The Paper - August 27, 2026

Volume 56 - No. 35

August 27, 2026

OUR SWAN SONG After 28 years it is time to ‘hang ‘em up.’

by lyle e davis This will be the final edition of The and publisher of Roadrunner Paper under my ownership and Publications and his Business Manager, Joshua Sibelius, will operation. oversee operations. I could not have asked for better new owners. So this is my "Swan Song." We think alike, we work well I am delighted to report The Paper together, we like each other and is in good hands and will continue we'll help each other out. You are in much the same fashion and form in for a real treat with the all-new Paper! you have become accustomed to. Same format, more writers. a My close pal, Friedrich Gomez, continuation of feature stories and will continue writing for The Paper. occasional commentary. lyle e davis

Justin

The Paper • 760-546-7000 www.TheCommunityPaper.com

email: thepaper@cox.net

Salter,

the

president I truly have never met or known a

Friedrich Gomez Swan Song - See Page 3

The Paper • Page 2 • August 27, 2026

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle

This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy! My 14-year old grand daughter is beautiful, brilliant, and wise beyond her years. I notice she takes a great deal after her grandfather. **** If your eyes hurt after you drink coffee ... you’re supposed to take the spoon out of the cup first. **** I just had a physical. The doctor said, anything fatty.”

“don’t

eat

I asked, “you mean like hamburgers and bacon?” He said, “No, fatty, don’t eat anything.” **** The best part of getting older is . . . . nothing. Getting older sucks. **** This pastor decided one Sunday he wanted to play golf. So he took Sunday off and left town. He told his assistant he wasn’t feeling well and he went out of town, found another golf course where no one would know him. He teed off on the first hold. A gust of wind came up, grabbed the ball mid-flight, added another 100 yards to the drive, dropped it on the green and it rolled into the hold for a 450 yard hole in one. An angel looked at God and said, “what’d you do that for?” God smiled and said, “who’s he gonna tell?” **** My neighbors complained I was too loud while having sex in the morning. If they only knew . . I was just trying to put my socks on. **** When I find it I don’t need it.

I think it’s time you quit golfing. When I need it I can’t find it. Maybe you should sell your golf **** Today I decided to visit my clubs.” Jim gets this horrified look on his face. childhood home. She says, “Darling, what’s wrong?” I asked the residents if I could come He replied, “There for a minute you inside for a visit as I was feeling were sounding like my ex-wife.” “Ex wife!” she screams, “I didn’t nostalgic. know you were married before!” They said no and slammed the door “I wasn’t!” **** in my face. MT. VERNON, TEXAS ... BROTHEL SUES LOCAL My parents are the worst! CHURCH OVER LIGHTNING **** (GOD ENJOYS A GOOD STRIKE Diamond D’s brothel began LAUGH!) construction on an expansion of There were 3 good arguments that their building to increase their everJesus was Black: growing business. In response, 1. He called everyone brother. the local Baptist Church started 2. He liked Gospel. a campaign to block the business 3. He didn’t get a fair trial. But then there were 3 equally good from expanding -- with morning, afternoon, and evening prayer arguments that Jesus was Jewish: 1. He went into His Father’s sessions at their church. Work on Diamond D’s progressed business. 2. He lived at home until he was 33. right up until the week before the 3. He was sure his Mother was a grand reopening when lightning virgin - and his Mother was sure He struck the whorehouse and burned it to the ground! was God. But then there were 3 equally good After the cat-house was burned to the ground by the lightning arguments that Jesus was Italian: strike, the church folks were rather 1. He talked with His hands. smug in their outlook, bragging 2. He had wine with His meals. about “the power of prayer.” 3. He used olive oil. But then there were 3 equally But late last week ‘Big Jugs’ Jill good arguments that Jesus was a Diamond, the owner/madam, sued the church, the preacher and the Californian: entire congregation on the grounds 1. He never cut His hair. 2. He walked around barefoot all that the church ... “was ultimately responsible for the demise of her the time. building and her business -- either 3. He started a new religion. But then there were 3 equally through direct or indirect divine good arguments that Jesus was an actions or means.” In its reply to the court, the church American Indian: vehemently and voraciously 1. He was at peace with nature. denied any and all responsibility 2. He ate a lot of fish. 3. He talked a lot about the Great or any connection to the building’s demise. The crusty old judge read Spirit. But then there were 3 equally good through the plaintiff’s complaint and the defendant’s reply, and at the arguments that Jesus was Irish: opening hearing he commented, “I 1. He never got married. don’t know how the hell I’m going to 2. He was always telling stories. decide this case, but it appears from 3. He loved green pastures. But the most compelling evidence the paperwork, that we now have a whorehouse owner who staunchly of all: believes in the power of prayer, and 3 proofs that Jesus was a Woman: 1. He fed a crowd at a moment’s an entire church congregation that notice when there was virtually no thinks it’s all BS.” **** food. 2. He kept trying to get a message A boy was born of an Indian, Irish, and Italian across to a bunch of men who just Chinese, grandmother... didn’t get it. 3. And even when He was dead, He They couldn’t settle on a name, had to get up because there was still until it hit them! They named him Ravi O. Lee work to do! **** (Can I get an AMEN, here!) I had a lot of stuff to do today. Now **** Jim decided to tie the knot with his I have a lot of stuff to do tomorrow. long time girlfriend. One evening, **** after the honeymoon, he was I asked my wife why she married cleaning his golf shoes. His wife me. was standing there watching him. After a long period of silence she “I thought was because I was wise finally speaks. “Honey, I’ve been and handsome.” thinking, now that we are married

She replie, “See? Yoou’re hilarious!” **** Beer is made from hops. Hops are plants. Beer is salad. **** Therapist: You need to write letters to people who have wronged you. Then, throw them in the fire. Me. OK, but what do I do with the letters? **** We Southerners are pretty easy to get along with, but there are a few things we just don’t like.... Kudzu- It’s hard to imagine why this nasty green plague was intentionally brought here, but one thing is for sure: it doesn’t want to leave. Unsweetened tea- We likely won’t judge you too harshly if you choose to drink your tea unsweetened, but don’t be surprised if you get an eye roll. Store-bought tomatoes- Trust us on this. There’s no comparison with homegrown. Mosquitos- During Dog Days, they seem like they are the size of small helicopters. Most snakes- If you post a picture on Facebook of a snake you saw in your yard, 12,362 people will tell you it’s a copperhead, even if it’s pink and made of rubber. Sweetened cornbread. As Nancy Reagan said about drugs, just say no. Sugar in grits (See sweetened cornbread.) Calling a soft drink “pop”- Soft drinks are Cokes. Even if they are Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, or your grocery store’s own brand. Folks who aren’t Southern but try to speak with an accent when speaking with us. Usually, a politician asking for your vote, your money, or both. Instant grits. We do things slowly, so take the time to make your grits the right way. Bad manners- If you grew up here, you were raised better. Miracle Whip- It isn’t mayo. On the same aisle in your store, they have Duke’s. Get that. Pollen—From March to July, it turns everything outdoors a horrible shade of yellow. It also makes washing your car an exercise in futility. Breathing can become like a job. Gnats- They arrive in swarms of billions and don’t leave until winter. They are only in South Carolina. And every other Southern state. Stuffing- We make dressing. With cornbread. We don’t understand why you don’t. Folks who say White Castles are the same as Krystals. They just aren’t. Folks who move here and try to tell CHUCKLES See Page 10

