.

Interestingly, while Verstappen endured penalties, Norris also used profanity in the cool-down room post-race but has not faced any reprimand. The FIA and Ben Sulayem have yet to address the situation or Verstappen’s protests throughout the race weekend.

Wurz confirmed that the drivers plan to address the issue further, aiming for a resolution. “I think drivers need to be able to express themselves authentically to some extent. It shouldn’t be personally offensive or discriminatory, and they’ve made significant strides in that regard. Personally, I believe the penalty is too harsh. We will discuss this internally, reach a full consensus, and then decide how to approach the FIA and its president.”

On October 1, Israel executed airstrikes on Damascus, Syria’s capital, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring nine others. Among the deceased was a prominent television anchor. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that this attack occurred during a mourning period for the leader of Hezbollah, leading to flags being flown at half-staff across Syria.

Reports indicate that the Israeli military conducted the airstrikes around 2 a.m. local time, utilizing aircraft and drones launched from the occupied Golan Heights. While Syria’s air defenses intercepted a considerable number of missiles and drones, the strikes still regrettably resulted in civilian casualties.

CNN referenced Syrian media stating that one of the victims was Safaa Ahmed, a well-known anchor for Syria’s state television. The broadcasting authority announced that Ahmed had died as a martyr in this “heinous aggression” perpetrated by Israel against Damascus.

Social media footage depicted explosions near a telecommunications building in western Damascus, close to the city’s military airport. Videos obtained by CNN illustrated a vehicle engulfed in flames after the explosions, although it’s not confirmed if this site was where Ahmed and the others lost their lives. Syrian state media did not clarify the exact location of the casualties.

When responding to these reports, the Israeli military stated, “We do not comment on foreign media reports.”

In an impressive performance, Darvish took the mound as the starting pitcher for Game 2, throwing 82 pitches to complete seven innings. He allowed only three hits and one earned run, showcasing his skill in handling a basis-loaded situation in the second inning, where he only surrendered a single run. The Padres defeated the Dodgers 10-2 on October 6, tying the series at one win each. Besides the strong support from his teammates, left fielder Jurickson Profar made an outstanding catch to rob a potential home run, which Darvish initially thought was going out.

Darvish faced Shohei Ohtani in three matchups, coming out on top each time, including a strikeout and two groundouts. Reflecting on pitching to Ohtani, he noted, “Ohtani is a very smart hitter, so I had to think carefully about my strategy and observe his reactions with every pitch.” After the game, Darvish mentioned his objective was to utilize a variety of pitches to attack the strike zone effectively and to prompt quick swings from the hitters.

Early in the game, Darvish was nearly in trouble when Mookie Betts sent a powerful hit toward left field. Profar, positioned against the wall, reached up for the ball just as fans crowded around, and as it vanished from view, he showed no celebration. Dodgers fans erupted in cheers, and Betts raised his hands in excitement, while the broadcast team prepared to announce a home run. It was only when Betts reached third base that he realized something was off, as Profar’s animated gestures indicated a different outcome. Replay footage confirmed that the ball had indeed landed in Profar’s glove.

“I also thought that was a home run,” Darvish admitted, recalling the moment when he believed the score had been equalized, only to be surprised that Profar had caught it.

Darvish expressed his joy at helping the team bounce back after losing the first game, stating, “I’m really happy I could contribute to the team’s win in Game 2 and bring this momentum back home.”

Shohei Ohtani shared his thoughts on the team’s atmosphere following their close 6-5 loss to the Padres on October 8th, which put the Dodgers in a tough position in the National League Division Series, now trailing 1-2. Despite the setback, Ohtani remarked, “The vibe in the dugout is still good. Right now, we just need to focus on winning the next two games.”

In the game, Ohtani faced a challenging outing against the Padres’ pitching staff, recording only one hit in four at-bats, along with two strikeouts. However, he felt optimistic about his performance, stating, “I had a decent feeling at the plate. If I could have just connected on that one pitch, it might have turned the game around. It was just that close.” He notably had a flyout to center field in the fifth inning that was caught near the warning track.

After the narrow defeat, the Dodgers find themselves at a critical juncture in the best-of-five series. Ohtani emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, saying, “There’s no need to dwell on being down 1-2. We just need to keep it simple and focus on winning two games. Although we lost today, the team atmosphere remains strong, and everyone is moving forward with the desire to win.”