The Paper • Page 3 • August 27, 2026

SWAN From Page 1

Our new colleague, David Ross, The late John Smylie, a successful editor of the Escondido Times probate attorney and close friend, Advocate, does a remarkable job Several years ago I had serious brought me into The Paper. of investigative journalism. medical issues, multiple cancers, stage 4, which required chemo- His client, Bill Willoughby, owner But, wait! You're not rid of me therapy for three months. Friedrich of the San Marcos News Reporter, yet! I will continue to write the was there, by my side, acting as a small weekly newspaper weekly Chuckles column and will valet, chauffeur, secretary, nurse, suffered a heart attack and the also write the "Man About Town" whatever I needed. The chemo paper was dark for 4-5 weeks. column at least once a month. was successful and I've been in John thought I might want to get complete remission for over five back into the media and acquire Some of you might be wondering years. the San Marcos News Reporter. . . "wait a minute! You're a Indeed, I did. We renamed it The publisher! Why do you leave Later, during that same time period, Paper and expanded our coverage your plush, glamorous publisher's I had a heart attack, COVID, and area from San Marcos to all of office, with numerous attractive worst of all, Shingles. Friedrich North County. At our peak we and giggling lady staff members was there. had 30,000 weekly readers. and become "just a newspaper delivery boy?" Friedrich would literally have to We had fun. button my shirt, brush my hair, Answer: Because I love it! I get help me dress, answer my phones, Sometimes, we had controversy. out of the office, see the real world, type my letters, and he continued visit with business people, laugh, to write his wonderful stories for In the fun department, we once joke, and sing, all with my pal, me and The Paper. pulled a major prank. For April Friedrich Gomez. I'm probably Fool's Day. going to miss that adventure the Shingles was the most painful most once I retire. Friedrich and experience I've ever had. Without We had a large color photo of The I have great fun out in the field Friedrich I doubt I would have Eiffel Tower and ran a cover story being "newspaper delivery boys." survived. about how local investors, together with major celebrities, had pooled About Friedrich . . . wait. Let's let Thanks to Friedrich and a lot of their money and purchased the Friedrich tell his own story: very talented doctors and nurses, Eiffel Tower and planned on I recovered and, today, am much shipping it to Escondido where it “THE PAPER” & THE MAN healthier, and am just plain ol' would be re-assembled and serve WHO SAVED MY LIFE mean and ornery. And Friedrich as a major tourist attraction. NEVER EVEN KNEW ME! is still here. We deliver papers By every week and have a grand Friedrich Gomez time, laughing, joking, singing, and enjoying life. Is it truly possible for someone to, literally, save your life . . . and for I have come to love Friedrich like that person to not even know you a son Indeed, I offered to legally exist, or that he even performed adopt him at one time. He said, a ‘miraculous’ gesture that kept "dad, don't adopt me legally; you alive in this world?

And in adopt me spiritually." I acceded so doing, this man returned to to his request. you a most precious, lost gift: he returned to you your will to Just to show you the kind of guy live. 

I didn’t know anything Friedrich is . . . often, while we are about lyle e. davis. Nor was I out delivering papers, Friedrich around to personally witness the will stop the car and say, "just moribund newspaper he salvaged a moment, dad . . " and he'll go (The San Marcos News Reporter) and help an elderly person cross and rebranded it, recreated it, 28 a street, or open a door - or he years ago and simply renamed willl donate a dollar or two to a it: THE PAPER.

And how this homeless person. He has a heart newly salvaged newspaper rose of gold. We had readers and city officials from the ashes, like a phoenix, alike completely fooled . . . but and changed the world around We've had a wonderful 28 years they all took it in good humor and it. 

All of this I would later of bringing you The Paper. Never had fun with it. learn about, only in retrospect missed a deadline, never missed – many, many years later -- and a publication - though we came For several years we did as part of North County cultural close a couple of times. investigative journalism and history. 

Herewith is a most exposed several scandals at city amazing, factual story of lyle e. Our very first advertiser was Paul hall (Escondido) and critiqued davis and his brain child, THE Van Middlesworth, owner of The several top officials. Readers PAPER -- and how he and THE Computer Factory. They've been loved us. Some officials didn't. PAPER salvaged me from the with us ever since - our longest, We were just doing our job. dustbin of life and certain death. most loyal client. He and his wife, Nome, were not only great We don't do investigative A few years ago I took a nasty clients but became great friends. journalism any more. It is difficult, fall from a very high industrial Paul and Nome are also planning hard, hard work - time consuming ladder while working for Hunter on retiring at the end of this year. and consumes a lot of resources. Douglas, Inc. (a national company Perhaps it's fitting that we both go I'm too old for that now. Looking which created window coverings) out together. forward to a peaceful retirement. in Poway, California. person quite like Friedrich.

The impact from the fall was so ferocious (I landed face-down from a high altitude, accelerating during descent) that doctors later told me it was a miracle I did not die on impact! 

“If we were to replay your event 100 times over, you probably would only survive twice!” they would later tell me.

The dizzying calculations against my survival was incomprehensible to me.

At the time of this horrific accident, I was quickly transported to Palomar Hospital. More dead than alive, I was attended by no less than seven doctors during a frantic effort to save my life on the operating table. 

A coworker had accompanied the paramedics so that he could give a summary of what happened and to provide vital details of the fall. With no recollections, whatsoever, I was later told that while semiconscious with periodic lapses into unconsciousness, the paramedics were steadily talking to me, trying to keep me from lapsing into prolonged unconsciousness, and possible death. 

As related to me much later, the two paramedics tending to me yelled to my coworker sitting in the open front seat of the speeding vehicle, with its siren blaring loudly. Through the open doorway the paramedics shouted, “What’s his name?! He’s talking but we can’t understand the language!”

I’m told that he yelled back, “He’s speaking in German!” 

At Palomar Hospital I was rushed into emergency surgery in an attempt to stabilize me. I had lost too much blood necessitating an emergency blood transfusion procedure. 

It was quickly discovered that my injuries seemed without limits: all my ribs on the right side were shattered, the femur of my right leg was also demolished, both my eye sockets were fractured and the left side of my facial bones were splintered into tiny fractures. 

In addition to all of this, I had massive dental trauma and a deadly hematoma was now discovered around my brain. The hematoma was technically referred to as a “subdural hematoma” a collection of blood outside the brain caused by a severe head injury. You can well imagine the power of impact to the head that would cause internal bleeding inside the skull around the physical brain. The bleeding and increased pressure on the brain can be life-threatening. In my specific case, it was another miracle that it did not kill me outright at the scene of the fall.

 A SWAN See Page 5

The Paper • Page 4 • August 27, 2026

Thank you, Lyle. Turning the Page to Our Next Chapter By JUSTIN SALTER For decades, picking up this paper meant turning to Lyle Davis for a steady dose of local news, sharp community insights, and his unmistakable rotation of jokes and stories. Lyle didn’t just publish a paper, he built a mirror for our region, running it with grit, humor, and an authentic voice. He proved every week that local journalism succeeds when it truly cares about the people

it serves. Now, after decades of relentless deadlines, tens of thousands of printed pages, and endless stories told, Lyle is officially hanging up his press hat with this issue. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Lyle. You’ve more than earned the right to step back, relax, and enjoy what comes next. On behalf of everyone who has opened these pages over the years, thank you for your dedication, your hu-

mor, and for simply being yourself. As I step into the role of publisher, I want to reassure our readers of one thing right away: this issue isn’t an end. It is simply turning the page to the next chapter. While we are officially continuing our journey under a new title The North County Chronicle, our fundamental mission remains firmly intact. The name above the fold is changing, but the core of this publication stays the same. We are committed

to building on the foundation Lyle established by delivering honest local reporting, highlighting neighborhood voices, and keeping that essential sense of humor alive in these pages. Thank you, Lyle, for handing off such a strong legacy. To our readers, welcome to this next era. I am honored to serve as your publisher, and I look forward to writing the future of The North County Chronicle together with you.

Landmark sign installed on Hwy 78 A new landmark sign was installed Wednesday, August 19, in Escondido as part of a joint initiative between the city and Caltrans, marking the first project of its kind in this section of the county. Built within the Caltrans right-of-way through a formal cooperation agreement, the monument is part of a broader statewide effort to upgrade community entrances across California. According to the City of Escondido communications department, $400,000 has been allocated to cover construction management services and city staff administration for the project. You’ll find this new landmark along the 78 just west of Broadway. Caltrans provided $2.1 million in Clean California funding to the City of Escondido for the gateway project. The city was the lead for design and construction,

with Caltrans as oversight. Caltrans District 11 External Affairs Manager Aaron Hunter told The Paper, “Congratulations to the City of Escondido for the completion of the gateway project. Communities across California take pride in where they live and want to make it a better place to live. The Clean California helps makes that possible. Throughout the San Diego region, communities have been beautifying space, improving infrastructure, increasing access to transit, and more.” The Clean California imitative is a $1.2 billion, multiyear clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform, and beautify public spaces … and help keep them that way. New sign goes up along Hwy 78

The Paper • Page 5 • August 27, 2026

MOVING ON By Pastor Huls

Pastor Huls Lyle, my editor, has sold the paper. I want to give a little history of my relationship with him in this last article under his ownership. I have discussed it with him, and he approves.We were fellow members of the Kiwanis Civic Club. He had asked me to speak to the club about my hobby, beekeeping. That experience helped develop our friendship, which began with sharing a cup of coffee in Major Market ten years ago. We discussed the paper and what it offered the community. The lead articles and joke section were key topics. Then he asked me what I thought of the paper, his publication. I told him that I thought it was a pretty good paper, but it was missing an important ingredient. That was some spiritual content. Now many of you know that Lyle doesn’t profess any identity with Christianity. In fact, he will

even disavow any connection with it, with one exception: his relationship with some minister friends. Perhaps he feels some sanctification in his relationships. I was curious about his position, so I asked him why he disbelieved. I am sure many of you are curious. His answer is in reading Thomas Paine’s treatise, the “Age of Reason “ regardless of his own disbelief in Christianity and the Bible, he suggested I undertake the responsibility of getting some local ministers to write a column with a religious theme each week. I pursued the task and got four ministers to contribute a column a week, with the theme “The Pastor Says.” This lasted for a couple of months until it became a burden, and three dropped out. Then Lyle put the burden of writing a column a week on me, and I have been doing it now for about ten years. Contributing an article a week has not been without some satisfaction. In fact, when Lyle said he was going to sell the paper, I was disappointed. Lyle

and I met weekly for coffee to discuss the content of both my articles and some local social issues. He has always been a gracious editor and accepting of my writing. I am not a blueribbon writer, but I always picked subjects of interest that aligned with Lyle’s desire to serve the community. In a couple of weeks, he will be done with the paper. I will miss our content reviews and his acceptance of an amateur writer. We will still have coffee to discuss the news and talk about what it means to be retired. After a career in journalism, it will be difficult for him not to write about what interests him and, at times, to engage in controversial events for better or worse. That happens in journalism. Lyle has had some of that, but as a friend, I know he faced it and will leave the paper confident that he has done a good thing for the community. I am thankful for the opportunity he gave me to write for the paper and for our friendship. I share in his missing the opportunity to write and publish.

SWAN From Page 3

surgical team worked the upper half of my body and head while another team of surgeons attended to the lower half of my bloodied form. In short, I was like a virtual humpty-dumpty with seven doctors frantically trying to piece me back together again. At one point they said they almost lost me, altogether. I had flat-lined twice on the operating table!
 
I can only remember waking up in a hospital bed. Despite pain killers, I was in pain 24/7. Then, bits and pieces of the situation came into view. My right leg was re-constructed with titanium rods and plates and screws. A dental surgeon miraculously and successfully addressed my dental trauma and without losing any of my teeth; a plastic and reconstructive surgeon also worked inside my mouth; an ophthalmologist intervened to save my left eye and both eyesight. Two neurosurgeons remedied the brain hematoma disaster area, and the other surgeons worked in sync to save this Native American they would soon know as “White Eagle.” (Half Kumeyaay on my mother’s side.)
 
I was bedridden and given three stomach injections each night before bedtime to prevent any possible stroke. Eventually, I had to be carried to and from the restroom and given sponge baths. Occasionally, I was transported via a gurney whenever X-rays were needed to be taken for periodic updates on imaging. The slightest movement caused severe physical pain, eliciting cries of anguish from me.

Eventually, I SWAN See Page 7

Call 811 before you dig. Digging near utility lines can be dangerous and costly. Always call 811 first to identify buried lines. It’s free, easy and essential. Once marked, carefully dig by hand (or paw) within 24 inches on either side to help expose the utility line before using a shovel. Learn more at sdge.com/safety

MORE SAFETY TIPS

©2026 San Diego Gas & Electric Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved.

Message funded by ratepayers. SDGE_2026_GES_Print_811Dig_PaperEscondido.indd 1

7/31/26 11:20 AM

The Paper • Page 6 • August 27, 2026

Registrar calls for poll workers ahead of the Nov. 3 Election The Registrar of Voters is calling on community members to sign up as poll workers for the November 3 Gubernatorial General Election. The recruitment push coincides with National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and highlights the essential role poll workers play in keeping elections secure, accessible and running smoothly. Poll workers receive a daily stipend for their service. The need for poll workers is highest in Carlsbad, central San Diego, Oceanside, and Vista, where additional workers are required to staff nearby vote centers. To support accessible elections, the Registrar is also seeking bilingual poll workers who can assist voters in 15 languages. Federal law requires the Registrar’s office to provide bilingual speakers and voting materials for voters who speak: Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese. State and county rules also require bilingual speakers at select vote centers in: Arabic, Hindi, Hmong, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Persian, Somali and Thai. Poll workers are needed throughout the voting period, not just on Election Day. Vote centers operate for up to 11 days beginning Octo-

ber 24, offering multiple options for shift coverage. Benefits include: • A daily stipend of $145 from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2 • $240 on Election Day due to expanded hours • Additional pay for bilingual poll workers: $5 extra per day and $10 extra on Election Day Poll workers must: • Be a U.S. citizen registered to vote in California or a lawful permanent resident • Have reliable transportation to and from the assigned vote center • Complete two days of in-person training (paid a $95 daily stipend) • Be available to work four or 11 days, including extended hours on Election Day Poll workers open and close vote centers, assist voters, answer questions and complete stipend paperwork. The Registrar is seeking team members with strong customer service skills, leadership, flexibility, patience, and integrity. All poll workers must serve in a professional and nonpartisan manner. Applications are available at sdvote.com. For more information, call 858-565-5800 or email pollworker@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Guard your heart and your wallet from romance scams By DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUMMER STEPHAN Romance scams are among the most devastating frauds because they don’t just steal your money, they exploit your trust and break your heart at the same time. Scammers prey on trust, loneliness, and human connection, so what begins as an innocent online conversation can quickly become an elaborate scheme designed to separate victims from their life savings. Scammers are patient and sophisticated. They spend weeks or even months building what appears to be a genuine romantic relationship before asking for money or introducing what they promise is a life-changing financial opportunity. In San Diego County, we’re seeing romance scammers use a particularly dangerous tactic. Victims believe they have met a legitimate romantic interest online who claims to be a successful investor in foreign currency markets, cryptocurrency, or other speculative investments. The scammer offers to teach the victim how to make easy money, presenting themselves as both a romantic partner and a trusted financial mentor. In one investigation, a victim believed he was in an online ro-

San Marcos Mayor • Rebecca Jones A continued commitment to e-bike safety E-bike safety continues to be a top priority for the City of San Marcos. That is why this school year we’re continuing our partnership with San Marcos Unified School District and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to provide students and families with the information and resources they need to ride safely and responsibly. As part of that effort, we’re expanding our Ride Right e-bike safety outreach with pop-up events throughout the district. These events give students and families an opportunity to learn about e-bike classifications, helmet requirements and rules of the road, while also providing students the opportunity to receive their SMUSD e-bike permit. Keeping our streets safe is a shared responsibility, and knowing the rules is an important part of being a responsible rider. With students using e-bikes to get to and from school, I encourage families to review these important rules. Riders under 12 are not allowed on e-bikes Riders under 18 must wear a helmet Passengers are only allowed if the e-bike is designed for it Lights are required at night No weaving through traffic No riding on sidewalks With a new school year underway, it’s a good time to remember that safety extends to everyone using our streets whether driving, biking or walking. Let’s continue to look out for one another and do our part to keep our community safe.

I encourage our students and families to stop by an upcoming Ride Right pop-up to ask questions, connect with our team and learn more about safe and responsible riding. E-bike safety workshops Tuesday, Sept. 1 | 5–6 p.m. San Marcos High School, Cafeteria Tuesday, Sept. 8 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. Mission Hills High School, Library Tuesday, Sept. 15 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. La Mirada Academy, Library Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. Double Peak School, Gym Tuesday, Sept. 29 | 5–6 p.m. San Marcos Middle School, MPR Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 5–6 p.m. Woodland Park Middle School, Gym

mantic relationship with a woman living in Japan. She convinced him to begin investing in foreign currency markets and provided him with what appeared to be an investment dashboard showing extraordinary returns. After receiving about $1,000 in profits on an initial $5,000 investment, he became convinced the opportunity was legitimate and invested hundreds of thousands of dollars with his online girlfriend’s guidance. When he later attempted to withdraw some of his funds, he discovered the investment platform was nothing more than a sophisticated sham and his money was gone. This type of fraud is becoming increasingly common and costly. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, California reported 2,593 victims of confidence and romance scams in 2025, with losses totaling more than $158.9 million. That’s a significant increase from 2024, when 2,363 victims reported losses exceeding $112.4 million. There are warning signs everyone should know. Be suspicious if someone you’ve met online: • Quickly expresses strong romantic feelings or pushes the relationship to move fast. WALLET See Page 13

The Paper • Page 7 • August 27, 2026

SWAN From Page 5

was moved to the ninth floor where I had to learn to walk all over again as if I were a small child; tiny steps with the aid of my therapist. It was an excruciating process. I was still a total mess. I was now a cripple with every fiber of my being inflamed with pain despite any pain killers, including high doses of morphine intravenously. 