On September 12th, I sat down with Zhou Xiaoni, a dedicated member of the overseas Chinese community from Tiantai, who passionately stressed the importance of including individuals with disabilities in our pursuit of common prosperity. “We cannot afford to leave people with disabilities behind. The ‘Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop’ in Tiantai is a groundbreaking initiative that blends charity with empowerment, motivating disabled individuals to stand tall and become self-reliant,” she shared.

Recently, Zhou made headlines with a generous donation of 200,000 yuan to the Tiantai County Disabled Persons’ Federation, marking the largest single contribution this year aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities in the region.

In addressing the numerous challenges that people with disabilities face, such as limited job opportunities and competitiveness in the workforce, the Tiantai County United Front Work Department and the Overseas Chinese Federation have tapped into resources from overseas businesses and returning students. They’re making it a priority to include disabled individuals in their “Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop,” offering personalized training and job prospects that align with their skills and circumstances. To date, more than 100 disabled individuals have secured employment through this initiative.

One particularly inspiring story is that of a deaf-mute woman we’ll call Hai Zhen. After a devastating accident left her family’s primary breadwinner unable to work, they found themselves on the verge of collapse. Just as hope was dwindling, the “Tongxin Filter Material – Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop” reached out to her with job opportunities.

Initially, Hai Zhen encountered difficulties in acquiring the necessary skills due to communication barriers. However, the workshop staff were proactive in teaching her basic sign language, which proved crucial for her training. With the support of her colleagues, she rapidly became skilled in sewing and now earns over 200 yuan a day, significantly improving her quality of life. In 2023, her daughter successfully secured a place at China Jiliang University, while her son gained admission to a prestigious local high school.

Looking ahead, Tiantai County is determined to expand the “Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop” to create even more job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. They are actively seeking participation from overseas Chinese, their families, and returning students in public welfare activities designed to assist this community. The county has plans to utilize its 15 “Homes for Disabled Persons” to further amplify this initiative.

A representative from the Tiantai County Overseas Chinese Federation expressed, “Through the ‘Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop,’ we aim to raise awareness and emphasize the significance of supporting disabled individuals. We want to foster a culture of assistance and warmth, injecting more ‘overseas Chinese energy’ into the movement for common prosperity.”

Additionally, to maximize the impact of charitable contributions from the overseas community, the Tiantai County Disabled Persons’ Federation is considering the creation of family member positions within the “Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop.” Many disabled individuals rely on family members to provide care due to mobility challenges, and the county is exploring a “1+1” model that would allow disabled individuals to work alongside their caregivers, effectively addressing both employment and caregiving needs.

On October 9, during a press conference, Conegliano, an Italian volleyball club, made waves by announcing the signing of Chinese volleyball star Zhu Ting. Over the next two seasons, she’ll take to the court wearing the number 4 jersey for the team.

Zhu Ting is a key player for the Chinese women’s national team and played a crucial role under former coach Lang Ping, leading the team to victory at the Rio 2016 Olympics. After her Olympic triumph, Zhu began her overseas journey, joining Turkey’s VakifBank from 2016 to 2019, where she was instrumental in securing two Champions League titles. Most recently, she played with Italy’s Scandicci from 2022 to 2024, helping the team clinch its first-ever UEFA Cup championship.

Her move to Conegliano marks Zhu’s third international experience, and it brings with it a host of exciting opportunities. Conegliano has a solid reputation, having captured multiple prestigious titles in recent years, including the 2023-2024 Champions League title, which has earned them a spot in the upcoming 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship set to take place in China this December.

As Zhu reunites with the Chinese national team in preparation for the Paris Olympics, she’ll work alongside coach Cai Bin as she embarks on this new Olympic journey. Unfortunately, the team faced disappointment in the quarterfinals, falling 3-2 to Turkey. Following the Olympics, Zhu took some time to rest and recover, and she expressed optimism about her condition. “I just need a little more time before returning to competitive play. My recovery from injuries is progressing well, and I’m managing it all within a good range,” she shared.

Looking ahead, Zhu hopes to stay healthy and bring her best to the court, delivering thrilling performances for fans. “If my abilities remain and my health allows, and if the national team still needs me, I hope to represent my country again in the future,” she added with determination.