I had lost my will to live.

Then, one extraordinary day, it happened. A kind patient across the hall brought me my very first copy of lyle e. davis’ THE PAPER. I read the chuckles under the column, “Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle” and my laughter could be heard down the hospital halls. It was that loud. Scared the cider out of my doctors who all came running to my bedside! 

When they quickly found out that the cause of my sudden ‘turn in life’ was a newspaper, well, they just stood and looked at each other. The orthopedist examined THE PAPER and quipped, “Hell, maybe we should have this damned newspaper in all the patients’ rooms!” 

It was only a matter of time that the doctors discovered a small stack of THE PAPER under my pillow. When it came time for my injections on my stomach I began crying all over again. Then one of my doctors got a bright idea. My neurologist said, “Let him hold the stack of those newspapers!” 

They did. And I hugged them and stopped crying.
 
The doctors knew. The orthopedic surgeon who rebuilt my right femur area knew. The ophthalmologist who salvaged my eyes and sight knew, and so did the neurologist who was now monitoring me after the neurosurgeons did their work. They all knew. That laughter can sometimes be the best medicine the world has ever known. And THE PAPER gave me that medicine each and every Thursday!
 
One day when the doctors hovered over me, examining me from head-to-toe, I noticed someone new. I knew all of my doctors, all seven of them but, this one, I did not recall. When I buzzed the nurses’ station and asked them to please send him back to my room, he slowly walked back with a gentle smile. 

“I’m so sorry, but I know all my doctors, but, I don’t remember you” I asked. 

Still smiling, he looked down at me in bed and said, “You weren’t supposed to remember me. You were unconscious at the time. I’m the doctor who successfully

stabilised you. I was the doctor who kept you alive. I’m neurosurgeon, Dr. Stern.” 

With both my arms fully extended straight up in the air like a small child, I reached up to him the best I could and he lowered his powerful frame gently so that I could give him a tiny hug. Along with his gentle smile I could actually see tears in his eyes.

 For some odd reason, all the nurses (both day and night shifts) formed an unusually close bond with me – more so than the average nursepatient relationship that I had come to know. 

I was now slowly learning to walk all over again, like the baby I once was. I was taught how to walk with crutches and how to put myself, carefully, back into my wheelchair. My wheelchair was my chariot and I could now visit other patients, and I did. However, I was warned at the nurses’ station to stay out of one grouchy old man’s room. Even the nurses had a difficult time with him. Curious, I went with my wheelchair and sat at his doorway looking in. 

“What the hell do you want?!” he growled in my direction. He looked very old and ornery. Yet, day by day, I took my wheelchair to his room and he soon stopped cussing at me. I saw a photo of a pretty lady sitting on his nightstand and asked who she was. He remained silent for a few seconds and then said, “My wife. She passed a few years back. Left me alone. A part of me went with her. Still lickin’ my wounds, I guess.” 

In time he talked about his upbringing in Ferriday, Louisiana. He shared slices of his life with me: the old fishing hole, wearing his Sunday best, his old coon hound, Jasper, and how he first met his wife and fell in love. He had no close kinfolk to visit him.
 
To this day, I never saw the same man the nurses had warned me about. He wasn’t really mean, he just hurt a lot, deep inside. 

One day I brought my copy of THE PAPER and gave it to him. He laughed so hard that it actually scared me! 

Once, when I missed a day due to exhaustive physical tests, etc., he angrily asked me the following day, “Where the hell were you? You Injuns can’t tell time? You didn’t poke your damned nose in here to bother me!” 

That was the day he handed me a beautiful old pocket watch and told me, “Here, take this. Maybe you’ll learn to keep time with it. And don’t break the damned thing, either! It’s yours -- just for safekeeping, till I come git it from you.” 

On the backside of the pocket watch was etched

his name, “James T. Ferguson.”
 
One day, after asking the nurse to place me in my wheelchair from my bed, I whirled past the nurse’s station on my way to see my grumpy new pal, Mr. Ferguson. I stopped my wheelchair at his doorway only to see the nurses cleaning out his bed and putting new linen on it. His wife’s photo was gone, too. Everything on his dresser was also gone. The nurses looked at me and with a grim expression and one of them said, “He’s gone, honey. He passed away last night. I’m very sorry. I think you were like family to him. You should be proud of yourself. You have the rare honour of having been his best friend.”

I didn’t eat supper that night. I just cried in bed. A few days later, my therapist told me she had a surprise for me. “I’m taking you out to the front lobby and letting you walk on your crutches outside, for a bit of fresh air.” My eyes lit up as I asked her, “Are you serious?!” 

Off we went on my wheelchair and I transferred to my crutches outside the sliding glass entranceway. I knew what I wanted to do. I could see the newspaper rack about 40-feet away in the distance. When she put me on my crutches I made my way to the rack, smiling from ear to ear. Then I said, “Okay, let me walk by myself without the crutches.” She often let me do this, but she was forever timid and only let me take baby steps, shadowing me, mother-like. 

Ten feet from the rack I said, “Okay, now lemme go. I wanna walk there by myself.” I slowly walked, and every time I wobbled or teetered a bit, I heard her gasp out loud, but I gently waved her off. “I can do this,” I reassured her. Finally, slowly, I arrived at the newspaper rack at glacier speed and with a wide smile and bulging eyes I leaned – supporting myself on the rack – and picked up a copy of THE PAPER.

For the very first time I actually got my own copy of THE PAPER – by myself! I clutched it to my chest as if I had won a gold medal at the U.S. Olympics. My therapist knew what had just happened and I could see her smiling and wiping tears from her eyes at the same time. She clapped with encouragement and then slowly placed me back in my wheelchair. 

As melodramatic as all this may sound, it was truly a God-given moment for me and I could hear myself whisper, haltingly, to myself, “I want . . . to live. I want . . . to live. I don’t want . . . to die anymore.” 
 
On my last day at the hospital, which

seemed like an eternity, I was so overjoyed to be checking out, at last. Looking back, the whole medical staff was shocked at how quickly my bones mended and my overall recovery.
 
That weekly publication called THE PAPER truly helped me survive my worst nightmare. The chuckles gave me laughter which I thought had perished in that frightful fall that nearly killed me.

THE PROMISE.

I made a solemn promise that I would someday write for THE PAPER and give back what it gave to me. Hope. And inspiration. And the ability to laugh and be happy all over again. 

Odd thing is that the publisher/owner of THE PAPER, lyle e. davis, never knew what he was doing in helping me piece my life together. All that time, he never even knew my name, nor my anguish, and struggles, nor how I lost my will to live. It is one of life’s irony at how people in life can be crucial in salvaging a human life – and yet not even be aware of it. 

And I’m still writing cover stories for THE PAPER. What you are now reading is 326th cover story.

Oh, and by the way, I still have that beautiful pocket watch that a wonderful man once handed to me, Mr. Ferguson. I keep it shiny and in a safe place on a nightstand, close to my pillow at night. It reminds me of a very special friend who gave it to me for “safekeeping.” He never did make it back to get it from me. I have a very strong suspicion he never planned to. And by the way, it keeps perfect time ‘cause I take good care of it. 

Mr. Ferguson would be very proud of me.

I finally put a face to the mysterious man who made me laugh with his “Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle. 

But I’ve become so close to him that I can no longer call him lyle e. davis – it just seems odd. Today, it’s just ‘Dad” or “Papa.” 

I refer to my editor/ publisher as lyle e. davis only as a reference for readers to understand. But I never personally address him as such.

He’s simply my Dad. 

So, Dad, this is the end of the road for us and THE PAPER. But it is time to pass the torch to others who will continue your legacy, like Mr. Justin Salter.

But I’ll say one thing, Papa: “It’s been one helluva ride!”

God bless you, Papa . . . forever and a day. 

In German: “Danke, Papa. Du hast mir durch Lachen und Liebe das gerettet.”

(Translation: “Thanks, Papa. You saved my life through laughter and love.”

The Paper • Page 8 • August 27, 2026

The Paper • Page 9 • August 27, 2026

The Paper • Page 10 • August 27, 2026

He actually covers a number of areas . . . hot water heaters, tankless hot water heaters and five stage whole house filtration and water treatment.

Ruth just turned 100 this past From me to you. . . a great big HUG! Saturday and she was honored this With much affection, past Saturdat Casa de Bandini in lyle He has aroused my curiosity. How Carlsbad. about you? If you're curious, give him a call at 760.877.4050. Many hugs from The Paper to Tankless Water Heateers. Tommy Ruthie Morgan. Happy 100th McDonald. He'll treat you right. Birthday! Oh, here's a photo of a tankless water heater. Pretty neat, huh? ****

Man About Town by lyle e davis Floating around North County and visiting various businesses you can't help but meet some fascinating folks. Like Tommy instance.

McDonald

Morgan, the young lady who runz I thank all you for your support and Zumba by Lynn. encouragement.

for

This guy sells and installs tankless water heaters. Whaaaat? Yep. Tankless water heaters. And he does it for less than most other companies out there.

It's been a long time coming but retirement has arrived. After this week the new owners will take over and I shall retire. I'll still poke my nose in from time to time . . . I plan on writing the Chuckles Column every week and the Man About Town column at least once a month. Friedrich Gomez will still be writing cover stories and and I will be pals for all time.

**** Happy Birthday to Ruth (aka Ruthie) Morgan, mother of Lynn It's been a wonderful 28 years and

night I woke up to find her holding The Pandemic is of less and less a pillow over my face to protect me concern. It’s still out there. People us how we should be doing things. are still catching it. People are from catching her cold. We really, seriously, don’t care how still dying or being seriously you did it there. hospitalized. Nothing in this post **** Those same folks, when they call should suggest that masks aren’t grilling barbecuing. Barbecue is If Dracula can’t see his image in a a good idea in some situations, a food, not an action. If you are at mirror how come his hair is always hands should not be washed or a heat producing device and you COVID is no longer a concern. so neatly combed? are outdoors, if you are cooking But if you’re like me, you’re now hamburgers or hotdogs, you are doing some things you refrained **** GRILLING! from doing before we all heard the Canned biscuits. No explanation is Karl Marx is a famous philosopher word “coronavirus.” I have gone to needed. but no one seems to remember his a party, gone to a movie, gone to a Humidity. It’s miserable, and most sister, Onya, inventor of the starter comic book convention. states have laws that it must be I have not gone to Las Vegas and it pistol. discussed, along with an estimate of may be a long time before I do. the temperature it feels like. Using Oh, wait. I misspelled a word in that **** the sentence “it isn’t the heat, it’s previous paragraph. I should have the humidity” is mandatory at least When I was 20 I would touch my written “lonnnnnnnngggggg.” And twelve times per summer. toes 20 times each morning. Today, this not so much because of disease Those who call or text you during I have a cup of coffee and wave at but because I now have no reason to an SEC football game, and it’s about go there and plenty of reasons not them. something other than the game. to. Do you not know? AcceptableI used to go to Las Vegas a lot. There **** Our offense is looking good. Not were a few months in the nineties acceptable—I’ve got this rash on when I was there as much as I was Thinking of going to Las Vegas? my arm. What do you think it is? in my home in Los Angeles. Here Think again . . Just go to the emergency room and I’m a regular reader of Mark are some of the reasons why I went call us later. Evaniers “newsfromme.com” there and why those reasons no Anyone critical of Lewis Grizzard, blog. He writes all the dialogue longer apply… our favorite son. You certainly have for Garfield, has written for many I got hooked on Blackjack and a right to your opinion, but keep major shows, and is a font of show more specifically on counting cards that one to yourself. Always. in Blackjack. It was not so much a biz info and its people. Those who say,” I like the color Here, he tells you why you may money thing with me. I never tried episodes of The Andy Griffith Show want to spend your vacation dollars to win that much. I just wanted to just as much as the black and white most anywhere except Las Vegas . see how many times I could leave ones.” a Blackjack table with more money .. And one bonus gripe- When you tell than I had when I sat down…and Why I’m Not In Las Vegas us that we talk funny. No, y’all do. Published Sunday, August 21, 2022 once I’d done that enough times, I **** decided to quit while I was ahead, at 11:28 AM Slowly but surely, life is drifting which I did around 2002. Why I have the most loving wife. Last towards normal in a world where does this reason no longer apply?

CHUCKLES From Page 2

Because I quit, because I have no reason to start again (it was hard work) and because I’d have to learn how to do it all over again. I’ve forgotten all the little formulas and a lot of rules have changed, like so many casinos now pay 6-to-5 on a natural, whereas they used to pay 3-to-2. (A “natural” is when the dealer deals you an ace plus a tenvalue card.) I love “old show business” and in Vegas, I could go see and often meet comedians and variety acts who’d been at it for years. I got to hang out with Dave Barry and Pete Barbutti and Irv Benson and so many other comics I knew from television. There were also longtime hotel employees around with great stories about Vegas in the fifties and sixties. Why does this reason no longer apply? Such people are all either dead or retired. I liked going to buffets, not so much for the volume as the variety. When you have as many food allergies as I do, you tend not to be adventurous in your ordering. But at a buffet, I can see the food before I put it in my mouth and often get a sense of how risky it might be…and I can have one bite of it on my plate instead of a whole order. Why does this reason no longer apply? Because since I had gastric bypass surgery in 2006, it is physically impossible for me to consume enough food at any buffet to feel I got my money’s worth. That’s especially true because of what buffets in Vegas now cost but I’ll get to that topic in a moment. CHUCKLES See Page 11

The Paper • Page 11 • August 27, 2026

Swan Song! Perhaps “Swan Song” is a tad melodramatic for our last column in “The Paper”, but what the heck’, it has been a 30 year run. Lyle Davis sold “The Paper” effective the first of September and Nome and I are starting to

The Computer Factory 845 W. San Marcos Blvd. 760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net

CHUCKLES From Page 10

For part of my Vegas visiting, I was dating a showgirl in a show at one of the casinos. Apart from liking her a lot, I liked hanging out backstage at the show, talking with all the performers and the stage crew and everyone. Why does this reason no longer apply? Because that show is no longer in Vegas and neither is she. In fact, they imploded the entire hotel and built a new one on that land, and the lady I was seeing is now in another state, happily married with several children. I was occasionally there on business, writing for some comedian who was playing there or meeting with someone about a TV project…or something. At least three times, I was there to help a producer “pitch” a proposal for a Vegas show which they would produce and I would write. Why does this reason no longer apply? The “pitched” shows were never caught and I haven’t had any business there lately. After my father died, I took my mother to Vegas three times because she loved going there but needed someone to get her onto the plane, off the plane, through the airports, into her room, etc. Why does this reason no longer apply? Eventually, her health would not allow her even that luxury and even more eventually, she passed away. And also, for much of the time I was commuting to Las Vegas, I had

feel our age. Though we are dropping out of “The Paper”, “The Computer Factory” isn’t going anywhere soon. There are about 1.5 billion Windows PCs still serving users all around the planet and they still need a bit of help every now and then. It seems likely that Windows 11 will be the last general purpose OS (operating system) for PCs. Windows 11 was released in October of 2021 and nearly all Windows and AMD powered PCs manufactured since that date are able to support Windows 11. If your PC has an Intel or AMD CPU that was manufactured prior to 2021, your PC may not support Windows 11. If you intend to continue to use the “stand a lot of “comped” free rooms, some because of all that Blackjack I was playing. I don’t get those anymore. But maybe the biggest reason I’m not going to Vegas is this: It’s become incredibly — almost insultingly — expensive. I’m on a few message boards where people in the “business” end of Las Vegas discuss the business. During The Pandemic when the casinos were as dead as one of those corpses they keep finding in Lake Mead as the water level drops, this was the consensus: “When COVID ends, we’re going to have to spread around a lot of comps and discounts to lure vacationers back to Vegas.” That turned out to be a very bad prediction. When the hotels reopened, mobs stampeded back to fill them. No incentives were necessary. Suddenly, everything was selling out and when they raised prices — which is what you do when you’re selling out — people were still stampeding. The most popular buffet in town at the moment seems to be the Wednesday night Lobster Buffet at the Palms. Last time I looked, admission to it was $64.99 per person and waits of more than four hours have been reported. Every week or two, they raise the price some more and they still have four-hour waits to get in. It’s like that all over Vegas. The most expensive buffet is the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars. That’s $69.99

PCs in stock (towers, All-inOnes, laptops and Micros). These units are typically priced between $500-$600 depending on the configuration desired. If you need to know whether or not your existing PC can be We presently have over upgraded to Windows 11 give twenty “commercial” grade us a call. “upgraded” Windows 11 (pro) alone” as well as Internet based options on your PC you need to be sure it can handle the upgrade to Windows 11 before upgradable systems become hard to find and expensive.

60+ year WORTH of “STUFF” Dishware and china sets – LP record albums (300-400) – backpacks / fanny packs – books - Christmas cards - Glassware (singles, for two and sets) – Folding chairs – Tents – wetsuits - Gegaws and Jimcracks

845 W. SAN MARCOS BLVD • 760-744-4315 9 to 5 Tuesday-Friday • 9 to 1 Saturday www.thecomputerfactory.net and there are several others in that price range. Shows are the same way. Here are the top and lowest prices of some of them… A seat to Penn & Teller runs $106.47 to $239.48. Rod Stewart at Caesars Palace is $75.00 to $323.10. Shania Twain’s new show will run you $99.21 to $1,259.79. The Michael Jackson-themed Cirque du Soleil® show at Mandalay Bay has seats from a low of $131.13 to a high of $283.73. Barry Manilow at the Westgate gets $94.42 up to a top of $422.98. And you don’t want to know what it will cost to take in Adele’s upcoming Vegas residency. Just sign your house over to her and that might (might!) get you into the rear balcony. Some of those top prices include a meet-’n’-greet and/or souvenirs but the point is that good seats are not cheap these days. They’re also not empty. It’s like that all over the city and lately, all sorts of hidden fees are being added to hotel bills and restaurant checks. And yes, yes, I understand why they’re doing it and frankly, if you and I had a business and we could double our prices without losing a single customer, we’d probably do the same thing. (Well, I might. You’re much nicer than I am.) But you get the point: I don’t know how to go there without feeling like I’m Tourist-Trapped and being played for a sucker. I’m not going to say it’s the principle, not the

money, because frankly it’s both. No matter how much wealth you have, there are moments when you just feel you’re being treated like a pigeon and not an especially smart one at that. That city used to be so much fun. Add in the fact that every time I see video or photos of present-day crowds downtown or on The Strip, I think, “Gee, if I was eager to catch COVID, that looks like a dandy place to catch it,” and…well, it may be a long time before you see me there. Downtown, a few blocks from The Fremont Street Experience, there’s an alley into which I once blundered. It was full of homeless people, many of them practically sleeping on top of each other. Vegas has a large homeless population and it makes sense: It’s warm most of the year, much of it’s open 24/7, a lot of food gets thrown away or donated to missions, and big winners have been known to be generous with street folks who ask for spare change or Bitcoins. But the folks in that alley were such a contrast to the opulence and riches you see elsewhere in that city. I sometimes think of them all sleeping in that alley and I just know that whoever owns that alley is now charging them a $39.95-pernight resort fee. Plus tax.

The Paper • Page 12 • August 27, 2026

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Are Us Dog People Part of a Pack? We’re dog people. We love new dog, Asher. He belonged to dogs. Not just our dogs. We love a longtime friend who died after an extended illness. A year ago, other people’s dogs, too. he mentioned how much Asher If we see you in a parking lot liked us. How much Asher liked with your dog, Barbara and I will our dog. Hinting that we would be look at your dog and say some- a good family for Asher, should it thing like, “Hi baby! You’re so become necessary. pretty / handsome!” We might As the time drew near, Asher’s make eye contact with you as the leash holder. But we’ll almost al- owner’s wishes were recorded and notarized. There was a plan and ways greet the dog first. the plan was set in stone. We went out to dinner a couple As I’m writing this, it’s been a weeks ago and ran into Barbara’s boss and some coworkers. Many month and a half since our friend people in that situation say some- died and Asher joined our pack. I thing work related. Not us. We all won’t say it’s all been smooth sailpulled out our phones and started ing, but Asher, Barbara, me, and showing pictures of our dogs. our other dog, Cashew are making They’re dog people, too. it work.

of other breeds. Asher, who was adopted from the same rescue where we got Cashew, is purebred Labrador Retriever. He weighs twice as much as Cashew. When he drinks, there’s water everywhere. Food is not eaten, it’s inhaled. A snuggle is not a nudge. It’s a body slam. Yet, he’s ours. We’re his. Cashew seems to understand that she’s the leader of our little pack. When Asher gets out of control (as you would expect from a 5-year-old Lab) Cashew becomes the big sister. She lets him go until she’s had enough. Then, she gives him “the look.”

The Look says, “I love you, but Cashew is a gentle, 40-pound, knock it off!” In the coming months, Critter Corner will probably include feminine mixture of Labrador and Welcome to the pack. stories and updates about our Golden Retrievers plus a handful

Pet Parade

Cornflake Girl Shenanigans is a 1-year-old, 27-pound, male, Terrier mix. He got lost. When nobody claimed him, he was transferred to Rancho Costal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS).When he wags, Shenanigans does “helicopter tail.” He’s not sure if he wants you to pet him, but if you stop, `he comes back for more.He would be fine living with kids 8 years or older and possibly another dog. Shenanigans could be okay living in an apartment.The $145 adoption fee for Shenanigans includes neuter, vaccinations, microchip, and a one-year license if his new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society. Adopt him during August and the fee will be waived during Clear the Shelters.For more information visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.SDpets.org. Open 11 to 4 every day but Tuesday.

Pet of the Week

Odin Reminder: It’s Clear the Shelters Month! From August 1-30, adoption fees are 50% off for every single pet (except horses)!

Meet Odin, a sweet and affectionate boy with a gentle personality. He gets along wonderfully with other dogs, cats and children, making him a great fit for many types of families. Odin loves being around people, enjoys companionship and has a kind, easygoing nature that wins hearts wherever he goes. If you’re looking for a loyal, loving friend, Odin is ready to be your perfect companion. Visit San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Drive to adopt this lovely pup today! If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org or call 619299-7012. Online profile: sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/738892/odin/

The Paper • Page 13 • August 27, 2026

County expands public access to financial source data By SARAH SWEENEY, County of SD Comms Office The County is expanding public access to the raw data behind its finances and daily operations, giving residents a clearer view of how taxpayer dollars are actually spent as part of its commitment to transparency. New fiscal year source data showing how the County spends money after a budget is adopted is now available on the County’s Budget website. The site already offers charts, maps, summaries and drill‑downs that help people explore spending by department, program and year. It also includes key budget documents, the adopted budget, change letters, interactive visualizations and historical information so residents can track trends across multiple fiscal years and understand how the annual budget comes together. The new update adds unprocessed data from the 2024-25 fiscal year, the most recently closed year. Because this information comes directly from County source systems, people can see planned, committed, spent and received amounts exactly as departments recorded them. By opening this level of detail, the County strengthens transparency and supports a clearer understanding of how budget decisions develop. Researchers, analysts, reporters, community groups, civic‑tech developers and data‑savvy

residents can now explore spending patterns and better see how investments connect to community needs. The County’s commitment to data‑driven financial stewardship and meaningful public participation depends on giving people access to the information they need. The release of the source data adds to a growing collection of County datasets that support public understanding, including information on health, safety, demographics, consumer confidence, housing and more. Together, these resources help residents, community organizations and researchers participate more fully in discussions about policy, investments and community priorities. The County of San Diego is committed to strong fiscal stewardship, long‑term financial stability and responsible management of public resources that reflect community priorities. Through careful planning, transparent practices, community engagement and ongoing monitoring, the County works to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and in direct support of services that improve quality of life. Maintaining balanced budgets, building prudent reserves and investing in programs and infrastructure help the County meet today’s needs, prepare for future challenges and respond effectively to emergencies, all informed by the communities we serve.

WALLET From Page 6

• Refuses to meet in person or repeatedly offers excuses for why they can’t video chat. • Claims to be highly successful financially and offers investment advice or promises unusually high returns. • Encourages you to invest in cryptocurrency, foreign currency markets, or other speculative investments through unfamiliar platforms. • Asks you to keep your relationship or investments a secret. • Pressures you to act quickly before an “opportunity” disappears. Remember this simple rule: legitimate investments do not guarantee extraordinary returns, and legitimate romantic partners don’t ask you to transfer money or invest through websites you’ve never heard of. Before sending money or making an investment, talk to someone you trust. Scammers deliberately isolate their victims and discourage outside opinions because they know a fresh perspective can expose their deception. If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately. Never send additional money in an attempt to recover previous losses. Preserve all communications and financial records related to the scam. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Protecting yourself begins with healthy skepticism. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping our communities informed and protected as criminals evolve their tactics. By staying alert and spreading awareness, we can stop scams and keep families safe. To learn more about our Consumer Protection Unit, visit our consumer protection page at www.sandiegoda.com.

Palomar College Starts the Fall Semester with Increased Enrollment and New Academic Programs There is a certain amount of resilience when it comes to community college students as many are juggling jobs and family obligations along with their schoolwork amid economic uncertainty. They have a level of determination that some say you do not see in other college environments. Palomar College students exemplify this perseverance, as fall enrollment data indicates a slight uptick in student headcount compared to the previous fall. To support both the short- and long-term goals of Palomar students, faculty, staff, and administrators are steadfast in enhancing support programs and developing academic pathways that align with employment opportunities in the region and improving the social mobility of students. The fall semester starts on August 24, and more than 19,675 students will have new academic programs to consider including a Bachelor of Science in Building Performance and Environmental Design, and an Associate of Science or Certificate of Achievement in Forensic Technology. Both academic programs are tied to in demand careers income levels that provide for employees and their families. To assist students in completing their coursework more efficiently for trans-

fer to a 4-year institution, Palomar is utilizing the new academic year to introduce a general education course pathway that students can complete in three semesters. Students can enroll in four 8-week online courses, two at the start of the semester and two at the middle of the semester. The pathway will be offered at the Rancho Bernardo Education Center this fall and will expand to other sites during the spring semester. As a military serving institution, Palomar is also offering a Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science degree in Military Training and Development. The program is specifically designed for active military and civilian employees serving or who have previously served in instructional and curriculum development roles within the United States Marine Corps Training Command. Students will gain leadership and workforce development skills that prepare them to guide teams, manage training and development operations, and support individual and organizational performance in both the military and civilian sectors. “Whether students are preparing to transfer to a 4-year institution or enter the job market upon graduation, PaloPALOMAR See Page 15

The Paper • Page 14 • August 27, 2026

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LEGALS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9016767 Fictitious Business Name(s): CHARA THERAPEUTIC SERVICES Located at: 1132 SAN MARINO DR., STE 204, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: CHARA MATSUO WARD 1132 SAN MARINO DR., STE 204, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 08/01/2016 /s/ CHARA MATSUO WARD This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 31, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9012199 Fictitious Business Name(s): THE HEALING SHADE Located at: 2213 S. EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 107, OCEANSIDE, CA 92054 County of San Diego Mailing: 1108 PHEASANT CT, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 This business is registered by the following: TAMARA REYZIN 1108 PHEASANT CT, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 06/01/2026 /s/ TAMARA REYZIN This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JUNE 01, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9015962 Fictitious Business Name(s): SCD PLUMBING Located at: 415 E INDIAN ROCK ROAD #321, VISTA, CA 92084 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: RUFINO PEREZ REYES 415 E INDIAN ROCK ROAD #321, VISTA, CA 92084 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name(s) listed above. /s/ RUFINO PEREZ REYES This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 21, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9015817 Fictitious Business Name(s): MARKOLE Located at: 2517 VALMONTE GLN, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029

County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: AI BRAND DNA LLC 2517 VALMONTE GLN, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029 This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILTY COMPANY Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 08/01/2025. /s/ ROGER GREGORY, MANAGING PARTNER This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 20, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9016419 Fictitious Business Name(s): JUST RELENT Located at: 3153 VISTA RICA, CARLSBAD, CA 92009 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: JAKE PATRICK CURRY 3153 VISTA RICA, CARLSBAD, CA 92009 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 07/28/2026. /s/ JAKE PATRICK CURRY This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 28, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9013952 Fictitious Business Name(s): HAMDI WHOLESALERS Located at: 1338 N MELROSE AVE STE M, VISTA, CA 92083 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: SHADI HAMDI 1338 N MELROSE AVE STE M, VISTA, CA 92083 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 06/23/2026. /s/ SHADI HAMDI This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JUNE 23, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9014941 Fictitious Business Name(s): RAIN THE SKIN METHOD Located at: 910 W SAN MARCOS BLVD, SUITE 210, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: CORI ANNE DASINGER 910 W SAN MARCOS BLVD, SUITE 210, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name(s) listed above.

/s/ CORI ANNE DASINGER This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 07, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9015850 Fictitious Business Name(s): EVERSUN BRANDS, INC. Located at: 1784 LA COSTA MEADOWS DRIVE, SUITE 101, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: EVERSUN BRANDS 1784 LA COSTA MEADOWS DRIVE, SUITE 101, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 This business is conducted by A CORPORATION Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 10/07/2025 /s/ FARAJE KHARSA, CEO This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 20, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9016340 Fictitious Business Name(s): COVENANT BUILDERS Located at: 209 NORTH DITMAR STREET, OCEANSIDE, CA 92054 County of San Diego Mailing: 979 WOODLAND PKWY, STE 101 #2026, SAN MARCOS, CA 92069 This business is registered by the following: MMDAG CONSULTING LLC 979 WOODLAND PKWY, STE 101 #2026, SAN MARCOS, CA 92069 This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name(s) listed above. /s/ MIRJANA DJOKICH, MEMBER This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 27, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9016847 Fictitious Business Name(s): TRADE NARRATIVE VELLUM&VICE 21ST CENTURY ELECTRICS Located at: 270 N EL CAMINO REAL STE F201, ENCINITAS, CA 92024 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: PAUL HARRY BUSSELL 7040 AVENIDA ENCINAS #104, CARLSBAD, CA 92011 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 08/03/2026 /s/ PAUL HARRY BUSSELL This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on AUG 03, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 --

The Paper • Page 15 • August 27, 2026

LEGALS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9016541 Fictitious Business Name(s): 9TH MAN SOCIAL CLUB ONE NATION Located at: 235 VISTA VILLAGE DR #1105, VISTA, CA 92083 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: ROBERT ERWIN HOLLEY 235 VISTA VILLAGE DR #1105, VISTA, CA 92083 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name(s) listed above. /s/ ROBERT ERWIN HOLLEY This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 29, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9015864 Fictitious Business Name(s): QUERIDA SKIN STUDIO Located at: 5617 PASEO DEL NORTE, #200 SUITE #6, CARLSBAD, CA 92008 County of San Diego Mailing: 1051 W. EL NORTE PARKWAY, APT 44, ESCONDIDO, CA 92026 This business is registered by the following: ANNETTE COVARRUBIAS 1051 W. EL NORTE PARKWAY, APT 44, ESCONDIDO, CA 92026 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name(s) listed above. /s/ ANNETTE COVARRUBIAS This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 20, 2026. Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -SUMMONS Notice to Defendant: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): SHANE GARST, AN INDIVIDUAL; THE SYDEKICKS REAL ESTATE LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY; AND DOES 1 THROUGH 25 INCLUSIVE You are being sued by Plaintiff: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): WHITE AND BRIGHT, LLP NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attor-

ney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. Tiene 30 D{AS DE CALENDAR/0 despues de que le entreguen esta citaci6n y papeles legates para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una 1/ amada telef6nica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estaren formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informaci6n en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de /eyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentaci6n, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exenci6n de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sue/do, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legates. Es recomendable que 1/ ame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede 1/amar a un servicio de remisiOn a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legates gratuitos de un programa de servicios legates sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de /ucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services,(www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AV/SO: Por fey, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobrecualquier recuperaci6n de $10,000 6 mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesi6n de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la carte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. Case Number (Número del Caso): 25CU067905N The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA 325 SOUTH MELROSE DRIVE VISTA, CA 92081 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): MICHAEL A. FRIEDRICHS 177980 WHITE AND BRIGHT, LLP 970 CANTERBURY PLACE, ESCONDIDO, CA 92025 760-747-3200 DATE: (Fecha) 12/22/25 Clerk, by N. ARELLANO, Deputy (Secretario) (Adjunto) (SEAL) Published in THE PAPER, 08/06, 8/13, 08/20, 08/27/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9016339 Fictitious Business Name(s):

PALOMAR From Page 13

mar College is the entry point to their success. So many of our students have competing priorities, so our approach is to meet them where they are and guide them to completing their goal,“ said Dr. Tina Recalde, Interim Superintendent/President of Palomar College. Other academic opportunities this fall at Palomar College are new courses that support the increasing need for medical professionals and a course for registered nurses who have been away from their field and need to refresh their core nursing skills for a confident return to practice. In addition, new certificates of completion that lead to careers in the automotive industry and drone technology start this fall. “The first week back brings an incredible boost of excitement,” said Dr. Recalde. “Our welcome events give students an immediate opportunity to engage with our support services and build their community from day one. Our faculty, staff and administrators have put in immense work to ensure a seamless transition, and we are looking forward to supporting our students at every step.” In addition, to busy lives and competing commitments, Palomar College is also focused on remov-

NEXT LEVEL DATING Located at: 770 SYCAMORE AVE STE 122 #1011, VISTA, CA 92083 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: MARK ALLEN KESTER MR 770 SYCAMORE AVE STE 122 #1011, VISTA, CA 92083 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name(s) listed above. /s/ MARK ALLEN KESTER MR This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on JULY 27, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017023 Fictitious Business Name(s): MBQ BUILDERS Located at: 3535 LINDA VISTA DR. #266, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: MICHAEL BUYS 3535 LINDA VISTA DR. #266, SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 2/15/2013 /s/ MICHAEL BUYS This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on AUG 05, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017192 Fictitious Business Name(s): WOOF GANG BAKERY AND GROOMING ENCINITAS Located at: 258 N EL CAMINO REAL, STE B2, ENCINITAS, CA 92024 County of San Diego Mailing: 3885 ANTIEM STREET, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111 This business is registered by the following: HARDY AND HONU LLC 3885 ANTIEM STREET, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, CALIFORNIA LLC This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name(s) listed above. /s/ KARLY SIDMAN This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on AUG 07, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017415 Fictitious Business Name(s): NORTH COAST SIGNS Located at: 2560 JASON CT, OCEANSIDE, CA 92056 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: KENNEY SIGNS 2560 JASON CT, OCEANSIDE, CA 92056

ing the financial barriers that impact a student’s decision to enroll in classes. While students work with financial aid advisors to pursue state and federal grants, the Palomar College Foundation assists students with their education expenses with funds in excess of $1 million. Students can apply to the foundation for textbook and technology assistance, scholarships, and emergency funding. Palomar College students interested in a scholarship from the foundation must submit their application by September 1. Palomar College, with a campus in San Marcos and education centers in Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Fallbrook, offers associate degrees and certificates in hundreds of subjects and high demand fields. In addition, Palomar partners with dozens of high schools to offer college-level courses for free to high school students. The College also provides college credit in over 200 courses to students who have college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of the classroom. Palomar College offers 16-week full semester courses and condensed courses that are twelve, eight and four weeks in length. Registration remains open and information can be found at Palomar.edu.

Advertise Your Legal in The Paper 760 546-7600

This business is conducted by A CORPORATION Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 8/10/26 /s/ NICHOLE HAMELBACK This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on AUG 11, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017521 Fictitious Business Name(s): WHEELY KING INDUSTRIES Located at: 387 CALLE MARIPOSA, OCEANSIDE, CA 92057 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: THERESA ANN HERNANDEZ 387 CALLE MARIPOSA, OCEANSIDE, CA 92057 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 8/12/26 /s/ THERESA ANN HERNANDEZ This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on AUG 12, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017446 Fictitious Business Name(s): ESSENTIAL TOUCH MASSAGE Located at: 1506 OAK DRIVE, SPACE 57, VISTA, CA 92084 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: GINA VICTORIA CONLEY 1506 OAK DRIVE, SPACE 57, VISTA, CA 92084 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name(s) listed above. /s/ GINA V. CONLEY This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on AUG 11, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017810 Fictitious Business Name(s): VILLA PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION Located at: 28 DORAN CT, CHULA VISTA, CA 91910 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: DANIEL VILLASENOR 28 DORAN CT, CHULA VISTA, CA 91910 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 8/14/2026 /s/ DANIEL VILLASENOR This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on AUG 14, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017589 Fictitious Business Name(s): LA PROVIDENCIA BAKERY Located at: 311 N. MAIN AVE #B, FALLBROOK, CA 92028 County of San Diego MAILING: 1048 FUNQUEST DR, FALLBROOK, CA 92028 This business is registered by the following:

ALMA ROSA ORTIZ SANTILLAN 1048 FUNQUEST DR, FALLBROOK, CA 92028 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 8/12/2026 /s/ ALMA ROSA ORTIZ SANTILLAN This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on AUG 12, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017922 Fictitious Business Name(s): SCALP MORA PIGMENTATION MORAMOR GLAM Located at: 2305 S MELROSE DR STE 106, VISTA, CA 92081 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: MORA STUDIOS LLC 2305 S MELROSE DR STE 106, VISTA, CA 92081 This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 05/11/2023 /s/ DANIEL ANTONIO MORA This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on August 18, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017940 Fictitious Business Name(s): LOVING PLUMBING Located at: 861 VALE VIEW DRIVE, VISTA, CA 92081 County of San Diego This business is registered by the following: KODY BUCK LOVING 861 VALE VIEW DRIVE, VISTA, CA 92081 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 08/18/2026 /s/ KODY BUCK LOVING This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on August 18, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17/2026 -FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN# 2026-9017808 Fictitious Business Name(s): BONITA FOODS BONITA MARKET RANCHO BONITA RANCHO BONITA FOODS RANCHO LA BONITA Located at: 311 N MAIN AVE, FALLBROOK, CA 92028 County of San Diego Mailing: 422 SAN DIEGO ST., OCEANSIDE, CA 92058 A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION This business is registered by the following: TORITOS AND BONITA INC 422 SAN DIEGO ST., OCEANSIDE, CA 92058 This business is conducted by A CORPORATION Registrant first began to transact business under the name(s) above as of: 08/18/2026 /s/ ROBERTO RICARDEZ, PRESIDENT This statement was filed with JORDAN Z. MARKS, San Diego County Clerk on August 14, 2026. Published in THE PAPER 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17/2026 --

Free diapers for North County families By JIM DESMOND Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s be honest about something we don’t say enough: it’s expensive. Diapers alone can run a family hundreds of dollars a month, and for many households in our community, that expense adds up fast, competing with rent, groceries, and everything else that keeps a family afloat. That’s why I’m proud to invite our community to a free Diaper Giveaway, hosted in partnership with the County of San Diego, on Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to noon at Cornerstone Christian Church, 1010 Crest View Rd. in Vista. Whether you’re a new parent figuring out this whole thing for the first time, a grandparent stepping in to help, or a caregiver doing your best to stretch every dollar, we want you there. Diapers will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, so plan to arrive early. But this event isn’t really about diapers. It’s about something bigger: making sure families in our community know they don’t have to carry these burdens alone. Raising a child has never been something one household does in isolation, and it shouldn’t have to be. When we come together to support new parents and caregivers, we’re not just easing a monthly expense. We’re saying, clearly and publicly, that this community shows up for its families. Programs like this only work when neighbors help spread the word. If you know a family who could use a hand, whether they’re expecting, sleep-deprived with a newborn, or juggling a toddler on a tight budget, please share this with them. Sometimes the hardest part of asking for help is not knowing where to turn. I hope to see many of you on the 29th. Bring a friend, bring a stroller, and let’s take care of each other the way good communities do.

The Paper • Page 16 • August 27, 2026